While Rayleigh and Jinbei were dealing with Vander Deken IX and Hody Jones, Ace and the others escorted Shirahoshi to the place she longed to visit most. This was the underwater forest, located in the northeast of Fishman Street. Known as the "Ship Graveyard" due to the numerous sunken ships brought here by the tide, it was a place of beauty where "Sun Tree Eve" transmitted sunlight, allowing many beautiful corals to grow and groups of whales to feed. This serene place was called the Forest of the Sea and also served as the location of Princess Otohime's tomb.
Due to Vander Deken IX's threats, Shirahoshi had been unable to visit her mother's grave and pay her respects. Since Princess Otohime's assassination, Shirahoshi had been deprived of the chance to mourn properly. Now, at last, she stood before her mother's tomb, hands clasped in prayer, eyes closed, and a slight smile on her face. The usually timid and tearful Shirahoshi seemed to find a sense of peace and closeness to her mother here.
Neptune and his Three sons, watched with tears in their eyes. They were filled with sorrow and guilt, knowing how much they owed Shirahoshi. She was only six when her mother was assassinated, losing the nurturing presence she needed most. Vander Deken IX's persistent threats had kept her isolated in the hard-shell tower, unable to even attend her mother's funeral. The only companion she had during those lonely years was the shark Megalo.
Neptune and his sons cared deeply for Shirahoshi, but their inability to capture Vander Deken IX had forced her into a solitary existence. Shirahoshi's happiness and the fulfillment of her wish to visit her mother's tomb were made possible by Ace. Without his intervention, Shirahoshi might have spent many more years alone in darkness.
Seeing Shirahoshi's contentment, Neptune and his sons were overwhelmed with gratitude toward Ace. Words could not adequately express their thanks. They knew that without Ace, Shirahoshi's heartfelt wish to honor her mother might have remained unfulfilled for many more years.
Seeing Shirahoshi praying at her mother's tomb, Nami and Nojiko were reminded of their own mother, Bell-mère, who had been killed by Arlong when they were young. Tears welled up in their eyes, and they wiped them away, feeling a heavy weight on their shoulders. When they looked up, they saw Ace's gentle smile.
"Bell-mère would be proud to see you now," Ace said softly, holding Nami and Nojiko in his arms to comfort them.
Although Nami had fully mastered the power of the Thunder Fruit and Conqueror's Haki, capable of standing toe-to-toe with the Four Emperors and known as one of the strongest women on the sea, and Nojiko was a respected cadre of the Entei Pirates with a bounty of 800 million, they were still young women under 20. Despite their strength, they were human and had feelings.
Feeling the emotion of the moment, Nami and Nojiko buried their faces in Ace's shoulders. Ace gently stroked their hair, offering silent and tender comfort.
Ace wished he could summon Bell-mère's soul from the underworld to comfort them, but his abilities were not yet sufficient. His Residual Fire Style - South - Fire Ten Trillions Death Burial Formation, combined with the power of the Underworld Fruit, could currently only summon those he had killed. The Underworld Fruit's power couldn't lock onto the soul's aura without having killed the person. With billions of souls in Hades, it was impossible to summon Bell-mère's soul without that specific lock.
However, Ace knew that just because he couldn't do it now didn't mean it would be impossible in the future. The potential of his Devil Fruit powers and his understanding of them had not yet been fully realized. He believed that one day he might be able to summon the souls he wanted from Hades. But until then, he wouldn't make promises he couldn't keep. Ace's word was his bond, a key part of his code of conduct and the essence of his strong Conqueror's Haki.
Ace would continue to work hard for the two beloved girls in his arms, striving to make their wish come true someday. He glanced at Shirahoshi, lost in his thoughts, his determination unwavering.
For Ace, the word "mother" felt foreign. In his previous life, he had never known his mother's love, nor did he even know who she was. In this world, his mother, Portgas D. Rouge, had died evading Marine's pursuit, carrying him for twenty months and completely overdrawing her vitality.
