Those who already knew that Roya possessed flame abilities—such as Aokiji and Kizaru—only had their eyes flicker slightly, thinking to themselves that he had finally used it.
But the vice admirals who did not know were all struck with drastic changes in expression.
"A Logia-type Flame-Flame Fruit?!"
"No—no, that's not right! This isn't a Logia…"
Shock was evident on their faces. Even Kizaru, Aokiji, and even Garp and Zephyr could not determine the true source of Roya's flame power—let alone them.
This power originated from the level of the soul itself. It belonged to another world entirely, and in this world, no one could analyze the source of such power!
"That kind of flame…"
Even Akainu, who had been sitting calmly above the arena, showed a trace of surprise when he saw Roya use his flames, his expression shifting slightly.
Previously, when Roya had participated in the regular camp's practical ranking assessment, Akainu had observed him from afar atop the Marine Headquarters fortress. At that time, the flames were far weaker than they were now, and the distance had been too great for Akainu to see clearly.
Now, upon closer inspection, Akainu was surprised to find that even he could not fully comprehend these flames!
They seemed like real flames, yet also like illusory ones—something that existed between reality and illusion.
Akainu narrowed his eyes as he stared at the flames released by Roya. After a moment, he slowly withdrew his gaze.
"Strange flames. But if this is all there is…"
Roya's flames were certainly powerful to others, but in Akainu's eyes, they posed no threat to someone who wielded the Magma Fruit. After all, magma was a power that stood above flame.
---
Slash! Slash!!
Two azure sword waves cut through the sea of fire as Strawberry burst out from within the flames. His strength was considerable—he had not been burned into a charred mess—though he did look somewhat disheveled.
The raging inferno, however, was extremely docile around Roya. It did not even singe a corner of his clothing. Layer upon layer of flames rose behind him, resembling countless crimson strands of hair.
Standing sovereign over the sea of fire—his presence overwhelming!
Strawberry, having charged out of the flames, stared in disbelief at the burning surroundings and at Roya, who looked like a king of flames amid the inferno.
Roya did not continue attacking, and Strawberry likewise made no further move.
"I never imagined you possessed this kind of power. I underestimated you…"
Feeling the scorching heat, Strawberry let out a bitter smile and shook his head.
"You win."
Previously, Roya had been able to fight him to a standstill using only swordsmanship and Haki. Now, with this flame ability interfering, Strawberry could probably exert no more than seventy percent of his full strength. It was clear he was no longer a match for Roya.
This was a graduation assessment, not a life-or-death struggle. Since the outcome was already obvious, Strawberry conceded openly, unwilling to continue fighting and end up in an even more embarrassing state.
Strawberry's voluntary concession was naturally valid—but the significance behind it was extraordinary.
The entire venue fell silent.
After a long while, the flames in the arena gradually extinguished. Vice Admiral Yamakaji looked toward the arena, his mind still shaken. Slowly regaining his composure, he spoke, his voice carrying a faint tremor.
"The ninth match… passed!"
As Yamakaji formally announced the result, the Marine Headquarters vice admirals in the stands were deeply shaken. Their minds buzzed as they began discussing among themselves.
On one hand, Roya had displayed a flame ability that none of them could comprehend. On the other hand, he had passed the ninth stage!
Up to now, only Aokiji, Kizaru, and Akainu had ever passed the ninth stage!
"So he really does possess admiral potential?!"
"Vice Admiral Garp's nephew… terrifying."
The Marine Headquarters vice admirals no longer looked at Roya as a mere recruit. Instead, they now placed him on an equal footing with themselves!
Although Roya was still technically a recruit and far below them in rank, in this world where strength reigned supreme, the power and talent he had displayed were enough to earn their equal regard.
The vice admirals were in turmoil.
Meanwhile, above them, the three admirals—Aokiji, Kizaru, and Akainu—as well as Garp, Zephyr, and even Fleet Admiral Sengoku, were all silent, simply watching Roya in the arena.
