After entering the New World, the extreme instability of the magnetic fields meant that the recording pointer's speed increased dramatically, now only taking half a day to record the magnetic field of an island. Additionally, this instability necessitated the use of a special recording pointer unique to the New World. This pointer featured three route indicators on a needle plate, each pointing to a different island. Pirates could choose the safest, most stable route.
Ace and his friends chose the route leading to Dressrosa to meet up with Kuzan, Fujitora, and others. Afterward, they would head to Onigashima to confront the Beasts Pirates and the BIG-MOM Pirates. A new chapter in their voyage had begun.
"Ace-sama," Shirahoshi called, looking at Ace with tear-filled eyes. "I have given you the demon factor of the Paw-Paw Fruit. When you fully master the power of Poseidon, come to us," Ace said with a reassuring smile.
Although Shirahoshi had awakened her power, she still needed practice to fully control the Sea Kings. Testing had shown that this ability was best exercised in the deep sea. Moreover, her size presented logistical challenges. However, Ace had solutions for these issues. Devil Fruits existed that could shrink her body size, enabling her to sail with them at a normal size. Until then, Shirahoshi needed to stay in the deep sea to hone her abilities.
Ace also provided Shirahoshi with a lucky charm imbued with a small comprehension field, which would help her grow faster. Additionally, he gave her a charm bag containing the Paw-Paw Fruit's demon factor. This was set up so that if activated, Shirahoshi would be instantly transported to Ace's side. For regular communication, Ace gave her a Den Den Mushi influenced by the comprehension field, ensuring they could stay in touch no matter where he was.
"Yes, Master Ace, I will try my best," Shirahoshi nodded firmly, understanding the need for continued growth and training to become a true Poseidon.
Turning to Jinbei, Ace said, "Jinbei, if there is any accident, contact me immediately."
"Don't worry, Mr. Ace. If anything unexpected happens, I will fight to the death to buy time to activate the Devil Fruit ability," Jinbei assured him.
After the Entei incident, Jinbei had realized that following the World Government would never allow the fish-man and mermaid tribes to live freely on the sea. Only by following Ace could they hope to realize their dreams. Jinbei's primary task was to protect Shirahoshi's growth, as the power of Poseidon was crucial to Ace.
"Yeah," Ace smiled and nodded. Shirahoshi was safe here, able to mobilize the Sea Kings in the surrounding seas and protected by the Paw-Paw Fruit's ability, which Ace had imbued with an instant activation. Under the comprehension field's influence, even a "king" level adversary couldn't prevent Shirahoshi from returning to Ace. Jinbei was the last line of defense, adding his immense sea-based strength to the mix.
"Mr. Ace, thank you so much. The mermaids will always stand with Mr. Ace," Neptune said, bringing Shirahoshi's three brothers along to express their gratitude and make a solemn promise.
Ace responded with a warm smile. The Entei Pirates then began preparing for their next voyage.
"Set sail!" Ace commanded from the deck of the re-coated Merry.
In Dressrosa, after dealing with Doflamingo and the Donquixote family, Rebecca became the queen. However, King Riku still managed the main government affairs, with Rebecca acting as a spokesperson for the Entei Pirates. After announcing their alliance with the Entei Pirates Grand Fleet, the World Government had no immediate reaction, giving King Riku a sense of relief and an appreciation for the Entei Pirates' power.
The World Government, the foundation of global order, had not moved against the Entei Pirates' bold claim over Dressrosa, indicating a wary respect for Ace and his crew. King Riku knew this peace wouldn't last; the World Government would eventually retaliate. The Entei Pirates, who had shaken the foundation of the World Government, would not stop, leading to an inevitable Final clash.
As Dressrosa prepared for the final war, a palace guard approached Rebecca's throne. "Your Majesty, Mr. Kuzan and Mr. Fujitora request an audience."
"Please, show them in," Rebecca responded promptly.
Kuzan and Fujitora entered, bowing slightly. As high-ranking members of the Entei Pirates, they treated the royal family with the necessary respect, but their status was undoubtedly higher.
"Mr. Kuzan, Mr. Fujitora, please be seated," Rebecca said courteously.
Kuzan and Fujitora sat down, representing not just themselves but the commanding presence behind them, Ace.
