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. Yet his eyes were already beginning to burn.

Ace took a deep breath, letting the cold air fill his body and keep 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? Is it a Devil Fruit ability?"

Moonlight fell across the blond youth's top hat, plating it with a silver edge. The smile on his face became more apparent, the corners of his eyes curving into a familiar arc.

"It's me. You guessed ri—"

Before the last word left his mouth, Luffy had already hurled himself into his arms like a cannonball, rubber arms winding 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 expression as complicated as a tangled knot.

"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 slightly and pointed at the empty air beside him.

"Someone wants to see Luffy."

Ripples spread through the air, and a figure stepped out from their center. His blond hair gleamed in the moonlight as he leaned against the trunk of the nearest tree, radiating a faint but tangible pressure.

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