11: Chapter 11 Meeting EssaboSure enough, not long after Luffy and Uta returned, Garp also returned from his mission on the Grand Line.When he learned that Luffy and Uta had disappeared without a trace for several months, he severely reprimanded them.Uta was fine, only receiving a stern scolding from Garp.As for Luffy, he was in a terrible state.In addition, the guy couldn't control his mouth and kept shouting that he wanted to become a pirate, which added fuel to Garp's anger.So, for the next few days, Luffy's screams echoed throughout the village.
"Seriously, it's only been a short time since we last met, and you two have not only started running away from home, but Luffy, you brat, are even shouting that you want to be a pirate.It seems you've been seriously brainwashed by that bastard Shanks.No, I have to give you two a change of scenery for some special training." Uta obediently followed behind Garp and was being scolded, while Luffy was bruised and battered as Garp held him in his hand.Who knows how many beatings this guy has endured these past few days.
The three soon arrived at a wooden house.Not far from the house, on a rock, sat a boy with freckles on his face.Luffy saw the boy through his slit glasses and quickly recognized him as his future sworn brother, Ace.
"This is Ace.From now on, you'll live with him.Alright, you two go and say hello to him," Garp said, tossing Luffy in front of Ace.
"Yo, Luffy (Uta), nice to meet you," Luffy greeted Ace just like in the original story.
Unfortunately, Ace only gave Luffy a cold look and even spat provocatively in the direction of Luffy and Uta.Luffy nimbly dodged to the side while holding Uta's hand, and even beckoned to Ace provocatively.Ace, who was in his rebellious phase, couldn't stand this kind of attitude.He grabbed the water pipe on his back and attacked Luffy, while Luffy put down his hand holding Uta and also attacked Ace.
Although Ace is currently the strongest among the children, he is still no match for Luffy.No matter how Ace attacks, he can't even touch the hem of Luffy's clothes.Soon, Ace is panting and defeated.
Ace angrily yelled at Luffy, "Hey, you bastard, why are you just dodging instead of attacking?" His voice was full of confusion and anger.
Luffy simply shook his head.It seemed that he would have to conquer Ace with his strength to gain Ace's approval.So Luffy charged up his energy, aimed at the big rock where Ace had just sat, and took a deep breath.
"Withered wood, withered wood falls, icy pistol."
Luffy's arm suddenly extended like a spring, slamming towards Ace with tremendous force.A flash of shock crossed Ace's eyes; the boulder he had just been sitting on was instantly covered in frost by the power of this punch, before shattering.
Garp witnessed all of this, utterly shocked.His eyes widened as he muttered to himself, "This kid's pretty strong now.But wait, when did he learn to use ice powers?Didn't he eat the Paramecia-type Gum-Gum Fruit?Oh well, with this kind of strength, this kid has to join the Marines."
Ace stared at the shattered stones, still emanating a chilling aura, lost in thought.He had always believed himself to be the strongest among his peers, but Luffy's actions had plunged him into self-doubt.Meanwhile, Uta activated his ability, easily shattering a boulder after singing a single note.This only fueled Ace's self-doubt.After a deep look at Luffy and Uta, he turned and ran into the forest.Luffy didn't chase after him.This display of skill had deeply impressed Ace, and Luffy believed that the three brothers would soon meet in person.
Garp led the two to their destination—Dadan, who looked utterly unwilling.She knew perfectly well that the arrival of these two children meant her peaceful life would be disrupted, even though her life had never been peaceful since adopting Ace.
"I have no intention of adopting these two brats!" Dadan said bluntly, her eyes filled with determination.
Karp gave a benevolent smile, knowing Dadan's weakness all too well."If you don't adopt them, hmph, I can't guarantee what will happen next." His threat made Dadan's heart tighten.
Dadan gritted her teeth.Although she was very unwilling, she understood the consequences of going against Karp.In the end, she "very willingly" took in the two children, although there was still a hint of helplessness in her eyes.
"Alright, you two brats, from now on, this is your home." Dadan's tone carried a hint of compromise.
The two children looked at Dadan; they could sense her reluctance, but also her kindness and care.They bowed slightly to Dadan to express their gratitude.
And so, Garp introduced the two to Dadan.Although things didn't go smoothly at first, Dadan accepted them.After Garp left, Dadan made it clear that if they wanted to live here, they had to fend for themselves.Luffy and Uta shrugged and said it didn't matter.They used to often go hunting in the mountains and forests and then bring the food back for Machir to cook for them.
The next few days were the same as always; they rose early each morning to train.The intricate terrain of the mountains allowed Luffy to further improve his strength.After training, they began searching for prey.Luffy, relying on his keen intuition, spotted a huge tiger.Seeing that their lunch was secured, Luffy swiftly pounced on his target, while Uta cheered him on from the sidelines.In no time, Luffy had knocked the tiger down and carried it back, leaving the bandits who witnessed this in awe.
"Boss, Luffy is amazing!He defeated such a huge tiger so easily!"
"Exactly, we couldn't do it at all."
Dadan remained silent.These past few days, Luffy had been either carrying the enormous Kuma back with him.Dadan was already numb to the idea that Ace would either come back with a giant lion or something similar.After a delicious meal, Ace, who had been missing for a long time, returned and immediately said, "You two come with me, I'm taking you somewhere."
Luffy smiled slightly.It seemed he was being led to his and Sabo's secret treasure hideout.Sabo's image flashed through Luffy's mind, and he couldn't help but smile.The thought of seeing Sabo filled Luffy with immense joy.His steps were light, as if he could fly, eager to reach their destination.
Along the way, they traversed dense forests and crossed rugged mountain paths.Luffy's eyes widened as he looked around, filled with curiosity about everything.Finally, they arrived at a place hidden in a valley.Before them stood a huge tree.Ace quickly climbed up the tree and waved down.Luffy smiled slightly, hoisted Uta onto his back, stretched out his arm, and climbed up the tree as well.Ace saw this and a hint of envy flashed in his eyes.
At this moment, a boy wearing a top hat appeared in front of them and greeted them: "You must be Luffy and Uta, the ones Ace mentioned.Hello, my name is Sabo, and I'm Ace's partner." After a brief introduction, Sabo also learned the reason why Luffy and Uta possessed magical powers.
"I'm a rubber man who ate the Paramecia-type Gum-Gum Fruit, while Uta ate the Song-Song Fruit.As for why my fist was imbued with ice power that time, it's because it was a superpower I awakened myself."
Ace and Sabo exchanged bewildered glances, a look of sudden realization dawning on their faces.They seemed to finally understand something; no wonder they had displayed such formidable strength at such a young age.This discovery surprised and excited them, while also fueling their curiosity about this unknown world.In the following days, the four quickly became inseparable friends.Ace, no longer as aloof as before, gradually became more enthusiastic.Luffy generously taught them the Six Powers of the Navy, and Ace and Sabo took Luffy and his crew on various adventures, even leading them to an uncertain destination to steal all the pirate treasures hidden there.It's worth mentioning that when Uta revealed the true power of the Song-Song Fruit, the two almost wanted to acknowledge her as their elder sister.
(The author would like to clarify here that it's not that the author is moving at such a fast pace; writing about the events described here would be too lengthy, so the author is skipping this part.The next chapter will continue with Luffy's sea adventure.The author hopes everyone will continue to support the author and expresses deep gratitude.)