[TL/N: Read my new work - Anime Group Chat in a Doomsday World!]
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"Buzz!"
A radiant sphere of light emerged from Nami's hand, floating gently toward Luffy.
"This... this power is..."
Luffy's eyes widened as the orb hovered before him.
"Ace's!"
Though it had been years since he last saw Ace, the energy emanating from the light ball was unmistakable. It was a power Luffy recognized immediately—something deeply familiar, tied to countless memories of his brother.
Among the three sworn brothers—Luffy, Ace, and Sabo—it was Ace with whom Luffy shared the deepest bond.
Sabo had disappeared shortly after their brotherhood was forged, a tragedy that left its mark on all three. While their connection remained unshaken and even grew stronger in spirit, the time Luffy spent with Ace cemented an unparalleled closeness.
To Luffy, Ace was more than a brother; he was a constant in his life, a guide, and a source of strength. From the moment Garp had left him in Dadan's care, Luffy had been by Ace's side, sharing his laughter, struggles, and dreams until the day Ace set sail.
Now, this light was unmistakably Ace's essence.
"Take it," Nami said, her voice carrying both warmth and gravity. "This is the power Ace entrusted to you—the Enlightenment Light Ball.
"Ace said he'd wait for you in the New World. Don't let him down, Monkey D. Luffy."
Her gaze was firm, the weight of Ace's words evident in her tone.
This light ball wasn't ordinary—it wasn't like the ones Ace had gifted to allies such as Katakuri or other territories under his protection. Those could be created at will with minimal effort, fueled by Ace's Nika power and periodically recharged.
This, however, was different.
The Enlightenment Light Ball in front of Luffy had taken Ace nearly a year to create. It wasn't just an object; it was a manifestation of Ace's Realm of Comprehension, brought into being through the transformative power of Nika—the ability to shape creation itself.
Within its range, the Enlightenment Light Ball granted a profound boost in understanding and potential. Its effect depended on the amount of Nika energy infused into it—and Ace had poured a staggering amount of his power into this one.
The process had been painstaking.
The Nika power, much like Haki or Devil Fruit abilities, demanded immense physical and mental strength to wield. Its integration with Haki made it even more taxing. Despite being a Logia user and capable of restoring physical strength through the awakened power of his Mera Mera no Mi, Ace still needed time to recover mentally.
Balancing the risks of exhaustion and vulnerability to the World Government's plans, especially those of Imu, Ace had taken no chances. Even against titans like Kaido and Big Mom, he had never consumed as much energy as he did while creating this light ball.
Nami had seen Ace endure unimaginable strain to craft this gift. Each time, he left a portion of his strength in reserve, wary of potential threats. Over the course of a year, Ace painstakingly imbued the light ball with power, never allowing himself to collapse from overexertion.
This act alone spoke volumes about how much Ace valued Luffy.
And so, Nami couldn't help but look at Luffy with both pride and seriousness.
"Don't let Ace down," she said again, her voice unwavering.
"Ace… you've been watching me this whole time," Luffy murmured, a wide, slightly goofy grin spreading across his face. Yet, in that moment, his smile radiated a brilliance that could outshine the light in front of him.
"Of course! I'm Ace's brother! I'll become his right hand—and the man who becomes Pirate King!"
With unwavering resolve, Luffy reached out and seized the light ball.
"Boom! Boom!"
The moment Luffy touched the Enlightenment Light Ball, his heartbeat quickened, reverberating with a strange, almost otherworldly rhythm.
The light ball pulsed in response, like a beating heart, its rhythm synchronizing perfectly with Luffy's.
"Something… something's happening!" Luffy shouted, clutching his chest as the sensation overwhelmed him.
"Buzz!"
A wave of energy erupted from the light ball, radiating outward as if the very air itself was alive with Ace's essence.
The next moment unfolded in astonishment.
