"Call!"
Standing proudly at the ship's bow, Ace spread his arms wide, embracing the awe-inspiring spectacle of nature before him.
In this moment, Ace felt a surge within himself, a gradual increase in his own capabilities.
This surge extended to his Conqueror's Haki, now twice as potent as before, following his revelation in Loguetown—the true beginning of his era. Ace's strength had surged dramatically.
This enhancement was significant; Ace now felt confident in facing even Admiral-level opponents, relying on techniques like his Itto-Kaso.
In Ace's estimation, his current power exceeded that of the strongest Vice Admirals at Marine Headquarters and approached that of an Near Admiral.
While actual combat experience and real-time performance were crucial, Ace's strength was now more than sufficient for the challenges of the first half of the Grand Line.
Facing the remarkable natural wonder before him, Ace sensed his abilities evolving further. It appeared that conquering not only formidable opponents but also nature itself could enhance one's power.
No wonder those who conquered the Grand Line earned the title of Pirate King—total mastery of this region required unimaginable strength, propelling Conqueror's Haki to similarly astounding levels.
Ace's eyes gleamed with understanding.
"It's incredible! The seawater is flowing backward," Kaya marveled, gazing at Upside Down Mountain with wonder.
"It's breathtaking, isn't it, Kaya? The sea is truly magnificent!" Ace chuckled warmly, glancing at her.
"Yes!" Kaya nodded, her eyes sparkling with laughter.
"Then let's ascend from here! Nokigao, I leave the helm to you," Nami declared, pointing confidently toward the ascending channel.
"Understood," Nokigao replied, gripping the helm with determination, captivated by the natural marvel before her.
"Let's go, Nokigao! You're my helmsman!" Ace exclaimed with Haki-infused confidence, gesturing towards the upward passage.
"Yes!" Nokigao initially appeared stunned, then her expression turned resolute, her pretty face now firmly set.
"Boom!"
Under Nokigao's adept control, the Going Merry surged through the ascending corridor, propelled upward by the reverse flow of seawater toward the summit of Upside Down Mountain.
"Wow!" Nami, Kaya, and Tashigi cheered exuberantly, clutching the ship's railings as the vessel ascended.
Nokigao maintained her steady focus on the helm, her expression solemn.
Ace refrained from intervening directly, instead employing Observation Haki to monitor the women's progress. This moment of conquering nature was theirs alone to achieve.
Later, Ace stood proudly at the ship's bow, laughing joyously as he savored the sensation of mastering Upside Down Mountain.
"Your insight is extraordinary. Mastering nature has enhanced your abilities," Ace reflected, his thoughts filled with self-analysis.
"Conqueror's Haki has grown stronger," he added, acknowledging the evolution of his power.
Ultimately, under the watchful gaze of the women and amidst Ace's laughter, the Going Merry successfully crested Upside Down Mountain, commencing their entry into the Grand Line.
"Nami, Nokigao, you've proven yourselves as my navigator and helmsman," Ace commended warmly, prompting a swell of pride in both women.
Kaya and Tashigi, too, received Ace's praise for their role in conquering Upside Down Mountain.
"Yes!" Kaya responded with newfound determination, her heart swelling with purpose.
Tashigi remained silent, her lips pursed in contemplation.
"It seems that once we're in the Grand Line, it'll be time to begin teaching them Haki," Ace mused, employing Observation Haki to discern the women's physical changes.
Enhancement wasn't limited to Conqueror's Haki alone; practice in Armament and Observation Haki would also benefit from such progression.
This was why few possessed Haki in the first half of the Grand Line and yet it surged in the more treacherous New World.
Ace had refrained from teaching Haki until now, waiting for the opportune moment—confident that the women's heightened abilities would facilitate their mastery.
"Hey, Ace! Look down there!" Nami suddenly exclaimed.
"Whoa!" Ace turned and saw the mist of rushing water clearing. Below them loomed a colossal whale, as vast as an island, blocking their passage into the Grand Line. A collision would destroy their ship and endanger everyone onboard.
"Laboon?" Ace recognized the massive whale, understanding its significance—it awaited Brook's return.
"Nokigao, prepare to maneuver!" Ace's eyes narrowed, a menacing purplish-black aura swirling visibly around his right fist, charged with Conqueror's Haki.
"Swish!"
Ace leaped from the deck, reaching Laboon in an instant.
With a mighty punch, Ace unleashed his terrifying power enhanced by Conqueror's Haki, striking just beside Laboon.
"Boom!"
"Woah!" Laboon cried out in pain, its immense body recoiling backward into the sea.
"!!!" Nami, Kaya, Nokigao, and Tashigi stared wide-eyed as the colossal whale toppled into the water from Ace's punch.
Was this Ace's true strength?
Moreover, the punch hadn't even made direct contact!
