Chapter 71: The Power of Nika!

Moria's shrill voice drew everyone's attention.

"Bartholomew Kuma! Is that his name?"

Nami, watching Tashigi and Ryoma's battle, narrowed her beautiful eyes.

"One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the tyrant with a bounty of 296 million Berries, Bartholomew Kuma! Why is he here?" Perona exclaimed.

"Bear?"

Ace gazed at the towering figure in the distance, his eyes glinting with interest.

Possessing the Paw-Paw Fruit, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit granting him tremendous power, Kuma ranked among the strongest of the Shichibukai.

Despite his rough appearance, he harbored a remarkably gentle heart within the brutal world of pirates. He sacrificed his identity to become a human weapon for the World Government, all to save Jewelry Bonney, whom he regarded as his own child despite no biological connection.

Ace deeply admired Kuma for his selflessness and sense of duty.

"Has he been discovered?" Tashigi asked Ace, her eyes narrowing behind her glasses.

Kuma wasn't surprised; someone with Ace's mastery of Haki and his unknown abilities could easily detect intruders like Kuma, who attempted to conceal his presence.

Ace's Haki prowess surpassed even that of their Revolutionary Army leader, Dragon. He commanded respect akin to that of an Emperor of the Sea.

Under Ace's intense gaze, even from a distance, Kuma felt waves of oppressive pressure bearing down on him, causing a thin sheen of sweat to appear on his brow.

Had Kuma not been an undercover agent for the Revolutionary Army, here to exchange crucial information, the pressure might have driven Kuma to use the Paw Paw Fruit to escape.

"Tashigi, let's settle this battle," Ace said with a light smile.

"Although I'm honored to face a legendary swordsman, my captain's affairs take precedence," Tashigi replied, positioning Shigure before her. In her eyes, the jet black hue of Armament Haki glowed fiercely.

"Buzz! Clang!"

Shigure resonated with a thick coating of Armament Haki, its transformation triggered by the charm Ace had bestowed upon Tashigi, hanging around her neck.

"It feels oddly familiar," Ryoma observed, eyeing Shigure closely. "Your sword seems to be adapting to the style of my blade, the Penultimate Swordsmanship. I'm delighted to cross swords with you today, yo ho ho ho!" Ryoma chuckled.

"No, you misunderstand," Tashigi countered confidently, her pretty face lifted. "My abilities flourish because of my captain."

"Ching!"

Shigure emitted a resounding clash of swords.

"I understand. It's an honor to spar with a swordsman influenced by such a figure," Ryoma's tone grew serious.

"Junior of Penultimate, what are your names and that of your captain?" Ryoma inquired, wielding the chilling Shusui.

"I am Tashigi! My captain is the Flame Emperor, Portgas D. Ace!" Tashigi declared, slashing out with Shigure.

"Ye Ming Song·True Thorn!" Ryoma roared, thrusting Shusui fiercely.

"Clang! Phew!"

The combatants disengaged, each breathing heavily.

"Even after all these years, your strength remains formidable," Tashigi admitted with a sigh. "It's regrettable I couldn't witness your true swordsmanship."

"If only I could regain my former strength and face that man, Portgas D. Ace, with my sword swinging," Ryoma lamented, chuckling at Ace in the distance.

"Junior, your swordsmanship is impressive, but it may not suffice to reach the pinnacle," Ryoma advised, tossing Shusui toward Tashigi. "It bears the mark of my skills, yet it may not be the perfect fit for you. Until you find a blade worthy of your talents, it will serve you well."

"This sword, Shusui, renowned for its twenty-one techniques," Tashigi continued, her eyes gleaming. "I will seek a blade that truly befits my mastery."

Tashigi met Ryoma's gaze with a confident smile. "My swordsmanship is to follow Ace and witness him become the king of the world! I yearn to see the wondrous world he spoke of! This is Tashigi's path of the sword!"

"It's no disgrace for a samurai to be bested by a swordsman inspired by such greatness! Yo ho ho ho!" Ryoma laughed heartily.

As Ryoma lowered his head, Merry, who had maintained his movements, spoke softly, "Release the shadow!"

This allowed Ryoma to move even when Merry became a soul earlier. Ace intended for Ryoma to continue honing Tashigi and utilizing the power of the Shadow Fruit through his understanding field.

With Merry having consumed the shadow fruit, it was now Merry who maintained Ryoma. Now, the shadow constraint was lifted!

As the shadow returned from Ryoma to Brook's feet, Brook couldn't contain his joy.

"My shadow is back! Yo ho ho ho!" he exclaimed, looking gratefully at Ace.

"Mr. Ace, thank you so much," Brook said sincerely. "Not only did you recover my shadow, but in your mysterious realm just now, I've gained much greater control over my Underworld Fruit abilities. I've also had profound insights into my swordsmanship and how to further develop my Devil Fruit powers."

Filled with emotion, Brook expressed his gratitude deeply.

"You're welcome, Brook. Just knowing the bond between you and Laboon is enough reason for me to help," Ace replied warmly, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"My brother, Monkey D. Luffy, he's always had a fondness for musicians like you," Ace continued, reminiscing. "Ever since he was a child, he dreamed of finding a ghost or skeleton musician to join his crew."

Brook's eyes widened in surprise as he looked at his skeletal hands.

"Really? Would anyone dream of having me as their musician?" Brook's voice trembled with disbelief. Despite his optimism and humorous nature about his skeletal form, he knew he was an anomaly.

"Of course. My brother dreams of having a musician like you, Brook," Ace affirmed with confidence.

"Is that so? Is there really such a person out there? I'd love to meet him," Brook's hands shook slightly, tears streaming down his face.

"My younger brother will set sail in the future, though it'll be another Two years before that," Ace said, reassuringly looking at Brook. "It's only two years, and I've been drifting alone in this sea for nearly 50 years! Thank you, Mr. Ace, for giving me hope once more. Yo ho ho ho!" Brook's smile was wide and genuine.

"Then I look forward to our next meeting. Perhaps it will be at Twin Capes with Laboon," Ace chuckled warmly.

"If it's Mr. Ace's brother, I believe that day will come," Brook said, his empty eye sockets shining with newfound hope. "To think that Mr. Ace's younger brother could become his right hand... As his musician, I could Meet a precious companion and contribute to Mr. Ace's journey. It's truly exhilarating."

"Bartholomew Kuma! Shouldn't you come over?" Ace called out towards the distant bear, who promptly disappeared and reappeared before Ace.

"What is this Devil Fruit ability?" Nami and the others approached, eyeing Kuma suspiciously. Their Observation Haki detected his sudden movement, propelled by his Paw-Paw Fruit powers.

"Yes, He is Kuma of the Paw-Paw Fruit, able to repel anything with his pads! Shichibukai, what brings you here, Kuma?" Moria exclaimed, acknowledging the formidable abilities of Kuma's Devil Fruit, which surpassed even his former Shadow Fruit in strangeness.

"Flame Emperor, it's an honor to meet you," Kuma bowed respectfully to Ace, recognizing his strength and status in the sea.

"On behalf of Sabo, I greet you," Kuma added solemnly.

"My brother, Sabo?" Ace's face lit up with a smile that soon turned into hearty laughter. "Hahaha, so you've regained your memory! How's Sabo doing in the Revolutionary Army?"

Kuma's eyes widened momentarily, realizing he hadn't mentioned his affiliation with the Revolutionary Army.

"Why so surprised? I saw Sabo being rescued by Dragon using my Observation Haki," Ace said casually, his smile softening.

"I see," Kuma replied calmly, though he felt there were still unanswered questions.

Ace's precocious use of Observation Haki at such a young age impressed Kuma deeply.

"Revolutionary Army? Kuma, you're an undercover agent?" Moria interjected, shocked by the revelation.

"Your current state is quite similar, 'Moonlight' Moria," Kuma remarked calmly, causing Moria to bristle.

"Don't misunderstand, Moria. You're not qualified to join my crew yet," Ace said lightly, causing Moria pain. Despite his diminished abilities after losing his Shadow Fruit and neglecting training, Moria resolved to regain his former strength.

"Sabo is doing well and now serves as the Revolutionary Army's second-in-command," Kuma informed them, briefly sharing Sabo's achievements.

"Hahaha, that's my younger brother for you," Ace laughed proudly. "Since childhood, training with him has made Sabo much stronger than he was in the original book."

"After hearing about you, Sabo regained his memory and spoke with Dragon," Kuma continued, expressing admiration for Ace's influence and ideals that even Dragon respected.

"Tell Sabo I received his greetings. I look forward to meeting him," Ace replied warmly, confident that Sabo understood their unspoken bond and shared ambitions.

Between brothers, words were often unnecessary. Ace knew Sabo would rise to become a right hand in their shared journey to challenge the heavens.

"That's it, bro," Ace concluded with a smile, looking ahead to the future they would shape together.

"I must inform you all of something crucial," Kuma's demeanor turned grave. "Red-Haired Shanks and Kaido of the Beasts have both set sail from the New World towards the first half of the Grand Line. Their destination is you, Ace."

"As per our calculations, you're likely to encounter them at the Sabaody Archipelago," Kuma continued, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "The Naval Headquarters has mobilized its top forces in anticipation of a potential clash between you, the Four Emperors, at Sabaody. They've even issued a mandatory summons for the Shichibukai."

"The balance of power in the sea, represented by the Three Great Powers—Emperors, Navy, and Shichibukai—hangs in the balance," Kuma concluded solemnly. "Whether war erupts or peace prevails depends on you, the Fifth Emperor, Flame Emperor."

"Oh no! How could I forget something so important!" Moria exclaimed, realizing the implications of the impending conflict. "Perona is set to join the Entei Pirates. If this war breaks out, she'll be drawn into it!"

"Red-Haired and Kaido? Coming here?" the girls gasped in shock, visibly shaken by the news of two Emperors converging on Ace.

Perona trembled, her fears magnified. "Does this mean if I join the Entei Pirates, I'll have to face both of them?"

"Don't worry, Perona," Moria tried to reassure her amidst the chaos. "Now that Ace knows, we can strategize to avoid such encounters. Who in their right mind would willingly walk into a clash with two Emperors, the Navy, and the Shichibukai?"

"Woah!" Nami and Vivi looked at Ace, tears welling up in their eyes, overwhelmed by the weight of the situation.

Moria, caught off guard by Ace's enthusiastic reaction, turned to see Ace's eyes glittering with excitement. His shock was evident as he saw him eagerly embracing the impending conflict.

"What an exhilarating prospect—starting a Massive war at Sabaody Archipelago! Hahaha!" Ace laughed boisterously.

"Ace, I can't believe how excited you are," Nami and Vivi, typically reserved, couldn't hold back their tears in the face of Ace's unwavering determination.

"I must say, are you out of your mind?!" Moria exclaimed, staring incredulously at Ace. "You're talking about facing two Four Emperors—Kaido of the Beasts and Red-Haired Shanks—alongside the entire might of the Naval Headquarters and the Seven Warlords of the Sea! Even if you're as strong as an Emperor, it's suicidal not to avoid such a confrontation!"

"Hahaha, it's thrilling, isn't it? Two Four Emperors, the Naval Headquarters, and all the Warlords—what a party!" Ace's eyes sparkled with excitement as he chuckled.

Moria blinked, utterly dumbfounded by Ace's audacity. Cold sweat trickled down his temples. How could such a person exist, who faced the prospect of battling against two of the most formidable forces in the world without flinching?

"Captain is just like that," Robin interjected calmly, a faint smile gracing her lips. "He's shown me that challenging the World Government isn't an impossible feat."

Nami and Vivi, despite their tears, could only resign themselves to Ace's unwavering resolve. "It's just two Four Emperors... Ace will find a way to win," Nami murmured, her voice filled with mixed emotions.

Kaya, determined to grow stronger, clenched her fists with resolve. "Facing two Four Emperors means I need to master the Suzaku form of my Bird Fruit—Phantom Beast Species."

"I'll work hard too!" Conis exclaimed, echoing Kaya's determination, despite her primary support role.

Nojiko, gripping her sniper rifle, focused on the dangerous implications of the upcoming battle. "Two Four Emperors and the entire Naval Headquarters... this is serious."

Tashigi remained silent, her sword Shushui ready. She was poised for the impending conflict, her determination evident in her demeanor.

"I'm ready too, Ace!" Merry cheered enthusiastically, eager to contribute to the crew's efforts.

"Moria, this is dangerous! Facing two Four Emperors and potentially engaging in a war," Perona's voice quivered as she realized the perilous situation ahead. "Ace, I'm not sure I can join your crew if this is what it means!"

Moria panicked, realizing Perona's reluctance. "But... but you liked zombies!"

"No, from now on, Merry is my favorite!" Perona declared, embracing the ship's spirit with newfound fervor.

Caught up in her excitement, Perona's affectionate display towards Merry caused a stir. "Ace, help!" Merry appealed for assistance, overwhelmed by Perona's enthusiastic affection.

"Don't worry, Perona. There will be plenty of time for you and Merry to bond," Ace reassured, gently lifting Perona like a kitten to calm her down.

