[Note:
" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]
> System inner voice ["speaking"] <
> Ash inner speech "speaking" <
{}
Ash and the girls continued their bounty hunting for the next couple of months, shaking the underworld with their relentless pursuit of criminals. As their victories piled up, both the people they saved and the pirates they hunted began whispering a new title— "The Reapers."
With their reputation soaring and a hefty sum of bounties collected, Ash and the girls finally decided to return home. However, before setting sail for Dawn Island, Ash still had one last promise to fulfill.
Since he had vowed to help the girls awaken their Conqueror's Haki, he planned a stop at an uninhabited island—one recommended by the townspeople after a silent enquiry.
To prepare for this, Ash used the linked suitcase to send a message to Nojiko, instructing her to be ready to join them. He also asked her to inform Nami, who had returned to Cocoyashi as per the plan, asked to meet them at the designated island.
A couple of days later, Nami arrived by sea on the island, following Ash's instructions. Seeing her approach, Ash retrieved the linked suitcase from his inventory and sent a message to Nojiko, letting her know they were ready. Within seconds, the portal activated, and Nojiko stepped through, arriving on the island.
Excited to reunite, the girls embraced in happiness. Lucy, brimming with energy, immediately started recounting their bounty hunting adventures.
But before she could launch into the full story, Ash smirked and interrupted, reminding them that there would be plenty of time to talk later—they had something important to do first.
With that, Ash led the group into the island's dense forest, heading toward its center, ensuring they would be completely isolated for what they were about to do.
Once they reached a secure spot, Ash retrieved the Ethereal Vitality Pill, holding it up for everyone to see. "This is the final pill," he stated. "After this, we won't be able to have another chance to take this in this lifetime."
With a nod, he handed one to each of them. The seven of them took the pill simultaneously. Almost immediately, a shift coursed through their bodies—deeper, through their very souls. Something had changed within them.
As the pill took effect, their bodies underwent subtle but noticeable changes. Their skin became smoother, radiating a healthy glow, and their features grew more refined. Though still in their teens, they now looked more mature, as if they had stepped into their prime at eighteen.
Meanwhile, Ash's presence became more defined, his physique slightly sharper, giving him a stronger, more commanding appearance.
For next few minutes, they marvelled at their changes, taking in their newfound strength. Then, Ash took out the 'Seed of Conqueror' from his inventory, holding it up as he turned to the girls.
"Come on girls, it's time to unlock your Conqueror's Haki," he said. "You need to do this while the iron is hot."
Hearing this, Ace immediately jumped up and down with excitement. She had been the most jealous when Ash and Lucy had unlocked their Conqueror's Haki before others, and now, they were finally catching up.
Ash chuckled and handed them the seed, a small, tear-drop-shaped object that shimmered with vibrant colors and also warned them what might happen gaining a nod from them in understanding. Then, he and Lucy stepped back, giving them space.
Then Uta, Ace, Selina, Nami, and Nojiko took it at the same time.
{}
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Ace's Conqueror's Haki Awakening Trial
As soon as Ace swallowed the seed, she stood alone in darkness. Then, voices surrounded her—cold and merciless.
"The child of the Pirate King must be erased."
"A demon's blood should not exist."
Her fists clenched. The words struck deep. "Was she never meant to exist?"
The weight of the voices pressed down on her—until another voice cut through.
"Ace!"
Ash. Then Lucy, Selina, Uta… their voices reached her, as if calling out from beyond the void.
"You're not alone."
The darkness cracked.
Memories flashed—Ash mentioning her mother's sacrifice, her father's unyielding will, the stories Ash had told her. Moments spent with Makino, Garp, Nami, Nojiko, Ash, and the girls—her family.
Ash's voice steadied her. "Being child of Pirate King doesn't mean you have to follow in his steps, Ace. You don't have to answer anyone. Be yourself and be proud of who you are. Be Ace."
Ace's doubt shattered. She grinned, clenching her fists.
"I may have the blood of the Pirate King flowing through my veins...And maybe the world wants me dead because of it.But I don't care.I have friends. I have family—people who want me, who believe in me.
I'll surpass everyone's expectations.I'll break past every limit.And I'll live on my own terms.
I'm who I am.I'm Ace."
As she said the last word a wave of force erupted from her—shattering the illusion.