However, at the moment of his birth and just before Rouge's death, Ace had truly felt his mother's love. He still remembered her final words to him vividly, and they had instilled in him a habit of taking a hot bath every day. Those memories, although brief, had left a profound impact on him.
As Ace stood there, a few tears welled up in his eyes, but a warm smile formed at the corners of his mouth. That pure and selfless maternal love, even just recalling it, brought tears to the eyes of the man who now stood at the pinnacle of the ocean in this era. It gave him yet another reason to continue becoming stronger.
The girls around Ace, sensing his emotional changes and noticing the tears in his eyes, felt a deep sense of empathy. They knew Ace's life story—how the Marines and World Government had publicized that Ace, as the son of the Pirate King, should not exist. This was the first time Ace had shown such vulnerability in front of them.
All the girls had been saved by Ace, and they understood the long-lasting pain of childhood trauma. They had never seen Ace like this before. To them, he was a towering figure who always stood strong, solved all their problems, and protected their growth. Their help seemed inadequate compared to what Ace had done for them. Looking at Ace, they felt a pang of sorrow and silently vowed to grow stronger to better support him. They also resolved to use their unique strengths as women to gradually heal his emotional wounds.
"Master Ace, thank you," Shirahoshi said, having finished paying her respects to her mother, Princess Otohime. She looked at Ace with gratitude.
"You're welcome. You reminded me of good times," Ace replied, smiling gently. The tears in his eyes had long been evaporated by his Mera-Mera Fruit ability, and his gaze was filled with softness as he looked at Shirahoshi.
Ace could sense that Nami and Nojiko, who had initially sought comfort in his embrace, now wanted to offer him love and solace. This shift in their emotions was captured by Ace's Observation Haki, making his eyes soften even more.
"Ace, Rayleigh and Jinbei are back," Nami said, her pretty face raised and pointing into the distance.
"Um," Ace responded, gently touching Nami's face and smiling. Nami and Nojiko then left Ace's arms and stood behind him, their presence a source of comfort and strength.
"Mr. Ace, I... I couldn't help."
Jinbei stood before everyone, looking at Ace with a conflicted expression. He had set out to eliminate Vander Daken IX and Hody Jones's gang but found himself paralyzed by his tangled emotions about fighting his own kind. Ultimately, he had not been able to assist at all. Despite his disappointment in Hody Jones, they shared a common origin on Fishman Street, and seeing Hody Jones and his group perish before his eyes left Jinbei with mixed feelings.
"Don't worry about it," Ace said gently, walking up to Jinbei and patting his shoulder.
"Mr. Ace..." Jinbei's eyes grew misty as he looked at Ace's comforting smile.
"Ace, here is the Target Fruit," Rayleigh said, presenting a Devil Fruit he had obtained from Vander Daken IX, much like how Kuzan and Fujitora had done in Dressrosa.
"Gion, as the captain of the Sixth Division, I'll leave the distribution of this Devil Fruit to you," Ace said, handing the fruit to her. The Target Fruit's ability was modest, but it could still serve a strategic role on the battlefield. It wasn't significant enough for Ace to handle its allocation personally, so he entrusted it to Gion, who managed the Devil Fruit Corps.
"Understood," Gion replied, accepting the Target Fruit without hesitation, knowing Ace's style.
"Target Fruit... does that mean..." Neptune's eyes lit up with excitement. As a member of the Ryugu Kingdom, he was well-acquainted with Devil Fruits and knew Vander Daken IX's supposed curse was actually a Devil Fruit ability. The appearance of a new Devil Fruit power meant the previous wielder was dead.
"Yes, Vander Deken IX is dead, and Shirahoshi can now live freely," Ace said, smiling at Shirahoshi, whose beautiful eyes brimmed with tears.
With Rayleigh and Jinbei's combined efforts, and Nami's Observation Haki, the deaths of Vander Deken IX and Hody Jones were inevitable.
"I'll report this to the king," Jinbei said, turning to Neptune and explaining the situation with Hody Jones and his group.
"So it was Hody Jones who killed Otohime?!" Neptune's face darkened with anger and sorrow.
