One Piece: Journey to the New Dawn

[Note:

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

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

{}

The Next Morning, Dragon leads Ash and the girls through the base, navigating bustling corridors and open training grounds until they reach a large, open field used for honing the recruits' combat skills. The field is surrounded by cliffs, with various recruits sparring or practicing with weapons, creating a lively atmosphere. As they arrive, Dragon stops and turns to face them.

"I want to what you guys learned, so I can decide what should I start teaching you," Dragon says with a calm but commanding tone. "My old man trained you in different things, but training means little without real experience. Show me what you've learned, come at me."

Ash and the girls exchange determined glances, then nod in unison. Without hesitation, Lucy takes the lead, her fiery enthusiasm unmatched.

"Take this!" Lucy charges at Dragon, throwing rapid punches aimed at his torso and head. Her small frame moves with surprising speed, but Dragon sidesteps her attacks effortlessly, his grin teasing her. "Hey! Don't just dodge! Fight back!"

Dragon chuckles. "If you can't land a hit, how will you handle a real opponent?"

Ace jumps in to support Lucy, swinging with calculated strikes as her eye showing openings which she tries to take advantage. Uta, following their lead, uses her speed and leaps over Dragon, attempting to land a kick from above. Meanwhile, Selina flanks Dragon's side with precise punches, trying to exploit any opening.

Ash watches them briefly, analyzing Dragon's movements. "He's clearing playing with us... His footwork barely shifts and he is not even using small amount of his full strength just like Garp and Shanks when they are training us."

Ash joins the fray with a feint, aiming low to distract Dragon, while Selina attempts a strike from the other side. Despite their teamwork, Dragon evades them all with fluid grace, never once lifting a finger to counterattack. His every move seems effortless, his expression looking very calm.

Lucy grows increasingly frustrated, her punches wild. "Dad! Stop dodging and fight us already!"

Dragon's grin widens. "Alright, but don't regret it."

In an instant, the tide turns. With a single fluid motion, Dragon sidesteps Lucy's next punch and taps her shoulder lightly. The force sends her sprawling onto the ground.

Ash and Selina attack together next, but Dragon counters with swift movements. He grabs Selina's arm mid-punch, spins her gently but firmly, and sets her down away from the fight. For Ash, he lands a palm strike to his torso, sending him stumbling back.

Ace and Uta try to corner him, attacking in tandem. Dragon leaps into the air with incredible speed, landing behind them. With precise, controlled strikes, he lightly sweeps Uta and Ace off their feet, ensuring neither is hurt.

In under a minute, all five are on the ground, panting and staring at Dragon, who hasn't even broken a sweat.

"Combat," Dragon says, his tone firm but kind, "isn't just about strength. It's about reading your opponent, adapting, and knowing when to act. You've guys got potential and I know you guys had fair share your own challenges despite your age, but you're far from ready."

Ash clenches his fists, determination lighting his eyes as he stands, ready to take the lesson to heart. The girls exchange determined glances, silently promising themselves to grow stronger.

As Ash and the girls recover from the brief but humbling match, they exchange glances filled with renewed resolve. Dragon observes them closely, nodding with approval at their silent determination.

"Good," Dragon says, his voice breaking the quiet. "You didn't give up even when you knew the odds were against you. That's the first step to growing stronger. Now that you've seen where you stand, it's time to push your limits further."

Lucy jumps to her feet, determination shining in her eyes. "We'll get stronger, Dad! Next time, you'll see. You won't dodge us so easily!"

Dragon chuckles at her fiery spirit. "We'll see about that. For now, you'll train under the instructors here. They're tough, so don't take them lightly."

Selina brushes the dust off her sleeves, her calm demeanor masking her excitement. "Understood. We'll do our best."

"Good," Dragon replies, turning to Ivankov. "Take them to the training area. Make sure they're handed to a good instructor available."

"Leave it to me, Dragon-chan!" Ivankov twirls dramatically, gesturing for Ash and the girls to follow. "Come, my darlings, your real training begins now!"

