Chapter 88

As Ron approached, the unmistakable aura of Ace's carefree demeanor became apparent. Despite not seeing the Whitebeard logo on his vest, Ron recognized Ace by the letters on his arms and the distinctive orange cowboy hat.

Without stopping or engaging with Ace, Ron continued past him. However, to Ron's surprise, one of the girls in his group, Makino, recognized Ace and exclaimed in excitement.

"Ace!"

Hearing his name, Ace turned in surprise. He hadn't expected to encounter Makino here. Wasn't she supposed to be in Windmill Village?

"Why are you here?" Ace asked, genuinely puzzled.

Makino ran over happily. "Long time no see, Ace! I'm on an adventure now."

Ace chuckled. "I thought you preferred a stable life. Didn't you refuse Shanks invitation to the New World?"

Makino hesitated, glancing at Ron and deciding not to mention being taken by him. She simply replied, "Things change, so what about you?"

Ace's expression darkened as he explained, "I'm hunting down a traitor named Teach, who killed his companion and stole a Devil Fruit. He used to be under my command, and I can't let him get away with it."

Concerned, Makino advised, "Be careful. you might not know how strong Teach has become."

Ace nodded appreciatively. Then, he inquired about Luffy. "How's Luffy? He must be seventeen now and already at sea, right?"

"Luffy should be at sea by now," Makino confirmed. "He was still in the Windmill Village when I left."

Ace, perceptive as ever, noticed the hidden dynamics within the group. His gaze settled on Ron, the only man among the girls, ignoring the bound Wapol completely.

"You're Ron!?" Ace frowned, evidently recognizing Ron. After all, Ron's name was as renowned as his, if not more so. As a strong swordsman who had defeated Hawkeye, the world's strongest swordsman, Ron's fame was absolutely top-notch. It could be said that in the world, his fame was second only to the Four Emperors, the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and the three admirals of the Navy.

"In the Flesh" Ron greeted Ace with a slight smile, nodding respectfully. He made no other moves, neither advancing nor retreating.

"Captain Ron of the Sword and Rose Pirates!" Ace straightened up, addressing Ron and the other girls solemnly. "I guess these beautiful ladies represent the roses... You've actually come to this place, and I remember seeing news about you in the newspaper only a few days ago."

"It's an honor!" Ron replied with a smile. "But those are just empty titles, not worth mentioning."

Ron felt a sense of coolness facing Ace. While his fame was considerable, he knew true recognition would come when he defeated the Four Emperors and the three Admirals of the Navy.

"I wonder why Sister Makino joined the Sword and Rose Pirates!" Ace's tone was serious as he addressed Ron. "I know Makino's dreams don't align with a life of adventure. She's not the type to seek a life at sea. There must be another reason she joined your crew."

Makino pursed her lips, her brow furrowing.

Nami and Kaya attempted to speak but were stopped by Ron raising his hand.

Mikita observed Ace, acknowledging his reputation as Fire Fist Ace, last year's Super Rookie and leader of the Supernovas. If not for his defeat by Whitebeard, he would have made a name for himself in the Grand Line.

Ace, now under Whitebeard's command, mentioned he was here to pursue traitors. Encountering Ron seemed to add a layer of unresolved tension to the situation.

Mikita's eyes gleamed with excitement. If there was a chance for them to fight, it would provide a potential opportunity for escape.

Marianne cast a sympathetic glance at Mikita. Despite her aspirations, she had no chance to go against Ron's power.

Wapol being led like a dog by Tashigi, also watched with trembling excitement. Finally, something had happened, perhaps this was his chance to escape.

Mikita sensed Wapol's thoughts and turned to look at him. For the first time, they shared a mutual desire for freedom.

"Makino..." Ron sighed inwardly as he looked at the silent Makino. He knew his actions were controversial, but he stood by them. As a man of honor, he accepted the consequences of his decisions, whether facing Ace now, Shanks in the future, or Luffy. He was not afraid.

"Makino joined my pirate crew because I forced her," Ron said evenly, addressing Ace. "What? Do you want her to leave the Sword and Rose pirates?"

"Ron..." Makino looked up, surprised by Ron's admission. She hadn't expected him to confess so directly.

"Ron..." Kaya also looked at Ron, alongside Nami, Tashigi, and Nojiko. They all wore expressions of surprise. Ron had openly admitted to coercing Makino onto the ship.

"You!" Ace grinned, though his eyes betrayed his anger. His beloved sister, Makino, had been forced onto a ship by Ron. He couldn't stand by and watch her continue to follow him.

"What? Are you going to fight me?" Ron took two steps forward, his hands behind his back, facing Ace squarely. Despite Ace being a year older, Ron was confident in his victory. "Yes, I will not let Makino continue to follow you!" Ace declared, flames flickering above his hands, his arms wreathed in fire.

"Since we're going to fight, let's begin!" Ron shook his head calmly. "I'll let the outcome be decided in two or three moves. If I can't defeat you by the third move, Makino's fate will be up to her. But if I win, you won't have the right to decide whether she stays or not. She'll continue to journey with my pirate crew on the Grand Line!"

"Good!" Ace whispered. "It's arrogant of you to claim victory in just three moves. And to let me have two moves? You've already lost. Bring it on!"

Rumble!

A towering pillar of fire erupted, causing bystanders to flee in terror.

"Step back!" Ron gestured to the girls behind him, ensuring their safety.

"Flame Commandment: Hibashira!" Ace unleashed his attack, aiming to reduce Ron to ashes.