CHAPTER 2: THE DEVIL'S CHILD

Explosive impact panels show a massive fiery blast and a skeletal figure shouting "WHOA!!!". Masked figures react with "ACE!!". A lone ship sails across a moonlit sea at night. Below, a close-up shows a character with goggles and weapon, accompanied by large SFX "ポォオオオ" and motion lines.

Crew members discuss: "I JUST PULLED MY PUNCHES ON THAT ONE." "W-WAIT A SEC..." "I'LL GO ALL OUT ON THE NEXT ONE." One holds up a sign: "THIS IS THE 'FLAME DIAL' FROM SKY ISLAND! THEY GOT ABSORBED!" Ace, serious, states "THE THING ABOUT DIALS IS THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO CAPTURE A SPECIFIC KIND OF ENERGY!" "I'VE TOLD YOU A MILLION TIMES!" "WHY ARE YOU GETTING SO WORKED UP OVER A DIALI" Ace declares passionately "THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME! WE'LL GO THROUGH SABAODY ARCHIPELAGO AND FISHMAN ISLAND......AND ENTER THE NEW WORLD!!" On the ship deck at night, he shouts "LISTEN UP, EVERYONE!" while others note "THE SIZE OF YOUR FLAMES DON'T REALLY MATTER. IT'S NOT ABOUT WINNING OR LOSING." and "MASTER DEUCE, THOSE ARE MERE TRIFLING DETAILS."

From the deck of a massive ship, a shirtless man in a wide black hat and beaded necklace grips the railing and shouts to his crew, "I AM NOT TAKING ANY DETOURS......ON MY WAY TO THE TOP!!" Behind him the crew cheers as he continues, "SWEAR IT ON THE FLAG WE FLY!!" A close-up shows his intense eye and the crew's excited faces; one masked crewman yells, "YOU GUYS ARE WITH ME, RIGHT!I" In a dramatic full-page spread against a huge moon, the same man throws his head back and roars, "OUR TARGET IS WHITEBEARD! EDWARD NEWGATE!"

Narration boxes read: "LIKE A RAGING FIRE... ACE DASHES UP THE RANKS OF THIS OCEAN... WITH SUCH SPEED THAT HE ALMOST BURNS HIMSELF." Ace leaps high from the ship's mast into the night sea below. In a close-up he shouts with fierce determination, "WE'RE GOING TO CHARGE ON......UNTIL WE REACH THE PINNACLE OF THIS OCEAN!!" His skull-beaded necklace swings as he speaks.

Title page reads "ONE PIECE episode A" and "CHAPTER 2: THE DEVIL'S CHILD". Below, young Monkey D. Luffy stands triumphantly on a wooden barrel in the sea, arms raised and shouting with joy while a small dragon-like creature surfaces beside him. Caption states: "THE ADVENTURES OF THE YOUNGER BROTHER LUFFY. VOL.1: 'I'M GOING ON AN ADVENTURE!'" Credits list the creators.

Ace's crew arrives at the Sabaody Archipelago. A crewman calls out, "I'LL GO GET SOME FOOD SUPPLIES! GOOD JOB WITH THE NAVIGATION! SHOWING APPRECIATION FOR MY CREW IS PART OF MY DUTIES!" Ace answers, "CAPTAIN!" A cloaked figure bows and says, "N-NO, I INSIST. I'VE COME AS HIS REPRESENTATIVE. THE CAPTAIN WAS LURED AWAY BY SOME DELICIOUS SMELL THE MOMENT WE ARRIVED." In the giant mangrove forest labeled "SABAODY ARCHIPELAGO" with tree number 23, the crew reacts with surprise. One asks, "ARE YOU THE CAPTAINI" Another remarks, "A CAPTAIN IS ALWAYS FREE-SPIRITED, ISN'T HEI" while laughter echoes, "HAHAHA... NO MATTER WHAT THE ERA..." An old man notes, "IT IS SOME CURIOUS TURN OF FATE THAT DRAWS PEOPLE TO BECOMING PIRATES."

A close-up reveals a tall, long-haired man with glasses, a vertical scar over his left eye, and a thick beard, smiling faintly while gripping a massive, chipped sword over his shoulder. He speaks calmly about his past. "It was by mere coincidence, that I ended up on a ship. Which, quite unexpectedly, took me on a long journey." Another speech bubble continues the thought: "Curious turn of 'fate', you say... I think we will get along well."

