A old life burned out a new life reborn
A/N- just an idea I had, I hope you enjoy if you decide to read this
The sky was ablaze with the fierce hues of war as the world around Portgas D. Ace faded into a swirling, chaotic blur. The deafening roar of flames still echoed in his ears, the remnants of the cataclysmic battle that had just unfolded. His body ached, every fiber of his being scorched by the searing flames that had consumed him moments ago. Yet, he had no regrets.
Ace lay on his back, gazing up at the ethereal canvas above. The heavens seemed to be painted with hues of red, orange, and gold, as if the gods themselves were mourning his impending demise. The world around him was a wasteland, a battlefield strewn with the wreckage of his final battle. Smoke hung in the air, a melancholic veil that obscured the distant horizon.
His eyes, once blazing with the fiery determination that had defined his life, were now clouded with resignation. He knew that his end was near, that the flames of his existence would soon flicker and fade. But he had no fear, only a profound sense of duty fulfilled.
Ace's thoughts turned to his brother, Monkey D. Luffy, in whom's arms he rested at that moment. The boy who carried their family's legacy upon his shoulders. He had always believed in Luffy, had sacrificed everything to protect him. The memory of their first meeting flooded his mind - a scrawny, determined kid with a straw hat and a dream that seemed impossible. Ace had seen something special in Luffy from the very beginning, a spark of destiny that had ignited his own path.
As he closed his eyes, Ace felt the weight of his love for Luffy settle upon his chest. It was a love that transcended blood, a bond forged in the crucible of their shared dreams. He knew that Luffy was destined to be the Pirate King, and he had given his life to ensure that dream would live on.
But even as he embraced his impending fate, Ace's mind was flooded with vivid images of his life. Faces and places danced before his eyes like fragments of a dream. He saw the smiling face of his childhood friend, Sabo, and the painful memory of Sabo's death. The pain of that loss had been seared into his heart, but it had also fueled his resolve.
Then there was Yamato, the enigmatic warrior he had encountered in the heart of Wano. Ace had been drawn to her strength and determination, seeing a kindred spirit in her quest for freedom. Their fierce battle had been a testament to their unwavering beliefs.
But it was the memory of his battle against Blackbeard that weighed heaviest on his mind. The man who had taken everything from him, who had ignited the flames of this final confrontation. The clash of their powers had been cataclysmic, the very earth shaking beneath their feet.
As Ace's life began to slip away, he heard a voice. It was distant and faint, like a whisper carried on the wind. "Do you want another shot, Ace?" The voice seemed to come from within his own mind, a tantalizing offer in the midst of his final moments.
Ace's eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, he hesitated. The prospect of another chance at life, a chance to see his brother's dream realized, was tempting. But then he remembered the cost, the sacrifices he had already made. With a quiet resolve, he whispered to the voice in his mind, "No... I've done what I needed to do. It's time to move on."
And with those words, Portgas D. Ace closed his eyes one final time, his breathing growing still. The flames that had defined his life flickered and extinguished, leaving behind a world forever changed by his sacrifice.
Portgas D. Ace's eyes fluttered open once more, but this time, he was not greeted by the afterlife he had expected. Instead, he found himself lying on the damp forest floor, surrounded by towering trees that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. The air was thick with the scent of moss and earth, and the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled his ears.
Confusion washed over him as he slowly pushed himself up from the ground. His hand moved instinctively to his chest, but it wasn't the chest of a grown man that he felt. It was the chest of a child. Panic surged through him as he looked down at himself, realizing that he was no longer the twenty-year-old pirate he had been in his final moments.
Ace's heart pounded in his chest as he took in his surroundings. This was no joke; something inexplicable had happened to him. He had been prepared to move on, to embrace whatever awaited him in the afterlife, but instead, he had woken up in the body of his ten-year-old self.
He recalled the days of his youth—the days before he had set out on his journey as a pirate, before he had gained his infamous Flame-Flame Fruit powers. It was a time when he had battled for survival in the Gray Terminal, the time when he had formed a deep bond with Sabo and the ever-energetic Luffy. He had never expected to revisit these memories, let alone inhabit his younger self.
