Chapter 8: Ace's Display Of Power
The sea was calm, the boat gently rocking under the warm afternoon sun. Luffy and Ace stood near the ship's bow, voices low as they talked quietly, careful not to let the others overhear.
Luffy rubbed the back of his head, grinning. "So, Ace, I was thinking... we've got Zoro and Nami already, but that's not enough for a real crew, right? We need everyone—like in the stories. And maybe even someone new. How do you feel about adding more crew members than the orginal story? "
Ace nodded, his gaze scanning the horizon. "Yeah. The original crew had some strong fighters, and each person had their role. We want that balance. But if we find new people who fit, we shouldn't hesitate.I am quite fine with adding new people."
Luffy then diverted his eyes at Nami who was siting on the side of the boat looking at her maps"So have you thought about how we are gonna help her?"he said while looking back at Ace.
"Yes the first step is to build a closer relationship with her over the time she is with us and we show us our strength. You can show your gear or 3 or hey maybe we 2 go up against Mihawk to show her that we can help her. Though we will get our ass whipped even together but Mihawk won't kill us that is not in his character."replied Ace
Luffy's eyes widened. "We...but yes that seems optimal and with this Luffy may get his scar from Mihawk rather than Akainu here. Our crew will also know that even us being monsters still can be suppressed so they have to work hard."
Ace gave a small smile. "Alright, and yes we have to show our crew that we are nothing and yes i would rather not be a donut also and make sure to have no random talk. We're not ready to make this public."
Luffy saluted with a grin. "Secret pirate business, got it."
"Night time is approaching Luffy. Go to sleep i will find a moment to talk with Nami"said Ace
With that Luffy left to sleep.
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Scene: Quiet Moment on the Ship – Night Before Reaching Usopp's Island
The ocean breeze was cool under the darkening sky. Most of the crew had fallen asleep, lulled by the gentle rocking of the ship. The stars reflected off the sea in shimmering waves. Ace woke up and sat alone at the stern, enjoying the peace, until he noticed Nami leaning against the railing, her arms crossed, eyes scanning the horizon.
He walked over slowly, keeping his tone casual.
Ace: "Can't sleep?"
Nami didn't look at him. "I sleep fine. Just keeping watch. Someone has to make sure we don't drift into a reef while your captain snores."
Ace chuckled. "Fair enough."
There was silence for a few seconds.
Ace: "You're smart. I can tell. Navigating, watching the sea, reading people. You didn't join us because you like pirates. So… why did you?"
Nami turned slightly, eyes cold. "You already know. You offered me money."
Ace: "Yeah, I did. But money isn't the only reason someone risks their life at sea. You're not stupid or reckless. So what are you really after?"
Nami hesitated, then narrowed her eyes. "That's none of your business."
Ace met her gaze, unfazed. "Maybe not. But I want to understand the people I'm sailing with."
She looked away, her jaw tightening.
Nami: "I don't trust pirates. I never have. They take what they want, burn down villages, leave people to suffer. That's what they did to my home. That's what I've seen."
Ace leaned on the rail next to her, his voice softer now.
Ace: "Your home... I understand why you hate Pirates. But you're here with us."
Nami: "I'm here because I need money. A lot of it. That's all. The moment I get it, I'm gone. This isn't my crew. I don't care about dreams or adventures."
Ace was quiet for a beat, then asked gently,
Ace: "What's the money for?"
Nami didn't answer at first. Her fingers gripped the railing. Her voice, when it came, was low.
Nami: "To buy my village back. From a monster who runied my life and my village."
That hit harder than Ace expected. He nodded slowly. He didn't expect Nami to tell the truth
Ace: "So that's your dream? Freeing your home?"
She nodded, but didn't look at him.
Nami: "I had a dream...once i wanted to create the Map of the entire sea. Mark every island. Vist every place and make sure all of it is placed in a map but now all i want is to free the village from that tyrannt."
Ace sighed, watching the stars.
Ace: "Dreams are funny. Some of us chase them, some of us run from them, but we all carry them. Even if we pretend not to. Let me help you-let us help you Nami. If a Pirate like you say is enslaving your village then I and my brother will deal with him. You have seen how strong we are. He doesn't stand a chance against us."
He glanced at her again.
Ace: "I won't pretend I'm not a pirate. But I'm not like them—the ones who hurt people for fun. I protect what matters to me. That's why I asked you to join. I saw someone strong. Someone who keeps going even when she's been through hell.Let me help you free your village and to complete your dream."
Nami's expression flickered—conflicted. Angry. Tired.
Nami: "Don't try to understand me, Ace. You don't know me. You can't help me he is too strong. He has too many subordinates that can kill all of you."
Ace: "Maybe not. But I'd like to. I would like to understand you and about strength. Arlong doesn't stand a chance against me."
"How did you-- it doesn't matter Arlong is a fishman he is a different being compared to us humans. You will just die with your brother. I appreciate your help but once i raise the 100 million berries he has asked me to. I will get my village back and live my life with them there." Nami answered
Ace who could sense all her emotions through his Observation Haki responded "And what if he says no even after that. You said yourself he is a Tyrant. If he decided to still enslave your village you can't fight back and your dream will be crushed Nami."he was rasing his voice
Nami: "No Arlong has no use for me and the village he will give it back after i give him the 100 million berries. He has promised me."
