Chapter 65:The Party Resumes!

Two fists crackling with violent black and purple lightning clashed fiercely through the atmosphere.

"Boom!"

The explosive force swept across the entire uninhabited coast in an instant.

In the sky, black and purple lightning intertwined and roared like ancient beasts, jaws clashing with terrifying fluctuations that shattered the atmosphere.

The sea churned with waves of immense power, causing Garp's warship to sway dangerously.

"Be careful! It's a Conqueror's Haki clash! Stay clear of the warship. It won't withstand the impact!" Bogart, Garp's adjutant, shouted urgently from the deck.

"Ahh, what a terrifying kid," Aokiji remarked from the deck, observing the distant collision with a mix of awe and curiosity.

The air was thick with Observation Haki as Aokiji sensed the immense power of the Conqueror's clash. His eyes widened in shock; understanding Ace's newfound strength was one thing, feeling it firsthand was another.

"Portgas D. Ace can launch attacks rivaling the Four Emperors using just martial arts and Conqueror's Haki," Aokiji recalled what he learned from Fleet Admiral Sengoku. "But experiencing it like this... his Haki truly stands atop the sea."

Standing on the deck, watching the relentless clash of Conqueror's Haki, Aokiji couldn't help but feel a tinge of loneliness. To be surpassed so swiftly by the younger generation was humbling, even for an Admiral.

"Boom!"

The fists collided again, sending shockwaves that began to crumble the coastline of this desolate land.

Garp, eyes fixed on Ace who met his onslaught with sheer martial prowess and Conqueror's Haki alone, felt a mix of relief and pride. "To wield such power with just martial arts and Haki... and with the Mera-mera Fruit's flames and the one-sword style on top, Ace truly stands at the pinnacle of the sea," he thought, though concern flickered in his eyes.

Garp knew Ace's declaration to challenge Kaido at the Shichibukai meeting in the Holy Land was no idle boast. Ace had set his sights on the Beast Emperor, the strongest creature alive. Despite Ace's formidable abilities, Garp couldn't shake a worry gnawing at him. Facing Kaido would mean an all-out war among Four Emperors-level pirates—no predictable outcome, even with the keenest Observation Haki.

"Hey, brat," Garp called out, meeting Ace's Haki-filled gaze with a knowing smile.

"Why does your Haki feel weaker? If this continues, the Marine hero might just get caught by me, Portgas... Ace," Ace taunted, a grin spreading across his face.

"Don't underestimate me, you little punk!" Garp retorted, a hint of Haki sparking in his eyes as he chuckled. His purple-black aura began to swirl ominously between his fists.

"Earth-shattering? You've got a long way to go," Garp teased, his Haki crackling around him.

"I am the Flame Emperor, Portgas D. Ace!" Ace declared, his voice ringing with conviction.

"Boom!"

The clash of their Conqueror's Haki sent shockwaves through the sky, shaking it to its core.

"Hahaha!" Garp laughed boisterously. "You're damn right. My worries mean nothing. My grandson is The Flame Emperor, Portgas D. Ace! In the battle against Kaido, the final victor will undoubtedly be... Entei, Portgas D. Ace!"

Their fists met once more in a collision that echoed across the land.

The intense Conqueror's Haki clash continued for nearly a day, reducing the coastline to rubble before Ace and Garp finally relented.

"Hahaha, Laki, prepare a feast!" Ace called out, leading Garp towards the waiting girls with a victorious smile.

"Old man, today you get to taste the finest cooking in the world" Ace quipped, glancing mischievously at Garp.

"Is this person really your grandfather?" Nami asked incredulously, having observed the battle with her keen Observation Haki.

"Hahaha, yes, I'm Monkey D. Garp, Ace's grandfather," Garp confirmed with pride.

"Monkey D. Garp?! That name..." Kaya gasped, covering her mouth.

"The Marine Hero, Vice Admiral Garp!" Tashigi exclaimed excitedly, her eyes gleaming with admiration.

The revelation stunned all the girls, realizing they stood before the legendary Marine who had once pursued the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger—Monkey D. Garp, Ace's grandfather.

"Oh? You're Tashigi, the former Loguetown swordsman, right?" Garp addressed her warmly. "Whether pirate or Marine, uphold the justice in your heart."

"That's what I strive to do," Tashigi replied earnestly. "But within the Entei Pirates, I find a more tangible justice."

"Is that so?" Garp smiled, genuinely pleased.

Aokiji, having landed and approached, wore a complex expression. He knew Tashigi's commitment to justice from Smoker and understood her dilemma.

