CHAPTER 12

Evening.

Dawn Island, Foosha Village, Coastal.

The sound of footsteps suddenly sounded from behind Ares' ears. Ares who was observing the stars at night knew who was visiting him at this time through his Observation Haki, "Do you need something from me, Ace?"

The person who came was Ace. Ace's footsteps suddenly stopped knowing that Ares had known of his whereabouts. Actually, it was not only Ace that Ares knew, but Garp who was hiding in a tree on a cliff 500 meters from their location was also known by Ares. However, Ares didn't want to bother him because Garp might want to know the conversation that Ace was going to have with Ares.

Ace stopped right beside Ares who was lying on the beach and then sat down saying, "Do you hate Roger, Ares?"

"…..Why do you ask that?" Ares didn't take his eyes off him and continued to stare at the starry sky.

"Earlier that old man told me and Luffy your past. The old man said that your hometown was destroyed by the pirates."

"Is that why you asked that question?" Ares asked again.

"Um…" Ace nodded.

Ares sighed softly and replied, "I have faith that someone will bear the blame for what they made and not someone else will bear the blame." Ares paused for a moment and continued again, "I never hated Roger, Ace. What happened in my hometown at that time was not Roger's fault but the fault of the pirates who attacked my hometown."

"Why don't you hate it? Wasn't Roger the one who instigated these people to become Pirates? If it wasn't for Roger, maybe your current hometown would never be destroyed by the pirates." Ace said in a calm tone but the tone was full of hatred.

"Why don't I hate it, huh?" Ares muttered under his breath as he slowly lifted his body up, "Because I believe that what Roger said at the end of his life was not motivating people to become pirates but rather motivating people to go to sea to achieve their dreams, aspirations and desires"

"..." Ace and Garp were surprised to hear Ares' answer.

"In this day and age many people have misinterpreted between adventurers and pirates. Many now consider a group of adventurers to be pirates because of the propaganda carried out by the world government. While adventurers and pirates themselves are two very different things. Adventurers are a group of people who go to achieve their dreams, aspirations, and desires while pirates are a group of people who carry out various heinous acts ranging from murder, piracy to the people, rape, theft, and various other things. other kinds of heinous acts."

Ares paused for a moment and continued, "I believe Roger's group isn't actually a group of pirates but a group of adventurers. What Roger said at the end of his life was to motivate people to become adventurers and not become pirates. Therefore, Ace. I never hated Roger but I respected him."

"...." Ace and Garp were more surprised to hear this sentence.

"Ace, why do you want to become a Pirate?" Ares suddenly asked while looking at Ace, "Do you want to be the one who commits a heinous act? Do you want to kill innocent people? Do you want to rape innocent women? Do you want to steal from people in need?"

Ares paused for a moment and then asked, "Ne, Ace. Tell me honestly. What made you become a pirate?"

Ace suddenly fell silent hearing all the explanations Ares gave him.

"I-I… I just want to live according to what I want. I want to be free. I don't want anyone else to control me" Ace said with determination.

Ares' face suddenly smiled, "I see. Then, why did you have to choose to become a pirate? Why not become an adventurer, Ace?"

"...." Ace fell silent hearing this.

"Ace, who do you think is the freest in this ocean? Who do you think can live according to their wishes? Who do you think can go wherever they want? What do you think pirates? No. Because when someone becomes a pirate, they are not the most free person because maybe in various places or locations, they will not be accepted. What about the Navy? The Navy is also the same as pirates. They are not the most free because there are too many rules that must be met. I think, Ace. Adventurers are the most free people in this ocean. They are not constrained by the rules, they can do whatever they want, and they can go wherever they want. Go to Navy headquarters, you can. Go to the Pirate headquarters, you can. Whatever they want. They can do it. Even if you want to be famous. You can do it. You can go up against all kinds of great people and beat them. That way, you can be famous in this ocean."

"....." Ace fell silent with Ares's words and something inside him slowly changed.

"Ace, I suggest. You better think again what you want to do after this. Do you want to be a pirate or not. I myself will not force your will. Your wish, you are free to do so. Even Garp-san himself won't hold you back from reaching your dreams. Garp-san has spoken to me before, Garp-san won't stop you from becoming a pirate. However, Garp himself is very worried about you and Luffy. Garp-san doesn't want to see his grandsons lose the freedom they always wanted when they were captured and locked up in a holding cell for the rest of their lives."

