Thinking of this…
Roy shook his head, walked into the bedroom, and gently covered Killua with a blanket.
After that, he simply washed up, brewed a cup of coffee, and started a new day.
Drawing manga. Grinding experience points.
Ever since he negotiated a collaboration with Jump Agency, they agreed on a weekly release schedule. The next deadline was just around the corner. And if the editorial department didn't urge him…
…a certain nagging old man certainly would.
As the saying goes: speak of the devil—
"Hey, finally remembered you're a mangaka?"
Maha Zoldyck appeared behind Roy, arms behind his back, glancing with a "tsk" at the rocking chair now occupied by the blanket-covered Killua.
"Training that broken sword of yours day and night… I thought you forgot your job."
He strolled into the kitchen like he owned the place, opened the fridge, grabbed a bottle of Coke, and took a long gulp.
"Old man, make yourself at home, why don't you… pull out your own oxygen tube while you're at it," Roy grumbled under his breath, black lines forming on his head.
But remembering Maha still held his bank card hostage—and that the deadline was tight—Roy let it slide. For now.
He picked up a pen and wrote on the manuscript:
"The Grand Line — Twin Capes."
Yes, One Piece had finally reached the Grand Line. The crew would soon meet the giant whale Laboon, and the seed for Brook's backstory would be planted.
The pen slid across the page. Roy was immersed.
He estimated it'd take two days to finish this chapter.
By noon, his hand was sore. He put down the pen, stretched, and sipped his coffee. Just as he relaxed—
Maha kept glancing his way.
It was that kind of glance—like someone holding in a fart for too long.
Roy raised an eyebrow. "Spit it out already."
"Cough~ Roy, can I give you a little suggestion?"
"No."
"Then I'll say it~"
Roy twitched.
"Then why the hell did you ask me?!"
Ignoring the glare, Maha cleared his throat.
"You know, I think you're overlooking story logic in your manga."
Roy paused. "…Go on."
"Like that King of the Sea monster. Luffy beat it, right? So how did it bite off Shanks' arm in the past? That makes no damn sense!"
Roy raised an eyebrow. "Still got your mind, huh? Impressive."
"And Garp. You built him up as a naval legend, on par with Roger. But then he gets hurt by a random weakling like Morgan the Axe-Hand? Ridiculous!"
"I mean, sure, strong characters age. But not to the point where any cat or dog can injure them!"
Maha crossed his arms, serious now.
"You're disrespecting Garp with that plot."
Roy leaned back, tapping his pen.
"Oh? Am I disrespecting Garp… or are you just feeling offended for yourself?"
Maha's grin faltered.
"It's disrespect to both, okay?"
"Don't underestimate the elderly, Roy," he said meaningfully.
Roy nodded thoughtfully. "Got it. Any other pearls of wisdom?"
Sensing something off in Roy's tone, Maha waved his hands. "No, no, that's all. Don't be mad, dear grandson~ Just old man ramblings, nothing more!"
Roy's smile turned gentle. Too gentle.
"Mad? Why would I be mad~"
That tone gave Maha chills.
Roy tilted his head, and said, "Since you have so many opinions, let me ask you something."
"Why did Garp agree to raise Roger's kid?"
"Isn't it… friendship?" Maha frowned.
Roy leaned in, lowering his voice dramatically.
"No~ Actually…"
"Ace is Garp's biological son."
"Roger and Garp? Secret lovers."
"But Roger, out of horny, seduced Garp and got him pregnant. Hence, Ace."
"Now it makes sense why Garp hid them both from the Marines, right?"
"Out of guilt… and love for his partner."
"Don't you see? It's all connected!"
"A-ARE YOU NOT TALKING NONSENSE?!" Maha exploded.
Roy smirked. "You know it's nonsense? And yet here you are giving me story advice?"
"If you're so opinionated, why don't you draw it yourself?"
"Otherwise, stop loitering in my space and messing with my rhythm!"
Maha stood stiff, fists clenched, then sighed.
"You're right, you're right. Grandpa's just got a loud mouth."
He moved behind Roy and started squeezing his shoulders with a fake smile.
"My dear grandson, you must be tired. Let Grandpa massage your stress away…"
"Hmm~ Try harder," Roy said with a smirk. "What, haven't eaten yet?"
Maha's bald head twitched. Veins popped. But he gritted his teeth, endured, and quietly slipped out of the courtyard, Coke bottle still in hand.
Peace returned once more.
Killua was still passed out on the couch, snoring faintly.
Roy took a deep breath, focused again on his draft.
His panel glowed faintly—he'd gained another sliver of experience.
Soon, he'd hit 10 experience points.
That would mean another step toward unlocking the full power of the Fujitora Template.
"C'mon… I want to see how strong I'll be once it's fully unlocked."
"Maybe strong enough to beat the old fart with one swing."
Roy whispered, anticipation burning in his chest.