As they follow Ivankov, Ash glances back at Dragon, who's now speaking with a few revolutionaries.

As Ash follows Ivankov with the girls, his thoughts turn introspective. "Until now, the people we've faced were weak," he reflects, "but today was a harsh reminder of how far we still have to go." He recalls the way Garp and Shanks shielded them from the harsh realities of the world as much as possible, trying to protect them. He understands their worries.

"But Dragon…" Ash glances back at the man still commanding the revolutionaries. "He understands that one day, we'll have no choice but to face those difficult situations head-on. By showing us the gap between where we are and where we need to be, he's doing more than just teaching us—he's preparing us for the battles ahead."

Ash clenches his fists, determination surging through him. "I'll get stronger—not just for myself, but so I don't have to fear losing the people I care about." He turns to the girls walking beside him, their faces still brimming with excitement despite the loss.

"And I'll help them too, no matter what it takes," Ash vows silently. "We'll face whatever challenges come our way together—and we'll win."

//////////////////////////////////////////

Over the next six months, Ash and the girls immersed themselves in rigorous training under the Revolutionary Army's guidance. Dragon and Ivankov, though often preoccupied with revolutionary work, ensured they were provided with skilled instructors who specialized in combat and Rokushiki techniques.

Whenever Dragon and Ivankov were available, they personally oversaw the training, pushing Ash and the girls beyond their limits.

Rokushiki Training and Physical Combat

The early weeks focused heavily on mastering the six techniques of Rokushiki. Each day began with intense physical conditioning that included speed drills, stamina-building exercises, and reflex tests.

Lucy poured her energy into mastering Shigan, Rankyaku, and Geppo. Her small stature gave her speed and agility, and Dragon pushed her to use these traits to execute precise, rapid strikes. She also worked tirelessly on Tekkai to bolster her defense, even though it wasn't her focus.

Ash, aiming for versatility, dedicated equal time to all six techniques. Dragon admired his balanced approach, often testing his adaptability by throwing unexpected scenarios at him during sparring sessions. Whether it was executing Soru under pressure or defending with Tekkai, Ash maintained steady progress.

Uta specialized in Tekkai, Shigan, and Rankyaku, combining them into a fluid combat style. Dragon encouraged her to integrate Kami-e, improving her ability to anticipate and dodge attacks with grace.

Ace focused on Geppo, Rankyaku, and Kami-e. His aerial agility made him a formidable opponent, and Dragon emphasized precision and efficiency in his strikes. He often paired Ace with Uta during group drills, challenging them to coordinate their movements.

Selina's finesse with Shigan, Rankyaku, and Kami-e grew exponentially. Dragon noted her natural ability to blend offensive and defensive techniques, pushing her to improve her Tekkai as a fallback option.

Dragon's initial focus was on advancing their Rokushiki techniques. The group already had a strong foundation, but their training was geared towards refining their specialties while ensuring balanced development across all six forms so he suggested to take balanced approach like Ash which the girls agreed and did upon his suggestion.

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To add to the intensity, Lucy and Uta continued their training while wearing sea stone shackles, suppressing their devil fruit abilities to improve their base strength and resistance like how they did before. Both girls, though limited by the sea stone, continued to push themselves forward, determined to be as strong as possible.

Meanwhile, all five wore gravitational weights on alternating days, a grueling addition that pushed their endurance to the brink.

Dragon and Ivankov frequently observed this from a distance. One day, Dragon noticed the weights and shackles during a session and inquired about their origin. Ash, unwilling to reveal the truth for now, offered a vague explanation. Though skeptical, Dragon chose not to press further, respecting his secret.

Despite wearing sea stone shackles for most of their training, Lucy and Uta didn't let that hinder their progress with their Devil Fruit abilities.

