Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Mastery and Transformation
Two years had passed since Ace began his intense training with Garp. The once-innocent child who had been handed over to the infamous Marine hero had now grown into someone much stronger, his body and mind shaped by the harshest of disciplines. The forest around them had become his proving ground, where monsters no longer posed a challenge and even the most powerful strikes were met with a calm, collected counter.
Ace had not only mastered the six great techniques of the *Rokushiki*, but he had also achieved mastery in several other advanced disciplines. Techniques that were beyond mere physical combat, making him a fighter with unmatched depth.
Ace had honed each of the six techniques to near perfection. He had perfected *Soru*, moving with such speed that he could not only outrun the eye but also dodge nearly every attack. *Tekkai* had become second nature, allowing him to stand his ground, impervious to most blows. He wielded *Rankyaku* with such precision that his air blades were like deadly weapons, each kick creating a lethal gust that could tear through trees and boulders alike. His *Shigan* was flawless, each finger strike deadly enough to pierce solid rock, a feat that amazed even Garp. He had mastered *Kami-e*, able to flow like water and avoid almost any attack without a single movement wasted. And *Hasshoken*—Ace's strength had grown so powerful that a single punch could leave deep craters in the earth, the shockwave traveling with force enough to shake the trees.
But that was only the beginning.
Life Return was a technique that Garp himself had taught Ace, one of the most advanced and subtle abilities to use in combat. The art of manipulating one's own life force for healing and enhancing one's physical capabilities had become something that Ace could perform almost instinctively.
Through this ability, Ace could reverse injuries that would have been fatal to most. A broken arm could be healed in moments, and his stamina was enhanced far beyond that of a normal human. Even when injured in the heat of battle, Ace could use *Life Return* to maintain his peak performance, recovering quickly to fight on.
*Two Pilots* was a technique that took the concept of *Haki* a step further, blending the user's mind with another's to create a synchronized battle style. This technique required Ace to meld his consciousness with someone else's, drawing on their energy and amplifying it through his own.
While Garp had explained it to Ace in simple terms, Ace's application was something that only someone of his intelligence and innate ability could achieve. Through years of focus and practice, Ace was able to apply *Two Pilots* during his training—an internal dialogue between his subconscious mind and his physical body. This allowed him to fight with both his mind and body working in perfect tandem, reacting with a seamless flow of actions.
In battle, this technique enabled Ace to act with perfect foresight, anticipating his opponent's moves before they even happened. His strikes were faster, his dodges swifter. *Two Pilots* allowed Ace to think and act beyond his own body, a step closer to transcending his human limitations.
*Point of View* was a more mystical and intuitive technique, one that allowed Ace to "see" beyond the conventional. By enhancing his senses with an internal focus, Ace could feel his surroundings without using his eyes. It was almost as if his mind had developed a heightened sense of perception, extending outward in an invisible radius around him.
With *Point of View*, Ace could sense the movements of others, their intentions, and even the smallest shifts in the air. It wasn't as much about seeing things clearly—it was more about "feeling" the world around him on a deeper level, understanding the environment in a way that surpassed the ordinary five senses. It gave Ace a mental map of his surroundings, allowing him to avoid traps, predict enemy attacks, and even detect hidden dangers before they became threats.
Two years had not only made Ace a much stronger fighter but had also deeply transformed his character. He had grown physically, mentally, and emotionally—becoming something entirely different from the child he once was. There was a coldness in his eyes now, a sense of calculation and control. He wasn't just reacting to his surroundings—he was anticipating them. He had become a living weapon, a force to be reckoned with.
But beneath that powerful exterior, Ace still carried the memories of his past lives. His original life as an otaku and martial artist, and his life as Gol D. Roger's son, each shaped his identity in different ways. The excitement that once drove him to conquer the dangers in his first life now burned within him as a desire to become the strongest, not just in the world, but beyond it.
And yet, despite all his newfound strength and the mastery he had attained, Ace knew that his journey was far from over. He was aware that there were still forces in the world much greater than any individual—forces like the *World Government*, and the mysteries of the Grand Line that awaited him. He could feel the pull of adventure, the same fire that had burned in him before.
As he stood at the edge of the training ground, watching the sun dip below the horizon, Ace felt a familiar presence stir within him—his own inner voice, the voice of his previous life.
"You've come far, kid," the voice murmured, sounding like an echo from a distant memory. "You've learned the power to shape your own fate. But remember, power alone isn't enough to change the world."
Ace smirked, his hand clenching into a fist.
"I know," Ace thought back, replying to the voice in his mind. "But it's a good start. This power—it's just the beginning. I'll carve my own path, and I'll destroy the ones who think they control everything."
The voice remained silent for a moment before speaking again.
"Just don't forget what you're fighting for, Ace. Power without purpose is nothing but a tool in the hands of others."
Ace's eyes softened, a flicker of thought crossing his face. He thought about his family, his brother Luffy, and the endless possibilities that lay ahead. His vow was clear—he would shape his own destiny, and no one—not even the mighty *World Government*—would stand in his way.
---
Garp observed his pupil from a distance, his arms crossed over his chest. He had seen Ace grow, not just physically, but as a person. Ace had become a true warrior in every sense of the word, a reflection of Garp's own teachings, yet someone entirely new—someone with a fire that couldn't be extinguished.
"Well, kid," Garp muttered, smiling faintly, "I guess the real adventure is about to begin."
Ace, feeling the weight of his past lives and the purpose ahead, could only nod silently. He wasn't the same child who had first arrived at this mountain training ground. Now, he was a force—a man destined to leave his mark on the world.
And with that, Ace prepared himself for the journey ahead.
End of Chapter 7