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Selina's Conqueror's Haki Awakening Trial
Selina stood frozen in the grand hall, trapped in an invisible web of strings—guilt, fear, and obedience wrapping around her. Her father's cold voice echoed in her mind:
"Punish them. That is your duty as a noble."
Her hands trembled, forced to move against her will.
"No…" she whispered, trying to resist. But the pressure only grew, tightening like a vice around her body.
Then—"Selina!" Some voices cut through the heavy air, warm and familiar.
"Oi, Princess! You giving up already?" She heard Ash's voice, and she could almost feel him smirking.
Her heart skipped. Memories surged in an instant—laughter under the stars, Ash's teasing them, singing with Uta, joking with Lucy, her little adventures with Ace, and the warmth of truly belonging with them. Her crew. Her family.
They accepted her not for who she was born to be, but for who she was. This was her true family.
And then, the memory of her first fight—side by side with them, defending people who couldn't defend themselves.
Her father's voice rang out again, sharper now, "You are meant for greatness! Stop pretending you are one of them!"
Selina's head lifted, her eyes burning with new strength, "I'm not pretending."
The strings snapped, "I am one of them and I belong with them not with you."
The illusion cracked, but it wasn't enough, "I'm not your doll. I'm not your tool. I'm not your heir."
The strings twisted, fraying, "I hate everything about this life you've tried to make for me! I choose my own path like I choose my own family."
Her voice roared louder now, shaking the air around her.
"And I'll achieve my dreams with my friends—on my own terms! Not yours, not anyone's."
At her words, a surge of power exploded from her, filling the hall with an unshakable presence making the final strands of the illusion shatter.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Uta's Conqueror's Haki Awakening Trial
Uta stood alone in the ruins of Elegia, the echoes of hatred circling like ghosts.
"Monster.""You destroyed everything."
She turned and spotted familiar silhouettes ahead—Her heart surged. She ran toward them, calling out, "Ash! Lucy! Guys!"
But they didn't stop. Their laughter faded. Their backs turned away.
Then—Shanks appeared before her, cold and distant. "Uta… this is where we part ways. You don't belong with us." With that, he and his crew vanished into the dark.
Her breath hitched. "No… Don't leave me."
Shadows thickened. Tot Musica rose behind her, massive and grinning.
"You bring only destruction.""You will always be alone."
Chains wrapped around her limbs, her throat, her heart. She fell to her knees, struggling to break free.
Suddenly, a fist smashed into Tot Musica's face.
CRACK!
"How dare you make my girlfriend cry?" Ash's voice rang out, fierce and unwavering.
"How dare you make our sister sad?!" Ace, Lucy, Selina, Nami, and Nojiko struck together next, cracking through the chains.
Even Shanks stepped forward. "It was never your fault, Uta." He pulled her into a hug.
She gasped—then remembered. She is already free from Tot Musica. Ash had saved her—and the others had helped her rise again.
Memories surged—Lucy and her pranking Ash, bounty hunts with her friends, duets with Ash, the kiss they shared.The bonds she had built with Selina, Ace, Nami, Nojiko—all of them.
Shanks calling her his daughter. His crew smiling with pride and telling her that she was never a burden.
The chains cracked more and more.
She remembered Ash placing Cameko and Proko in her hands and saying, "Sing, Uta. Let the world hear you."
Tears welled up—but this time, they weren't from pain.
She stood tall, the chains splintering with every step forward. Tot Musica lay broken before her.
She raised her voice and her eyes burning with determination.
"I'm not alone. I never was.""And I'm free of you. I don't fear you anymore.""This time… I'll sing for the world. Not to bring destruction hurt—but to heal and bring peace.""I'll make my voice reach every corner. With my own will—and achieve my dream. With my friends beside me."
As Her voice rang out the chains shattered fully and, a wave of power erupted from her like a song shattering the illusion completely.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Nami's Conqueror's Haki Awakening Trial
Nami stood frozen as Arlong loomed over her, his sharp teeth bared in a cruel grin.
"You really thought I'd keep my promise?" he sneered. Behind him, Cocoyashi burned. The villagers' screams filled the air.
Bellemere lay lifeless. Blood stained the ground. Nojiko was in chains. Ash and the girls—beaten, helpless—trapped like trophies of his cruelty.
"You will draw maps for me until your fingers bleed," Arlong said, tossing a blood-stained pen at her feet.
Tears welled in her eyes. Her hands trembled. "No…"
"You're mine, Nami." Chains coiled tighter, suffocating her. Her breath hitched—but then, something snapped inside her.
