## One Piece Chapter 544, pages 1-2: Even Hell's Gates Open - Chapter: 544 - Pages: 1-2 - Characters: Marshall D. Teach, Luffy, Crocodile, Portgas D. Ace, Blackbeard Pirates, Edward Newgate, Jesus Burgess, Laffitte, Doc Q, Van Augur ### Summary Page 1: Blackbeard tells Luffy that he only heard later that the person who defeated the former Shichibukai Crocodile was Strawhat Luffy. Teach explains that at the time he was aiming for a spot in the Shichibukai, and the easiest way was to take Luffy's head and prove his strength to the government. He recalls saying, "I'll kill Strawhat Luffy up ahead in Water 7 and give him to the government as a souvenir." The memory cuts to Ace answering, "There's no way I'll let you do that... That's my little brother!!!" Luffy, Crocodile and the others realize Teach's pursuit of Luffy is tied directly to Ace's capture. Page 2: Teach says fate was kind to Luffy: Ace had already been chasing him for what he did on Whitebeard's ship, and Ace was Luffy's brother. Once Ace learned Teach meant to kill Luffy, he could not retreat. Teach explains that if Ace let them go, Whitebeard's name would be sullied and Ace's little brother would be killed too. Burgess laughs that Luffy's brother put up a hell of a fight. Laffitte says that now the captain has officially become a Shichibukai, they no longer need Luffy alive. Doc Q coughs that Luffy has amazing luck, while Van Augur says there are no coincidences, only fate.