Chapter 44: Meet Aokiji!

Above the Sea, Sailing on the Merry

"Our next destination is just ahead!" Nami exclaimed with excitement as she spotted the island looming in the distance.

Ace gazed at the island ahead, his eyes briefly flashing scarlet as Observation Haki emanated from him. After a moment, his eyes returned to normal.

"Ace, is there something wrong with that island?" Kaya asked, a hint of concern in her voice, observing Ace's use of Haki.

"Could it be because of those strange pirate ships we encountered earlier?" Nami added, curious about Ace's reaction.

Ace reassured them with a gentle smile. "It's nothing to worry about—"

Before he could finish, Ace's gaze turned serious as he looked towards the distant island.

On Long Ring Island, there was nothing outwardly alarming to Ace. However, what caught his attention was a presence he had been sensing ever since they entered this sea area—a trail of ice in the ocean, large enough for a bicycle to pass through. There was only one person in the world capable of such a feat: Admiral Aokiji, user of the Frozen Fruit and one of the highest combat powers of the World Government.

True to Ace's expectations, Aokiji had vanished from Long Ring Island, likely awaiting them on an uninhabited island near Water 7, just as in the original tale.

Kaya and Nami exchanged glances, reassured by Ace's explanation. While Ace seemed different from before, they felt no cause for alarm—in fact, they sensed his excitement.

Regardless, with Ace present, they knew they had nothing to fear.

Ace himself was indeed filled with anticipation, his spirit brimming with readiness. Aokiji's strength was undeniable, making him one of the most formidable opponents they could face in these waters. Even against formidable foes like Crocodile and Enel, Ace hadn't felt this eager for battle in a long time.

Enhanced by his experiences on Sky Island and his profound understanding of his own abilities, Ace was now confident in his Haki levels and the awakened power of the Mera-Mera Fruit—enough to challenge an Admiral head-on.

Yes, after his transformation on Sky Island, Ace had achieved Admiral-level combat prowess, positioning himself as one of the top fighters in these seas.

"Soil... the island is covered in Soil," Laki remarked with excitement, her eyes gleaming as she looked at the approaching island.

Indeed, the White Sea's precious Soil was abundant across these vast waters, adorning many islands and even continents larger than Apayado, the Holy Land.

Conis, standing nearby, also gazed at Long Ring Island with admiration. While not as passionate about Soil as Laki, she too harbored a longing for such islands.

With a final maneuver, Kaya and Tashigi anchored the Merry in place.

"Ace, aren't you joining us on the island?" Kaya inquired, noticing Ace's stationary posture.

"You all go ahead and explore the island. I'll stay on board and quickly record our magnetic readings of the area," Ace replied calmly, standing at the ship's bow and smiling warmly at the girls.

Long Ring Island held little interest for Ace compared to the impending battle with Aokiji. He preferred to focus on preparing himself for the challenge ahead.

Kaya started to say something but recalled Nokigao's advice about giving men space.

"Alright then, let's head to the island," Kaya said cheerfully.

"Yeah, let's go," Nami agreed, leading the girls as they disembarked onto Long Ring Island.

As Ace watched them depart, he settled comfortably on the deck. Purple-black hues flickered briefly in his eyes.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, a massive pirate ship, its flag adorned with a distinctive red-nosed skull, silently observed the Merry.

"Hahaha! Looks like we've spotted some prey! Our crew's about to get a new member," chuckled a cunning man with a fox-like appearance, red nose, and distinctive eyebrows.

Foxy, captain of the Foxy Pirates from the West Blue, enjoyed the infamous Davy Back Fight and possessed the Slow-Slow Fruit.

"Boss, did you see that pirate flag?" a woman beside Foxy in a strange mask asked, her voice tinged with coquettishness.

"Pirate flag?" Foxy narrowed his eyes, peering at the flag flying on the Merry in the distance—a skull engulfed in flames. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead as he realized the truth.

"Darn it! That flag belongs to Portgas D. Ace of the Entei Pirates, with a bounty of 150 million Berries!" Porche exclaimed in her distinctive accent.

"Pff, pff, pff! We're in trouble if we're up against a big shot like that," chuckled a member of the Foxy Pirates named Hamburger, covering his mouth with his hand.

"So what if it's 150 million? As pirates, They have to abide by the rules of the Davy Back Fight! Otherwise, They'll be a laughingstock among all the pirates on the seas," Foxy declared firmly, despite his apprehension.

"Pff, pff, pff! What about us then?" Hamburger teased, glancing mischievously at Foxy.

"We'll... we'll win!" Foxy gritted his teeth, his resolve firm.

The thought of recruiting such a powerful pirate into his crew through the Davy Back Fight thrilled Foxy to no end.

Suddenly, a violent explosion of purple-black lightning erupted from the Merry, engulfing the entire area with its ferocity.

"Ah!" Foxy, Hamburger, Bolg, and every member of the Foxy Pirates collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed by the immense pressure.

Conqueror's Haki!

...

On the Merry, the purple-black hues in Ace's eyes faded as the wild lightning dissipated into the atmosphere.

