Lale stood on the deck of the Moby Dick, looking at the distant horizon. The wind was blowing her long black hair, and the sun was bringing out the golden tones of her skin. She was wearing a black, thin strapped crop-top and military-patterned tight pants — both comfortable and emphasizing the curves of her body.
Ace was a few steps away, burning with excitement to challenge Whitebeard.
"Lale, watch me!" — flames were dancing on his fingertips — "Today I will knock down Whitebeard!"
Lale pressed her lips. "Or I will watch him knock you down like a child."
Ace laughed. "Don't doubt it, I will win!"
Marco came to them, peeling an orange. "I'm sure you will lose, little fireball."
Lale turned her eyes to Marco. "Don't involve me in this. I'm just a spectator."
Ace grabbed Lale's hand tightly. "No, you are my luck. Stay by my side."
Lale's face blushed a little but she didn't look away. "Ace…"
Whitebeard shouted on the deck with laughter: "GURARARARA! Come on, show me, little flame!"
Ace stood in front of Whitebeard, fists clenched, eyes burning with the fire of challenge. Lale stood a little behind, arms crossed, watching.
"Let's see how strong the legendary Whitebeard is!" he shouted.
"HIBACHI: ENKAI!"
A giant ring of flames was thrown toward Whitebeard. Lale squinted, watching the dance of flames — Ace's power was really impressive.
Whitebeard raised one hand.
BAM!
The air cracked, shattering Ace's flames. Ace's eyes widened as he was pushed back.
Lale moved quickly, activating her Sharingan. Predicting Ace's fall, she caught him just in time.
"Look at me," she whispered, getting close to his face. "Do you still want to do this?"
Ace grinned. "Of course!"
Lale sighed. "Alright, but this time I'm joining."
Ace's eyes lit up. "That's what I've been waiting for!"
Lale quickly made hand signs — now she was stronger.
"KATON: GŌKAKYŪ NO JUTSU!"
This time a real fireball appeared, thrown toward Whitebeard. Ace attacked simultaneously from the sides.
"FIRE FIST!"
Whitebeard laughed again.
"GURARARARA! Now this is fun!"
He slammed the ground — even the sea trembled. Lale, with her Sharingan, saw the shockwave in advance and pushed Ace, throwing herself to the ground as well.
"AGAIN!" shouted Ace.
Lale squinted, grinning. "You're crazy."
Ace held out his hand. "Are you with me?"
Lale hesitated for a moment, then took his hand. "Of course, idiot."
Of course, they didn't win.
Whitebeard knocked them down with a single move. Ace lay face down, breathless but smiling.
"That was great…" he murmured.
Lale lay on her back, looking at the sky. "Yes… it was great."
Whitebeard looked at them. "You're a strong duo. But you have a lot to learn."
Ace stood up. "Will you teach us?"
Whitebeard laughed. "If you accept, my child."
Lale looked at Ace. Ace smiled at her.
"What do you say, Lale? Like a family?"
Lale thought for a moment, then smiled slightly.
"Alright. But on one condition — I won't die because of you anymore."
Ace laughed. "I can't promise that!"
Whitebeard's crew laughed. Marco handed Lale a blanket.
"Welcome, new siblings."
To be continued…