One Piece’s Darkest Moment: Was Killing Ace a Huge Mistake?

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Summary

  • Ace’s death added high stakes to the Summit War, drawing fans into a sense of danger.
  • Luffy’s character development was heavily influenced by Ace’s death, but some fans debate its necessity.
  • Ace’s death remains a focal point of debate among fans, sparking discussions on storytelling choices.

The following article contains major spoilers for One Piece.

The ongoing Elbaf Arc for One Piece is truly captivating, yet a past occurrence from the Summit War Saga – the demise of Portgas D. Ace – continues to spark passionate discussions and leaves fans pondering over possible alternate storylines: the death of Ace.

As an onlooker, it’s evident that Ace, a captivating character in the world of “One Piece,” has left a lasting impression. His popularity remains undiminished, and many fans continue to express their disappointment over his untimely demise. Frankly, it seems justifiable for them to question whether Ace’s death was an error in the storyline.

Why Did Ace Die in One Piece?

Portgas D. Ace was a significant figure in the world of One Piece until his demise at the culmination of the Marineford arc, which marked the end of the Summit War Saga. In a fateful encounter with Blackbeard aimed at safeguarding Luffy, Ace suffered defeat and was subsequently surrendered to the authorities by the World Government. He was then sentenced to capital punishment and spent his time in a prison at Impel Down as he awaited the execution of his verdict.

Immediately following the announcement of Ace’s capture, a conflict erupted between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates, with Blackbeard joining forces with the Marines in an effort to wipe out as many Whitebeard pirates as possible. The Marines also targeted any potential heirs of Roger in their efforts to weaken the power structure of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Absolutely, Luffy stepped in to save Ace during the conflict and fought alongside him. Not only did Luffy manage to liberate Ace from Impel Down, but later, Ace willingly gave up his life to shield Luffy from Admiral Akainu. Meanwhile, Blackbeard claimed the life of Whitebeard, inflicting a significant blow on Luffy’s allies. Just when things seemed to be spiraling out of control, Shanks intervened and warned that if the Marines and Blackbeard didn’t retreat, he would join the battle with his Red Hairs. With this intervention, the war came to an end. The way Shanks resolved the conflict left many fans questioning the true nature of his ties with the World Government, a mystery that is gradually unfolding in the Elbaph arc.

Ace’s Death Felt Like a Betrayal to Many Fans

During the period when the Summit War Saga was being published, the fame of “One Piece” comic series started soaring in Japan. Interestingly, statistics indicate that the series reached its zenith in sales during the Fish-Man Island Saga, which followed directly after the Summit War. Although it’s likely that the series gained even more popularity once Netflix began streaming both the anime and live-action versions, it’s important to note that most data is based on physical copies sold. Given the increasing trend of digital sales, this might not accurately represent its current popularity. However, in recent years, the physical manga sales of “One Piece” have significantly dropped compared to their 2011 levels.

There’s only one way to live life, and that’s without regrets.

— Ace

Reflecting upon it, the Summit War Saga’s influence on the enthusiastic fan community was nothing short of colossal. The anticipation for fresh chapters and intense speculation about Ace’s destiny were palpable at that point in time. Many had high hopes that Ace would be rescued, victorious over the war. Yet, when his fate unfolded, it struck a chord of disillusionment among many fans, as if Oda had underutilized Ace’s character potential. This topic continues to stir passionately heated discussions, with some asserting that his death was superfluous and jarring within the narrative. In fact, the numerous spin-offs featuring Ace post-Summit War Saga have fueled speculation among fans that Oda may have second thoughts about the character’s demise.

One Piece Soared in Popularity After the Marineford Arc

From another perspective, some believe that his death during the Summit War was essential for several reasons. Firstly, it heightened the danger and increased the stakes of the war, making it more impactful instead of feeling insignificant or pointless. Secondly, Luffy’s character underwent significant development as he discovered the true might of the World Government following Ace’s demise. Additionally, some argue that considering the events of that arc, Ace dying seemed more logical than him surviving. Despite being frustrating, his death played a crucial role in shaping the series narrative.

Ace’s Death Was Key to Luffy’s Development

In essence, Ace’s demise significantly impacted Luffy’s character. Though he acknowledged the strength of his adversaries, the emotional turmoil he endured only served to strengthen his resolve even further. It seems plausible that subsequent arcs saw him becoming less reckless and growing both personally and as a leader. However, it’s debatable whether Luffy would have undergone the same development if Ace had vanished rather than perishing in this arc. Instead, perhaps the narrative could have taken a different course, with Luffy experiencing comparable transformations without Ace’s death.

One Piece is available to read on MANGA Plus, in English and many other languages.

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2025-07-05 16:04