NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 10 - Fire Fist!
Chapter 10: Fire Fist!
A nameless island…
“WHAT DID YOU SAY?!”
Garp roared, gripping Ace tightly, his voice echoing across the island.
“I said, I don’t want to be a Marine—I’m going to be a pirate!” Ace casually dug into his ear, repeating himself. “You little brat! What nonsense are you spouting?!” Garp gritted his teeth, glaring at Ace. “It’s not nonsense. I’m going to be a pirate.” Ace remained unfazed, deliberately provoking Garp. “Fine! I’ll knock that ridiculous idea out of your head! I refuse to let you become a pirate!”
Garp’s usual carefree demeanor vanished as he clenched his fists. Ace’s gaze sharpened. He had been pining for a battle against Garp, to push himself to his limits, and to activate Battle Hibernation to accelerate his growth. As his physique continued to strengthen, reaching his limits through training alone was becoming increasingly difficult. But if he fought Garp, reaching his physical limits would be effortless.
“Prepare yourself, Ace!” Garp roared, swinging his fist toward Ace.
Whoosh!
Ace’s body instantly transformed into flames, flickering away from the attack. “Already capable of this level of elementalization?” Garp’s eyes narrowed as he watched Ace’s fiery form reform in the distance. Even seasoned warriors required time to adapt after consuming a Devil Fruit. Though Garp had already explained the abilities of the Mera Mera no Mi, Ace had not only absorbed the knowledge instantly but was already using it effortlessly.
“Looks like I need to get serious. Ace, don’t think you’re untouchable just because you have a Logia-type fruit. Taste my Fist of Love!” A deep black hue spread over Garp’s fist. It was an Armament Haki.
[Fist of Love (愛の拳, Ai no Ken) – Garp’s infamous technique, often used to discipline Luffy and Ace. Despite being comedic, it is immensely powerful.]
Swish! Swish!
With a sharp burst, Garp vanished and reappeared above Ace in an instant.
Rokushiki: Soru!
[Rokushiki (六式, Six Powers) – A high-level Marine martial art that grants superhuman speed and strength. Soru (剃, Shave) – A technique within Rokushiki that allows the user to move at extreme speeds.]
Fast!
Ace’s pupils shrank as Garp appeared above him.
Whoosh!
Ace channeled the full power of the Mera Mera no Mi into his right fist, his entire arm igniting into a blazing inferno. In the next moment, Ace threw his punch forward. “Fire Fist!”
His entire right arm erupted in a torrent of flames, roaring like a dragon as it surged toward Garp. The intense heat distorted the air around it. Garp’s eyes flashed with surprise.
Such power, right after consuming the fruit? He really needs to become a Marine!
“Taste my Fist of Love, Ace!” Garp’s blackened fist remained calm and unshaken. Compared to Ace’s fiery onslaught, it seemed almost mundane. But then—
Boom! Boom! Boom!
“Argh! Old man! You’re actually hitting me for real!”
Ace’s voice echoed through the island.
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Huff! Huff!
Ace lay on the ground, panting heavily—
Every cell in his body felt utterly drained.
Meanwhile, beside a roaring fire, Garp casually prepared the fish and Sea King they had caught. “Hahaha! Ace, your powers are perfect for cooking! Hahahaha!” Garp laughed heartily at the exhausted Ace.
Tch! Just you wait, old man! Someday, I’ll send you flying!
Ace barely moved his lips. Every muscle in his body ached.
Getting hit by Haki was painful.
Ace wasn’t surprised that he lost— After all, his opponent was Garp, one of the strongest men alive. But he had achieved his goal. He could already feel Battle Hibernation activating. And this time, something told him the results would be greater than ever before.
“Oh? I’ll be looking forward to that day! Hahaha!”
Garp bellowed with laughter.
“Hmm, the food’s almost—”
Whoosh!
Before he could finish, Ace, who had been motionless just moments ago, sprang to his feet and dashed straight for the roasted Sea King. Under Garp’s stunned gaze, Ace devoured it at an inhuman speed. The massive creature was gone within seconds.
“Oi! Brat! Leave some for me!”