"I will never be your toy to manipulate!" she snarled defying his every word.
A crack split through the darkness.
Memories surged forward—Bellemere, alive and smiling because of Ash. The hours they spent training with Ash and the girls. Ash teasing and flirting, Nojiko teasing her right back. Her lessons on navigation, the seas, and the art of map-making.
Their plan. Their laughter. The warmth of the people who never abandoned her. Their promise to free Cocoyashi together.
Her grip tightened. She refused to be caged by fear any longer.
Nami clenched her fists, fire burning in her eyes. "I don't fear you or your crew!" She glared at Arlong. "And I am NOT yours!"
Her voice steadied, growing stronger. "I will map the entire world—not for you, but for me! That's my dream, and I'll achieve it with my friends!"
A roar of energy burst from her. The chains shattered into dust. Light exploded through the darkness.
Arlong staggered back, his form distorting, breaking apart.
Then—a warm presence surrounded her.
Nami turned, eyes widening.
Ash, the girls, and Bellemere stood beside Nojiko, the entire village behind them. Their smiles were warm, their presence unwavering.
Tears pricked her eyes, but she smiled as the illusion shattered completely.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Nojiko's Conqueror's Haki Awakening Trial
Nojiko stood frozen as Cocoyashi burned around her, the scent of ash and blood thick in the air.
Arlong lounged on his throne, grinning with cruel satisfaction. "Did you really think you could fool me?" he sneered, gesturing behind him.
Nami was chained, Bellemere forced to her knees, her face twisted in agony. Ash and the others—bruised, bloodied, defeated—lay sprawled like broken dolls.
"You had a chance to live under me, quiet and obedient," Arlong mocked, gripping Nami by the hair. "But you chose rebellion. Now, you'll watch as I break your sister first."
Something in Nojiko cracked while the cold, invisible chains slithered toward her, coiling tight—but her hands curled into fists. "No," she said, low but firm voice. "I won't lose to you."
Cracks formed through the illusion around her as her defiance became more, thin lines of light breaking through the dark.
Memories surged—her mother's warm smile, times spent training with Ash and the girls, Lucy's pranks, Nami's stubbornness, the laughter they shared in stolen moments of peace, Selena and Ace support.
Nojiko wanted more than to fight—she wanted freedom, strength, to travel the world beside her sister. She wanted to protect the people who gave her a reason to keep moving forward.
"I'm done being afraid," she said, stepping forward, each word gaining strength. "I'm not your tool, we...we're not your tool, or your victim. I'll crush everything you are." From behind, she heard faint but firm voices—Ash, Lucy, the girls—calling her name.
And then, the chains shattered. A tidal wave of power burst from her chest shattering the illusion apart and blasting Arlong into shadow. The air cleared. The flames vanished. Cocoyashi stood whole again, her friends and family at her side.
Nojiko exhaled slowly, her eyes gleaming with a fire as the illusion shattered around her.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
{}
Only few seconds passed in real time, at first, nothing happened. But then, as if a dam had burst, an overwhelming force erupted from within them.
A massive Conqueror's Haki surge exploded outward.
Trees around them were blasted away, sent flying like twigs under their combined invisible storm. The ground beneath them cracked, forming a massive crater where they stood.
Even though Ash and Lucy had kept their distance, they could still feel the pressure, resisting it with their own will.
After a few intense minutes, the powerful surge finally began to settle.
Ash and Lucy stepped forward, assessing the aftermath looking down the crater.
Uta and Nami were sprawled on the ground, drenched in sweat, breathing heavily. Nojiko, Ace, and Selina had managed to stay on one knee, but they, too, were exhausted, as if they had just run a marathon.
Ash, already familiar with the aftermath of unlocking Conqueror's Haki, had prepared in advance. Without wasting time, he began taking out a feast from his inventory, knowing they would need it to recover.
However, before he could even lay out all the food, he had to stop Lucy from diving in first. To calm her down, he handed her a separate portion, making sure she was satisfied before letting the others have their fill.
While eating, Ash casually asked, "So, what did you all face?"
One by one, the five girls explained their experiences—the nightmares that tested them, the illusions that tried to break them. But through it all, they had each other, offering comfort and support as they recalled their trials.
Ash smiled at them after listening. "Just know—you all took a big step in overcoming your inner fears. Don't forget, having fears is normal, but we're here for each other. So let's become strong enough that one day, we won't have to fear anything."