Lucy, in particular, began developing new techniques, such as inflating herself like a balloon by taking in air for blunt weapon defense, and launching herself with her arms stretched out, using the momentum to propel her forward like a rocket. It was an inventive way to fight and evade, making use of her fruit in ways she hadn't before.

Uta, on the other hand, chose to focus on strengthening her already existing abilities, not wanting to risk pushing herself further until the curse tied to her Devil Fruit was cleared. She kept a steady pace, honing her control over her powers while exercising caution.

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In combat scenarios, Dragon regularly engages all five of them at once, demonstrating his overwhelming strength and agility. Despite their combined efforts, he effortlessly evades or neutralizes their attacks, forcing them to rethink their strategies.

He often sparred with the group to test their growth. These sessions were humbling, as his sheer skill and experience left them unable to land even a single hit. Dragon sometimes used their own techniques against them, exposing weaknesses and forcing them to adapt.

Lucy's frustration was evident in these battles. Her rapid strikes with Shigan seemed futile against Dragon's defenses. "Fight us for real!" she shouted one day, her determination shining through.

Dragon simply grinned. "If I did, you wouldn't last a second."

Despite the harsh lessons, the group began to hold their own for longer periods. Dragon noted their teamwork, especially in coordinating attacks to cover each other's weaknesses.

These sessions teach them the importance of teamwork and adaptability in the face of a superior opponent. Dragon occasionally increases the difficulty by introducing different challenges, such as fighting in harsh winds or uneven terrain, simulating unpredictable battle conditions in the island itself.

Observation Haki Training

Observation Haki training, where Ash and the girls were blindfolded and tasked with dodging attacks based solely on intuition same as how they did initially but this time in a different way.

To develop Observation Haki, Dragon employs blindfolded combat exercises. The group learns to sense each other's movements and attacks without relying on sight, gradually improving their awareness and reflexes. Training with Dragon's overwhelming presence pushes their limits, sharpening their perception.

Dragon's guidance helped them refine their skills. Dragon's advice on Observation Haki was simple: "It's not just about sensing the world around you. It's about seeing what's inside others, reading their movements before they even act." Ash and the girls sparred against each other using their refined Observation Haki, learning to predict their opponents' moves even before they made them.

There were moments where Ash and lucy could sense the entire combat with perfect clarity. They could see the intent in the air, the weight of each person's next move before they even acted. It was a thrilling experience, and with each sparring match, they improved their mastery of this skill.

With Dragon's encouragement, they pushed through their frustrations, their determination sparking breakthroughs over time.

Armament Haki Training

Four months into their training, Ash made a special request to Dragon: teach how to unlock Armament Haki on top of while they are training to improve their Observation Haki which Dragon himself is helping them personally.

Dragon agreed but warned that Armament Haki training required immense focus and resilience to which Ash tells they will give it their all just like how they are doing. He explained the concept: Armament Haki involved channeling one's spirit to create an invisible armor capable of enhancing attacks and defending against powerful blows.

Unlocking this power proves challenging, as it demands intense focus and discipline. Dragon begins by explaining its essence: the manifestation of one's willpower as an invisible armor. He employs various techniques to push their limits, such as:

-> Endurance Drills: The group is tasked with striking and blocking with their bare hands, focusing their will on their attacks to increase durability and strength.

-> Resistance Sparring: Dragon spars with them individually, forcing them to defend against his controlled Armament Haki attacks. Each failure serves as a lesson in concentration and determination.

Dragon personally demonstrated Armament Haki in action, coating his fists with a blackened sheen that exuded power. "This is the result of focus and intent," he explained. "It won't come easily, but persistence will pay off."

The training was brutal. Dragon started with a basic exercise: striking a hard surface without using brute strength. "Feel the flow of your energy," he instructed, "and project it outward." For weeks, Ash and the girls punched logs, sparred with instructors, and endured painful feedback whenever their attempts failed.

Dragon's teaching also involved rigorous sparring sessions where he would demonstrate the technique, letting his Haki envelop his limbs or weapons, showing them how to channel their energy. He'd explain it step-by-step as they fought, encouraging them to focus and think about their inner energy as if it was being drawn from the core of their being.

