User blog comment:4KS/Oda Plans to Stir Fry ZORO.../@comment-5962458-20130314154416/@comment-4754162-20130315093637

If you see Ace vs Luffy as a problem, then would you see Shanks vs Luffy as a problem too?

IDK but I see both sort of a "passing the torch" kinda ritual. Ace has always been better than Luffy from since kids, therefore if they do fight it out, Luffy needs to win this "never-lose" brother in order to prove that he is now all grown up and better and fitting to be the best of the best (a.k.a Pirate King). The same goes to Shanks, he needs to beat Shanks to prove that he fulfiled his word of being better than him and having a better pirate crew than his.

Ace should stay dead as it is the reason behind Luffy getting even stronger and as a possible revenge plot path of the story. His ability, the Mera Mera, should not be a deterrent at all, even if its taken by some fellow. Luffy meeting and fighting Shanks seems to be a 50-50% chance, author can use him (Shanks) the same as Ace or actually let them both fight it out.