Wanokuni
A soft hum filled the air as the space around Ace rippled, distorting slightly before solidifying into the forms of Nami and Tashigi stepping through the gap. Their return was quiet but purposeful, the air around them charged with the weight of their journey.
"Welcome back," Ace greeted them, his lips curving into a slight smile. The warmth in his tone was unmistakable, a subtle blend of gratitude and pride. "Thank you for your hard work, Nami, Tashigi."
Nami, ever composed, waved off the praise with a light chuckle. "It wasn't hard for me," she responded, her gaze shifting to Tashigi with a knowing smile, "but Tashigi has been putting in a lot of effort."
Tashigi met Nami's gaze with a firm nod, her eyes filled with a determined glint. "I've already made up my mind, Nami," she declared, her voice steady, unwavering. "I'll swing my sword for Ace, no matter who stands before me—even if they're my former colleagues."
The past year had wrought significant changes in Tashigi. She had grown, not just in strength but in resolve. Her mastery of the Transparent-Transparent Fruit had evolved, allowing her to create an entire transparent domain at will. Within this domain, she moved with absolute silence, her presence undetectable even to those with the most refined Observation Haki—a true silent swordsman, or perhaps more fittingly, a great swordsman.
Her prowess had earned her a bounty of 850 million Berries, making her one of the most feared swordsmen on the seas, second only to Dracule "Hawkeye" Mihawk in reputation. Her blade, Enma, had begun its transformation into a black sword, a testament to her growing power. But perhaps the most profound change was the new light in her eyes—a mix of strength and softness, a reflection of her connection to Ace.
Ace noticed this change and couldn't help but smile, his expression softening. "I've never doubted your determination, Tashigi," he said, his voice carrying a quiet confidence that matched the Haki pulsing through his words. "But remember, killing isn't the goal. When we dismantle the World Government, these Marine elites—your former comrades—will be our allies."
The conviction in his voice was undeniable, a leader's vision that saw beyond the immediate conflict to a future where even enemies could become allies. Nami and Tashigi looked at him with admiration, their eyes shimmering with the unspoken trust and affection they held for him.
"Alright," Ace continued, his tone lightening as he glanced at the door, "you two should get some rest. I need to check on that little girl."
Nami and Tashigi exchanged a glance, nodding in unison. "Yeah," they replied softly, their voices tinged with a hint of reluctance, but also understanding. As they left the room, the aura of the space shifted, leaving Ace alone with his thoughts, his mind already moving to the next task at hand.
Ace entered a quiet room where a beautiful woman stood, her usual confidence replaced by a slight unease. He approached her with a gentle smile, the kind that made even the most tense situations seem less daunting. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Jewelry Bonney," he greeted, his voice warm and reassuring.
Jewelry Bonney, the adopted daughter of Bartholomew Kuma and a Paramecia Devil Fruit user with the power of the Sui Sui Fruit, was known for her carefree nature. Yet, in the presence of Ace—the man who had stood toe-to-toe with the World Government, the Flame Emperor, the undisputed ruler of the pirate world—she couldn't help but feel a bit out of her depth.
Bonney shifted slightly, her usual bravado momentarily forgotten. The man before her was not just any pirate; he was the admiral of the Entei Pirate Fleet, a figure of immense power and influence. It was only natural that even someone as bold as Bonney would feel a bit intimidated.
As if sensing her discomfort, Ace's smile widened slightly. "Did Kuma ask you to come?" he inquired gently, his tone making it clear he was more interested in her well-being than anything else. "Just call me Ace. I really admire Kuma. There's no need to be so formal with me."
His words caught Bonney off guard, interrupting the question she was about to ask. But instead of feeling annoyed, she felt a surge of pride. Hearing her father praised by Ace, a man who commanded the respect and fear of the entire world, was a rare honor. She couldn't help but smile, her confidence slowly returning.
"Alright then, Ace," she responded, her voice a bit steadier now. The warmth in his smile made it easy to forget her earlier hesitation.
Ace's expression grew more serious as he sat down, his eyes meeting hers with a solemn understanding. "Since you're here," he began without preamble, "it means Kuma's life has reached its end, hasn't it?"
