One Piece: Nobody knows Devil Fruits better than me.

Chapter 88 Roy is a monster among monsters!

"Smoker, you're so slow!"

After the last sea monster was blasted away, Smokerden Island turned into smoke.

Roy's greeting to his friends is quite unique.

But this time, Smoker surprisingly didn't show any annoyance.

"Click."

He picked up a lighter, lit two cigars, and put them in his mouth: "It wasn't that much slower, was it?"

He spoke calmly, but his expression seemed much more relieved and at ease.

"Don't worry, I'll treat you to a meal."

Upon hearing this, Roy was taken aback, then clicked his tongue twice: "It's rare to see a chain smoker like you so honestly admit defeat."

As he spoke, he stopped teasing Smoker and instead looked at other parts of the island.

At that moment, others had already landed on the seventh artificial island, and quite a few of them were people that Roy knew.

Besides Smoker, Roy also saw two naval officers—one of whom was carrying a huge shark-slaying sword and wearing a mask; he was Bastieu, the recently promoted Commodore 'Shark Slayer'.

The other was a burly man, also a brigadier general of the headquarters, known as "Tucha" brigadier general, who was skilled in Tucha boxing.

In addition, Rob Lucci and Kaku also landed on Island Seven—however, as Roy had seen before, CP0's top agent Guernica seemed to have gone to another island.

"Including Smoker and me, there are six of us in total?"

Roy glanced at the huge clock on the distant coastline—according to the clock, the allotted hour had passed.

"The other islands should be quite similar, and upon closer inspection, this island looks..."

Roy glanced around at the surroundings.

The artificial island was smaller than he had estimated, and its entire structure was square, making it look more like a dueling arena than an island.

Therefore, at this moment, Roy had some guesses about the content of the next assessment.

And just as he predicted.
"Fellow contestants."

From somewhere on the island, the voice of the Warring States period echoed once more.

"A total of 58 participants successfully landed on the island."

"Next, we will proceed with the second phase of the assessment."

The assessment was very simple—eliminate everyone.

As soon as the admiral finished speaking, Smoker's expression changed.

"Ultimately, the survivors on each island will be the victors of their respective islands and will be able to participate in the final test three days later."

And it was precisely at the same time that the words of the Warring States period fell into place
"Fuck!"

With a crisp shaving sound, a figure appeared on Roy's head.

"I'm sorry, Major Roy—that's enough for you!"

The massive shark-slaying sword in Bastiyu's hand was already covered in jet-black Armament Haki.

Without hesitation, he slashed down on Roy's shoulder.

"Slay the Shark - Bone Cutter!"

A tremendous whooshing sound followed – without a doubt, this was a strike powerful enough to split mountains and shatter rocks!

He wasn't the only one who made a move.

At that moment, appearing beside Roy along with Bastey was Commodore 'Tsuchicha'.

"You must be eliminated first—Ten-Finger Gun: Earth Tea Bite!"

His fingers were also covered in jet-black Armament Haki, and his ten fingers on both hands suddenly opened and closed like the teeth of a wild beast, tearing towards Roy!

And then there's more.
"Four-Sword Style: Reverse Scale!"

"Six Types of Secrets·Maximum Wheel·Six Kings Spear!"

Two figures flashed by, and Kaku and Rob Lucci, who had transformed into a cheetah, appeared behind Roy.

Without hesitation, the two of them unleashed their strongest moves.

"I'm sorry, Strongest—your fist technique is too dangerous. I don't think I can withstand it."

"We are here on behalf of the government to participate in the military exercise, and we don't want to lose so badly."

At that moment, Kaku's low laughter was enough to illustrate their shared thoughts.

As soon as the rules of the competition were explained in the Warring States period, they understood one thing.

Regardless of their previous opinions of Roy or whether they believed the fact that he fought to a draw with the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

But after that attack on the sea, they all had to admit it.

On this island, Roy is the strongest one.

Weaker prey will unite against the strongest hunter—it's an instinct necessary for victory.

"Eliminate him first, then deal with the others."

With this in mind, they all decided to take action.

At this moment, they were even more certain that their attack had locked down any direction Roy could possibly take.

But in fact…

Roy never intended to run away.

"laugh!"

The shark-slaying knife struck his shoulder.

"boom!"

The ten fingers bit into his abdomen.

"Crack!"

The katana and the storm kick struck the leg.

"boom!"

The Six Kings Spear did indeed strike the heart from behind.

But
At that moment, everyone suddenly heard a soft laugh.

Then they saw streaks of pitch black appear where they had attacked.

What followed was...
"Boom!"

It was a tremendous force emanating from the location they were attacking.

The four of them were blasted away almost simultaneously and crashed heavily to the ground.

At this moment, they ignored the pain in their bodies and only looked up at the figure they were attacking.