Explosive panels show a massive skull-shaped impact and debris flying as a ship is struck. A voice declares, "Master Deu hit it off with the right hand of the Pirate King..." A small figure questions, "HmI What are you guys talking aboutI" Another panel reveals a cloaked man with light hair identified as "Silvers Rayleigh! The vice captain of the Pirate KingI" A pirate captain in a large hat and coat stands aboard a ship, replying firmly, "You're all making a fuss over nothing." Below deck, the same captain tells a skeleton-like figure, "Don't talk about that man with me. I can't stand it..." while a crewmate laughs, "I'm sure Captain Ace would have gotten along well with him!"

The pirate captain in the wide hat and beaded necklace slams his clawed hand down, shouting, "He is just another stepping stone to me! I don't care if he was proclaimed as the Pirate King! After all, he was nothing but a worthless criminal who rose to power by brute strength alone!!" Crew members cheer, "Well said, Captain! He was just the Pirate King!" and "We'll surpass him! First, we'll take down Whitebeard!" The captain adds, "You guys are so reliable. Now onto the current problem..." A mermaid holds up a paper listing spots on Fishman Island: "Mermaid Cafe", "Long-established restaurant: Weston Den", "Brand Shop: Criminal", "Mermaid Cove". The crew erupts, "We'll play hard! We'll fight hard!! We'll win hard!!!"

On Fishman Island, mermaids with floral accessories swim near the sign for "Weston Den" and "Fishman Island". One mermaid scolds, "Who ordered all these dishes with ghost peppers!I" while another yells, "Hey, hey, what's all this ruckus!I You filthy, inferior humans!!" and "Captain! Don't sleep while you're eating!" A large anglerfish-like fishman roars, "Behave yourselves and crawl back into the hole that you came out of!!" The pirate captain's crew panics as one shouts, "Did none of you notice that big flag of an Emperor of the Sea!I" Signs for "Food!" and "Drink up!" line the chaotic scene.

Inside a wooden building, a man in a cowboy hat bows apologetically while saying, "I APOLOGIZE IF WE CAUSED ANY TROUBLE." Nearby, another figure with a headband replies, "I KNOW THIS IS NOT WHITEBEARD'S TERRITORY... BUT THAT'S NOT WHY I'M SAYING THIS..." Onlookers whisper, "IS HE A CONGER EEL FISHMANI" and "WHAT IS UP WITH THIS GUYI" The large fishman looms forward with a fierce glare, declaring "HAMO HAMO HAMO... LET'S GET SOMETHING STRAIGHT. THIS ISLAND BELONGS TO THE FISHMEN!" He continues ranting about the Pirate Age and hardships faced on Fishman Island, while a gunshot rings out from below as someone fires at the floor. The fishman growls, "THERE ARE MANY IDIOTS WHO ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE PROTECTION THAT FLAG OFFERS, BUT IF WE GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT ALL..."

The enraged fishman lunges, roaring "YOU ALL BELONG TO THE SAME RACE! THE SAME FILTHY BLOOD FLOWS THROUGH YOUR VEINS!! HAMOHA-MOHA-MOHA!! YOU CANNOT JUST SHRUG OFF THIS CRIME!!" The cowboy-hatted man stands his ground, replying firmly, "DON'T LUMP ME TOGETHER WITH HIM. HIS ACTIONS ARE HIS RESPONSIBILITY ALONE. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH US." The fishman towers over him with jaws wide open as the young man looks up defiantly, hand resting on his sword hilt.

The cowboy-hatted man is suddenly struck and sent flying backward amid debris and impact lines, his hat knocked off as he exclaims "WHA...I" The fishman and his crew press the attack. A fishman ally snarls, "THAT FILTHY HUMAN IS USING SOME WEIRD TECHNIQUE...!!! LET'S TURN HIM INTO FOOD FOR 'EVE'!!" The young man with the headband and the bearded man retort, "YOU GUYS WERE THE ONES WHO DREW YOUR WEAPONS FIRST!" and "EVERYTHING WE DID WAS IN SELF DEFENCE! WE'LL MAKE YOU REGRET..." A massive close-up shows the fishman's furious eye and the cowboy-hatted man's intense glare as energy radiates outward in a dramatic splash panel.