Ares sighed and exhaled then said, "Ace, think about what you really want. Do you really want to be a plow then or do you want to be something else? You are free to decide where you want to go. Whatever choice you make, we will always support you."

"T-thank you" Ace's heart was currently moved by the explanation Ares explained to him even if Ares was younger than him. Even Ace himself understands all the explanations Ares gave him because of that Ace is currently silent and begins to contradict what he really wants.

"You can go back first. Think about what you really want. But remember, tomorrow. You have to wake up at 7 am. We'll start the practice at that point. Remind Luffy too. Otherwise, I will ask Garp-san to drag you two along."

"I understand" Ace nodded and immediately stood up from his place then bowed to Ares, "Thank you for the explanation. I'll think about it tonight too. I'll give you the answer tomorrow."

"There's no need to hurry. You think carefully. Because this is your future path."

"I understand" Ace nodded and immediately turned to leave Ares there while starting to think about what he wanted to do.

When Ace left, Garp suddenly walked towards Ares and sat beside Ares, "Thank you, Ares"

"No need to thank Garp-san. After all, I don't want my disciple to go down the wrong path." Ares paused for a moment and continued, "However, whatever Ace's choice as a teacher, I will always support him"

"Even if he becomes a pirate?" Garp suddenly asked.

"Yes. Even if he becomes a pirate. After all, if Ace becomes a pirate, I'm sure he's not a pirate like I say. Ace will definitely become an adventurous pirate just like Roger and a few others."

"You seem to have a lot of faith in him, Ares."

"Shouldn't it be? A Master will always trust his students" Ares said with a smile.

"Hahahahahaha….. This old man never misjudges you, Ares. By the way, do you still keep snacks in your storage room? How about taking it out a little? We ate while gazing at the stars?"

"Heee~ That's fine. After all, I bought quite a lot of snacks earlier in the Goa Kingdom." Ares immediately took out a large number of snacks from the storage room.

"Hahahaha… You are indeed the best, kid. It would be nice if you could become a Marine and become my subordinate Soldier." Garp sighed in disappointment.

"I apologize for not being able to fulfill your wish, Garp-san"

"Hahahaha….. Then forget it" Garp was still laughing even after Ares refused him to join the Marines. Garp suddenly stopped and asked Ares in a deep voice, "Ares, do you think it's because the world's governments have many people who go to sea to become pirates? Wasn't it because of Roger's words at the end of his life?"

"... Garp-san, what do you think is the reason people become pirates?" Ares didn't answer immediately but gave Garp a question, but Ares continued, "Is it because of a dream? Is it a dream? Is it because of the spirit? Garp-san. I believe that if one goes to sea because of these three things, that person will not become a pirate but will only become an adventurer. It's just, because of the propaganda carried out by the world's governments, many people now define going to sea as being a pirate." Ares stopped back and asked again, "Back to the previous question, Garp-san. What do you think is the reason behind someone becoming a pirate?"

"..." Garp was speechless unable to answer this question even if he was already a naval veteran.

"I think someone becomes a pirate due to unmet needs such as food, drink, clothing, and various other reasons. Why is that? Is it because the person is lazy to work? No. Is it because there are no resources where they live? No. The most logical reason is because of the system created by the world government."

"World government system?" Garp's eyes showed seriousness.

"It's true that for now I have never gone out to sea and seen this world. How are operations carried out directly by each kingdom? How is the government? and various other aspects. However, I can also know this world through the newspapers that I often get. I read a lot of newspapers and came to the conclusion that the reason many people go to sea to become pirates is because of the world's government system. Which system? Heavenly gold system. Why do I say that? Garp-san, that heavenly gold system is the stupidest system ever. Because of this heavenly gold system, many ordinary people find it difficult to get their needs such as eating, drinking, obtaining and various other things because the taxes given by the kingdom where they live are very high. As a result, because their needs are not fulfilled, many ordinary people are driven to become pirates. "

Ares paused for a moment and continued, "Garp-san. Honestly, this is my opinion. If your Navy wants to reduce the number of pirates the first thing you have to do is destroy the world government. As long as the world government is destroyed and the system is changed back to a system that is more in favor of human rights. For sure, the number of pirates in this world will immediately decrease. It may not completely eliminate the number of pirates however, the number of pirates will be very few and the people who become pirates are indeed very cruel people."

