Chapter 26: You will become the symbol of Justice!
"Of course not."
Facing Zephyr's question,
Loy's answer was firm and decisive.
Ability User? He's no Ability User!
"You're talking nonsense!"
He said calmly, his expression unchanged.
"I was born with a very sensitive perception—I can sense some special things in the natural environment, such as moisture in the air, and invisible waves in the atmosphere."
He said this.
And so, Smoker, standing beside him, showed a subtle expression.
Because Loy had told him the same explanation before, and he had also tried to learn Wave Fist by following Loy, to perceive those so-called "invisible waves."
But unfortunately, he hadn't learned anything from it.
"Waves?"
And it was obvious that Zephyr was the same at this moment.
The former Admiral, who had spent his life mastering martial arts and Haki, furrowed his brow, seemingly lost in thought.
But seeing this scene, Loy's heart was not flustered.
Because Loy was very clear.
As his Devil Fruit Ability grew stronger and the types of abilities became more numerous,
Even if he tried his best to conceal them, he was bound to gradually show signs of being different from ordinary people.
Similar doubts to the one Zephyr had now would definitely not be unique to him alone.
Therefore, Loy had already made his plans.
Rather than constantly pretending to be an ordinary person and then being discovered for his abnormalities,
It was better for him to reveal some things from the very beginning.
This was also why he had not hidden "Wave Fist" when he faced Smoker earlier.
As for whether Zephyr would believe his words at this moment...
"So that's how it is."
That was inevitable.
"To possess such a talent... truly amazing."
At this moment, Zephyr let out such an exclamation.
That's right.
As for Loy's words, he no longer harbored any doubts after a brief moment of surprise.
As for the reason behind it, Loy was also very clear.
"Ivankov can unleash her Death Wink to blast rocks."
"Miss Goldenweek can control people's hearts and actions through painting with pigments, and can even be used to strengthen objects, which is even more miraculous than Devil Fruit Abilities."
"Mink Tribe are naturally able to control static electricity and their unique 'Moon Lion' form."
"One of the Four Emperors, Big Mom, could kill a legendary hero of the Giant Tribe even when she was a child, and her body is terrifyingly strong even without Haki."
"Not to mention there are also various special races... almost every one of them possesses unique abilities."
This was the reason.
In this world of Pirates, on this vast sea where powerful individuals gathered,
There were countless geniuses who possessed "special talents."
And what Loy displayed at this moment was just one of them.
Therefore, for a strong person like Zephyr, who had broad knowledge and a sufficiently wide vision, he would not have too many doubts about this.
After all, at the end of the day, wasn't Zephyr himself, who could become an Admiral, a "monster"?
Of course, the only problem was...
Loy's "talent" as displayed this time was special even among the geniuses on this great sea.
It was enough to even make Zephyr exclaim in admiration.
"Your physical strength and vitality are completely unlike a human's, and coupled with your talent, I even suspect you might be a descendant of some special race?"
Even at this moment, the former Marine Admiral had already begun to fantasize.
"To be able to sense the waves in the air and create this unique boxing style shows that you have ample combat intuition and martial arts talent."
"You just said you could sense the moisture in the environment; this is key to the Fish-Man Tribe's 'Fish-Man Karate,' which means you have the potential to learn it."
"Oh, and in Wano Country, it is said there is also a 'Foxfire Stream' which can be used to cut out flames in the air. This also requires a subtle perception of the surrounding environment, and you have talent in this area too."
"And there's more..."
He muttered to himself about some special martial arts styles he knew, looking at Loy.
"A monstrous physique and vitality, a natural ability to perceive, and the talent to learn and develop various martial arts, and he's not an Ability User."
"Perfect, simply too perfect!"
Zephyr muttered, his expression growing more solemn.
Then, the Admiral looked at Loy with blazing eyes, his words deliberate and slow.
"Loy—you brat, come be this old man's disciple."
As soon as these words came out,
The training ground instantly fell silent.
Disciple?
After hearing Zephyr's words, Loy was also stunned: "Admiral Zephyr, didn't Bilos arrange for me to train with you in the future?"
Smoker also frowned in confusion.
But at this moment, Hina, who was nearby, showed an expression more surprised than ever before.
She looked at Zephyr incredulously, as if confirming the truth of his words.
But at this moment, Zephyr's words confirmed Hina's guess: "No, this old man doesn't mean that."
He looked at Loy: "This old man has indeed taught many disciples in his life; they are all students who make me proud."
"But unfortunately, to this day, no one has truly inherited this old man's mantle. Even the most outstanding few... Sakazuki, Kuzan, Borsalino, none of them are good enough."
"But, Roy Amos—you have such talent."
He stretched out his hand, his mouth open wide in a domineering manner.
"Therefore, this old man hopes that you will leave the Escort Unit and come to my side—this old man will teach you earnestly, and then we will go punish those Pirates together!"
When he spoke of Pirates, a calm yet utterly cold intent flashed in his eyes.
And upon hearing this, apart from Hina, who seemed to have known about it for a long time,
Loy and Smoker were almost dumbfounded.
Especially Smoker; he had pretty much figured it out now.
The disciples Zephyr spoke of were not the students he taught as an instructor.
But true inheritors, disciples who would carry on his power and martial arts style.
This concept was completely different.
One must know that Zephyr's standing within the Marines could be described as "influential throughout the world" without exaggeration.
The Marine Fleet Admiral and Marine Hero were his old friends, the three Marine Admirals were all his disciples, and almost all of the most elite Marine Vice Admirals had trained with him.
It could be said that unless Zephyr betrayed the Marines, as his direct disciple, Loy would surely inherit all these connections in the future.
But would "Black Arm" Zephyr betray the Marines?
Smoker wouldn't even consider such a possibility—if such a thing were to happen, he'd eat his own pipe.
So at this moment, even he couldn't help but sigh: "Loy, that guy's luck is really good."
But it was precisely while Smoker was thinking this,
"..."
Loy, who heard Zephyr's words, also frowned.
After a moment, he asked: "Admiral Zephyr... when you said I had talent, were you referring to my body?"
From Zephyr's earlier reaction, he could easily deduce this point.
"That's right."
Zephyr also nodded without hesitation: "The true essence of the martial arts I created can only be cultivated by possessing a monstrous body and vitality."
"And your talent is even very likely to make your future achievements surpass this old man's."
He looked at Loy, his words containing the deepest expectations.
"By then, you will become the symbol of Justice on this great sea."
(end of chapter)