One Piece - Heaven Defying Comprehension!

Aokiji looked at Ace and slowly let out a breath.

"The world you speak of is indeed desirable. Without your unique power, though, achieving it might seem like a dream. But I also want to work toward a better world in my own way. Breaking the existing order comes with a heavy price. You might say I'm not bold enough for you, but this is my way, the way of my justice," Aokiji said solemnly.

Though he longed for the world Ace envisioned, Aokiji knew that without Ace's extraordinary abilities, creating a world with seemingly limitless resources was impossible. However, Aokiji believed that reshaping the world would require breaking the current order. Before there can be rebirth, there must be destruction. To achieve lasting peace and beauty, a global war might have to be waged first.

Ace and the Entei Pirates were preparing for such a war—a war to completely overthrow the World Government and crown Ace as its true ruler. But the consequences of such a conflict would be massive. Once the world order is shattered, no one can predict what the future will look like. This uncertainty made Aokiji hesitant.

He preferred a more stable path: becoming the Marine Fleet Admiral, leading the Marines in a transformation that would end the age of piracy. While Ace envisioned a world with endless resources, Aokiji was willing to rely on the research of scientists like Vegapunk. It might take longer, and they may never fully realize Ace's utopia, but it was still a way forward. Even if they fell short of Ace's dream, the world would still be much improved, with fewer people suffering from hunger.

"I wouldn't say you're not bold enough, Kuzan," Ace responded with a laugh. "It's just a matter of personal choice. The position of captain of the Entei Pirates' Grand Fleet is always open for you."

Kuzan's words didn't surprise Ace. For someone like him, who had climbed to the top of the world with his Ice-Ice Fruit abilities and mastery of Haki, it was unrealistic to expect him to join Ace's cause just based on words and a dream. Ace's invitation today was merely planting a seed.

After all, it was nearly impossible for Aokiji to become the Marine Fleet Admiral and single-handedly reform the Marines. The World Government's Five Elders wouldn't allow it, and they favored Akainu to take that position. Even with support from Sengoku and dove factions, Aokiji's bid to become Fleet Admiral was bound to fail, just like in the original timeline. When that time came, Aokiji would remember Ace's invitation.

"What an intriguing man you are, Ace," Aokiji remarked. "If only you were a Marine."

He then cast a sharp look at Garp. "Garp-san, how did it come to this? Your son, Dragon, went from being a promising Marine to leading the Revolutionary Army. And now your adopted grandson, Ace, is an even greater pirate than Dragon. Not to mention your biological grandson, Luffy, who also dreams of becoming Pirate King. For someone like Ace to consider him a brother... it speaks volumes."

Aokiji sighed. Despite Garp raising such talented individuals, they all turned their backs on the Marines, standing against the very organization he served. Especially Ace—if he had become a Marine, Aokiji would have wholeheartedly supported him to become the next Marine Fleet Admiral. With Ace's powers, he could have led the Marines to end the era of piracy and create the better world Aokiji hoped for, perhaps even in a peaceful way.

As this thought crossed his mind, Aokiji looked at Garp with renewed intensity.

"The weather sure is nice today," Garp suddenly remarked, trying to act casual as he stuffed his face with donuts. He realized why Aokiji was staring at him so intently and awkwardly whistled, pretending to admire the scenery.

"Your act is too obvious, Garp-san," Aokiji said, exposing him with a smirk.

"Have I been found out?" Garp replied, feigning surprise.

Everyone burst into laughter at Garp's antics. No one expected the legendary Marine hero, Monkey D. Garp, to be such a laid-back and humorous person.

"Anyway, thank you, Ace," Aokiji said seriously. "You've given me a goal truly worth fighting for. I will become the Fleet Admiral and work towards a world where everyone has enough to eat, and where banquets are a common sight. But make no mistake—when I do become Admiral, I'll still use all my strength to hunt you down."

Aokiji's typically icy expression softened into a rare smile as he laughed with Ace.

"Kuzan..." Garp muttered, watching Aokiji closely. There was no sign of the usual laziness on his face. It seemed that Ace's vision had reignited Aokiji's spirit, the very spirit Garp and Sengoku always believed made him the best candidate to lead the Marines.

Though Aokiji's sense of justice had grown more relaxed after the Ohara incident, now it appeared Ace's vision for the future had stirred something in him again. Garp couldn't help but think, Sengoku, our time is ending. A new era is coming.

"Let's see who's right in the end, Kuzan," Ace said with a confident smile. "But I'm sure that one day you'll be the captain of my Entei Pirates' fleet. Don't forget, my Observation Haki allows me to see the future."

Ace's words were bold, but Aokiji merely smiled.

"Let's see who's right between us. If my way fails, perhaps I'll join your crew after all," Aokiji replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"But for now, let's put that topic aside. The most important thing is..." Ace said, suddenly serious.

Everyone, from the girls to Aokiji and the other guests—Iceburg, Granny Kokoro, Oimo, Kashii and the members of the Franky Family—all held their breath, waiting for Ace's next words.

Was Ace about to say something even more world-shaking than his earlier remarks?

"I'm still hungry! Let's have a party!" Ace declared, raising his cup of wine and biting into a piece of barbecue prepared by Raki.

"When you're hungry, you have to eat!" Ace laughed heartily.

The girls smiled, raising their cups with him, and laughter spread across their faces as the mood shifted back to celebration.

"Hahaha, you're right, when you're hungry, you have to eat!"

Aokiji laughed heartily, holding a slice of pizza in his left hand and a glass of wine in his right.

"Hahaha, Ace, you're absolutely right! When you're hungry, you've got to eat! Hahaha!"

