Chapter 13: Hidden Truths and Revelations - I

[Note:

" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

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The day began like any other, but this time, Ace and Selina accompanied Ash, Uta, and Lucy to their usual training spot in the clearing. Having tended to Selina's injuries the previous day, the group was ready to resume their practice with a renewed sense of camaraderie and focus.

As the group prepared to start their training, Ace suddenly remembered something. "Hey, Uta, didn't Ash and I send you to get back the money those guys stole from us? Where's the money?"

Uta grinned and reached into a small pouch attached to her belt. She pulled out an impressive stack of cash, totaling 117,000 Belis.

Ace's eyes widened in disbelief. "How did you fit that much money into such a small bag?" she asked, baffled.

Uta smirked. "This isn't just any bag. Ash gave it to Lucy and me. It works like his inventory but has a limited capacity."

Ace and Selina both turned to Ash, their faces a mix of amazement and curiosity. Ash couldn't help but chuckle at their expressions. "No need to give me those looks," he said, amused. "I have bags for both of you too."

With a casual gesture, Ash reached into his inventory and pulled out two identical bags, handing one to Ace and the other to Selina.

Ace and Selina tied the bags securely to their hips. Almost immediately, the bags glowed faintly for a moment, signifying they were now soul-bound to their new owners. Ash smiled. "Now that they're bonded to you, no one can steal them. They're yours for good."

Ace wasted no time. She placed the money into her inventory, along with her trusted flintlock pistol and knife. Just as she was settling in, Ash reached into his inventory, a mischievous glint in his eye, and pulled out something unexpected—a sleek, elegant pistol with a shimmering barrel.

"This is for you, Ace," Ash said, handing it to her.

Ace examined it curiously. "What's this?"

"It's called the Blaze Repeater," Ash explained. "It creates infinite ammo based on your imagination. It's soul-bound to you, so only you can use it. You can also infuse Haki into it once you learn how. Just be careful—more powerful shots will drain your stamina."

Ace's jaw dropped slightly as she held the weapon, feeling it resonate with her. "This… this is incredible, Ash. Thank you."

Selina, hearing the word "Haki," raised an eyebrow. "What is Haki?" she asked.

Uta, who had been listening closely, chimed in. "I've also heard about it when I was with Shanks' crew," she said.

Ash smiled and nodded. "Well, let me explain what it is."

"Haki is a special power that exists in everyone, but not everyone knows how to use it or even that it's there. It's not just about strength or willpower—it's about mastering your spirit and unlocking potential inside you. There are three main types of Haki:"

Observation Haki (Kenbunshoku Haki):

"This lets you sense the presence and emotions of others, even when you can't see them. As you get better, you can predict an opponent's moves before they even make them. It's like a sixth sense."

Armament Haki (Busoshoku Haki):

"With this, you can coat your body or weapons with an invisible armor that boosts your power. It can also be used to hit Logia-type Devil Fruit users, people who would normally be intangible."

Conqueror's Haki (Haoshoku Haki):

"This one's the rarest of all. It lets you dominate the wills of others. When you're really strong with it, you can knock out weaker opponents just by being in their presence. Only a few people in the world can use it, and it's not something you can really train—either you have it, or you don't."

Everyone listened intently as Ash explained Haki. Lucy, always with her unique take on things, gave a playful reply. "So, it's a mysterious power?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ash chuckled and nodded. "Yes, exactly. And do you remember how your grandpa, Garp, was able to punch you and you still felt pain, even though you're a rubber person after eating the devil fruit? That's because he was using Armament Haki. It allows him to hit you even though you're normally immune to physical attacks."

Lucy, her face puffed up in mock anger, growled, "So that's how! When Grandpa gives me a 'fist of love,' it still hurts, even after all this time!"

Uta, who had been listening closely, gave a nod of understanding. "Ah, so that's why."

Selina, intrigued, asked, "So Devil Fruits are real? I've heard of them, but I thought they were just myths."

Lucy, eager to demonstrate, grabbed her cheek and stretched it, showing off her rubbery body. "See? I'm living proof," she grinned.

Uta chimed in with a smile, "I've eaten a Devil Fruit too, the Uta Uta no Mi. That's why I can do this." She gestured to her abilities by showing her sing-sing fruit abilities, letting Ace and Selina in on her secret.

