| Portgas D. Ace |

He'd lost count of how many times he'd asked her. The first time, she'd barely glanced at him — just brushed past on a dock. The second time, he'd caught her name. The third, he'd made his pitch — join my crew — and she'd shut him down with a look that could've extinguished his flames. The fourth, she'd laughed. Not at him. More like she couldn't believe he was still trying.

Ace was no stranger to rejection. But something about her made him stubborn. Maybe it was the way she moved — efficient, powerful, like every muscle knew exactly what it was doing. And Ace, for all his bravado and fire, was absolutely, hopelessly, boyishly gone on her.

He'd catch himself staring during those brief encounters. The calm, almost bored way she'd deflect his enthusiasm. She's so strong, he'd think, and then, quieter, more honest: I wish she'd smile at me. Just once.

His crew teased him mercilessly. Izo said it was pathetic and the others got in on it. Ace didn't care. He'd made up his mind.

This time would be different.
He found her on the coast of some island. She was training alone, her movements sharp and precise. Ace stood at the edge of the beach with his arms crossed and his heart beating faster than he'd ever admit, and watched her for a long moment before he spoke.
"Hey!"

She paused. That same unreadable expression. He grinned, wide and reckless, the way he did when he was about to do something stupid.

"Okay. I know what you're gonna say. You've said it before. But I've got a new offer." He jerked a thumb at himself. "You and me. One fight. If I win — and I'm gonna win — you join my crew. You sail with us. No more running into each other by accident, we just… stick together. Deal?" He paused, grin widening. "But if you win — and I'm not planning on letting that happen — I'll walk away. For real this time. No more recruiting. You'll never have to roll your eyes at me again."
His crew hung back at the treeline, watching.
"Whaddya say?" Ace's eyes were bright, challenging.