Garp joined in, laughing as he juggled a donut in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, his booming laughter filling the air.

"Oh, come on, eat up! This food is fantastic, a perfect feast! Hahaha!" The two giants, Oimo and Kashii, echoed the laughter.

"Hehehe! When you're hungry, you eat," giggled Chimney, happily munching on snacks that Raki had prepared for her, smiling at Granny Kokoro.

"Hahaha." Granny Kokoro chuckled, tilting her head back in amusement.

"You're right, when hunger strikes, there's nothing else to do but eat!"

Laughter spread through the banquet as Iceburg and the rest of the attendees beamed, enjoying the food in their hands.

On these seas, when hunger sets in, what could possibly be more important than a meal? 

The feast continued for three days.

During the festivities, Franky, who had purchased a portion of the legendary Adam Wood, returned to Water 7. Upon witnessing the grand banquet and hearing Ace's words from his comrades and Iceburg, he burst into laughter, his eyes alight with determination.

To Franky, it was a true honor to rebuild a ship for such a man.

After the banquet, Franky, Iceburg, and Merry, under the guiding aura of Ace's Realm of Comprehension, teamed up to begin the transformation of the Merry. Iceburg, too, was eager to contribute to a cause this grand.

With their combined efforts, a brand-new Going Merry was born!

"Amazing!" Kaya exclaimed as she marveled at the revamped ship, awe gleaming in her eyes. 

The other girls were equally astonished at the ship's transformation.

"Hahaha! It's thanks to the ability of Ace and the cooperation of the world's number one ship spirit, Merry, that we've built this super pirate ship!" Franky laughed triumphantly.

"Even our late master, Tom, couldn't have built something this incredible," Iceburg smiled, nodding in admiration. His gaze turned to Going Merry, full of wonder.

Thanks to Ace's Realm of Comprehension and the ship spirit within, the Going Merry had become the greatest vessel in the world!

"Hahaha, it's truly impressive," Ace remarked as he surveyed the new Going Merry with a grin.

Before them stood a massive red sailing ship, flames seemingly flickering along its length. It was several times larger than the original Going Merry, dominating the sea with its grandeur.

The gentle lamb figurehead had been replaced by the pirate emblem of the Entei Pirates, complemented by flame-like decorations stretching along the ship's extended hull. When sailing, the ship appeared to blaze with real fire in the wind.

The deck still housed an orange grove, only now much larger. The space had been expanded into four levels!

The first deck housed Ace's enormous quarters, featuring a spacious bed and an aquarium filled with vibrant fish. It also had an energy chamber, designed by Iceburg to utilize the Thunder Fruit's power for charging, enabling the ship to take flight, like the wind-powered system of the future Sunny, but faster.

This "Thunder Jet" mode could unleash a charged attack as well, a devastating "electromagnetic cannon" that rivaled even the mightiest of weapons.

The second deck held luxurious rooms for Nami and the others, along with a kitchen for Raki and a training room for Kaya and the girls. It even had a tank where live fish could be stored and fished directly for meals.

On the third deck were a luxurious bathroom and dedicated study for Kaya's medical research, Robin's historical work, Nami's navigation logs, and Raki's cooking notes. The latest medical and measuring instruments adorned the rooms, making them functional and state-of-the-art.

Below the main deck lay a banquet hall, as well as storage for food, medicine, and ammunition, turning the Going Merry into a fully upgraded vessel in every sense.

"Merry, you've undergone an extraordinary transformation," Iceburg smiled, his admiration clear as he looked at the ship. "Expanding the original hull by this much—only you could pull that off."

Ace gently touched Merry's figurehead. "Merry's not just any ship. She's the best."

"Yeah, Ace! After this upgrade, I can take you anywhere across the world!" Merry chirped, wielding a small hammer, now emblazoned with the Entei Pirates' crest.

"The Entei Pirates and the new Going Merry are setting sail!" Ace stepped aboard and laughed joyously.

"Yeah!" The girls raised their hands, cheering in response.

Nami took the helm, assisted by Vivi, Raki, and Tashigi, while Conis played music, and Robin's hair fluttered gently in the wind as she pushed back her locks.

The brand-new Going Merry set sail, cutting through the waves.

"What a remarkable man, Portgas D. Ace," Iceburg sighed as he watched the ship disappear into the horizon.

"Hahaha, I'll be waiting right here," Franky chuckled. "Ace's brother, the one who, like Ace, says 'When you're hungry, you eat'—I've got to see what kind of guy he is. And I want to see if my craftsmanship is worthy of him."

"Aren't you worried about being chased by the Marines? After all, you were involved in the Enies Lobby incident," Iceburg asked, raising an eyebrow.

"What's to worry about? I've got this!" Franky proudly held up the Entei Pirates' flag.

Iceburg chuckled. "Fair point."

"Ah la la, mission failed. Time to head back to headquarters," Aokiji said, watching the Going Merry sail away, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

"Hahaha, you've got some spirit now, Kuzan," Garp laughed, noticing that Aokiji, for once, wasn't lounging lazily. Instead, he was ready to head back.

"I've found the true justice in my heart again. I'm not lost anymore," Aokiji said, a renewed sense of purpose in his voice as he gazed at the fading ship.

"Hahaha, then let's head back to headquarters." Garp stretched with a sly grin. "But Kuzan, I'll let you go alone. I'm on vacation! Heading to East Blue to visit my grandson, Luffy. Time to teach him how to be an outstanding marine!"

Aokiji twitched slightly. "What?"

Garp smirked mischievously, leaving Aokiji to face the consequences alone for the failed mission to recruit Ace into the Shichibukai.