This Chapter was severely reduced because mighty god, there were so many useless lines you wouldn't believe.
...
"Such immense power!"
Ron looked up at the colossal fireball hovering above Ace's head. The sheer power contained in that condensed inferno was undeniably intimidating, a single-strike attack capable of rivaling the power of a warlord.
It was no wonder that Ace was hailed as the most powerful Supernova in the Grand Line.
However...
"But is that all?" Ron continued to walk towards Ace, his attitude unwavering. "With my power, the Seven Warlords and the Four Emperors themselves would falter before me!"
"Go, Great Flame Commandment - Flame Emperor!"
Struggling to maintain control over the massive fireball, Ace strained to direct its descent toward Ron.
The formidable fireball, which resembled a miniature sun hurtling toward the earth like a fiery meteorite, possessed a terror that commanded awe.
Ron's gaze lifted slightly, the cold mask on his features illuminated by the fiery glow. He extended a finger, imbued it with a purple-red Armament Haki, and mouthed, "Shatter"
Snap!
The Armament Haki spear emanating from Ron's finger pierced the massive fireball.
Boom!
Explosions erupted as the fireball disintegrated, its fierce flames devouring everything in its path. Despite Ace's control over the flames, the ensuing shockwave wreaked havoc on the surrounding structures.
Behind Ron, however, the girls remained unharmed. Shielded by Ron's formidable Haki, they emerged unscathed from the fiery aftermath.
"How...?" Ace looked at Ron in disbelief. His most powerful ability, Great Flame Commandment - Flame Emperor, had been effortlessly nullified.
Ron's eyes flickered as he approached Ace, a single finger resting on Ace's forehead.
Though Ace tried to evade, every move was anticipated and countered by Ron. There was no escape from Ron's discerning gaze; any evasion was effortlessly thwarted.
"Observation Haki... Your mastery of the Armament Haki has reached unprecedented heights," Ace muttered, sweat trickling down his brow, his expression contorted with frustration.
"Enough," Ron remarked with a faint smile. "You lost."
"Yes," Ace conceded. "I underestimated you, Captain Ron of the Sword and Rose Pirates. Your strength exceeds my expectations."
Ron withdrew his finger, his tone calm. "Your skill is considerable, but mine surpasses it."
Ace nodded solemnly. "Indeed, your power is formidable. Few among the warlords would dare challenge you."
"I have already crossed blades with Mihawk, not to mention others," Ron replied calmly. "When the time comes, they'll realize the extent of my power."
"A formidable man indeed," Ace sighed. "I've lost, Makino... "
"I assure you, Makino is unharmed," Ron interjected. "Our relationship has blossomed since her initial coercion aboard our ship."
"You..." Ace gritted his teeth. "I will challenge you again! And next time I'll come out on top!"
"Anytime, Ace, you're always welcome to test your mettle against me," Ron chuckled.
"Very well," Ace confirmed, adjusting his hat. "I'll keep that in mind. Since Makino is safe, I won't pursue this matter further. But should Shanks hear of this, he'll surely come looking for you."
"I'll be waiting," Ron nodded.
As Ace walked away, defeated and humiliated, Ron's gaze lingered on him, contemplative.
Behind him, the girls approached, concern etched on their faces.
"Are you all right, Ron?" Kaya inquired worriedly.
"I'm fine," Ron reassured her with a smile. No need to worry."
Relieved, Nami quipped, "We knew you'd be fine. After all, good people don't meet untimely ends." (T/N: I wonder if she's being arcastic here, lol XD)
"Indeed," Vivi chimed in, a smile tugging at her lips.
"We need to move on," Nojiko suggested, eyeing the aftermath of the confrontation.
"Wait," Ron interjected, deep in contemplation.
"What's wrong?" the girls asked.
"Nothing important," Ron replied, his focus elsewhere. "Just one final task."
With intent, Ron tapped into the precognitive abilities of his Observation Haki.
"Let me reveal Blackbeard's location," Ron murmured, his mind reaching out. (T/N: I don't think that's how Observation Haki works, but hey, I'm just the hardworking translator).
A vision materialized - a tavern, Blackbeard seated, surrounded by his crew. Sensing Ron's scrutiny, Blackbeard looked around cautiously.
Expanding his vision, Ron surveyed the cityscape and pinpointed their exact location.
"Blackbeard, you cannot escape me now that you are in the heart of this city," Ron declared, determination burning in his eyes.