It had been exactly two years since Ace had last set foot on Dawn Island, and the air still smelled the same—salt, dirt, and the faint sweetness of wildflowers.

The path to the old treehouse was overgrown now, but the three brothers walked it without hesitation, feet remembering every root and stone.

The treehouse loomed above them, weathered and leaning, but still standing. Just like them.

Ace's jaw tightened. Luffy's smile didn't fade, but it didn't reach his eyes either.