Ash and the girls could feel the difficulty but also a sense of growing potential as they practiced under Dragon's watchful eyes. The more they sparred, the closer they got to understanding this Haki.

While none of them fully unlock Armament Haki during this period, the foundation is laid, and Dragon encourages them to persist and reassures them that progress in armament haki tough and often come gradually.

Balancing Training and Celebration

Dragon insisted on incorporating regular breaks into their schedule, echoing Garp's advice from their earlier training. "Even the strongest fighters need time to recover," he reminded them.

During these breaks, they explored the rocky terrain of Baltigo, occasionally sparring for fun or relaxing with Ivankov's eccentric stories. These moments helped them bond as a group, providing a much-needed reprieve from their intense regimen.

They often took breaks, celebrating milestones and birthdays with enthusiasm. For Uta and Ace's birthdays, the Revolutionary Army hosted lively gatherings, complete with food, music, and laughter even Dragon Ivankov joining the celebration.

Uta's birthday was especially memorable, with Ash performing a song upon the girl's request. Ace, though typically reserved, was touched by the effort her friends put into making her day special. These moments of joy provided a stark contrast to the intensity of their training, reminding them why they fought so hard.

Growth and Determination

As the months passed, the progress was undeniable. Ash and the girls grew stronger, faster. Their teamwork improved as they learned to anticipate each other's movements and support one another in combat.

Their mastery of Rokushiki had reached new heights, and their physical conditioning was leagues ahead of where they started. Though Armament Haki remained elusive, their proficiency in Observation Haki continued to grow, giving them a significant edge.

Ash often reflected on their journey, understanding how much stronger they'd become but also how much further they had to go.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

After months of intense training, Ash and the girls specially Lucy felt a longing for their village, eager to return home. They had grown stronger than before, but the pull of home and their loved ones was undeniable.

However, Dragon had important matters to attend to. He informed them that the World Government had increased its search for him as more people started to join us, and any indiscretion could lead to unwanted conflict. Therefore, he explained that they would need to be cautious when planning their departure.

He assured them that he would handle the arrangements and would let them know when it was safe to leave. Understanding the situation, Ash and the girls agreed to rest for the time being, patiently waiting for Dragon's signal before setting off on their journey back home.

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One night, Ash lay in bed, thoughts swirling in his mind as it raced through the series of significant events that were destined to unfold in this year 1514.

Doflamingo's rise in Dressrosa, Arlong's appearance in East Blue and the tragedy that would unfold at Cocoyashi Village, Bellemere's death due to Arlong, and the death of Queen Otohime on Fish-Man Island—they were all linked by fate, each carrying its own significance.

Ash couldn't shake the feeling that he was caught in the flow of these inevitable occurrences.

On one hand he wants save at least some event's from happening but on other hand there few things that is troubling him. What troubled him, however, was not the events themselves, but the timing of them. The circumstances leading to the few incidents hadn't changed—they were destined to happen, that much was clear.

Because of that Ash had been spending some of his time with Dragon's collection of old newspapers whenever he can, which were scattered throughout the hidden base. These newspapers had been a valuable resource, chronicling events from the past and giving Ash insight into the timeline of the world.

He used them to keep track of the key moments in history, like the Ohara Incident, which declared Robin as the "Devil Child," the destruction of the Flevance Kingdom, and many other significant occurrences.

And Ash struggled to understand when exactly these events would take place, and in some cases, whether they had already occurred, or were yet to come. A perfect example was the Elegia Incident, which, according to his initial understanding, was supposed to happen after meeting Lucy, but it seemed to have happened earlier in this timeline. This anomaly threw off his sense of control over time.

Ash especially wrestled with the thought of saving people like—Kuina (which already might have happened), Bellemere, and others whose deaths were pivotal moments in shaping the future. While he believes the events leading to their deaths hadn't changed, Ash still wished he could save them also couldn't be sure if these events will happen or not.