His words hung in the air, heavy with the truth they carried. Bonney's smile faltered, replaced by a sorrowful nod. She had come to Wanokuni because of her father's last wish, a wish he had conveyed to her using the power of his Paw Paw Fruit. It had been a desperate act, a father's final attempt to protect his daughter from the fate that had befallen him.
Before she had set sail, Bonney had been under the custody of the World Government, receiving treatment for the Jade Scale Disease—a condition that had left her vulnerable. Kuma, her father, had sacrificed everything to ensure her survival, even allowing himself to be turned into a living weapon in exchange for her life. But that time was over. The treatment had ended, and with it, Kuma's role as the Government's pawn. Now free but burdened with the knowledge of her father's sacrifice, Bonney had set out to sea, her path guided by the voice of her father urging her to find the Flame Emperor.
And so, she had come to Wanokuni, drawn to the one man her father trusted above all others.
"Ace, can you… can you save my father?" Bonney's voice trembled as she spoke, her eyes suddenly brimming with tears. The brave front she had maintained faltered, revealing the vulnerable child beneath the disguise.
Ace's expression softened as he looked at her. He reached out, gently patting her shoulder. "Don't worry, Bonney. Kuma won't die. I've already made arrangements to ensure his safety," he reassured her, his voice gentle but firm.
Bonney stared at him, her eyes wide with hope and disbelief. Despite her usual bravado, she was just a child, burdened with the fear of losing the only father she had ever known. Ace could see the relief in her eyes, mingled with the weariness of someone who had been carrying too much for too long.
"Really? That's… that's so great!" Bonney's voice cracked as she spoke, and she could no longer hold back her tears. She buried her face in her hands, sobbing with the overwhelming relief that came with Ace's words.
Ace watched her quietly, his heart aching for the young girl. She might appear as a beautiful young woman on the outside, but Ace knew the truth—Bonney was only nine years old. The mature appearance was nothing more than a disguise created by her Sui Sui Fruit abilities, a facade she wore to navigate the harsh world she had been thrust into.
Without saying a word, Ace gently stroked her head, offering silent comfort. He understood her pain, the weight of the worries she carried. After all, despite her appearance, she was still a child—a child who had been forced to grow up far too quickly.
After a while, Bonney's sobs began to subside. She lifted her head, her cheeks still wet with tears, and looked up at Ace with a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment. "Thank you, Ace… Thank you so much," she whispered, her voice still shaky.
Ace smiled warmly at her, his eyes filled with a gentle understanding. "It's alright, Bonney. You don't need to thank me. I'm just doing what needs to be done," he said softly. Then, with a teasing glint in his eye, he added, "You know, the Sui Sui Fruit is truly a remarkable Devil Fruit."
Bonney blushed deeply, realizing that Ace had seen through her disguise all along. She had forgotten, even if only for a moment, that Ace was not just any man—he was the Flame Emperor, a man capable of wielding all Devil Fruit powers, the strongest in history. Of course, he would have seen through her powers with ease.
"But don't worry," Ace continued with a reassuring smile. "It's your choice how you want to appear. Don't feel burdened by it."
Bonney nodded, her cheeks still flushed. Ace's acceptance and understanding made her feel lighter, as though a weight she hadn't even realized she was carrying had been lifted from her shoulders.
Suddenly, a determined look crossed her face. "Ace, is there anything I can do to help? I know I'm not strong, but I want to contribute. I want to help you, especially after everything you've done for my father," she said earnestly.
Ace's eyes sparkled with admiration for the young girl's spirit. "There is indeed something you can do, Bonney," he replied thoughtfully. "And you're wrong—you're not weak. The Sui Sui Fruit is an incredible ability, one with limitless potential."
He paused for a moment, reflecting on the power Bonney possessed. The Sui Sui Fruit allowed her to manipulate and distort the future to match her imagination. After understanding the truth about Luffy and his connection to Nika, she had been able to transform herself into Nika's form. This meant that Bonney, too, had the potential to wield Nika's power—a power that could be crucial in the battles to come.
"Come with me, Bonney," Ace said with a smile. "There's much to be done, and it won't be easy. But I believe you have what it takes."
Bonney's eyes lit up with determination. "What kind of hardship? I'm not afraid of it!" she declared boldly.
Ace chuckled softly at her enthusiasm. "That's the spirit," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Let's go, then."
Without another word, Bonney followed Ace out of the room, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.