"Of course not."
Facing Zephyr's question, Roy's answer was firm and unequivocal.
A Devil Fruit user? I'm not a Devil Fruit user!Don't go spreading rumors, old man!
"This is my talent, Admiral Zephyr,"
he said calmly, without changing expression.
"I was born with extremely keen perception—I can sense certain special things in the natural environment, such as moisture in the air, and invisible fluctuations carried within it."
As he said this, Smoker, standing to the side, showed a subtle expression.
Because Roy had given him the exact same explanation before, and Smoker had even tried to follow Roy's example, attempting to learn the Shockwave Fist by sensing those so-called "invisible fluctuations."
Unfortunately, he hadn't managed to grasp anything at all.
"Fluctuations?"
Clearly, Zephyr was the same.
The former admiral—who had devoted his entire life to physical combat and Haki—furrowed his brows, seemingly deep in thought.
But seeing this, Roy felt no panic at all.
Because he knew very well—
As his abilities grew stronger and more numerous,
Even if he tried his best to conceal them, he would inevitably display traits that were far beyond ordinary people.
Doubts like this wouldn't arise only in Zephyr's mind.
Roy had already planned for this long ago.
Rather than pretending to be a completely ordinary person and eventually being exposed,
It was better to reveal certain things from the very beginning.
This was precisely why he hadn't hidden his "Shockwave Fist" when facing Smoker before.
As for whether Zephyr would believe his explanation—
"Ah, I see."
That outcome was inevitable.
"So you really do possess such a talent… truly remarkable."
At this moment, Zephyr voiced his admiration.
Indeed.
After a brief moment of surprise, he no longer doubted Roy's words.
And the reason for that was something Roy understood very clearly.
Emporio Ivankov could blast apart boulders with a mere wink.
Miss Goldenweek could control minds and movements through her Colors Trap paintings—a feat even more mysterious than many Devil Fruit powers, capable of even reinforcing objects.
The Mink Tribe was born with the ability to manipulate static electricity and the unique Sulong form.
Big Mom, one of the Four Emperors, was capable of killing the legendary heroes of the Giant Tribe while still a small child; her physical body was terrifyingly strong even without the use of Haki.
Not to mention the various unique races, each possessing their own distinct abilities.
That was the reason.
In this world of pirates, upon seas where powerful figures gather in droves,
Geniuses with "special talents" were simply too numerous to count.
And what Roy was presenting himself as now was merely one of them.
So for someone like Zephyr, whose experience was vast and whose perspective was broad, there was little reason to doubt him.
After all, when it came down to it, wasn't Zephyr himself—someone who had reached the rank of admiral—a "monster" as well?
Of course, there was only one real issue.
The "talent" Roy had displayed this time was exceptional even among the sea's many prodigies—
So exceptional that even Zephyr couldn't help but marvel at it.
"Your physical strength and vitality are so great that they don't resemble those of a human at all. Combined with your talent, I even suspect you might be a descendant of some special race."
At this point, the former admiral had begun to speculate freely.
"Being able to sense fluctuations in the air and create such a unique fist technique shows that you possess extraordinary combat intuition and aptitude for physical techniques."
"You also mentioned sensing moisture in the environment—that's the key principle behind Fish-Man Karate, which means you may have the potential to learn it as well."
"By the way, in Wano there is said to be a style called Foxfire Style—it allows one to cut flames out of the air with a blade. It likewise requires extremely fine perception of the surrounding environment. You have talent in this area as well."
"And there's more…"
He murmured through several special martial arts styles he knew, then looked at Roy.
"A monstrous physique and vitality, innate perception, talent for learning and developing various combat techniques—and you're not even a Devil Fruit user."
"Perfect. Truly perfect."
Zephyr muttered to himself, his expression growing more serious.
Then the former admiral fixed his burning gaze on Roy, enunciating every word clearly:
"Roy—become my disciple."
The moment those words fell, the training ground fell completely silent.
A disciple?
Roy froze for a moment and asked, "Admiral Zephyr, didn't Vice Admiral Bilos already arrange for me to train under you?"
Smoker also frowned in confusion.
But at this moment, Binz's face showed an unprecedented look of shock.
He stared at Zephyr in disbelief, as if trying to confirm whether he had truly heard him right.
Zephyr's next words confirmed Binz's suspicions.
"No. That's not what I mean."
He looked at Roy.
"In my life, I have indeed taught many students, and they are all pupils I am proud of."
"But unfortunately, until now, no one has truly inherited my legacy. Not even the most outstanding among them—Sakazuki, Kuzan, Borsalino. They are not enough."
"But you, Roy Amos—you possess that kind of talent."
He extended his hand, breaking into a bold, open grin.
"So I hope you will leave the Detention Unit and come to my side. I will train you seriously, and together we will go and purge those pirates!"
When he spoke of pirates, a calm yet absolute coldness flashed through his eyes.
At this point, aside from Binz—who seemed to have already grasped the situation—
Both Roy and Smoker were left stunned.
Especially Smoker. He finally understood what Zephyr meant.
The "disciple" Zephyr referred to was not a student taught in his role as an instructor.
It was a true successor—someone who would inherit his power and martial lineage.
The difference was enormous.
Within the Marines, Zephyr's status could truly be described as "students spread across the world."
The Fleet Admiral and the Hero of the Marines were his old comrades. The three current admirals were his former students, and nearly all of the Marine's elite Vice admirals had trained under him.
Unless Zephyr were to betray the Marines—
Which Smoker didn't even consider a possibility. If that ever happened, he'd chew up every cigar on his chest and swallow them.
—then as Zephyr's chosen successor, Roy would inevitably inherit all of those connections in the future.
So even Smoker couldn't help but sigh inwardly:
"Damn, this guy Roy really has absurd luck."
And yet, while Smoker was lost in thought—
"…"
Roy, having heard Zephyr's words, frowned as well.
After a moment, he asked, "Admiral Zephyr… when you say I have talent, are you referring to my body?"
From Zephyr's earlier reaction, it wasn't hard for him to guess.
"That's right."
Zephyr nodded without hesitation.
"The true essence of the martial arts I created can only be practiced by someone with a monster-like physique and vitality."
"And your talent may very well allow you to surpass even me in the future."
He looked at Roy, his words carrying the deepest expectations.
"When that day comes, you will become—on this sea—the symbol of justice."