Looking at Luffy, who was full of fighting spirit, and the others who were trying to encourage Luffy, Ace was happy for Luffy, but also somewhat speechless.
These few people think they can completely wipe out an Emperor-level pirate crew? Do you even know what you're talking about?
Actually, Ace misunderstood Zoro and the others. They did stop Luffy, but from the moment they joined the crew, their goal was to help Luffy become the Pirate King.
During this time, Luffy trained like a madman, and even Awakening Three Types of Haki, nearly doubling his strength. He crushed all the pirates they faced.
Furthermore, Zoro has become a swordsman, and the others have also made significant progress in their strength.
Since the World Government issued the bounty order and dispatched the twelve Supernovas, they have gradually developed a distorted understanding.
Not to mention them, even the Twelve Supernovas have some misconceptions, just like how Kid and Killer have already begun their journey to the New World to challenge the Red Hair Pirates.
Ace's expression gradually darkened.
" Luffy, your dream of challenging the Five Emperors is admirable, but you guys are simply not capable of it right now. You should train more!"
"However, given your strength, it's best not to go to the New World for now, and even more so, don't provoke the Hidden Emperor Lin Yuan. His strength is beyond your imagination!"
As someone who witnessed Lin Yuan destroy an island with a single sword strike, Ace naturally knew how terrifying Lin Yuan was; even his own Pops said he was no match for Lin Yuan.
Even Ace, who has now reached the threshold of Admiral level, couldn't imagine just how powerful Lin Yuan really was, let alone the Straw Hat Pirates were still very weak in his eyes.
" Ace, we're really strong now! I'm not only going to avenge my grandfather, but I'm also going to become the Pirate King!"
Luffy said firmly and forcefully.
" Pirate King!"
Hearing that word again, Ace frowned slightly. He, too, had once wanted to prove himself.
After witnessing Whitebeard Newgate's power, his goal became helping his Pops become the Pirate King.
But now, his thoughts have changed again. He thinks that no one else can become the Pirate King, let alone his own Pops.
With Lin Yuan's presence, apart from the Red Hair Pirates who remained unaware, the rest of the New World fell under the rule of the " Abyss " Merchant Guild.
Ace was one of those who knew this secret, but he wouldn't reveal it.
Lin Yuan has no intention of becoming a pirate, and in their eyes, the Pirate King has slowly become a joke.
However, Ace still subtly reminded his sworn brother.
" Luffy, Pirate King isn't easy. Times have changed. Even the person from before can't become the Pirate King in this era, do you understand?!"
Ace's words were quite clear. Zoro and Sanji of the Straw Hat Pirates exchanged glances, seemingly realizing something.
However, Luffy seemed oblivious to the fact that his dream had been spoken of in such a way, even by Ace, and his expression gradually turned cold.
" Ace, no matter what, I will become the Pirate King! I will defeat any enemy who stands in my way with these fists!"
Seeing Luffy like this, Ace gradually lost patience. He had known Luffy since childhood and knew that no amount of persuasion would work.
"Alright, Luffy, since that's how it is, I won't try to persuade you anymore. But as captain, you need to think not only about yourself but also about your crew. And besides, your strength... heh..."
After saying that, Ace planned to leave and continue his pursuit of Blackbeard. Compared to playing house with Luffy here, he had a more important mission.
" Ace!"
However, Luffy was unwilling to let him leave and blocked Ace's Luffy with incredible speed.
" Ace, explain yourself clearly! What's our strength like? We're very strong right now!"
Ace looked at Luffy, whom he seemed to not recognize, and sneered.
"Heh, what, you want to join in? Don't forget, you've never won a single game since you were a kid!"
Zoro and the others tried to stop him, but Luffy wouldn't listen to anyone. Feeling slighted, he clenched his fist and said with a smile.
" Ace, since that's the case, let's do it now. I'll show you my current strength!"
Ace was taken aback and looked Luffy again. At over 1.7 meters tall, he didn't exude any aura that made Ace wary.
Ace also became interested. Since he couldn't persuade Luffy, he would let him experience the love from his older brother, just like when they were kids!
"Haha, great! It's been so many years. I'd love to know just how strong my little brother, who used to be such a clingy follower, really is."
After saying that, Ace's figure turned into a streak of fire and disappeared from the spot, at the same time a voice rang out.
"I'll be waiting for you in the desert outside the capital!"
Luffy charged forward without showing any weakness, and the others could only helplessly follow.
The waiter watched the group of people who had skipped out on their bill and walked away, his face showing a look of impending tears, but he didn't dare to chase after them. Just then, a man walked over.
"Alright, you don't need to worry about this anymore."
"Yes, boss!"
Watching the group depart, a glint of shrewdness appeared on the man's face. He then returned to the backyard, took out a Den Den Mushi), and dialed a number.
"Report from Ying 8: In the Alabasta Kingdom, Fire Fist Ace and the Straw Hat Pirates have met and agreed to a duel in the desert."
"Understood!"
A cool, clear voice rang out from the other end of the Den Den Mushi, followed by a busy signal, while the man continued to run his luxurious hotel as if nothing had happened.
In the desert region, Ace had already arrived and was quietly waiting for Luffy's arrival.
"My silly little brother, I'm only doing this for your own good. Don't blame me for being rough!"
Ace was no longer the indifferent man he had been moments before; it was all an act. He was ready to teach Luffy a harsh lesson.
Challenging the Five Emperors? Ha! Wait two more years. As for Uncle Lin Yuan, forget about it for the rest of your life.
A full ten minutes passed before Luffy and his crew finally arrived.
Ace stared coldly at Luffy, his aura surging forth as he Luffy, while flames erupted around him, seemingly intent on burning everything around him to ashes.
Feeling Ace's terrifying aura, Luffy's pupils shrank, and Zoro and the others' expressions also changed drastically.
"What a powerful aura!"
"Heh heh, Ace, I won't admit defeat! I'm going to beat you!"
"Boom..."
A terrifying aura also erupted from Luffy, who had actually mastered Conqueror's Haki.
A smile appeared on Ace's face.
" Conqueror's Haki, I didn't expect you to have it too, but you're still too weak since you've just Awakening!"
Ace also unleashed Conqueror's Haki, an aura even more terrifying than Luffy's, sweeping across the battlefield once more.
After suppressing Luffy with his Conqueror's Haki, Ace didn't say anything more. All he wanted to do now was give Luffy a good beating.
Ace extinguished the flames on his body, covered his hands with Armament Haki, and charged towards Luffy at an extremely fast speed.
"Good timing!"
Although he was being suppressed, Luffy was not convinced. Seeing Ace charging towards him, he clenched his fists and slammed them down at Ace.
"They're all flaws!"
Ace sneered and dodged the flying arm with a slight sway of his body. If he wanted, he could grab Luffy's arm right now and burn it!
However, Ace had no intention of doing so, and didn't even think about using his ability. He accelerated again and arrived in front of Luffy almost instantly.
Observation Haki to sense Luffy's movements, Ace knew that Luffy's fighting style was somewhat reckless, so he increased his speed to the maximum.
"Boom!"
Ace appeared in front of Luffy in an instant and threw a punch. Luffy, who didn't have time to retract his arm, tried to twist his body to dodge.
But Ace, who had lived and fought alongside him since childhood, knew exactly what he was thinking. His fist, covered in Armament Haki, slammed hard into Luffy's stomach.
"Ah!"