The girls nodded firmly, their determination burning brighter.
Then Ash smirked. "And… I'm pleased that you all care so much about little old me. Dreaming about me, huh?"
The girls froze before a deep blush spread across their faces. Only Uta recovered fast enough to bonk him on the head. "As your girlfriend, I definitely have the right!" she huffed.
The rest, still flustered, glared at Ash before deciding to gang up on him. Laughing, he tried to dodge, but they weren't letting him off that easily.
After their playful scuffle, they all sat back down, sharing smiles as they continued their meal, warmth filling the air.
After they had eaten to their heart's content, Ash leaned back and asked, "So, girls, how do you feel?"
Uta leaned back with a deep breath and said, "It's like a whole new world is opened."
Nami nodded in agreement. "Yes, with this, I feel like we're one step closer to reaching our goal."
Ash chuckled. "Yeah, but now we need to learn how to control it—especially you two, Nami and Nojiko. Since you both near Arlong, try to stay calm as much as possible, okay? As much as it pains me to say, you have to be careful."
Then, with an amused tone, he added, "Anyways Dragon-san said he'd help Lucy and me train, but I think we just gave him even more work."
Lucy laughed. "I can't wait to see Dad's face. Shishishi!"
Ash then clapped his hands together. "Alright! Now, shall we check out the haul from our three months of bounty hunting."
The girls immediately perked up with excitement.
Selina eagerly asked, "So, Ash, how much did we get?"
Ash took out several stacks of Berries along with some gold and jewelry. "According to my calculations, excluding the gold bars and jewels we looted from the criminals and pirates, we have totally around 83,753,147 Berries, even after giving away money to people in need who suffered from pirate raids."
Hearing this, all their jaws dropped.
Lucy yelled, "Sugoi!" while Nami's eyes gleamed with Beli signs.
"And adding to that we have two Devil Fruits," Ash casually slipped the devil fruits in the stash.
Immediately, Nami perked up. "What?! Devil Fruits?"
Nojiko also leaned in, eyes wide. "Really? Wow, so this is what a Devil Fruit looks like, huh?"
Nami, her excitement turning playful, suddenly tried to act sultry, batting her eyelashes at Ash. "Ash~ can't you give me one?" she purred, her Beli-filled eyes shining.
Ash sweat-dropped. "Sorry, Nami, you might be cute, but I need these for another reason. I can't just give them away for money."
He then explained to Nami and Nojiko why he couldn't hand them over so easily.
After listening, they were both surprised. Nojiko nodded in understanding. "That was a good decision, Ash. From what you guys said, getting a good Devil Fruit is already rare, but to not only get one but also other valuable things in exchange? It might even help us in tough situations."
Ash nodded. "Yeah, I know."
Finally, Nami sighed, reluctantly accepting his reasoning, but not without dramatic teary eyes and biting her handkerchief in frustration.
Ash, seeing Nami's dramatic reaction, chuckled.
Nojiko, still curious, leaned in. "Soooo, Ash, what kind of powers do these two Devil Fruits give? And how did you guys even get them?"
Ash opened his mouth to explain, but before he could say anything, Lucy jumped in excitedly. "Let me! Let me tell her!"
Ash laughed and nodded, letting Lucy take over.
With exaggerated enthusiasm, Lucy started recounting their adventures from the beginning—detailing how they obtained one of the Devil Fruits from Mad-Eye, along with all the other events they had gone through.
As Nojiko and Nami listened, they gasped at certain parts, reacting to the crazier moments. At times, Ace, Uta, and Selina would jump in, adding their own perspectives, making the storytelling even more lively.
After some time, they finally wrapped up the story.
Nojiko, eyes shining with excitement, sighed. "Woah... I'm so jealous of you guys! Ugh, I can't wait to go on an adventure with you all!"
Understanding her feelings, the girls hugged her warmly.
Then, Nami pointed toward the second Devil Fruit. "So, you got this Zoan-type Fruit (Hyena) from Mad-Eye, but how did you guys get this second one?"
Ash and the girls laughed, excluding Nojiko and Nami, who looked confused.
Ash smirked. "You see, that's actually a funny story..."
Selina nodded. "Yeah, we were doing our usual exploring, taking a break after collecting bounties on one of the islands. While visiting some shops in town, we miraculously stumbled upon this fruit at a small fruit stall."
