“Haha, another Devil Fruit!”
Roy happily picked up the fruit.
“Judging by the color and the spiral patterns, it is most likely a Paramecia type, though I still do not know what ability it holds.”
He frowned slightly as he turned it in his hand.
“I really do not understand why the Giant Axe Pirates had a Devil Fruit yet never ate it.
In these seas, that is something people would kill for.
Now it has fallen right into my hands.”
He exhaled softly, already planning ahead.
“I already possess the Nen Nen Fruit, and Tesoro is the only one on this ship who has not eaten a Devil Fruit.
This one can be reserved for him.”
His gaze sharpened.
“The problem is the unknown ability.
If it turns out to be useless, it might restrict his future instead of helping him.”
After all, the future Gold Emperor relied on the Gold Gold Fruit to reach the peak.
“I will store it for now.
I will decide after identifying its ability or finding something more suitable.”
In the following days, the pirate ship White Dove, a name suggested by Stella and approved by Tesoro, continued sailing steadily toward the Country of Endless War.
After eating the Tori Tori Fruit, Stella’s perception of weather patterns and magnetic fields became increasingly sharp.
This heightened instinct was typical of Zoan users, whose bodies adapted naturally to their abilities.
At Roy’s suggestion, she also began structured physical training.
Tesoro became even more driven.
Aside from steering and learning navigation from Stella, he spent all his remaining time training his body on the deck.
His dedication was intense, almost frightening, and the results showed quickly in his growing physique and sharper gaze.
Roy himself did not remain idle.
During the day, he practiced swordsmanship on the deck.
The long sword Frost Snow, purchased from a weapons shop on Maple Leaf Island, sliced cleanly through the air with each swing.
The shop owner had claimed it to be a Skillful Grade blade, one of the Meito ranks below the Great Grade.
Roy could not fully confirm it, but the weapon felt balanced and reliable in his hands.
He did not follow any fixed sword style.
Instead, he focused on integrating his Telekinesis into his swordplay, attempting to create a combat method unique to himself.
At the same time, he studied the principles behind Rokushiki, particularly Iron Body, using it as a foundation to explore Armament Haki.
At night, he meditated.
His focus shifted inward as he refined his spiritual power, expanding its range, improving precision, and strengthening control over objects.
Every small improvement brought noticeable results.
He even attempted to merge Telekinesis with Haoshoku Haki.
Progress was slow, but occasionally, a faint wave of pressure would leak out.
Even that slight release was enough to make Tesoro and Stella feel an instinctive sense of unease.
That day, the sky was clear, and the sea breeze was calm.
Roy finished his sword training and glanced toward Tesoro, who was performing weighted squats according to diagrams in a training booklet.
In just over ten days, Tesoro’s body had visibly improved, his muscles more defined, his expression sharper.
“Tesoro, come here,” Roy called.
“Boss, what are your orders?”
Roy did not answer immediately.
Instead, he turned his gaze toward Stella, who was adjusting the sails.
“Stella, where are we now?
How far are we from the Country of Endless War?”
Stella brushed her hands clean, then carefully felt the wind direction and ocean currents.
After checking the Log Pose and chart, she responded:
“Captain, at our current speed and route, we should reach the target sea area in about five days.
However, we will need to gather information once we arrive to determine the exact island.”
“Five days…”
Roy nodded, then looked back at Tesoro.
“Your physical foundation has improved quickly.
It is time to begin the next stage.”
Tesoro’s eyes lit up instantly.
“Boss, teach me!”
Roy raised his hand, and a faint trace of black energy coiled around his fingertip.
“Haki is the power used by those who stand at the top of this sea.
It is divided into three types: Observation Haki, Armament Haki, and Haoshoku Haki.”
“Haoshoku cannot be trained.
You either possess it or you do not.
But Observation and Armament exist within everyone and can be awakened through training.”
He paused briefly before continuing.
“Observation Haki allows you to sense presence, predict movements, and even perceive emotions.
Armament Haki strengthens attack and defense, and more importantly, it allows you to touch the real bodies of Logia users.”
Tesoro’s breathing grew heavier as he listened.
“My Observation Haki is somewhat unique,” Roy continued calmly.
“After consuming my Devil Fruit, I gained the ability to materialize my spiritual power.”
“I will now guide a thread of that power into your body so you can experience sensing firsthand.
Remember that feeling and use it to awaken your own Observation Haki.”
As he spoke, Roy lightly tapped Tesoro’s forehead.
Tesoro’s body trembled.
A cool and gentle force flowed into his mind.
In an instant, the world changed.
He could sense Stella’s presence nearby like a soft glow.
He could hear the faint movement of fish beneath the sea.
He could even feel Roy’s calm and focused state.
It was a completely new perception.
“Remember it,” Roy’s voice echoed.
Tesoro focused intensely, engraving the sensation into his mind.
After a few minutes, Roy withdrew his hand.
The feeling disappeared instantly, leaving Tesoro momentarily disoriented, but the memory remained vivid.
“Thank you, Boss!” Tesoro said excitedly.
“This is only guidance.
Whether you awaken it depends on you,” Roy replied.
“From now on, spend half your day in quiet focus, trying to recapture that state.
The other half, continue physical training and practice Rokushiki.
A strong body is the foundation for Haki.”
“I will teach you Armament Haki once your body is stronger or after you awaken Observation.”
“Yes!
I will not disappoint you!”
Tesoro immediately moved aside and began training.
Stella watched quietly, a trace of envy in her eyes.
Roy noticed and smiled slightly.
“Stella, your ability also holds great potential.”
“As a Zoan user, your physical strength and recovery are naturally superior.
Your flight and weather sensing are extremely valuable.”
“Try combining your aerial movement with your perception.
You may discover new applications.”
Stella nodded thoughtfully, then smiled.
“I understand, Captain.”
After guiding them, Roy reflected on his own abilities.
His swordsmanship still lacked direction, and he had yet to find the path of a true swordsman.
However, he had successfully drawn out Armament Haki through his spiritual power, even if it remained weak.
With Observation Haki, his Telekinesis had evolved further.
He could now subtly interfere with the minds of others.
Against those with weak willpower, influencing perception in the future was not impossible.
Among the Rokushiki techniques, he focused only on Soru.
As for Life Return, the ability to control every aspect of the body, he had already mastered it the moment he understood its principle, thanks to his overwhelming spiritual power.
The current Roy was undeniably powerful.
Even against a Marine Vice Admiral, he could engage in battle.
Victory was uncertain, but retreat would not be difficult.
Garp was an exception.
As the sea breeze swept across the deck, Roy watched his companions push themselves forward.
Anticipation rose within him.
“Bullet…
do not disappoint me,” he murmured, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.