Ace stood firmly on the motionless Blueno, his eyes radiating a violent and majestic purple-black intensity that seemed almost tangible.
"Do you know him?" Ace's tone was casual, but the aura around him intensified, evoking a primal fear in Kaku and Kalifa, who instinctively lowered their heads, trembling uncontrollably.
Rob Lucci, typically composed and fierce, found himself shaking violently, blood trickling from his lips. His eyes, once wild with the power of his Zoan-cat transformation, now reflected only fear and submission.
"I... it's impossible!" Lucci's voice cracked, his body bending involuntarily. He struggled against the overwhelming pressure emanating from Ace, feeling as insignificant as an ant before a king.
"I am the strongest in CP9's 800-year history!" Lucci gritted his teeth, attempting to straighten himself, but the aura around Ace only solidified further, causing his bones to audibly creak.
His vision blurred, eyes turning white as consciousness wavered. The formidable agent of CP9, renowned for his ruthlessness, found himself utterly powerless before Ace's presence.
"He... he's the tavern owner. We... we don't know him," Kalifa managed to stammer, her words barely audible amidst her fear. As she spoke, the oppressive force lifted, leaving her trembling and drenched in cold sweat.
However, her terror persisted. The realization that Ace wielded such unimaginable power left her shaken to the core.
Ace's gaze turned to Kaku, his voice calm yet authoritative. "And you? Do you know him? This CP9 agent?"
"No... I don't know him," Kaku replied meekly, unable to meet Ace's gaze. As he spoke, the overwhelming pressure dissipated, but Kaku's eyes betrayed deep-seated fear and reluctance.
Having prided himself on strength and prowess, Kaku now found his dignity shattered by Ace's Conqueror's Haki, leaving him collapsed and breathless on the ground.
Ace's attention shifted back to Lucci, his lips curling into a slight smirk. The purple-black aura surrounding him intensified, reflecting his dominion over the situation.
Lucci clenched his teeth, struggling to maintain consciousness. To resist Ace now seemed futile; the pressure alone pushed him to the brink of collapse. His inner turmoil was palpable—resentment replaced by a profound sense of defeat and humiliation.
"Lucci!" Kalifa and Kaku's voices rang out in unison, desperate to prevent Lucci from resorting to his Devil Fruit transformation. The consequences of such an act in front of Ace would be catastrophic—exposing their covert existence and futile resistance.
"I... I'm not familiar with him," Lucci finally managed through gritted teeth, his pigeon mirroring his words with ventriloquism.
Ace stood resolutely upon Blueno's motionless form, his eyes exuding a violent and majestic purple-black aura that seemed almost tangible.
"Do you know him?" Ace's tone was nonchalant, yet the oppressive atmosphere around him intensified, prompting Kaku and Kalifa to instinctively lower their heads, trembling uncontrollably.
Rob Lucci, known for his fierce composure, found himself shaking violently, blood trickling from his lips. His once-wild eyes now reflected only fear and submission.
"I... it's impossible!" Lucci's voice cracked, his body involuntarily bending under the weight of Ace's presence. He struggled against the overwhelming pressure, feeling as insignificant as an ant before a king.
"I am the strongest in CP9's 800-year history!" Lucci gritted his teeth, attempting to straighten himself, but Ace's aura only solidified further, causing his bones to audibly creak.
His vision blurred, eyes turning white as consciousness wavered. The formidable agent of CP9, renowned for his ruthlessness, found himself utterly powerless before Ace's Conqueror's Haki.
"He... he's the tavern owner. We... we don't know him," Kalifa managed to stammer, her words barely audible amidst her fear. As she spoke, the oppressive force lifted, leaving her trembling and drenched in cold sweat.
However, her terror persisted. The realization that Ace wielded such unimaginable power left her shaken to the core.
Ace's gaze turned to Kaku, his voice calm yet authoritative. "And you? Do you know him? This CP9 agent?"
"No... I don't know him," Kaku replied meekly, unable to meet Ace's gaze. As he spoke, the overwhelming pressure dissipated, but Kaku's eyes betrayed deep-seated fear and reluctance.
Having prided himself on strength and prowess, Kaku now found his dignity shattered by Ace's Conqueror's Haki, leaving him collapsed and breathless on the ground.
Ace's attention shifted back to Lucci, his lips curling into a slight smirk. The purple-black aura surrounding him intensified, reflecting his dominion over the situation.
Lucci clenched his teeth, struggling to maintain consciousness. To resist Ace now seemed futile; the pressure alone pushed him to the brink of collapse. His inner turmoil was palpable—resentment replaced by a profound sense of defeat and humiliation.