Ash chimes in middle continued explaining, his voice filled with enthusiasm as he shared more about the world of Devil Fruits.

"Devil Fruits are mysterious fruits that grant incredible powers—each fruit gives a unique ability. But there's a catch: if you eat one, you lose the ability to swim. You'll sink like a stone, which is a huge disadvantage in the world of pirates."

He paused, looking at each of them to make sure they were following along.

"There are three main types of Devil Fruits:"

Paramecia-type Fruits:

"These fruits give you abilities that can alter your body or the environment. They're the most common type."

Zoan-type Fruits:

"These fruits allow the user to transform into an animal or a hybrid form of an animal and human. There are also Ancient and Mythical Zoan Fruits that let you turn into creatures from the past or even legendary beasts, like a dragon."

Logia-type Fruits:

"Logia fruits give the ability to turn into, control, and become an element or substance—like fire, smoke, ice even syrup or any other. The catch with these is that they make you intangible, so it's nearly impossible to hit them unless you use Haki or other special techniques."

Ash leaned back, letting them absorb the information before finishing. "Each Devil Fruit is unique, and you can't just find two with the same power, so every Devil Fruit user is one of a kind. The most dangerous part is that if you eat one, you're bound to it forever—there's no going back until you die."

Lucy laughs, her usual playful grin spreading across her face. "Mine's a Paramecia type," she says with a big grin. "Shanks told me that."

Uta, with a nod, chimes in, "Mine's also a Paramecia type Devil Fruit," she adds, giving a small smile as she recalls the details of her own ability.

Ace and Selina look at each other, both surprised by the abundance of new information they just learned. Ash takes out the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia from his inventory and begins flipping through the pages.

Ace and Selina ask what book it was. Ash tells them it is Devil Fruit Encyclopedia. This was is a real one given by Celeste; it is not your normal one that is available for everyone.

He says he found something while referencing the book when he was free.

"Lucy," Ash calls her and reveals, "the Gomu Gomu no Mi isn't in here anywhere in the book. I couldn't even find it not even a reference."

Lucy's eyes widen in shock. "Nani? But what is my fruit then if it is not Gomu Gomu No Mi?"

Everyone gathers around Ash, curious to see the book. Ash turns to Lucy, asking, "How did it look? Could you remember the any details of the fruit?"

After a few moments of silence, Lucy leans in and points at a page. "I found it!" she exclaims.

Ash looks at the page she pointed to and reads aloud, "Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. A Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit."

The group stands frozen for a moment, processing what they just heard. Ace, Selina, and Uta all widen their eyes in astonishment at the revelation.

"The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, is a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit. It allows the user to transform into a legendary being known as Nika, often referred to as the 'Sun God.' Nika is said to represent freedom, joy, and liberation. The fruit grants its user the ability to embody this legendary figure and gain powers beyond regular Zoan abilities."

"Unlike regular Zoans, which allow the user to transform into an animal or hybrid form, the Nika fruit allows the user to take on a mythical, almost god-like form. It's said that whoever eats this fruit gains an incredible amount of power and the ability to move and fight in ways that seem almost impossible."

"The Nika form is not just about physical transformation—it also brings a sense of extreme freedom and energy. Those who wield it can stretch their bodies in unnatural ways, have immense endurance, and their attacks seem to be fueled by a sense of absolute joy and liberation. The powers are almost limitless, but the true nature of the Nika form is still a mystery to many, and it's tied to the idea of a 'freedom' that transcends normal limits."

"The biggest thing about this fruit is that its abilities are unique to the person who eats it. It's not about just being strong; it's about having a connection to a higher sense of freedom that can inspire and empower others. However, like all Devil Fruits, the user loses the ability to swim, so it's a dangerous trade-off."

All eyes turn to Lucy, surprised by what is written. Lucy, still not understanding, asks, "What happened?"

Ash explains briefly, "Lucy, your fruit is a Mythical Zoan, not a Paramecia. It's the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, also known as the Sun God fruit. It gives you the power to transform into Nika, a being of freedom, joy, and liberation. Your abilities are tied to a sense of freedom, letting you stretch your body and fight in ways others can't."

