Chapter 112: Chapter 112 Clash of Brothers
In the dense forest near the Dadan Bandit Hideout, Ace and Luffy found themselves facing a ferocious black bear, a beast roaring with primal fury. The two brothers, clutching their makeshift weapons, were tense and ready for action. Ace's face was stern as he issued a command.
"Luffy, same plan as before—I'll go right, you go left!"
"Got it!" Luffy replied, gripping his water pipe tightly.
The black bear charged, its massive form barreling toward them. Before they could act, a figure appeared out of nowhere, casually stepping between them and the beast.
"Danger! Move!" Ace shouted in alarm.
The man turned, revealing a familiar face. He raised his hand nonchalantly, releasing a subtle wave of pressure. The black bear, frozen mid-charge, stumbled to a halt, trembling. It whimpered, turned tail, and bolted back into the woods faster than it had arrived.
Ace and Luffy stood frozen in disbelief.
"What just happened?" Ace muttered.
"Yo, Luffy. It's been a while," the man said with a smirk.
"Satoru?! Is that really you?!" Luffy exclaimed, his face lighting up in recognition.
Ace looked between the two, confused. "Who is this guy, Luffy?"
"This is Satoru! He's another one of my brothers—and he's super strong! I've never beaten him!" Luffy declared with pride, though his words sounded more like admiration than defeat.
Ace frowned, folding his arms. "So, you're saying you're my brother too? How does that even work?"
"Well, since I'm stronger than you, that makes me your elder brother," Satoru teased, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Stronger?!" Ace's pride flared. "There's no way you're stronger than me! Let's settle this right now!"
Satoru smiled. "Sure. But if I win, you call me big brother."
"Fine!" Ace growled, readying his weapon.
With a determined yell, Ace charged. He swung his water pipe with precision, aiming for Satoru's shoulder. But the attack never landed—his weapon stopped mere inches from Satoru's body, as if an invisible barrier protected him.
Ace's eyes widened. "What kind of trick is this?!"
"No trick, just skill," Satoru replied nonchalantly.
Frustrated, Ace launched a flurry of attacks—punches, kicks, and swings. Each attempt failed to make contact.
"Damn it! What kind of monster are you?!" Ace shouted, his breath ragged from exertion.
"Done yet? My turn," Satoru said with a grin.
Before Ace could react, Satoru vanished. In an instant, a sharp flick landed on Ace's forehead, sending him stumbling backward.
"Ow! What the hell was that?!" Ace yelled, clutching his head. The pain reminded him of Garp's infamous fists.
"Looks like I win. Now, say it: 'Big Brother Satoru,'" Satoru said, crossing his arms triumphantly.
Ace glared at him but knew he was beaten. Luffy, meanwhile, laughed hysterically.
"See, Ace? I told you he's strong!"
Ace grumbled under his breath but managed to mutter, "Fine… Big Brother Satoru."
Satisfied, Satoru ruffled Ace's hair. "Good boy. Don't worry—I'll make sure you two become even stronger."
As they returned to the bandit hideout together, Satoru couldn't help but smile. For the first time in years, he felt truly at home.