The death of Portgas D. Ace remains one of the most emotional and heartbreaking moments in One Piece. Fans who have followed Luffy’s journey know that Ace played a crucial role in his life, and his death marked a major turning point in the story. If you’re wondering what episode Ace dies in One Piece, or if you want to explore Ace’s past, his final moments, and his parting words, this article covers everything in detail.
What Episode Does Ace Die?
In the One Piece anime, Ace dies in Episode 483, titled “Looking for the Answer – Fire Fist Ace Dies on the Battlefield”. This episode is part of the Marineford Arc, also known as the Paramount War Arc, which is one of the most intense story arcs in the series.
In the One Piece manga, Ace dies in Chapter 574, titled “The Death of Portgas D. Ace”.
This moment is one of the most tragic events in One Piece history, as Luffy watches his beloved brother perish in his arms after sacrificing himself to protect him.
Ace’s Role in the Marineford War
Before we dive into how Ace dies, let’s first understand his role in the Marineford War.
Ace was captured by the Marines while trying to take down Blackbeard (Marshall D. Teach), the man responsible for betraying and killing his crewmate, Thatch. After capturing Ace, Blackbeard handed him over to the Marines, which led to his public execution at Marineford.
Ace’s execution was planned as part of the Marines’ strategy to weaken the Whitebeard Pirates, since Ace was the adopted son of Gol D. Roger and a high-ranking member of the Whitebeard Pirates. His execution sparked the Marineford War, where Whitebeard, Luffy, and other allies fought desperately to rescue him.
What Happened Before Ace’s Death?
The War at Marineford was an all-out battle between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates, with Luffy and his allies trying to save Ace before his execution. The battle saw legendary figures like:
- Whitebeard vs. Admiral Akainu
- Luffy unlocking his Conqueror’s Haki
- Blackbeard making his move to steal Whitebeard’s powers
Despite the chaos, Luffy and the Whitebeard Pirates successfully freed Ace from execution. However, instead of escaping immediately, Ace made a fatal mistake—he stopped to confront Akainu, who insulted Whitebeard.
How Does Ace Die?
Ace’s death happens in a shocking and tragic way. Just when it seemed like he had escaped, he turned back to fight Admiral Akainu, who was provoking him by calling Whitebeard a failure. Unable to let the insult slide, Ace engaged in battle.
However, Akainu was much stronger than Ace, and when Akainu launched an attack aimed at Luffy, Ace stepped in to protect his brother.
Ace was fatally wounded when Akainu’s magma fist burned through his body, dealing him a mortal wound that he couldn’t recover from.
Ace’s Parting Words: His Final Moments
As Ace lay dying in Luffy’s arms, he used his last moments to express his gratitude. He had always struggled with his identity as the son of Gol D. Roger, but in his final moments, he finally found peace.
Ace’s last words were:
“Thank you… for loving me!”
These words broke the hearts of fans worldwide, as they reflected Ace’s deep emotional struggle and the love he had for his friends and family. After saying these words, Ace passed away, leaving Luffy in shock and unable to move.
How Luffy Reacted to Ace’s Death
Luffy had always idolized Ace, seeing him as his big brother and protector. Losing him in such a brutal way completely broke Luffy’s spirit.
Immediately after Ace’s death, Luffy went into a state of shock, unable to speak or react. The trauma of watching Ace die in front of him left Luffy mentally shattered, and he passed out on the battlefield.
This moment was crucial in Luffy’s character development, as it forced him to confront his weaknesses and train harder to protect his loved ones in the future.
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Ace’s Past: Who Was Portgas D. Ace?
Portgas D. Ace was the adopted son of Monkey D. Garp, the biological son of Gol D. Roger, and the sworn brother of Luffy and Sabo.
Even though Ace was Roger’s son, he was raised by Garp and had no love for his father, feeling ashamed of his bloodline. He always wondered whether he deserved to exist, believing that the world hated him because of who his father was.
However, after joining the Whitebeard Pirates, Ace found a family who truly cared about him. Whitebeard became a father figure to Ace, and the crew treated him like their own.
His deep loyalty to Whitebeard led him to hunt down Blackbeard, which ultimately led to his capture and execution.
Ace’s Death: Why It Was Important for the Story
Ace’s death was a major turning point in One Piece for several reasons:
- It shaped Luffy’s growth – Losing Ace forced Luffy to realize he wasn’t strong enough to protect his loved ones, leading to his two-year training with Rayleigh.
- It changed the power structure of the world – With Whitebeard dead and Blackbeard taking his place as a Yonko, the balance of power in the world changed.
- It reinforced One Piece’s themes – The story has always emphasized the importance of family, sacrifice, and personal growth, and Ace’s death embodied all of these themes.
What If Ace Had Survived?
Many fans still wonder what would have happened if Ace hadn’t turned back to fight Akainu. If he had escaped, he could have continued fighting alongside Luffy, possibly even helping him reach the One Piece.
However, Ace’s death was essential to the story. It pushed Luffy to become stronger, motivated Sabo to inherit Ace’s will, and changed the course of history in the One Piece world.
Conclusion: Ace’s Death is One of One Piece’s Most Powerful Moments
The death of Portgas D. Ace in Episode 483 (Chapter 574) was one of the most heartbreaking and impactful moments in One Piece. His final words, “Thank you for loving me!”, left a lasting impact on fans and shaped Luffy’s journey moving forward.
While his death was tragic, it was an important moment that helped define the story’s themes of family, sacrifice, and growth. Ace may be gone, but his legacy lives on through Luffy, Sabo, and the many fans who continue to love his character.
