Chapter 88: The Worth of a Life  

William looked at Garp and said. "I see, but why tell me this about Ace, old man?" 

Garp leaned back, crossing his arms. "Because I know you're not someone who would hurt him." 

William nodded. "You're right. I wouldn't hurt him." He then turned to Ace, his expression softening. "Although I'm not fond of what your father started, I've heard he was a good man. So, Ace, tell me—why do you hate him? He's your father, after all." 

Ace's fists clenched, and he shouted. "No, he's not my father! And I hate him because everyone I've ever asked says Roger's son shouldn't live!" 

William frowned, his tone turning sharp. "I see. So, you asked a bunch of drunks and cowards who don't even know the man, and you took their words as truth? You decided to be angry and hate someone without understanding who he really was? And worse, you let these people decide if you're worthy of living. That's just dumb, kid. Listen up: no one gets to decide whether you're worthy of life except you. You don't have to prove anything to anyone. Besides, if you really want to ask someone, then ask your brother." 

Ace's anger faltered as William turned to Luffy and asked. "Luffy, Do you think your brother should live?" 

Without hesitation, Luffy puffed out his chest and said. "Of course, he should live! He's my brother, and if anyone says Ace shouldn't live, I'll kick their ass!" 

William smirked and looked back at Ace. "See that? Your little brother already knows your worth." He glanced at Garp. "And let's not forget this stinky old man. He chased Roger across the world, knew exactly who he was, and still chose to raise you, the son of his so-called enemy. Do you think Garp hates you? Do you think he believes you shouldn't live?" 

Ace didn't respond, but tears welled up in his eyes. 

William's voice softened. "If you want to know who Roger really was and if you want to be something greater than just a pirate, then come with me. Help me make this world better." 

Luffy, who had been listening intently, suddenly exclaimed. "What? No! Ace is going to be part of my crew and help me become the Pirate King!" 

Dragon, who had been quietly observing, grabbed Luffy by the collar and lifted him off the ground. "No, you little punk. You're not going to be a pirate. You're coming with me to Valoria." 

Luffy tilted his head, eyeing Dragon curiously. "Who are you, weird man with the shoe print on his face?" 

William and Garp burst into laughter as Dragon's face darkened. "It's not a shoe print, it's a tattoo! And I'm your father!" 

Luffy blinked, sticking a finger in his nose. "Tattoo? What's that? Wait... you said you're my dad? Do I even have a dad?" 

Dragon sighed, his patience wearing thin. "No, you fell out of a tree." 

Luffy's face lit up with excitement. "What? That's awesome! What kind of tree?" 

Dragon groaned. "No, you didn't actually fall out of a tree. Forget the tree! I'm your father!" 

Luffy shrugged, resuming his nose-picking. "Oh, I see. So, the tree's my mom, right?" 

William, who had been laughing so hard he had to lean against the wall for support, fell to the ground, rolling in laughter. Between gasps, he choked out. "Dragon... hahahaha... I didn't know... hahahaha... you married a tree!" 

Garp was on the floor, clutching his sides as tears of laughter streamed down his face. Even Ace, despite himself, couldn't help but burst into laughter. 

Dragon's face turned crimson as he glared at Garp. "Father, stop laughing! This is your fault. You hit him on the head too many times!" 

Garp wiped his tears, still chuckling. "What? Don't blame my fist of love!" 

Dragon turned to William, exasperated. "Do you think Law can heal Luffy and make him smart?" 

William, still laughing, shook his head. "I don't think there's a cure for that, Dragon. But I have to say, your son is a treasure! Hahaha!" 

As the laughter finally died down, Luffy crossed his arms. "I'm not going with you! I'm going to be the Pirate King!" 

William crouched down, meeting Luffy's eyes. "You know, Luffy, Roger was the first Pirate King. Even if you become Pirate King, you'll only be the second. How about you aim for something even better? Become the first Adventurer King." 

Luffy tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "What's that?" 

William smiled. "It means you'll go on adventures, explore the world, and find the One Piece with your crew." 

"Isn't that what pirates do?" Luffy asked.

"No, pirates kill, burn and destroy. Is that what you want to do, Luffy?"

Luffy shook his head. "No! I want to be a pirate like Shanks! I want to be the freest man on the sea!" 

William smiled thoughtfully. "I don't know Shanks, Luffy, but most pirates on the sea aren't like what you think. They steal, kill, and destroy without a second thought. But after me, your dad, and our people take down the World Government, there won't be any more pirates at sea, only adventurers. And you don't have to decide now. I'll take you, Ace, Koala, and the other kids back home to see what real pirates do. Then, you can decide. Deal?" 

Luffy looked conflicted and opened his mouth to protest, but Ace cut in, his voice firm. "Fine, we'll go with you and see. But if we don't want to stay after that, you have to promise not to force us." 

William grinned, his tone reassuring. "I never force anyone to do something they don't want to do, so don't worry. It's a deal." 

Dragon turned to Garp. "Father, what do you think? Can we take Luffy and Ace?" 

Garp sighed, his gaze heavy with thought, before finally nodding. "Fine, you can take them. Just make sure you make them strong enough to protect themselves. I don't want to hear they've gotten themselves into trouble they can't handle." 

Dragon bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Father." 

William turned back to Ace and Luffy, his voice full of encouragement. "Alright, do you want to take anything or say goodbye to anyone? Because I don't think you'd want to come back here anytime soon." 

Ace glanced toward the door, hesitating. Standing there, peeking in timidly, was Dadan. His lips tightened, and he said nothing. 

William noticed the exchange and smiled knowingly. He stepped toward Dadan. "Hey, you raised Ace and Luffy. That makes you their mother, right? I can take you with us to my kingdom. You can live there and still take care of them." 

Dadan's eyes widened in surprise before she rushed into the room, her voice hurried. "Really? You'd let me go with them? I mean… not because I care or anything! I just want to make sure they behave themselves!" 

William chuckled, crossing his arms. "Well, if you don't care about them, there's no need for you to come." 

Dadan panicked, flailing her arms. "No! That's not what I meant! I just... what I meant is..." 

William broke into laughter. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. Go get your things, and let's go." 

Dadan sighed in relief before hurrying off. A short while later, she returned with Dogra and Magra, along with a small bag of her belongings. 

William nodded. "Alright, is everyone ready?" 

Dadan adjusted her bag, standing tall. "Yes, sir, we're ready." 

William gave a nod and opened a portal. He stepped through, followed by Ace, Luffy, Dadan, Dogra, and Magra. 

As Dragon prepared to step into the portal, Garp grabbed his arm. "Don't forget my donuts, boy." 

Dragon chuckled. "Don't worry, Father. I won't." With that, he stepped into the portal, following the others.