"A Tyrant who can kill,enslave will follow up on his promise? I don't think so your navigation skills. Your skills will make it so tgat he wants to keep you Nami."he moved in closer."Let me help you"
"No-"
"Shut up" Ace raised his voice in annoyance. " You keep talking about how strong he is and how he will kill me but Do you know how strong I am?" (Fuck fighting with Mihawk, they still will but Arlong will be dealt with first)
Without warning, Ace straightened, his hand slowly moving to his side. The air grew heavier, almost electric. Nami instinctively grabbed the edge of the boat, sensing something massive about to happen.
Ace: "Watch closely."
He raised his arm with practiced precision. For a brief moment, the sky darkened- clouds parting unnaturally. Then, with one swift motion, he swung his open hand downward toward the ocean-
"Kamusari."
*Divine Departure*
A devastating golden arc of energy burst forth, slicing the very air, tearing across the open sea with terrifying force. The sea split for hundreds of meters, waves crashing violently to either side. A massive shockwave rippled outward, shaking the boat slightly.
Water sprayed into the sky like a geyser, foam and wind lashing at the crew.
Luffy sensing the burst of Power immediately got up along with Zoro.
They both walked up to see the Ocean being separated in Half.
"What the hell happened here" Zoro moved his eyes to Ace and the sword he was holding.
(Fun fact: Ace is Roger's sword name)
"I just wanted to show off some of my skills to our dear navigator over here who thought i was weak" replied Ace coldly
"You used Kamusari of that??? She could have gotten hurt. You could have just thrown a normal sword slash and it would have been enough." Replied Luffy
"I gave it my all to show her that this Captain is quite formidable" replied Ace
"So Navigator. You think Arlong can take this strike? Even if he does Luffy here is as strong as I am but he won't." Said Ace.
Zoro still shocked by the sheer amount of power and killing intent that Ace just emitted using the sword technique realised that he can't slak off and has a long way to go and realised that these Captain of His were simply monsters.[ I have to surpass him in swordsman ship first. I have to learn haki] Zoro thought looking at Ace.
Nami she stared, pale. Trembling. Her mouth slightly open, the echo of the impact still roaring in her ears.
Nami: "What… what was that?"
Ace turned toward her calmly, as if he hadn't just torn the sea in half.
Ace: "Kamusari. I borrowed the technique from a legend. Just a little trick I use when people doubt whether I can kill men like Arlong."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear.
Ace: "I don't make empty promises, Nami. When I say Arlong dies, he dies."
She looked at the devastation in the sea, then back at him. Her breath was shallow, fists clenched.
Nami: "Why… why would you help me?"
Ace: "Because no one helped you when they should've. Because I hate monsters like him. And because we take care of our crew—even the ones who don't believe they're part of us yet."
He walked away before she could answer, leaving her alone with the sound of waves returning to calm.
She looked out at the still-boiling sea where the arc had struck. For the first time in years, the idea of freedom didn't feel like a fantasy.
The ocean had begun to settle, but Nami's heart hadn't.
She stood by the railing, eyes scanning the horizon as if it might explain what she'd just seen. Her grip on the wood was tight—knuckles white.
Luffy stepped up beside her, still grinning from the blast.
Luffy: "Cool, right? Ace never holds back."
Nami didn't answer at first. The wind tugged gently at her hair. She finally spoke, voice low.
Nami: "He could've sunk the ship…"
Luffy: "But he didn't."
She turned to look at him, startled by the seriousness behind his usual smile.
Luffy: "Ace knows what he's doing. He just wanted to show you that Arlong isn't unbeatable."
Nami: "And what if I don't trust him?"
Luffy: "Then trust me."
That silenced her. For once, his smile wasn't childish—it was steady, certain.
And it made her feel something unfamiliar. Hope.
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That Night – A Shift in the Wind
Later that night, while the others rested on the ship, Nami found herself awake, standing at the deck and looking out over the water. She thought back to what she saw hours ago—Ace standing at the bow, lifting his hand, and unleashing a colossal wave of power into the sea.
The Kamusari had sliced through the ocean itself, leaving a gaping rift of churning foam and shattered water.
She hadn't seen anything like it before. And in that moment, she believed it: Ace could kill Arlong.
He hadn't done it to show off. He'd done it for her.
Nami hugged her knees as she sat on the deck. When footsteps approached, she didn't look up immediately.
Ace (quietly): "Couldn't sleep either?"
She hesitated, then nodded.
Nami: "I keep thinking… that maybe I made the right choice."
Ace (sitting beside her): "You did. You didn't have to trust me. But you're still here."
Nami: "I still don't like pirates. But… I don't think you're like the rest."
Ace (smiling faintly): "We're not. Luffy's different. He'll fight for what's right, no matter the odds. And me? I burn anything that tries to hurt my family."
Nami (after a pause): "Then maybe I can believe in this crew. Just a little."