Nami and the others were stunned, grappling with the sheer force unleashed.
The impact also propelled the Merry backward.
Ultimately, under Nokigao's skilled navigation, the ship came to a smooth stop on the sea.
The Entei Pirates had successfully entered the Grand Line!
On the vast sea, Laboon, a whale as large as a small island, roared in pain as it bobbed on the waves.
"Woo!"
Despite the agony, Laboon's relentless head-banging against the Red Line prevented it from losing consciousness.
However, the lingering effects of Ace's Conqueror's Haki continued to agitate Laboon, eliciting pained cries.
Meanwhile, inside Laboon's belly...
"What's happening here?"
Crocus, the former ship's doctor of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, had transformed Laboon's stomach into a cozy retreat.
Yet now, Laboon's stomach churned violently, inundating Crocus's island getaway in upside-down sea water.
Struggling to regain his footing on his vacation island, Crocus couldn't ignore Laboon's incessant groans.
"Woo!!!"
The deep, mournful sound reverberated through Laboon's massive form.
"This... Could Laboon be attacking the Red Line?" Crocus muttered incredulously.
Could this relentless rolling indicate that Laboon was under attack? How could this be? Laboon was a gargantuan whale, akin to a small island! Even in the treacherous New World, such power was rare.
Could this be the work of some fearsome World Government technology?
Gritting his teeth, Crocus dived into the churning waters of Laboon's stomach, swimming towards the exit. Whatever was happening, he couldn't stand idly by while Laboon faced danger.
...
After navigating a lengthy passage, Crocus finally emerged from Laboon's colossal body.
Expecting the worst, Crocus braced himself—only to freeze in astonishment at the sight before him.
"Yo-ho-ho, good boy."
There stood a strikingly handsome young man on a pirate ship, his eyes glinting a rich purple-black as he comforted Laboon.
Miraculously, Laboon's distressed expression seemed to ease—was there even a hint of remorse?
Could it be...?
"Ba, Conqueror's Haki?!" Crocus stammered, eyes wide with disbelief.
Surely he hadn't misinterpreted. This was Conqueror's Haki, wielded to such a degree? At the entrance to the Grand Line, where newcomers typically lacked such prowess?
Wait... Wait!
Crocus's expression shifted abruptly.
This young man was consoling Laboon. Could it be that the attack causing Laboon's distress earlier had come from this very individual?
Crocus swallowed hard.
No, it couldn't be... Could it?
Forced to compose himself, Crocus managed a strained smile.
"Hello there."
At that moment, the young man turned towards Crocus, offering a warm smile.
"!!!"
Startled yet relieved, Crocus realized that someone with this level of Conqueror's Haki would undoubtedly possess Observation Haki as well, likely having sensed his presence earlier.
"Hello, young travelers embarking on the Grand Line."
Overwhelmed, Crocus abandoned his usual humor, opting for a genuinely friendly approach.
"Grandpa! Why did you come out of the whale's belly?" Kaya called out, covering her mouth in surprise.
"Clang!"
Ignoring the question, Crocus leapt from Laboon's body and made his way towards the Merry.
To the bemusement of Ace, Kaya, Nami, and Nokigao, he plunged headlong into the sea.
"Ouch, that hurts!"
The impact of hitting the water from such height was brutal.
Emerging with a pained clutch at his waist, Crocus was met with Ace's amused gaze.
"Let's get you settled, sir."
Ace offered a rope, smiling warmly.
"Thank you kindly, young man," Crocus replied, ascending the rope with Ace's assistance.
"Hey, why did you emerge from the whale's belly? Isn't Laboon your whale? If Ace hadn't intervened, it could've capsized our ship," Nami pressed, gripping Crocus's beard.
"Ouch! Little lady, ease up on the beard," Crocus winced, still nursing his waist.
"Let me help with that," Kaya intervened kindly, her hands emanating a soothing yellow light.
"Buzz-"
"Healing Fruit - Healing."
Under the gentle glow, Crocus felt his waist swiftly mend.
"A Devil Fruit?" Crocus pondered silently.
"Thank you, young lady. That Healing Fruit of yours is quite the marvel," Crocus praised sincerely.
With this Devil Fruit and her medical acumen, Kaya possessed incredible potential.
Grateful for the compliment, Kaya beamed happily. Being recognized for her Healing Fruit meant more to her than personal accolades.
Glancing at Ace, Kaya's smile widened.
"Wait a moment, young lady. Did you say Ace repelled Laboon?" Crocus suddenly remembered, looking at Nami incredulously.
His disbelief was evident.
"Yes, Ace managed to push Laboon back," Nokigao affirmed proudly, pointing towards Ace.
"How... How is that possible? Laboon is the largest whale in the world, an island unto itself. To repel it like that is akin to toppling a small island," Crocus muttered, baffled.
