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

Chapter 26: The Realm of Enlightenment!

Inside Kaya’s room, the air was quiet, except for the soft sound of her muffled sobs. She clung to Ace, burying her face in his chest, her delicate frame shaking as she let out the emotions she had held back for so long. Ace gently stroked her golden hair, his touch comforting and steady.

Nearby, the mansion’s other butler, Merry, had finally woken up. Kuro had drugged his drinking water, knocking him out for the entire ordeal. Now, fully awake, he was bowing repeatedly to both Ace and Nami, his face filled with gratitude.

“As for Kuro, Buchi, and Sham,” Ace said, “…they’re already taken care of. I threw them into the ocean.”

“And Zango…I kept my word. I let him go.”

A promise was a promise.

And Ace wouldn’t break his word, not in front of Nami and Kaya.

For a small-time pirate like Zango, Ace had no reason to taint his name over someone so insignificant.

Merry’s eyes welled with emotion, “Thank you… thank you both so much!” He lowered his head deeply, his voice thick with gratitude. “That monster—Klahadore… no, Kuro—he was an evil pirate all along. He killed Lord and Lady Kaya. If not for you, Miss Kaya would have suffered the same fate…!”

Kaya wiped her tears, finally calming down. She hesitated—then pulled away from Ace, her cheeks still slightly flushed. “Thank you, Ace…” Her voice was soft, but genuine.

Ace simply grinned. “You’re my destined ship doctor” His hand playfully ruffled her golden hair again. “Did you really think I’d let Kuro hurt you?”

“Eh?!”

Merry froze, his eyes widening in shock.

“W-Wait—What?!”

Ace… wants to take Kaya out to sea?!

“I… I’d love to see the world,” Kaya admitted. “But my body is too weak. Even walking outside is difficult for me… I can’t handle life at sea.” She lowered her gaze, biting her lip. “And… I’m not really a doctor. I’ve only read medical books. I don’t have real experience.” Kaya sighed, “But—if you ever get injured, Ace—please come back here. I’ll do my best to treat you.”

Ace chuckled.

“That’s not an issue. If I say you’re my destined ship doctor, then I have a way to fix that.” He placed both hands gently on Kaya’s shoulders. “Let me ask you one thing, Kaya. His voice was calm, but his golden eyes held a spark of determination. Do you want to be my ship doctor?”

Kaya’s breath hitched. She looked up, meeting Ace’s gaze. Her cheeks burned red. And then, almost instinctively, she nodded. Ace laughed heartily. “Good!” Nami, standing off to the side, rolled her eyes.

This guy… He really has a way with girls.

Still, a small part of her was curious.

Kaya’s body is fragile. So how exactly is Ace going to fix that?

“You should get some rest,” Ace said. “Tomorrow morning—I’ll fix everything.”

Kaya hesitated. Then, looking at Ace’s confident smile, she slowly nodded.

“Alright…”

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The next day, after a good night’s rest, Kaya, Ace, and Nami sat by the seaside, enjoying breakfast. The fresh ocean breeze brushed through Kaya’s golden hair, and for a moment— She simply admired the view. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Ace grinned, gesturing towards the vast horizon.

“Yes… It really is…”

Kaya’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at the endless blue waters. But soon, a hint of sadness flickered across her face. It’s beautiful… but I can never experience it for myself.

Ace had other plans.

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“Alright, it’s time.” He turned to face Kaya directly. “I told you I’d fix your problem, didn’t I?” Kaya blinked. “Huh?” Ace raised his hand. A mysterious ripple began forming in the air. An invisible force radiated from his palm, enveloping Kaya.

“Domain of Enlightenment—Bestowal!”

A wave of golden energy surrounded Kaya’s body. Nami stared, wide-eyed.

What’s happening…? What kind of power is this?!

Kaya, too, felt a strange sensation. Her body, which had always felt weak and fragile, suddenly felt light. It was almost as if she had been freed from an invisible burden.

“What… is this?” She whispered. Ace smiled knowingly. “This is my Domain of Enlightenment. A power that allows me to elevate someone’s abilities beyond their normal limits.”

Ace had unlocked this ability the day before he left home. After spending an entire day beating Luffy senseless, squeezing out every last drop of Haki potential, a strange message had appeared in his mind—

【Your comprehension is unparalleled! Through repeated strikes against ‘Nika,’ you have gained insight into the recoil of imagination!”】

【Your comprehension is unparalleled! By combining ‘Nika’s’ exclusive imagination with your unparalleled comprehension, you have gained a new ability—Domain of Enlightenment!”】

At first, Ace had no idea what it meant. But after experimenting, he realized that while active, this ability allowed him to temporarily bestow others with his level of comprehension. It wasn’t permanent, but even a brief moment was enough to turn someone into a prodigy. And now he was using it on Kaya.

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Kaya’s mind sharpened. Her understanding of medicine deepened. It was as if years of study had been compressed into an instant. Her body now felt strong and capable. For the first time in her life, she stood tall without feeling any pain.

“This… This is incredible…” Her voice shook. She clenched her fists, feeling a strength she had never known before. “I… I feel… healthy!”

Ace grinned. “That’s because you are.” Kaya’s eyes shone with newfound determination. She turned to Ace, her heart pounding. “Ace… I… I can do this.” She placed a hand over her chest, taking a deep breath. “I’ll become your ship doctor!”

Ace laughed, ruffling her hair again. “That’s the spirit!”

Nami, still watching in awe, finally crossed her arms.

Alright, I admit it…This guy is insane.

For Ace, a new journey was about to begin. With Kaya now standing strong, his crew was one step closer to greatness.