Chereads / One Piece: The Odyssey of Portgas D. Ace / Chapter 17 - Chapter 17: Experience Baby Luffy!

Chapter 17 - Chapter 17: Experience Baby Luffy!

In the verdant embrace of the jungle, a revelation dawned, as clear as the morning sun piercing through the canopy.

"Your understanding is incredible, and you have gained some understanding through the counter-shock force generated by hitting the target. Your Haki has been improved!"

These words, like a mantra, caused Ace's eyes to sparkle with anticipation.

Indeed, as the protagonist of the original tale, Luffy's potential to amplify his Conqueror's Haki was unparalleled. Ace's own journey with Haki began under Garp's rigorous tutelage, where his Armament and Observation Haki had first stirred to life.

It was during a sparring session with Sabo that Ace uncovered a profound truth: striking with Haki could bolster its strength.This revelation was a testament to his exceptional insight.

Despite his skirmishes with the ruffians at Grey Terminal, Ace found that not all foes were equal in nurturing his Haki. The Dadan family, too, had weathered his Haki-infused assaults, yet offered no crucible for growth.

Ace deduced that only those with innate talent could enhance their Haki through combat—a process contingent on the adversary's strength.

Sabo, after days of relentless sparring, had ceased to be the anvil upon which Ace could forge his strength.After days of fruitless encounters with Sabo, Ace realized that further gains required Sabo's own growth. With some devilish training, Sabo's abilities soared, and once more, Ace's Haki flourished upon their exchange.

Anticipation had built within Ace for Luffy's arrival, and his brother did not disappoint him . Luffy's innate aptitude had allowed him to elevate his Conqueror's Haki .

For Ace, physical enhancement was attainable through Combat Turtle Breathing and Complete Absorption Techniques . As his physicality intensified, so too did the potency of his Mera- Mera Fruit powers.

 The path to strengthening Armament and Observation Haki was clear: relentless practice and the pursuit of formidable challengers.

 Yet, the elusive Conqueror's Haki demanded a different approach, one rooted in the wielder's indomitable will.

 Ace knew that true mastery would come from besting the stalwarts of the sea, each victory nurturing his formidable will. However, the opportune moment for him to embark on such a quest had not yet arrived.

But with Luffy's unexpected advancement, a new horizon unfolded.

"It hurts so much! It hurts more than Grandpa's fist!" Luffy wailed, clutching his head. "I'm a rubber man, immune to blows—then why does this hurt so much?"

Ace observed Luffy's outcry with a knowing gaze. Garp, for all his eccentricities, had never employed Conqueror's Haki in his discipline. The disparity between mere Armament Haki and the entwined might of Conqueror's Haki was vast.

"Rubber Fruit? Ace, has he consumed the same Devil Fruit as you? Yet, why does he seem so feeble?" Sabo inquired, his surprise evident. In the face of Luffy's nascent power, Ace's own seemed a cataclysm.

Luffy, overhearing the exchange, was struck with a sudden realization. "Huh? Ace, did you also eat a Devil Fruit?"Luffy's shock gave way to a surge of camaraderie. No longer was he the sole bearer of the fruit's curse.

"Yes, Ace is the Flame Man, the Flame-Flame Fruit's chosen. Its might dwarfs that of your Rubber Fruit,"Sabo declared with a hint of pride.

"Flame? That's incredible! But Sabo, why do you boast as if it's your own?" Luffy queried, his amazement tinged with confusion.

"I want you to take care of it!" Sabo bared his teeth and roared....

Ace interjected, "We'll delve into the Devil Fruit later. For now, Luffy, if you wish to join our ranks, this initiation is non-negotiable.If you fear pain, then I'm afraid this path is not for you."

"No! As long as you can be friends with me, this pain is nothing! Come on, Ace!" His gaze, brimming with hope, envisioned a luminous horizon shared with Ace and Sabo.

"Oh? Then, I'll continue."Ace's gaze ignited with a crimson blaze.What a great experience baby. If you're still looking forward to being beaten, then I won't hold back.

Conqueror's Haki infusion, full firepower!

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The jungle reverberated with the sounds of their clash. "Ah!!!"

"Your understanding is incredible, and you have gained some understanding through the counter-shock force generated by hitting the target. Your Haki has been improved!"

These words, a chorus of triumph, danced in Ace's mind, heralding the dawn of a new chapter in their saga.