"The myth of Nika involves a being whose body could change and adapt, and that fits Lucy's powers perfectly. The Gomu Gomu no Mi was likely misunderstood for a long time, thought to just be a regular Paramecia fruit, but it actually has the power of Nika hidden inside it or the World Government wants to hide it's true nature. It's not just about rubber—it's about embodying the freedom and unrestrained potential that Nika represents."

Uta interrupts, saying, "So that's why Shanks also doesn't know the true nature of the fruit." Ash nods, agreeing with her, and continues, "The real nature of it should be kept secret between us in the future, unless we truly trust someone in the future. If Celeste hadn't given us the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, we wouldn't have known about this. There must be a reason why the fruit is called Gomu Gomu no Mi instead of its original name." Everyone nods in agreement, understanding that it should remain a secret.

Lucy, seeing the seriousness of the conversation, asks, "Ash, am I in danger?" Ash reassures her, saying, "Don't worry. The fruit chose you." Everyone—Ace, Uta, Lucy, and Selina—looks at him, asking in unison, "Choose her/me?" Ash nods, explaining, "Zoan-type Devil Fruits have their own consciousness, and on top of that, Lucy ate a Mythical Zoan, the Nika fruit. Nika, who is known in history as the Sun God. I don't even know everything about Nika." He then turns to Lucy and adds, "Until the fruit awakens to its full power, you have to keep it a secret, unless you trust the person, like you trust our crew."

Selina inquires, "How do you know all these things?" Ash smiles and reveals, "Because I'm from the 'D' family." Ace and Lucy widen their eyes in surprise. Selina, still confused, asks, "The 'D' family?" Lucy interrupts, "You also have 'D' in your name." Selina looks at Lucy, asking, "Also?" Lucy nods and says, "Yes, because my full name is Monkey D. Lucy."

Ash then reveals, "My name is Rafael D. Ash."

Ash turns to Selina, answering her question, "Imagine the 'D.' is like a mark of fate. It's not just a letter—it's a symbol that ties these people together, giving them a special purpose. They might not always know what it means, but it's connected to history, power, and a will that refuses to be suppressed."

He pauses before continuing, "I don't know the full details, but my uncle told me about it before he died when I was a younger than now." Ash then covers his emotions, covering with a half-truth not revealing he is a Reincarnator from another world.

Ash continues, "It's also said that those with the 'D.' are enemies of God who are at the top of the World." He pauses, looking around at their reactions. Seeing that Selina understood his reference, before she starts to question, Ash quickly nods to her and says, "Yes, the same fishbowl-head trash."

Lucy, confused, interrupts, "What is that? Is it a fish curry?"

Ash laughs lightly, "No, Lucy, it's not food. Just think of them as the most ruthless people in this world." Lucy nods, understanding. "Okay, fishbowl-head people are bad."

Ash continues, "That's why so many 'D' people are hunted down mainly those don't follow their rules are killed by the World Government." He pauses, knowing the next part will hit close to home. "You guys know about Roger, right? The Pirate King?"

Everyone nods, but Ace stiffens at the mention of Roger's name. Ash notices and says, "The world knows him as Gold Roger, but his real name was Gol D. Roger."

He looks at Ace, seeing the tension. "There's a reason he was publicly executed by the Marines. It's not reason what everyone in the world thinks." Ace, angry, retorts, "Obviously, he was a vicious pirate who killed innocent people and pillaged towns and villages."

Ash smiles lightly, shaking his head. "You're wrong, Ace," he says softly. "From what I remember from my uncle, Roger was actually a great guy. He went to great lengths to protect his friends and family. He valued freedom more than anything else. And Shanks—Uta's dad—was a rookie pirate in Roger's crew. He's a good guy too, and he respects his captain."

Uta and Lucy nod in agreement, understanding what Ash meant.

Ash continues, "My uncle thinks it's because Roger found the One Piece on the last island. There might be a secret or something the World Government doesn't want people to know. He wasn't called the King of Pirates until he found it, and my uncle strongly believes that's why he was executed. Even I agree with him."

He sighs, looking distant for a moment. "My uncle also heard rumors that the Marines, under the World Government's orders, executed so many babies when they learned Roger was going to have an heir. But all of this is a secret, and I don't know how my uncle found out."

Ash's words hang in the air, and everyone is silent, processing the weight of what he just shared.

Ace continues the explanation, his voice steady but filled with the weight of the story. "He also found out that Roger's wife carried the child for 20 months instead of the usual nine. She did it so the Marines wouldn't find out and kill her baby. The World Government ordered them to eliminate Roger's entire bloodline, even though the child hadn't done anything wrong."

