Chapter 89: Sabo's Alive!.

"Revolutionary Army?"

Ace looked at Chiga in confusion. He hadn't heard much about the organization and didn't understand why Chiga had brought it up.

Without explaining further, Chiga glanced at Luffy and said calmly, "Sabo was saved by the leader of the Revolutionary Army. His name is Monkey D. Dragon... and he's this guy's father."

"Luffy's father!?"

Ace turned sharply toward Luffy, shocked—only to find Luffy just as bewildered. He clearly had no idea who his father was either. In the original story, he only learned about Dragon after setting out to sea and meeting Garp, who casually mentioned it.

Luffy had always been... unique. Growing up without even being curious about who his father was? That was just classic Luffy.

But Ace didn't dwell on that now. All that mattered was what he'd just learned: Sabo was alive.

He didn't question whether Chiga was telling the truth. In Ace's eyes, someone as strong and composed as Chiga had no reason to lie to kids like them.

Ace suddenly stepped forward and hugged Luffy tightly, tears spilling freely. His voice trembled with raw emotion.

"Luffy, did you hear that? Sabo's alive! He didn't die! Your dad saved him!"

Luffy blinked, still confused, but Ace's hug pulled him back to reality. In an instant, he broke down too—snot and tears running as the two cried their hearts out in each other's arms.

"Waaahhh! My dad's actually a good guy!"

"…"

They hugged for a while, letting the emotions run their course. When things finally settled down, Ace wiped his eyes and stepped forward with a grateful look.

Facing Chiga, he bowed slightly. "Thank you, sir. Sabo means everything to us. Just knowing he's alive... there's nothing better. I won't chase the pirate dream anymore. I'll stay in Windmill Village forever."

Chiga waved a hand dismissively. "No need to throw your life away. Go find the Revolutionary Army like I said. You might discover your true purpose there. But—don't mention me."

Ace quickly nodded. He understood.

Chiga had his reasons for pointing Ace toward the Revolutionary Army. They were the primary force opposing the World Government, which worked perfectly in his favor. They'd divert attention from Chiga while he focused on his own goals.

Besides, with Sabo there, Ace wouldn't be alone. Their bond would protect them both from repeating past tragedies.

Among those idealists, Ace might finally find the belonging he'd always been missing.

Chiga sighed softly. One problem child dealt with. Now only Luffy remained.

He stared at the boy until Luffy shivered a little, then looked away.

Chiga shook his head. With a personality like Luffy's, unless he planted Kotoamatsukami on him, it was better to let fate play out.

Even after threatening him with "dismemberment," Luffy had managed to fall asleep. How do you fix a one-track mind like that?

Let him walk his own path. Let him stir up chaos in Mariejois. And besides, Chiga wanted the Summit War to happen. It would be the perfect chance to harvest powerful Devil Fruits.

(I'm wondering how the summit war would happen if ace didn't join WB Pirates.)

As for the breakout at Impel Down... heh. Killing a few high-profile prisoners while "quelling the chaos" would be completely justified.

Stretching, Chiga felt strangely tired. Teaching reckless kids really was draining.

Ace looked at him, then realized something.

"I don't even know your name," Ace said suddenly. "What should I call you?"

"…Uchiha Chiga."

With that, Chiga's figure vanished—disappearing right in front of their eyes. The world fell silent again, save for the soft crackling of the campfire.

Luffy stared blankly. "Ace, do you know that guy?"

Ace didn't answer immediately. He just kept staring at the spot where Chiga had vanished.

He knew that name.

Uchiha Chiga. A Marine Vice Admiral. Monstrous strength.

The label reminded Ace of Garp.

But Chiga didn't even look that much older than them. Even the proud Ace found it hard to grasp.

A wild idea flashed through Ace's mind: what if he joined the Marines and followed Chiga?

But no—Chiga had already pointed him toward the Revolutionary Army. There must've been a reason for that. And Sabo was there too.

Luffy tugged on his sleeve again. "Ace? Why aren't you saying anything?"

Ace came back to his senses and turned to Luffy with a soft smile—so warm it actually startled him.

"I'm fine. But becoming Pirate King... that's your dream now, Luffy. I'm going to find my own path."

"Huh? Where are you going?"

"To meet your dad. I want to see what kind of group the Revolutionary Army really is."

---

The next morning, Chiga returned to Makino's bar.

When she saw him, Makino's face lit up with a warm smile. Some of the regulars stopped drinking and stared, mesmerized by the gentle aura she gave off.

She walked over lightly, hands behind her back, and greeted him with a cheerful, "You're here! Come on, have a seat. What'll you have today?"

Seeing her like that, Chiga chuckled. "Orange juice, please."

"Got it! Just a moment!"

Soon, Makino returned with a large glass of orange juice and placed it in front of him. Then she leaned on the counter, watching him sip slowly, a soft look in her eyes.

After a while, she asked, "How are Luffy and Ace doing?"

"They're fine. They've moved on. Ace is different now—stronger in spirit."

"Really!? You're amazing! I admire you more and more... and you're still so young!"

"You're amazing too. This juice is perfect."

"Hehe, then you better come more often!"

"I will. I didn't bring any money today, though. Here—take this. If you're ever in danger, just call my name."

He pulled out a Flying Thunder God kunai from his coat and handed it to her. He genuinely respected Makino and wanted her to have a safeguard.

Makino tried to refuse—she didn't even want to take money from him, let alone something like this.

But Chiga insisted, and eventually, she accepted it and tucked it into her pocket.

Seeing that, Chiga nodded, satisfied. With that, his last task in Windmill Village was complete.

As he stood, Makino's expression shifted. "Are you... leaving?"

"Yes. I've stayed long enough. There are other things I need to take care of."

"Is it dangerous?"

"Not really. Just an old guy I need to catch. Might show up in the papers soon."

"Then I'll be sure to keep an eye on the news!"

After finishing the juice, Chiga walked out of the bar. He paused at the doorway, glanced at the clear sky, and looked back at her.

"It's going to rain soon. Don't forget your umbrella when you head out."

And with that, his figure flickered and vanished at the door.

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