"Do you believe justice can only be upheld within the Entei Pirates?" Aokiji asked rhetorically, his expression neutral yet contemplative.

Though Aokiji understood Tashigi's rationale, it challenged his own beliefs about Marine justice, especially after the Enies Lobby and Buster Call incidents. Marine's role as enforcers of the World Government's will often conflicted with his sense of true justice.

"Aokiji!" Ace greeted cheerfully, breaking the tension. "Not here to fight this time, huh? Still recovering from your injuries?"

"Heh, yeah," Aokiji shrugged lazily, his demeanor relaxed once more.

When the girls heard Ace and Robin's exchange, they pondered it for a moment. After all, Garp had come here willingly with Ace and showed no intention of capturing them.

"Grandpa, the food will be ready soon. Let's go," Robin said calmly, smiling at Garp.

"Grandpa... grandpa?!!" Garp's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Robin.

"Are you really Ace's grandfather? Can I call you grandpa?" Robin asked, glancing at Ace with a playful smile.

"Well, I usually just call him 'old man'," Ace chuckled.

This conversation left both Garp and Aokiji speechless, exchanging confused glances at Robin.

"That's fine, Grandpa. The party's about to start," Robin continued cheerfully.

"Ah, alright," Garp nodded blankly, still slightly shaken from being called 'grandpa' by Nico Robin.

"Grandpa, I also prepared some medicinal wine. It's great for the body. I'll bring it to you later," Kaya said shyly but confidently.

"Yes, Grandpa, try the oranges from our hometown. They're delicious," Nami and Nojiko added with smiles.

"Grandpa, taste the special pastries from Alabasta that I learned just for Ace," Vivi chimed in, her expression bright.

"Ah, okay, I'll try everything," Garp nodded, overwhelmed by their hospitality and Ace's capability.

"Ahh la la," Aokiji sighed, covering his face as he chuckled softly.

Seeing Ace's influence even among his enemies, Aokiji couldn't help but acknowledge his power.

"Since everyone's here, let's have a banquet together! Hahaha!" Ace declared, playfully pulling Aokiji into a headlock, much to Aokiji's amused resignation.

"Hey, I'm the Headquarters Admiral. Having a party with pirates? What a joke!" Aokiji protested half-heartedly, though his tone was light.

"Hahaha! Bottoms up, Kuzan! You're a good sport!" Ace laughed, encouraging Aokiji to finish his wine.

"Hah!" Aokiji downed his glass with a long exhale before munching on barbecue.

"So, Kuzan, what do you think of my crew's level?" Ace nudged Aokiji's arm playfully, a wide grin on his face.

"Well, it's certainly world-class," Aokiji admitted with a nod, his demeanor loosened by the drink.

"Hahaha, Kuzan, you seem unusually happy today," Garp observed with a grin.

"Hey, Ace used Conqueror's Haki to force me into this banquet. What can I do?" Aokiji shrugged, spreading his hands in mock helplessness. "And don't forget why we're really here."

Ace had made it clear: attend the banquet or face another fight. Aokiji wasn't eager to test his luck against Ace again, especially not with the current stakes.

"Hahaha, fair enough!" Garp laughed heartily, gesturing towards the distant icebergs.

The revelation that Marine hero Monkey D. Garp was Ace's grandfather had sent shockwaves through the girls, Aokiji included. The idea of the Headquarters Admiral attending a banquet with pirates seemed surreal, yet here they were.

"Let's get down to business, Ace," Garp said seriously, eyeing Ace.

Ace raised an eyebrow, meeting Garp's gaze curiously. "What is it? Interested in becoming a Shichibukai?"

Aokiji too regarded Ace with a grave expression. If someone with Ace's formidable combat prowess were to join, it could potentially shift the balance in favor of the Marines against the great pirates of the era.

The girls looked on, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Reject," Ace grinned, his answer swift and decisive.

"Really? Can't say I'm surprised," Garp chuckled lightly.

"Indeed, it's hard to imagine someone like you settling for the title. Your ambitions are far greater," Aokiji added with a sigh.

"I think you've misunderstood, Kuzan," Ace replied with a knowing smile.

"Hmm?" Aokiji furrowed his brow, unsure where Ace was leading.

"The 'king of the world' Ace wants to be isn't a madman like Rocks," Garp interjected, taking a sip of wine. "Let me tell you what being the real 'king of the world' means!" Ace Said as he Prepared to Explain his plans

Aokiji's eyes widened, the girls held their breath, and Garp beamed with confidence. The banquet continued amidst laughter and revelry, yet beneath the festivities lay an undercurrent of serious intent and ambition that could reshape the world itself.