RNP Page 123
Page 123
Ace's inherent domineering nature and desire for conquest were fully unleashed in this sea teeming with powerful individuals.
His code of conduct is simple and direct: let your fists do the talking, and let fire pave the way!
They run rampant and attack indiscriminately!
Whether they encounter other notorious pirate crews, patrolling naval ships, or even certain well-connected merchant caravans, the Spade Pirates almost always find themselves in a fight.
"Hey! Listen up, ship ahead! This is 'Fire Fist' Ace! Let's have a fight!"
Ace would often stand at the bow of the ship, making no attempt to hide his challenge, with an excited and flamboyant smile on his face.
Is the other side a powerful pirate crew?
That's even better, let's start the fight! Use fire to blast them into a panic and steal their treasure and log pointer as loot!
You're saying the navy has appeared?
Excellent, keep firing! The blazing fists detonated the shells in mid-air, and the massive flames even forced back small and medium-sized warships, leaving the "righteous" marines covered in dust.
This is the freedom he envisions: sailing freely on the vast ocean, where the strong are fearless!
Hmm, such a small and weak ship is a bit difficult to attack.
But... since the other party is arrogant and even tried to resist.
I'm sorry!
Ace didn't mind throwing a punch as a warning, using fire to make them obediently hand over tolls or supplies.
Of course, he kept his mother's teachings in mind and never killed innocent people indiscriminately. He also strictly forbade his crew members from harming civilians. His fists were for defeating the enemy.
As for who the enemy is?
A man who is not afraid of death is a hero; a man who is not afraid of power is a hero; a man who does not harm the innocent and leads the people in resistance is a hero; and a man who is afraid of death is a commoner.
And... wherever they go, nothing grows; they dare to kill innocent people indiscriminately; they commit all kinds of evil deeds; they burn, kill, loot, and plunder; they spare no one, from eighty-year-old aunties to one-year-old babies. This is evil.
Evil people should not be let off easily.
Ace was killed every time he was seen, so killing him was no big deal!
Chapter 146 Ace's First Bounty
This extremely flamboyant style of doing things quickly made the Spade Pirates a troublesome force in the first half of the Grand Line.
Unlike traditional pirates who lie low and insidious, they are as high-profile as if they are on a tour, leaving flames and strife wherever they go.
Such unbridled behavior finally enraged the Navy Headquarters.
"Where did this 'Fire Fist' Ace come from? He's so arrogant!"
"This must be severely punished as a warning to others!"
"Based on its natural abilities, as well as the damage and impact it caused, a preliminary bounty has been proposed..."
Soon, a brand-new bounty was sent to every corner of the world on the wings of the newsbird.
The wanted poster features a profile picture of Ace wearing an orange cowboy hat, grinning widely, with flames dancing on his fingertips, against the backdrop of his Spade Pirate Flag ablaze with flames.
The photos are incredibly powerful, perfectly capturing his burning energy and untamed spirit.
It is marked in prominent font in the very center:
Portgas D. Ace (Fire Fist)
DEAD OR ALIVE
Bounty: 5500 million Berries!
When the crew excitedly delivered the still-scented bounty poster to Ace, he was first stunned, then burst into a thunderous laugh!
"Hahaha! Great! It's finally here!"
He held the wanted poster, turning it over and over, his fingers tracing the amount and his own photo, his face filled with undisguised excitement and pride.
For Ace, who aspires to make a name for himself across the seas, this is undoubtedly the first important medal, an official recognition of his strength and "infamy" from the outside world!
"Men! Did you see that? The initial bounty... fifty-five million Berries!"
Ace raised the bounty poster high and announced it loudly to the entire crew, flames leaping merrily around him.
"This is just the beginning! We're going to make that number even higher! High enough to shake the whole world!"
"Oh—!! Long live Captain Ace!!" The crew cheered in unison, and the atmosphere reached its peak.
Ace carefully folded the bounty poster and kept it close to his body. He looked at the turbulent sea in the distance, the flames burning in his eyes more intense than ever before.
He has finally stepped onto this vast stage and made his own voice heard!
Kuina, Sabo, Robin... Did you see them?
In my own way, I also etched my name on this vast sea!
And this is just the beginning!
The bounty issued by the Grand Line is far more valuable than that issued by the Four Seas.
Whenever the Spade Pirates' ships approach an island, even before they reach the shore, one can feel the tension and fear permeating the air.
"It's 'Fire Fist' Ace! That great pirate with a bounty of 55 million is here!"
"Quick! Hide the valuables! Hide the old mother too, hide the children! We must not give in to these damned pirates!"
"Notify the guards... no, forget it, don't provoke them! People like that won't stay on the island for long!"