"What brings you here this time?" Rebecca inquired.
"The Captain will be here soon," Kuzan announced.
Rebecca and King Riku's eyes widened in surprise. Flame Emperor! The legendary man, the absolute overlord of this sea, was finally coming.
At the port of Dressrosa, Rebecca stood before her people, adorned in her regal queen's dress, her eyes fixed nervously on the distant sea. Her anxiety painted her usually vibrant face a pale shade, and she kept adjusting her attire, her breaths coming in shallow and quick.
"Rebecca, don't be so nervous. Your tension will make a poor impression on that esteemed guest," whispered the former King Riku, standing slightly behind her.
"I... I understand, but I can't control my emotions," Rebecca admitted, biting her lips, which had turned pale from her nervousness. She knew the importance of this first meeting and the need to leave a good impression, but her heart refused to settle.
The person she was about to meet was no ordinary man. He was the ruler of the seas, a force capable of standing toe-to-toe with the colossal World Government, the undisputed overlord of the seas—the Flame Emperor, Portgas D. Ace. His reputation was legendary, with a bounty of 5.055 billion berries, making him the most formidable pirate in history. As the admiral of the Entei Pirate Fleet, his influence and power were unmatched.
This was the man who had rescued Dressrosa from the tyranny of Doflamingo, transforming the island into a vassal state under his command. Doflamingo, who had inflicted endless suffering on Dressrosa and wielded his influence to keep the World Government at bay, had fallen swiftly. Ace had dispatched just two of his captains, Kuzan and Fujitora, to eliminate Doflamingo and the Donquixote family in mere moments. Despite their immense strength, it was rumored that Kuzan and Fujitora were not even Ace's strongest subordinates.
The true might of Ace himself was even more awe-inspiring. He wielded power surpassing the Four Emperors, the titans of the sea. Rebecca had learned, after becoming queen, that Doflamingo's value to the Four Emperors lay in supplying Kaido with artificial Devil Fruits, the SMILEs. Even Doflamingo, with his connections and power, had not dared to resist Kaido. But Ace was on a different level entirely.
Ace's combat prowess was legendary, and he was known as the most Haki-imbued man in the world, possessing the strongest Devil Fruit ability in history. His influence was such that a single word from him could determine the fate of a nation. Even the Four Emperors, Kaido of the Beasts, had to form an alliance with another Emperor, Big Mom, to face Ace's onslaught.
Rebecca's mind reeled at the thought of the power and authority Ace commanded. His capabilities were beyond her imagination, and the fact that Kaido and Big Mom had to band together to withstand Ace's might spoke volumes. The Pirate Alliance had no choice but to brace themselves for Ace's punishment, unable to muster the courage to strike first.
Facing the imminent arrival of such a monumental figure, Rebecca's nerves were understandably frayed. How could she not be nervous about meeting the Flame Emperor, a man whose very presence could alter the course of history?
"Huh, try to relax and adjust your breathing," King Riku advised gently, understanding Rebecca's anxiety. He too was nervous, though he hid it well. A certain level of nervousness was natural, even beneficial, when facing someone of such immense stature.
The man they were about to meet was not just any powerful figure on the sea; he was more formidable than even the Four Emperors. Proper respect was crucial in these waters, where a lack of deference towards the powerful could mean a swift demise. Ace was an overlord who had boldly confronted the World Government, a force so vast and potent that its true might was almost beyond comprehension. As the former king of a nation once aligned with the World Government, King Riku knew that the naval headquarters, despite its formidable reputation, was merely the public front of the government's power. The true extent of their strength was far more daunting.
Yet, the Flame Emperor, Portgas D. Ace, had repeatedly bested this colossal entity. The power dynamics of the sea had shifted dramatically. No longer was the world divided among three great forces. Now, it was dominated by one superpower and many strong factions. The Flame Emperor Pirate Fleet, under Ace's command, stood as one of the two supreme forces, alongside the World Government.
The original pillars of power—the Four Emperors, the Naval Headquarters, and the Seven Warlords of the Sea—while still formidable, could only look up in awe at the terrifying might of the Flame Emperor Pirate Fleet. The Seven Warlords, in particular, were crumbling under Ace's relentless assaults, their influence waning significantly.
