One Piece: Ranking Ace's Closest Companions

Article Key Points

Portgas D. Ace formed close bonds with people like Tama, Sabo, Masked Deuce, Yamato, and Marco, who played significant roles in his life.

Ace's connections with Tama, Sabo, and Yamato were tragically disrupted, yet they remain dedicated to upholding his legacy and preserving his memories. Monkey D. Luffy, Ace's steadfast younger brother, was profoundly impacted by his untimely demise, but he remains fueled by Ace's determination as he embarks on his quest to uncover the One Piece.

Portgas D. Ace, renowned within the One Piece universe as an infamous pirate, stands out as an iconic figure. Born as the son of Gol D. Roger, the King of the Pirates, and serving as the second-in-command of the Whitebeard Pirates' 2nd Division, his connections in the pirate world were admirable. A particularly compelling bond was formed with Straw Hat Luffy, whom he regarded as his sworn older brother. Ace's tenure in this perilous domain allowed him to establish a notable reputation.

Interestingly, despite his formidable demeanor, Portgas D. Ace's parting words before his untimely demise were unexpectedly heartwarming: "Thank you for loving me." His brief but vibrant life encompassed the profound experiences of love, companionship, and friendship for which he felt immeasurable gratitude. Delving further, it beckons the question: Who were these individuals who held such an intimate connection with Ace, arousing such unwavering devotion?

6. Tama

His Adoptive Little Sister

Upon reaching the Land of Wano, Ace formed a deep bond with a young girl named Tama. Their connection grew rapidly, motivating her to aspire to become a kunoichi. Ace pledged to return and alleviate the dire circumstances faced by the people of Wano who were suffering from starvation under the tyranny of Kaido.

Tama, essentially Ace's younger sister, found solace in his gentle words, making it unsurprising that she felt profound sadness when Luffy informed her of Ace's demise during the War of Marineford. However, Tama persevered in her affection for Ace, as his spirit continued to inspire her, as well as countless others, even in death.

5. Sabo

His First Friend

When Luffy encountered Portgas D. Ace, he had already been close friends with Sabo for a considerable period of time. Their shared goal was to save enough money to purchase a pirate ship, embarking on a joint journey across the open sea. Ace and Sabo had a deep bond as sworn brothers, which fuelled their aspirations to become pirates. It is truly tragic that they were never able to realize their dream together.

Despite growing into formidable fighters, fate forever kept them apart. Ace believed that Sabo had perished for many years, and Sabo only regained his memories of Ace when it was too late. While it is unfortunate that they were unable to reunite, Sabo now upholds Ace's legacy and looks after their younger brother, Luffy.

4. Masked Deuce

His First Crewmate

Ace's tenure as Captain of the Spade Pirates prior to joining Whitebeard's crew remains relatively unknown among audiences. However, within the original crew, there was no one who had a closer relationship with Ace than Masked Deuce. One Piece Episode A sheds light on their journey, where both individuals find themselves marooned on the island of Sixis.

Although Deuce wasn't initially fond of Ace's cheerful personality, they eventually developed a friendship and worked together to escape the island, leading to the formation of the Spade Pirates. Deuce played a similar role for Ace as Zoro does for Luffy. An interesting fact about Masked Deuce is that he also possessed the Mera Mera no Mi, like Ace, but he didn't gain any powers from it.

3. Yamato

Drinking Buddies

During his time in Wano, Ace formed a close bond with Yamato, Kaido's son. Despite initially meeting through combat, they quickly discovered their striking similarities and became fast friends over a few drinks. In a single night, Ace and Yamato profoundly impacted each other's lives.

Notably, Portgas D. Ace confided in Yamato about Luffy's true aspirations, showcasing the immense trust he had in them. Just like Tama, Ace yearned to set sail alongside Yamato, but their imprisonment by Kaido prevented this shared adventure. Although Ace was unable to return to Wano and fulfill their promise, this brief yet profound companionship ultimately prompted Yamato to seek aid from Monkey D. Luffy years later.

2. Marco

Brothers In Arms

Despite Ace's strong connection with the entire Whitebeard Pirates crew, Marco, the commander of the 1st division, undoubtedly held the title of his closest companion. Ace initially felt unsure about joining the crew, but it was Marco who eventually convinced him by highlighting the paternal relationship they shared with their captain.

1. Monkey D. Luffy

Due to their shared powers and personalities, Ace and Marco formed a strong bond, leading the Phoenix to join Whitebeard in the War of Marineford in order to save his dear friend. Similar to Yamato and Sabo, Marco also inherited Ace's determination and provided assistance to Luffy during his journey.

His Sworn Little Brother

Monkey D. Luffy has been mentioned multiple times already. As kids, Ace, Sabo, and Luffy were the closest of friends and made a pact to become pirates together. Ace always boasted about Luffy whenever he made new friends, showing his immense pride.

When Sabo seemingly passed away, Portgas D. Ace made a solemn vow to protect his younger brother and even sought the help of the Straw Hat Pirates. In a remarkable act of love, Ace sacrificed his own life for Luffy, recognizing that Luffy was destined to lead the next generation and fulfill his dreams.

Portgas D. Ace's demise had a profound impact on Monkey D. Luffy due to the deep connection they shared. Thankfully, following a period of mourning, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates discovered the ability to draw strength from Ace's unwavering determination, allowing both himself and his crew to bravely confront fresh challenges. Their ultimate goal? To stand united and, in due course, uncover the enigmatic treasure known as the One Piece.

One Piece

Release Date October 20, 1999Genres Action, Adventure, Comedy, FantasyStudio Toei AnimationCreator Eiichiro Oda

Editor's P/S

In the realm of One Piece, Portgas D. Ace left an indelible mark as a formidable pirate and a beloved figure. His journey was shaped by profound bonds with individuals who stood by his side through thick and thin. Among these connections, his relationship with his adoptive sister, Tama, stands out as particularly poignant. Their encounter in the Land of Wano ignited a deep connection, with Ace promising to alleviate the suffering of the people oppressed by Kaido's tyranny. Tama's unwavering devotion to Ace, even after his untimely demise, serves as a testament to the profound impact he had on those who knew him.

Ace's bond with his sworn brother, Sabo, is another pivotal relationship that shaped his life. United by a shared dream of becoming pirates, Ace and Sabo formed an unbreakable bond as children. Their aspirations to sail the open seas together remained unfulfilled, as fate tragically intervened. Despite their separation, Sabo carries on Ace's legacy, honoring his memory and protecting their younger brother, Luffy. The depth of their connection is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of friendship and the lasting impact it can have.