Prologue: An Ending and a New Start

A/N- This is just an idea that I had pop into my head, I hope you find some joy reading this

Prologue:

Portgas D. Ace knew he was going to die; he had given his life to safeguard the life of his brother, the most important person to him in the whole world. Ace was certain that Luffy was the man who would become the Pirate King, surpassing even Gol D. Roger, Ace's father. It was just a cruel twist of fate that he would never witness that momentous achievement with his own eyes. How he longed to witness it.

As Ace's life force ebbed away, he found himself enveloped in an ethereal sensation. A voice, pure and melodious, seemed to resonate around him, speaking of his stubbornness and recklessness. The voice conveyed that there was still a place undecided for him, that his final selfless act had earned him a shot at redemption.

And then, as if emerging from a dream, Ace awoke. He was sprawled on a grassy field, the soft blades tickling his skin. He instinctively placed his hands over his chest, feeling the reassuring rise and fall of his breath. No fatal wound marred him; he wasn't a perforated target. With a mix of bewilderment and cautious hope, he rose to his feet and surveyed his surroundings. An advanced city sprawled before him, its architecture and technology utterly foreign to his understanding. The very air hummed with a vibrant energy that was both intriguing and overwhelming.

Ace hesitated for only a moment before he extended his hand before him. With a focused thought, he willed the power of the Flame-Flame Fruit to manifest. To his astonishment, his hand burst into flames with an intensity he recognized all too well. Relief and amazement coursed through him. His abilities had not abandoned him; he was still the master of fire he had always been.

With the taste of this newfound reality lingering on his senses, Ace contemplated the enigma that had become his existence. What was this place? Why was he granted a second chance, a chance to continue his journey that had been prematurely severed? Determination etched into his features, Ace took a step forward, his heart ignited by the promise of a destiny beyond the horizon.

And thus, the flames of Portgas D. Ace's spirit burned anew, casting their light upon a world of mysteries and opportunities he had never imagined. The tale of his resurrection had only just begun.

As he strode down the bustling main street of the advanced city, Ace's keen senses alerted him to a chaotic scene unfolding nearby. A bank heist was in progress, orchestrated by masked individuals who wielded peculiar powers. Their forms were a blend of animal attributes; one appeared to possess the bulk of a rhino while the other exhibited the sleekness of a tiger. Ace's curiosity piqued, he observed their abilities closely, noting that their transformations differed significantly from the Zoan Fruits he was familiar with.

Without hesitation, Ace seized this opportunity to gauge his own capabilities. He knew he needed to ensure his powers were fully intact, that he hadn't been stripped of the prowess that had earned him the rank of Second Commander within the formidable Whitebeard Pirates. His heart raced with a mix of excitement and determination as he closed the distance, prepared to intervene.

In a blur of motion, Ace engaged the armed assailants. His speed was electrifying, a testament to his rigorous training and indomitable spirit. As the confrontation unfolded, the city's advanced technology captured every moment of the skirmish, broadcasting his clash against the criminals to an unsuspecting audience. His fiery punches and swift maneuvers illuminated the street like a dazzling spectacle, a testament to his mastery over his Flame-Flame Fruit abilities.

While Ace was aware of a lingering sensation of diminished strength from his past life, he didn't dwell on it in the heat of battle. Instead, he focused on the task at hand – neutralizing the threat and protecting the bank from these reckless robbers. His strikes were a symphony of precision and power, each blow calculated to exploit the weaknesses of his adversaries. The mismatched duo, relying heavily on their unique powers, struggled to keep pace with Ace's disciplined techniques.

As the skirmish raged on, Ace's mind flashed back to the battles he had fought in his former life, the camaraderie of his pirate crew, and the burning desire to safeguard those he held dear. These memories fueled his resolve, infusing every movement with a resolve that echoed through his fiery aura.

Victory was an inevitable outcome as Ace's tenacity and skill proved insurmountable. The would-be robbers, their powers unrefined and undisciplined, fell to his relentless onslaught. Panting slightly, Ace surveyed the aftermath of his intervention. The city's inhabitants watched in awe and disbelief, captivated by the unexpected heroism that had unfolded before them.

As the dust settled and the criminals lay defeated, Ace's burning determination remained unquenched. This world, with its unfamiliar technology and enigmatic powers, held a promise of adventure and purpose he had yet to comprehend. With a resolute smile, he readied himself for the next chapter of his existence, his path illuminated by the flames of his unwavering spirit.

Ace's bewildered gaze lingered on his reflection in the mirror, his mind struggling to reconcile the face staring back at him with the memories of his past self. Gone was the battle-hardened visage of the man who had faced his destiny at Marineford; in its place was the youthful countenance of a teenager, unburdened by the weight of his previous experiences. He estimated himself to be around 14 years old, a jarring realization that left him momentarily speechless.