King Riku, though seasoned by countless trials, found himself uneasy at the prospect of this monumental visit. The Flame Emperor's first visit to Dressrosa was not just an ordinary event; it was an encounter with a figure whose decisions could reshape entire nations.
As they waited at the port, Rebecca struggled to calm her nerves, her breaths still coming too fast despite her efforts. She knew that a single misstep in this first impression could have significant consequences. The man approaching their shores was not just a rescuer but a living legend whose mere presence commanded reverence.
With each passing moment, the reality of meeting the Flame Emperor grew more tangible, and the weight of the encounter pressed heavily on Rebecca's shoulders. She adjusted her dress once more, trying to present herself with the grace and dignity befitting a queen, even as her heart pounded in her chest.
King Riku stood beside her, maintaining a calm exterior. Despite his own nerves, he was resolved to face this meeting with the poise expected of him. He knew that Ace's visit was a sign of their deepening alliance, and it was crucial to show their gratitude and respect.
Not far from them, Kuzan and Fujitora waited with their entourage. Violet, now part of the Entei Pirates' Sixth Division, approached Kuzan nervously.
"Kuzan, Captain Kuzan, what kind of person is the admiral?" she asked.
Kuzan scratched his forehead and responded, "What kind of person is the captain? Well, he is a great man."
Fujitora, smiling while leaning on his cane, added, "Don't worry, Violet. Mr. Ace is very generous to his loyal subordinates."
Violet nodded, understanding the reassurance in their words. She was aware of her limited strength compared to the Entei Pirates' cadres, but she hoped to prove her worth through loyalty and the abilities of the Staring Fruit.
"Here they come," Kuzan murmured, sensing the approaching ships with his Observation Haki. Moments later, three ships appeared on the horizon, rapidly closing in on Dressrosa. The lead ship, a fiery red, gleamed like a burning flame.
"It's the Merry! The only superpower on the sea, the Entei Pirates!" Kyros exclaimed, swallowing hard as he felt a suffocating pressure from just the name.
The ships docked, and Ace stepped onto the deck, gazing at the city before him. His mouth curled into a slight smile. "Dressrosa," he murmured.
Rebecca was the first to react, bowing slightly. "Admiral, welcome to Dressrosa."
King Riku and Kyros bowed deeply, followed by the palace officials and Violet, who did not dare to look directly at Ace.
"There's no need to be so polite. Get up," Ace laughed, raising his right hand. Suddenly, Conqueror's Haki lifted everyone to their feet, the display of power inspiring awe.
"Admiral, the banquet is ready. Please, do us the honor," Rebecca said with a smile.
"A banquet? Hahaha, I'm really looking forward to it," Ace said, stepping off the Merry to join Rebecca and the others.
"Well done, Fujitora," Ace said, patting Fujitora and Kuzan on the shoulders.
"Good thing we relieved the captain's worries," Fujitora and Kuzan replied with slight bows, understanding the necessity of formality in front of the royal family and people.
"Let's go and feel the enthusiasm of Dressrosa. I've heard this is a country of love and passion. I am looking forward to it," Ace declared with a hearty laugh.
"It will definitely satisfy the admiral," Rebecca responded with a smile, leading the way to the grand banquet prepared in Ace's honor.
As everyone walked toward the palace of the Kingdom of Dressrosa, Ace and his crew were enveloped by the warmth and enthusiasm of the people. The vibrant dances and lively atmosphere truly embodied the kingdom of love and passion.
At the banquet, Violet performed a stunning dance for Ace, her graceful movements captivating everyone present. The lively celebration eventually wound down as night fell.
Later, Rebecca and Violet stood nervously at the door of Ace's room. Taking a deep breath, they opened the door and entered.
"Admiral," they said respectfully.
Ace looked up, smiled, and waved them over. "You're here? Come closer."
Rebecca, feeling a mix of anxiety and curiosity, asked, "Admiral, why did you call us here?"
Standing before Ace late at night, Rebecca's mind raced with possibilities. She had even steeled herself for the notion that pleasing the admiral might secure Dressrosa's support and stabilize her position. Her thoughts, however, left her feeling conflicted, especially with Violet, her aunt, standing beside her.