"Capture those involved! Find out if there are others!" Neptune ordered, while the three Shark Star brothers showed expressions of grief and rage. Though the leaders of the New Fish-Man Pirates were dead, many members still lurked within Fishman Street.
"Father, brothers, please stop hating others. Mother wouldn't want this," Shirahoshi said, her beautiful eyes filled with tears.
"Shirahoshi?" Neptune and the three brothers were taken aback by her words.
"Shirahoshi, did you know Hody Jones killed Princess Otohime?" Ace asked, recognizing the strength in the seemingly weak and timid mermaid princess.
"Yes, Megalo saw it and told me. But Mother always said not to hate the murderer. Hatred only leads to more tragedy. I want to fulfill her wish," Shirahoshi replied softly. Her voice, though quiet, resonated deeply, carrying a power more profound than the angry shouts of her brothers.
"..."
Neptune's eyes turned red as he looked at Shirahoshi, seeing a reflection of the late Otohime in her. The three brothers were also stunned, their eyes filling with tears as they listened to her words.
"Shirahoshi, there is one more thing to do."
After Shirahoshi's family had calmed down, Ace gazed into the distance.
"The text of history," Robin said, her eyes also drifting towards the far horizon.
"Shirahoshi, do you want to master your power? Only by mastering this power can you fulfill your mother's wish and bring both mermaids and fishmen to the surface," Ace asked, looking at Shirahoshi with a gentle yet determined expression.
"I-I want to!" Shirahoshi hesitated for a moment before answering seriously, determination in her eyes.
"Mr.... Ace!" Neptune and the three Shark Star brothers immediately understood that Ace was referring to Shirahoshi's power to summon the giant Sea Kings, and they became visibly nervous.
"Don't worry, with me here, everything will go smoothly," Ace reassured them with a smile.
With a sudden wave of his right hand, Shirahoshi was enveloped in a mysterious light.
"The Field of Understanding!" Ace declared.
"Buzz!" The power of Poseidon began to awaken within Shirahoshi at that moment.
The light around Shirahoshi shimmered, resonating with the ancient power of the Sea Kings. Ace's Field of Understanding was aiding her in connecting with this immense force, guiding her through the process of awakening her abilities.
As the light intensified, Shirahoshi felt a surge of power within her, a connection to the Sea Kings that had always been a part of her but had remained dormant. Ace stood by her side, his presence reassuring and supportive, ensuring that she was not alone in this pivotal moment.
The three brothers and Neptune watched in awe, their initial anxiety transforming into a mix of hope and pride. This was the beginning of a new era for their people, an era where Shirahoshi would lead them to the surface and fulfill the dreams of Princess Otohime.
With Ace's guidance, Shirahoshi's power as Poseidon was not just awakening but was being honed and controlled. The mysterious light enveloping her began to pulse rhythmically, signifying the harmony between Shirahoshi and the Sea Kings.
Ace's understanding and mastery of the Field of Understanding made him the perfect mentor for Shirahoshi. He knew that this power, once fully realized, could bring about the change that Otohime had envisioned for the world.
"Shirahoshi, you are doing great," Ace encouraged. "Feel the power, connect with it, and let it become a part of you."
Shirahoshi closed her eyes, focusing on Ace's words. She felt the presence of the Sea Kings, their immense strength and ancient wisdom flowing into her. She knew that with this power, she could bridge the gap between the surface world and the depths of the ocean, fulfilling her mother's legacy.
"As expected of Poseidon's power, it is incredibly laborious to guide it completely," Ace remarked, his expression somewhat solemn as he continued to activate the power of his comprehension field.
The Field of Understanding was a product of the combination of the power of 'Nika' and Ace's heaven-defying comprehension, a power unique to him. Yet, like any formidable power, it consumed an enormous amount of physical strength. The deeper Ace delved into the Field of Understanding, the more astonishing the physical strength required.