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The next day,
Syrup Village came into view—a sleepy seaside town, surrounded by grassy cliffs and rolling hills, the kind of place that looked untouched by the chaos of the wider world.
The crew stood at the ship's edge, gazing at the calm shore.
Luffy: "Alright! Let's see if we can find a shipwright or at least more food."
Ace (casually): "After this we kill Arlong.I am also hungry let's eat and get a new boat here and sail for Arlong."
Before anyone could ask what he meant, a sudden shrill cry echoed over the cliffs.
Usopp (shouting): "PIRATES! PIRATES ARE ATTACKING! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!"
A lanky boy with a long nose scrambled across the hilltop, waving his arms like a madman, tripping over his own feet as he went.
As the crew disembarked, the boy stood in front of them with a stick held like a sword, shaking but determined.
Usopp: "You've made a grave mistake coming here! I have 8,000 men ready to defend this village at a moment's notice!"
Small flags rised up from the bushes totaling 6.
Zoro (deadpan): "Eight thousand, huh? Must be hiding behind those rocks and inside your imagination."
"There are only 3 people and if you had said something a little lower. People may believe but 8000 is too much." Said Nami annoyed at this idiot.
The flags after saying that dropped and the bushes moved. Three kids ran away from it.
"Hey, don't you betry me we have to protect our Village." Said Ussop scared for his life.
He raised up his slingshot and aimed at Luffy.
Luffy: "You're Yasopp's kid, right? You've got the nose for it."
Usopp blinked and dropped his slingshot.
Usopp: "Wait—how do you know my dad?"
Luffy: "He always talked about his son. Said he'd grow up to be a brave warrior of the sea. Whenever i talked with him he always told me he had a kid my age and looking at you nose. It must be you."
Usopp: "He… he really said that?"
Luffy: "Yup! So join us. You're already halfway to being a pirate."
Usopp stammered.
Usopp: "Join? I mean—I have responsibilities! People to protect! Things to do!".
"Let's talk more in a bar. I am hungry" said Ace.
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Usopp led them to a small tavern tucked away in the village.
He walked like someone who wanted to be admired but didn't quite believe he deserved it.
Usopp: "So you're really saying… you want me to join you?"
Luffy: "Yup. I would love to have Yassop's son on my crew and you look like you can be our sinper!"
Zoro: "You're good at running your mouth. Could be useful. If Captain wants you in the crew then he has seen something and if Captain says so then you should join."
Nami: "And you know the village. If something's wrong here, you'll see it before we do."
Usopp looked surprised.
Usopp: "You guys are… strange. But kind of cool. I have never had anyone talk to me like this."
Ace (sipping from his mug): "What's your dream, Usopp?"
The boy looked down for a moment, thinking.
Usopp: "I want to become a brave warrior of the sea. Like my father. Like the ones in my stories. But sometimes… it feels easier to pretend than to actually chase it."
Luffy: "Then let's stop pretending.You join us we go on adventures and you will be a brave warrior of the Sea."
Usopp: "But I have responsibilities! Kaya, the village, the kids…"
Nami (gently): "Maybe the best way to protect them is by becoming someone who can actually make a difference."
Ace (leaning forward): "And if you're afraid—good. It means you care. Real courage isn't about not being scared. It's about fighting anyway."
Usopp looked around at them—Luffy's fearless grin, Zoro's quiet strength, Nami's thoughtful eyes, and Ace's burning confidence.
Usopp (smiling nervously): "Alright. Maybe I'll stick around. See what kind of mess you lot get into."
Luffy: "YES!"
"So we need a shipe first Ussop. You know a place around here where we can get a ship" asked Ace knowing the Answer.
"A ship...? Well kaya has a Ship here and she is my friend so i can ask from her i also have to tell her that i will be leaving to complete my dream so follow me i will take you guys to her" replied Ussop pointing his finger at himself in pride.
As they walked upto her place.
Usopp (nervously): "You guys need to be on your best behavior. Kaya's not like most people… she's delicate. She's been sick for years, and I visit her every day to cheer her up."
Luffy (grinning): "We'll be nice!"
Zoro: "Speak for yourself."
Nami (elbowing Zoro): "You'll behave."
Ace (teasing): "You're warming up to us."
Nami (rolling her eyes): "Shut up."
They walked past trimmed hedges and ornate stone steps. Usopp adjusted his bandana, stood straighter, and led the way with uncharacteristic.
Just like in the orginal he lead them through a secret passage into the backwindow of kaya to meet her.
"You tell her she is your friend but you enter like a thief what's up with that?" Nami replied
"Well the people inside kinda don't like me" Ussop said rubbing his head.
He then picked up a small stone and threw it at Kaya's Window.
After a moment it opened up as a beautiful yong girl said "Ussop and-"
"Kaya these are my crewmates. I wanted to introduce you to them" said Ussop with a large smile
"Wow. You have 3 Crewmates on your crew. That's awesome Ussop" kaya said clapping her hand.
"Three.? There said be four"
Ussop, Nami and Zoro looked back to see that there was only Luffy and no sight of Ace.
(End of Chapter 8. Word count-3,063)
(Stones please)