Ace had swiftly dispatched the Foxy Pirates with his Conqueror's Haki, having no interest in engaging with such minor adversaries.

Now, he relaxed on deck, awaiting the return of the girls.

As the sun set, casting a red glow across the sky, Nami and the girls made their way back to the Merry from Long Ring Island.

"Ace!" they called out, spotting Ace at the bow of the ship, smiling gently at them.

Nami, Kaya, Vivi, and Nojiko's faces lit up with joyful smiles as they ran towards Ace. Robin's lips curved into a slight smile as she quickly approached, while Tashigi blushed, gripping the handle of her sword for encouragement before trotting over. Conis and Laki exchanged glances, their faces slightly flushed, before they too ran to greet Ace.

"Welcome back, my lovely crew," Ace began, but was interrupted as Nami and Kaya playfully tackled him to the ground.

"Hey!" Nojiko and Vivi followed, grinning widely, as they joined the pile.

Tashigi hesitated, unsure of what to do, while Conis and Laki, blushing, seemed unsure whether to join in. Robin, observing from a distance, activated her ability, causing three petal-like arms to appear and gently push Tashigi, Conis, and Laki forward.

"Ah!" The three women yelped as they fell onto Ace, who smiled warmly at their startled faces. Tashigi's eyes spun in a daze, overwhelmed by the sudden closeness.

Ace gave a thumbs-up to Robin, who laughed lightly. "Well done, my historian."

After the playful reunion, Laki served a sumptuous dinner. "It's great to have Laki on board," Kaya said, her cheeks puffed out adorably as she ate.

The other girls agreed enthusiastically. Since Laki joined the crew, the quality of their meals had skyrocketed.

"Hahaha, of course. Laki is my chef," Ace said, enjoying a bite of Laki's signature pumpkin noodles. He reminisced about the original work, where Laki had opened a renowned pumpkin café with Conis. The taste was impeccable.

"There's plenty more. Eat slowly," Laki said, laughing happily.

As they ate, the girls recounted their adventures on Long Ring Island. They spoke of the island's unusually long plants and animals, and their rescue of a man who had been walking on stilts for ten years, left behind by his migrating village, but faithfully waited for by his horse.

Ace listened with a smile, savoring the delicious food and cold beer poured by Kaya. He let out a contented sigh. This was the life.

"By the way, Ace, the magnetic force should be recorded by tomorrow. We can head to the next island then," Nami said, checking the record pointer.

"Great, we'll rest tonight and set sail in the morning," Ace replied, stretching.

The girls smiled in agreement.

After dinner, Ace enjoyed a hot bath, preparing his body for the upcoming battle with Aokiji. As he scooped up hot water, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.

The next day, the Merry set sail towards the next island. Laki served exquisite cold drinks and desserts, earning praise from everyone for her culinary skills, now unmatched thanks to her talent and the realm of understanding.

"Ace, there's an island ahead," Vivi called from the lookout. "Should we land or head to the next magnetic recording island?"

"Land," Ace said, a red light flashing in his eyes. "We need to replenish some supplies."

Nojiko steered the ship towards the island, and soon they anchored the Merry. Ace led the girls ashore.

"It looks like there are no traces of human presence. It seems to be an uninhabited island," Nojiko observed.

"Yes, and it's so desolate. There are no useful supplies," Vivi added.

"There's light ahead. Maybe there's something we need over there," Nami suggested, running towards the dense forest.

The girls followed, with Ace trailing behind, a slight smile on his face. Robin walked at the rear, her red lips curling into a smile as she watched the others run ahead.

Nami emerged from the forest first, but disappointment crossed her face when she saw no useful supplies. "There's nothing here—"

Before she could finish, her eyes widened in surprise. "Yes?!"

The girls followed, staring curiously at a tall figure standing nearby. The man, wearing a white suit vest over a dark blue shirt and a dark green blindfold, stood silently.

"Sleeping?" Nami wondered, twitching her eyes as she sensed the man's presence with Observation Haki.

"Ace, come and see! There's a strange person here," Kaya shouted.

With the sound of footsteps, Ace and Robin emerged from the forest. Ace's mouth curved into a smile, while Robin's pupils shrank in shock, the smile vanishing from her face.

"Robin?" The girls immediately grew alert, sensing her unease.

Nojiko loaded her gun, pointing it at the tall figure.

"Ah la la, don't point such a dangerous thing at me, miss," the man yawned, removing his blindfold and looking at Nojiko. "It's been a long time, Nicole Robin."

"Who is this guy, Robin?" Nami asked, wary.

"The highest combat power in the world government, Admiral of Navy Headquarters, Aokiji," Robin said, her voice tense.

"You seem to have startled my historian," Ace said, taking Robin's hand and stepping forward with a smile.

"The highest combat power in the world government?! Marine Admiral?!" the girls exclaimed.

"Ah la la, did you hear about me from your grandfather, Portgas D. Ace?" Aokiji asked, his lazy demeanor contrasting with the seriousness in his eyes. He knew Ace was no ordinary pirate.