Chapter 416 In the Shadows
Ace was a child severely lacking love. Brett was very certain of this.
Though both orphans, Brett's own experiences had been even more miserable. After all, Ace had Vice Admiral Garp adopt him, plus met sworn brothers like Sabo and Luffy.
Even Dadan—his foster mother—was a tough-talking, soft-hearted woman who loved him immensely.
Yet he still lacked affection.
Who knew what Hero Garp was thinking—telling Ace his origins when the boy was very young.
Thus, Ace—growing up hearing people curse the Pirate King—naturally shouldered tremendous sin.
Though constantly saying he aimed to become Pirate King, Ace had actually always doubted—should the Pirate King's child truly exist in this world?
Should evil bloodline truly continue?
This seemingly carefree, easygoing youth actually possessed very delicate thoughts.
"Sounds like you really hate Roger?" Brett felt he needed to guest-star as a spiritual mentor, rescuing this wayward youth.
"Who cares about that guy?!"
Ace said disdainfully. "Would you have opinions about someone you've never met?"
"I see."
Brett nodded. "Then let me share my views on Roger."
"Roger opened the Great Pirate Era's curtain. Honestly, this once brought tremendous disaster to Fish-Man Island. Countless pirates flooded this island. That history is our entire Fish-Man Island's blood and tears. I think I'm most qualified to condemn that man."
That was a history all Fish-Man Island people didn't want to recall.
Could hear Ace's feelings had grown somewhat complex. Believed countless people had repeated similar words before him countless times.
Brett continued. "From this perspective, he's indeed a great sinner."
"However—" He paused. "Everything can't be viewed one-sidedly."
"The Great Pirate Era brought deep disaster to this world. But from another perspective, it also greatly shook the World Government's rule. Secrets hidden eight hundred years are gradually being revealed."
Without Roger opening the Great Pirate Era's curtain, who knew how many years before someone could gather four stones to reach the final island?
Who knew when someone would find Ancient Weapons to war with the Government?
From this perspective, the Great Pirate Era also held tremendous significance.
"He's a remarkable person." Brett said seriously.
Call him evil, call him great. At least—he was indeed remarkable.
Ace just felt somewhat bewildered.
He was just a pirate. Didn't really understand the relationship between World Government and the seas. Not interested in that blank history either.
"Anyway, no need to hastily reject. First try understanding."
Brett smiled. "Many people in this world understand Roger well. You can try learning about him."
Ace fell silent.
"Alright, alright—nothing more to say. Go rest well. Oh, keep today's conversation secret."
Brett waved, signaling Ace could scram. "While injuries haven't healed, tour Fish-Man Island properly. Have Hyouzou find guides."
"After healing, come find me. I'll teach you how to master Haki usage."
This Ace kid relied too much on his ability.
Ace left Brett's office in a daze.
Even following Hyouzou back to his rest room, he still hadn't quite recovered.
On the road, he instinctively turned to look out the window. Outside—Fish-Man Island showed prosperous scenery.
The man who'd personally created this prosperity advised him to learn more about that bastard...
Should he try?
Ace fell into silence.
"Let's go, kid. I'll take you to see your beloved companions."
Hyouzou leading ahead said.
Hearing about companions, Ace's melancholy immediately vanished. His mood instantly soared.
"Okay!"
Soon Ace saw his dearest companions. A group all wrapped in bandages instantly embraced together.
"Ace! You're safe too!"
"So what's happening now? Why did that Brett guy let us off?"
"Right! Though felt like dying then, waking up now—body's completely fine?"
"Well—"
Surrounded by companions, Ace scratched his head through bandages. "Anyway, that Brett guy means us no harm."
Without much hesitation, didn't reveal much from his conversation with Brett. Just said, "He just wanted us to understand the New World's cruelty early."
"Also said after our injuries heal, he'll teach us how to use Haki."
"Huh?"
Deuce—also wrapped in thick bandages—said bewilderedly. "Why?"
Incomprehensible.
Why was the Deep Sea Emperor so kind to them?
Even teaching them to use Haki.
"Well—"
Ace just dry-laughed. Said nothing more.
Deuce glanced at him, knowing this captain probably had something he couldn't reveal. Didn't continue asking. He grinned. "Anyway, this time we really latched onto strong backing, right?"
"That's the Deep Sea Emperor!" Skull also felt extremely excited.
Ace sighed. "Anyway, heal properly first."
Because of that bastard father's favor—this encounter.
The man called emperor—even personally teaching them.
Good or bad?
Ace couldn't tell anymore.
However, soon he stopped considering such boring matters. Hyouzou found them a guide, leading them sightseeing across Fish-Man Island.
This island's beautiful scenery completely drew their attention. Who'd consider troublesome matters?
However, the enthusiastic tourists didn't notice—occasionally a tail followed behind them.
In some deep sea outside Fish-Man Island, someone was calling.
"Confirmed. Indeed the Spade Pirates. Fire Fist Ace has already established some connection with Brett."
"Fish-Man Tom's location not yet identified. But probably deep in the Sea Forest. Seems a major project underway there. As for Dyna Stones—no clues."
"However, while searching the deep sea, we discovered something interesting."
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