The fight erupts into chaos with heavy impacts and flying debris. Someone yells "YOU ARE EQUALLY GUILTY!" as the restaurant is wrecked. Large sound effects "W O A H!!!!" and "KHHH!!!" fill the panel while a voice accuses, "PICKING A FIGHT WITH THE SPADE PIRATES... AND CAUSING TROUBLE FOR THAT EXQUISITE RESTAURANT!!" The scene cuts to a wide ocean view of a small ship tossed on massive waves beneath dark clouds. A tattered map labeled "THE NEW WORLD" flutters in the foreground as the vessel struggles through the storm.

A man with a mustache studies a wanted poster and remarks, "IT WENT UP AGAIN... THIS IS TOTALLY UNPRECEDENTED EVEN AMONG THE OTHER ROOKIES." Another voice adds, "DEUCE, TAKE A LOOK AT THIS." Below, a long-haired man with a scar explains, "RIGHT BEFORE WE CHALLENGE A LIVING LEGEND, HE GAINS EVEN MORE NOTORIETY. IT REALLY BOOSTS THE MORALE OF THE CREW." A massive explosion erupts from the sea near a sailing ship as a figure is blasted skyward in a trail of smoke and debris. The wide view reveals a snowy mountain landscape filled with a vast army of armed figures, banners, and a giant serpent-like ship. Snow falls heavily. In close-up, Ace in his signature hat faces his crew. One crewmate asks, "DON'T I AT LEAST HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOICE MY OPINIONI" Another shouts, "DIDN'T WE COME THIS FAR BY YOU ALL FOLLOWING MY LEAD!I" Ace replies firmly, "HEY, ACE! LET THE CREW REST A BIT! THIS NON-STOP FIGHTING WILL..."

The snowy battlefield erupts with crisscrossing impact lines and sound effects as the army clashes. A figure is hurled through the air with a loud "WOAAH--!" while smaller effects like "BUZZ", "FZZ", and "KRAK" mark the chaos. In the next panels, Ace stands with his back turned as a crew member notes, "RED HAIR... SHANKS." Another explains, "...OUR NEXT TARGET IS A PIRATE. ONE OF THE FOUR EMPERORS. WE TOOK DOWN FIVE FAMOUS BANDITS. AND WE CAN NO LONGER HIDE OUR FATIGUE. ARE WE TARGETING SOMEONE ELSE NOWI" Ace turns sharply, eyes wide in shock, as a massive close-up reveals his masked face reacting with "SHANKS!I" and a sharp "SH--" sound effect.

Deuce, wrapped in bandages and cloak, questions, "WHAT DO YOU SEE...I" while gripping his sword. Ace, face intense, declares, "YOU WANT US TO FACE OFF AGAINST AN EMPEROR NOW!I THIS IS WAY TOO RECKLESS ACE!!" Deuce adds, "WE'RE NO MATCH FOR..." A crewmate warns, "DEUCE." Ace stands resolute, stating, "MY GOAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE PINNACLE OF THIS OCEAN. I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO TAKE ON AN EMPEROR......WHAT DO YOU THINKI" Turning to face the crew, he asks, "DO YOU SEE ME AS A WEAKLINGI"

A close-up shows Ace's determined eye through falling snow. His crew rallies behind him: "WE'RE NOT SCARED OF RED-HAIR EITHER!" "OF COURSE YOU CAN, CAPTAIN!" "WE'LL FOLLOW YOU TO THE VERY TOP!!" "NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT US MASTER DEU, WE CAN STILL FIGHT!" One crewmate asks, "HUHI" while another says, "...GOOD TO HEAR. BUT I WASN'T PLANNING ON FIGHTING RED-HAIR ANYWAY." In the large panel, Ace stands tall against the snowy mountain backdrop, wind whipping his cloak and hair, as he thinks, "CAN I SURPASS THE PIRATE KINGI"

A towering snow-capped mountain dominates the frame under heavy snowfall and dramatic speed lines. Large stylized Japanese sound effect "タキオオオ" explodes vertically down the left side. At the bottom left, several cloaked figures stand on a rocky ledge. On the right, vertical panels show a young man in a wide hat with goggles and a fur-collared coat speaking with a slight smile: "MY BROTHER IS INDEBTED TO HIM." "I JUST WANTED TO SAY HELLO." A shocked voice replies "WHATI!" The hatted man continues casually, "I DIDN'T EXPLAIN ANYTHING, DID II MY BAD! THAT FIGHT LASTED UNEXPECTEDLY LONG AND I MISSED THE MOMENT TO TELL YOU GUYS." An angry masked figure below retorts, "YOU BASTARD..." The hatted man concludes, "WELL, IT ALL DEPENDS ON HIS MOOD. I CAN'T SAY WHAT WILL HAPPEN."

