Ace, Jig, and Luffy had returned to Mount Colubo, to the mountain bandit Dadan's home. Dadan's injuries had mostly healed, and she was back to her old fierce, boss-lady self. Jig, however, had spent the past few days as if he had lost his soul, drifting through each day in a daze. Ace and Luffy had been deeply downcast too, until just now, when Dogura brought back a letter from the chaos-stricken Border Town.
"This is a letter from Sabo."
Dogura spoke to the dispirited boys as he pulled a letter from inside his clothes.
Perhaps his words had caught their interest. Even Jig, who had been listless all this time, regained a little light in his eyes.
"Sabo sent it?"
Ace snatched the letter from Dogura's hand and glanced at the date.
"He sent it before he set sail."
Ace walked out of Dadan's house as he opened the letter.
Jig and Luffy followed him.
Looking down at the letter in his hands, Ace slowly read it aloud.
"Ace, Jig, Luffy: I don't know if any of you were hurt in the fire. I'm worried, but I believe you're all okay."
"I'm sorry! By the time you read this letter, I should already be out at sea. A lot has happened, so I've decided to set sail before you."
"My destination is... somewhere far away from this country. I'll get stronger there and become a pirate! A pirate freer than anyone else. Then the four of us brothers can meet again!"
"Out on the vast, free sea, we'll definitely meet again!"
"Also, Ace, which one of us is the older brother, anyway? Three big brothers and one little brother might be a little strange, but this family bond is my treasure."
"I'm not worried about Jig. He's as strong