Ace, Portgas D. Ace, tragically dies in episode 573 of the anime series One Piece. This pivotal moment, deeply ingrained in the memories of One Piece fans worldwide, marks a turning point in the story and profoundly impacts the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. This article will explore the events leading up to Ace’s death, the circumstances surrounding it, and the enduring legacy of this heartbreaking loss.
The Summit War and Ace’s Imprisonment
The saga of Ace’s demise is inextricably linked to the Summit War of Marineford, a cataclysmic battle between the World Government and the Whitebeard Pirates. This war erupted due to Ace’s capture and impending execution. His crime? Being the son of the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.
The Pursuit of Blackbeard
Ace’s journey to Marineford began with his pursuit of Marshall D. Teach, also known as Blackbeard. Teach, a former member of Whitebeard’s crew, committed the ultimate sin by murdering a comrade and stealing the Yami Yami no Mi (Dark-Dark Fruit). Ace, as the commander of the 2nd division of the Whitebeard Pirates, felt obligated to bring Blackbeard to justice. This pursuit led to a fierce battle where Ace was ultimately defeated and handed over to the World Government.
Ace’s Lineage Revealed
News of Ace’s capture quickly spread throughout the world. The World Government saw this as an opportunity to strike a decisive blow against the pirates and publicly announced Ace’s impending execution. Adding fuel to the fire, they revealed Ace’s true lineage, confirming that he was the son of Gol D. Roger. This revelation further solidified the World Government’s resolve to eliminate Ace, viewing him as a threat to their authority. The confirmation sent shockwaves through the world, adding immense weight to the upcoming execution.
The Battle of Marineford: A Desperate Rescue Mission
The Whitebeard Pirates, determined to save their comrade, launched a full-scale assault on Marineford, the headquarters of the Marines. The ensuing battle was one of the most epic and devastating confrontations in the entire One Piece series.
Whitebeard’s Arrival and the Earth-Shattering Power
Led by the legendary Edward Newgate, also known as Whitebeard, the strongest man in the world, the Whitebeard Pirates arrived at Marineford with a fleet of allied pirate crews. Whitebeard’s Gura Gura no Mi (Tremor-Tremor Fruit), capable of creating earthquakes, was a formidable weapon that threatened to destroy Marineford.
Luffy’s Intervention and the Race Against Time
Amidst the chaos of the battle, Monkey D. Luffy arrived at Marineford with his own crew and allies, driven by an unwavering determination to rescue his brother. Luffy’s presence added another layer of complexity to the conflict, as he fought his way through the ranks of the Marines, facing powerful adversaries at every turn. The battle became a desperate race against time as Luffy and his allies struggled to reach Ace before his execution.
The Heartbreaking Conclusion: Ace’s Sacrifice
Despite the valiant efforts of the Whitebeard Pirates and Luffy’s crew, Ace’s fate was tragically sealed. His death remains one of the most impactful and emotionally charged moments in One Piece history.
Akainu’s Provocation and Ace’s Defense
As Ace was being freed, Admiral Akainu launched a verbal attack, taunting Whitebeard and questioning his legacy. Ace, unable to bear the insult to his adoptive father, stopped in his tracks and engaged Akainu in a heated battle.
Protecting Luffy: A Moment of Unwavering Brotherhood
In a devastating turn of events, Akainu targeted Luffy with a fatal blow. Ace, without hesitation, leaped in front of his younger brother, taking the full force of Akainu’s magma fist. The attack pierced Ace’s chest, resulting in a wound that would ultimately prove fatal. With a final, heartfelt message to Luffy and his pirate comrades, Ace passed away, leaving a void in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ace’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Ace’s death in One Piece:
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Was Ace’s death planned from the beginning of the series? While it’s difficult to say with certainty whether Ace’s death was planned from the very beginning, it’s widely believed that it was a crucial plot point that Oda, the creator of One Piece, had in mind for quite some time. The thematic weight and impact on Luffy’s character development suggest a carefully considered narrative choice.
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Could Ace have been saved? Given the nature of Akainu’s attack and the severity of the injury, it’s highly unlikely that Ace could have been saved. The Magu Magu no Mi (Magma-Magma Fruit) is known for its destructive power, and the attack directly targeted a vital organ.
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How did Ace’s death affect Luffy? Ace’s death had a profound impact on Luffy, causing him immense grief and forcing him to confront his own weaknesses. It led to a period of intense training and self-reflection, ultimately shaping him into a stronger and more capable pirate. The loss motivated Luffy to protect his remaining crew and become strong enough to protect those he cares about.
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What was the significance of Ace’s last words? Ace’s final words, “Thank you for loving me,” were a powerful expression of gratitude to those who cared for him, including Whitebeard, Luffy, and his crewmates. They reflected his acceptance of his fate and his appreciation for the bonds he had formed during his life.
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Why did Ace stop to fight Akainu instead of escaping? Ace’s pride and loyalty to Whitebeard prevented him from allowing Akainu’s insult to go unchallenged. He couldn’t stand by and let someone denigrate the man he considered his father. This unwavering loyalty, while admirable, ultimately contributed to his demise.
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What role did Shanks play in the Summit War? Shanks arrived at Marineford towards the end of the battle, preventing further bloodshed and bringing an end to the conflict. His presence served as a deterrent to the remaining forces, signaling the end of the war and allowing the Whitebeard Pirates and Luffy to escape.
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How did Whitebeard react to Ace’s death? Whitebeard was devastated by Ace’s death, fueling his rage and determination to bring down the World Government. He fought relentlessly until his own death, ensuring that the Whitebeard Pirates could escape and carry on his legacy.
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Did Ace have a Devil Fruit? Yes, Ace possessed the Mera Mera no Mi (Flame-Flame Fruit), which allowed him to create, control, and transform into fire at will. This ability made him a formidable opponent in battle.
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Who eventually inherits Ace’s Devil Fruit power? The Mera Mera no Mi is eventually found and consumed by Sabo, Luffy and Ace’s adopted brother. This allows Sabo to continue Ace’s legacy and fight alongside Luffy.
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What is the significance of Ace’s tattoo? Ace’s tattoo initially appears to read “ASCE,” however, the ‘S’ is crossed out. The prevailing theory is that this is a tribute to Sabo, who was initially thought to be dead. He remains with them in spirit.
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Is Ace’s death considered one of the most impactful moments in One Piece? Absolutely. Ace’s death is widely regarded as one of the most significant and emotionally resonant moments in One Piece. It served as a major turning point in the story, influencing Luffy’s character development and shaping the events that followed.
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How long after Ace’s death does Luffy recover from the trauma? Luffy undergoes intense training with Rayleigh for two years, after which he is ready to set sail again. While the trauma of Ace’s death will likely stay with Luffy, he learns to cope with it and channel his grief into determination to protect his friends.
The Legacy of a Fire Fist
Ace’s death, though tragic, served as a catalyst for significant changes in the One Piece world. It spurred Luffy to grow stronger, highlighted the corruption within the World Government, and underscored the importance of brotherhood and loyalty. The “Fire Fist” may be extinguished, but his flame continues to burn brightly in the hearts of those who loved him and in the ongoing saga of One Piece. His memory is a constant reminder to Luffy of the importance of protecting his friends and pursuing his dream of becoming the Pirate King.