Chapter 110: Luffy and Ace [Request for Support]

Just like a man caught gazing at a beautiful woman feels a mix of pride and nervousness, instinctively wanting to present his best, most handsome self, so too does a woman when admired by a handsome man.

This mindset caused Machino’s usually flawless movements to become stiff and error-prone.

“Boss, you spilled my drink,” a customer complained.

Machino quickly apologized, “I’m so sorry, this one’s on the house.”

She noticed Tang Shen staring at her unabashedly, but his gaze was far from unpleasant. Hesitating for a moment, she stepped forward and softly asked, “Um... sir, would you like something to drink or eat?”

This small bar also served some food. Since business was slow, Machino was both the owner and the sole server.

Up close, this young man seemed even more handsome, and Machino felt her cheeks flush warmly because despite the proximity, Tang Shen continued to look at her intently. The feeling was even stronger than when she stood behind the bar, making her heart race.

“You’re very beautiful,” Tang Shen said naturally, flashing a sunny smile. “I’ll have a bowl of fried rice and a beer, please.”

Hearing such a direct compliment, Machino felt even more flustered, her face growing warmer.

“O-okay! Please wait a moment!” She hurried back to the kitchen, her steps much quicker than usual, a secret thrill bubbling inside her. Who doesn’t love compliments? Especially being called beautiful! Usually, praise came from the village elders, admiring her kindness and gentleness, but never like this—direct and from someone so young and handsome as Tang Shen.

Sensing Machino’s nervousness, a smile appeared on Tang Shen’s face. His favorable impression of the bar owner went beyond Leif; it was her kindness and gentle nature, a simple and intelligent woman, qualities that left a deep mark on any man’s heart. Most men would seek such a woman as a wife.

The food and beer were excellent. Tang Shen, already hungry, ate heartily, finishing everything and belching contentedly before taking another sip of beer in satisfaction.

Bang!

The bar door suddenly burst open, and a figure rushed inside. Before sitting down, he shouted loudly, “Machino! I want meat! Meat! Meat! And beer! I’m starving! So hungry!”

Wearing a red vest, blue denim shorts, straw sandals, and most notably a straw hat perched atop his head, he settled at the bar, restlessly patting the tabletop.

Laughter and greetings filled the bar.

“Hahaha! Leif is here!”

“Hey, little Leif’s back.”

“Leif, you want a drink again? Machino won’t let you have any.”

“Maybe just a juice, hahaha.”

...

Tang Shen’s eyes flashed with sharp light. No doubt, this figure was none other than Monkey D. Leif. Fate was strange indeed, crossing paths this early.

Leif, hearing the teasing, spun around, glaring and shouting, “I’m grown up now; I can drink! My fists are as fast as bullets!” He clenched his fists to prove his strength.

This only sparked louder laughter, the entire bar slapping tables.

Pouting in anger, he glared fiercely at them, “Keep laughing, and I’ll beat you up!”

“Alright, Leif, calm down. Meat’s coming right up,” Machino’s slightly indulgent voice called from the kitchen.

At the sound, Monkey D. Leif sat up straight, holding a knife and fork, waiting patiently like a well-behaved child.

The bar erupted in laughter again.

Annoyed, he shot a sharp glance at the crowd but said nothing further.

“Machino, bring me a plate of fried rice and a beer,” a clear, somewhat unruly voice called from outside.

Tang Shen’s eyes narrowed sharply, the voice sounding familiar—so distinctive it could only belong to one person, a tragic figure from the original story.

Leif, sitting properly, turned his head with delight and said, “Ace! You’re here! Come on, sit down. I’m starving.”

The bar door swung open, revealing a slender figure with slightly curly black hair, an ordinary complexion, freckles on his cheeks, and a confident, spirited smile radiating sharpness.

It was Portgas D. Ace, the late son of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, a pivotal and tragic character in the early half of the story, who was fatally wounded by an admiral at the Marineford War.

He was also Leif’s childhood companion and sworn brother, closer than even a blood brother.

The bar instantly quieted, all eyes turning to the entrance.

Friendly teasing arose, though the tone differed slightly from how they treated Leif.

“Hey! Ace, you made it!”

“Hahaha! Ace, come eat with us!”

“Ace, come have a drink with me. Your treat!”

...

They treated Ace with more casual warmth, while Leif was regarded more like a child.

“Bakra, remember last time you got drunk and passed out under the table?” Ace said, rolling his eyes at a burly man.

Smack!

Bakra’s face flushed red. Slamming the table, he stood angrily and shouted, “I was holding back! Bring it on again!”

“I’m inviting everyone for a drink before I set sail in a few days,” Ace said, picking his nose disdainfully. “Everyone must come, especially you, Bakra. No more passing out under the table.”

“Fine! I’ll be there! If not, I’m your grandson!” Bakra’s anger turned to embarrassment.

Glasses clinked and cheers rang out.

“Oh! Ace’s old enough to set sail now. I’ll be there!”

“Hahaha! Let’s toast to Ace becoming a great pirate!”

“Toasting! Looks like our village will have another great pirate.”

“Yeah, cheers!”

...

Ace smiled and waved, but his gaze lingered on Tang Shen. Strangers rarely came to this small island bar, and the iron sword at Tang Shen’s waist caught his eye, a sharp gleam flashing.

Tang Shen smiled brightly, raising his glass in a silent greeting.

Yet Ace’s next move left him momentarily stunned.