[Your comprehension is unparalleled. Through the recoil from striking your target, you've gained new insight—your Conqueror's Haki has grown stronger!]
The glowing message in his mind made Ace's eyes gleam with excitement.
No doubt about it—this guy was the main character of the original story. He actually managed to strengthen his Conqueror's Haki.
During his earlier training sessions with Garp, Ace had naturally awakened both Armament Haki and Observation Haki. Then, during a later spar with Sabo, Ace discovered something incredible: when he struck Sabo using Haki, the Armament Haki would become stronger.
It was all thanks to his unparalleled comprehension. He could grasp the feedback—the recoil—of Haki clashing against Haki, and turn it into strength.
After that, Ace went on a rampage in the Gray Terminal, beating up every low-level thug he could find. But most of them were worthless—no results, no insights.
Even the Dadan Family took a round of Haki-powered beatdowns from him, and it was just as fruitless.
Eventually, Ace came to a conclusion, based on his unparalleled comprehension: only people with extraordinary potential could serve as catalysts for Haki growth when struck.
Of course, this also depended on the target's current power level. There was a limit. After five days of non-stop beatings, he couldn't draw any more Armament growth from Sabo. But once he put Sabo through devil-level training, and Sabo's strength leveled up significantly, hitting him with Haki started yielding results again.
That's why Ace had been waiting.
Waiting for Luffy to show up.
And Luffy didn't disappoint. Somehow, he helped Ace level up his Conqueror's Haki.
To Ace, improving his physique was easy—between the Combat Hibernation Technique and Total Absorption, physical upgrades came naturally. And when his body got stronger, the Flame-Flame Fruit powers ramped up with it.
As for Armament Haki and Observation Haki, those could be gradually enhanced through repetition and targeted training—especially when paired with his monstrous learning aptitude.
But Conqueror's Haki… that was different. That power could only grow if the user themselves grew. If their will, their spirit, expanded. The best way? Take on the strong. Bring down titans of the sea. Through victory, one's presence, ambition, and Conqueror's Haki would rise.
Unfortunately, that kind of sea adventure wasn't quite in the cards just yet.
But now…? That didn't matter anymore.
Because Luffy—the "experience baby"—was here. And he was the perfect training dummy.
Ace stared at Luffy, and his pupils were practically glowing red.
"OWWW! That hurts! It's just like Grandpa's punches!
"No—worse than Grandpa's punches! But I'm made of rubber! I ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi!
"Why does it still hurt so much?! And besides, Ace, you didn't even land a solid hit on me!"
Luffy clutched his head and howled in pain.
Ace didn't seem surprised.
After all, no matter how crazy Garp was, he never went so far as to smack Luffy using Conqueror's Haki Infusion.
Compared to that? Plain Armament Haki was child's play.
"Gomu Gomu no Mi?"
Sabo raised an eyebrow. "Wait… Ace, this guy ate a Devil Fruit too? But… he's so weak."
Compared to Luffy's seemingly useless Devil Fruit, Ace's Flame-Flame Fruit was practically a natural disaster.
"Eh?! Ace, you ate a Devil Fruit too?"
Luffy's eyes widened, then lit up with joy.
Finally—he wasn't the only one anymore.
"That's right. Ace is a Flame Human, thanks to the Mera Mera no Mi.
Way stronger than whatever rubber thing you've got going on," Sabo said smugly.
"Flame Human? Whoa, that's awesome!"
Luffy gasped in awe, then turned to Sabo.
"But… why are you acting like it's your victory?"
"Mind your own business!"
Sabo bared his teeth and shouted in annoyance.
"We'll talk Devil Fruits later."
Ace stepped forward, eyes serious now.
"Luffy, if you want to join us—there's a rite of passage you can't skip.
If you're scared of pain, then… sorry."
"No way! If I can be friends with you guys, a little pain's no big deal!
Bring it on, Ace!"
Luffy's face was full of anticipation. He could already see a future filled with friendship and adventure.
"Oh? Well then... Let's continue."
Ace's eyes gleamed once again, pupils burning red.
What a goldmine this kid was—an EXP baby that welcomed beatings with open arms. In that case... no need to hold back.
Conqueror's Haki Infusion—full power!
BOOM! BAM! THWACK!
"AaaaaaAAAAHHHH!!"
Luffy's screams echoed through the entire jungle.
[Your comprehension is unparalleled. Through the recoil from striking your target, you've gained new insight—your Conqueror's Haki has grown stronger!"
More satisfying words couldn't have appeared in Ace's mind. Again and again, the message floated into view...
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TL/N:
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