A dramatic low-angle view of a snowy mountain path lined with broken wooden posts and debris. Large torn sound effects dominate the left. On the right, a group of stern men in heavy fur-lined cloaks and armor stand facing forward. One bald man with a scar speaks, "I SEE..." Another adds, "SO YOU WANT... TO MEET MEI" The central figure, a tall man with wild hair and a massive fur collar, grips a long weapon while glaring intensely amid swirling snow and impact lines.

Split panels show close-ups of a long-haired man with three scars over his left eye and a stern expression, contrasted with smaller flashback panels. A masked officer says, "YOU'RE AIMING FOR THE KING WITHOUT ANY REAL REASON. A JOURNEY WITHOUT A PURPOSE IS ONLY RUSHED BY IMPATIENCE." "DON'T TROUBLE YOURSELF..." A young cloaked figure exclaims, "ACEI I DIDN'T KNOW HE HAD A BROTHER!" The scarred man replies, "I SEE! I'M GLAD YOU CAME! COME ON IN AND LET'S TALK! WELL THROW A BANQUET!!" Dialogue continues about Luffy and Ace becoming sworn brothers after exchanging sake cups with Garp as father figure, with laughter "HA HA HA HAHAHA" and a map inset. The final splash shows the scarred man's intense close-up face with large SFX "ゴオオオ".

Close-up of the scarred long-haired man in a large hat, shirtless under a cloak, extending a sake cup while looking down: "I'M SORRY ABOUT THIS, BUT..." "I DON'T EVEN WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT MAN." A reply comes, "THANKS FOR COMING ALL THIS WAY." "THAT'S ALL RIGHT THEN." "...I SEE." The man adds, "AH... THAT GUY." The bottom wide panel reveals a vast snowy mountain range with two torn map insets labeled "AT ONE OF WHITEBEARD'S SUPPLY PORTS." and "A PATCH OF OCEAN IN THE NEW WORLD." Small sound effects "シャアアア..." and "..." float above the landscape.

On a rocky shore, a large sailing ship rests in the shallows while crew members stand watch. One calls out, "THE CAPTAIN!" Another notes, "THE OCEAN LOOKS A LITTLE STRANGE..." A voice replies, "LOOKS LIKE IT'S GONNA BE ANOTHER DRAWN-OUT BATTLE." Someone else asks, "ARE WE JUST HERE TO WAIT UNTIL WHITEBEARD SHOWS UPI" A stern warning follows: "ANYWAY, DON'T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN." Suddenly the sea erupts. A massive water twister spirals upward with tremendous force. The crew reacts in shock: "!!I" "A GIANT WATER TWISTER...!I" "WHA- WHATI" SFX roar across the panels as the spiraling column towers over the trees. A long-haired figure in a wide hat stares grimly toward the disturbance while fish flee the island in panic.

The colossal water vortex twists violently through the sky. A close-up reveals a skeletal face with wide eyes and the exclamation "THAT MAN IS....!!" Narration declares "KNIGHT OF THE SEA..." as the figure hurtles forward. Another caption identifies him as "A WARLORD!!" Massive impact lines and explosive water spray fill the frame. The warlord's fist drives downward with overwhelming power, sending out a blinding burst of force and debris.

The goggled fighter launches a devastating punch, his fist connecting with explosive impact that shatters the air. The force hurls a small figure backward through the sky. From above, the view shows the fighter plummeting toward the ground amid a massive radial blast of water, rock, and light that tears through the landscape below.

A towering, muscular man with a topknot, scars, and ornate clothing glares forward with intense fury, a map visible behind him. The surrounding forest is torn apart by the shockwave. In smaller panels, debris flies as voices cry out: "HE'S JIMBEI!!" and "ACE, THAT GUY....!!!" Jimbei's massive form smashes through the terrain while Ace is sent flying amid splintered wood and raging energy. The final panel shows Ace crashing through the destruction, cloak billowing, as the ground erupts around him.

Ace glares upward with a fierce grin, his hat casting a shadow as he addresses the towering figure. "HEY, BIG GUY..." In a lower panel, he declares with determination, "I CAME TO MEET WHITEBEARD!!" Nearby crew members react in shock, shouting "CAPTAIN ACE!!" "WOAAH!!" and "CAP-TAIN!!" The large opponent smirks, "HEH..." and warns, "BARGING INTO THIS ISLAND WITHOUT PERMISSION... EVEN A ROOKIE LIKE YOU... MUST KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS...!!"

