Chapter 26: You Will Become the Symbol of Justice!
"Of course not."
Faced with Zephyr's question, Roy's denial was as firm as steel.
An ability user? Me? No way!
Don't go spreading rumors, old man!
"It's my natural talent, Admiral Zephyr," Roy said without batting an eye.
"My senses have always been extremely sharp. I can feel certain... special things in the natural environment. Like the moisture in the air, or the formless waves of energy."
Hearing this, Smoker's expression turned subtle.
Roy had given him the exact same explanation. Smoker had even tried to learn the 'Wave Fist' by sensing these so-called 'formless waves.'
Unfortunately, he hadn't learned a damn thing.
"Waves?"
Clearly, Zephyr was in the same boat.
The former Admiral, a lifelong master of Taijutsu and Haki, furrowed his brow in thought.
But seeing this, Roy didn't panic.
He knew that as his fruit abilities grew stronger and more numerous, he would eventually show traits that were impossible for a normal human, no matter how hard he tried to hide them.
Zephyr wouldn't be the only one with questions.
So, Roy had a plan.
Instead of pretending to be completely ordinary and getting caught, it was better to reveal something extraordinary from the start.
That was why he hadn't hidden the 'Wave Fist' from Smoker.
As for whether Zephyr would believe him...
"I see."
Of course he would.
"To have such a talent... truly remarkable," Zephyr marveled.
After a moment of surprise, his suspicion vanished.
Roy knew exactly why.
Ivankov can blast through rock just by winking.
Miss Goldenweek can control emotions and movements with paint—basically magic, not even a Devil Fruit.
The Mink Tribe can naturally control static electricity and has the unique 'Sulong' form.
Big Mom could kill a giant hero as a child, her body naturally tougher than steel even without Haki.
Not to mention all the other special races... almost every one has a unique ability.
That was the reason.
In this One Piece world, on this sea of monsters, geniuses with 'special talents' were everywhere.
Roy was just playing the role of one of them.
To a powerhouse like Zephyr, who had seen it all, this wasn't unbelievable.
After all, wasn't Zephyr himself a 'monster' who had risen to Admiral?
Of course, there was one small problem...
The 'talent' Roy displayed was exceptional even among the geniuses of this sea. Exceptional enough to make Zephyr marvel.
"Your physical strength and vitality are completely inhuman. Add to that your sensory talent... I almost suspect you might have the blood of some special race," the former Admiral mused, his imagination running wild.
"Being able to sense waves in the air to create such a unique fist style shows incredible combat intuition and talent for martial arts."
"You said you can sense moisture in the environment? That's the key to Fish-Man Karate. That means you could potentially learn it."
"And in Wano Country, there's the 'Foxfire Style' that can cut fire, which also requires sensing subtle changes in the environment. You have talent for that, too."
"And..."
He muttered about various martial arts styles he knew, staring at Roy.
"A monstrous physique and vitality, innate sensory abilities, a talent for learning and developing martial arts... and not a Devil Fruit user."
"Perfect. It's too perfect..."
Zephyr muttered, his expression turning solemn.
Then, the Admiral looked at Roy with burning intensity, speaking each word clearly.
"Roy... Kid... Become my disciple."
The words hung in the air.
The training ground fell silent.
Disciple?
Roy blinked. "Admiral Zephyr, didn't Vice Admiral Viroth already arrange for me to train with you?"
Smoker frowned, equally confused.
But Binz's face showed unprecedented shock. He looked at Zephyr in disbelief, as if confirming he had heard correctly.
Zephyr's next words confirmed Binz's guess. "No. I don't mean like that."
He looked at Roy. "I've taught many students in my life. They are students I am proud of."
"But unfortunately, none of them have been able to truly inherit my legacy. Even the best of them... Sakazuki, Kuzan, Borsalino... none of them could."
"But you, Roy Amos... you have the talent."
He extended his hand, grinning broadly.
"So, I want you to leave the Detention Unit and come to my side. I will teach you everything I know, and then... together, we will hunt down those pirates!"
When he said 'pirates,' a calm but absolute chill flashed in his eyes.
Hearing this, aside from Binz who seemed to know, Roy and Smoker were stunned.
Especially Smoker. He understood now.
Zephyr didn't mean a student in his training camp.
He meant a true disciple. An heir to inherit his power and his martial arts style.
The concept was completely different.
Zephyr's influence in the Marines was immense. "Peaches and plums everywhere under heaven," as the saying went.
The Fleet Admiral and the Marine Hero were his old friends. The Three Admirals were his students. Most of the elite Vice Admirals had trained under him.
Unless Zephyr betrayed the Marines, Roy, as his heir, would inherit all of these connections.
But 'Black Arm' Zephyr betraying the Marines?
Smoker wouldn't even consider the possibility. If that happened, he'd eat every cigar strapped to his chest.
So even he couldn't help but sigh, "Roy, you bastard... your luck is insane."
But while Smoker was thinking this...
"..."
Roy frowned.
After a moment, he asked, "Admiral Zephyr... when you say I have talent, you mean my body, right?"
From Zephyr's reaction, it wasn't hard to guess.
"Exactly."
Zephyr nodded without hesitation. "The true essence of the martial arts I created requires a monstrous body and vitality to practice."
"And your talent means your future achievements could surpass even mine."
He looked at Roy, his voice filled with deep expectation.
"When that time comes, you will become... the Symbol of Justice on this sea!"