Garp thought about the explanation Ares said and then sighed, "This old man actually also has the desire to destroy the world government. However, it is very difficult to destroy the world government, Ares. Even with the current combat strength of the Navy, it was still difficult to destroy it. Moreover, the finances owned by the Navy all come from world governments. If the world government finds out that the Navy dares to carry out a coup, the Navy will surely have bad luck. There will be many Marines who defected to the side of the world government due to various things, one of which is as you explained earlier as well."

"Is financial resources the problem, Garp-san?"

"Um..." Garp nodded and continued again, "Not only that, but the source of weapons and various other things comes from the world government"

"I see." Ares nodded and actually he knew it. However, Ares himself didn't want to say it directly, " The source of the weapon, eh? It is true that this is also one of the main problems that the Navy has. In this world alone, the Navy cannot manage the source of weapons. The source of weapons in this world comes from pirates. However, the Navy itself does not know about this and only the world government knows. Except for Wano country. As long as Kaido is defeated there, the Marines might be able to get regular sources of weapons. However, with the current condition of the Navy, it will be very difficult for them to go to Wano Country to be able to transact unless the government in Wano Country can be changed again. By the way, is it possible for the island to be used as a weapons production site? Is there a smart enough animal that could try to come up with a weapon design? If the sea stone problem, it can be solved. Asking for Gyuuki and Isobu, it would definitely be easy to get the source in the sea. I will try to discuss it with them first."

The two of them continued their conversation again until all their snacks were gone. After they finished, Ares and Garp immediately got up from their place and returned to their respective homes to get some rest. However, before leaving Ares had reminded Garp to help wake Luffy and Ace at 7 am because their training would start at that time.

********

The next day.

On the coast this morning, three people were seen gathered there. Two people had their faces swollen from the blows they received upon awakening them while the other full of energy stared at the two with pitying eyes.

"Unlucky! Why did Grandpa wake me up like that?" Luffy muttered with a face full of fear.

"Chi~ What an old man. Can't he be gentler to wake him up?" Ace also caressed while stroking his swollen face.

"Well, it's also the fault of the two of you. I have reminded you to get up early to start training this morning. However, you two haven't woken up yet. As a result, I can only ask Garp-san for help to wake you up" Ares said casually then continued again, "Ok, then. We will start our training today."

"Very nice!" Ace and Luffy instantly got excited and the pain they had earlier disappeared instantly.

"Before that, I know that you two must be eager to practice your Haki abilities, right?" Ares asked casually.

"Of course! That ability is extraordinary. Ares, come on quickly show us how to do it" Luffy said excitedly even Ace's gaze couldn't lie.

"Hehehe~ Don't hurry. To learn the ability of Haki itself requires conditions. Requirements to learn this ability at least both of you must have strong physical strength. For now, the physical strength that you two have is still very weak and you haven't been able to learn that Haki ability." Ares then looked at Luffy, "Especially for you, Luffy. You have to increase your physical strength. You are currently the one with the weakest physical strength. And also, because of your devil fruit ability, you are required to have enormous physical strength in order to maximize your devil fruit abilities."

"Hehehe~Luffy, did you hear that? You're the weakest here." Ace immediately checked Luffy.

"Shut up! I will definitely be following you soon." Luffy angrily shouted.

"Alright, alright. For this morning, we will start training to increase your physical strength. Later in the afternoon, we will practice to awaken your Observation Haki"

"Observation Haki? But, Ares. Didn't you say we weren't qualified to study it yet?"

"You guys are not yet qualified to learn Armament Haki. However, for Observation Haki and King Haki. You are qualified to study it. Because these two Haki do not have the physical strength requirements to learn them. As for the King's Haki itself, I'm sure you two have it. Just need some stimulus to help you guys wake him up."

"Really? Wow! Ace, I'm really awesome. I even have King's Haki" Luffy said very happily.

"Ha? Do you think only you have it, Luffy? I have it too. Besides, I'm sure I'll be the first to learn it." Ace said solemnly because Ace himself knew that he had awakened this King's Haki after listening to Ares' explanation earlier when he was a child.