The large fishman stands firm on broken wooden debris, declaring, "I OWE HIM A GREAT DEBT... I WILL BE YOUR OPPONENT. ALTHOUGH I AM NOT A MEMBER OF THE WHITEBEARD PIRATES..." He continues, "A BRAT LIKE YOU BARGING IN LIKE A SWORD WITHOUT A SHEATH... I CAN NOT ALLOW YOU TO MEET THE OLD MAN!!" Ace unleashes his attack, flames swirling as he shouts "FLAME VORTEX!!" and "FIREFLY LIGHT!!" The fishman retorts, "I COULDN'T CARE LESS!! IF YOU DARE TO STAND IN THE WAY... THEN I'LL BE GOING THROUGH AFTER YOU'RE BURNED TO ASH!!"

A massive fiery explosion erupts as Ace's flaming fist collides with the fishman, the impact labeled "FIRE... FIST!!" The fishman is sent flying upward through smoke and debris, his body silhouetted against the blast. The force creates a towering column of fire and smoke that dominates the landscape below.

The fishman counters mid-air with a powerful stance, yelling "SHIZU-RASE!" and "FISHMAN KARATE..." A huge water explosion erupts, dousing the flames. Onlookers react in surprise: "EVEN TEN-YEAR-OLDS KNOW THIS!" "FLAMES ARE EXTINGUISHED BY WATER..." and "HE COUNTERED MY FLAMES!I"

A colossal water explosion erupts violently as a towering figure with curly hair, ornate headpiece, and swirling facial patterns raises one massive leg. The blast hurls a smaller fighter wearing a wide hat and dark outfit through the air amid flying debris. The airborne fighter yells, "WHERE IS ALL THIS WATER COMING FROM!I" Narration boxes detail the phenomenon: "FROM ALL AROUND US...!! FROM THE AIR, FROM BENEATH THE EARTH... THERE IS EVEN WATER INSIDE YOUR BODY...!!" Water droplets, rocks, and impact lines fill the chaotic landscape of trees and sky.

Bubbles and debris trail through the air as the view shifts to a narrow vertical corridor of shattered wooden beams. A cluster of fists erupts in a blinding flash at the top. Below, the hat-wearing fighter plummets backward with arms flailing, a question mark hovering near their head. They cough violently, "COUGH!!" Water droplets and impact shards scatter outward from the powerful blast.

Close-up panels show the hat-wearing fighter's face twisting with effort, sweat flying as a massive impact strikes with the SFX "ボッ!!" A wide-eyed reaction follows, "HM!I" The fighter then streaks forward at high speed, motion lines and wooden debris trailing behind. Below, the towering curly-haired warrior grimaces with clenched teeth amid swirling impact effects "ドドド..." as the distant figure launches away in a final panel with "ズンッ" and "ガシャア" sound effects.

A gigantic vertical explosion tears upward through the forest and mountains, a blinding white core expanding with radiating debris and motion lines. Large stylized SFX "ドドドドド" and "ドーン" dominate the blast. In the lower panel the hat-wearing fighter is hurled backward amid the continuing shockwave and smaller bursts.

A hooded figure crouches low, one hand covering their face while the other grips a small doll-like figure on their arm. They warn, "IF YOU TOUCH AN OPEN FLAME YOU'RE GOING TO GET BURNED." and "EVEN AS YOU WERE TEN-YEAR-OLD'S KNOW THAT!" Nearby, a fierce warrior with a topknot and swirling tattoos grits his teeth in pain, declaring "MY ARMAMENT HAKI..." and "THROB...!!" as he clutches his arm. A voice notes, "DIDN'T EVEN FAZE HIM!!!!" The impact builds until a massive explosion erupts across the landscape with the enormous sound effect "WOAAAAAAAAAAH!!" shaking the ground and sending debris flying.

Under a full moon, narration boxes recount the battle: "ONE BY ONE THE SPADE PIRATES BEGAN TO COLLAPSE." and "THE ONES WHO REMAINED SIMPLY WATCHED IN AWE AS THEIR CAPTAIN FOUGHT ON RELENTLESSLY." Another box states, "THESE TWO EVENLY MATCHED OPPONENTS... FOUGHT ON FOR FIVE FULL DAYS." Observers react with shock, one saying "UNBELIEVABLE... WE'RE GETTING DIZZY JUST WATCHING THEM FIGHT...!!" The scene shifts to the aftermath as battered fighters lie on the ground. A long-haired man with an eyepatch groans "UGH..." while another voice utters "AGH..." amid scattered debris and fallen weapons.

