Portgas D. Ace is taking Sanji's place in "One Piece," as confirmed by Shonen Jump. Shonen Jump is a weekly manga anthology in Japan where "One Piece" is serialized.
In celebration of the manga's 20th anniversary, Shonen Jump plans on developing a narrative particularly focused on Ace. The Japanese publication noted that one of their big plans for "One Piece" involves the character, who is one of those closest to Luffy. Along with the announcement was the confirmation that the "One Piece" kabuki play would make its return on Oct. 6, Crunchyroll reported.
As of this writing, there is no word yet on what the spinoff story will include but this does not stop fans from being excited about seeing the return of Ace. There are speculations that the project will be adapted into a novel and approved of by "One Piece" creator Eiichiro Oda, so another item can be affixed to the lengthy list of the popular manga's canon content.
In the manga, Portgas D. Ace, also known as "Fire Fist" or simply Ace, is the adopted older brother of Luffy. He helped raise Luffy, along with a blond-headed lad named Sabo. Being the 2nd division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Ace is recognized for his fierce loyalty and hot temper and is his younger brother's role model when it comes to the seas.
How Ace left the series has served as a chief catalyst for Luffy and his training, Comicbook reported. Before he died, Ace was hunted by the World Government and was sentenced to death just because he was the son of the most famous pirate in the series, Gol D. Roger. Unable to accept the fact that his brother would be executed, Luffy interfered and paved the way for the Battle of Marineford. Ultimately, Ace ended up sacrificing his own life to save Luffy from Akainu while he was helping him escape.
In "One Piece," Ace's death inspired Luffy to train a lot more seriously to achieve his dream of becoming Pirate King. The character has also been referenced several times throughout the manga.
Watch Ace's death here: