Chapter 52: Playing with the Navy
Roy answered John Giant politely on the surface, then glanced at Redding, baffled. The Marines were… chatting with pirates? Outrageous.
John Giant and the two vice admirals, however, saw nothing strange about it. If a calm conversation could coax Roy off the giants' ship, that would be a huge win.
Since the days when the nun confronted the Navy over Elbaf's captured pirates—and the captives were released—giant soldiers had begun appearing in Marine ranks. Tensions between the Navy and giants at sea had eased. To these officers, avoiding a fight and winning Roy over amicably was the best path.
"Oh? So Roy has been learning swordsmanship under Senior Redding?" John Giant said with mild surprise. They did have CP intelligence, of course, but they couldn't risk tipping Roy off—especially about the nun "selling" him. That was a fuse they would not light.
"That's right," Redding said with a genial smile, pride in his eyes as he looked at Roy. "The boy's strong. Even Hajrudin can't beat him. He was born with a terrifying defense. Swordsmanship comes naturally enough to him."
"I see." John Giant nodded. "But has Roy thought about his future?"
"What about it?" Roy asked, brow raised.
"In terms of training," John said, gesturing toward the uniformed lines around him, "the village is wonderful, but it can't offer the full breadth of instruction you'll need. The Navy can. Kicks, boxing, close-quarters combat, swordsmanship, marksmanship—masters in every field. Whatever you want to learn, you'll find it here."
He tipped his chin at the Marine giants manning the rails. "And when you're grown, you'll find people closer to your size here, mentors who can give precise guidance."
Then, with a warm, careful tone, "Are you interested in joining the Navy, little one? It's a place where a little hero like you can belong—and a place that will help you grow even stronger."
"Is it really that impressive?" Roy asked, feigning wonder.
"I'm sure you want to become stronger," John said with a knowing smile.
He knew Elbaf's village well; they revered strength. A child raised among giants would naturally crave power. With Headquarters' resources laid out, Roy should have found the offer irresistible.
"Pass," Roy said breezily, hugging Amatsuki Toki's arm. "Everyone's waiting for me at the Sheep's House. I want to stay with Sister Toki. I don't want to be tied down and dragged far away."
Toki stroked his shoulder, eyes gentle. Roy tilted up and winked; she stifled a laugh as he turned back to the crestfallen giant.
As if he could join the Marines. He had a secret—and would need to ride the currents of time. Between the time power sleeping in him and Toki's fruit, the Marines were out of the question.
Decades from now, an admiral like Borsalino couldn't refuse the World Government's requests; Vegapunk had copied his power into the Pacifistas. Even Kaido, with monstrous physique and iron hide, had been captured for experiments. Roy had no intention of becoming a test subject.
Uphold justice in a uniform? Please. The savior would be Luffy, Nika's drum of liberation. Roy wasn't signing up to be exploited for "justice."
"You wouldn't feel constrained," John tried again. "You're still young. You'd train hard, yes, but you'd also play with other Marine kids."
He leaned on the one word he knew mattered. "Partners. You'll find true partners here."
"Why would I play with strangers?" Roy shot back, adopting pure childish obstinacy.
"Uh…" For the first time, John looked stuck. Making friends on command wasn't exactly his specialty.
"Roy, staying in the village will limit you," John pushed on. "You'll understand later: only the strong—only those who have endured Headquarters' training—truly share your world."
"And if I don't join," Roy said, eyes bright with mischief, "am I banned from playing with them?"
John's jaw worked. He finally understood how exhausting children could be.
At least Redding wasn't adding fuel. The last time the Navy came for Linlin, Streusen deliberately stirred the pot, Linlin lost her temper, and a brawl exploded. Compared to that, Roy was almost… cute, the way he needled him.
"Join us," John said quickly, "and when you're older we'll teach you a powerful style—Rokushiki, the Six Forms."
"What's that? Not interested," Roy said, deadpan.
Plenty had learned bits of Rokushiki simply by fighting and watching CP or Marines. Roy could do the same without the risk.
"We can give you a famous sword, little guy," the Headquarters vice admiral beside John said, shooting him a look as if to say, Try something practical.
Roy's eyes lit for a heartbeat.
The vice admiral leaned forward. Progress.
John perked up too.
"As a friend," Roy said, squinting, "do I have to enlist to get a blade? Stingy."
Toki finally realized what he was doing and nearly laughed. He was playing them like a shamisen.
"How about this," John said, rubbing his temple and turning back to Redding, "Senior—shall we go ashore and speak privately?"
"Hm?" Redding had been enjoying the show. At that, his guard snapped up. Lure him off the ship so the vice admirals could snatch Roy? He knew exactly how dazzling Roy's talent was and could guess what Headquarters might try.
"We're from the same village," Redding said mildly, lowering himself beside Roy with deliberate finality. "No need for ceremony."
The Eleventh Don of the Happo Navy kept a hard stare fixed on the other Marine warship.
John sighed inwardly. So cautious. A shame.
"Senior," he said carefully, "are you sure you want to discuss this here?"
<><><><><>
[Check Out My Patreon For +40 Advance Chapters On All My Fanfics!]
[[email protected]/FanficLord03]
[Every 100 Power Stones = +1 Bonus Chapter]
[Join Our Discord Community For Updates & Events]
[https://discord.gg/MntqcdpRZ9]