Ace's gaze shifted to his own hands, which were now small and uncalloused, devoid of the battle scars he had earned over the years. It was a surreal experience, one that left him questioning the nature of his existence.
Despite the strangeness of it all, one thing remained consistent—his Flame-Flame Fruit powers. He could feel the heat simmering beneath his skin, the same powers he had acquired when he was seventeen. It was a puzzling mystery, but Ace had little time to dwell on it as the forest around him seemed to come alive with unfamiliar sounds.
Alone in this mysterious forest, and trapped in a ten-year-old's body, Portgas D. Ace had no choice but to confront the bizarre reality that had befallen him. The flames of his determination and resilience still burned within him, even as he grappled with the unknown.
Portgas D. Ace's eyes fluttered open once more, but this time, he was not greeted by the afterlife he had expected. Instead, he found himself lying on the damp forest floor, surrounded by towering trees that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. The air was thick with the scent of moss and earth, and the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled his ears.
Confusion washed over him as he slowly pushed himself up from the ground. His hand moved instinctively to his chest, but it wasn't the chest of a grown man that he felt. It was the chest of a child. Panic surged through him as he looked down at himself, realizing that he was no longer the twenty-year-old pirate he had been in his final moments.
Ace's heart pounded in his chest as he took in his surroundings. This was no joke; something inexplicable had happened to him. He had been prepared to move on, to embrace whatever awaited him in the afterlife, but instead, he had woken up in the body of his ten-year-old self.
He recalled the days of his youth—the days before he had set out on his journey as a pirate, before he had gained his infamous Flame-Flame Fruit powers. It was a time when he had battled for survival in the Gray Terminal, the time when he had formed a deep bond with Sabo and the ever-energetic Luffy. He had never expected to revisit these memories, let alone inhabit his younger self.
Ace's gaze shifted to his own hands, which were now small and uncalloused, devoid of the battle scars he had earned over the years. It was a surreal experience, one that left him questioning the nature of his existence.
Despite the strangeness of it all, one thing remained consistent—his Flame-Flame Fruit powers. He could feel the heat simmering beneath his skin, the same powers he had acquired when he was seventeen. It was a puzzling mystery, but Ace had little time to dwell on it as the forest around him seemed to come alive with unfamiliar sounds.
Alone in this mysterious forest, and trapped in a ten-year-old's body, Portgas D. Ace had no choice but to confront the bizarre reality that had befallen him. The flames of his determination and resilience still burned within him, even as he grappled with the unknown.
Portgas D. Ace, though now trapped in a younger body, retained the instinctual knowledge and physical prowess that had been honed through years of adventure and even the sporadic training sessions with his formidable grandfather, Monkey D. Garp. Garp had always hoped Ace would become a strong marine, and that training had left a lasting imprint on him.
In the endless expanse of the dense forest, Ace's survival skills came to the forefront. He moved with an uncanny confidence for a child, his senses keenly attuned to the wilderness around him. The forest, shrouded in perpetual twilight, was a place of both beauty and mystery. Massive trees with gnarled roots rose majestically toward the sky, their leaves forming a lush canopy that filtered the weak sunlight.
Ace's daily routine consisted of foraging for food, constructing makeshift shelters using large leaves and branches, and finding fresh water sources. He relied on his innate knowledge of the wild, honed during his adventures as a pirate, to navigate this unfamiliar territory.
Each day, he moved deeper into the forest, driven by an inexplicable sense of purpose. He could hear the calls of strange creatures and the whispering of leaves in the wind. Some nights, the forest would come alive with eerie, otherworldly sounds that sent shivers down his spine. Yet, Ace remained resolute, his resolve unwavering.
As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the memories of his former life began to fade like distant dreams. The faces of his comrades, the battles he had fought, and even his own achievements all slipped away into the recesses of his mind. It was as if some mysterious force was gently erasing the past, preparing him for a new existence.
By the time two months had passed, Ace could hardly remember anything beyond his own name. His identity had become a nebulous concept, and he had fully embraced the simplicity of his life in the forest. He no longer yearned for answers or a way back to his former life; his sole focus was on survival and the mysteries of the forest that surrounded him.
