One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

"Uncle Wright! You're a Marine!"

Ace's voice carried shock and confusion. After all, the Marines were the World Government's largest and most powerful military force!

"That's right. I'm a Marine. But Ace, do you know what kind of people make up the majority of the Marines?"

Wright smiled faintly. "They are people with hearts devoted to justice. Even those who later became corrupt or disillusioned—most joined the Marines with burning passion and the belief they were fighting for justice."

"But the current Marines? They are far from being a symbol of true justice. Their primary role is to maintain stability."

"Stability for the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. Suppressing instability, eliminating enemies of the regime—upholding justice is just a small fraction of their duties."

"Many Marines have come to realize that what they do is far from true justice... Some of their actions even contradict it."

"That's why they grow lost, confused, or fall into despair—unable to face the truth or change the system."

As Ace's gaze seemed to clear with new understanding, Wright opened his arms wide, his radiant smile seemingly embracing the entire world.

"Ace! Don't you think turning the Marines into a true symbol of justice would be an incredible feat?"

"If the world were truly at peace, pirates would lose the soil in which they thrive. And if people knew the truth of this world, how would they view the Pirate King or this so-called Great Pirate Era?"

"You..."

For a moment, Ace felt as though the figure before him was even greater than his grandfather, Garp—more unrestrained, more radiant, more awe-inspiring.

To have someone care for him, guide him, was truly a blessing.

"Uncle Wright, with what you've said..."

Ace rose to his feet. The breeze atop Mt. Corvo tousled his jet-black hair.

"I think… I can't bring myself to hate my old man anymore."

"Hate isn't something resolved in a day, Ace," Wright said, patting his shoulder. "Before you decide on your life's path, you have plenty of time to think it over."

"Roger was a complex man. But he's himself, and you're you."

"If you can't sort out your feelings toward him, then live under your own name. Stand as an observer and judge Roger—and this era—through your own experiences."

"I understand..."

Ace took a deep breath. "Uncle Wright, I wanted to become a pirate because pirates are the freest people in the world."

"As the son of the Pirate King, I've been shackled by that identity. I crave freedom."

"Dadan and the others always badmouthed the Marines—like how Grandpa forced them to take in Luffy and me..."

"But in truth, I've thought about becoming a Marine, like Grandpa."

Wright raised an eyebrow. "You've thought about becoming a Marine?"

"How could I not, with how Grandpa went on and on about it?" Ace laughed bitterly. "Especially since I hated my old man for being the Pirate King. Joining the Marines to destroy pirates, to personally end the Great Pirate Era he started—sounds appealing, doesn't it?"

"While the Marines aren't as free as pirates, at least people don't hear their name and feel fear like they do with pirates."

"As long as Grandpa could ensure that the Marines wouldn't imprison me if they found out about my identity..."

Ace laughed twice, then fell silent.

"But Sabo's death snuffed out that idea completely."

"Dadan said it was this nation, this world, that destroyed Sabo."

"The Celestial Dragons burned Sabo's ship. To us back then, he was already dead."

"And the Marines protect the Celestial Dragons—how could I join the Marines to defend those people? Impossible!"

"That's why I decided to become a pirate! To surpass the Pirate King, to prove my existence!"

Ace looked up at Wright. "But after hearing what you've said—about the Pirate King's secrets, the hidden truths about the Marines, and your ambitions..."

"I've realized that becoming a pirate isn't the only path for me anymore."

"You brat!"

Wright gave Ace a flick to the forehead, making him yelp in pain.

"What, planning to join me? Still so hesitant about it... Back when I was your age, I was so stubborn that Garp beat me into the Marines!"

Wait—was Uncle Wright praising or mocking himself here?

Ace grinned. "I haven't decided yet... I want to take some time to figure things out. But you can't tell Grandpa about this!"

"Right, because if Garp finds out, he'll drag you to Marineford tomorrow and shove you into the Marine Academy," Wright said with a smirk. "Even with Garp's help, and maybe Sengoku pulling some strings, my current position isn't enough to ensure your identity wouldn't cause trouble within the Marines."

"I need to rise higher—to Fleet Admiral, perhaps—before we can guarantee the World Government wouldn't act against you if your lineage was exposed."

"So, my identity is still a huge problem, huh..." Ace said, exasperated. "How about this? I'll set out as an adventurer first. As long as I don't fly a pirate flag or cause trouble, I could last until you become an Admiral, right?"

"Hey! Look at you, using your head for once, Ace!" Wright said, pleasantly surprised. He had intended to sway Ace toward the Marines, but he hadn't expected such a promising result.

Ace, Sabo, and Luffy—three brothers. The Navy, the Revolutionary Army, and the Pirates?

What a fantastic scenario.

"Still..."

"Ace, at your age, you're prone to impulsive decisions—didn't you and your brothers agree to set out at seventeen?" Wright tapped Ace's head again. "You've got two years to think this through. If you still feel the same after setting out, then go ahead—don't fly the Jolly Roger, be an adventurer, and wait for me to bring you into the Marines myself."

"And if you change your mind and still want to be a pirate..."

Wright smirked. "Then the next time we meet, we'll be enemies. Don't expect me to show mercy just because you call me Uncle."

"Uncle Wright... Are you threatening me?"

Previously, Wright's lessons about the Flame-Flame Fruit had been to increase Ace's survival chances as a pirate—whether against Blackbeard or Akainu.

But if Ace joined the Marines, would "Fire Fist Ace" still exist? And when would the Flame-Flame Fruit reappear?

Wright shook his head. These were questions for the future. Whether Ace had the fruit or not, Ace was still Ace, and that was enough.

"Senior Brother!"

Kuina's voice called out from afar, followed by Luffy's yell: "Makino's so mean! I'm grown up now! I want to drink!"

"No way! Kids only get juice! Makino specifically told me to keep you in line!"

"...They got here fast."

Wright patted Ace's shoulder. "Come on, let's head back to the mountain. Garp's probably getting impatient."

"Don't overthink things. Let's eat well today—how about trying Makino's fine wine? Back when I was your age, I wasn't afraid of anyone when drinking!"

"Uncle Wright, I've had alcohol before!"

"...You little brat!"

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