However, without certainty about when these things would happen or if they had already happened, he felt a deep sense of helplessness. He couldn't guarantee that he would be able to change their fates, and this uncertainty ate away at him.

As Ash continued to wrestle with his thoughts, his heart heavy with the weight of everything he couldn't change or prevent, a familiar voice cut through his thoughts.

["Ash, you cannot save everything or everyone. That's just how life works. Don't be discouraged."] It was Celeste, her voice calming yet firm in his mind. ["The events that caused these things are what made the original crew who they are."]

Ash sighed, the burden of those he couldn't protect still heavy on his chest. "You're right, Celeste... but I can't help but think about them. I can't stop thinking about Bellemere, and the others. If I can prevent these things from happening? or should I do anything? Or go along with the time line without involving myself?"

Celeste's voice softened but remained steady. ["Ash, think about the Grey Terminal incident. Originally, many were supposed to die, and Selina would have lost her memories. But since because you were there, you prevented that along with others help. You saved her and so many innocent lives."]

Ash closed his eyes, the memory of the disaster and how he had stopped it with help of the girls and Dragon flooding his mind. Celeste continued, ["Focus on what you can do, not on what's out of reach. Surely, you can find justice for those who need it in the future. You're already on the right path, along with the girls. Believe in them, and most importantly, believe in yourself."]

Ash took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. He realized that Celeste was right. There would always be things out of his reach, but there was still so much he could do. And with the girls by his side, he wasn't alone in his journey. He would find strength—he would become strong enough to change the future for the better.

Ash sighed, feeling a weight lift from his chest. "Thank you, Celeste. I'm really glad I have you in this life." His voice was quiet, but there was a sense of calm in his words, a reassurance that, no matter what lay ahead, he wasn't alone.

Celeste's voice echoed softly in his mind, warm and steady. ["It's a pleasure to be a part of your journey, Ash."]

With those comforting words, Ash finally felt the peace he had been searching for. As his thoughts quieted, he closed his eyes, his heart lighter, and his mind at ease. The turmoil that had plagued him earlier melted away hanks to celeste and he slowly he drifted off to sleep.

///////////////////////////////////////////////

A few days later, Dragon summoned Ash and the girls to his office. As they entered, Ash froze momentarily in surprise. Standing there was someone he hadn't expected to see—Bartholomew Kuma, the man who would one day will be branded as a tyrant by the World Government in the future, a founding member of the Revolutionary Army, and the adoptive father of Jewelry Bonney.

Ash's heart sank as memories of Kuma's tragic future flashed in his mind—his transformation into a weapon of the World Government and the ultimate sacrifice of his will to cure Bonney. He quickly masked his surprise before anyone noticed.

Lucy, however, had no such reservations. "Oh! It's a giant bear!" she exclaimed, her innocent enthusiasm drawing laughter from Dragon and Ivankov. Even Kuma himself smiled warmly at her outburst.

"I didn't know you'd started recruiting kids now, Dragon," Kuma teased, surprising Ash with his light-hearted demeanor.

Ivankov chuckled and explained how they had met Ash and the girls. Kuma listened with keen interest, his eyebrows raising in surprise. "You have a daughter, Dragon, and you never told us?" he asked, a teasing tone in his voice.

Kuma turned to the children with a kind smile. "Well then, you can call me Uncle Kuma if you'd like."

Lucy's eyes lit up at his offer. She stretched her rubbery arms, wrapped them around Kuma's shoulders, and climbed up to sit on him. "Okay, Uncle Bear!" she chirped happily. She then turned to the others and grinned. "Guys, he's so big!"

The room erupted in laughter at Lucy's antics, even from Kuma, whose gentle chuckle resonated warmly.

"How did you do that?" Kuma asked, glancing at Lucy's stretchy arms with curiosity.

