140. What I Really Want

The King of Mt. Colubo unfurled and retracted his tiger-like claws. With a menacing roar, resonating with a potent aura of sharpness, he slashed at Ace's body!

"Ace! Watch out!"

Luffy rose to his feet, beholding the unfolding scene before him. His eyes welled up with tears, and without hesitation, he leaped directly onto Ace using his two petite carrot-like legs!

Slash!

Three deep blood gashes, reaching down to the bone, manifested on Luffy's back. The blood, relentlessly seeping through, swiftly stained his once-white shirt a vivid red. Despite Luffy's robust physique, he remained a mere five-year-old child, and the onslaught caused flesh and blood to surge in response.

"Hey! Luffy!"

The King of Mt. Colubo showed no mercy towards their fraternal bond and feigned another assault.

Suddenly...

The massive tiger body trembled, and the back of his head throbbed as if struck by a heavy hammer. An indescribable sense of panic overwhelmed his heart, and an instinctual drive urged him to flee this location.

Rather than capitalizing on the situation, the King of Mt. Colubo swiftly departed, leaving Ace and Sabo perplexed. It was as if something nearby had startled him, prompting his hasty retreat.

"Hey! Luffy, wake up."

Realizing the danger had passed, Ace deftly and cautiously extracted himself from beneath Luffy's unconscious form, gently shaking the fainted Luffy.

"Let's head to the mountain's summit first. Mr. Atlas must have a solution, Ace!"

...

Meanwhile, atop the desolate mountain peak.

The bonfire blazed brightly, with the lingering scent of meat wafting through the air.

The trio indulged in a feast, their bodies largely unscathed except for some minor injuries. This was attributed to the influence of the Horse Talisman abilities.

Nonetheless, Luffy's injuries were severe. For an average person, they would likely be left partially disabled or even dead. However, enticed by the barbecue aroma, Luffy immediately expressed the desire to leap off Ace's back. Otherwise, Atlas might have forcibly restrained him. Utilizing the healing properties of the Horse Talisman, Luffy experienced a spontaneous recovery as he indulged in the meal.

"Um...how did you manage to defeat that tiger...um, Ace, Sabo?"

With both small hands gripping the barbecue, Luffy asked Ace and Sabo while gnawing frantically.

"Perhaps... Mr. Atlas stepped in!"

Sabo responded in a hushed tone.

This Marine is truly enigmatic. He materialized before them inexplicably, unveiling extraordinary powers. From formidable blasting abilities to potent healing skills and even compelling the King of Mt.Colubo to retreat through the air... it's all incredibly mystical.

They remain uncertain about the true intentions of this man. Despite his current lack of overt hostility, a lingering unease persists in their hearts.

Ace didn't object; it made sense for the Marine to intervene. Otherwise, the tiger wouldn't have let them go so easily.

"Have you had your fill? We can commence the next phase of training later."

Atlas interjected, interrupting the conversation among the three of them.

He might not linger here for an extended period. Sengoku didn't grant him an extended vacation. Despite the current appearance of stability on the seas, pirates are inherently unpredictable, and the world is unlikely to remain too peaceful for long.

...

"You need to understand that the outside world is much more thrilling than you imagine, filled with diverse races, Devil Fruits, breathtaking scenery, and delectable cuisine..."

Atlas explained, casually launching a Shigan at the three brothers.

"But if you seek true freedom, whether you align with the Marines or the Pirates, robust strength is the key to freedom. In this world, there are myriad paths to strength, yet none can circumvent the need for physical prowess."

"Hey! Slow down!"

"Don't worry, you won't die as long as I'm here!"

Despite Ace's resistance, the speed of Atlas's hand gradually increased, and the bullet-like energy pellets were unleashed relentlessly.

This training method serves not only to enhance their neurological reaction abilities but also aids in awakening Observation Haki. In any case, with the support of Atlas' Horse Talisman, there's no need to fret about disabilities or the like.

Atlas has now instilled a concept in the trio - physical fitness forms the bedrock. He wants them to grasp concepts like Haki first, ensuring that regardless of future attempts to persuade them back to the Marines, They will have the capacity to do live. He aims to prevent Ace from falling into the clutches of Blackbeard. While the abilities of the Mera-Mera Fruit are formidable, excessively relying on the fruit would undeniably squander Ace's innate talent.

"As for the physical body, everyone harbors a latent power within them, be it Armament Haki, Observation Haki, or Conqueror's Haku. You need not delve too deeply into these matters for now. Just comprehend that a powerful individual is bound to be acquainted with Haki, yet someone versed in Haki may not necessarily be formidable. The current training is designed to assist you in awakening Observation Haki, enhancing your perceptual abilities."

"Of course, whether it succeeds or not depends on you..."

"Ah!!"

As the difficulty escalated, Luffy found it increasingly challenging to keep up with the pace. A Shigan grazed his cheek, leaving a shallow bloodstain. However, in an instant, granulation occurred at a speed visible to the naked eye, leaving behind a scar that was neither too large nor too small.

Atlas fell silent for a moment. This scar seemed destined to be a part of Luffy's growth, even if he didn't encounter Shanks. Was this the inexorable influence of the plot?

While the Horse Talisman could effortlessly erase scars, Atlas felt it unnecessary. Scars, he believed, were a man's badge of honor. Seeing Luffy without any scars before made him somewhat uneasy.

Atlas gazed at Luffy's chest, lost in contemplation.

"Hm?"

In the midst of his painful cries, Luffy suddenly sensed a tightening sensation in his anus, and his entire body shivered. It felt as if someone with malicious intentions was fixating on him.

...

Bonfires, barbecues, beautiful women—well, let's put that aside for now...

While Atlas's culinary skills might not have been exemplary, the unmatched quality of Mt. Colubo's ingredients made for a delightful feast, leaving the three youngsters thoroughly satisfied for a while.

"Why do you want to set sail and become pirates?"

Atlas smiled faintly. After numerous days of interaction, he was confident that Ace and the others' wariness toward him had diminished to its lowest level. Furthermore, he was already aware of the most significant secret concealed in Ace's heart. What else couldn't they share with him?

"I want to be a Marine!"

Luffy was the first to respond. Despite occasionally entertaining the idea of becoming pirates with his good friends Ace and the others, the allure of barbecues and tussling with grandpa remained quite strong.

"I didn't ask you!"

Even though Atlas had grown accustomed to Luffy's degree of detachment, he still bellowed in frustration.

"Freedom. I crave freedom; this place is too stifling."

Ace appeared somewhat melancholic.

"You must understand that there's no absolute freedom in this world. Even Roger, hailed as the freest man on the sea, wasn't truly free. You need to discern what you genuinely desire in your heart—freedom, familial love, or friendship?"

"Family love..."

Ace fell silent for a moment.

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Bonus for reaching 75 power stones.

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