Ace was unaware — or perhaps simply indifferent — to the fact that his recent activities had begun attracting the attention of major forces across the seas. Right now, he was focused on one thing: building a home for his crew in the New World.
With the help of the neighboring Sun Elves, the construction was completed quickly. These mystical allies were generous, providing food and supplies and welcoming their fiery neighbors with enthusiasm.
Yaki, a genius shipwright and skilled architect, had gone above and beyond. In just two weeks, he built a massive complex reminiscent of a palace, large enough to house hundreds and built to withstand the harsh conditions of the New World.
"It's finally done. We've carved out a home in the New World!" Ace said, smiling proudly.
But just as he was celebrating, Koala stepped in to dampen the excitement. "Ace-kun, claiming an island isn't that simple."
Ace raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
"In the New World, just saying a place belongs to you doesn't mean anything. You have to earn recognition from the powers that be — especially the Four Emperors."
She was right. Countless pirates had tried to claim territory in the New World, only to be crushed. Without acknowledgment, such declarations were little more than invitations to be attacked.
Ace adjusted his hat and grinned. "So, what do I have to do to make them recognize this place as ours?"
Koala replied, "The first step is to raise your Jolly Roger — and make sure people know it. If you raise your pirate flag and survive the 'gifts' sent by the ruling powers, they'll recognize you. Only then will you be seen as a real force in the New World."
"So it's about strength and reputation," Ace nodded. "Got it."
He turned toward the coast. With a casual wave of his hand, a giant wall of fire split open, revealing a massive gate — a fiery entrance to the island.
"From today onward, this will be known as the Gate of Flame — the entrance to our territory!" Ace announced. "Raise the flag of the Spade Pirates! Let the world know — this island is ours!"
"OOOH! Raise the flag!" shouted Gambi and the others excitedly, as they hoisted the Spade Pirates' symbol onto the flaming gate.
Ace turned to Koala. "Can I ask you to spread the word? Let the world know I've raised our flag."
Koala nodded. "Understood."
She stepped aside, took out a Den Den Mushi, and made a brief call. When she returned, she said, "The Revolutionary Army will make sure it's in tomorrow's newspaper. Are you ready to face the 'congratulatory gifts' from the New World's rulers?"
Ace looked up at the flag billowing in the wind. "Whether it's the Four Emperors or the Navy, I'll take whatever comes. From this day forward — this is the territory of the Spade Pirates!"
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The Next Day
Thanks to the Revolutionary Army's network, the news spread fast. The entire world heard of Ace, captain of the Spade Pirates, claiming territory in the New World.
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Red-Haired Pirates' Territory — Winter Island
Shanks leaned back in his chair, a newspaper in hand, a smile tugging at his lips. "So... Ace finally raised his flag, huh?"
Beside him, his crew reacted.
"Captain, he set up shop right next to us," Lucky Roo muttered. "Even if he's Luffy's brother, if we don't respond, it might raise questions."
Shanks chuckled. "I'd love to tell him, 'You're still too young,' but... let's wait and see. The New World will test him soon enough."
Ben Beckman nodded. "Understood. I'll keep an eye on the situation."
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Moby Dick — Whitebeard Pirates
"Hey Pops, that Ace kid made headlines again," said Marco, handing Whitebeard the newspaper.
Whitebeard let out a hearty laugh. "Gurararara! So the brat raised his flag already? What an impatient one!"
"But Pops," Marco added seriously, "he planted that flag right between our territory and the Red-Haired Pirates. What should we do?"
Whitebeard took a long swig from his sake bottle, then smiled.
"Let's just wait and see what kind of fire that boy really burns with."
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