ArtyRae

Chapter 27: You're Ours

Rating: E

Word Count: 173.5K

Chapter 26: Hollowness

Rating: E

Nothing too fancy, just a redraw of the anime frame.

Can we talk about the NECK in the room? 🙈

I think about this frame so much.

There is something to it in regards to the imbalance of power within this situation. Along side the fact still Garp chose to sit with Ace despite choosing not to save him.

But most importantly, it’s the damn symbols on their back. Garp carrying the marines ‘justice’ on his uniform. Representing the institution he upholds. While Ace has White beards Jolly Roger tatoo’d on his back. Which in it’s original design White beards symbol was supposed to represent peace (before it was changed to a cross which could possibly still represent balance and harmony.)

There is just something to that contrast in ideals. The White bears pirates were genuine good hearted people who just sought family, White beard didn’t seek out money or fame, he was just there to protect people. That’s what his Jolly Roger represents. Which is put in contrast with the marines ‘justice.’ The marines now justifying killing Ace, in the name of justice. Which makes it even more unironic that this justification to kill Ace— was for the possibility of him seeking the one piece, the wealth, fame and fortune his father achieved. When just like White beard, he never wanted that, he just wanted to be loved by a family.

We contrast Ace’s chosen family (the White beard pirates.) to his family by obligation (Garp.) sitting literally next to eachother. And while Garp was unable to do anything due to his duty— displayed plainly on his uniform— unwilling to change or leave the marines. Ace’s REAL family— represented by the tattoo on his back— came to rescue him.