In the disbelieving eyes of Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp,
and under the widened, trembling gazes of Nami and Tashigi,
Luffy's body began to transform.
A gasp rippled through the air.
As if painted by an unseen hand, Luffy's body turned pure white.
His clothes, hair, and even eyebrows were drained of their color,
leaving him gleaming like a living statue of light.
Behind him, a ribbon-like flame materialized, burning gently yet fiercely.
It was white as snow, embodying the mythical flame clouds of the awakened Nika's power.
"This... This is..."
Tashigi's voice trembled as her gaze fixed on Luffy, her lips slightly parted in shock.
His form now mirrored an unforgettable sight: the same transformation Ace had undergone
when he defeated Kaido and Charlotte Linlin—
the Sun God Nika Form!
However, there was a key difference.
While Ace's transformation radiated fiery reds,
Luffy's colorless form glowed with an otherworldly, pristine white.
"So that's why..." Nami murmured, her lips pressed tightly together.
Her mind pieced it all together.
"That's why Ace went to such lengths to help Luffy awaken his Devil Fruit ability."
The truth was undeniable.
Monkey D. Luffy, Ace's younger brother, had consumed one of the most powerful Devil Fruits in existence:
the Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Beast—Nika Form,
the power of the liberation warrior,
an ability dormant for eight hundred years.
Nami and the others were already aware of this extraordinary fruit.
Ace's own Nika power had originally been born from his brother, Luffy.
Although Ace's mastery of Nika now existed independently,
he had used his abilities to pave the way for Luffy's awakening.
Through sheer force of will and near-godlike power,
Ace had created a light orb of enlightenment, channeling his Nika energy.
This orb acted as a catalyst, reigniting the slumbering Human-Human Fruit powers within Luffy.
Ace had spent nearly a year constructing this enlightenment field to ensure his brother's awakening.
Now, after centuries of dormancy, the fruit's full potential had been unleashed!
Luffy's stunned voice broke the silence.
"This... This is...!"
He looked at his glowing white form in disbelief,
his mind flooded with instincts and techniques he had never known.
It felt as though the boundaries of possibility had vanished.
"Luffy, how does it feel?"
A familiar voice rang out, startling him.
"Ace?!"
Luffy's gaze shot upward, and the air itself seemed to ripple.
An atmospheric screen shimmered into view,
revealing Ace's face, his expression calm and knowing.
"Ace! It's really you!" Luffy exclaimed in surprise, his voice carrying both joy and confusion.
"What's happening to me? What is this form?"
Ace's lips curved into a faint smile.
"You'll understand when you see me in person."
Though Ace's tone was gentle, there was a firmness in his words.
He watched his younger brother's transformation with quiet satisfaction.
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The Legacy of the Mythical Beast-Nika Form
The power of Mythical Beast Devil Fruits was unique, containing their own will.
The Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Beast—Nika Form was even more extraordinary.
Its elusive nature had thwarted the World Government's search for centuries.
In the original timeline, Luffy's awakening occurred at the brink of death during his battle with Kaido.
He had been so grievously wounded that even Observation Haki could no longer sense his heartbeat.
But then, the Nika Form awakened.
The drums of liberation echoed, replacing Luffy's heartbeat and reviving him with newfound power.
Yet, this miraculous resurrection came with a price.
Ace suspected that the constant laughter Luffy exhibited in that form
stemmed from the deep influence of the fruit's will.
Though Luffy remained himself,
Ace couldn't risk any hidden dangers lingering in his brother's transformation.
Joy Boy's legacy was powerful, but it held secrets Ace was unwilling to overlook.
Unlike the power within Luffy, Ace's Nika abilities were completely his own—
free of external influence.
Ace wouldn't allow his brother to be a pawn to anyone,
not even to the will of a fruit or a hero long gone.
Luffy was Ace's stupid brother—not some Joy Boy.
