Portgas D. Ace is one of the most iconic characters in One Piece who died at the battle of Marineford. The 2nd division commander of Whitebeard pirates, Ace’s tattoos were remarkable trademark features. The meaning behind Portgas D. Ace’s tattoo has been a continuous debate among One Piece fans for many years.
Sadly, Ace’s tragic death in the Marineford Arc, while protecting Monkey D. Luffy from Akainu’s final blow. The saddest moment caused fans to wonder about his traits, which mostly led to the meaning of his tattoo.
The tattoo was spelled “ASCE”, with “S” crossed out. Many thought it was a spelling mistake. But it reveals more and might be a hint foreshadowing for the Flame Emperor.
True Meaning of Ace’s Tattoo Was Revealed
At the very first, fans thought that Ace’s tattoo “ASCE” stands for A- Ace, S- Sabo, C- Crybaby (Luffy), and E- Edward Newgate. As “S” been crossed out signifying the death of Sabo during their childhood days. This was the basic assumption circling in the fans’ theories.
The fan theory is falsified because Portgas D. Ace already had the tattoo before joining the Whitebeard. At one point Ace wanted to be the strongest by defeating Edward Newgate. So there is no way he had a tattoo of Edward.
Portgas D. Ace’s tattoo is explained in the One Piece Green: Secret Pieces databook. The tattoo is just Ace’s name. The crossed-out “S” is a tribute to Sabo. It also refers to Sabo’s Jolly Roger. He made this tribute because he thought Sabo had died.
Eiichiro Oda drew Ace, Sabo, and Luffy as adults on the Chapter 596 cover. In this imaginary scene, Sabo is alive. Ace’s tattoo here only shows “ACE”. There’s no “S” in it.
This proves the “S” in Ace’s real tattoo honors Sabo. It also shows Ace added the “S” because he thought Sabo had died.
The Will of Flame Emperor
Oda has always surprised the fans with his intricate stories. Based on One Piece manga chapter 1054, the meaning of the tattoo may appear to run deeper. The crossed-out “S” may mean the “Flame Emperor”, prophesied to change the world. This iconic tattoo can be connected to his brother Sabo.
The concept of “Flame Emperor” aligns with Ace’s Mera Mera no Mi (Flame-Flame Fruit) power and the symbolism of fire as revolution and freedom.
Sabo, who inherited Ace’s devil fruit power, is now referred to as “Entei” or “Flame Emperor” by the world. It was the name of Ace’s final attack against Blackbeard, after which he was imprisoned.
As the Revolutionary Army’s second-in-command, he carries on Ace’s legacy. His power is a display of the combination of Ryusoken or Dragon Claw Fist and his Devil Fruit abilities in fights.
Will Luffy carry his brother’s spirit, or could it be Sabo the Flame Emperor, fulfill the world-changing role? Whoever it be, he might become crucial in the final saga of One Piece.
You can read One Piece manga on Viz Media and watch the anime on Crunchyroll.
