Hearing Lan Zhan, Liu Zhuozhi retorted, "Learn Haki first. Then worry about Awakening. Zoan Devil Fruits mean boundless stamina and vitality. You can still become powerful with one."
Lan Zhan nodded. "Yeah! Maybe I can even awaken Conqueror's Haki!"
Liu Zhuozhi rolled his eyes. "What, do you think you're Ace? You have to be born with Conqueror's Haki."
Ace wiped away his tears. "Uncle sent me here, so you must know him pretty well. Please ask him to train me too. I want to get stronger!"
Lan Zhan shook his head. "Wait until he gets back. We can't decide for him."
At Marineford, Garp had been lying there for half a day. When he saw Rubick rescue Ace, he didn't know whether to feel relieved or troubled. He got to his feet and, seeing that Whitebeard was near death, walked toward Rubick and Luffy.
Luffy was in terrible shape. The battle had raged for over an hour, and he had fought from the start. No amount of stamina could sustain that. By now, he could barely move.
Rubick opened a Portal to send Luffy away, but Garp arrived beside them.
Rubick swallowed hard, his smile more of a grimace. "Uh, Grandpa!"
Garp's iron fist smashed Rubick straight into a pile of rubble. He coughed up a mouthful of blood, and the blow nearly knocked him unconscious.
"I'm not your grandpa!" Garp roared. "Luffy, get up!"
Garp grabbed Luffy and hauled him upright. Luffy's eyes were half-closed as he murmured weakly, "Oh. Good afternoon, Grandpa."
"I'm not your grandpa. You're mine!"
Garp brought down another iron fist. Luffy promptly passed out, an enormous bump swelling on his head.
Just then, Rubick leaped out of the rubble. Black threads spread from his body and connected to thousands of Marines around him.
Wiping