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Ace watches Luffy play with Usopp and Chopper, marvelling at how long it has been since he last saw this huge ball of energy and that he still hasn't changed a bit.
I mean, sure, he's gotten slightly taller, but that's about it.
He's still as dumb, mannerless, slow, adventurous and brazen as he has ever been.
But most importantly, he's still as cute as the little brother that he left crying that day.
"AAACE! You gotta help me! Sanji doesn't wanna give me any food!" Luffy is standing on the deck below, pouting at the older brother that is perched on the side of the Going Merry. Sanji's foot can be seen from his view, steam coming from it, the only indication that the unphased Luffy had been kicked.
"You already snacked three times a day today, you greedy little-"
"That's onii-chan to you."
"ONII-CHAN~!" Luffy yells out again, very obediently might Ace add.
Just the way he likes it.
"Sanji, get him some more food!"
"And why should I listen to you?" Sanji says with a 'tch' kinda look on his face.
Ace says nothing, but a small flame suddenly appears on Sanji's hair, and he starts freaking out.
Soon enough, Luffy merrily thanks Ace through a mouthful of meat.
owari