"Stop. What do you think you're doing?"
Just as Luo Lan spoke, he startled Robin.
"Ahem... I meant, you wouldn't want to miss the third Poneglyph, would you?"
The third Poneglyph?
Robin's eyes widened.
Back in Alabasta, during the seven days they waited for Crocodile, Luo Lan had already taken her to see two Poneglyphs. And now she was talking about a third one?
"Wait... you mean there's one on Skypiea?"
"Yes. It's embedded in the base of the Golden Bell. But getting to Skypiea..."
Luo Lan quickly listed several methods to reach the Sky Island.
"Aside from building an aircraft or stealing the Golden Lion's Devil Fruit, the rest are far too risky."
After a moment of thought, Robin responded. "I agree."
It was in line with Luo Lan's own thoughts.
"Exactly. That's why I need your intel division to start moving. Search for the Golden Lion's whereabouts in the East Blue. I'm also transferring Viola to assist you temporarily."
"How do you know the Golden Lion is in the East Blue?"
"Someone told me. I don't know for sure, but it's the only lead we have right now."
Luo Lan shrugged casually.
He wasn't lying. The Golden Lion had indeed escaped from prison. But whether he was currently in East Blue was uncertain.
After all, it was still nearly two years before the main story began.
It was just a possibility.
If they could find him—great. Maybe they could take him down while he was weak.
And if not? No big deal. They'd just ride Luffy's narrative power when the time came.
---
A few days later.
Ace arrived at Windmill Village via a small submarine.
Of course, he didn't reveal his true identity. He was dressed in Jun Lin's uniform and wore a mask.
All the villagers kept their distance, wary and fearful.
After all, in recent days, the World Government had been spreading news about Jun Lin's atrocities across East Blue—especially about how they allegedly massacred thousands on a volcanic island.
Wanted posters of Luo Lan and his core members were even plastered around the village.
Ace found it all pretty amusing. After all, Rhodes Island had already moved into the Calm Belt, outside of the News Coo's usual route.
So he hadn't seen the latest bounties yet.
Until now.
400 million—Dead or Alive.
He stopped and stared at his own wanted poster.
Ace frowned.
This doesn't even look like me... and 400 million? That's it? That's all I'm worth?
But then he saw the poster next to his and immediately felt better.
Heh, 200 million more than that seaweed-haired guy.
As for Luo Lan's 1.5 billion and Hina's 800 million...
He had no complaints. He knew he couldn't beat them.
But that clingy woman who's always snuggling with Ian—1.2 billion? Seriously?
Was the Navy brain-dead?
Sure, she was dangerous at long range, but if you got close, she was toast.
Why was her bounty three times higher than his?!
Frustrated, Ace ripped Baby 5's wanted poster off the wall and shredded it.
Nearby villagers scattered.
They were terrified this demon—rumored to kill without blinking—would suddenly go berserk.
Ace sighed at their reaction.
Jun Lin had never harmed a single civilian, yet this was how they were seen...
Just then, a figure stepped in front of him.
"So you're the villain everyone's been talking about? The ruthless killer?"
"I won't let you hurt anyone in Windmill Village—not while I'm here!"
Seriously? This loudmouth was... Luffy?
Perfect timing. It had been a while since Ace last roughed him up.
Beneath his mask, Ace smirked—and then—
Boom!
Luffy flew through the air like a broken kite.
Even Ace was a bit dumbfounded.
I only used half my strength… Why was it so dramatic?
He had completely forgotten how powerful he had become.
Half his strength now?
According to his last power-level test before leaving Rhodes Island, his "Doriki" was nearly 5000.
So half of that... was still over 2400.
That was more than post-timeskip Kaku!
Of course a casual kick would launch Luffy like a rocket.
Swish—
Ace used Soru to instantly appear dozens of meters away and checked on Luffy.
"Sorry! I didn't realize I was this strong now. Next time I'll only use 10%."
If Luffy weren't such a blockhead, he'd have been furious at that comment.
"That hurt! Just like Grandpa's punches!"
Luffy rubbed his arm and yelled, "You jerk! I was just caught off guard! Let's go again!"
Boom.
"...Oops. I did it again."
Ace looked at the new crater in the ground, speechless.
Old habits died hard. The only difference now was that he was ten times stronger.
Poor Luffy was just unlucky.
But hey, he wouldn't die. No need to worry.
Time to grab a bite at Makino's. It's been ages—he missed that place.
Ignoring the crater (and Luffy), Ace walked toward the heart of the village.
---
Moments later, the villagers cautiously approached the crater.
"Wow... He slapped Luffy into the ground like a rag doll."
"Quit gawking! Go get shovels and dig him out!"
"Right! Someone notify the village chief—and have them contact Vice Admiral Garp!"
"Tell him his grandson's getting beaten to death!"
The area descended into chaos.
Just then, a hand shot out of the crater, grabbing the edge.
Who else could it be but Luffy?
"You're okay! Thank goodness!"
"Yeah, we were really worried!"
The villagers swarmed him with concern and chatter.
"Where'd that guy go?"
"That way!" a villager pointed.
Without another word, Luffy launched into a full sprint, kicking up a trail of dust.
---
Ace pushed open the door and stepped into the familiar bar.
"One seafood fried rice, please."
"Coming right up!" the bartender called out cheerfully—then froze.
"...That voice... Ace?"
Makino covered her mouth in disbelief.
Ace paused too.
Seriously? No one—not even my dumb brother—recognized me... but Makino does in one second?
He slowly removed his mask.
"Makino, long time no see."
---
Currently at chapter 410 on Ko-Fi
https:// ko-fi.com/sami27