Ordinary residents were like frightened birds, shops hurriedly closed, and the streets instantly became deserted.
They hid behind the doors and windows, secretly observing the pirate ship flying the burning spade flag and the young captain at the bow who wore an orange hat and had a cheerful but chilling smile.
Ace didn't care much about this; in fact, he somewhat enjoyed the "deterrence." What he wanted was to be famous throughout the seas, and fear was part of that fame.
Black and red are also red!
Of course, where there are those who are afraid, there are also those who are unwilling to submit.
Ace's initial high bounty and arrogant demeanor acted like a lighthouse in the night, attracting countless pirates and bounty hunters who were confident in their strength and eager to rise to power by stepping on the "supernova".
"Fire Fist Ace? Hmph, just a brat who got lucky and ate a Logia-type Devil Fruit!"
"If I take his head, I'll be rich!"
"Let me test if your flames are really that powerful!"
Challengers kept coming.
Some openly challenged others at the port, some set up ambushes at sea, and some even attempted to launch sneak attacks in taverns.
However, without exception, the fates of these challengers were all the same.
"Mirror Fire Flame!"
Ace's flames seemed to possess a life of their own, both violent and precise.
Whether it's swords, guns, or other bizarre Devil Fruit abilities, most are utterly powerless in the face of absolute high temperatures and devastating impacts.
Challengers often failed to even touch the hem of Ace's clothes before being engulfed by the raging flames, suffering a swift and decisive defeat.
Their defeat not only failed to shake Ace's position, but instead served as kindling, making the fearsome reputation of "Fire Fist" burn even brighter.
Because of this, Ace's voyage was filled with intense battles, but there was very little atmosphere of adventure!
The number of bounties has also increased slightly.
With his powerful Devil Fruit abilities and unstoppable momentum, Ace and the Spade Pirates dominated the first half of the Grand Line.
They traversed islands with diverse ecosystems and cultures, endured bizarre climates, and defeated countless enemies, like legendary heroes overcoming numerous obstacles, swiftly reaching the midpoint of the Grand Line, the gateway to the New World—the Sabaody Archipelago.
Even so, it didn't make Ace stay any longer.
His goal was clear and unwavering—
That's the new world! The true gathering place of the strong.
This is also where he will challenge Whitebeard, the "strongest man in the world"!
He rejected the crew's suggestion to relax on the island and went straight to the best coating craftsmen, who quickly and at a high cost completed the coating for their pirate ship.
"Boss, why don't we go check out the auction house or the amusement park here?" one of the crew members couldn't help but ask.
"There's no time to waste."
Ace stood beside the ship, now fully coated, his gaze fixed on the seemingly calm sea that concealed a massive whirlpool. "The New World is our true battlefield! Once we're famous, we'll have plenty of time to frolic!"
Without any time to rest, the Spade Pirates, piloting their ship enveloped in giant soap bubbles, resolutely plunged into the massive whirlpool beneath the surface of the sea, following the underwater currents towards the mysterious kingdom of Fishman Island, thousands of meters below.
The same thing happened again.
Fishman Island boasts stunning coral reefs, beautiful mermaids, and a magnificent dragon palace...
The crew members of the Spade Pirates couldn't wait to stay a little longer and admire the mermaid's alluring figure.
Especially... I want to know, since beautiful mermaid girls don't need to wear pants, how do they go to the women's restroom?
I really want to observe this closely, and it would be even better if I could observe it up close!
The burning desire to challenge the strong within Ace urged him on, leaving him no time to savor the beauty of the deep sea.
"My lords! Let's set off...to the new world!"
After resupplying on Fishman Island and experiencing the unique culture of a land different from human kingdoms, the Spade Pirates set off again.
Following the ocean currents on the other side of Fishman Island, they broke through the barrier of the Red Earth and leaped up from ten thousand meters deep in the ocean!
“Wow——!!!”
As the soap bubbles encasing the ship burst under the sunlight, and the sea breeze, with its uniquely violent aura of the New World, once again caressed our faces, what came into view was an even more unpredictable and ever-changing celestial phenomenon, even more turbulent and surging waves, and the omnipresent oppressive feeling in the air that belonged to the top powerhouses!
Ace took a deep breath, sensing the difference in this brand new sea area.
He stood at the bow of the ship, his gaze sharp as a knife beneath the orange brim of his hat, scanning the latter half of this legendary final sea, a battle-ready smile playing on his lips.
"The new world...I'm here!"
"Whitebeard... just wait! Once I defeat you, I will be the strongest in the world!"
The flag of the Spade Pirates fluttered in the winds of the New World, announcing that a super rookie had officially stepped into the arena of the strongest!