In this surreal and secluded existence, Portgas D. Ace had become a true child of the forest. The flame of his determination still burned, but it was now directed toward a future he could not yet fathom, a future shaped by the enigmatic forces that had brought him to this place of solitude and transformation.
The dense forest was alive with the sounds of leaves rustling and birds chirping as Portgas D. Ace continued to work on his makeshift shelter. He had become adept at surviving in the wild, his instincts and skills developed over time. His smaller, ten-year-old body moved efficiently as he gathered branches and leaves to construct a sturdy shelter, his Flame-Flame Fruit powers making tasks like fire-starting a breeze.
As he was engrossed in his work, Ace suddenly felt a shift in the atmosphere around him. His instincts, honed through years of piracy and wilderness survival, warned him of an approaching presence. He looked up, his young eyes narrowing in suspicion as he scanned the trees.
Moments later, a group of Konohagakure ninja emerged from the shadows of the forest. Aoba Yamashiro led the team, his red-framed sunglasses reflecting the dappled sunlight filtering through the thick canopy. The other ninja wore the standard Konoha attire and headbands, and they were all equally stunned by the sight before them.
Aoba's initial shock quickly gave way to a cautious curiosity. He couldn't believe what he was seeing—a ten-year-old boy, alone and thriving in one of the most treacherous and untamed forests in the Land of Fire. It was a sight that defied explanation.
Ace, on the other hand, stood up slowly, his guard raised but not aggressive. He hadn't encountered anyone since his strange awakening in this forest, and he certainly had no knowledge of Konoha, ninja, or the world beyond his isolated existence.
Aoba approached Ace cautiously, his trained eyes assessing the young boy. "Hey there," he said in a calm and friendly tone, though his hand was ready to reach for a weapon if necessary. "I'm Aoba Yamashiro, a ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village. You look like you've been surviving out here on your own. Can you tell us who you are and how you ended up in these woods?"
Ace stared at Aoba with a mixture of curiosity and caution. He had no reason to trust these strangers, but he also had no reason to fear them, at least not yet. "I'm Ace," he replied, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. "I woke up here, and I don't remember anything before that. This forest has been my home for as long as I can remember."
Aoba exchanged a glance with his fellow ninja, his mind racing with questions. Who was this boy, and how had he managed to survive in this hostile environment on his own? They were in the heart of the Land of Fire's most perilous wilderness, far from any known civilization.
With a measured nod, Aoba spoke again, "Ace, you must have a lot of questions, and we do too. How about you come with us to the Hidden Leaf Village? We can provide you with shelter, food, and maybe some answers about who you are and how you ended up here."
Ace considered the offer for a moment, his young face a mask of contemplation. He had no reason to stay in this forest, and the prospect of discovering his past intrigued him. With a cautious nod, he agreed, "Alright, I'll go with you to this Hidden Leaf Village. But I won't be anyone's prisoner."
Aoba smiled reassuringly. "You have my word, Ace. We just want to help you."
Ace followed Aoba and his team of Konoha ninja as they ventured deeper into the untamed wilderness. The forest seemed to stretch on endlessly, its thick foliage and ancient trees creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Ace marveled at the natural beauty around him, the likes of which he had never seen before.
Throughout the journey, Aoba and his comrades maintained a cautious distance from Ace, allowing him to feel a sense of autonomy. The young boy couldn't help but be intrigued by these ninja who moved with an effortless grace and maintained a silent vigilance even in the heart of the forest.
As they continued their trek, Ace couldn't help but ask questions, his curiosity getting the better of him. "So, Aoba-san," he began tentatively, "what's a Hidden Leaf Village? And what's a ninja?"
Aoba glanced at Ace and smiled, appreciating the boy's inquisitiveness. "The Hidden Leaf Village, or Konohagakure, is a hidden village where ninja like us live. We're trained in various techniques and skills to protect our village and complete missions. Ninja can do things like manipulate elements, use weapons, and perform special jutsu."
Ace listened intently, taking in this new information. It was a lot to process, but he felt strangely drawn to the idea of becoming a ninja himself. It resonated with the innate strength and resilience that had allowed him to survive in the wilderness for so long.
As the day wore on, they finally reached the outskirts of the Hidden Leaf Village. The sight of the village was awe-inspiring, with towering walls and bustling streets. It was a stark contrast to the isolated existence Ace had known in the forest.
