Chapter 11: The Shining Conqueror’s!

Night had fallen on the unnamed island.

By the campfire, Ace was sound asleep, recovering after using the Combat Turtle Breathing Technique. His body had swelled up like a balloon, expanding to an enormous size.

Next to him lay the skeletal remains of the Sea Kings he had devoured earlier. Meanwhile, Garp sat silently, watching Ace.

Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!

With each breath, Ace's bloated body began to shrink, returning to its normal size in a matter of moments. However, even with the naked eye, it was clear that his physique had changed—he had grown taller, his muscles visibly stronger, and his power still rising.

"Did he absorb everything that quickly?"

Garp muttered to himself, retracting his Observation Haki.

Ace's physical talent was truly terrifying. Even the likes of Kuzan and others couldn't match such natural ability. And now, Ace had the Mera-Mera Fruit, combined with the Conqueror's Haki he was born with.

Ace's future potential was hard to imagine.

Garp grinned silently to himself. Tomorrow, I'll teach this kid another lesson with my iron fist of love. I need to make him understand there's no future in being a pirate—he has to become a great Marine!

---

Whoosh!

The next morning, as soon as Ace opened his eyes, he immediately felt a significant change in his body. He clenched his fists, feeling a surge of newfound strength coursing through him.

"Your understanding is heaven-defying! You can perfectly sense the changes in your body's strength, and your physical abilities have increased by 30%!" 

The words flashed in Ace's mind.

"Just as I thought, the Combat Turtle Breathing Technique combined with real combat is the fastest way to grow stronger," 

Ace said with a satisfied smile. In just one day, his physical power had increased by 30%—an astonishing improvement.

"Hey! Ace, are you awake? Ready for another round of training with your grandpa?" 

Not far away, Garp stood with his fists clenched, laughing loudly.

"Old man, don't be so full of yourself!" 

Ace shot back, his eyes gleaming. Instead of shying away from Garp's challenge, he was thrilled. His right fist ignited into flames as he charged toward Garp.

"Hahaha!" 

Garp laughed, wrapping his right fist in Armament Haki as he moved to meet Ace's attack.

Boom!

---

Haa! Haa! Haa! 

Just like the day before, Ace collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.

'He's much stronger than he was yesterday…'

Garp thought quietly, observing Ace's progress.

In just one night, Ace's overall strength had increased by 30 to 40 percent. Everything—his raw strength, speed, and even the power of the Mera-Mera Fruit—had dramatically improved.

It was incredible. After a single day of pushing himself to the limit and eating a hearty meal, Ace had undergone such remarkable growth. Even the most talented Marines, who improved rapidly during their initial training, couldn't compare to the frightening speed of Ace's progress.

This only strengthened Garp's resolve. He was more determined than ever to mold Ace into a great Marine. He even wondered if Ace might one day surpass his father, the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.

"So, Ace, have you given up on the idea of becoming a pirate?" 

Garp asked, rolling up his sleeves as he stood over Ace, who lay exhausted on the ground.

"By the way, Ace, aren't you curious why it hurts when I hit you with my punch when you can elementalize? It's called Armament Haki. With it, you can land blows on even a Logia-type user like yourself. If you agree to become a Marine, I'll teach you how to use it." 

Garp's tone was almost tempting as he tried to sway Ace.

Ace, still panting on the ground, smirked. "Hmph! Who cares about that mediocre power? Marines aren't flashy at all. They're nothing compared to my Mera-Mera Fruit! And I don't need you to teach me anything."

Though secretly intrigued by the idea of learning Armament Haki, Ace outwardly showed disdain.

"Mediocre?!"

Garp's face twitched. Him, Garp the Fist, known across the seas for his overwhelming strength, being called mediocre by this brat?

The very fists that sent shivers down the spines of countless powerful foes were now being dismissed by Ace, with a look of disgust no less!

But then, Garp had a realization. Ace was only seven years old, after all. It was natural for a child his age to be attracted to flashy, eye-catching techniques.

If I can show him a more dazzling power, I might be able to sway him away from his pirate dreams, Garp thought, falling into deep contemplation.

"Oh? You think Marines don't have any flashy moves? Well, Ace, let me show you what the most powerful and spectacular force in this world really looks like."

Garp's eyes gleamed with a deep, purple-black intensity as he locked his gaze on Ace.

And then, in an instant...

Crack! 

Purple-black lightning exploded across the sky!