Chapter 17: Baby Luffy’s Trial!

"Your comprehension is extraordinary. Through the counterforce generated when hitting the target, your Conqueror's Haki has improved!"

Ace's eyes sparkled seeing it. As expected of the future protagonist, Luffy had managed to enhance his own Conqueror's Haki.

During his previous training with Garp, Ace had naturally awakened both Armament and Observation Haki. Later, when sparring with Sabo, Ace realized that hitting Sabo with Haki actually strengthened his Armament Haki.

All of this was thanks to Ace's incredible comprehension, which allowed him to grasp the concept of counterforce strengthening his Haki during combat with Sabo.

Afterward, Ace tested this theory by fighting various thugs at the Gray Terminal, but most of them didn't yield any results. Even the Dadan Family, after being pummeled with Haki multiple times, didn't offer him any significant improvement.

Ace concluded that only those with special talents could enhance his Haki by being struck. Of course, this enhancement also depended on the current strength of the target. For instance, after five days of constant training, Ace could no longer improve his Armament Haki by hitting Sabo.

However, after putting Sabo through some intense "devil training," Sabo's strength reached a new level. Once again, Ace was able to improve his Armament Haki through their sparring.

That's why Ace had been eagerly awaiting Luffy's arrival.

And Luffy didn't disappoint. He was able to strengthen his own Conqueror's Haki.

For Ace, physical improvements were straightforward, achieved through combat training, breathing techniques, and complete absorption. As his physical strength increased, his mastery of the Mera-Mera Fruit would naturally improve as well.

Armament and Observation Haki could be enhanced either by striking talented individuals or through continuous practice. With Ace's exceptional comprehension, these forms of Haki could be refined constantly.

However, Conqueror's Haki was different—it could only be enhanced through the owner's own growth in power. The most effective way was by challenging the strongest opponents on the sea, gradually increasing its strength.

But Ace wasn't ready to leave for the high seas just yet. The time wasn't right.

Now, though, there was no longer any issue—Luffy could actually help him improve his Conqueror's Haki.

Ace observed Luffy's eyes, which were beginning to flash red with power.

"It hurts so much! It's worse than Grandpa's punches!" Luffy wailed, holding his head in pain.

"How could this be? I'm a rubber man, I ate the Rubber-Rubber Fruit, so why does it hurt so much? And Ace, your fist didn't even hit me directly!"

Ace watched Luffy's reaction with no surprise. After all, no matter how wild Garp's training was, he never struck Luffy with Conqueror's Haki. There was simply no comparison between Garp's Armament Haki and Ace's Conqueror's Haki.

"Wait, Rubber Fruit? Ace, did this guy eat the same kind of Devil Fruit as you? But why is he so weak?" Sabo asked, clearly astonished.

Compared to Luffy's seemingly useless Devil Fruit, Ace's was like a force of nature.

"Huh? Ace, you ate a Devil Fruit too?" Luffy asked, his shock quickly turning into joy.

Finally, he wasn't the only one who had eaten a Devil Fruit!

"Yeah, Ace ate the Mera-Mera Fruit and became a Flame Man. It's way stronger than your Rubber-Rubber Fruit," Sabo said, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Fire powers?! That's so cool! But Sabo, why are you acting so proud?" Luffy asked curiously, tilting his head.

"Mind your own business!" Sabo snapped, baring his teeth.

"We can talk about Devil Fruits later. Luffy, if you want to join us, this ritual is essential. But if you're afraid of a little pain, well, too bad," Ace said, sounding a bit regretful.

"No way! As long as I can be friends with you guys, I can handle the pain! Bring it on, Ace!" Luffy replied eagerly, already envisioning his bright future as friends with Ace and Sabo.

"Oh? Is that so?" Ace's eyes flashed red as a wicked grin spread across his face.

What a perfect opportunity. If you're eager to be beaten, I won't hold back...

With that, Ace unleashed his full power.

Conqueror's Haki—fully entangled, unleashed at full force!

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Ahhh!!!"

Luffy's screams echoed through the jungle.

"Your comprehension is extraordinary. Through the counterforce of striking the target, your Conqueror's Haki has improved!"

Ace couldn't help but smile as the satisfying words replayed in his mind.