At this moment, Roya stood alone in the arena.
Everyone was watching him. Having passed the ninth stage, the only thing left was the final—tenth stage!
Would Roya challenge the tenth stage?!
Under countless gazes, Roya suddenly walked toward one side of the arena and stopped in front of Vice Admiral Yamakaji, who was presiding over the assessment. Smiling, he asked:
"Is there any water?"
The battle with Strawberry had consumed a fair amount of stamina. Since the ninth-stage opponent had already been a branch vice admiral, then the tenth stage—if nothing unexpected occurred—would most likely be a Marine Headquarters vice admiral.
Therefore, Roya planned to drink some water and adjust his condition.
"Yes."
Yamakaji stared at Roya, then had a Marine behind him pour a cup of water and hand it over.
Roya took the cup and drank it in one gulp.
Yamakaji did not ask whether Roya intended to challenge the tenth stage. He simply waited quietly. After each stage, there was a free ten-minute rest period.
"The tenth stage… there's no need, right? Passing the ninth stage is an honor that only admirals have ever achieved!"
"No. Since he's already passed the ninth stage, even if he can't pass the tenth, he should still try—so there are no regrets."
Shu and the others from the elite camp watched Roya with slight tension. They did not know what choice Roya would make. Even if the tenth stage was impossible to clear, he should at least attempt it.
After all, if by some miracle he passed, it would be an honor surpassing even the admirals of the past!
Though Shu and the others knew the chances were slim—surpassing the admirals of that era was unimaginably difficult.
One minute…
Two minutes…
Eight minutes…
Finally, at the ninth minute, Roya returned to the arena. Under the gaze of countless eyes, he spoke to Vice Admiral Yamakaji:
"The tenth match… begin."
Since the ninth-stage opponent had already been a branch vice admiral, then the tenth-stage opponent—without exception—would certainly be a Marine Headquarters vice admiral!
Roya's eyes burned with surging battle intent. There was not the slightest trace of fear—only an intense desire to fight.
This battle—he would fight it, and he would win it!
If he did not even possess the strength of a Marine Headquarters vice admiral, how could he justify going out to sea? How could he claim to challenge this vast ocean?!
Finally.
Under the attention of the entire audience, Yamakaji's solemn voice echoed across the venue.
"The tenth match. Your opponent is… Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral, Momonga!"
As Yamakaji announced it, a figure rose from the stands and walked down into the arena. He wore a light purple pinstriped suit with a dark blue shirt. His beard and hair were both purple, and compared to other Marine Headquarters vice admirals, he appeared relatively young.
In the original timeline, ten years later, Momonga would be among the strongest of all Marine Headquarters vice admirals who participated in the Summit War—ranked near the very top.
And ten years earlier—right now—Momonga had been promoted to Marine Headquarters vice admiral around the same time Aokiji and Kizaru became admirals!
Being promoted earlier than others was itself proof of strength!
"So the tenth match is Momonga?"
"I remember Momonga was promoted to Marine Headquarters vice admiral not too long ago. But his strength is absolutely no ordinary matter."
The Marine Headquarters vice admirals watched Momonga step into the arena, their expressions solemn.
At this point, even Aokiji, Kizaru, and Garp and Sengoku could not help but speak seriously.
Aokiji's eyes flickered as he said in a low voice, "Momonga isn't the strongest, but he's not the weakest either. Defeating him will be far more difficult than defeating Strawberry."
Zephyr's expression was heavy as he murmured, "Momonga… If it's him, then even with Roya's flame ability, victory will be extremely difficult. Momonga's swordsmanship, Haki, strength, and speed are all superior to Strawberry's by a noticeable margin. Roya will likely find it hard to face him head-on."
At this moment, Garp seemed less concerned about the outcome. Roya had already passed the ninth stage—something that filled him with pride. In his view, whether Roya passed the tenth stage or not, as long as he gave it his all, that was enough.