Nami raised an eyebrow. "Wait, a fruit stall?"
Selina continued. "Yeah, the vendor had it set aside, thinking it was just a weird-looking fruit, not even realizing its value. When we recognized what it was and tried to buy it, the guy thought he had found someone to scam and tried selling it at a ridiculously high price."
Nami, now intrigued, leaned in. "Really? How much did he ask for?"
Uta giggled. "Oh, he asked us for 2,000 Berries not a beli less he said."
Silence.
Nami's jaw dropped. "Wait, wait, wait—you got a Devil Fruit that costs over at least 100 million for just a measly 2,000 Berries?!"
She slumped to the ground after getting a nod from all of them, and fake tears started streaming down her face. "Why don't I ever have this kind of luck?!"
Seeing her reaction, Nojiko laughed and pulled her into a comforting hug. "There, there, maybe next time."
Everyone else burst into laughter, enjoying the moment.
Nojiko then pointed at the fruit. "Anyways, you still haven't told us what power this one has."
Ash nodded. "Yeah, right. We checked it after getting the fruit. This one is a Paramecia-type called the Rame Rame no Mi or Glitter-Glitter Fruit."
Nami raised an eyebrow. "Glitter? What does it do?"
Ash shrugged. "It lets the user produce and control glitter from their body."
Nami deadpanned. "I thought it was going to be something powerful..."
Ash smirked. "It might not seem powerful, but I believe there's no such thing as a weak Devil Fruit—only users who don't know how to bring out its full potential. Still, we have to be careful about which ones we choose, or we'll end up regretting it."
Nojiko nodded in agreement.
Lucy then suddenly grinned. "Oh! And you know, Ash told us something else—Celeste said there's a way for us to take more than one Devil Fruit!"
Nami and Nojiko's eyes widened. "Really?!" they both shouted.
Nojiko added, "Wow, I thought one person could only eat one, or they'd explode or there will be some kind of consequence. That's what you guys told me before."
Ash smirked proudly. "Yeah, but that's only for people who don't have Celeste guiding them."
Uta rolled her eyes dramatically. "Yeah, yeah, we get it. Only you can talk to Celeste and get all these wonderful gifts."
Ash, grinning, suddenly pulled Uta onto his lap. "Aww, is my sweetheart feeling jealous? Am I not sharing things with you guys too?"
Uta's cheeks flushed pink as she leaned in and mumbled, "Yeah, yeah… sorry…"
Ash and Uta then whispered lovey-dovey things to each other, making the others blush.
Ace crossed her arms and yelled with blush on her cheeks, "Okay, enough! Stop your flirting! We're still here, you know!"
Ash chuckled. "What's wrong, Ace? Feeling left out? Should I hug you too?" He then made exaggerated kissy faces at her.
Ace's face turned bright red as she stammered, "S-Shut up, you idiot!"
Uta, pouting, twisted Ash's arm, making him laugh even more.
After a moment, Ash cleared his throat. "Alright, alright, jokes aside. Everyone, be ready for training to control your Conqueror's Haki. We'll be leaving soon for training after visiting Foosha village before heading to Baltigo."
He then turned to Nami. "And you Nami—don't go on your regular trips for now until you have full control over it. If Arlong asks, make up a story to avoid suspicion."
Nami nodded. "Okay, I got it."
After spending some more time together, Nojiko left for Cocoyashi Village through the linked suitcase.
The next day, before dawn, Ash and the girls set sail for Dawn Island, with Nami joining them.
After a few days of sailing, they finally arrived at Foosha Village.
As, soon after they arrived, Lucy and Uta bolted off toward Makino's bar, eager to tell her all about their adventures.
They spent a couple of days in the village, relaxing and catching up with old friends.
Before they left, Ash sent 25 million berries through the linked suitcase portal to Genzo-san, who had a spare, ensuring the tribute money share was taken care of.
After that, using the spare linked suitcase they had left with Makino, they travelled to Baltigo, where Nojiko joined them from Cocoyashi Village the same way using her own linked suitcase.
As Ash and the girls arrived in Baltigo, they stepped into dragon's room, where Dragon was deep in discussion with Hack, Ivankov, and Koala.
The moment the girls spotted Koala, their eyes lit up, and they rushed forward, embracing her warmly. Laughter and cheerful greetings filled the air as they excitedly caught up with their friend.