A colossal airship crashes violently into the rocky terrain, its massive balloon structure tearing apart amid flying debris and dust clouds. The vessel bears a prominent "X" mark on its hull as it skids across the landscape, kicking up enormous waves of earth and rock. Small figures cling to the wreckage or tumble from the impact. In the foreground, a lone samurai kneels amid the destruction while a tiny figure lies nearby on the shattered ground. The massive crash dominates the page with dramatic motion lines and scattered fragments.

From behind, a cloaked warrior with a long flowing cape strides forward across the battlefield, their garment billowing dramatically. In the distance, various fighters including a horned figure carrying a large weapon and other combatants move across the hilly landscape dotted with trees and structures. Sharp black motion lines streak across the foreground, emphasizing the warrior's advance. The wide scene captures the aftermath of battle with scattered allies and enemies visible in the background.

A massive close-up reveals Edward Newgate, known as Whitebeard, reclining with eyes half-closed and a stern expression. His iconic crescent-shaped mustache frames his face. Bold lettering declares "EDWARD NEWGATE" on the left and "WHITE-BEARD" on the right. Behind him stretches a detailed map of the seas, with his massive naginata resting nearby. The legendary pirate's scarred, muscular torso and the cracks running across his skin emphasize his immense presence and power.

A powerful figure swings a massive bisento downward, shattering rock as Ace stands small in the distance. Blackbeard looms on the right, cloak billowing, and declares, "WHERE IS THE BRAT WHO WANTS TO TAKE MY HEADI" He continues, "JUST AS YOU WISH, I WILL BE YOUR OPPONENT!!" In smaller panels, a masked ally with goggles states, "I DON'T MIND TAKING ALL OF YOU ON ALONE." Another voice worries, "IF THIS GOES ON... IF... ACE IS GONNA GET KILLED...!!!"

Whitebeard pirates charge forward shouting "PROTECT OUR CAPTAIN!!" and "WE NEED TO SAVE ACE!!!" Blackbeard's crew recoils from an overwhelming force, crying "URGH.....!!" "ARGH.....!!" and "SUCH POWERFUL HAKI..." In the center, Whitebeard towers with his bisento raised, his voice booming "GYAAA AAAAAAAA AAAAAA!!" as he strikes. A subordinate yells "YOU GUYS!" while allies are hurled back amid impact lines and debris.

A massive fiery explosion erupts upward with the words "FLAME FENCE!!" and large SFX "ゴオオオオオ!!" Whitebeard pirates shout "CAPTAIN!!" and "CAPTAIN ACE!!" Below, a samurai-like figure asks, "WHAT IS THIS... YOU LOST YOUR NERVE NOW...I" Ace stands firm and commands, "LET MY MEN GO...!!" The samurai replies, "IN EX-CHANGE..." while another ally yells "RUN AWAY!! ALL OF YOU..."

Ace's crew desperately shouts at him from multiple angles. "YOU ALWAYS RUSH HEADLONG INTO DANGER ON YOUR OWN!!" "WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS CARRYING THE BURDEN ALONE!" "YOU COULDN'T EVEN BEAT JIMBEI! HOW EXACTLY ARE YOU GOING TO WIN AGAINST THAT MONSTER!!!" A crewmate yells "CAPTAIN ACE!!" while another adds "NO WAY CAPTAIN! LET US FIGHT ALONGSIDE YOU!!" and "THIS... GIGANTIC IDIOT...!!" Time and time again the words echo. Ace, bloodied and glaring, roars back "I WILL NOT RUN....!!" Below, more voices plead: "RUN AWAY NOW!!!" "YOU CANNOT SURPASS THE PIRATE KING!!" "YOU CANNOT SURPASS HIM!! GO PLEASE..." "DON'T GO WHERE WE CANNOT FOLLOW!!" "THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR YOUR CHILDISH STUBBORNNESS!" "WHO CARES ABOUT THE TOP!! WHAT KIND OF TREASURE WOULD YOU EVEN FIND WHEN YOU GET THERE!!!I"