"Don't be so nervous," Ace said, his smile widening. "I called you here to give you something, Rebecca."
With his Observation Haki, Ace had already sensed their unease and found it amusing. However, he had no intentions of taking advantage of their vulnerability.
He reached into his cloak and pulled out a glowing orb. "This," he said, presenting it to them.
Rebecca and Violet's eyes widened in surprise. "What is this?" they asked in unison.
Rebecca and Violet were awestruck as they stared at the glowing orb in Ace's hand. The moment it appeared, the strange light filled the room, bathing everything in a mystical glow.
"What is this?" they asked, their voices tinged with shock.
"This," Ace began, his voice calm and reassuring, "is a gift of power."
As the light enveloped them, both women felt a surge of energy coursing through their bodies. Rebecca looked at her hands in disbelief. "I can feel my strength... increasing," she murmured, noting the sudden influx of combat skills that seemed to emerge naturally in her mind. Techniques that once seemed challenging now felt instinctive.
Violet, too, was astounded. "My Staring Fruit power... it's growing stronger. And my Haki... I can feel it awakening."
The transformation was profound. Violet could sense the latent potential within her Staring Fruit ability, realizing that she was on the brink of awakening it fully, much like Doflamingo had with his String-String Fruit. She also felt her Observation Haki sharpening and her Armament Haki strengthening at an unprecedented rate.
Ace watched their reactions with a faint smile. "This orb contains the power of enlightenment. Within its influence, your skills and abilities can be greatly enhanced. Currently, it can affect up to 5,000 people at a time."
Rebecca and Violet exchanged astonished glances. The power Ace had bestowed upon them was beyond anything they had ever imagined.
"It's incredible, Admiral," Rebecca exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. "Only someone like you, who can stand against the World Government, could possess such a magical power."
Ace nodded. "This is the Field of Enlightenment. It enhances understanding and mastery within its range. Although it can affect up to 5,000 people at once, its power will last for only a year unless replenished. I can renew its energy from a distance using the Meat-Meat Fruit's ability."
The implications were immense. Ace had created this orb using the power of "Nika," enhancing his ability to manifest things out of thin air. The orb could significantly boost productivity in various fields, from construction to cultivation, within Dressrosa.
"This will help you develop Dressrosa," Ace continued. "While it won't instantly create powerful warriors, it will enhance productivity and skills in essential areas, ensuring your kingdom thrives."
Rebecca's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Admiral. With this power, Dressrosa can truly flourish."
Ace smiled, satisfied with their reactions. "Use it wisely. This is just the beginning. With determination and hard work, you can achieve great things."
Regarding the creation of powerful individuals in Dressrosa, Ace harbored realistic expectations. It was unlikely that the country would produce prodigious talents, and given that Dressrosa had only recently aligned with him, its loyalty was still untested. Empowering potential strongmen might lead to ambition and unrest. Though any insubordination would be trivial for Ace to handle, it was prudent to preempt such issues.
Rebecca and Violet's immediate enhancements from the enlightenment orb were directly controlled by Ace. As the master of the enlightenment field, he could manipulate its effects precisely.
"Robin will oversee Dressrosa's future development plans," Ace informed Rebecca with a smile. "She'll handle everything from laws to the tax rates your kingdom will need to pay the Entei Pirates annually."
The Entei Pirates, like any powerful group, required substantial resources. Protection wasn't free; countries under their banner had to contribute a portion of their taxes and resources. Money was crucial for building fleets, acquiring weapons, and sustaining the pirates' lifestyle and banquets, especially with the looming confrontation with the World Government.
Ace's strategic approach included seizing Wanokuni from Kaido of the Beasts. The region's valuable seastone resources were essential, not just for nullifying Devil Fruit abilities but also for technological advancements like seastone-coated ships that allowed Marine to navigate the Calm Belt. Additionally, Wanokuni's renowned swords were crucial for warriors like Gion, who could enhance her White-Tiger Fruit abilities with them.
Ace's visit to Dressrosa was a prelude, a rehearsal to gauge how much the kingdom's productivity could be boosted under the enlightenment field. This experiment would set the stage for larger-scale operations.
