The bonfire crackled behind them, and the sea breeze scattered the distant clamor of the banquet, leaving only the sound of waves washing against the beach.
Holding his cup, Ace suddenly felt that Lorne before him seemed a little unfamiliar.
His big brother had still been smiling when he sent him flying with a flick to the forehead earlier that day, but now Lorne instinctively made him drop his casual attitude.
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
Ace spoke.
"Ace, once you set sail, there's a very good chance you'll encounter the Whitebeard Pirates."
Ace's gaze shifted slightly.
"Whitebeard? The World's Strongest Man?"
"Yes. Edward Newgate."
Lorne turned to look at him.
"If you join his ship, or have any dealings with that ship, there's one person you must remember."
Ace sat up straight.
"Who?"
Lorne slowly spoke the name.
"Marshall D. Teach."
Ace frowned. Clearly, he had never heard of him.
Lorne continued, "He's a fat man with missing teeth. He looks crude and gluttonous, loves to laugh, and usually pretends to be a harmless, unambitious fellow."
Ace looked puzzled.
"An ordinary crew member on Whitebeard's ship?"
Lorne looked at him, putting more weight into his voice.
"The word 'ordinary' has nothing whatsoever to do with him."
Ace's expression finally grew serious.
Lorne slowed his speech. "Teach has been hiding his strength all along, lying low on Whitebeard's ship just to wait for one Devil Fruit."
Ace's heart jolted.
"What fruit?"
"The Dark-Dark Fruit."
Lorne did not beat around the bush.
"It's the most unusual and most dangerous fruit among the Logias. It can devour abilities, counter ability users, and pull people's bodies into endless darkness to crush them."
Ace did not know how far he would go in the future, but he knew this man was dangerous.