Chapter 11: Conqueror’s Haki

Under the moon's watchful gaze, on an enigmatic island shrouded in mystery, the bonfire crackled, casting flickering shadows upon Ace's serene face. His body, once inflated like a buoyant balloon through the Combat Turtle Breath Technique, now lay at rest.

Beside him, the skeletal remains of a Neptunian Class creature whispered secrets of battles long past. And there, vigilant and weathered, stood Garp—the indomitable Marine Vice Admiral, known far and wide as "Garp the Fist."

"Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!" The rhythm of Ace's breaths echoed through the night. With each exhale, his swollen form deflated, returning to its robust state. But this transformation was more than mere physical recovery; it was growth. His muscles, taut and sinewy, hinted at newfound strength.

Garp observed silently, his gaze unwavering. "Were they all absorbed in an instant?" he mused, retracting his haki. The fusion of innate talent—the flame fruit—and the awakened Conqueror's Haki made Ace's future a canvas of boundless possibilities.

"Truly Terrifying talent," Garp thought. "Not even Kuzan and the others possess such raw potential." Ace's trajectory was unprecedented, fueled by the flames of destiny.

And then, a grin tugged at Garp's lips. Tomorrow, he would impart a more potent lesson—an iron fist of love—to shape Ace's path away from piracy. For pirates had no future; only great sailors could navigate the treacherous seas.

…

As dawn painted the horizon, Ace stirred. His body hummed with newfound vigor. Clenching his fist, he felt the surge of power coursing within.

"Your understanding is incredible! You can perfectly sense the changes in body strength, and your physical fitness has been enhanced by 30%!"

Ace smiled, satisfied. In a single day, he'd grown stronger, defying limits. His potential bloomed like a rare flower, nurtured by the Combat Turtle Breathing Technique and Neptune-meat's nourishment.

"Hey, Ace! Are you awake? Ready for another round of teaching from your grandpa?" Garp called out, his fists ready to impart another lesson

"Ha! Old man, don't be so proud!" Ace retorted, flames dancing on his knuckles. He charged, eager for the clash.

Garp laughed, encasing his right fist in armament Haki. The collision reverberated—a testament to their bond, their shared legacy.

Boom!

…

Exhausted, Ace lay sprawled, gasping. "Surpassing yesterday's limits…"

Garp mused. Ace's strength had increased by 30 to 40% overnight, a testament to his exceptional talent.

Garp marveled at this prodigy, a blend of fire and lineage.

Ace's growth defied reason, eclipsing even the Navy's elite.

This further strengthened Garp's determination to train Ace into a great sailor.

Ace may be able to surpass his father, the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, in the future.

...

"Have you given up on piracy?" Garp asked, rolling up his sleeves. His love for Ace was fierce, his duty unwavering.

Ace's eyes sparkled. "Smelly old man, not a chance!"

Garp chuckled, rolling up his sleeves as he gazed down at Ace, who lay on the ground panting. "Ace, do you feel the sting of this power? This is Armament Haki. It's the force that can strike even those elusive nature-type ability users. What do you say? If you join the Marines, I'll teach you how to harness this power."

Ace, still sprawled on the ground, managed a grin despite his exhaustion. "That so-called power? It's nothing compared to the brilliance of my Flame-Flame Fruit. The Navy's might? It lacks the luster I seek."

Garp's smile faltered, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. Iron Fist Garp, feared across the seas, yet his grandson deemed his legendary power 'ordinary'?

But then, a thought struck him. Ace was merely a child, seven years old, drawn to the allure of flashy techniques. Perhaps, Garp mused, if he could showcase the true splendor of Marine power, he might yet sway Ace from his path of piracy.

"The Navy lacks grandeur?" Garp's eyes began to shimmer with a deep purple-black hue. "Watch closely, Ace. I shall reveal the most magnificent and potent force in this world."

His gaze intensified, and the air around them seemed to pulse with energy. In the next instant, the sky erupted with brilliant purple-black lightning.