Ace's sweat-streaked face fills the frame as he asks "DO I... LOOK LIKE A WEAKLING TO YOU...I" His eyes reflect a burning ship. He continues, "IF I CAN GET WHAT I WANT, THEN... I'M WILLING TO PUT MY LIFE ON THE LINE FOR IT..." A crewmate replies "IT'S OKAY... DEUCE." Another asks "DO YOU HEAR THAT, DEUCEI" The crew rallies: "YEAH, THAT'S RIGHT! OUR CAPTAIN IS STRONG!!" "YOU'RE GONNA WIN FOR SURE!!" "N...!!! NOT AT ALL!! THERE'S NO WAY WE WOULD THINK THAT!!" Ace answers firmly, "I WILL NOT LOSE."

Ace's bloodied face appears in close-up, rain falling around him. He thinks, "IS IT OKAY FOR ME TO LIVEI IF I CAN'T FIND AN ANSWER TO THAT... THEN I WON'T REGRET DYING." The panel lingers on his determined, weary expression.

The crew plans their next move. "WE'LL BE ABLE TO DO MORE AT SEA!" "THE ENEMY TOO MUST HAVE MANY DEVIL FRUIT USERS!!" "WERE YOU ALL JUST PLANNING TO STAND HERE AND WATCH!I" "EVERYONE, WE'RE WITH-DRAWING!!" "WHAT!I" "BUT... CAPTAIN ACE IS STILL..." One suggests, "LET'S GO BACK TO THE SPADILLE-GO, MANEUVER AROUND TO THE BACK OF THAT BIG SHIP AND GET THE JUMP ON THEM FROM BEHIND!" Another adds, "WHILE ATTACKING WITH ALL OUR FIRE POWER!! TAKE THE SMALL BOAT, GRAB ACE AND RETREAT!!" "THEN, WE'LL USE THIS FLAME DIAL WHICH HAD ABSORBED ACE'S HUGE BLAZE TO CREATE AN OPENING..." The scene shifts to a mustached man holding a spear over a kneeling boy amid smoke and flames, demanding "IF YOU CAN STILL SPEAK... STATE YOUR NAME! BOY....!" The boy remains silent as background voices remark "THEY ADMIRE YOU QUITE A LOT." "GURARARARA. YOU HAVE A GOOD TEAM THERE..."

Portgas D. Ace lunges forward in a powerful stance, body glistening with sweat, teeth gritted in fierce determination. A massive fiery explosion erupts behind him against a dark, smoky sky, with motion lines emphasizing the force of the blast. The large text "PORTGAS D. ACE" dominates the lower right of the page.

Portgas D. Ace twists his body, right arm extended forward as a torrent of flames erupts from his fist in a blazing stream. Intense speed lines radiate outward from the attack. A jagged speech bubble declares "GREAT FLAME COMMANDMENT".

A colossal explosion tears across a mountainous island at night, sending debris flying as cracks spiderweb through the sky. In the foreground, a small ship rocks violently on the waves. "DON'T GET THROWN OVERBOARD!" "WOAH!!" A close-up shows a wild-haired man with a savage grin shouting. On a larger ship's deck, several figures react: one declares "YOU LOOK LIKE A CLEVER ONE, HEH... BUT UNFORTUNATELY YOU CHOSE US AS YOUR OPPONENTS!!" while another laughs "ZEHA HAHA HA!!!" A voice adds "THIS WORLD ONLY HAS VALUE FOR THE LIVING, DOESN'T ITI!" From the deck, someone reports "CAPTAIN IS INSIDE THAT..." and another warns "HE WON'T DIE!" "IF YOU WANT TO SAVE HIM, GET MOVING!"

Close-ups reveal intense expressions: a bandaged man thinks "SO THAT'S HOW IT IS..." while another mutters "AH..." and "UGH..." A determined voice states "I WILL SURPASS..." "THE PIRATE KING...!!!" At night under a full moon, several sailing ships glide across the sea amid lightning flashes and sound effects. Below, a group of men discusses: "AFTER ALL, HE WAS NOTHING BUT A WORTHLESS CRIMINAL WHO ROSE TO POWER BY BRUTE STRENGTH ALONE!!!" "HE IS JUST ANOTHER STEPPING STONE TO ME!" "DON'T TALK ABOUT THAT MAN WITH ME. I CAN'T STAND IT..." "HIS ACTIONS ARE HIS RESPONSIBILITY ALONE. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH US."