After a brief reunion, they headed outside, leaving Ash alone with Dragon and the others.
Ash found himself drifting into memories of their first meeting with Koala last year, when they had come to train under Dragon again as usual.
The girls had immediately clicked with her, forming a fast friendship, and even Ash had received a system quest to befriend Koala, which he had completed with ease.
Dragon's voice snapped Ash back to the present as he spoke with a sharp gaze, "Brat, what the hell did you do? There's something different about all of you."
Ash simply smirked, enjoying the reaction.
Dragon, recognizing that Ash had likely obtained something from Celeste, simply sighed and shook his head, muttering, "Forget it. I don't even want to know."
Before Ash could say anything, Hack spoke up, giving him a nod.
"Ash, how have you been, kid? I heard you all made quite the name for yourselves in bounty hunting."
Ash grinned, responding casually,
"Hack! Good to see you again. Yeah, it was a solid experience, but I'd like to test other seas in the future, if possible. You know, somewhere outside of East Blue."
Hack simply nodded in understanding.
Ash then turned to Dragon, "Sooo, Dragon-san, shall we start training?"
Dragon raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Kid, you just got here. At least rest for a while before diving into training."
Ash chuckled, shaking his head. "We've had enough rest, Dragon-san."
Dragon let out an exasperated sigh, but a small smile tugged at his lips. Without another word, he stood up and gestured for Ash to follow.
As they stepped outside, they found the girls engaged in reunion with Bellemere, laughter and joy radiating from the group.
Dragon gestured for them to follow, and Ash, the girls, with Koala, and Bellemere all trailed behind him as they moved a fair distance away from the base to an open area on the island.
Once they arrived, Dragon clapped his hands together, his sharp eyes scanning the group.
"Alright, let's see if you've gained any experience. Come at me."
Without hesitation, Ash and the girls lunged forward, launching into battle against Dragon. Despite their improvements, the outcome remained the same. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't land a single hit on him—just like every other time before.
After a grueling session, the entire group was left collapsed on the ground, exhausted, catching their breath.
Dragon, standing tall, gave them an approving nod. "You've kids improved—somewhat. You're better than before."
Still lying on the ground, Lucy grumbled, her fists clenched. "Next time, I'll get you, Dad..."
She repeated the same words she always did after every defeat.
After taking some rest, Dragon stretched and looked at Ash and Lucy.
"Ash, Lucy, come. I'll show you how to control your Conqueror's Haki."
Then, he turned to Bellemere and Koala and added, "It's better if you and the others leave before you get caught in the clash."
Both women nodded, prepared to leave. But before they could, Lucy suddenly spoke up. "Wait, Dad! What about the others? Teach them too!"
Dragon sighed with a small smile.
"Lucy, they don't have Conqueror's Haki like you and Ash—" He paused as Lucy tilted her head and interrupted.
"But they do."
A brief silence filled the air.
Dragon frowned. "Yes, I know they don't…" He trailed off, blinking. "Wait. Did you just say they too have Conqueror's Haki?"
Hearing this, Bellemere and Koala froze, their eyes wide in shock. The girls, however, just giggled at their stunned expressions.
Koala was the first to speak. "But… I thought having Conqueror's Haki was a one-in-a-million chance?"
Dragon, rubbing his temples, let out a sigh. "Of course, It is."
Then, he turned to Ash, who was watching the whole thing with a knowing smirk.
Narrowing his eyes, Dragon pointed at him. "You kid… What did you do, again?"
Ash simply kept smirking, saying nothing. Seeing that he wouldn't get an answer, Dragon just shook his head in exasperation.
Finally, he turned back to Bellemere and Koala.
"Alright, you two should leave now. If you stay, you'll get caught in the battle of wills. Since neither of you have Conqueror's Haki, it's best you don't risk it."
The two nodded and headed back toward the base, waving as they left.
{}
Dragon gathered Ash and the girls around him, crossing his arms as he began to explain.
"Listen, kids. When it comes to training Conqueror's Haki, there's no special method. It refines itself and grows stronger as you face powerful foes. What I can help you with is controlling it."
He looked at them seriously before continuing.
"When someone first unlocks this Haki, it spreads uncontrollably, affecting everyone around them—whether they're friend or foe even your surroundings. If you want to direct your will onto specific targets, you need to learn control."
Ash and the girls listened intently; with determined expressions.
