One Piece: Waves of Destiny

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Big Mom's agonized screams echoed across the battlefield, cutting through the tense silence like a blade. Moments later, her massive form collapsed to the ground, unconscious from her severe injuries.

With Big Mom incapacitated, Katakuri swiftly assumed command. "Brûlée , open the Mirro-World! We're retreating immediately!" he ordered, his voice carrying the urgency of their dire situation.

Brûlée , having consumed the Mira Mira Fruit, summoned her ability. Reflective portals shimmered into existence, providing a safe haven for the crew to escape—a sanctuary only Brûlée could grant access to.

The chaos around them didn't go unnoticed. Among the VIP guests, shock and indignation spread like wildfire.

"Are they seriously abandoning us after dragging us into this?!"

"This was supposed to be their grand tea party, and now they're fleeing like cowards!"

"I guess the reign of the Four Emperors has shifted. Zero has taken the Doven."

"Survival's their priority now. Once you're beaten like this, protecting your life is all that matters."

"This is a disaster they brought upon themselves. Their arrogance was their undoing."

Realizing the perilous state of the island, the guests hurried to find their own escape routes, murmuring in dismay as the Big Mom Pirates retreated.

From above, Roja descended with Portgas D.Ace in tow. They landed amidst the chaos, but Roja paid no heed to the commotion. His focus was elsewhere. Without a word, he turned toward Noah's Ark, preparing to leave.

Portgas D.Ace, struggling to keep up through his injuries, called out, "Wait! Zero, wait!" His voice carried desperation as he stumbled after Roja.

Roja didn't stop, his back to Portgas D.Ace. His indifference only spurred Portgas D.Ace further. "Zero! Please let me join your organization!" Portgas D.Ace shouted, his voice firm despite his exhaustion. "I want to grow stronger! I want to prove that the seas we hail from are just as powerful as the Grand Line!"

Roja's response was cutting. "Rejected. You're too weak."

The words hit Portgas D.Ace like a thunderclap. He clenched his fists, frustration and determination warring within him. "Weak?!" he thought. Despite his lineage as the son of Gol D. Roger and his incredible natural talent, Portgas D.Ace carried a burden he hadn't fully confronted—his refusal to accept the legacy of the Pirate King. The King's Haki he inherited, used only once in his youth to save his brother Luffy, remained dormant. He feared the power, believing it to be a curse tied to his father.

But now, those fears burned away under Roja's scorn. Portgas D.Ace's voice cracked with anger and determination. "Please, Zero! I need to be stronger. I want to protect the people I care about. I want to make a name for myself on these seas!"

Roja paused mid-step. He turned, his cloaked figure imposing as he regarded Portgas D.Ace, unable to read Roja's expression beneath the hood, felt his heart pounding in anticipation and unease.

"You have potential. Strong potential," Roja admitted, his voice calm yet piercing. Portgas D.Ace's heart leapt at the words, but before he could reply, Roja's tone turned cold. "But potential means nothing if you refuse to embrace it. You're denying your true strength, aren't you? Son of Gol D. Roger."

The words hit harder than any punch. Time seemed to freeze as Portgas D.Ace's breath caught in his throat. "How… how do you know that?!" he stammered, his voice shaky with shock.

Roja's piercing gaze felt like it could see through Portgas D.Ace's soul. "I know far more than you think," he replied cryptically. "Your brothers, Luffy and Sabo—they're part of your journey too, aren't they?"

Portgas D.Ace's mind raced. How could this man, this enigmatic figure, know so much about his life? The mere thought of the organization's intelligence network sent chills down his spine. "If you want to protect them, if you truly want to become stronger, stop denying yourself. Embrace the power that runs through your veins. The power to protect."

Roja's words left Portgas D.Ace trembling. He gritted his teeth, fists clenched tightly as Roja turned away once more, seemingly uninterested in Portgas D.Ace's answer. But then, something changed.

A sudden surge of Conqueror's Haki erupted from Portgas D.Ace, rippling through the air like a tidal wave. He stepped forward, voice steady and resolute. "Zero, let me join you. I'll accept everything—my power, my heritage—if it means I can protect the ones I care about!"

Roja stopped again, his lips curving into a faint smile beneath his hood. "You've resolved your inner conflict. Good. Welcome to the team," he said, his voice steady yet approving. "But don't get cocky. Training under me isn't easy."

Portgas D.Ace beamed, his fists still trembling with excitement. "No matter how tough it is, I'll endure it. I'll become stronger!"

With a swift activation of his power, Roja summoned Noah's Ark. As the colossal airship lifted into the sky, Portgas D.Ace found himself floating alongside it. He looked around, awestruck by the sensation of flight.

"This is incredible!" Portgas D.Ace exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with wonder. "Flying on a ship… Zero, what's the name of our organization?"

Roja's lips curled into a cryptic smile as he answered, "The name is Morning Bird."

"Morning Bird?" Portgas D.Ace repeated, confused by the peculiar name.

Roja explained, "The morning bird is the Dove. Many see it as an omen of death, but they don't understand its true nature. Doves are the most loyal and selfless of birds. They symbolize peace—the guardians of life."

Portgas D.Ace's eyes widened with realization. As Noah's Ark ascended higher into the vast blue sky, his determination burned brighter than ever. For the first time, he felt the freedom of the open sky—freedom to pursue his dreams and protect what he held dear.

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