"Hey, no way... You actually ran into him in a place like this?" Law's expression immediately turned grim as he recognized the man approaching. "Why would that man be here? If he's targeting us... this could be bad."
"The 'Fire Fist' Portgas D. Ace, with a bounty of 355 million Berries!"
Ace noticed Law staring at him and didn't avoid the gaze. Instead, he casually picked up his wine glass and walked toward them with a relaxed air.
"Brother from the Mink Tribe, it's not polite to stare at others like that, is it?" Ace said as he approached the Heart Pirates' table, speaking to Bepo, who had been the first to notice him.
"Ah—I'm sorry!" Bepo immediately stood at attention, bowing several times. "I apologize!"
"Haha, seeing how sincere you are, I'll forgive you." Ace chuckled, taking a sip from his glass.
"Uh... thank you?" Bepo responded, though he felt something was a bit off with Ace's attitude.
"Bepo," Law stood up, pulling the mink behind him protectively. He looked at Ace with narrowed eyes. "I didn't expect to see a man like you here, Portgas D. Ace. What are you doing in this part of the Grand Line?"
To Law, a powerful pirate like Ace should be active in the New World. His sudden appearance in Paradise raised every alarm in Law's mind. Was Ace here to cause trouble?
Ace noticed Law's hand tightening around his sword hilt and chuckled, "Am I really that famous now?" He took another sip of wine. "Relax. I'm not here to pick a fight. Just happened to be passing through."
"I've been off the radar for a year. Can you catch me up on what's happened on the seas?" Ace asked as he casually took a seat across from Law.
Law stared at him for a moment, then eased slightly when it seemed Ace really wasn't looking for a confrontation. He sat back down and replied, "A lot has happened, but none of it compares to what you did."
"You attacked a Celestial Dragon on Sabaody Archipelago and nearly killed him. Then you escaped from Admiral Aokiji. That incident has been talked about across the seas for the past year."
"After that, everyone was watching to see what you'd do next... and then you vanished for a whole year."
Ace tilted his head with a smile. "So they say I escaped from Admiral Aokiji? Is that the story going around?"
He took another sip of wine and admitted, "Truth is, I didn't escape unscathed. I lost. Badly. That encounter made me realize just how wide the gap is between me and a Marine Admiral."
"That's why I went into seclusion to train for a year. I've just returned to the seas after finishing my training."
Ace had guessed the World Government had downplayed the involvement of Rayleigh during the Sabaody incident. After all, they wouldn't want the world to know that a living legend like the former First Mate of the Roger Pirates had stepped in.
"I see," Law nodded, accepting Ace's explanation. "Even so, someone like you should be headed straight for the New World. Why are you in Paradise?"
"Like I said, it's just coincidence," Ace said with a warm smile. "But... since fate has brought us together, how about this—why not join my crew, Trafalgar Law?"
"Pffft!" Law, who had been sipping wine, spat it out in shock. "What did you say? Are you serious? Why would I become one of your subordinates?!"
Ace wiped the wine off his face without losing his smile. "Not a subordinate. A partner. A crewmate chasing dreams together."
"That still doesn't change my answer." Law's expression grew serious. "I have my own ambition, and a goal I must accomplish."
Ace's gaze sharpened slightly. "There's no conflict between having ambition and being my crewmate. And as for your goal... I know what it is."
"You're after Donquixote Doflamingo. You want to take his head."
Law froze in place. "How do you know that?"
Ace set down his glass and leaned forward. "If you've looked into my past, you'd know my Flame-Flame Fruit was originally in Doflamingo's possession. So naturally, we're enemies. I've spent years investigating his operations."
"During that time, I came across your story. You betrayed the Donquixote Family to avenge Corazon. Am I wrong?"
Ace's voice grew heavier, more sincere. "Now that I'm back, my first mission is to destroy Doflamingo's influence. Our paths already align."
"You should know better than anyone—taking him down alone is nearly impossible. His visible power in the New World is already overwhelming."
"So join me, Law," Ace offered again. "We'll take down Doflamingo together. After that, we'll sail the seas in pursuit of our own ambitions—side by side."
"..." Law remained silent. He was clearly moved, conflicted between his pride and his mission. He had sworn to avenge Corazon no matter the cost, but he also knew the limits of his current power.
Seeing Law's hesitation, Ace decided to press further.
"Oh, and one more thing," Ace leaned in and whispered, "When I was digging into Doflamingo... I found something that might interest you."
"That guy—he's actually a Celestial Dragon by blood. Surprised?"
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