He pauses, glancing at each of them. "Roger's wife was also a 'D.' Her name was Portgas D. Rouge. She gave her life to protect her child, dying shortly after giving birth. But my uncle couldn't find out what happened to the child—whether the child survived or not. He tried following many leads but ultimately stopped. He thought it was safer for the child if no one knew."

Ash's voice softens as he continues. "Before my uncle could die, he told me about many things the World Government covered up. He always says that always protect people who are close to my heart and to never abandon them. He told me I should always stand in front of them to shield them from harm."

His voice falters slightly, and his gaze turns distant, as if recalling something deeply personal. "I didn't fully understand what he meant until... until I lost someone."

Uta's eyes soften, and she steps forward, wrapping her arms around Ash in a comforting hug. She doesn't say anything but seems to understand the weight of his words and who he might be referring to, even if he doesn't reveal it.

As Ash finishes speaking, he notices Lucy, usually cheerful and lively, looking uncharacteristically serious. Selina, too, wears a contemplative expression. Uta, still hugging him, seems to grasp the gravity of the world they live in. But what catches his attention most is Ace, who silently wipes away tears, her usual fiery demeanor replaced with quiet sorrow.

Ash, already understanding the reason, gently covers and asks, "Ace, what's wrong?"

Ace quickly shakes her head, forcing a weak smile. "It's nothing," she mutters.

Selina, snapping out of her own thoughts, notices Ace's tears and immediately moves to hug her. Concerned, Uta and Lucy join in, surrounding Ace with warmth and asking softly, "What happened, Ace?"

Selina, realizing the weight of what Ace is carrying, gives her a reassuring smile. "Ace," she says gently, "since they are our friends now, it's okay for them to know your secret."

Ace hesitates, her voice a barely audible mutter as she says, "But they might hate me…" Only Selina hears these words.

Selina's smile widens slightly, filled with understanding. "They won't, Ace. You've seen how much they respect him. They'll feel the same for you." Ace hesitates, then nods slowly, her walls starting to crack.

Selina speaks again, addressing everyone. "Ash, the child your uncle was searching for is none other than Ace."

Ash acts surprised, his eyes widening. "Wait, Ace—you're Roger's child?"

Uta gasps, her eyes growing wide in shock. "Ace, your father was the Pirate King?"

Lucy, ever the lively one, shouts, "Ace, your dad is the Pirate King?! Why didn't you say so?"

The room falls into silence as everyone processes the revelation, the weight of Ace's secret hanging heavy in the air.

Ace nods, confirming the truth of what Selina revealed. Taking a deep breath, she begins to speak, her voice tinged with a mix of pain and resolve.

"I've seen how people react whenever they talk about Roger's child," Ace starts, her eyes downcast. "Even though no one knew it was me, I saw the hatred in their eyes—the way they loathed him, the way they blamed him for everything wrong in their lives. They even say that the child will also be same as vicious as Roger". And she also admits, her voice trembling, "I came to hate him because of that."

Her voice falters for a moment before she continues. "That's why I decided to take my mother's maiden name, Portgas, and kept my name as Portgas D. Acelyn. It was the only way to hide who I really was."

Her words hang heavy in the air as the others listen intently, their expressions a mix of shock and compassion.

Ash gently takes Ace's hand, his expression calm but firm. "Ace, hating your father without knowing the truth isn't right," he says. "The people who fear him are the ones who believe the lies the World Government spreads. They fear losing their control, their so-called 'order.' But as I've told you, your parents were incredible people. You should be proud of them. You now know the lengths they went to protect you."

Ace looks at Ash with tear-filled eyes, her voice shaky as she says, "I can accept that my mother gave her life for me, but how did my father help?"

Ash pauses for a moment, his grip on Ace's hand tightening slightly for reassurance. "If my assumption is correct," he begins, "it was Garp who took you in when your mother passed away. You know, it was said that it was Garp who captured Roger"

Lucy shouts in surprise, "Nani?! Grandpa caught the Pirate King?"

Ash chuckles at her reaction, nodding. "Yes, Lucy. Your grandpa is full of surprises."