Never before had he experienced such exertion, even when pushing his Devil Fruit abilities beyond their limits. The effort needed here was on a completely different magnitude. Even during the Entei incident, where he simultaneously utilized six powerful Devil Fruit abilities, it was not as taxing. This confirmed the sheer potency of Poseidon's power, capable of controlling the entire sea and recognized as one of the three Ancient Weapons with world-ending potential.
Ace suspected that Poseidon's power might be the strongest among the three Ancient Weapons. After all, the sea, often referred to as the mother of nature, held a unique and enigmatic influence over the world of pirates. Devil Fruit users, who were universally scorned by the sea, stood in stark contrast to the power of Poseidon, who could command all Sea Kings within the ocean. This ability was far beyond the destructive capabilities of Pluton, which could obliterate an island with a single shot.
To fully channel this power, the physical energy required was indeed staggering, exceeding Ace's expectations.
"Master Ace, can I ask you a question?" Shirahoshi's soft voice interrupted his thoughts. She pursed her red lips and gazed at Ace with her beautiful eyes.
"Um?" Ace responded, looking at her.
"Will this power help Mr. Ace?" Shirahoshi asked, her eyes shining with curiosity and hope.
Ace was momentarily taken aback by her question, then smiled warmly. "Yes, it can help me," he nodded, his voice gentle and reassuring. With his current power and status, there was no need to hide the truth. The power of Poseidon was something he needed to secure. If the World Government were to obtain it through some unknown means, it would pose a significant threat. Controlling such a terrifying power, one that commanded all the Sea Kings, was essential for Ace.
"Then, I will work hard!" Shirahoshi declared, determination lighting up her eyes. Despite her initial fear and feeling overwhelmed by the power, the desire to aid Ace fueled her resolve.
She remembered how Ace had protected her from Vander Deken's relentless attacks, allowing her to live freely and visit her mother's tomb. Ace's gentle demeanor and his unwavering belief in her strength, despite her timidity and tears, inspired her. If mastering this power meant she could help Ace, then she would face any challenge.
"Master Ace, thank you for everything," Shirahoshi thought to herself, her heart filled with gratitude. She was ready to embrace her destiny and harness the power of Poseidon, not just for her own sake, but to support the man who had done so much for her.
"Buzz!"
The light in the Field of Understanding suddenly intensified.
"The resistance has become smaller," Ace observed, his eyes narrowing as he continued channeling the power. He then looked at Shirahoshi, his gaze softening further. It became clear that the difficulty he faced in guiding Poseidon's power stemmed from Shirahoshi's initial fear and resistance.
Poseidon's power, one of the three Ancient Weapons, manifests only once every eight hundred years within the mermaid princess. Shirahoshi, as both the vessel and symbol of this power, had been subconsciously resisting it. But now, with her fear dissipating, the process had become significantly easier.
"Don't worry, Shirahoshi. You'll always be yourself, not just Poseidon," Ace reassured her warmly.
"I believe you, Mr. Ace," Shirahoshi responded, her eyes sparkling with trust.
"Everyone, step back," Ace instructed the others, his eyes narrowing with determination.
Without hesitation, Nojiko activated the power of the Gate Fruit, opening an air door. The girls quickly moved through it, taking refuge from the unfolding events.
"Mr. Ace, I leave my daughter in your hands," Neptune said, his tone a mix of trust and concern.
Ace smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, it's just extra insurance."
Hearing this, Neptune and the three Shark Star brothers breathed a sigh of relief and followed the others through the air door. They reappeared at a safe distance, watching Ace and Shirahoshi from afar.
"Alright," Ace muttered, his expression turning solemn as the others disappeared from sight.
"Buzz!"
Mysterious fluctuations began to emanate from Ace, and the surrounding air currents transformed into terrifying flames.
1000 degrees! 2000 degrees! 5000 degrees! ...
The temperature of the flames Ace controlled surpassed 30,000 degrees Celsius. The intense heat boiled the atmosphere, yet it remained undistorted as all the air had turned into flames, a feat possible through the power of the Mera-mera Fruit combined with the Field of Understanding.
