Chapter 41: Sengoku's Request
After packing the four fruits into the metal case, Roy sat on the reef, tapping an idle rhythm on the lid, still processing the system's ridiculous notification.
"If that stupid system hadn't popped up, I would have almost forgotten..."
He sighed, his mind flashing back to the clumsy Goddess tossing him his 'bonus'—
[Bonus: Special Constitution - Multi-Fruit Adaptation]
That's right. He possessed the one ability in the world everyone dreamed of: he could safely consume a second Devil Fruit without the risk of his body exploding.
It was the ultimate cheat, and he had been so busy he'd almost forgotten about it.
Roy laughed at himself, his gaze slowly turning as deep as the night sea.
"A body that can handle two fruits..."
He murmured, his eyes falling on the fiery Mera Mera no Mi (Flare-Flare Fruit) in the case, his expression firm.
"This... this is still for Ace."
He thought of Ace's wild grin back at Marineford.
"Under my guidance, he won't repeat his past mistakes. The fruit's potential is enormous. If he develops it correctly—focusing on the limit of its temperature, not just the size of his fire—he'll be as strong as any Admiral."
He looked up at the vast night sky. "Besides... the Mera Mera no Mi isn't the only fruit in the world worth having."
He closed his eyes, and a name that echoed with power came to mind.
"The Goro Goro no Mi (Rumble-Rumble Fruit)..."
He frowned, mentally checking the timeline. "If I remember right, Enel should have already eaten it by now. And even if he hasn't, Skypiea... that's a long way to go hunting. It would take too much time."
The sea breeze ruffled his hair.
"And right now is a critical time for the brats' training. I can't just disappear on a treasure hunt."
He chuckled at himself. "Besides, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit is strong, but its main assets are speed and wide-area destruction. I'm not lacking in speed, and thanks to my 'Giant's Physique' and Garp's training, I'm not lacking in destructive power either."
"If I'm going to choose a second fruit... the one that truly fits me..."
His eyes flashed with a sharp, cold light. The look of a hunter.
"That's the fruit... I must have."
Two days later, Marineford Docks.
Morning light glinted off the white stone.
Roy's figure materialized on the dock like a ghost, his "Justice" coat snapping in the breeze.
The Marines on patrol instinctively grabbed their weapons, then immediately snapped to attention and saluted when they saw who it was. "Rear Admiral Roy, sir!"
Roy nodded, not breaking his stride.
"Sir!" one of the Marines called out nervously. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku gave orders for you to report to his office the moment you arrived!"
"Sengoku wants to see me?"
Roy raised an eyebrow. He hadn't officially reported his trip to the North Blue. Unless...
"That old slacker Kizaru... did he rat me out again?"
He sighed, but then the Marine added, "I think there's a kid from the North Blue in his office with him..."
Roy's steps faltered. He said nothing, but continued toward the office.
Sengoku's Office
A thick aroma of tea—and rice crackers—filled the room.
Sengoku was sitting at his desk, a small, genuine smile on his face, a few cracker crumbs caught in his white goatee.
Standing nervously beside him was a boy in a spotted hat.
"Law?"
Roy immediately recognized the boy he had rescued from Doflamingo.
Trafalgar Law looked up, his sharp eyes lighting up. "Mr. Roy..."
Sengoku put his teacup down, his smile widening. "Roy. This child... he's been asking to see you."
Roy walked over and ruffled Law's hat, his voice gentle. "How's the Amber Lead Syndrome?"
Law stiffened at the touch, but then relaxed. He bit his lip, his voice quiet but firm. "With the fruit's power... it's completely cured."
Sengoku watched them, his expression soft. He cleared his throat, trying to look serious again. "Roy, I have a request."
Roy raised an eyebrow. "You're not asking me to babysit another one, are you?"
Sengoku's face flushed. "Ahem... The boy has incredible talent, and that Op-Op Fruit is invaluable to the Marines. And..."
His voice softened, a rare warmth in it. "Like Rosinante, you saved him from Doflamingo."
At this, Sengoku's smile returned, full of pride. "And... I've decided to adopt him. As my grandson."
"Your grandson?" Roy blinked.
Sengoku's pride was now unmistakable. "Hmph. That old fool Garp is always bragging about his two grandsons. I deserve one of my own! Besides, his name is 'Law'... It just fits."
Roy couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head. "Fleet Admiral, you're... really something."
He looked at Law, who was staring at him with a look of fierce admiration.
"Mr. Roy..." Law said, his voice trembling but determined. "I want to get stronger!"
"Oh?" Roy looked at him, interested. "Why?"
Law's fists were clenched so tight his knuckles were white. "I... I don't want to run anymore... I want to be like you! Strong enough to protect the people I care about!"
Sengoku was beaming. "Well, Roy? Will you take him on as your student?"
Roy looked from Sengoku to Law, at the unshakeable resolve in the boy's eyes. He let out a long sigh, but a smile was playing on his lips.
"Fine. I'm already looking after two little troublemakers. What's one more?"
Law's face lit up, as if he'd finally found a place to belong.
Sengoku laughed, delighted. "It's settled! Law will train with you, alongside Ace and Luffy!"
Roy rolled his eyes, sighing. "Fleet Admiral, you're really turning my quarters into a problem-child orphanage, aren't you?"
Sengoku just roared with laughter, sending cracker crumbs flying. "Bwahahaha! What can I say, brat? You're the best babysitter we've got!"
Beside them, Law quietly smiled, a look of relief and, for the first time, hope.
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