"Let's set that aside for now. You seem familiar, old man," Ace approached Crocus, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"You bear a striking resemblance to the ship's doctor who once sailed with the Pirate King."
"!!!"
Crocus's eyes widened momentarily before he swiftly regained his composure.
"Oh? Surely you're mistaken, young man. How could I, an old man, have been the ship's doctor of the Pirate Kings crew?" Crocus chuckled nervously.
Deep down, though, he couldn't help but recall the past. The images circulated back then must be drastically different from his current appearance; he had aged decades since.
"Well, perhaps I misremembered," Ace replied casually, introducing himself.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm the captain of this crew, Portgas D. Ace."
"!!!"
With that revelation, Crocus's pupils dilated abruptly.
Crocus's eyes brimmed with nostalgia as memories of another D-bearing individual who had once embarked on a similar journey flooded his mind. That person had taken them to Raftel, the final island.
"Wait, you said your name is Ace?" Crocus interrupted abruptly, fixing Ace with a sharp gaze.
"Yeah," Ace affirmed, sensing the old man's sharp intuition.
This old man is perceptive. Could he have pieced together my identity? Ace wondered briefly. His biological father, Gol D. Roger, had left to Baterila Island after disbanding his pirate crew, where he met his mother, Portgas D. Rouge. None of the original Roger Pirates knew about Ace's existence, and even within the Marines, knowledge of Roger's descendants was kept confidential.
"Ace... D?" Crocus murmured incredulously, his shock evident.
"He once drank so much at a banquet that he said if he had a child, he'd name him after his beloved sword, one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Swords," Crocus reflected, overcome with emotion.
"Sorry, I got lost in memories. It's been more than twenty years," Crocus sighed deeply, feeling the weight of time.
"Ah, it seems you really were part of Roger's crew. Twenty years... that's when the Roger Pirates disbanded," Ace mused, moving closer to Crocus with a knowing smile.
Crocus's mouth twitched slightly, realizing he had inadvertently revealed too much under Ace's penetrating gaze.
"Your Observation Haki is sharp," Ace teased lightly, landing another playful jab.
"Well, that's all in the past now. We're just relics of a bygone era," Crocus deflected, glancing at Ace and the crew with a resigned smile.
Nami, Nokigao, Kaya, and Tashigi listened in stunned silence. The odd, grandfatherly figure they had just met was the ship's doctor from the era of One Piece?
"The ship's doctor of the Roger Pirates!" Tashigi blurted out, almost drawing her sword before remembering her current status and stepping back dejectedly.
"I'm quite busy and don't need your assistance," Ace interjected, pulling Kaya, who was still reeling from the revelation, closer.
"What about teaching all your medical knowledge to my ship's doctor?" Ace suggested with a smile.
"Why?" Kaya exclaimed, taken aback by the sudden proposal.
"It's a good young man. He just saved this old man, but he still wants to keep sailing, right? Learning medicine isn't something that happens overnight," Crocus interjected seriously.
"It takes at least ten years to train a skilled doctor, even a talented one. Without thorough knowledge, treating patients could do more harm than good. Unfortunately, there are many such imposters out at sea," Crocus explained, concern evident in his voice.
"You needn't worry about that. Just teach my ship's doctor for ten days," Ace replied, his lips quirking up slightly.
"Ten days?" Crocus frowned skeptically, feeling a twinge of indignation at what he perceived as a lack of respect for the medical profession.
Before Crocus could voice his objections, a commotion erupted.
"Woo!"
"Boom!"
The sea surged violently, shaking the ship and causing panic among the crew.
"What's happening?" Nami cried out, clutching the railing tightly.
"It's Laboon! He's ramming the Red Line again! Oh no, I'm not inside Laboon to administer the sedative. Laboon, please stop! You can't knock down the Red Line!" Crocus exclaimed urgently, rushing to the ship's edge.
Laboon continued its relentless assault on the Red Line, seemingly oblivious to Crocus's pleas.
"Laboon is trying to break the Red Line?!" Nami gasped incredulously, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"The Red Line has stood for ages, how could Laboon possibly...?" she trailed off, unable to comprehend the enormity of the situation.
"Yeah, it's impossible for it to break, but Laboon has been at it for decades," Crocus sighed heavily, preparing to recount Laboon's heartbreaking tale.
From Laboon's fateful encounter with the Rumbar Pirates to their agreement to reunite after circumnavigating the globe, nearly fifty years had passed, and Laboon still awaited their return.
"What a touching story," Nokigao sniffled, wiping tears from his eyes.
Moved by the tale, Nami and Kaya nodded in agreement, tears welling in their eyes.
"I can't inject Laboon with a sedative from here. Could you use Conqueror's Haki to calm Laboon down? If you do, I'll teach your ship's doctor for ten days..." Crocus pleaded desperately.
