[TL/N: Read my new work - Anime Group Chat in a Doomsday World!]
-------
"Luffy's tale is about to start."
Ace's gaze lingered on the atmospheric screen as he watched the Straw Hat Pirates disappearing into the horizon. His lips curved into a faint smile.
"I'm truly looking forward to the day you reach me," he murmured softly.
With the enlightenment light balls in their possession, Luffy and his crew would grow faster, possibly even exceeding the progress they would have made during the two years of traditional training. By the time Luffy reached Wanokuni, he would surely have mastered the full extent of Nika's power.
That would mark the beginning of the final confrontation with the World Government.
"But, you didn't meet him, did you? Dragon."
Ace turned his attention to a distant rooftop, his smile sharpening. Nami and Tashigi had already sensed the abnormal presence there—especially Nami.
Thanks to her enhanced Observation Haki, amplified by the Thunder Fruit, Nami's perception was unparalleled. Only a select few on the seas, such as Ace with his "Observation Kill" technique or the red-haired Shanks, could evade her detection.
A gust of wind swept past, and a figure emerged from the shadows.
His rugged face was partially obscured by a tattoo, and his commanding presence carried the weight of his wind-based powers. This man was Monkey D. Dragon, son of Garp and the father of Luffy. He was also the Revolutionary Army's leader, labeled by the World Government as the second most dangerous criminal alive.
The title of "most dangerous" now belonged solely to Ace.
"There's no need for that," Dragon said, his voice calm as he watched the Straw Hat Pirates sail away. "I'm just a stranger to Luffy."
Ace chuckled lightly, his tone laced with mischief. "Oh, really? Don't think I don't know about your secret habit of spying on Luffy, Dragon."
Dragon cleared his throat awkwardly, clearly caught off guard. "Cough! I see you've developed quite the habit of pointing out flaws in others."
Ace's grin widened. "Always have. But you're as awkward as ever."
Over the past year, Dragon had traveled to Wanokuni and met with Ace. Though the details of their discussions remained unknown, their meeting had fostered an unprecedented alliance. The Revolutionary Army had since become an unofficial extension of the Entei Pirates, with their missions often intertwined.
Every country liberated by the Revolutionary Army bore traces of Ace's influence. This partnership had put the World Government and the Marines in a bind. While the Revolutionary Army's actions disrupted global order, they had yet to threaten the World Government's core interests.
Engaging in open warfare against the Entei Pirates at this stage would only weaken the World Government's position as they prepared for the inevitable final battle.
Ace's mastery over the Time-Time Fruit and his unparalleled Observation Haki had allowed him to manipulate the World Government's response with surgical precision. He made them uncomfortable—desperate, even—but never enough to provoke them into premature action.
Through their increasing collaboration, Ace and Dragon had developed a sense of camaraderie. What started as cautious cooperation had evolved into a relationship where they could occasionally joke and exchange barbs.
"Isn't my personality consistent? You, on the other hand, are always so uptight."
Ace's voice was light, though his sharp eyes betrayed his awareness of the seriousness beneath their banter.
"Well, I have the task you assigned me," Dragon replied, deflecting with a smirk. "The liberation of that country is nearly complete."
Ace's smile faded, replaced by a contemplative expression. "After you finish there, begin scaling back your forces, Dragon."
Dragon's face grew serious as he processed Ace's words. "You're preparing for war, aren't you... Admiral?"
The weight of the title hung in the air. In moments of gravity, Dragon referred to Ace formally, reflecting his commitment to following Ace's vision for the future.
Ace nodded slowly. "With the liberation of that country, we've secured more than enough war resources. The next step is to convert those resources into weapons and armaments. Once that's complete, we'll be ready for the final confrontation."
Resting his chin on his hand, Ace's gaze locked with Dragon's. His voice, calm but firm, carried a sense of inevitability.
"Prepare yourself, Dragon. The decisive battle with the World Government is drawing near."
"Understood. I'll make the arrangements when I return."
Dragon's voice was steady as he responded, his gaze serious.
Ace nodded approvingly. "I'm looking forward to the Revolutionary Army's performance," he said with a faint smile before turning off the atmospheric screen.
