Kuma's expression was one of unprecedented shock.
As he gazed at the mysterious light in Ace's right hand, his massive body began to tremble.
"Nika… I think I've heard that name before," Moria mused.
"The legendary warrior of liberation who freed the enslaved 800 years ago, known as Nika, the Sun God."
Kuma trembled even more violently, his expression now filled with excitement.
"800 years ago? Hey, isn't that a forbidden subject tied to the World Government?" Moria muttered, her scalp tingling as he stared at the mysterious light in Ace's hand.
This power... it's the same power that Ace uses to hunt Devil Fruits.
The same power that allowed that afro-headed skeleton to wield the Revive Devil Fruit to "capture" his soul.
The same power that let the legendary ship spirit consume the Shadow-Shadow Fruit.
And this power... it changes everything. Even those who barely feel its touch can sense the world itself shifting.
There's no doubt about it—Ace is far more dangerous than they ever imagined.
He wields a power that the World Government has deemed taboo!
"I saw what happened here with Moria earlier," Kuma said, trembling, "and it's all connected to... Nika?"
"Ace... do you really possess that kind of power?"
Kuma shuddered from head to toe.
He had witnessed how Ace hunted Devil Fruits, how he let the ship spirit consume a Devil Fruit, and how he strengthened someone's devil fruit ability through these processes.
This... this power felt uncannily similar to the legend of the Sun God, Nika.
Kuma recalled the tale.
Nika, the Sun God, was a fabled liberation fighter with unimaginable power. Everything he wished for came true.
Could it be that Ace can do all this because of Nika's power?
But there's something... different from the legend.
"This power... it's a unique blend between my body and Nika," Ace said, his lips curling into a slight smile as he looked at Kuma.
A combination of the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Phantom Beast—Nika Form, and Ace's unparalleled insight had allowed him to create a Realm of Comprehension where he could make his dreams reality.
"If your love for your daughter, Kuma, runs deep enough, a miracle might just happen."
Ace raised his right hand, and the mysterious light within the Realm of Comprehension began to condense rapidly, forming a seed-like spot of light.
Slowly, the light entered Kuma's body.
As Ace's power grew, so did his control over the Realm of Comprehension. He could now create seeds of comprehension purely from his field without relying on charms or external objects.
Unlike the charms he gave to the girls—carefully crafted to be reused—the seed within Kuma was a one-time gift.
"Remember, Kuma," Ace said, "miracles only happen if your love is deep enough.
And don't forget, your devil fruit power is key. When your consciousness is erased, the power of the Paw-Paw Fruit will eject it."
Devil Fruits exist to fulfill their owners' deepest desires.
If your desire is strong enough, it can grant you unimaginable power.
Ace glanced at Kuma, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"I see. It's slightly different from the legend of the Sun God Nika," Kuma said, opening his eyes beneath his sunglasses, "but somehow... it feels even more extraordinary."
Kuma could sense the "seed" within him. At any moment, with just a change of heart, it could unleash a power like no other.
This power, combined with his Paw-Paw Fruit, might really let him preserve his consciousness in a "pop-up" state.
"Vegapunk once mentioned something similar about understanding Devil Fruits," Kuma continued thoughtfully.
"He said anyone who reaches the stage of Devil Fruit Awakening will gain a completely new perspective on their powers."
Ace nodded slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting into a small smile.
"Indeed, the Awakening of a Devil Fruit is driven by the owner's overwhelming desire for that power.
When your body and mind are in complete harmony with that desire, the fruit will naturally awaken."
Ace's smile widened. "It's about time I teach the girls about Devil Fruit Awakening."
However, the process comes with its own risks.
"If you're not strong enough, awakening too early—that is, if your desire for the fruit's power becomes too great—you might lose yourself, like those who possess the Zoan-type fruits. There's a risk of losing your personality and becoming more of a beast than human."
Ace turned to Conis and Perona, his expression softening.
"As for you two, you're not ready yet. You mustn't delve too deeply into your devil fruits. Focus on strengthening your body and mind first."
Conis nodded obediently, clenching her fists in silent determination. She knew she had to get stronger. Once her Devil Fruit awakened, she would be able to help everyone—and help Ace even more.
Perona bit her lip, traces of Ace's earlier intensity still visible on her face. She wondered, does he really care about her?
"Nojiko, it's only been a short time since you acquired the Door-Door Fruit. Don't push yourself too hard. Keep working on your sniper skills and improving your Haki," Ace advised.
Nojiko nodded respectfully.
"Raki," Ace continued, turning to her, "you possess a Zoan-type Phantom Beast Fruit—the Suzaku model. Awakening comes with higher risks for you, especially since you've only recently obtained it."
"You should focus on improving your physical condition," Ace said. "As for your spirituality, I'm not too worried. You seem to have a good connection with the Zoan fruit."
Raki nodded, but her blush deepened as Ace smiled knowingly.
That knowing smile... "my little wildbird." That's what he had called her during their private training sessions.
Was she really that wild? Her face flushed at the memory, but a sense of pride swelled in her chest.
After all, she was Sandian—fierce and untamed. And Ace had liked that about her...
"Nami, Vivi, Kaya, Robin... you're ready. We'll start special training soon," Ace said, the corners of his mouth lifting once more.
"The key is to balance your body and mind with your desire for the devil fruit's power."
Nami, Vivi, Kaya, and Robin all fell into quiet contemplation.
But as Ace's words sank in, Nami, Vivi, and Kaya couldn't help but blush.
Robin, on the other hand, smiled knowingly, licking her lip seductively as she looked at Ace.
"We'll be ready, Captain," she whispered. "When it comes to balancing the body and mind... I'll definitely need the captain's guidance."