Aoba led Ace through the gates of the village, and the young boy couldn't help but feel a
mix of apprehension and excitement. The villagers stared in curiosity as they passed by, intrigued by the presence of this mysterious boy who had emerged from the wilderness.
Inside the village, Ace was provided with food, shelter, and clean clothing. The kindness of the villagers touched him, and he began to feel a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced in a long time. However, the mystery of his past still loomed over him, and he couldn't help but wonder about his true identity.
Aoba had been true to his word, offering Ace assistance rather than treating him as a captive. As they sat in a small, comfortable room within the village, Ace finally mustered the courage to ask the question that had been weighing on his mind.
"Aoba-san, do you think I'll ever find out who I really am and where I came from?"
Aoba regarded Ace with a sympathetic look. "We'll do our best to help you uncover the truth, Ace. The Hidden Leaf Village is home to skilled ninja who can investigate and find answers. You're not alone in this journey."
Aoba Yamashiro felt a sense of responsibility weighing on him as he led Ace through the bustling streets of the Hidden Leaf Village. The boy had been living a solitary life in the wild forest, and now it was time to introduce him to the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the leader of Konohagakure.
As they approached the Hokage's residence, Ace couldn't help but feel a mixture of trepidation and curiosity. Aoba had explained that the Hokage was the village's leader and the most powerful ninja in Konoha. It was an honor and a privilege to meet the man who held such a significant role.
Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat behind his desk. His age was evident in the wrinkles on his face and the wisdom in his eyes. Aoba and Ace entered the room, and the Hokage looked up, his gaze falling upon the ten-year-old boy accompanied by one of his own ninja.
Aoba stepped forward and respectfully greeted the Hokage. "Hokage-sama, I found this boy in the forest near the village. He doesn't remember his past and has been living there alone. The orphanage is closed, so I offered to take him under my care as my personal charge."
Hiruzen studied Ace carefully, his eyes filled with a mixture of compassion and curiosity. "I see, Aoba-san. That is a noble gesture on your part. But who is this young boy? What's his name?"
Ace stepped forward, still feeling a bit out of place in this new environment. "I'm Ace," he said, his voice steady. "I woke up in the forest, and I don't remember anything before that. Aoba-san brought me here."
Hiruzen nodded, his keen insight telling him that there was more to Ace's story than met the eye. "Welcome to the Hidden Leaf Village, Ace. We'll do our best to help you uncover your past. Aoba, thank you for your kindness in taking care of him."
Aoba inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Of course, Hokage-sama. It's the least I can do."
As they were about to leave the Hokage's office, Ace couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. He had a secret—one he hadn't even fully understood himself yet. His Flame-Flame Fruit powers, which had been dormant in his younger body, had been awakened by the intense emotions and newfound purpose he had found in the village.
Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Ace turned to Aoba. "Aoba-san, do you think they'll ever find out about... my abilities?"
Aoba's brows furrowed in thought. "It's possible, Ace. Konoha has skilled ninja who can help you learn about your abilities and control them. It's nothing to be afraid of."
With Aoba's words of reassurance, they left the Hokage's office and returned to their new home in the village. Aoba's apartment would now be Ace's temporary residence, and the young boy couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude toward the kind-hearted ninja who had taken him in.
As the days passed, Ace began to adjust to life in the Hidden Leaf Village. Aoba acted as both a mentor and guardian to him, teaching him about the ways of the ninja and helping him acclimate to this new world. It was during this time that Ace discovered the true extent of his Flame-Flame Fruit powers.
One evening, as they practiced in a secluded training area, Aoba watched in amazement as Ace conjured flames with his bare hands. Fire danced at his fingertips, its intensity and brilliance a testament to his latent abilities.
Aoba and Ace were joined by the Hokage, who had been informed of Ace's unique talents. Hiruzen Sarutobi observed with a keen eye as Ace controlled the flames, shaping them into intricate patterns and demonstrating remarkable control.
Hiruzen's aged face broke into a wise and knowing smile. "It seems, Ace, that you possess a rare and extraordinary gift. We'll help you hone your abilities and become a responsible ninja of Konohagakure."
