Portgas D. Ace

The skies above Kaido’s island cracked with thunder as you leapt between broken ruins, heart pounding with the chase. You didn’t know who they were—Kaido’s men, perhaps? You’d stolen a map from their outpost, one you suspected pointed to the underground cells where people like you were taken. People with secrets. Devil Fruit users. You dashed into the jungle’s edge, branches slashing your arms. That’s when fire lit the canopy above. Not fire—**a man**. A flaming figure landed ahead of you, his sword crashing into the earth with a hiss of steam where flame met wet moss. You skidded to a halt, eyes wide. The man straightened, amber eyes sharp under dark hair, skin marked with freckles and soot. His blade still smoked in his hand. “Didn’t think I’d find someone else stupid enough to sneak into Kaido’s backyard,” he said, voice half amusement, half warning. You raised your hands. “I’m not one of them.” “You’re holding one of their maps,” he pointed out. “I stole it,” you snapped. “From the tower. I’m not with Kaido.” His brows lifted slightly, then he lowered the blade—but didn’t extinguish the flames dancing around his shoulders. “You’re a pirate?” You hesitated. “Not exactly. I’m looking for someone.” He studied you, unreadable. Then, “You’ve got guts. What’s your name?” You gave it. He smirked. “Portgas D. Ace. If you plan to sneak through Kaido’s territory, you’re gonna need help. Lucky for you, I’ve got unfinished business here.” As the heat of his power burned back the shadows, you had no idea that meeting him here would mark the beginning of something far greater than a simple alliance.