We need to understand everything from starting because the tragedy of Portgas D. Ace didn’t begin at Marineford. It started long before with a betrayal. Yes, you heard it right a betrayal not one from his friends, not from his real family, not from marines but by a crewmate Marshall D. Teach aka Blackbeard, who killed the Legendary Whitebeard to steal the Yami Yami no Mi, he violated the crew’s most sacred rule by killing one of his crew members at WB Pirates when he was there. Ace, as commander of the Second Division took it personally. He felt responsible for allowing Blackbeard to rise under his watch and he pursued him out of duty and pride. Time passed and then started
Blackbeard vs Ace’s Story
They finally clashed on Banaro Island. Ace’s had powerful Mera Mera no Mi (Flame-Flame Fruit) abilities, despite Ace putting up a fierce fight and nearly bringing Blackbeard at points, his darkness powers completely neutralized Ace’s flames. Once Teach got close, he used his insane physical strength to crush Ace and deliver the final blow. The Devil Fruit nullifer— Blackbeard’s Yami Yami no Mi is considered one of the Most Mysterious Devil Fruits. The battle was fierce but Blackbeard ultimately won, capturing Ace and handing him over to the Marines to secure a position as a Warlord of the Sea. That moment set the world on fire.
What’s More Worse – The Real Reason behind Death
One Pirate being captured by another Pirate and then getting hand over to marine isn’t just a normal thing in itself, plus in case of Ace, its totally abnormal to even think of it, only if you know his past because Ace isn’t just a pirate— he was the son of Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King. This bloodline alone made him dangerous in the eyes of the World Government even if he himself never chased power like his father did. When Sengoku revealed Ace’s lineage at Marineford, it became clear that this execution isn’t about Ace’s actions alone otherwise government could have done it silently and avoid all the possible known mess. Execution was truly about erasing a legacy. To the World Government, Ace was a symbol, a living reminder that the will of Roger and possibly the Will of D hadn’t died yet. Killing Ace was their way of showing the world “We’re still in charge.”
On top of his heritage, with a bounty of 550 Million Berries, Ace is the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates [one of the most feared crews in the world) capturing him isn’t just luck, it is a tactical well planned, well played strike. By executing him, Marines aimed to provoke Whitebeard and crush the great pirate era’s morale, also eliminate a potential future Pirate King. If truly you ask, they got more than they bargained for, its a three down with one shot opportunity.
How Ace Actually Died
On the final day Ace’s execution was ordered by the World Government specifically under the authority of Fleet Admiral Sengoku and the Five Elders (Gorosei). Things started to heat as soon as WB arrived with his fleet and Sengoku finally reveal that Ace was the son of Gol D. Roger.
One thing got clear after his announcement: This execution wasn’t just about punishing a pirate rather it is about killing a legacy.The World Government wanted to send a message to all pirates and revolutionaries “Even the Pirate King’s son isn’t safe.”
Finally the marineford battle started, Ace got lucky because Luffy with help from Whitebeard’s crew and other allies reached the execution platform and successfully freed him. For a brief moment, it felt like victory, Ace unchained, standing beside Luffy and ready to escape.
So, was he saved ?
Technically, yes for a moment but in reality, No. He dies protecting his little brother. It’s one of the most painful “almost wins” in anime history. Freed from chains, only to fall seconds later. That’s what makes Ace’s death so unforgettable.
The tragedy happened this way— Admiral Akainu provoked Ace by insulting Whitebeard. As a man, true to his pride and loyalty, he turned back to fight instead of running. In that moment, Akainu attacked aiming at Luffy & Ace blocked the hit, taking the fatal blow through his chest, which resulted in his death.
What if Moment – was his death Avoidable ?
Yes, Ace could’ve been spared, if he just hid his identity or if Garp had stepped in more forcefully, it wouldn’t have come to this. But Really Ace was never the type to run or hide. He chose to live freely and when captured, he accepted the consequences. The tragedy is, he was caught in a war much bigger than himself.
Finally we can conclude Ace’s execution wasn’t personal, it was political. A power move by the World Government. In trying to kill a legacy, they sparked a greater one. In that moment—when Luffy screamed, Whitebeard raged, Ace smiled before dying and the world realized something: the Will of D. dont die that easily.