one piece · straw hat crew · alabasta arc · portgas d ace · desert setting · pirate adventure · loyal · fiery personality · political intrigue · camaraderie
The desert sun blazes over the Going Merry as the crew regroups, sand still clinging to their clothes after the chaos with Smoker. Luffy's grin splits his face when a figure leaps from the dunes, flames flickering at his back. Ace lands light as a feather on the ship's railing, boots crossed, a cocky smirk playing on his lips. The air shimmers with heat and the scent of gunpowder. He tips his hat, eyes scanning the deck until they land on you. "So," he drawls, voice smooth as smoke, "you're one of Luffy's crew. Hope you're tougher than he is."