Nami, Vivi, and Kaya blushed even deeper when they heard Robin's suggestive words. However, they quickly clenched their fists with renewed determination.
"I will definitely work hard!" Kaya said with a fighting spirit.
"Hahaha, I'll help you all," Ace said, his smile widening.
After obtaining the Clear-Clear Fruit, Ace realized that Tashigi could now do many interesting things.
"Oh, by the way, Tashigi, you should eat the Clear-Clear Fruit," Ace said, handing the fruit to Tashigi.
"For someone like you, who focuses on swordsmanship, you don't need a Devil Fruit that enhances your combat power directly. It would only distract you from mastering your sword skills. The Clear-Clear Fruit should be perfect for you."
Ace affectionately patted Tashigi's head, smiling.
Giving Tashigi the Clear-Clear Fruit wasn't just to satisfy some mischievous whim of Ace's. He truly believed it was the right fit for her. A stronger Devil Fruit would only sidetrack her from kendo, making her lose focus. With the Clear-Clear Fruit, she could gain great support in combat, becoming a silent swordswoman in the shadows. It could even compensate for her natural physical disadvantages as a female swordsman.
"Got it!" Tashigi nodded firmly before taking a bite of the fruit.
"Ugh!" she grimaced, covering her lips as her face paled.
The bitter taste of Devil Fruits was unforgettable for anyone who ate them, and Tashigi was no exception.
"Tashigi!" Kaya cried out suddenly, noticing Tashigi's hand disappearing before her eyes.
"You'll get the hang of it soon, Tashigi," Ace reassured her, waving his hand as the field of comprehension surrounded her.
Thanks to Ace's guidance, Tashigi swiftly learned to control her new power. She had no qualms about needing his help. In fact, she welcomed it, knowing it would also push her swordsmanship to new heights.
After a while, Tashigi opened her eyes, now fully attuned to her new abilities.
"Hm!" she gasped as she activated the Clear-Clear Fruit. Her body began to fade until she was completely invisible.
"This is the power of the Clear-Clear Fruit? Even Observation Haki can't detect it," Nami exclaimed, wide-eyed.
"Exactly," Ace replied. "When a Devil Fruit user is strong enough, their power can overcome Haki. The Clear-Clear Fruit can obscure you from anyone whose Observation Haki is weaker than the fruit's abilities."
This, Ace explained, is why Tashigi could eventually become a deadly shadow swordsman. At a high enough level, even strong Observation Haki wouldn't be able to track her. Especially in deadly battles.
"Of course, you'll still need to practice hard, Tashigi," Ace added with a grin. "To escape my Observation Haki, you'll have to work even harder. If you awaken the Clear-Clear Fruit, you might even be able to avoid my senses!"
Tashigi reappeared and blushed as Ace teasingly held her close.
"I-I'll do my best!" she stammered, her face flushing red.
"Hmm, do you mean working on awakening the Devil Fruit or letting Ace help you balance body and mind when you do awaken it, Tashigi?" Nami asked playfully, smirking at the embarrassed swordswoman.
"W-Wah!" Tashigi's head steamed as she became flustered, unable to think straight.
"Don't worry," Ace said, his tone full of amusement. "I've been planning your special training for a long time."
His gaze shifted over the girls, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"It feels like you're thinking about something strange, Ace," Nami pouted, her lips pursed.
Still, despite her suspicion, she was too focused on awakening her own Thunder Fruit powers to pay much attention to Ace's antics. The Entei Pirates were soon going to face their toughest battle yet. If she could awaken her powers in time, she knew she could be of greater help to Ace. Whatever strange things Ace might do... she didn't mind. Nami had long prepared herself for that. Her face flushed slightly as she recalled Robin's earlier words about needing Ace's help to "balance" body and mind.
"By the way, Kuma, are you going to entrust your daughter to me, like Moria did?" Ace asked, turning to Kuma with a raised eyebrow.
"Eh? Bonney?" Kuma stammered, looking slightly puzzled.
"Well, as her father, I can't make that kind of decision for her," he said, hesitating.
Ace laughed. "You're so dishonest."
With that, Ace stood up. "Alright, everyone! The preparations are done. Set sail for Sabaody Archipelago!" he declared, dispersing the energy that had gathered from his Conqueror's Haki.
"Yeah!" the girls cheered, raising their hands in excitement.
Perona, clutching Merry, shouted along with them, seemingly without realizing it.
"During this journey, I'll guide you all on how to awaken your Devil Fruit powers," Ace said with a sly smile.
Vivi, Nami, and Kaya blushed at his words, but this time, they bravely met Ace's eyes. They were ready—body and soul.
——
In the distance, Kuma and Moria watched the Merry disappear into the thick mist.
"Hey, Moria, are you... alright?" Kuma asked, his voice quiet.
"Who, me? I'm not worried! I'm not thinking about whether Perona will be able to sleep, or if she'll catch a cold, or—" Moria's voice broke, and he started sobbing.
"Perona! Don't catch a cold! Eat well and sleep properly!" Moria shouted with all his strength toward the ship disappearing into the distance.
"Kuma, do you think Perona heard me?" Moria asked, his body trembling.
"She heard you," Kuma replied softly, his lips curling into a small smile. He pointed toward the mist, where ghostly letters began to form in the black fog.
"Take care of yourself, Dad."
Moria's large body shook as he sobbed.
"Perona! My daughter!" he wailed.
——
At the same time, Kuma smiled warmly as he thought about his own daughter.
"Bonney, I'll see you again. And with this power, I'll wish you a happy birthday in person one day."
With a grin, Kuma added softly, "Thanks to Ace, I'll make sure of it."