Lin Mo couldn't be bothered with them. He looked at Kuina and asked, "Want to come with us?"
Kuina glanced at Zoro again. "I want to help him, but it looks like he doesn't need me now. Let's go, Captain. I'm coming with you."
Zoro gave Kuina a puzzled look.
Lin Mo had taken only a few steps when he stopped. He turned toward Ace, who stood beside Luffy. "You heard what I said just now? No problem?"
Ace made an OK sign. "I know. Once the match is over, I'll come find you."
"Mm." Lin Mo nodded, then left with Kaku, Enel, and Kuina.
Those two brief exchanges left everyone except Luffy bewildered.
"Who's that?" Sanji asked.
Ace introduced himself. "I'm A— Ahem. I'm Saito."
Zoro asked gravely, "Are you one of their companions?"
Ace grinned. "Yeah."
"Huh?" Luffy exclaimed, only just catching on.
Sanji asked, "Luffy, do you know him well?"
Luffy scratched his head. "Saito's a really good guy."
Sanji pressed on. "Is he strong?"
Luffy blinked. "He made it to the finals with me."
"Luffy, there's no time," Zoro said grimly. "You'd better get out of there, fast."
"Got it." With that, Luffy ran off to find the exit.
Ace ran with him.
"But what about the Flame-Flame Fruit? If you leave now, you won't be able to win it, will you?"
"Huh?" Luffy finally realized the problem. "Then what do I do? I don't want anyone else to have Ace's fruit."
"Don't worry." Ace flashed a grin. "If you want the Flame-Flame Fruit, I'll help you. I'll win the match and give it to you."
"Really?" Luffy said, thrilled. "You're such a good guy!"
As they spoke, a tall, slender figure appeared behind them.
"I'm not handing the Flame-Flame Fruit over to you, Straw Hat