Ace’s Spade Pirates – Who Are They? And Where Are They Now?

Portgas D. Ace, the son of the former Pirate King and Luffy’s (foster) brother, has been one of the most influential characters in the series.

He was first mentioned during the Drum Island arc through a newspaper and later made his first appearance during the Alabasta Arc. The genes of the Pirate King clubbed with the powers of the Mera Mera no Mi was a force to be reckoned with.

He was first introduced as a member of the Whitebeard Fleet. However, we soon found out during Marineford that he was the captain of the Spade Pirates before joining Whitebeard.

With the new One Piece: Ace’s Story light novel, we are being given more information about Ace’s journey with the Spade Pirates. This brings up the question — After Ace died in Marineford, what became of his crew?

Quick Answer

To put it simply, the Spade Pirates joined forces with the Whitebeard pirates. Even though Ace died, it is highly likely they are still a part of the remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Like Marco, they might be on retirement somewhere, waiting for a good reason to return to the fight scene.

SPOILERS ALERT

Ace & The Spade Pirates

The Spades Pirates were formed by Ace and Masked Deuce on the deserted island of Sixis. They joined forces together to create “Striker,” a ship propelled by Ace’s devil fruit and can only be operated by him.

The Striker has also made an appearance in the One Piece manga; it is the same ship on which Ace was seen traveling to chase after Blackbeard. Soon, Ace gathered more members and built a name for himself as Fire Fist Ace.

The most prominent members of the Spade Pirates are – Ace, Masked Deuce, Miharl, Skull, Kukai, and the ship’s pet Kotatsu. They were first seen in the One Piece manga in chapter 552.

The Marineford war was on the verge of starting, and we were shown a small flashback regarding Ace joining Whitebeard. All 12 members of his crew were present on that page.

When Ace joined forces with the Whitebeard crew, the Spade pirates became a part of the Whitebeard pirates. While they did not get much screen time during the Summit war, it is a guarantee that they were present on the scene to rescue their former captain. 

After Whitebeard and Ace died, the Whitebeard pirates retreated as per the final orders given by their captain. They are now known as the remnants of the Whitebeard pirates.

In a “revenge” war, the remnants of the Whitebeard pirates went up against the Blackbeard Pirates. However, they were no match for the powers of the Gura Gura no Mi and the Yami Yami no Mi.

It is likely that the Spade pirates survived that war and are now on retirement just like Marco is.

Though, knowing Oda, it is likely that they will come to lend their aid in the final battle against the Marines.

And for the people interested in the whereabouts of Striker, the ship is probably washed up on the shores of Banaro Island (the island where Blackbeard defeated Ace).

About One Piece

One Piece is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine since July 22, 1997.

The man who had acquired everything in this world, the Pirate King, is Gol D. Roger. The final words he said at the execution tower were “My treasures? If you want it, I’ll let you have it. Look for it; I left all of it at that place.” These words sent many to the seas, chasing their dreams, headed toward the Grand Line, in search of One Piece. Thus began a new age!

Seeking to be the greatest pirate in the world, young Monkey D. Luffy also heads toward the Grand Line in search of One Piece. With his diverse crew joining him along the way, consisting of a swordsman, marksman, navigator, cook, doctor, archaeologist, and cyborg-shipwright, this will be one memorable adventure.