Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Conquer Nature!
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"Ahhh..."
Standing at the front of the deck, Ace spread his arms wide, allowing the full force of nature to wash over him. He could feel it—the raw, untamed power of the sea, the wind, the very air itself. It was as if the world was breathing around him, and in response, something within him began to grow.
His strength was slowly increasing, and with it, his Conqueror's Haki.
Back in Logue Town, when Ace had visualized the birth of the Great Pirate Era, he'd realized his true purpose: to begin an era of his own. With that decision, his power had surged dramatically. Now, his Conqueror's Haki was nearly double what it once was, giving him a newfound sense of strength.
This growth was more than just physical—it was spiritual, mental. With his Haki now at this level, Ace's strength had risen to heights that placed him above even the most powerful Vice Admirals of the Marine Headquarters. He was nearing the level of a prospective Admiral.
Though combat experience and strategy still played crucial roles in battle, Ace was certain his current power was more than enough for the challenges in the first half of the Grand Line.
But now, standing in front of the imposing Upside Down Mountain, something remarkable was happening. The raw beauty and power of nature were pushing his abilities even further.
It was as if simply conquering the forces of nature itself was unlocking new potential within him.
No wonder the one who conquers the Grand Line is called the Pirate King, Ace mused. To master this sea would elevate one's power—and one's Conqueror Haki—to terrifying heights.
A glint of understanding flashed in his eyes.
——
"Wow! The seawater... it's actually flowing upwards!" Kaya exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement as she stared at the awe-inspiring Upside Down Mountain.
The sea before them defied every law of nature she had ever read about in books.
Ace chuckled. "Isn't it amazing, Kaya? The sea is full of wonders."
Kaya nodded, her face lighting up with joy as she laughed along with Ace.
Nami, ever the navigator, pointed at the ascending channel. "Alright, let's do this! We'll ride the current straight to the top! Nojiko, I'm counting on you to steer us through!"
"Understood," Nojiko responded, her voice steady though her hands trembled slightly as she gripped the ship's wheel. She was nervous, but her determination was clear.
"You've got this, Nojiko! You're my helmsman!" Ace shouted, exuding confidence.
Nojiko's eyes widened at Ace's words, but then a look of fierce determination spread across her face. "Right!"
Boom!
With Nojiko firmly at the helm, the Going Merry shot forward, propelled by the reverse current as it climbed the Upside Down Mountain at breakneck speed.
"Woahhh!" Nami, Kaya, and Tashigi all clung to the ship's railing, screaming with excitement and a hint of terror as the ship hurtled upwards.
Nojiko's face was serious as she focused on steering, her hands steady despite the challenge before her.
Ace stood tall at the bow, observing everything with a calm smile. He didn't intervene; this was a moment for them to conquer on their own. His Observation Haki tracked each of them, ensuring they were safe.
This was their moment to conquer nature.
Ace grinned as he felt the rush of the ship climbing higher. There was something exhilarating about this moment of conquest—about mastering nature itself. His power surged once again, as if the very act of facing this natural marvel was making him stronger.
Conqueror's Haki is strengthening, he thought, recognizing the familiar feeling of growth within him.
Ace laughed loudly, feeling the thrill of it all.
Finally, after a heart-pounding ascent, the Going Merry crested the top of the Upside Down Mountain. Under Nojiko's skilled control, they safely crossed over, entering the vast, mysterious Grand Line.
"Well done, Nami, Nojiko! You've proven yourselves worthy as my navigator and helmsman," Ace said, his voice filled with pride.
Hearing his praise, both Nami and Nojiko felt something stir within them—a sense of pride and accomplishment that filled their hearts.
"And you two, Kaya, Tashigi—you were great as well. Together, we've conquered Upside Down Mountain," Ace added, turning to them with a grin.
Kaya, who had once been shy, now nodded confidently. Something had shifted within her, too.
Tashigi, ever quiet, remained silent but her expression showed she was deeply moved.
——
Ace's Observation Haki pulsed softly as he scanned the crew, sensing subtle changes in each of them. Their spirits are rising, he thought.
Perhaps now was the time to begin teaching them Haki. Conquering nature wasn't just about the physical—it was a step toward unlocking one's inner potential.
In the first half of the Grand Line, few could use Haki, but in the New World, it was a common skill among the powerful. Ace had been waiting for this exact moment. He knew that now, with their heightened awareness, the girls could begin their own journey toward mastering Haki.
"This is just the beginning..." Ace murmured to himself.
——
"Ace! Look down there!" Nami's sudden shout broke Ace from his thoughts.
He looked where she pointed, and his eyes widened. The mist from the crashing waves had parted, revealing an enormous whale—so massive it could have been mistaken for an island—blocking their path into the Grand Line.
If they collided with the whale at this speed, the ship would be destroyed. No one would survive.
"Laboon..." Ace whispered, instantly recognizing the creature. This was the island whale, Laboon, waiting faithfully for the return of its long-lost friend, Brook.
"Nojiko, get ready to steer!" Ace ordered, his voice sharp but calm.
His eyes glowed with the intensity of Conqueror's Haki, a terrifying purple-black aura swirling around him. It coalesced around his right fist, crackling with power.
Whoosh!
In an instant, Ace leaped from the deck, soaring directly toward Laboon. His right fist, now engulfed in Conqueror's Haki, swung forward, releasing a tremendous shockwave that stopped just short of the whale.
Boom!
"Wooooo!" Laboon cried out in pain, the sheer force of Ace's Haki sending the massive whale tumbling backward into the sea.
——
"!!!"
Nami, Kaya, Nojiko, and Tashigi stared, wide-eyed, at the colossal creature now retreating from Ace's power.
They hadn't even seen him touch Laboon.
Is this... Ace's true strength?
They were speechless, awed by the overwhelming display of power.
With the whale out of the way, Nojiko skillfully brought the Going Merry to a smooth halt on the calm waters.
They had done it. The Entei Pirates had successfully entered the Grand Line!