"We'll take our leave now, Chief Dragon."
Nami's voice was calm as she addressed him. Behind her, two spatial gaps slowly opened, a result of the Space-Space Fruit's ability.
Dragon turned to her and nodded. "Take care."
With a faint hum, the gaps shimmered, and Nami and Tashigi vanished, returning to Wanokuni.
Dragon stared at the now-empty space, letting out a sigh of admiration. "The admiral's abilities have grown even more formidable."
He couldn't help but marvel at the terrifying potential of Ace's power. As the rumored wielder of all Devil Fruit abilities, Ace's comprehensive strength was almost incomprehensible—enough to make even the World Government hesitate to engage him in open war.
Just as Dragon turned to leave, a previously closed spatial gap reopened. A faint light emerged from within, floating directly into Dragon's hand.
"Hm? What's this?" Dragon examined the glowing orb with a curious expression. "The ability of the Paw-Paw Fruit?"
Curiosity overtook him as he brought the orb closer to his forehead.
With a soft hum, the light orb merged into him, and the ability of the Paw-Paw Fruit activated, revealing its stored information. As the knowledge flowed into Dragon's mind, his eyes widened in shock.
"This... This ability belongs to the king of the World Government—the incarnation of the devil, Imu!"
Dragon's voice trembled with awe and disbelief. The secret revealed to him was staggering. To know the truth about Imu's power and abilities was to uncover a cornerstone of the World Government's supremacy.
Armed with this knowledge, Dragon felt a surge of confidence. The Revolutionary Army now had a clearer understanding of their enemy. After all, it wasn't the strength of the enemy that instilled fear, but the unknown.
"The admiral truly is someone beyond comprehension," Dragon muttered, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
With the wind rising around him, Dragon's figure disappeared into the breeze, his mind brimming with plans.
——
In the depths of Wanokuni, a shimmer in the air heralded Nami and Tashigi's return. They stepped out of the spatial gap with practiced ease, their presence commanding respect.
"Thank you for your hard work, Nami, Tashigi," Ace greeted them with a small smile, his gaze warm.
"It wasn't difficult for me," Nami replied lightly, turning toward Tashigi. "But Tashigi had quite the burden."
Tashigi straightened, her voice firm. "I've already resolved myself, Ace. I'll wield my sword against anyone for you—even those I once called comrades."
Her conviction was unmistakable.
Over the past year, Tashigi had undergone tremendous growth. She had awakened her Clear-Clear Fruit, allowing her to create a transparent space where her movements were completely undetectable. Even Observation Haki, capable of glimpsing the future, struggled to track her actions.
Tashigi had earned the moniker "Flame Silent Swordsman," though many now hailed her as a true Great Swordsman. Her mastery of swordsmanship had ascended to legendary heights, and her weapon, Enma, was on the verge of becoming a black blade.
Her bounty now stood at an astounding 850 million berries, and her prowess rivaled that of the Admirals. Among the swordsmen of the sea, she was second only to Mihawk.
Tashigi had also become Ace's woman, a development that added a touch of softness to her otherwise resolute demeanor.
Ace's gaze held a quiet intensity as he spoke. "I've never doubted your resolve, Tashigi. But remember, fighting is not the ultimate goal. Once the World Government is destroyed, the Marines—those elites—will also become my people."
His words carried a commanding weight, brimming with ambition.
Nami and Tashigi both looked at him with admiration, their eyes sparkling with devotion.
"All right, you two go rest for now," Ace said, his smile gentle. "I have someone I need to see."
With a nod, Nami and Tashigi left the room, their footsteps fading.
Ace entered another chamber, his expression softening as he looked at the woman waiting there. She was clearly uneasy, her hands fidgeting as she glanced at him.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Jewelry Bonney," Ace said, a slight smirk curving his lips.
The woman in question, Jewelry Bonney, looked up at him, her usual boldness replaced with rare hesitation. She was the adopted daughter of Bartholomew Kuma and a wielder of the Paramecia-type Age-Age Fruit.
Though she tried to mask her feelings, her discomfort was evident.
"...It's fine," she mumbled, her face slightly flushed as Ace's warm gaze lingered on her.