Rebecca accepted the enlightenment orb with excitement. With this power, she believed Dressrosa would flourish rapidly. As the first kingdom to join the Entei Pirates, Dressrosa had a unique opportunity to gain a significant position within Ace's territories. Her grandfather, King Riku, had emphasized the importance of contributing meaningfully to secure their place.
Ace dismissed them with a nod. "You may go now."
Rebecca and Violet hesitated, their faces betraying their confusion. They had braced themselves for a different kind of encounter, given the late-hour summons.
"What's wrong? If you perform well, you might earn the rewards you're imagining," Ace said with a knowing smile. His Observation Haki was so advanced that he could read their thoughts easily.
Rebecca and Violet flushed with embarrassment, realizing Ace had been toying with their expectations. They scampered out of the room, their cheeks burning.
Outside, they exchanged glances, their faces still red. "Did he just tease us?" Violet whispered.
Rebecca nodded, a small smile forming. "It seems so. The Admiral is different from what we imagined."
Despite their initial discomfort, they felt a sense of relief and amusement. Ace's playful demeanor hinted at a leader who was not only immensely powerful but also human and approachable in unexpected ways.
Dressrosa serves as a mere rehearsal venue for Ace's grander plans. Unlike Amazon Lily, renowned for its many strong Haki users, or Wanokuni, which Ace must secure for its invaluable seastone resources and famous swords, Dressrosa lacks such intrinsic strategic assets. However, Wanokuni holds an even greater secret: one of the three ancient weapons, 'Pluton,' capable of annihilating an island with a single shot. This fact was detailed in the historical text hidden in Alabasta and confirmed by Robin and Wanokuni's General Kozuki Sukiyaki in the original story.
Initially, Ace had no interest in this legendary battleship, as his priority was personal strength. Relying on external forces, as Crocodile did, could lead to one's Haki weakening. But now, Ace's strength and capacity have grown to the extent that he can control Pluton without being over-reliant on it. In the final battle against the World Government, Pluton will be a crucial war weapon. The World Government's "Mother Flame" already showcases the destructive potential similar to Pluton's, indicating that Pluton might possess even greater power, solidifying its title as an Ancient Weapon capable of determining world-class conflicts.
If Ace can secure Pluton, he will control two of the three Ancient Weapons, along with Poseidon. Even if "Uranus" remains with the World Government, Ace's hold on the Two Ancient Weapons will give him a significant advantage. The Pluton blueprints in Water 7 have been destroyed, and the World Government's relentless efforts to obtain them from CP9 prove their rarity and significance. Thus, Wanokuni is a critical target.
Dressrosa's historical significance lies in its founding role in the World Government 800 years ago. However, any secrets related to the World Government and the original twenty kings would have been relocated when the families became Celestial Dragons. Doflamingo's occupation of Dressrosa further suggests the absence of such secrets. Ace believes that any crucial secrets or treasures would reside in Pangu City. But for now, Ace's priority is strengthening his and his crew's combat capabilities.
Ace theorizes that the king level, represented by the likes of Whitebeard and Gol D. Roger, is not the pinnacle of power. There exists a higher level, exemplified by Joy Boy and Imu. The incredible potential of the 'Nika' power, which Ace is steadily mastering, indicates this higher echelon. Ace is convinced that fully mastering 'Nika' will place him beyond the peak power of Whitebeard and Roger, making him a formidable opponent to Joy Boy.
Imu, likely one of the original twenty kings, must have been immensely powerful to lead the coalition against Joy Boy. However, Ace believes Imu is not stronger than Joy Boy; otherwise, the coalition would not have been necessary. The escape of Sabo from Pangaea City in the original story suggests that Imu's current strength might not surpass Joy Boy's. Therefore, the Celestial Dragons' secret treasure poses a significant unknown, as it likely contributed to Joy Boy's defeat. The World Government's power, enhanced by such a treasure, surpasses even that of the Ancient Kingdom.
My preparations are still insufficient. His strength and that of his subordinates must exceed Joy Boy's to stand a chance in the final battle against the World Government.
With these strategic considerations in mind, Ace's stay in Dressrosa is brief. After distributing the enlightenment light ball and implementing Robin's national management regulations, Ace and his fleet prepare to set sail for Wanokuni, where the next phase of their campaign awaits against Kaido and Big Mom.