"Merry-chan is adorable," Perona sniffled, touched by Merry's praise.

"Merry thinks you're cute too," Ace conveyed, easing the tension.

"Really? Oh, Merry-chan, I love you!" Perona exclaimed joyfully, her spirits lifted.

As Ace playfully teased Perona, Moria intervened. "Portgas D. Ace! Release Perona at once!"

Ace laughed, amused by the commotion. "Don't worry, she's a precious member of my crew."

Meanwhile, Moria couldn't help but feel amused by the contrasting nature of this crew. "Hehehe, your crew is quite unique," Moria chuckled, shaking his head.

Reflecting on the situation and Moria's fatherly bond with Perona, Kuma's thoughts turned to Bonney. Despite the gravity of impending conflict, his memories softened his expression into a gentle smile.

"Hey, Kuma! Did I see that right? You, the Tyrant, are still laughing and smiling so gently?" Moria's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the bear.

Kuma's lips twitched momentarily, adjusting his expression back to indifference. "It's quite enjoyable, kneading."

Ace chuckled and approached. Perona, still recovering from having her face molded by Ace, hesitated briefly before Merry came to comfort her. Perona's demeanor instantly softened at Merry's presence; she hugged Merry with excitement, showering the ship's spirit with affection.

"It seems Perona fits right in on my ship, Moria," Ace remarked, his eyes flashing with a dark and powerful aura as he settled into a small, black and purple lightning-formed seat behind him.

"I must admit, that control over Conqueror's Haki is unparalleled. I've never seen anyone wield Haki quite like this," Kuma exclaimed, impressed by Ace's display.

"You're telling me! Do you really intend to proceed? We're talking about two Four Emperors potentially colliding with the entire might of the Naval Headquarters and the Warlords," Moria finally managed to utter, his face still streaked with anxiety at the impending clash.

"Don't worry. Kaido is likely just stirring trouble, and Red-Haired Shanks shouldn't be an enemy—at least not now. My younger brother has wanted to meet him for some time," Ace assured, waving dismissively.

"As for the Warlords, whoever stands in the Marines' way will be dealt with accordingly," Ace added with a slight smirk. "Although there's one among them I'm curious to meet—the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock, known as the most beautiful woman in the One Piece world."

"I see. So, it comes down to potentially facing Kaido and the Naval Headquarters in this scenario," Moria mused, tapping his palm thoughtfully before his expression twisted in uncertainty. "Was it Ace's influence that's made him so bold? He's certainly a dangerous man. But is it safe for Perona to join his crew?"

After some internal debate, Moria sighed heavily. It seemed they had no choice, especially considering Perona's happiness. He glanced at Perona, who was radiant with joy holding Merry, softening his typically devilish features.

"Indeed, the Naval Headquarters won't act recklessly against you three Emperors," Kuma conceded, his voice tinged with resignation. "If war breaks out, who knows who'll emerge victorious in the end. But Flame Emperor..."

"Just call me Ace," he interjected casually, looking at Kuma with a relaxed smile.

"In that case, I'll be less formal," Kuma responded, momentarily taken aback before settling down cross-legged to speak.

Ace listened intently to Kuma's solemn words about the hidden powers within the World Government.

"But Ace, the Naval Headquarters is just the face of the World Government. The true power hidden within is more terrifying than you realize. If a full-scale war erupts, it could lead to the downfall of the World Government," Kuma warned gravely, reflecting on his transformation into a human weapon under Vegapunk's experiments and his access to the government's secrets.

"I understand why there are only three Admirals and one Fleet Admiral, alongside Marine hero Garp's high-end combat prowess. They manage to confront the Four Emperors, countless pirates, the Shichibukai, and even the Revolutionary Army while maintaining stability," Kuma continued, emphasizing the overwhelming force the World Government could muster.

"A hidden power like the Seraphims or a Super-Secret like Imu who sits atop the void throne?" Ace replied lightly, his smile revealing a deeper understanding.

The mention of these Taboos caused Kuma's pupils to shrink in shock. "How do you know that Project?" he asked incredulously, knowing it as an extremely classified term known only to top-level officials within the World Government, particularly those close to Vegapunk and he has no idea about what "Imu" is.

"I know more than you think, including a lot about you. How long can your consciousness hold out, Bear?" Ace pointed at Kuma's head with a knowing smile, suggesting he knew of Kuma's grim fate under Vegapunk's experiments.