The long-haired figure clutches the other close, rain streaking down their face. "AH... I'M SORRY ABOUT THIS, BUT..." they murmur. "I DON'T EVEN WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT MAN." A close-up reveals their pained expression as they continue, "IS IT OKAY FOR ME TO LIVEI IF I CAN'T FIND AN ANSWER TO THAT... THEN I WON'T REGRET DYING." In a smaller panel a tiny figure shouts desperately, "YOU CANNOT SURPASS THE PIRATE KING!! YOU DON'T NEED TO SURPASS HIM!!! SO PLEASE... RUN AWAY NOW!!!..."

Lightning cracks across a roiling night sky, the sound effects booming. The long-haired figure leans in, voice trembling: "YOU ARE... THAT MAN'S SON... THAT'S WHY YOU WERE ALWAYS SO DESPERATE TO SURPASS HIM..." Below, the kneeling figure in the coat bows their head on the wooden deck. "ACE... I'M SORRY. WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING THAT... I SAID SOME PRETTY TERRIBLE THINGS TO YOU."

A sharp close-up shows the long-haired figure's eye widening. "WHEN EXACTLY DID I LOSE CONSCIOUSNESS...!I" Nearby panels capture pained gasps: "UGH... IT HURTS..." "UGH..." "HNNG..." The figure, now seen from behind on the deck, stares upward at the stormy heavens as more lightning flashes and sound effects echo.

Under a full moon breaking through heavy clouds, the figure sits alone on the railing, cloak fluttering. Massive sound effects rumble across the sky as lightning flickers in the distance, the night filled with tension and the low growl of thunder.

A young man with long dark hair, a beaded necklace, and a torn white cloak stands against a stormy sky filled with floating debris and ruined structures. His face is bruised and bloodied, eyes gazing upward with a mix of exhaustion and resolve. Narration reads: "HE WAS JUST RECKLESSLY RUNNING FORWARD. FINALLY, HE HAS TASTED DEFEAT. WHAT DOES ACE NOW SEE ON THE HORIZON...!I" The page ends with the label "...EPISODE A CH. 2 /END".

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In a series of close panels, a bloodied young man with long dark hair embraces someone off-panel. He whispers, "AH... I'M SORRY ABOUT THIS, BUT... I DON'T EVEN WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT MAN." A close-up shows his tear-streaked face as he continues, "IS IT OKAY FOR ME TO LIVEI IF I CAN'T FIND AN ANSWER TO THAT... THEN I WON'T REGRET DYING." In a smaller panel, a cloaked figure with a mask shouts, "RUN AWAY NOW!!! YOU CANNOT SURPASS THE PIRATE KING!! YOU DON'T NEED TO SURPASS HIM!!! SO PLEASE..."

Lightning cracks across a dark, stormy sky with large Japanese sound effects. The young man kneels on a wooden deck, clutching the body of a fallen figure. Speech bubbles read: "YOU ARE... THAT MAN'S SON... THAT'S WHY YOU WERE ALWAYS SO DESPERATE TO SURPASS HIM..." The kneeling man sobs, "ACE... I'M SORRY. I SAID SOME PRETTY TERRIBLE THINGS TO YOU. WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING THAT..."

A battered young man with long dark hair and a necklace of large black beads lies amid debris, his face covered in cuts and sweat. His eyes snap open in confusion as he clutches his head. "WHEN EXACTLY DID I LOSE CONSCIOUSNESS...!I" he wonders. Nearby groans escape him: "UGH..." "HKNG..." He winces sharply, muttering "UGH... IT HURTS..." Close-ups reveal his intense, pained gaze and flowing hair as he struggles to focus, the world still spinning around him.

The young man sits alone on a wooden railing beneath a vast, stormy night sky. A bright full moon glows through heavy clouds as lightning flashes in the distance. Deep rumbling echoes across the heavens with massive onomatopoeia "ゴゴゴゴゴ" vibrating through the air. He stares upward, wind whipping his torn white shirt and hair, the atmosphere heavy with tension and foreboding.

In a dramatic close-up, the young man tilts his head back, sweat and blood streaking his face, eyes fixed on something unseen. His long hair whips in the wind. A narration box reads: "HE WAS JUST RECKLESSLY RUNNING FORWARD, FINALLY! HE HAS TASTED DEFEAT, WHAT DOES ACE NOW SEE ON THE HORIZON!I!I" Floating wooden structures drift in the stormy background as the page ends with "...EPISODE A CH. 2 /END".

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