This was why Ace had gone to such lengths to strengthen Nika's power within the enlightenment ball. He ensured there would be no accidents during Luffy's awakening. Now, the results were clear: Luffy had successfully awakened the Nika form without succumbing to uncontrollable laughter or losing himself in the fruit's will.
"To you? I will!"
Luffy nodded firmly, his voice earnest.
Ace studied his brother with a knowing expression. "Good, but this power is still too early for you. What you need to do now is grow stronger—physically and mentally—until you can wield it freely."
Ace gestured toward Luffy, whose radiant Nika form began to fade as the enlightenment light orb flickered briefly before stilling entirely.
In an instant, Luffy returned to his normal state.
His current strength simply couldn't sustain the Nika form without external support. After all, any Devil Fruit power, no matter how extraordinary, required the user's body and spirit to act as its foundation. Without the light orb's energy, Luffy couldn't maintain the transformation.
"I get it," Luffy replied, his confidence unwavering.
He trusted Ace's words completely.
Ace's gaze shifted to the crew surrounding his brother. His lips curled into a soft smile as he addressed one of them.
"It's been a while, Usopp."
Usopp's eyes widened. "Ah, Ace! It really has!"
Though excited, Usopp hesitated, clearly aware of Ace's current status and reputation. His enthusiasm was tempered by nervousness.
Ace chuckled, his eyes warm. "You've grown into a fine man of the sea, Usopp."
"Ha-ha! Of course I have! I'm the legendary Captain Usopp with 80,000 subordinates!"
The declaration burst out before Usopp could stop himself.
Ace raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching with amusement. "Didn't you say 8,000 last time? When did it become 80,000?"
"Isn't it said you have 100,000 men under you, Ace? I've got to keep up!"
Usopp scratched the back of his head, his face flushing with embarrassment.
Ace roared with laughter, his carefree demeanor momentarily easing the tension.
Sanji's cigarette nearly fell from his lips. "Is that really Entei—Portgas D. Ace? The pirate who stands toe-to-toe with the World Government?"
Zoro crossed his arms, his expression serious. "And he's Luffy's brother?"
Ace turned his attention to Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp, his tone warm but sincere. "My stupid brother must have caused you a lot of trouble. I trust you to keep looking out for him."
Zoro and Sanji stiffened, their hands raising in automatic refusal. "No, no! Not at all!" they protested in unison.
But inwardly, they were floored. He's asking us to take care of Luffy so politely?!
This was the same man who could battle the World Government to a standstill, yet he spoke with such humility.
The two exchanged a look, their faces grim. How was someone like Ace related to the perpetually reckless Luffy?
Luffy, oblivious to their thoughts, grinned wide. "My crew is the strongest! You'll see!"
Ace returned the grin. "I believe it. Now, set sail, Luffy."
Ace glanced at Nami. "Clear the way for my brother."
Nami smirked, her lips curling confidently. "Understood."
Turning her gaze to Luffy, she added with a playful tone, "Then go ahead, Luffy."
"Oh! Thanks, Nami!" Luffy beamed.
Nami's smile sharpened, her voice dropping with mock sweetness. "No, no. You call me sister-in-law."
Luffy froze. "S-Sister-in-law?!"
Nami's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing dangerously. The next moment, the air itself seemed to tremble.
"Boom!!!"
A wave of Conqueror's Haki exploded from her. In an instant, the remaining Marines stationed in the distance collapsed, their eyes rolling back as they fell unconscious. Even if a Vice Admiral had been present, they wouldn't have remained standing.
This was the overwhelming power of Nami, second-in-command of the Entei Pirates.
Luffy swallowed nervously, his voice barely above a whisper. "Y-Yes, sister-in-law..."
Nami's demeanor softened, her radiant smile returning. "Good. Now, set sail."
Despite his earlier apprehension, Luffy couldn't help but smile brightly. "Thanks, sister-in-law!"
Ace watched the exchange, chuckling softly. His brother was in good hands.