Although Bonney usually carried herself with a carefree attitude, the man before her was no ordinary figure and the undisputed overlord of the pirate era.
Faced with such a man, even Bonney, known for her boldness, felt a tinge of nervousness.
Especially since she had come to ask him something deeply personal.
"My father—"
Ace's smile remained warm as he regarded her. "Just call me Ace. I've always admired Kuma. There's no need to act so restrained in front of me."
Before Bonney could finish her sentence, Ace gently interrupted her. Hearing his words, a hint of pride crossed Bonney's face.
For her father to be acknowledged by this man—it was the highest honor anyone could imagine.
"Alright... Ace."
As Bonney spoke his name, she caught his radiant, sun-like smile, which melted away her nervousness. She couldn't help but smile brightly in return.
Ace didn't waste time. Sitting down, he looked directly at Bonney and spoke frankly. "Since you're here, that means Kuma's life has reached its end."
Bonney's expression stiffened, and her hands instinctively clenched.
She had once been at the mercy of the World Government because of her Jade Scale Disease. Kuma had sacrificed himself, agreeing to become a mindless weapon, to exchange his freedom for her chance to survive.
Now, fully healed and free after a year in captivity, Bonney had taken to the seas as a pirate.
But her path was different this time. Before she could chart her own course, her father's voice had mysteriously echoed in her mind. Using the Paw-Paw Fruit's ability, Kuma had sent her a message: "Seek out Flame Emperor."
So, she came to Wanokuni.
"Ace, can you... can you save my father?"
Her voice trembled, and her eyes turned red as she fought back tears.
Ace's expression softened as he reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. Kuma won't die. I've already put plans in place to save him."
His words were gentle, yet filled with absolute certainty.
Bonney stared at him, and her tears finally spilled over. "Really? That's... that's amazing!"
For a moment, she broke down completely, covering her face with her hands.
She had no reason to doubt Ace. Everyone on the seas knew that when this man made a promise, he would see it through, no matter what.
Ace said nothing more, gently patting Bonney's head to comfort her. To him, she was still just a child, no matter how she appeared.
After calming down, Bonney wiped her eyes, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "Thank you, Ace. Thank you so much."
Ace smiled reassuringly. "It's nothing. I already know about your circumstances—and your Devil Fruit. The Age-Age Fruit is truly extraordinary."
Hearing this, Bonney froze. Her cheeks flushed a deep red as the realization dawned on her.
Of course, Ace, the man known as the most powerful Devil Fruit user in history, would see through her disguise instantly. The Age-Age Fruit, which allowed her to manipulate her appearance and even her age, had no secrets from him.
Ace chuckled at her reaction. "But it's your choice to appear however you like. Don't feel burdened by it."
Bonney took a deep breath and nodded, appreciating his understanding.
Summoning her courage, Bonney looked Ace in the eye. "Ace, is there anything I can do? I may not be strong, but I want to help."
Ace's gaze softened as he regarded her earnest expression. He understood her gratitude—not only for the chance to save her father but also for her desire to contribute.
"There is something I need from you," he replied. "Come with me."
Bonney's face lit up with determination. "Really? I'll do anything. No matter how hard it is, I'm not afraid!"
Ace smiled at her enthusiasm. "You're stronger than you think, Bonney. The Age-Age Fruit is far from weak—in fact, it's one of the most overpowered abilities I've ever seen."
Ace's gaze rested on Bonney, his voice heavy with emotion as he spoke.
The Age-Age Fruit's power allows its user to distort the future, shaping reality into what they imagine.
Bonney, upon learning the truth about Luffy and his connection to Nika, had glimpsed the Sun God in him. With her imagination guiding her abilities, she could transform herself into Nika's form.
In other words, Bonney possessed the potential to wield Nika's power as well.
With her newfound understanding and the clarity of her abilities, Bonney was destined to become a pivotal figure in the battles to come.
"Come with me," Ace said again, his voice warm but firm. "It won't be easy, but you're an important part of what's to come."
Bonney clenched her fists, determination blazing in her eyes. "I'm ready."
Then she followed Ace out of the room.