While Ash was enjoying the hot springs, hot pot, and music in the Chiraviya Kingdom...
On a deserted island near Loguetown in the East Blue, Ace slowly regained consciousness.
His vision was still blurry, but he could make out Deuce sitting nearby, keeping watch. At the same time, a sharp pain shot through his right leg.
"Ace, you're finally awake. How do you feel?"
Deuce set aside the notebook in his hand and leaned forward.
Suppressing the pain, Ace spoke with a hoarse voice. "Where are we? What happened to me?"
"We're on a deserted island near Loguetown in the East Blue. We were sent back here, along with our ship, by those people at Twin Capes."
Deuce paused briefly before continuing, "Your lower right leg is fractured. You've been unconscious for two days. When we left Loguetown, we ran into that Marine captain, Smoker. Since you didn't wake up, we stayed here instead of going back."
Ace frowned as his memories slowly returned.
He clearly remembered being kicked by Ash, a strike so overwhelming that he had no way to resist it.
Supporting himself with his arms, Ace sat up slowly and looked at his bandaged leg. The injury had already been treated, and it was obvious Deuce had taken care of it.
The Spade Pirates still lacked a proper doctor. Fortunately, Deuce had a medical background, so he could handle basic treatment.
A fracture was not a serious problem. With enough rest and proper care, it would heal.
What truly weighed on Ace's mind was Ash's strength.
That overwhelming power left a deep impression.
"Where is everyone else?" Ace asked.
"They stayed with me at first," Deuce replied. "After you didn't wake up, they went to repair the ship and gather food."
Ace ran a hand through his messy hair, then asked, "We just crossed Reverse Mountain and got stopped right away. Tell me honestly, no one got seriously hurt, right?"
Deuce smiled. "Everyone is alive. That's what matters. As for Reverse Mountain, if we crossed it once, we can do it again. We all believe in you."
He chuckled lightly. "Once everyone calmed down, they were all shaken. Especially after Wallace mentioned what happened to the Arlong Pirates in East Blue after encountering the Dawn faction. The whole crew turned pale."
Ace nodded. "Those Fishmen deserved it. Still, Wallace isn't like them."
He exhaled slowly before continuing, "As for getting through Twin Capes, with three Warlords of the Sea guarding it, especially someone like Ash..."
"I'm glad everyone has faith in me, but I can't say I'm confident."
Deuce picked up a newspaper and handed it over. "Then take a look at this."
Ace unfolded it and scanned the headlines.
"The Thunder Demon Wyper appeared briefly at Sabaody Archipelago, possibly searching for Jinbe. Ash was spotted in Alabasta enjoying local cuisine, and he casually wiped out a pirate crew that landed there."
Deuce continued, "That crew wasn't as lucky as us. They were completely burned away. Their captain even had a bounty close to yours."
He hesitated before asking, "What kind of Devil Fruit does Ash even have? His flames seem stronger than yours."
Ace's expression darkened slightly.
"I don't know," he said. "No one has ever seen him go all out. At least, nothing confirmed in the news."
"Before I got the Mera Mera no Mi, I even thought he was using the same ability."
He paused, then continued more firmly, "As for the difference in power, he's had his ability for much longer than I have. I've only had mine for a few months."
Ace clenched his fist. "That gap won't last forever. I'll surpass him sooner or later."
Deuce hesitated, then said carefully, "Actually... reports often mention him traveling, attending festivals, eating, or sightseeing. It doesn't seem like he spends much time training."
Ace froze.
Thinking about Ash's lifestyle described in the papers, he pressed his palm against his forehead.
"...Got it. That's not helpful."
Deuce quickly added, "There's another explanation. Some sources believe his ability might be a Mythical Zoan. Those types greatly enhance physical strength."
"That would explain his overwhelming power."
He smiled. "And everyone knows he doesn't train seriously. With your talent and effort, surpassing him is only a matter of time."
"Besides, he's not at Twin Capes right now. This is our chance."
"Focus on recovering first, then think about how to improve your ability."
Ace took a deep breath, then laughed.
"Yeah, you're right. If we failed once, we'll just try again."
He looked at Deuce. "I need this leg healed quickly. Get me some milk."
Deuce stared at him. "We're on a deserted island. Where do you expect me to find milk?"
"I don't care. I'm injured. Figure it out."
"..."
...
Water 7.
Three years later, Ash returned to Water 7.
The city had undergone massive changes.
Two years ago, Iceburg, the most talented disciple of the legendary shipwright Tom, came back and established the Galley-La Company.
Within a year, he gathered top shipwrights such as Paulie, Tilestone, and Peepley Lulu.
At the same time, CP9 agents Rob Lucci and Kaku had infiltrated the company, secretly targeting the blueprints of Pluton.
With such a powerful lineup, Galley-La quickly rose to dominance. Iceburg outmaneuvered rival shipyards and established complete control over the industry.
A year ago, he was elected mayor of Water 7.
Since then, he had pushed forward major reforms, bringing prosperity back to the city.
Looking at the bustling Water 7 before him, Ash saw a scene that perfectly matched the image he remembered.