Hexia took Robin with him and said goodbye to Olvia, while Robin gazed back at her mother, reluctant to leave.
The fleet continued patrolling the South Blue, announcing to the sea that it had fully entered the Holy Church's reign.
Meanwhile, the Ladder Tournament was drawing near.
The East Blue was bustling, with countless Adventurers gathering at the Adventurers' Guild to take part in the tournament.
"Ace! You really came!"
Ace was showing Diamond Jozu and the others around the East Blue. Both the towering buildings, so different from anything out at sea, and the Ladder Tournament Tower soaring into the sky nearby stunned these former great pirates.
Just as they were marveling at how quickly the world was changing, a familiar voice interrupted their conversation.
Ace hurriedly turned toward the voice.
"Luffy!" Ace waved excitedly.
"Ace!" Luffy rushed over in excitement and gave him a tight hug.
"Luffy, what are you doing here?"
"Of course I'm here for the Ladder Tournament! Oh, let me introduce my new companions. This is Zoro, and this is Nami!" Luffy pointed to the green-haired Zoro, who wore two Samurai Swords at his waist, and Nami, who stood with her arms folded and a confident expression.
"Looks like my once-unreliable little brother has grown up and found some dependable companions!" Ace smiled and nodded to Zoro and Nami.
"Of course! We're going to become the strongest adventuring team someday!"
"Haha! Then catch up to me first. I'm already a Gold Adventurer!" Seeing Luffy's confidence, Ace couldn't resist teasing him.
"Hmph, just you wait! One day I'll surpass you!"
"All right, all right! We haven't seen each other in ages. Let's go have some drinks and meat!" Ace patted his stubborn little brother on the shoulder.
"Oh... great, more meat!" Luffy raised his fist and