"Lucci!" Kalifa and Kaku's voices rang out in unison, desperate to prevent Lucci from resorting to his Devil Fruit transformation. The consequences of such an act in front of Ace would be catastrophic—exposing their covert existence and futile resistance.
"I... I'm not familiar with him," Lucci finally managed through gritted teeth, his pigeon mirroring his words with ventriloquism.
The terrifying aura surrounding Ace dissipated instantly.
Lucci's legs shook as he fought not to collapse to the ground. His cold eyes reflected humiliation and unwillingness.
Admitting he was a humble weakling in front of Portgas D. Ace was worse than death.
"Then it's a misunderstanding. It seems none of your employees here know this CP9 agent," Ace said lightly, smiling at Iceburg.
"I find it more intriguing to destroy Rob Lucci and others mentally than physically," Ace pondered casually. "When CP9 attacked Robin, the fate of several people was sealed. But a minor character like Rob Lucci isn't worth acting against alone. When the time comes, Enies Lobby will end everything."
Ace's smile widened slightly. "What did you do?" Iceburg asked, noticing the unusually subdued atmosphere among the boatmen.
Kaku, Kalifa, and Lucci displayed unprecedented timidity and fear. Iceburg, eyes filled with disbelief, looked on.
"The five foremen of Carrera Company are the bedrock of stability in Seven Waters Capital," Iceburg thought aloud. "Kaku and Lucci are the strongest. Yet under Portgas D. Ace's gaze, they've become this."
Iceburg's mind raced. Had CP9 truly infiltrated Seven Waters Capital? Watching Blueno's lifeless form, the mayor struggled to hide his growing unease.
"The World Government has long sought the Pluton design he possesses," Iceburg mused. "Despite integrating Carrera Company into global shipbuilding, they've taken no action beyond negotiations. Am I too complacent?"
Iceburg's brow furrowed deeper. Ace's behavior strongly suggested he knew Kaku and Lucci were CP9. Iceburg didn't want to believe it, recalling their interactions. Could they be the ruthless killers CP9 was rumored to be?
"What's CP9? Blueno was the tavern owner and my friend!" Barry interjected, struggling against Ace's lingering Haki influence. "You came here and beat my friend to this state!"
Barry's voice rang out with frustration. "Lucci, Kaku, Kalifa! Why claim not to know Blueno?"
To Barry's disbelief, Kaku and Kalifa remained silent, evasive in their gaze. Lucci stood silent, his fists clenched.
"Hahaha, Uncle Iceburg, it seems you still have some with backbone here," Ace chuckled, his words cutting through Kaku and Lucci like a knife.
Ace's laughter echoed sharply. "For integrity's sake, I'll show you, Robin."
Robin, her lips curved slightly, retrieved an image-transmitting device affected by Ace's presence. A video played, capturing Blueno's demise and his affiliation with CP9.
Iceburg moved to interject, but Ace silenced him. "It's truly CP9!" Iceburg's eyes darkened further.
"Nojiko," Ace called calmly.
"Boom!" A gunshot echoed as Blueno's life ended abruptly.
Kaku and Kalifa stared in disbelief. Lucci's eyes narrowed.
Barry, still processing Blueno's betrayal, moved to intervene but was restrained by Iceburg.
"Your abilities are intriguing," Ace remarked, a right hand opening slightly. Laki placed an apple into Ace's hand.
As Ace's hand closed around the fruit, a mystical transformation unfolded, captivating Lucci, Kaku, and Kalifa.
"This is the Paramecia Door-Door Fruit," Ace declared. "Perfect for Nokigao's sniping skills."
In awe, Nojiko accepted the fruit, consuming it without hesitation.
Ace's smirk deepened. "Nokigao, this fruit's potential surpasses even Van Augur's future abilities."
Nojiko's joy was palpable, her gratitude evident. Ace had always considered her abilities when choosing the fruit.
With a wave, Nojiko opened an air door, her red lips curling with satisfaction. "Paramecia, Door-Door Fruit."
Rob Lucci, Kalifa, and Kaku stood frozen. Even Lucci, typically fearless, felt a shiver of fear.
Ace's unwavering gaze betrayed his awareness of their emotions. There was no need to conceal his ability to seize Devil Fruits; like Aokiji's Sand-Sand Fruit, Ace's power to claim them was no secret.