Dragon smirked. "For now, I'll be releasing small amount of my Haki and increase it gradually overtime. Your first step is to endure it—defend yourselves before even thinking of using your own to attack. If you can stay conscious under its pressure, then we'll move on to the next step."
Hearing this, Ash and the girls nodded firmly.
With that, Dragon unleashed his Conqueror's Haki at small amount.
A powerful shockwave of willpower crashed over them like a tidal wave. Ash and the girls gritted their teeth, standing their ground. One by one, they began resisting, their own Haki flaring in defiance.
But it wasn't enough to make then unconscious so dragon increased the intense slightly.
Within five minutes, they all collapsed unconscious—except for Ash and Lucy.
The two of them remained standing, bodies trembling, sweat dripping down their faces. Their vision blurred from the sheer pressure, their knees wobbling.
Still, they held on.
But after a couple more minutes, even they fell.
Dragon watched them with an impressed look. After some time, the girls began to wake up one by one, groaning from exhaustion.
Ash was the last to sit up, rubbing his temples.
Dragon gestured around them and said, "Now, do you see?"
The group looked around in shock—the area was wrecked. The ground was cracked, trees had been split, and the sheer pressure had left marks all over the surroundings.
"This is why you need to learn control." Dragon said firmly.
Then, he looked at them with a smirk. "From today, your training will change. Along with your normal exercises, you'll be training your Conqueror's Haki. Until you can at least defend against mine for a solid period of time, you'll keep at it."
Ash and the girls nodded with unwavering determination.
From that day onward, Dragon began training Ash and the girls in controlling their Conqueror's Haki while continuing their usual training.
For the next couple of months, their training was intense. Alongside Haki control, Dragon made them train in the other two types of Haki as well.
Despite the added focus on Haki, their regular training continued as usual, strengthening their overall combat abilities.
Once Dragon deemed all including Nami and Nojiko capable of controlling their Conqueror's Haki, he aloud them to go back.
Since Nami and Nojiko were still under Arlong's watch, they couldn't risk either Nami or Nojiko unconsciously releasing their Haki in a moment of strong emotion.
After Nami's departure time came, things returned to routine. Once their training with Dragon was complete, they left Baltigo and returned to Foosha Village.
There, Garp was waiting for them.
Garp resumed their training, pushing them as hard as ever. However, Ash decided to keep their newly awakened Conqueror's Haki a secret from Garp for now. Everything proceeded as usual again.
Time passed, and soon, Ash's 14th birthday arrived.
{}
The Final Piece
The celebration for Ash's 14th birthday was in full swing. Laughter, music, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air as everyone enjoyed the grand feast. As always, the night ended on a high note, filled with cheers and well wishes.
Even Nami and Nojiko also attended slipping away silently during night from Cocoyashi using Nojiko's liked suitcase. Same with Dragon and Bellemere.
But as the festivities wound down, Ash quietly gathered the girls and slipped away.
Once they were far enough, Uta tilted her head curiously. "Ash, what's up? Why bring us all the way out here?"
Ash exhaled, glancing at them before speaking. "Well, you see there's something I've been collecting. Every year on my birthday from last couple of years, Celeste has given me a piece of a map."
Lucy interrupts with twinkling eyes saying. " Really! Is it a treasure map?!"
Ash laughs saying, "I don't know about that. She just told me there are four pieces in total. Once I collect all four, it will reveal some place that will help in our journey. She didn't say how or what—only that their purpose would be revealed when the time is right."
Ash sighs and continues, "And today, I finally got the last one."
Reaching into his inventory, Ash pulled out four old, tattered pieces of parchment.
Carefully, he laid them on the ground, arranging each piece so the torn edges fit together. The moment they aligned in correct position—
Something incredible happened. A soft glow pulsed from the parchment, light tracing along the torn edges.
Before their eyes, the pieces fused seamlessly, the rips and gaps vanishing as if they were never there.
Now complete, the map still looked ancient, its surface worn and faded, yet carrying an undeniable sense of significance.
Then—
PING!
A system notification echoed in Ash's mind. His vision blurred for a moment as glowing text flashed before his eyes.
As he processed the message—
His breath caught.
His eyes widened—staring in disbelief.
Ash simply sat frozen, his mind racing at the revelation before him.
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Author's Note: "Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! If you're interested in the latest updates on stats and abilities, you can find this information in the auxiliary chapter dedicated to stats and abilities which I have updated."
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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. 😊