A slash fast enough to ignite flames from the air itself would make the sword's fire power unnecessary—one swing could cleave ten Brown-Backed Giant Apes in half.
But Roya's previous slash wasn't fast, nor was it particularly powerful, yet it still produced flames. This immediately eliminated all the previous possibilities, leaving only one explanation.
Flame Sword Aura!
In Wano Country, there were swordsmen who could wield fire with their swords, and once a master swordsman reached a certain level, they could manifest all kinds of sword aura. For example, the fifth division captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, Vista, when he swung his sword, petals seemed to drift along with it.
Yet the unbelievable thing was this: Roya's swordsmanship was still extremely crude. He had not mastered sword aura or sword energy—he was by no means a master swordsman. And yet, he had manifested the power of a master swordsman. How could anyone witnessing this not be utterly shocked?
Even Garp, about to charge from the warship to rescue Roya, froze in place, mouth agape as if it could fit a fist.
Everyone knew Roya's strength clearly—but when had this brat's swordsmanship reached such a level?
Garp was completely dumbfounded.
Even the former Admiral, Zephyr, showed a trace of astonishment. It took him some time to collect himself. His eyes were filled with shock as he finally spoke:
"Flame Sword Aura—there's no mistake. There's only one possibility… yet, with such crude swordsmanship, he shouldn't even be considered a master swordsman. And yet, he has prematurely grasped sword aura that only masters could wield."
"I've heard of people like this, but never seen one with my own eyes. I never thought such a genius really existed in this world—a person naturally born with sword aura. This is rarer than a naturally strong body!"
Even Zephyr couldn't help but take a deep breath. His face no longer held the previous calmness, but a spark of excitement.
Born with sword aura!
Such talent—even Zephyr had never seen it before.
"Garp, his name is Roya, right? I'll take him as my student." Zephyr turned to Garp, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Garp, still in shock, only managed to recover after a moment. Upon hearing Zephyr's words, he grinned:
"Hahaha, Zephyr, you weren't so willing just a moment ago."
"That was then, not now!"
Zephyr snorted, murmuring to himself. Who would have thought that Roya, whose physical talent was average, would have such an abnormal sword talent—born with sword aura.
And not just any sword aura—but flame sword aura, with unquestionable offensive power.
Their conversation echoed in the surveillance room. The Marine officers gradually regained composure, though disbelief still lingered on their faces.
Born sword aura!
A talent only mentioned in legends—once thought merely a myth—but here they were witnessing it with their own eyes.
"Monkey D. Roya… nephew of Vice Admiral Garp, is definitely no ordinary person. Soon, there will be another formidable presence dominating the seas."
Many officers took a deep breath, slowly calming their racing hearts, this thought forming silently in their minds.
---
On the island, in the forest.
The Brown-Backed Giant Ape screamed and rolled wildly, igniting all the surrounding bushes, creating a sea of fire. It even smashed through several large trees, setting those ablaze as well.
Yet the flames still could not be contained.
Gradually, the ape's screams slowed, and its struggling became weaker, until it ceased completely.
Only then did Roya, observing the forest seemingly turning into a fiery inferno, sweep Engetsu once more.
Buzz!
The previous slash had erupted in flames, burning everything. Now, at Roya's will, all the fire in the area seemed to be doused as if with water, extinguished instantly.
One slash gives life to fire; one slash extinguishes it.
Seeing this, Zephyr and Garp were further convinced: this was indeed Flame Sword Aura.
Sword aura is a special force, existing somewhere between reality and illusion. Truly powerful swordsmen—or even great swordmasters—can solidify sword aura into a tangible form, releasing and retracting it at will.
At this point, Roya did not know that his power had been mistaken for sword aura. In fact, Roya's ability was not very different from sword aura itself.
The difference being: ordinary sword aura comes from the swordsman's own training, while Roya's sword aura came from the Soul Sword fused with his own soul.
After extinguishing the flames, Roya approached the charred Brown-Backed Giant Ape.
To his surprise, the ape had not completely died. There was still a trace of life, a faint flicker of breath.
"This thing is still alive? Its vitality is too stubborn."
In this world, not only were humans' vitality tough as cockroaches, but these ferocious beasts were equally resilient—scientifically questionable.
But scientific logic mattered little to Roya. He wasn't Vegapunk, claiming mastery of technology five centuries ahead.
Seeing the scorched, nearly lifeless ape, Roya muttered to himself, shook his head, and swung his sword, finally killing it completely.
"Come to think of it… using the fire ability just now, someone probably saw it."
After slaying the ape, Roya sheathed Engetsu, glanced at his surroundings, and thought to himself.
He didn't care.
Abilities that are bound to reveal themselves eventually could be used anytime. Roya had never been one to hide his powers—and in such a dangerous situation, he certainly wouldn't risk holding back.
What did concern him was whether this battle increased his enhancement energy.
Focusing his thoughts, a semi-transparent attribute panel appeared before his eyes:
[Second Stage: Ancient Soul Sword +6
Attributes: Attack +75, Strength +20
Special Attribute: All things in the universe, turn to ashes: Fire damage can be freely added to sword attacks
(evolution conditions not met)
Enhancement Energy: 22/70]
Before the battle, Roya had checked his enhancement energy—it was 18. Now it had risen to 22.
This battle had granted him 4 points of enhancement energy!
The energy gained from this instant fight rivaled what could be obtained from half a day of intense training.
The increase in enhancement energy from battle was unexpectedly significant. Though Roya had anticipated some growth, he was still surprised.
He had a theory: training excavates the potential of the body, while battle excavates the potential of the soul.
The more dangerous the battle—the closer to life and death—the greater the soul's potential unearthed, the stronger the transformation, and the more golden energy gained.
Of course, this was only Roya's speculation. There was no way to test it, and he wasn't about to recklessly experiment with death.