In Marine circles, figures like Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru thrived on strategic foresight and cunning and they most likely found out by now. Ace's openness reflected his audacity, paralleling Blackbeard's bold pursuit of Devil Fruits in the original book.
Ace turned to Iceburg, the mayor. "Please hand this body to the World Government. It's my warning."
Ace suppressed a smile, his purple-black eyes flashing ominously.
"Boom!" Thunder cracked the sky, black and purple lightning tearing through clouds, shaking the earth.
Kaku and Kalifa watched in horror, feeling the deadly power of Ace's wrath. Even with Iron Body, they knew touching this storm meant instant death.
But what truly terrified them was Ace's deliberate revelation of their CP9 ties, using Blueno's demise to warn the World Government.
Ace, this madman, dared challenge the behemoth overseeing 170 nations.
Madman!
Kalifa and Kaku's eyes widened in dread. Lucci, too, stared grimly, shaken by the raw power that had humbled him moments ago.
In Ace's presence, they realized, resistance was futile.
The roaring black and purple lightning in the atmosphere vanished in an instant.
"Everything that transpired must be reported to the World Government exactly as it occurred, Uncle Iceberg," Ace remarked, a slight curl of conqueror's Haki evident on his lips.
"You defy fate with your understanding—publicly warning the World Government, using it as a stepping stone to ascend the throne supreme!" Unknown words echoed in aces mind.
Ace's grin deepened with Haki's curvature.
"The World Government? Merely a stepping stone on my path," he declared with unwavering confidence.
"I will," Iceberg replied after a moment of contemplation, nodding silently. His gaze unconsciously drifted towards Robin.
Nico Robin sensed his scrutiny through her Observation Haki and met Iceberg's gaze.
"Nico Robin, I've always wanted to meet you. There's still a bounty for you hanging in my office," Iceberg stated gravely.
"Would you like me to sign it for you?" Robin quipped with a smile.
"No, I genuinely want to know—have you continued your research into those dangerous matters?" Iceberg inquired, his gaze flicking westward towards Robin.
"Dangerous matters?" Robin's brow furrowed momentarily, then she realized Iceberg's concern likely stemmed from her knowledge of ancient literature.
"What I study isn't dangerous at all," Robin reassured him, her gaze shifting to Ace, a hint of satisfaction in her smile.
With Ace present, history need no longer remain taboo.
Iceberg was momentarily at a loss for words.
"It seems your facilities aren't suitable for repairing our ship anymore, Uncle Iceberg. We'll be taking our leave," Ace said, smiling.
Iceberg silently watched as Ace and his companions departed.
Kalifa and Kaku's expressions grew even more complex.
Rob Lucci, his fists clenched tightly, maintained a stoic expression.
"After leaving Carrera Company, Nami pondered deeply. The three individuals who had been affected by Ace's Conqueror's Haki were undoubtedly members of CP9. Their emotional turmoil, magnified by the Thunder Fruit's effects, was impossible to hide.
"You're right. I never imagined that CP9, affiliated with the World Government, actually exists, and they infiltrated Uncle Iceberg's company. This secret seems significant," Vivi affirmed, nodding thoughtfully.
"Ace, do you intend to eliminate them?" Nojiko asked, her eyes glinting with a black Haki glow as she gripped her firearm. Since consuming the Door Door Fruit, Nojiko had gained confidence, capable of silently eliminating several targets. The synergy between the Gate Fruit and her sniper skills promised deadly precision.
"If we kill them here, who will convey my warning to the World Government in full?" Ace replied, a faint smile playing on his lips as he glanced at the determined women.
"The battle with Aokiji has not only enriched me, but it has also transformed these women. They now possess the resolve of true warriors. Even a giant like the World Government will pay dearly if it dares provoke the Entei Pirates. The king of the sea cannot be underestimated!" Ace declared boldly.
"This is the courage expected of members of an overlord-level force in this sea," he continued, reflecting on Aokiji's role as a stepping stone that had strengthened the women's resolve. Their Haki had grown stronger as a result, empowered by their newfound bravery in facing formidable adversaries during their epic journey.
The women's eyes flickered with intensified Haki, their lucky charms emitting a faint, mystical glow around their necks under the influence of Ace's diminished Conqueror's Haki.
Robin gazed at Ace with admiration in her eyes. Previously, facing the World Government, she had only considered escape, lacking the courage to defy such a colossal entity. Now, witnessing her captain issue a direct warning to them, she couldn't help but feel proud.
"That's our captain," Robin thought, her lips curling into a radiant smile that expressed her profound trust and admiration for Ace's leadership and courage.