"I don't know who he is to me! All I know is that he's a bastard!"
Upon hearing Roger's name, Ace reacted as fiercely as a cat with its fur standing on end.
Senga didn't react to Ace's performance, only nodding in agreement and casually saying,
"He's definitely a bastard. The so-called Great Pirate Era is largely his fault. All sorts of Tom, Dick, and Harry want to become pirates. You can see how many homes have been destroyed by these maritime trash."
Senga's words were like a sharp knife piercing Ace's heart. He already loathed Roger's bloodline, and now he felt an inexplicable sense of guilt rising in his heart.
Although Luffy is a bit eccentric, he is kind-hearted, and he remained silent for a while after hearing Senga's words.
But not long after, he started muttering again.
"But pirates are the freest people on this sea, I still want to be a pirate! I'm determined to be the One Piece!"
However, as soon as he finished speaking, Luffy felt his body being pulled uncontrollably towards Senga by a force.
As he flew in front of Senga reached out and grabbed Luffy by the neck, causing Luffy's face to turn bright red.
"Mmm (Let me go!)"
Ace rushed forward to try and rescue Luffy, but was glared at by Senga, causing his outstretched hand to freeze. He knew that it was impossible for him to interfere with Senga's actions on his own.
Senga stared coldly at Luffy in front of her, a hint of killing intent in her eyes.
"If you mention One Piece to me again, you'll stay here forever."
Luffy was also startled. He knew from Senga's eyes that what Senga said was true, so he became unusually quiet.
Without looking at Luffy again, Senga said to Ace,
"And you, you clearly resent Roger, yet you still want to follow in his footsteps and become a pirate?"
"I..."
Ace hesitated. To be honest, one of the reasons he wanted to become a pirate was because he was influenced by Luffy and Sabo, believing that pirates were free, and he longed for freedom.
Another reason is that he wants to prove himself by becoming the One Piece. He doesn't want to exist forever under Roger's influence; he wants to replace him and surpass him!
But now, after being lectured by Senga and listening to Senga words, he admits that he is wavering.
Ace knew why so many people resented his father.
Over the years, he has learned from the news and conversations with people around him that most pirates are arsonists, murderers, thieves, and plunderers, committing all sorts of atrocities. Just hearing about their crimes makes him furious.
Seeing Ace standing there stammering, Senga nodded slightly, thinking to himself that there was hope.
Ace and Luffy are very different in personality. Because of Roger, Ace lacked a sense of identity and belonging from a young age, which can be seen from his later joining the Whitebeard Pirates.
Ace's determination to become the One Piece wasn't weak, but it paled in comparison to Luffy's. If it were Luffy, he would rather die than agree to join the Whitebeard Pirates.
Maybe they can actually turn Ace around?
Senga thought for a moment, then continued,
"If you want to prove you're stronger than your father and completely replace everything he has, then I can only say you're incredibly naive and boring."
These words were rather harsh, and Ace's expression darkened. Senga, however, ignored his emotions and continued speaking.
"You're really not happy about it, huh? Heh, you're going to turn yourself into the person you used to hate the most for such a pointless idea? Don't you think you're incredibly stupid?"
Senga's words pierced his heart time and time again, Ace actually shed tears, unable to hold back his shout.
"Then what do you suggest I do!? I want a free life, I don't want to live in that person's shadow! What else can I do besides become a pirate!?"
Luffy stared blankly at the emotionally charged Ace, his intuition telling him that something was about to happen to his older brother, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what that change would be.
Senga remained calm, as if he wasn't the one who had provoked Ace to this state.
Great, that's the reaction I wanted.
Senga was secretly overjoyed, adding fuel to the fire with her hands and continuing to fan the flames into Ace's heart with her mouth.
"When did freedom become associated with pirates? Unbridled freedom will only bring you emptiness in the end."
"What should I do? Should I join the Navy!?"
Senga simply shook her head. Forget it. Ace joining the Navy was arguably the worst choice he could make; it was practically walking into a trap.
With Ace's talent, he certainly wouldn't be unknown in the Navy. Once he makes a name for himself, he will definitely attract some official investigations.
Moreover, he's practically another grandson of Garp. Given Garp's personality, he certainly wouldn't pretend not to know him if he joined the Navy, which would make Ace even more noticeable.
If Ace really joins the Navy, he himself becomes a time bomb. Once it explodes, not only will he be implicated, but Garp and Senga, who brought him into the Navy, will also be affected.
Therefore, joining the Navy is absolutely not an option for Ace; it's too idealistic. But it's not impossible, though; we'll have to wait until Senga destroys Mary Geoise later.
Seeing Senga's reaction, Ace's eyes dimmed again. Was this ocean truly unfit for him? Was he destined to live in Roger's shadow for the rest of his life?
Just as Ace's mood was at its lowest point, Senga asked a seemingly unrelated question.
"Don't you have a younger brother named Sabo?"
Mentioning Sabo made Ace feel even more distressed. He clenched his fist and said fiercely,
"He's dead, killed by the Celestial Dragons!"
"Really? Then have you seen his body?"
"No, his ship was destroyed, and he disappeared into the sea."
"Oh, so do you think it's possible that he's still alive?"
"!?"
Upon hearing this, Ace and Luffy's eyes widened simultaneously. Ace, forgetting how terrifying Senga was, rushed to Senga, grabbed Senga sleeve, and shouted emotionally,
"Why do you say that? Do you know anything about Sabo? Someone as strong as you wouldn't joke like that, right? Please tell me! If you tell me anything about him, I promise I'll never want to be a pirate again. I'd even let you let me stay in Foosha Village forever! Please!"
Luffy also ran over, looking at Senga with pleading eyes. Torn between his dream and his brother, he didn't know what to do.
Senga didn't answer Ace's question, but simply shook her arm, signaling Ace to let go.
The sleeves were already making a slight tearing sound; if he didn't let go soon, they would become sleeveless vests. However, it also showed how agitated Ace was.
Ace quickly let go of his hand, apologized several times, and then stood with Luffy, both looking at Senga with hopeful expressions.
Senga didn't say much, only one sentence.
"Perhaps you could go and take a look at the Revolutionary Army."