Chapter 4 - Reunion on Mt. Colubo
In the Foosha Village tavern, Makino and Ash chatted for hours, mostly reminiscing about the day Luffy met Shanks.
Ash shared a few fun stories from his travels, making Makino laugh warmly. Without realizing it, the sun had already set. After casually asking where Luffy was staying now, Ash said his goodbyes.
The next morning, Ash hiked up Mt. Colubo, the bandit-filled mountain that served as the hideout of the Dadan Family.
"Hmph! You two brats better get lost already!"
After some yelling, Ace and Luffy sprinted through the woods while Dadan cursed behind them, heading toward their secret base to start their daily training.
Ever since they believed Sabo had died, Ace's heart had changed. Especially after Luffy once said, "Ace isn't as kind as Sabo." From that day on, Ace had been trying to become a better older brother.
The two of them darted through the forest. As they got older, there were no longer any creatures on the mountain that could rival them. Wild beasts scattered at their presence, unwilling to become meals or fertilizer for the trees.
"Ace! Today I'm gonna beat you!"
Luffy stretched his arms, rolled his shoulders, and challenged Ace with full confidence.
"Tch, come on, Luffy. Rubber can't hurt people ┐(´-｀)┌"
Ace rolled his eyes. In his opinion, ever since Luffy ate the Gum-Gum Fruit, he'd only gotten more annoying — stretchy, clumsy, and basically a landlubber with no real edge.
"Gomu Gomu no... Pistol!"
Luffy's face tightened in determination, and his right arm snapped out, rocketing toward Ace. After years of rough training, he'd finally stopped punching himself in the face with rebounds.
Swish!
Ace leaned sideways and dodged the rubber punch, then rushed forward to close the distance.
Bang! Clang!
The two boys clashed, Ace swinging a pipe while Luffy swung rubber fists.
Meanwhile, Ash, hidden in the trees, gave a wink to his companion, Tuan Tuan — the round, cuddly creature that suddenly transformed into a raging beast.
"ROAR!!"
The deep snarl shook the leaves. Out of the brush walked a black-and-white beast with powerful steps and fierce eyes. Its jaw hung open, thick drool falling to the ground.
A panda — still a bear — not just a cute animal.
Ash smirked. "Heh… So this fat dumpling can act too, huh?"
Luffy's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Whoa! What kind of bear is that?! I wonder if it tastes good? ✧(⁰▿⁰)✧"
Tuan Tuan: (ー_ー)!! Don't look at me like food!
Before Luffy could try anything funny, Ace came from behind, pipe raised for a sneak attack. But Tuan Tuan, using Observation Haki, casually raised his claw and blocked it.
BOOM!
Ace was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing into a tree trunk.
"So strong!"
Ace got up, pumped with adrenaline. He hadn't faced a powerful beast like this in a long time. Finally — a real challenge.
"Ace! Take this! Gomu Gomu no... Pistol!"
Luffy, angered, stretched his arm and swung a powerful punch at the bear.
CRACK!
"AHHHH! That HURTS!"
Tuan Tuan didn't dodge. He activated Armament Haki, clenched his claw, and intercepted the rubber fist head-on, sending pain coursing through Luffy's arm. The rubber boy screamed.
"Luffy! Let's fight together!"
Ace recognized the truth. This bear couldn't be beaten alone. It would take teamwork.
"Yeah!"
Luffy nodded. But...
Thirty minutes later—
BANG! BANG!
Both boys were thrown back with lumps on their heads. Flat on the forest floor, they groaned and glared at Tuan Tuan.
"Ace... one day, we're getting revenge."
"There's a saying," Ash said, stepping from the trees, "Thirty years east, thirty years west. Don't bully the young."
"You trying to run away, future Pirate Kings?"
Ace stepped forward, placing himself between Ash and Luffy. "Who the hell are you?"
But Luffy's eyes widened. "Wait… Ash?! Brother?! Is it really you?!"
Luffy rubbed his eyes and squinted. His horrible memory with faces kicked in again.
Ash smiled. "Yeah. I'm back, Luffy."
Luffy practically bounced in place. "Ace! Ace! This is my brother! Ash!"
Ace looked wary, but nodded politely. "Nice to meet you. I'm Ace."
"Nice to meet you, Ace. I'm Ash. This here is my partner, Tuan Tuan."
"Hi!" The fat panda raised a paw and wobbled forward.
Luffy gasped. "Waaah! A talking bear?!"
Ash chuckled. "So, Luffy… I heard you plan to go to sea soon?"
"Yeah! I made a promise to Shanks! I'm gonna be a pirate and return his hat!"
Luffy took off his straw hat and held it carefully, eyes full of nostalgia and purpose.
"The world out there is dangerous," Ash said seriously. "With your strength now, you couldn't even beat Tuan Tuan. You'd die in days. Why not just join the Marines with Gramps?"
The air instantly grew heavy. Both boys looked down.
Then Luffy said, his voice stubborn and eyes blazing, "Even if I die — I'll become Pirate King!"
Ace stepped up. "I want to get stronger. I want to learn that move — the one that hurt Luffy!"
"I'll become a great pirate!"
Ash grinned.
"Alright. If that's what you've decided… I'll teach you."
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🌀 SYSTEM NOTIFICATION 🌀
[Main Quest Updated]
Quest Title:
🗡 Raise the Brothers of D. 🗡
Objective:
Train Portgas D. Ace and Monkey D. Luffy in Haki and combat until they are strong enough to survive the Grand Line.
Reward:
⚡ Strength Boost (Small)
⚡ Affection from Luffy +10
⚡ Brotherhood Bond Strengthened
⚡ Unlock: "Ash's Pirate Legacy" Subplot
Failure Penalty:
⚠️ Loss of family bond.
⚠️ Variable timeline collapse risk.
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To be continued…