Chương 163: Chapter 163: The Return of Kuma!
"Ace, how are we practicing today?" Bonney's voice rang out with a cheerful tone as she stood in the laboratory, her eyes shining with excitement.
These past two years had been some of the happiest times in Bonney's life. The joy she felt when spending time with her father, Kuma, had now been mirrored in her time with Ace. The bond between the two had grown strong, with Bonney becoming deeply attached to Ace. Their daily interactions were filled with warmth, laughter, and an ease that made their connection feel effortless and genuine.
Ace looked down at Bonney, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "No practice today," he said gently, his hand moving to ruffle her hair with affection. "Today, we're giving your father, Kuma, a new life."
The words hit Bonney like a wave, her heart skipping a beat. She stared up at Ace, her pupils dilating as the realization set in. "Is... is Father coming back?!" Her voice trembled with emotion, her eyes instantly welling up with tears.
Ace's gaze softened as he watched the young girl's reaction. Though Bonney now looked like a young woman, she was still just an 11-year-old girl—a child who had been forced to grow up too quickly in a harsh world. Ace had always been protective of her, treating her with the same care and gentleness he would his own family.
Seeing her so overcome with emotion, Ace's heart ached. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, steadying her in the face of her overwhelming emotions. "Yes, Bonney," he whispered. "You'll see him again."
Bonney's eyes brimmed with tears, and she struggled to contain the flood of emotions that threatened to spill over. The thought of finally reuniting with her father, after so long, filled her with a joy she hadn't dared to hope for. The years of longing and uncertainty had taken a toll on her, but now, at this moment, all of that seemed to melt away.
For the first time in years, she allowed herself to fully believe that she would soon be in her father's arms again. She blinked back the tears and managed a nod, her voice shaky yet hopeful. "Thank you, Ace. Thank you so much..."
Ace pulled her into a comforting embrace, silently vowing to make this reunion a reality. He knew how much it meant to her and how long she had waited for this day. This was the beginning of a new chapter for Bonney—a chapter that would restore the happiness she once knew with her father.
"Laki, let's begin," Ace commanded, his voice calm but filled with a sense of urgency.
In his hand, Ace held a glowing orb—a fragment of consciousness preserved by Kuma's Paw Paw Fruit back in Thriller Bark. This was more than just a memory; it was a piece of Kuma's soul, a part of him that had survived against all odds.
Laki stood beside Ace, her expression serious, her once youthful face now marked by a maturity that reflected the trials she had endured. Her wild beauty had not diminished, but it now carried a depth that spoke of her growth. Laki was no longer just a comrade; she had become Ace's partner in more ways than one.
"Yes, Ace," she replied, her voice steady.
As the Field of Understanding enveloped them, Laki activated the full power of her Devil Fruit, the Bird-Bird Fruit: Mythical Beast, Suzaku Form. A blazing aura erupted around her as the flames of Suzaku enveloped Kuma's consciousness, burning with an intensity that could only come from the mythical bird itself.
"Rebirth from the ashes!" Laki's voice echoed through the laboratory, filled with determination as the Suzaku flames flared brighter, forming a burning, radiant egg. This was the special ability granted by the Suzaku Form—a power that allowed the user to be reborn stronger from the ashes, even after death.
But today, this power was being used in a way it never had been before. The Field of Understanding, Ace's unique ability, enabled Laki to transfer this rebirth power to another. Kuma was about to experience a rebirth unlike any other.
Ace's eyes were locked on the egg, his mind focused as he simultaneously activated the powers of the Sui Sui Fruit and the Time Fruit, both of which he had mastered over the years. These abilities intertwined, working in unison to stabilize the process of rebirth, ensuring that Kuma's consciousness would return whole and unbroken.
"Vivi!" Ace called out, his voice carrying an unspoken urgency. He extended the power of the Fruit of Years and the Fruit of Karma to Vivi, enveloping her in their protective energy. He had seen flashes of a possible future—vague, indistinct images that had hinted at something monumental. Now, he was preparing for that vision to become reality.
With a loud crack, the Suzaku egg shattered, and a figure emerged from within the flames.
"Father!" Bonney's voice broke with emotion as she rushed forward, tears streaming down her face. The figure standing before her was unmistakably Kuma, reborn and renewed, a sight she had longed to see for so many years.
At this moment, Bonney deactivated the Sui Sui Fruit's ability, returning to her true form as an innocent 11-year-old girl. She looked up at Ace, her large, expressive eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and relief.