"Domineering?"

Kaku exclaimed in disbelief, "Impossible! According to the intelligence provided by Commander Guernica, he shouldn't have mastered Haki!"

"No, that's not right."

At that moment, Rob Lucci spoke in a low voice.

His gaze, hidden beneath the mask, was fixed on the figure: "It's not just about whether someone can exude domineering presence; that was..."

He hasn't mastered Haki yet, but he's known as the strongest agent in CP9 in a century.

He had already been authorized and knew a lot about domineering aura.

Therefore, he recognized the power emanating from the other person.

And it was precisely at this moment
"Snap!" "Snap!"

With two crisp sounds, Roy slowly tugged at the two boxing gloves he had just put on.

"Your intelligence is outdated."

He wasn't as nonchalant as usual; he simply stood calmly in the center of the crowd.

He looked at the people around him and said with a light laugh.

"Your judgment is correct; I am indeed the strongest one."

"but."

As he spoke, a dark, domineering aura flowed and pulsed around him.

The outward-flowing, domineering aura continuously shattered the ground, with rock fragments and debris tangling up like knots.

He slowly raised his fist.

"Buzz!"

The domineering aura flowing across his black fist and wrist resembled a lion's mane.

then
"'Black Mane'? And that's Liu Ying?"

On a distant coastal plateau, Sengoku, witnessing this scene through a live Den Den Mushi (a type of electric scooter), let out an incredulous gasp.

He suddenly turned his head and looked at his old friend: "Zeffa, this is not what you said."

He said in a deep voice, "Didn't you say he hasn't mastered domineering aura yet, and that he needs at least a few more years?"

"This is why I stand here, Sengoku period."

Ze Law stood beside Sengoku, speaking calmly.

"I have taught many disciples in my life, and many of them have outstanding talents."

He looked down at the equally noisy crowd below, and at the three generals whose faces also showed solemnity.

"But Roy is one of a kind."

"Zefa said softly."

"His rate of progress is beyond my comprehension."

He still remembers the scene not long ago when Roy found him and showed him the Ryuo Sakura.

To be honest, Zephyr really doubted his knowledge over the years—that was Ryuo, the highest level of Armament Haki, a technique used only by true top-tier powerhouses.

"I see."

At this moment, the Warring States also looked solemn.

"He's not a Devil Fruit user, yet he can use that 'Hadouken' technique, has an abnormally strong physique, and has mastered Ryuo."

He certainly knew what that meant.

Within the Navy, some true geniuses might be identified as future admirals and given special training—that's the highest honor.

For example, the three generals today were all geniuses who were known as 'monsters' in Zephyr's training camp back then.

However, the talent and potential that Roy is showing at this moment have already exceeded that level.

His talent was beyond the comprehension of the Warring States period; he was a 'monster among monsters'.

Since the navy's inception, there have been very few people like him. "So... you were serious about your request just now?"

Therefore, at this moment, Sengoku also looked at Zefa with a serious expression.

"Ah."

Zefa nodded, his gaze fixed on the figure on the distant island: "This is my choice."

Having said that, he fell silent.

".All right."

After a moment of contemplation, Zhan Guo nodded and said, "I will report this matter to Commander-in-Chief Kong tonight."

Throughout the entire match, the two did not discuss the outcome of the battle on Island Seven again.

Because there's no need for discussion at all.

The weak uniting to defeat the strong is the only way to survive.

But even if a flock of sheep unites, it is impossible for them to defeat a dragon.

And that is indeed the case.
At this moment, Roy on Island Seven had already clenched his fists.

"Flowing Cherry Blossom Entanglement - Super Wave Fist!"

He raised his fist, and then
Slam down!

But the point where he crashed down wasn't towards any one person in front of him, but towards the entire island!

"boom!"

The next moment, the huge artificial island disintegrated in an instant.

The intense fluctuations and the domineering roar even caused the clouds in the sky to part instantly.

"Snapped!"

Bastiyu's shark-slaying blade shattered into countless fragments in an instant.

"Crack!"

Tu Cha's finger snapped instantly, and he flew backward, spitting blood from his mouth.

"boom!"

Lucci's leopard tail and beast body made crackling sounds before flying backwards, while Kaku's nose, which was exposed outside the tengu mask, was instantly bent.

A huge plume of smoke rose into the air.

When the smoke cleared, the live Den Den Mushi faithfully recorded that incredible scene.

The entire Island No. 7, centered on where Roy was standing, had been completely pierced through.

The island's foundation, painstakingly forged from steel by the craftsmen, has vanished, replaced by a massive void that occupies two-thirds of the island.

At this moment, only two platforms remained in the empty center.

On the two platforms, Roy and Smoker stood respectively.

“You should have attacked me with them—it wouldn’t have helped much, but it was the only way to win.”