Ace, who also possessed Nika's power, could manipulate his environment at will, including converting air into flames. He waved his right hand, creating a protective light in the shape of a bear's paw around Shirahoshi, using the Paw Fruit's ability to bounce away the extreme heat.
Neptune, watching from a distance, was covered in sweat. The intense heat evaporated the moisture from his body even at their safe distance. Had they been at the center, the high temperature would have roasted them alive.
"With just the power of a Devil Fruit, no one in the history of the sea has achieved such might," Rayleigh mused, a slight smile on his lips.
To rule the sea, one typically needed a combination of Devil Fruit, Haki, and martial arts. Roger had done so with just Conqueror's Haki and swordsmanship. But Ace, with his pure Devil Fruit power, exhibited the dominance of an absolute overlord, a feat never seen before. Even Nika integrated Haki into its rubber body to wield its power effectively.
"Mr. Ace's power surpasses what he demonstrated during the Entei Incident. What is he planning?" Jinbei wondered aloud, feeling the overwhelming heat.
Rayleigh reassured him, "Ace is always well-prepared. These flames will allow him to quickly recover his physical strength. Trust him."
Ace's eyes focused, and the flames merged back into his body, restoring his energy. "Then, Shirahoshi, perfect your control over this power. This is Poseidon, the ability to command all Sea Kings."
"Yes, Mr. Ace!" Shirahoshi responded with newfound determination.
"Buzz!"
The Field of Understanding around Shirahoshi shone brightly as Poseidon's power within her fully awakened.
"Are you here...to fulfill your promise?"
A voice, as if echoing from ancient times, resonated from within Shirahoshi.
"Master Ace, this...this isn't me speaking," Shirahoshi stammered, her beautiful eyes filled with panic.
"The mermaid princess from eight hundred years ago?" Ace pondered.
"The will of the past will eventually fade away. Any promises made are now between me, Portgas D. Ace, and Shirahoshi!" Ace declared, his eyes flashing with a terrifying purple-black hue.
"Boom!!!"
Conqueror's Haki erupted from Ace, merging seamlessly with the Field of Understanding. This was the advanced power of 'Nika.' Just as Luffy could integrate Conqueror's Haki and Armament Haki into his awakened rubber body, Ace could now blend Conqueror's Haki with his Field of Understanding.
"Pop!"
The bear paw-shaped bubbles, formed by the Paw-Paw Fruit's ability, glowed brightly around Shirahoshi. Something spiritual was ejected from her body, accompanied by a faint sigh, and then dissipated into the atmosphere.
Ace watched calmly. As he had stated, any agreement made eight hundred years ago by Nika and the mermaid princess was irrelevant to him. His focus was solely on Shirahoshi's desires now. Joyboy and the mermaid princess of the past held no sway over him. The mermaid princess of this era was Shirahoshi, and the Nika of this era was his brother, Luffy.
"Master Ace," Shirahoshi said, tears welling in her eyes, "I have completely mastered this power."
Her voice was filled with excitement. The next moment, countless Sea Kings began converging, drawn by the awakening of Poseidon's power within her.
In the depths of the sea, an array of colossal Sea Kings roams, their presence an awe-inspiring testament to the ocean's untamed power. These giant Sea Kings dwarf even the formidable creatures found in the Calm Belt, reaching lengths of up to an astonishing 1,000 meters. The Sea Kings that traverse the four seas and the Grand Line are already imposing at tens to hundreds of meters long, ruling their respective oceanic territories with unchallenged authority. Yet, they pale in comparison to their larger kin.
The Calm Belt is home to these titanic Sea Kings, their sheer size and might rendering them nearly mythical. Measuring up to 1,000 meters, these behemoths are so immense that their power could easily overturn the grandest of vessels, even those designed for the tumultuous waters of the Grand Line. Historically, Amazon Lily leveraged these natural titans as an invincible barrier, securing their nation from any invasion. Before the advent of Marine seastone warships, the Calm Belt's giant Sea Kings were the ultimate safeguard, their presence enough to deter even the most determined of adversaries.
