Sabo doesn’t learn about Ace’s death until after he recovers his memories, which happens during the Dressrosa Arc. Specifically, he overhears the news report detailing Luffy’s actions and the announcement of Doflamingo’s defeat, triggering fragmented memories, including the devastating revelation of Ace’s demise at the Marineford War.
The Aftermath of Marineford: A World in Mourning
The Marineford Arc, a pivotal point in the One Piece narrative, left a lasting scar on the world and its characters. The public execution of Portgas D. Ace, followed by the all-out war between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines, irrevocably changed the power balance and set the stage for Luffy’s continued growth. However, one crucial aspect remained shrouded in mystery for quite some time: Sabo’s reaction.
Sabo, thought to be dead since his childhood, had been alive and well, albeit with amnesia, in the Revolutionary Army. He’d lost all recollection of his past, including his deep bond with Luffy and Ace. The news of Ace’s death, therefore, never initially reached him in a way that resonated. He was simply another Revolutionary soldier, fighting for a better world, completely unaware of the personal tragedy that had struck his sworn brother.
The Dressrosa Arc: Triggering the Lost Memories
The Dressrosa Arc is where the pieces finally fall into place. As Sabo gains more power within the Revolutionary Army, he becomes more prominent in the world stage. His involvement in the Coliseum tournament, adopting the alias “Lucy” (originally Luffy’s identity), brings him closer to the Straw Hat Pirates and the news surrounding Luffy.
Overhearing the News: A Flood of Emotions
The catalyst for Sabo’s memory recovery is a news report detailing Luffy’s actions in Dressrosa, particularly his conflict with Doflamingo and the subsequent defeat of the Warlord. The mention of Luffy’s name, combined with the intense emotions surrounding the conflict, triggers fragmented memories in Sabo’s mind.
The fragmented memories gradually coalesce, and he begins to remember his childhood, his sworn brotherhood with Luffy and Ace, and the bond they shared. The realization of Ace’s death hits him like a ton of bricks, causing him immense grief and pain. This moment is crucial because it motivates Sabo to dedicate himself even further to protecting Luffy and fulfilling Ace’s will. It also gives him a deeper understanding of his own purpose within the Revolutionary Army.
Sabo’s Reaction: Grief and Determination
Sabo’s reaction to learning about Ace’s death is a complex mix of grief, anger, and unwavering determination. He is devastated by the loss of his brother, a pain compounded by the years of amnesia that prevented him from grieving earlier. However, he channels this pain into a renewed sense of purpose. He vows to protect Luffy and to continue fighting for the ideals that Ace held dear. This experience strengthens his resolve and makes him an even more formidable figure within the Revolutionary Army.
FAQs: Unpacking the Details
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Sabo’s discovery of Ace’s death, providing further insights and clarity.
FAQ 1: Was Sabo aware of Luffy’s existence before Dressrosa?
No, Sabo was completely unaware of Luffy’s existence. Due to his amnesia, he had no memory of his childhood or his sworn brotherhood with Luffy and Ace. The Dressrosa Arc was the first time he learned of Luffy’s survival and activities.
FAQ 2: Why didn’t anyone in the Revolutionary Army tell Sabo about Ace’s death sooner?
The Revolutionary Army likely didn’t know about Sabo’s connection to Ace and Luffy. Since Sabo had amnesia, he couldn’t provide any information about his past. Furthermore, even if someone had known about Ace’s death, they might have hesitated to bring up potentially traumatic information that could further destabilize Sabo’s memory.
FAQ 3: Did Sabo attend Ace’s funeral?
No, Sabo did not attend Ace’s funeral. By the time he regained his memories, Ace had already been buried. Attending the funeral would have also been incredibly dangerous, given the presence of powerful Marine forces and the unstable political climate.
FAQ 4: How did Ace’s death affect Sabo’s relationship with Luffy?
Ace’s death deeply strengthened Sabo’s relationship with Luffy. He feels a strong sense of responsibility to protect Luffy and ensure his safety. He views Luffy as his remaining brother and is willing to go to any lengths to support his dreams.
FAQ 5: What specific episode does Sabo regain his memories and learn about Ace’s death?
Sabo begins to regain his memories in Episode 663 of the One Piece anime. His full memory recovery and the realization of Ace’s death are shown in Episode 664.
FAQ 6: How did Dragon, Sabo’s superior in the Revolutionary Army, react to this news?
Dragon, being a calm and collected individual, likely understood the significance of Sabo’s memory recovery and the impact of Ace’s death on him. While his reaction isn’t explicitly shown, it can be inferred that he offered Sabo his support and allowed him to process his grief. Dragon likely also recognized that this experience would further motivate Sabo in his fight against the World Government.
FAQ 7: Could Sabo have saved Ace if he had regained his memories sooner?
This is a hypothetical scenario, but it’s highly unlikely. The Marineford War was a massive, meticulously planned operation by the World Government. Even with Sabo’s strength and skills, it would have been incredibly difficult to infiltrate Marineford and rescue Ace, especially considering the presence of powerful figures like the Admirals and Sengoku.
FAQ 8: What impact did this event have on Sabo’s character development?
Learning about Ace’s death was a defining moment for Sabo, drastically shaping his character. It solidified his determination to fight for a better world and protect those he cares about. This experience also made him more empathetic and understanding, allowing him to connect with others on a deeper level.
FAQ 9: How does Sabo’s fighting style reflect his grief and determination?
Sabo’s fighting style, which incorporates Haki and the Dragon Claw technique, is aggressive and powerful. This reflects his unwavering determination to overcome any obstacle and protect his loved ones. The grief and pain he experienced after learning about Ace’s death likely fuel his fighting spirit and make him an even more formidable opponent.
FAQ 10: How did Sabo deal with the guilt of not being there for Ace?
Sabo likely struggled with a considerable amount of guilt for not being there to help Ace. This guilt, however, fueled his desire to protect Luffy and ensure that he wouldn’t experience the same fate as Ace. He channels this guilt into positive action, working tirelessly to dismantle the oppressive systems of the World Government.
FAQ 11: What is the significance of Sabo inheriting Ace’s Mera Mera no Mi (Flame-Flame Fruit)?
Sabo inheriting Ace’s Devil Fruit is a symbolic act of carrying on Ace’s will and legacy. It allows Sabo to fight with Ace’s powers and to continue representing the ideals that Ace stood for. It also signifies a continuation of the brotherhood between Sabo, Ace, and Luffy.
FAQ 12: Beyond Luffy, what does Sabo hope to achieve as a member of the Revolutionary Army?
Sabo aims to overthrow the World Government and create a world free from oppression and injustice. He believes in the power of freedom and equality and is willing to fight for these ideals alongside the Revolutionary Army. Ace’s death further solidified his commitment to this cause, making him an even more dedicated and passionate revolutionary. He wants to ensure that no one else suffers the same fate as Ace due to the corruption and tyranny of the World Government.