"I ate the Gum-Gum no Mi! It made me a rubber person!" Lucy announced proudly, bouncing slightly on Kuma's shoulder.

As Lucy animatedly shared her adventures, Ace, Uta, and Selena soon joined in, chattering excitedly with Kuma. Ash stood back for a moment, watching the scene unfold. He couldn't help but chuckle as the girls quickly grew attached to Kuma, their excitement filling the room. For the first time, Ash saw a the side of real Kuma in early ages that the original story has revealed.

After some time, Kuma, with Lucy still perched happily on his shoulder and Uta now joining in the fun, turned to Dragon. "Why did you call for me, Dragon?" he asked, his deep yet gentle voice resonating in the room.

Dragon's expression turned serious. "The Marines have intensified their search for me recently. I need to keep a low profile for a while," he explained. "I want you to escort the kids back to Foosha Village in the East Blue. With your powers, the journey will be safe, and they'll be able to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Kuma considered Dragon's words carefully, his calm demeanor unchanged. After a brief moment, he nodded. "Very well. I'll handle this. However, I need to take care of a few matters first. I'll return in a couple of days."

Dragon acknowledged with a nod. "Thank you."

Selena, intrigued by Kuma's abilities, turned to him. "What exactly are your powers, Uncle Kuma?"

Kuma's lips curled into a small smile as he turned his attention to her. "I ate the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi," he said. "It's a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that allows me to repel anything I touch with my palms. This includes physical objects, forces like air or energy, and even intangible things like pain or fatigue."

He held up his large hands, revealing the paw-shaped pads on his palms. "These pads allow me to push objects or entities with immense force and speed, sending them flying over great distances. It's also the reason I can travel or transport others so quickly."

Selena's eyes sparkled with fascination as she processed his explanation. "That's incredible! So, you can literally send someone flying to another place?"

Kuma nodded. "Yes. I can calculate the distance and destination with precision, though it takes some concentration. It's a versatile ability, but it's not without its limits."

Lucy, still seated on Kuma's shoulder, laughed and stretched her arms. "Uncle Bear is so cool!"

Her enthusiasm lightened the room, and even Dragon's stern expression softened momentarily while the group continued their light-hearted chatter.

After a couple of days, Kuma returned to the Revolutionary base, surprising everyone when he announced that he will personally accompany them to Foosha Village. His declaration left Ash stunned, realizing that Kuma's affection for their group had deepened over last time.

Kuma chuckled softly, attributing his decision to Lucy's infectious charm, which had clearly worked its magic on him.

The girls jumped in joy at the news, with Lucy eagerly climbing onto Kuma's back. Soon, Selena joined in, perching herself on one of Kuma's massive shoulders while Uta joined on other side holding him securely. Ace and Ash stood on either side, grinning as they watched the scene unfold, the group radiating pure excitement and energy.

Dragon and Ivankov came to see them off, both wearing smiles of their own. Ash stepped forward; his expression serious as he gave Dragon a respectful bow. "Thank you for the training you gave us upon our request. I'll try to contact you whenever I can."

Dragon smirked and waved off Ash's gratitude with a grin. "No need to be so formal. We're allies now, aren't we?" he replied, his tone light but laced with genuine camaraderie.

Ivankov, waved dramatically at them. "Darlings, stay safe and fabulous!" he called, his voice echoing with characteristic flair.

As the group prepared to leave, Kuma turned his attention to the five of them, ensuring they were all secure. His deep voice resonated turning to each of them he asked his famous question, "So kids, Where would you like to go for a holiday?"

Ash's head snapped up in surprise at hearing the iconic line, the words sparking recognition and awe. Before he could dwell on it further, Kuma placed his massive paw-shaped hand on him. A sudden gust of wind swirled around them as Kuma activated his ability, and with a single swish of air, the group vanished from sight.

Dragon and Ivankov stood silently for a moment, watching the space where the group had been just moments ago. The remnants of the wind whispered through the clearing, carrying with it the weight of their departure.

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. 😊