"Congratulations, Kuma, on your new life," Ace said, a warm smile touching the corners of his mouth as he looked at the reborn figure before him.
Kuma, now fully restored, gently comforted Bonney, who clung to him with tear-filled eyes. He then turned to Ace, his gaze filled with deep, unwavering gratitude. "This is all because of your kindness, Ace—no, Flame Emperor," Kuma said, his voice steady but tinged with profound respect.
Kuma understood the magnitude of what Ace had done for him. Not only had Ace safeguarded his daughter, Bonney, but he had also given Kuma the impossible—a second chance at life. Such a debt could only be repaid with absolute loyalty, and Kuma was ready to serve Ace with every fiber of his being.
Ace waved off the formalities with a light chuckle. "No need for all that, Kuma. For now, get some rest and then... eat this," he said, producing a familiar-looking Devil Fruit from his pocket—a fruit that bore the unmistakable appearance of a bear's paw pad.
Kuma's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the fruit. "The Paw-Paw Fruit!"
Ace nodded, his expression serious yet reassuring. "Your original body was transformed into a Pacifista by the World Government. The Paw-Paw Fruit's ability didn't vanish; it remained tied to your body. But when you lost consciousness, I used the lingering Nika power within you to expel both your consciousness and the Paw-Paw Fruit's ability."
He paused, allowing Kuma to absorb the gravity of what had been done. "Now, your original body no longer possesses the Paw-Paw Fruit's powers. I couldn't let such a powerful and versatile ability stay in the hands of the World Government. While they couldn't use it to its fullest extent as I could, reclaiming it and giving it back to you was the best course of action."
Ace's smile returned as he extended the fruit toward Kuma. "With the Paw-Paw Fruit back in your hands, you'll be a force to be reckoned with once more."
Kuma stared at the fruit for a moment, then looked at Ace. The enormity of Ace's actions weighed heavily on him, but he knew there was only one way to truly express his gratitude—by regaining his strength and serving Ace faithfully. Without hesitation, Kuma took the fruit and consumed it in a single bite.
The moment the fruit's power reawakened within him, Kuma felt a surge of strength and purpose. He was ready to repay Ace's kindness in the only way he knew how—by standing at his side, as a powerful ally and a loyal friend.
"Gurgle! Gurgle!"
Two familiar paw pads materialized on the palms of Kuma's hands once more. Feeling the familiar power of the Paw-Paw Fruit coursing through his body, a faint smile touched Kuma's otherwise stoic face. He flexed his hands, reacquainting himself with the sensation of his regained ability.
Suddenly, Ace snapped his fingers with a sharp "snap!"
The lights in the lab dimmed instantly, plunging the room into darkness. Kuma and Bonney exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what was happening. But before they could voice their confusion, the door to the lab creaked open.
"Happy birthday, Bonney!"
The girls of the Entei Pirates streamed into the room, one by one, their faces lit up with joy. Leading the group was Nami, who carefully carried a special birthday cake adorned with flickering candles.
"Woo!"
Bonney gasped, covering her mouth as tears welled up in her large, expressive eyes. The surprise and emotion of the moment overwhelmed her, and she could hardly contain her happiness.
Ace stepped forward, his gaze shifting from the tearful Bonney to the equally emotional Kuma. "Your wish was to celebrate Bonney's birthday, right, Kuma?" Ace said gently. "Your consciousness told me so. But this is your moment—it's time for you to say it yourself."
The towering figure of Kuma, known throughout the world as one of the most formidable men, was now trembling with emotion. Tears streamed down his face, his massive shoulders shaking as he struggled to find his voice.
"Bonney," Kuma began, his voice choked with emotion. "This is a belated blessing, but... happy birthday."
With trembling hands, Kuma took the birthday cake from Nami and turned to his daughter, his smile both tearful and wide as he tried to contain the depth of his feelings. Bonney, her eyes brimming with tears, looked up at her father, and in a single, overwhelming moment, she flung herself into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"Yeah!" Bonney cried, her voice muffled against Kuma's chest as she held on to him as if she'd never let go.
In that heartwarming moment, as father and daughter embraced, a single thought passed through both Bonney and Kuma's minds: Ace, thank you.
The members of the Entei Pirates stood back, watching the reunion with soft smiles, their hearts warmed by the touching scene. It was a day of joy, love, and new beginnings, and they were all grateful to be a part of it.
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