Long Time No See, Sabo!

"He left? What a shame. I wanted to see just how strong the pinnacle of the pirate world was. How long until he returns?"

Ace shrugged and sat casually atop the courtyard wall. Only after confirming that Tama and the others had safely left did he turn his attention to the pleasure hall's leader before him—Black Maria, one of the Beasts Pirates' Flying Six.

"So, are we fighting?"

"No, this little lady is no match for Fire Fist. After all, you're the pirate who defeated the Lizard King..."

"But if you want to witness the pinnacle of the pirate world in Wano Country, I'm afraid you've come to the wrong person. How can a pirate who has already lost once be considered the pinnacle of the world?"

Mockery lurked within her delicately drawn brows. Seeing that expression only left Ace confused.

"Aren't you one of Kaido's Headliners, one of the strongest Headliners among the Flying Six? Why are you talking about your own boss like that?"

"Why? Because only here can I see the one this little lady has longed for. This is where hope is greatest..."

Ace, who had already been uninterested, completely lost any desire to fight upon hearing that. He waved his hands repeatedly.

"I more or less understand what's going on. I'll stop here for now. When Kaido of the Beasts returns, tell him Fire Fist Ace is in Wano Country. If he wants revenge for the Lizard King, he can come at me anytime..."

"And I'm the one who freed these people too. If you want to come after me, then come!"

The sparks vanished. The corner of Black Maria's lips curled upward, a smile blooming across her seductive face.

"What a stubborn little brat. I wonder how strong you really are. Though he once