The Marine's seastone warships, equipped with seastone to repel these giants, could only avoid confrontation with these colossal beings. Should an encounter occur, even warships commanded by high-ranking Vice Admirals would be overwhelmed and sunk by these oceanic giants.
Yet, the most extraordinary Sea Kings are those that dwell in the deep sea. These titans reach a staggering 5,000 meters or more, embodying the absolute apex of oceanic power. In the biological realm, size translates directly into power, and these massive creatures stand as the ultimate rulers of the ocean. Their sheer scale renders even the mighty giants of Elbaf insignificant by comparison. They are the supreme overlords of the sea.
At this moment, these titanic beings, usually solitary and territorial, seem to have been summoned to a single location. Their enormous eyes, reflecting a rare mix of excitement and anticipation, lock onto a single point of interest.
With a resounding thud, these colossal beings begin to converge, their immense bodies displacing the water as they move. Their king has awakened, and the ocean's mightiest creatures are drawn to him.
On the surface, Neptune, Shark Star, Jinbei, Nami, Rayleigh, Shakky, and others gaze upwards in astonishment. Outside the bubble shield of Fish-Man Island, the shadows of these giants loom large. The lead creatures, each over 5,000 meters, are accompanied by a host of additional Sea Kings, each over 1,000 meters in length.
"Wow, such monstrous bodies! Are these the Ancient Sea Kings from the deep sea?" Nami exclaims, her voice tinged with awe and trepidation. Despite her own formidable strength and her ability to contend with the peak Four Emperors, the presence of these gigantic Sea Kings invokes a primal fear.
Hancock, the Empress of Amazon Lily, who has navigated the Calm Belt numerous times, also gazes in stunned silence at the towering Sea Kings. The sight of these giants, over five times larger than those she is accustomed to, is a humbling experience.
Rayleigh, too, is struck by the enormity of the situation. "Is this what Poseidon, one of the three ancient weapons, truly commands? The sheer scale of these Sea Kings is beyond anything we've seen. And there are eight of these giants here, with dozens more in their wake."
The sheer number of these colossal beings and their staggering size are beyond the comprehension of even the World Government. Shirahoshi, the mermaid princess, wields the power to command all Sea Kings in this vast ocean, a force fitting of her legendary status as Poseidon.
"One of the three ancient weapons, Poseidon..." Neptune murmured, the weight of the words hanging heavily in the air. Although he had sensed the immense power within his daughter Shirahoshi, the reality of her being an Ancient Weapon was a profound and complex truth to accept. Neptune had always seen Shirahoshi as his cherished daughter, and the idea of her embodying such a force was both astonishing and disconcerting.
Nami, observing Neptune's internal struggle, offered a reassuring smile. "Weapons are merely labels," she said gently. "The true essence of the Ancient Weapon's power has been expelled by Ace's Paw-Paw Fruit abilities. From now on, Shirahoshi is simply herself."
Everyone's Observation Haki was unable to penetrate the zone around Ace and Shirahoshi due to Ace's Devil Fruit powers. However, Ace had integrated most of his converted flames into his body to restore his strength, which had significantly weakened the influence of his Devil Fruit abilities in their immediate vicinity. Consequently, Nami's Observation Haki, amplified by her Thunder Fruit and aided by Ace's enlightenment field, managed to reach Ace and Shirahoshi. This allowed Nami to quickly move to Ace's side if needed.
Nami, now powerful enough to face the top Admirals head-on, stood beside Ace, even as Ace wielded overlord-level strength unmatched in the ocean. Thankfully, no mishaps occurred, and Ace successfully guided Shirahoshi in mastering the power of Poseidon.
Through her Observation Haki, Nami witnessed Ace's efforts and heard his reassuring words to Shirahoshi. "Did you use the Paw-Paw Fruit to expel it?" Neptune's eyes widened in astonishment. The Marine and World Government had described Ace as a monster capable of harnessing the full spectrum of Devil Fruit powers—a perfect weapon of war. The legendary Flame Emperor, Portgas D. Ace, was indeed capable of such feats.
