[One Piece] Ace Is Reborn Before Blackbeard's Betrayal

After death, Ace isn't free. He follows Luffy, Sabo, Marco... the people still alive, continuing their journey, but all he can do is watch as his former companions drift apart and... die.

It's all his fault. Ace can't stop thinking it. It's all his fault.

No one can see him. No one can speak to him. Not even his dead companions have come to see him.

Do they hate him? Ace can't stop thinking it. Well, of course they do. He's too weak.

He can't think like that.

He tries to laugh along with Luffy, pretend to talk with Sabo, and brag to Marco about his little brother. They all love him, and he loves them too, so he won't let himself fall into despair. He knows that the ones who survived are suffering even more than he is.

He doesn't know how long it takes, but he notices time skipping. He starts to lose consciousness now and then. Is his time almost up? Ace wonders. That might be for the best. If Pops is still willing to see him, he'll definitely apologize.

Then one day, he wakes up to find himself staring at Marco. Once he realizes the other man can see him, he can't react for a moment. The first thing he says is, "How'd you die too, Marco? You're the guy who could take on two billion-berry pirates by himself. Who killed you?"

Then he throws his arms around him. The tears he's held back for so many years suddenly start pouring out. "I'm sorry I couldn't stay alive. I'm sorry I ruined everything..." It's all my fault... But thank you for remembering me. Thank you for coming to see me. Thank you for always loving me, just as I am.

Meanwhile, the perfectly alive Phoenix aboard the ship: ...?

Don't do that, brother. You're kind of scaring me.

*

I just want to indulge in a broken-down Ace and the Whitebeard Pirates doting on him... Why aren't there more reborn Ace stories? Wouldn't that be great...

This happy-ending worldline is dedicated to the Whitebeard Pirates' brightest flame, Ace.

Theme: Everything will begin again