A man was fighting in a rocky, barren plain. An arrogant bandit troop had attempted to rob him, thinking he was a lone traveler and easy mark.
"What is this guy!?"
"How can he turn into fire like that!?"
"I can't hit him!"
It was utter chaos. Bullets and swords went through the man, coming out the other side as useless, glowing metal lumps. He lobbed fireballs and shot flames. Men burned and weapons melted, but nothing they did could stop him.
Soon the bandits had fled, carrying their injured comrades.
The man smirked as he watched them run. He was wearing an orange hat, but no shirt. Tatooed on his back was the symbol of the infamous Yonko, Whitebeard.
He was the pirate known as Fire Fist Ace.
"Well then, I should get going," Ace said as he turned to leave.
"Hey you!"
An unexpected voice stopped him. Ace looked back, and saw a scarf-wearing teenager with pink hair.
Ace frowned.
"What is it? Do you want something?"
"Yeah! I heard about some powerful fire dude in the area. You're him, right? Fire Fist?"
Ace was suspicious. The kid didn't look like a Marine, and he didn't recognize him from any wanted posters.
"Yes I am. What about it?"
The pink-haired teen grinned. "Perfect! I am Natsu Dragneel from Fairy Tail, and I challenge you to a fight!"
Without warning, Natsu leaped at Ace, his hand cloaked in fire. The sound of a fist striking flesh echoed across the plain.
"Hmmm."
Ace looked down at the unconscious dragon slayer. "Well he has enthusiasm, and he seems somewhat skilled, but I really don't know why he was attacking me."
He pondered it for a second, then shrugged.
"Ah well, it's not like it matters." Ace smiled as he started to walk away again. "He actually reminds me of a certain brother of mine. I wonder how that idiot is doing right now?"