The realization that Shirahoshi was simply herself, not a weapon, brought a gentle smile to Neptune's face. "Otohime, you can rest easy," he thought. "Someone is guiding Shirahoshi to use her power wisely."
The three brothers—Shark Star, Royal Star, and Flip Star—wiped tears from their eyes. They recalled their late mother, Princess Otohime, and her words when Shirahoshi first summoned the Sea Kings. Their mother had urged them to protect Shirahoshi and make her happy, as her power was still volatile. Royal Star practiced singing, and Flip Star practiced dancing, all to soothe Shirahoshi and bring her joy. This practice had continued as a cherished tradition.
Their mother had once foretold that a key figure would emerge to guide Shirahoshi's power to the right place, a person who would bring significant change to the world. That person had indeed arrived, and Shirahoshi was not seen as a mere weapon but as herself.
With these thoughts, Neptune and the three brothers turned their gazes toward Ace, their eyes filled with profound gratitude. Mr. Ace's kindness to them, to Fish-Man Island, and to their family was immeasurable. If their mother could see Shirahoshi now, she would undoubtedly feel a deep sense of relief and pride.
"King!"
"Our King!"
"Are you awake?"
The air was filled with a chorus of reverent and excited voices, causing Shirahoshi to turn toward Ace with a look of bewilderment. Her eyes, filled with a mix of confusion and awe, met Ace's, searching for answers.
"Lord Ace..." Shirahoshi's voice trembled as she addressed him, her beautiful eyes reflecting her uncertainty.
Ace remained silent for a moment, absorbing the profound change in the atmosphere. The ethereal text in his mind whispered of an extraordinary ability: the power to listen to the voice of all things. It was clear that Shirahoshi's awakening of Poseidon had triggered this profound understanding within him.
Ace's eyes narrowed as he processed this new revelation. The ability to hear the voices of these immense Sea Kings was not merely an advanced form of Observation Haki or Conqueror's Haki but a distinct power that, like Conqueror's Haki, was innate and could only be accessed once awakened. This realization shed light on why even his unparalleled Conqueror's Haki and top-tier Observation Haki hadn't allowed him to harness this power before—it was a separate, inherent ability.
Seeing Ace's silence, Shirahoshi grew anxious, tears welling in her eyes. "Don't worry, I'm fine," Ace reassured her with a gentle smile. He had mastered the ability to hear the voices of all things and now turned his attention to the colossal Sea Kings surrounding them.
"Sea Kings, your size is truly astonishing," Ace marveled, noting that their immense girth, over 5,000 meters, made them seem as large as small islands.
"Human, can you hear our voices?" one of the Sea Kings inquired, their tone reminiscent of an earlier time when similar questions were posed to them.
"Yes, I can hear you," Ace responded, making the Sea Kings fall into a thoughtful silence.
"Don't worry, Shirahoshi. I can hear their voices too," Ace said softly as he approached her. He withdrew the power of the Paw-Paw Fruit and let the Mera-Mera Fruit's power fade, focusing on Shirahoshi. "We'll take our time to become familiar with this power. For now, let them return."
Shirahoshi nodded in agreement. "Yes."
With newfound resolve, Shirahoshi addressed the Sea Kings. "Everyone, please return for now."
The Sea Kings expressed their reluctance with a hint of sadness in their massive eyes, an unusual sight that tugged at the heartstrings. Shirahoshi, unsure of how to handle their departure, glanced at Ace for guidance.
"You have more important tasks ahead. Inform all Sea Kings that their king has awakened. Remember, your king is Shirahoshi," Ace instructed, his tone firm yet kind.
Shirahoshi relayed Ace's message with earnestness, " "Master Ace's words are also my meaning."
The Sea Kings, acknowledging their new king's authority, accepted the command with unwavering pride. Their departure was swift, as they vanished from Fish-Man Island, eager to spread the news of Poseidon's awakening and the ascension of Shirahoshi as their queen across the ocean.
