Navigation: The Intuition is Against Heaven, and the Deduction of the Start is a Cremation

Chapter 17: Luffy, the Walking Experience Booster!

｢Your unparalleled instincts have granted you insight into counterforce! Your Conqueror’s Haki has levelled up!｣

As these words surfaced in his mind, Ace’s eyes gleamed with excitement. As expected of the main character in the original story—Luffy had actually managed to enhance his Conqueror’s Haki.

During his past training sessions with Garp, Ace had naturally awakened both Armament Haki and Observation Haki. Later, during a spar with Sabo, he discovered something peculiar—when he used Haki-infused attacks against Sabo, his Armament Haki would grow stronger. This, of course, was a direct result of his unparalleled aptitude, which allowed him to harness the recoil force generated from striking a worthy opponent.

Since then, Ace had tested this method in the Grey Terminal, taking on all kinds of petty thugs—but those fights had been a complete waste of time. Even the Dadan Family had been thoroughly beaten with his Haki-infused fists, yet he had gained nothing from them. Through constant refinement of his technique, Ace concluded that only individuals with exceptional talent could trigger his Haki’s enhancement when struck.

Naturally, the effect also depended on the strength of the target. After pummelling Sabo for five days straight, Ace had reached a bottleneck in his training. However, once Sabo underwent rigorous physical training and grew significantly stronger, Ace was able to resume using him to sharpen his Armament Haki. And so, Ace had been eagerly awaiting Luffy’s arrival. True to his expectations, Luffy did not disappoint. Not only had he withstood the attack, but he had enhanced Ace’s Conqueror’s Haki as well.

For Ace, physical strength could be improved through combat breathing techniques and total absorption training, which in turn amplified the powers of the Flame-Flame Fruit3. As for Armament Haki and Observation Haki, they could be cultivated either through sparring against talented individuals or through sheer repetition—his supreme comprehension ability ensured steady progress.

But Conqueror’s Haki was different. Unlike the other two, Conqueror’s Haki could only be strengthened through the growth of one’s ambition and presence. The best way to achieve this was by defeating powerful warriors across the Grand Line—challenging strong foes would naturally sharpen his dominance. Unfortunately, Ace was not yet ready to set sail. But now, none of that mattered. Luffy—somehow—was able to enhance his Conqueror’s Haki. Ace’s pupils flickered red, his anticipation reaching new heights.

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“Ow! That hurts! It feels just like Grandpa’s punches!” Luffy clutched his head, wailing in pain. “No, wait—it’s worse than Grandpa’s punches! But how?! I’m made of rubber! I ate the Gum-Gum Fruit! This shouldn’t hurt!”

His confused ramblings were met with Ace’s knowing smirk. Ace had expected this reaction. After all, no matter how insane Garp was, he wouldn’t have gone so far as to coat his fists in Conqueror’s Haki when hitting Luffy. Ordinary Armament Haki was one thing. Conqueror’s Haki infusion was on an entirely different level.

“Gum-Gum Fruit?”

Sabo frowned, his expression one of pure disbelief.

“Wait—you’re telling me this guy ate a Devil Fruit too? But… he’s so weak.” Compared to Luffy’s seemingly useless fruit, Ace’s Flame-Flame Fruit was practically a natural disaster. “Huh?! Ace, you ate a Devil Fruit too?” Luffy’s eyes widened in shock. Then, in the next instant, his expression morphed into pure joy. Finally! Finally! I am not the only one with a Devil Fruit ability!

“That’s right! Ace ate the Flame-Flame Fruit and became a Flame Human! He’s way stronger than you and your silly little rubber powers.” Sabo declared with pride. “Whoa! A Flame Human?! That’s amazing! But… why are you so proud, Sabo?” Luffy gawked at Sabo, genuinely puzzled. “Shut up!” Sabo snarled, baring his teeth in irritation.

“Enough about Devil Fruits—we’ll deal with that later.” Ace cut in, dismissing the topic. “Luffy, if you want to join us, you can’t skip the initiation ceremony. But if you’re afraid of pain… well, that’s unfortunate.” His voice carried a tone of mock regret. “No! As long as I get to be your friend, a little pain is nothing! Bring it on, Ace!” Luffy’s face lit up with determination—he had already envisioned a bright future where he, Ace, and Sabo were inseparable.

“Oh? Well then…” Ace’s red pupils gleamed ominously.

What a perfect training dummy… He even looks excited to be beaten. In that case, I won’t hold back.

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BAM! BAM! BAM!

“AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!”

Luffy’s agonised screams rippled through the forest.

｢Your unparalleled instincts have granted you insight into counterforce! Your Conqueror’s Haki has levelled up!｣

The satisfying notification resounded in Ace’s mind, bringing him nothing but joy.