Born on January 1st, the 20 year old Pirate King’s Son with an astonishing height of 185 cm (6’1″) was previously the owner of Mera Mera no Mi (flame-flame fruit). A Logia type fruit that grants the user control over fire element. Yes, you read it right, he’s the previous user of this fruit. The second user of this Devil Fruit is now his Sabo (Ace’s Brother) not by blood but by birth. Read below how every moment of his life is just a mere tragedy.
The Son of the Pirate King
Portgas D. Ace was the only child of Gol D. Roger, born into a legacy and tragedy. His mother, Portgas D. Rouge kept him hidden in her womb for an incredible 20 months, sacrificing her own life to protect him from the World Government’s relentless hunt for the Pirate King’s heir. Being son of Gol D. Roger, a name enough to make him a target before he ever drew breath made him a criminal in the eyes of World Government. After his mother’s death, Vice Admiral Garp fulfilling a promise to Roger, took Ace into his care. He placed him under the watch of Dadan (Lady who take care of Luffy as a mother), a bandit in the Goa Kingdom, keeping both boys out of the pirate life but fate had other plans.
Childhood Full of Fire and Fury
Ace grew up with a honor more of burden on his shoulder resenting his heritage, feeling the weight of being Roger’s son and believing the world hated him for it. As a child he was strong, defiant and fiercely protective towards Luffy ( his sworn brother). Together with Sabo, all three dreamed of setting sail and living free but tragedy struck early. Sabo was oldest among all, which according to thier promise, he will sail first but tragedy stuck early. On his day of departure, a Celestial Dragon shot him and he was presumed dead. This loss further fueled the fire in Ace’s heart, a determination to grow strong enough to protect those he loved and to make his own path, one separate from Roger’s legacy.
The Rise of Fire Fist Ace
Ace eventually set sail and ate the Mera Mera no Mi during his journey. He quickly made a name for himself, which later helped him to become the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. His loyalty towards Whitebeard wasn’t just about power but as a father figure who accepted him. WB crew was the only one of a kind in One Piece, who represent themselves as a Family not as a crew because just like Ace, the most of the members had a bad past. Only those were accepted who are in hunt for a family not treasure. To them One Piece is One Family. Ace’s charm, strength and sense of honor made him a respected pirate and a beloved comrade. Finally, when everything started turning into his favor, again life took a turning point like badluck never left him alone.
The Hunt for Blackbeard Started
When Blackbeard (Marshall D. Teach) killed Ace’s crewmate ‘Thatch’, he set sail alone to hunt him down. The hunt was justified under “no killing crewmate” rule. Finally both faced each other on Banaro Island, fight was fierce but Blackbeard’s Yami Yami no Mi powers overpowered Ace’s flames and he was captured. Blackbeard handed Ace to the World Government, in return for a position as a Warlord. This act set the base for chain of events that led to the Marineford War.
The Tragedy of Marineford
Ace’s capture announced throughout the world. The Marines planned his public execution as a show of strength and control. Whitebeard’s fleet and Luffy’s allies from Impel Down launched an all out attack on Marineford to save him. In mid war, Luffy reached Ace and freed him from his chains but Ace’s pride got the better of him. When Akainu insulted Whitebeard, Ace turned back to fight. In that fateful moment, Akainu struck and Ace shielded Luffy, taking a fatal blow through his chest.
Also Read: How Ace Got Executed Even When Everything Turned Into Favor
Ace’s Last Moments Before Death
As he lay dying in Luffy’s arms his final words were filled with regret and love. He thanked Luffy for loving him despite his bloodline and expressed his happiness at having true friends. His last words were, “Thank you for loving me” captured the heart of One Piece fans worldwide.
The Unmatched Legacy
Ace’s death wasn’t the end of his story. It was a beginning of a new era that inspired Luffy to grow stronger. This ignited the rise of the Worst Generation and left a permanent scar on the world. His Mera Mera no Mi was later passed to his brother Sabo, symbolizing that Ace’s will still burns on.
Ace’s life was a tragic but symbol of true story of love, anger and redemption. Born from a man who changed the world, he spent his life trying to escape that shadow. But in the end, he found his place not as Roger’s son but as Portgas D. Ace, brother, friend & the man who made the ultimate sacrifice.