The sheer dominance of Poseidon's power was evident in the Sea Kings' absolute obedience, a testament to the overwhelming influence of their newfound rulers.
After resolving the matter with Shirahoshi, Ace accompanied Robin to the historical text in the Sea Forest.
"Sure enough, it's Joyboy's apology to the mermaid princess," Ace remarked before Robin had even finished reading.
"Ace, do you understand the historical text?" Robin asked, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"No, I can't decipher the ancient script," Ace replied with a slight smile. "I can only hear the sound of the historical text."
The power to listen to the voice of all things was indeed extraordinary; even the inaudible whispers of the historical text could be perceived. Although Ace couldn't grasp the precise meaning of the ancient characters, he could sense the overall message through this remarkable ability. Accurate interpretation, however, still required Robin's expertise. If it were otherwise, Roger, who possessed the power to listen to the voice of all things, wouldn't have sought Whitebeard's assistance to bring Kozuki Oden aboard his ship.
"Ace, have you awakened the power to listen to the voice of all things?" Rayleigh inquired, his expression shifting to one of surprise and realization.
"Yeah, I awakened it while helping Shirahoshi master Poseidon's power," Ace confirmed with a nod. "It's truly a magical ability."
Ace felt that this power was more than just a means to hear. While it currently allowed him only rudimentary communication, he believed its true potential would reveal itself in time. With his field of understanding, he was confident he could fully unlock this power's potential.
Rayleigh, after a moment of contemplation, allowed a nostalgic smile to play at the corners of his mouth. He reflected on the grand adventures of the past and the era his crew had missed. Despite the regrets, he now saw that the era had indeed arrived. The wheels of history were turning, and this new age was unfolding under the banner of the Flame Emperor.
"Let's go. This historical text holds no further meaning for us," Ace said with a smile as Robin completed her interpretation.
For Ace, Joyboy was merely a past figure connected to the "Nika" power, and in this era, his younger brother, Monkey D. Luffy, was the true embodiment of Freedom. Should Luffy's Human-Human Fruit Mythical Beast form contain any lingering tricks or hidden agendas from Joyboy, Ace would use his Paw-Paw Fruit abilities to expel them, ensuring Luffy remained true to himself. No matter what vision Joyboy had for the world, it was inconsequential to Ace. The future would unfold according to his own will, and he had the confidence and capacity to shape it.
"Yeah," Robin agreed, stepping in line with Ace.
Rayleigh, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke up. "I've always been curious."
"Hmm?" Robin turned to Rayleigh, her eyes reflecting a mix of anticipation and understanding.
Rayleigh continued, "You've been to Sky Island and seen Roger's handwriting. You know that all historical texts lead to the final island, Raftel. That means I, who have been to Raftel, understand the content of all the historical texts. Ace may not care about what lies on Raftel because he is focused on creating a new world. But you, who have pursued the true history, why haven't you asked me about it?"
Robin's eyes, filled with nostalgia, met Rayleigh's. "I was born in Ohara, and my pursuit of the true history led to the World Government erasing it with a Buster Call. If Kuzan hadn't spared me because of Saul, I would have perished in the Ohara incident."
Her gaze softened as she continued, "I was marked with a high bounty of 79 million by the World Government, a sum that felt suffocating for someone so young. In the midst of despair and pain, decoding the historical text and uncovering the true history became my only hope and obsession."
Robin's expression grew gentler as she looked at Ace's back. A serene smile graced her lips. "Ace saved me from that torment. Now, my pursuit of the historical text holds meaning only if I follow him."
With these words, Robin followed Ace toward Ryugu Palace, her resolve clear.
Rayleigh smiled slightly at Robin's response and, with Shakky, followed Ace as well.
With the issues of Shirahoshi and the historical text resolved, their time at Fish-Man Island drew to a close. In gratitude, Neptune hosted a grand banquet at the Royal Palace of Ryugu. Ace and friends thoroughly enjoyed the unique delicacies and fine wines of the Ryugu Kingdom. Amidst the festivities and laughter, the journey at Fish-Man Island came to a satisfying end.