At this moment, Roy slowly withdrew his fist, first glancing with satisfaction at the domineering aura swirling around the 'Black Mane' in his hand, before smiling at Smoker.

"I know."

Smoker still had a cigar in his mouth, his expression calm.

He's not stupid.

After the Warring States period announced the simple and easy-to-understand rules for the second round of assessments, he realized what might happen next.

He also knew that a joint attack on Roy was the wisest choice to pursue victory.

But
"The wisest choice?"

He spat and said, "What does that kind of boring stuff have to do with me?"

"I think so too."

Upon hearing this, Roy nodded.

Yes—if Smoker would choose the so-called 'wise choice,' and make such a choice, then he wouldn't be Smoker.

But at that moment, he heard Smoker's words again.

"But you're quite the surprise."

"Is it?"

Roy naturally assumed Smoker was referring to his strength: "I told you long ago, I'm terrifyingly strong now."

But to his surprise, Smoker shook his head after hearing his words.

"That's not what I meant."

He grinned, and actually managed a smile.

"What surprises me is that you've finally shown your true colors."

".ah?"

Upon hearing this, Roy was naturally somewhat puzzled.

But upon seeing this, Smoker's smile widened even further.

Yes—the true face.

As is widely known, Smoker is known as the Navy's mad dog, a rebellious and defiant troublemaker.

Therefore, he was extremely unpopular and unwelcome even within his own unit and the military.

How could someone like that become friends with Roy?
Just because this guy came over and greeted me when I first enlisted?
Just because this guy asked to spar with someone during training one day?

Smoker is not the type of person who would form friendships with someone for such reasons.

In fact, he didn't even like the 'navy'.

He joined the Navy simply to uphold his own sense of justice, not to pledge allegiance to the World Government.

On the contrary—he knew there were dirty secrets within the Navy, he was skeptical of the Navy's proclaimed 'absolute justice,' and even wary of most of the Navy personnel around him.

Navy rules? He couldn't be bothered with them.

His boss's orders? He treated them like dirt.

He would gladly accept being punished for violating established rules as long as he could achieve the justice and righteousness he sought.

So he knew perfectly well from the beginning why he and Roy became friends.

"You and I are the same kind of people, Roy!"

Smoker murmured to himself as he removed the 'Ten Hands' from his back.

Those of the same kind can recognize those of the same kind.

So Smoker could tell that Roy was the same kind of person as him.

The other party also disapproved of such sordid things, so during his time as a recruit, he was willing to disobey his instructor's orders to recover money for a certain girl.

The other person also has values ​​and a strong sense of morality that are completely different from others, which cannot be hidden in life.

This was also one of the reasons why Smoker was disappointed in Lloyd.

Despite possessing immense power and talent, he has always kept it hidden.

In Smoker's view, Roy is like another version of himself who is escaping and being assimilated.

So he tried his best to get Roy out of the detention center.

So ever since he learned that Roy would also be participating in the military exercises, Smoker has been training hard ever since.

This one person, however, didn't want to lose!

But now he realizes that he was wrong.

"You've never changed, have you?"

He looked at Roy in front of him.

"You've just been holding back, haven't you?"

"And now."

He finally threw away the cigar in his mouth: "You're strong enough already, and you don't want to endure it anymore, right!?"

Upon hearing his words, Roy was taken aback.

Because he suddenly realized—it seemed that Smoker was actually right.

His purpose in participating in this military exercise was to obtain the position of commander of the detention force; he only needed to be among the top five.

He didn't actually need to attract so much attention—whether it was crushing a sea monster with a single punch or instantly killing everyone around him.

Rationally speaking, it would have been a more inconspicuous choice for him to simply walk through the swarm of sea monsters like a normal person and then slowly deal with the enemies around him one by one.

That's what he used to do.

But why didn't he make that choice this time?
The answer is simple—he instinctively didn't want to.

It seems that, just as Smoker said, this is his true nature.

Over the past eight years, he has seen many things that disgust and annoy him.

He saw many rules that displeased him.

But he had no power before, so he could only endure it.

He needs to keep a low profile and gradually build up his strength.

So he joined the detention center and has remained low-key and patient ever since.

but now.
He was certainly not invincible over the sea; he still did not possess absolute power.

But after what has happened recently, he feels that he can at least be less restrained.

so.
"I do not deny."

Roy laughed: "I do want it to be quick."

Then, the two looked at each other.

"I said—after I get promoted this time, would you like to be transferred back to be my subordinate?"

In Roy's hands, cherry blossoms swirled and flowed.

"...I'd rather die than do that."

Smoker's hands were clenched tightly together.

The next moment, the two rushed towards each other.

The outcome of the battle was already predetermined.

But no one can say for sure whether this conversation marks the beginning of a shift in the gears of history.

(End of this chapter)