"No need," Ace interrupted firmly, extending a hand to halt Crocus.
"Whether you agree to teach my ship's doctor or not, I will calm Laboon down. It's not a trade-off, I'll simply do what I think is right," Ace declared with a Haki-infused smile.
"!!!" Crocus's eyes widened in surprise.
Crocus gazed at Ace in stunned silence, grappling with the implications of Ace's immense power and lineage. Kaya and Nami stood beside him, their faces flush with a mix of admiration and curiosity, while Nokigao observed with pursed lips, a hint of admiration in her eyes. Tashigi, her expression complex, remained silent, absorbing the unfolding scene.
"As expected of someone with Conqueror's Haki," Crocus murmured, his mind retracing memories of another figure who had wielded such formidable power.
"Alright, settle down, Laboon!" Ace's voice boomed across the deck, his eyes sharpening as he prepared to act.
"Boom!" With a surge of Conqueror's Haki, Ace exerted control over Laboon, calming the massive whale down from its relentless headbutting of the Red Line. Laboon, under the influence, ceased its assault and floated peacefully, albeit with fresh scars marking its determined efforts.
"That control over Conqueror's Haki is incredible," Crocus remarked, visibly impressed.
"Laboon, you mentioned waiting for a certain group to return, right?" Ace addressed the whale earnestly, drawing its attention.
"Woo?" Laboon turned its massive form toward Ace.
Ace's lips curled into a slight smile as he leaped into action. "So..."
In an instant, Ace unleashed a fearsome display of power. Dark, purple-black lightning crackled around him, swiftly solidifying into a torrential storm of energy that rent the atmosphere and roared across the sky and sea alike.
"Bah!" The tremendous force exploded from Ace's right fist, striking the sea's surface with devastating impact, carving a colossal hole and sending shockwaves that reverberated for miles.
"Ah!" Nami cried out in alarm aboard the Merry, the ship heaving in the tumultuous aftermath.
Impervious to the chaos, Ace returned to the ship, where Nami, still reeling, confronted him with a fiery intensity. "Are you trying to get us killed, Ace?"
"Relax, I've factored in everything to ensure the ship's stability. Besides, we have Nokigao here," Ace reassured with a chuckle, though tension lingered in the air.
"I thought I was a goner there! I'll take you on, Ace!" Nami declared, leaping at Ace with spirited determination.
"Ace," Kaya interjected swiftly, diffusing the escalating tension with a calm demeanor.
"Nokigao, you saw that power... Ace hardly tapped into his full strength when facing Arlong," Kaya remarked, awe tinged in her voice as she glanced at Nokigao.
Nokigao nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on Ace in newfound respect. This display eclipsed even the mightiest naval officers she knew.
Tashigi, too, was dumbfounded, her perception of strength fundamentally challenged by Ace's display.
As Ace subdued Nami, the crew's focus turned to Crocus, whose expression now mirrored disbelief. "That... Advanced Conqueror's Haki ?" Crocus uttered in astonishment, recognizing the unique application.
"That move... the Marine hero Garp's... isn't it?" Crocus queried, astonished at the familiar technique.
"Yes, I learned it from old man Garp," Ace confirmed casually.
Crocus was speechless. A pirate inheriting a signature move from Marine hero Garp? The thought defied common sense.
"Woo!" Laboon's return snapped Crocus from his daydream, its gaze now holding a new respect for Ace.
"Hey, Laboon! Did you feel the impact of that punch?" Ace shouted, addressing the whale with genuine warmth.
Laboon emitted a low sound, a mix of awe and trepidation.
"If you heal up, I'll conquer the Grand Line, become the king of the pirates, and come back. When that happens, we'll see how you fare against my punch again," Ace declared, cementing their pact.
Ace then inscribed the Entei Pirate Flag on Laboon's forehead with a flourish, marking their promise in a striking display of camaraderie.
Crocus wiped a tear from his eye, moved by Laboon's newfound hope and Ace's unwavering determination.
Nami, Kaya, and Nokigao exchanged knowing smiles, reaffirming their faith in their captain.
Tashigi's expression remained enigmatic, her worldview shifting in the face of Ace's indomitable spirit.
In the days that followed, Kaya, under Crocus's tutelage and with her exceptional aptitude, rapidly honed her medical skills. Crocus's occasional exclamations of disbelief echoed through their training sessions, testament to Kaya's meteoric progress under the guidance of the renowned former ship's doctor.
Meanwhile, Ace continued to bond with Laboon, riding the whale through towering waves day after day. On the ninth day, Ace's keen Observation Haki detected two figures approaching stealthily on the horizon.
"Um?" Ace's eyes lit up, fixating particularly on one figure adorned with radiant light blue hair.