"No! I will definitely do it first" Luffy also didn't want to lose to Ace.

"Ok. The two of you don't need to fight. You will definitely be able to wake him up. Alright, let's start your trainers this morning" Ares immediately used his devil fruit ability and suddenly Ace and Luffy felt their bodies that felt very heavy different from before.

"W-what happened?" Ace asked while trying to keep his position.

"Unlucky! Why is my body so heavy?" Luffy also asked confusedly but at this time Luffy's body had to bend down because his physical strength was still not strong enough.

Garp who was watching from the cliff frowned, "What happened? Could this be Ares' devil fruit ability? However, doesn't the devil fruit have the ability to fly an object? Is it possible that Ares' devil fruit abilities have something to do with gravity?" Garp muttered seriously.

"You two don't worry. This is my devil fruit ability. I just increased your body's gravitational pressure at this time. You are currently carrying five times the pressure of gravity. Which means if your body weighs fifty kilograms, your body is currently carrying 250 kilograms. I do this in order to increase the results you will get. If you just use regular practice, you won't get any results."

"I see" Ace and Luffy nodded as Luffy slowly tried to get up with difficulty.

"Okay. Your workout today is pretty easy. You two only need to run around this Foosha Village 25 times. Later on, you will do 100 push ups, 100 pull pups, 100 shit ups and finally 100 frog jumps with this gravity load. All right, you can start."

"W-we understand" Ace and Luffy nodded their heads with difficulty. Ace and Luffy who had started training suddenly heard Ares' voice behind them.

"Oh, forgot to remind. For those who couldn't finish today's training. You won't get lunch. Also, I will tie you to a tree while everyone will eat in front of you two. So, good luck." Ares smiled a little.

"What?" Ace, Luffy and Garp who heard this immediately shouted in surprise.

"Remember. I do not lie. I will definitely do it. For those who didn't finish. I will definitely carry out the punishment."

"A-ares, are you a devil?" Luffy suddenly asked with a face full of fear.

"Devil? Hee… Maybe. Well, you two can think of me like that at practice. Come on, you two should be able to finish this exercise before 10 am. Otherwise, I will punish the two of you."

"Unlucky! I have to complete this task. No way not" Ace gritted his teeth and immediately started running again. Followed by Luffy who has a serious face but still keeps his fear because Luffy is afraid of not getting lunch.

"Do you need anything, Garp-san?" Ares suddenly glanced at Garp who was coming at him.

"Hehehe~ This old man didn't expect that your devil fruit ability would still be able to do such things. Does your devil fruit ability have anything to do with gravity, Ares?" Garp suddenly asked curiously.

"Didn't I say that before, Garp-san? There's no way I'm going to tell you about your abilities." Ares said while pursed his lips.

"Che~ Unattractive" Garp said disappointedly and continued back, "Anyway, Ares, could you do the same to me?" Garp's eyes were full of excitement.

"Hmm… I can. How much pressure do you want, Garp-san? Please don't be weird. I don't want to increase the pressure that can destroy your body." Ares himself knew Garp's personality. Because of that Ares immediately reminded.

"Ha ha ha ha…. Don't worry. Let's try to increase it 50 times"

"Un…" Ares nodded and immediately used his ability and increased Garp's body gravity to 50 times the gravitational pressure.

Garp suddenly felt an enormous gravitational pressure hit his body. Garp's own weight is around 180 kilograms, with a total gravity currently reaching 50 times the pressure of gravity, Garp's body currently supports a load of 9 tons or 9000 kilograms. Garp's body, which was standing straight before, immediately lowered its head like Luffy before.

"Is this enough, Garp-san?"

"Hahaha… This is enough. Then, Ares. This old man also wants to exercise too." Garp smiled excitedly and started doing push ups on the spot.

"Oh, ok. Then I won't bother you. I'm going to go collect the ingredients for our lunch later. Please pay attention to the training that Luffy and Ace are doing."

"I see"

Ares nodded and immediately used his flying ability to go out to sea to collect a large number of fish for lunch.

" Outstanding. Ares' power can still be used like this. Hehehe…. Maybe I can ask Ares to be able to use this power to train my Soldiers." Garp suddenly had a very good idea. However, for now the idea was kept in his mind and later waiting for a good time to talk to Ares in person.