Kuma's expression turned complex. "I didn't expect you to know so much. It surpasses my expectations. Yes, my consciousness may be erased completely within a few years," he admitted with a sense of resignation.

"Erased?"

The girls clustered around Ace, their expressions a mix of shock and concern upon hearing Kuma's story.

Moria's brow furrowed deeply.

"So, he was willing to undergo that transformation just to save his daughter from the World Government's grasp. Bartholomew Kuma, the strongest cyborg according to Vegapunk."

Ace regarded Kuma calmly. "Why?"

The girls exchanged puzzled looks.

"A cyborg? Like Franky?"

"He did all this as a Shichibukai, just for his daughter?" Moria stared at Kuma incredulously, the man known as a tyrant.

Moria felt a pang of empathy. "So, that gentle smile earlier... was because of your daughter?"

Kuma nodded. "Yes, now that you know everything, there's no need to hide. I'm fortunate to have someone to confide in before I lose my consciousness."

A warm smile crossed Kuma's face as he opened up about his daughter, Bonney. His expression grew tender and nostalgic recounting her growth.

"Moria! You're... you're a true man!" Tears welled up in Moria's eyes as he gave Kuma a heavy pat on the shoulder and let out a heartfelt howl.

Moria had struggled to understand before, but now he grasped Kuma's heart. He understood the lengths a father would go to for his daughter.

The girls nodded solemnly, their eyes also moistened. The fearsome Bartholomew Kuma was, in truth, a devoted father.

Perona's eyes were red, but she managed a happy smile. "Father Moria will protect me, no matter what."

"I won't feel a thing even if you shoot me. I'm already beyond pain," Kuma assured Moria through his tears, seeing in Moria a reflection of his own feelings for Perona.

Kuma's perspective on Moria softened, and he even managed a jest. "You, huh?"

Moria grinned back warmly, baring his fangs. "It's a shame to see someone like you lose their memories like this."

Ace watched the exchange with a slight smile. Though Kuma's story focused on Bonney's plight and his sacrifice as a template for the World Government's weapons, it didn't delve into Bonney's life or Kuma's former lover, Ginny. But Ace felt no need to fill in those details. For Kuma, Bonney's existence was enough.

"Hmm? Ace, can you help Kuma retain his memories?" Nami asked, surprised yet hopeful.

Nami saw in Kuma's love for his daughter shades of Bell-mère's devotion.

"It'd be a shame to lose such profound love," she added, echoing Ace's sentiment.

The girls turned their eyes to Ace, trusting his judgment.

"Ace, is there any way to preserve this love for his daughter?" Vivi asked earnestly.

"Ace, how could that even be possible? Vegapunk's ability to erase consciousness is absolute," Kuma interjected, his expression shifting as he recounted his agreement with Vegapunk to let Bonney know everything about him.

Ace's smile broadened. "Whether Kuma retains his memories now depends not on him, but on you."

Ace stood up, a strange light emanating from his right hand.

"How deep is your love for your daughter? Use that love as a bargaining chip to reclaim your consciousness and use this power from 'Nika ."

Ace's right hand glowed with an eerie, powerful light, his smile tinged with determination.

Ace's words made Kuma's expression shocked as never before.Nika?!Is the power of Nika real?

The bear's normally composed expression was replaced with unprecedented shock as he beheld the mysterious light emanating from Ace's right hand, causing his massive frame to tremble slightly.

"Nika... I feel like I've heard that name before," Moria mused aloud.

"The legendary liberator who freed enslaved peoples 800 years ago, known as Nika, the Sun God," he recalled.

The bear trembled with excitement, his expression animated. "800 years ago? Isn't that a taboo concerning the World Government?"

Moria's scalp prickled as he stared at Ace's radiant hand. This power was what allowed Portgas D. Ace to hunt Devil Fruits, enabled Brook to harness the True power of the Yomi Yomi no Mi, and permitted the legendary Ship Spirit to consume the Kage Kage no Mi. It was a power deemed dangerous by the World Government.

"So this is what influenced Moria earlier... because of 'Nika'?" Moria exclaimed, his astonishment palpable. "Ace, you... you possess that power?!"

The bear trembled all over, having witnessed the transformation effects of Devil Fruits and now this extraordinary power resembling the legendary Sun God, Nika.

Recalling the myths surrounding Nika, the bear understood the implications. Nika was said to possess unparalleled power—whatever he wished became reality. Could it be that Ace's abilities stemmed from a similar source?