As the city's inhabitants expressed their gratitude and admiration for his heroic actions, Ace's sense of disorientation deepened. He had no recollection of the events leading up to his appearance in this unfamiliar world, and the well-wishes from strangers only added to his confusion.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when an officer approached him, his features marked by a blend of concern and curiosity. The older man's voice was laced with a genuine sincerity as he posed a series of questions that further underscored Ace's disoriented state. Who was he? What kind of "quirk" did he possess? And where were his parents?

Ace's confusion deepened. Quirk? Parents? These terms held no meaning for him. It was clear that he was caught in a perplexing situation that transcended the boundaries of his understanding. As the officer explained the necessity of bringing him to a station to unravel the mystery surrounding his appearance and identity, Ace could do little more than nod in reluctant acquiescence.

The journey to the station was a surreal one, each step carrying him further into the enigma of this new world. As he was led through the bustling city streets, Ace couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment, as if he were an observer in his own story. The landscape around him was a tapestry of modernity and novelty, a stark contrast to the seas and islands he had known.

Upon arriving at the station, Ace was subjected to a barrage of assessments, each designed to uncover the truth of his origins. Medical examinations, interviews, and inquiries about his supposed "quirk" painted a picture that felt increasingly foreign. He offered what little information he could, recounting his fragmented memories and his inexplicable transformation. Yet, at the core of his being, he remained Portgas D. Ace, a name that held no relevance in this unfamiliar realm.

Amid the bustling atmosphere of the police station, people flowed in and out, their conversations a blur of unfamiliar words and concepts. Ace found himself on the outskirts of these interactions, a sense of isolation gnawing at him as he struggled to piece together the fragments of information that floated around him. He had become an enigma in a world that seemed to move at a pace beyond his grasp.

His moments of solitude were intermittent, interrupted by fleeting exchanges that only served to deepen his bewilderment. Snippets of dialogue reached his ears, but the meaning eluded him, leaving him grappling with an overwhelming sense of disconnection.

Time passed in a haze until he found himself in the presence of an officer once more, the same sincere gaze fixed upon him. The room's ambient hum seemed to dim, focusing his attention on the weight of the conversation that was about to unfold.

The officer's voice held a somber note as he shared the results of their investigations. "Ace," he began, his tone measured, "we've been trying to find any family or connections to you, but it seems there's no one who claims to know you." The officer's gaze softened, conveying a mix of empathy and concern.

Ace's heart clenched at the news, a surge of isolation washing over him like an ocean wave. His identity, his past, had become a blank canvas, the only brushstroke a name etched into the recesses of his mind.

The officer continued, his words carrying a weighty choice. "However, your abilities were witnessed by many when you intervened earlier. Given your unique talents, there are two paths before you. One, you can choose to attend an academy to refine and harness your powers, to become a hero and protect this city." His gaze held an encouraging glint, offering a lifeline of purpose in the midst of uncertainty. "The other option is to hide your abilities, to blend into society and lead a more inconspicuous life."

Ace's resolve burned brightly as the officer's words hung in the air. He was no stranger to challenges, and the path of a hero resonated deep within him. His voice, strong and unwavering, cut through the air. "I won't hide who I am. I'll choose the academy, become a hero, and use my abilities to make a difference."

The officer's nod was affirmative, a shared understanding passing between them. In the span of an afternoon, Ace had faced the unknown, confronted his own identity, and made a resolute choice that would shape his future. The echoes of his decision reverberated within him, a promise of purpose in a world brimming with mysteries.

Ace's eyes gleamed with a newfound curiosity as he absorbed the officer's words. "An academy? UA?" he questioned, his voice tinged with eagerness. "Tell me more about it."

The officer's smile held a hint of admiration. "UA High School, Ace. It's a prestigious institution that trains individuals with unique abilities, or 'quirks,' to become heroes who protect the city and its people. Your intervention today caught the attention of many, and your display of power and courage earned you a recommendation to attend UA."

Ace's brow furrowed, intrigue mingling with a sense of disbelief. "So, I'll be training to become a hero?" he mused aloud. The concept was both thrilling and daunting, a challenge that resonated with the core of his being.

The officer nodded, his expression supportive. "Indeed. UA has a rigorous curriculum that focuses on honing your abilities, teaching you combat skills, and guiding you to use your powers responsibly. It's a place where you'll learn how to make a real difference in the world."

Ace absorbed this information, his determination firming. "And I can stay on campus?"

The officer's reply was affirmative. "Yes, UA provides on-campus housing for its students. You'll have a place to stay, surrounded by peers who share your aspirations. It's an opportunity to forge strong bonds and grow together."

Ace's gaze turned resolute as he considered his next step. "I want to go to UA. I want to become a hero, use my abilities to protect others."

The officer's nod was approving. "Your spirit is admirable, Ace. Your journey at UA will be challenging, but I have no doubt you have what it takes."

As the pieces of his path fell into place, Ace felt a surge of anticipation coursing through him. A new chapter awaited him at UA High School, a chapter that would test his limits, reveal his potential, and connect him with a community bound by a shared purpose.

With a determined grin, Ace looked ahead, his heart ablaze with the promise of his hero's journey. "I'm ready."