He then turns back to Ace and continues gently, "I assume Garp and Roger might have had a conversation before the execution. Even though they were on opposite sides, they respected each other deeply. And did you know? Garp once worked with Roger to defeat Rocks D. Xebec. Many people still believe it was just the Marines who defeated Rocks, but it was thanks to Roger's help that Garp's name became legendary earning the title of 'Hero of the Marines', because the World Government doesn't want people to know they took a pirate help to defeat Rocks."

Ash pauses, letting the information sink in. "Before the execution, it think your father might have asked Garp to protect you from the World Government's eyes. Garp, being one of the good ones in the Marines, agreed. Without Garp's help, the Marines would've eventually found your mother."

Ace's eyes widen as she connects the dots, the realization hitting her hard. Ash gently adds, "So, Ace, don't hate Roger, okay?"

Tears well up in Ace's eyes as the weight of her parents' sacrifices becomes clear. Slowly, she nods, her defense crumbling. She steps forward and hugs Ash tightly, finally letting the tears flow freely as she cries into his chest.

Seeing this, Selina, Uta, and Lucy join in, wrapping their arms around them in a warm, comforting embrace.

After some time, Ace gradually stops crying. Ash hands her some water and sets out food for everyone. Slowly, the group calms down, the heaviness of the truths revealed beginning to lift.

As they finish lunch, Ash notices the lingering tension and decides to lighten the mood. Turning to Ace with a cheeky grin, he quips, "Ace, are you still sad? Come here, let me kiss your worries away."

Ace's face flushes deep red as she stammers, "S-Shut up, you idiot pervert! Who wants a kiss from you?!" Without another word, she leaps at him, her fists flying as she punches and kicks.

Uta, amused and not one to miss out on the fun, joins Ace in the assault. "You deserve this, you dummy!" she declares, kicking Ash squarely in the back.

When the dust finally settles, Ash is left with a swollen face and several large bumps on his head. He sits there groaning, a dazed expression on his face.

Selina and Lucy can't help but burst into laughter at his predicament, clutching their sides as tears stream down their cheeks. The serious atmosphere from before is completely diffused, replaced with a chorus of laughter that fills the air.

Selina, still chuckling, decides to tease Ash a bit more and asks with a playful grin, "So, Ash, do you have any other shocking things you want to share with us?"

Ash leans back, laughing, "Oh, there are plenty of things I know, but I'll reveal them bit by bit when the time is right. Where is the fun if tell you everything now itself."

Curious, Selina tilts her head and asks, "And what are you waiting for?"

Ash smirks mischievously, his rogue's grin in full force. "Well," he begins, "I'm waiting for your declaration of love. You know, from both you and Ace."

Ace and Selina instantly turn bright red, stammering incoherently. Ace shouts, "Shut up, you idiot!" while Selina hides her face behind her hands, blushing furiously.

Lucy, watching the scene unfold, feels a pang of jealousy. She frowns slightly, realizing she's developed a crush on Ash but hasn't figured out how to express it.

Meanwhile, Selina recovers enough to chuckle nervously, her face still flushed. Uta, however, has had enough of Ash's antics. She grabs his ear and twists it sharply. "Is having me as your girlfriend not enough for you, you flirt?"

Ash winces but manages a sheepish grin. "But everyone here is so cute! How could I possibly ignore any of you?"

Hearing this, all of them blush, their faces as red as tomatoes. Uta huffs and releases his ear with a "Hmph!" but her flushed cheeks betray her feelings. "You're lucky you're good," she mutters, still blushing.

The atmosphere is now light-hearted, filled with warmth and laughter as the group enjoys their time together.

As the laughter gradually dies down, the group settles into a comfortable silence. The tension from earlier has dissipated, replaced by a newfound sense of camaraderie. Each of them reflects on the truths revealed, the bonds strengthened, and the mysteries that still linger.

Selina, however, finds herself lost in thought. Watching Ace courageously reveal her secret and witnessing how Ash and the others supported her, she feels a weight in her chest. Should I reveal about who I am, too? she wonders, her heart conflicted.

She steals a glance at Ash, whose swollen face and playful grin still manage to radiate reassurance. Uta, Lucy, and Ace, now more relaxed, chat animatedly about lighter topics, their bond seeming stronger than ever. They accepted Ace without hesitation... Maybe they would do the same for me. But... am I ready?

To be continued...

Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!

Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.

Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