"This power is a unique fusion of Nika and my innate abilities," Ace explained, his smile widening slightly.

With this unique blend of the Human-Human Fruit, Phantom Beast Model: Nika, and his own profound insights, Ace had crafted a realm where dreams could manifest. If the bear's love for Bonney ran deep enough, miracles could indeed transpire.

With a swift motion, Ace waved his hand, causing the luminous seed of understanding to form and enter the bear's body. Ace's mastery over this realm had grown such that he could create such seeds without external aids, though he still provided smaller versions to the girls in the form of Lucky Charms, crafted with care and reusable.

"Remember, Kuma, the depth of your love for your daughter is what can work miracles. And your Paw-Paw Fruit will be crucial—when your consciousness is threatened, it can eject it back into you with its ability," Ace instructed, emphasizing the Devil Fruit's responsiveness to its owner's desires.

As Kuma absorbed these insights, his eyes behind his sunglasses opened slowly, reflecting a mix of contemplation and relief. The seed of understanding planted within him held the potential to sustain his consciousness in a state akin to 'popping up' with the aid of his Paw-Paw Fruit.

"Vegapunk once mentioned something similar about your understanding of Devil Fruits," Kuma recalled solemnly. "He said that reaching the stage of Devil Fruit awakening hinges on a deep-seated desire and integration of body and mind."

Ace nodded approvingly, his smile gentle. "Indeed, the awakening of a Devil Fruit requires an intense desire that harmonizes body and mind."

As the discussion concluded, Kuma felt a newfound sense of clarity and purpose, contemplating the profound implications of the seed now germinating within his consciousness. The potential to preserve his memories and continue to protect his daughter Bonney seemed within reach, thanks to Ace's extraordinary gift and guidance.

By now, it was nearing time to instruct the girls on the awakening of Devil Fruit powers, a concept that carried its own set of risks. Ace addressed Conis and Perona, who had not yet encountered Devil Fruits.

"Conis, Perona, you're not yet strong enough to delve deeply into the power of Devil Fruits," Ace cautioned gently. "Focus on strengthening your physical and mental abilities for now."

Conis nodded earnestly, clenching her fists in determination to improve herself for when her time came to truly wield her Devil Fruit's power.

Perona, still bearing traces of Ace's influence on her fair cheeks, pondered quietly, wondering if Ace truly cared for her.

"Nojiko, you haven't had the Gate Fruit long enough to overexert its powers," Ace continued, turning his attention to the sniper.

Nojiko nodded in agreement, understanding the need to hone her sniper skills and strengthen her Haki.

"Laki, as a Zoan user, awakening carries substantial risk, especially with your limited time using the Bird Fruit - Phantom Beast - Suzaku form," Ace advised. "Your priority now should be enhancing your physical resilience."

Laki acknowledged Ace's counsel, recognizing the potency of her Devil Fruit's potential but aware she had yet to master it fully. Ace's meaningful words about her training alone still resonated, leaving her both blushing and proud of her Shandia roots.

"Nami, Vivi, Kaya, Robin, you're ready to proceed," Ace declared, smiling at the four women. "Your desire for your Devil Fruit's powers must align with your mind and body."

Nami, Vivi, Kaya, and Robin contemplated Ace's words, blushing when they realized the implications. Robin's subtle hint brought deeper blushes to Nami, Vivi, and Kaya's faces, though they met Ace's gaze with newfound determination.

Ace's attention turned to Tashigi, offering her the Transparent Fruit, suited for enhancing her swordsmanship without distracting from her mastery of the sword. Tashigi accepted with a nod, though eating it left her temporarily stunned, prompting a momentary loss of composure.

Ace quickly enveloped her in his understanding field, helping Tashigi harness the fruit's power more swiftly than usual, enhancing her kendo abilities. Tashigi, focused on her training, felt no shame in needing Ace's assistance.

As the session concluded, Ace's instructions and support left the girls feeling empowered and ready for the challenges ahead. They set sail for Sabaody Archipelago, knowing Ace would guide them further in their Devil Fruit awakenings.

Kuma and Moria, observing from afar, shared a moment of reflection on their daughters. Moria, emotional over Perona's departure, shouted heartfelt farewells into the mist, while Kuma, also longing for his daughter Bonney, smiled warmly, assured that his newfound power from Ace would one day reunite them.

Their shared desire to empower their daughters with newfound strength bound Kuma and Moria in camaraderie, setting their sights on Mariejois and their journey towards greater strength and purpose.