Why the Great Pirate Era Began

Luffy's eyes widened, his mouth falling slightly open. He scratched at his messy black hair as a familiar feeling struck his heart like a blunt weapon—this face, this smile, he had definitely seen them somewhere before. He could not remember, but his eyes were already growing hot.

Ace took a deep breath, the cold air entering his body and keeping him clear-headed. He stared at that face. Every detail matched his memories perfectly, except for the age.

"You... could you be Sabo? But how did you... suddenly grow so much? Was it a Devil Fruit ability?"

Moonlight fell across the blond youth's top hat, tracing it with a silver edge. The smile on his face grew more distinct, and the corners of his eyes curved into a familiar arc.

"It's me. You guessed—"

Before the final word could leave his mouth, Luffy shot into his arms like a cannonball, his rubber arms wrapping around his neck.

"Sabo! It really is Sabo! You're alive! That's great! Waaah..."

Sabo reached out and gently patted Luffy's back.

Ace's mouth twitched. He stepped forward and yanked Luffy down.

"Idiot, don't get his clothes dirty."

He turned to Sabo, his gaze as tangled and complicated as a knotted mass of thread.

"You didn't come back just to see us, did you?"

For some reason, he simply had that feeling.

Sabo did not deny it. He turned sideways and pointed at the empty air beside him.

"Someone wants to meet Luffy."

The air rippled, and a figure emerged from its center. Golden hair gleamed beneath the moonlight as he leaned against the trunk of the nearest tree, an almost imperceptible pressure radiating from him.

Ace instinctively stepped forward, completely shielding Luffy behind him. His muscles tightened slightly, and his knuckles turned white from the force of