One Piece: Nobody knows Devil Fruits better than me.

Chapter 27 What else is there to say? If you want to become an apprentice, then so be it!
A symbol of justice.

The weight of these words coming from Zefa's mouth was self-evident.

Who can become a symbol of justice?

Needless to say—he's at least a general, maybe even a high-ranking one.
"marshal?"

At least at this moment, Smoker felt a sense of solemnity mixed with some complex emotions.

"In Instructor Zephyr's eyes, does Roy actually possess this level of talent?"

He exhaled a puff of smoke, looking at his friend with a sigh.

Then he saw Roy winking at him.

"Dude, didn't you train with Admiral Zeff? What did he mean by 'the true essence'? How powerful is it?"

What annoyed Smoker was that, despite having spent so many years with Roy, he could actually tell what those winking and gesturing meant.

"."

So, he sat there with a cigarette in his mouth, unable to utter a single word for a long time.

Will this guy become a future admiral?
'The navy is truly finished; this entire ocean is doomed.'

Smoker muttered to himself, but he was also somewhat puzzled.

Because he did indeed train in physical techniques under Zephyr—to be precise, countless people in the Navy trained in physical techniques under Zephyr.

He also believed that he had cultivated himself very well and made rapid progress in physical skills.

But he had never heard Zephyr or any of his predecessors say anything about the 'true essence'.

"What a stingy guy, he won't even reveal this little bit?"

Meanwhile, Roy, who had not received a satisfactory answer from Smoker, secretly made a mental note of Smoker's actions.

Then he looked at Zefa.

As Smoker and Binz stared wide-eyed, he said softly, "I'm sorry, Admiral Zephyr—I don't want to leave the detention center."

Becoming Zephyr's disciple and learning his true physical techniques is certainly an enticing choice.

But without a doubt, for Roy, the Devil Fruit ability is everything.

It would be great if he could learn physical skills—he also longs to become stronger.

However, this would mean giving up the unique 'safety', 'stability', and 'access to Devil Fruits' that are exclusive to detention forces.

Therefore, Roy would naturally not accept it.

"Why!?"

At this moment, Binz is also unable to accept it.

As one of Zephyr's closest disciples, he is someone who vaguely knows the essence of Zephyr's physical techniques.

He also knew that Zephyr had been searching for a suitable successor for a long time.

"Major Roy, you should think this through before you answer."

But just as Binz was about to speak, Zephyr gently reached out and stopped him.

Then, the former general looked at Roy—he was also eager to know why Roy had refused.

"If you're worried about whether Bilos will agree, I'll speak to him personally."

"If you are reluctant to part with your current subordinates and colleagues, I can transfer them all here."

"If you desire a higher position, I will recommend you to the Warring States period in the future. With your talent and ability, you will surely become a great general within twenty years."

He spoke in a deep voice, having almost thought of all the reasons for Roy.

But obviously
"It's not for those reasons, Admiral Zephyr."

Roy shook his head.

Of course, he knew he couldn't say things like, "I need Devil Fruit powers, so the detention center is my home," or "Can you arrange for me to study in Impel Down?"

So after a moment's thought, he began his performance with righteous indignation.

"I'm not leaving, but for the sake of the detention force itself!"

He looked at Zephyr. "You should know the status of the detention force within the Navy, and the atmosphere within the force is indeed relatively lax."

"But I believe that the most crucial step is to bring the criminals back to face a just trial after they have been apprehended."

His voice was firm and powerful: "Only through the judgment of justice and the law can justice be served."

As Roy spoke, he found himself getting more and more comfortable with himself.

"So I will stay in the detention force, and sooner or later I will rise to a position of detention force management to change the status quo in my own way—which is far more valuable than arresting criminals or my personal power and status!"

The room fell silent as soon as the words were spoken.

Binz looked at Roy with disbelief, yet also with a hint of respect.

He never expected that Roy would have such ambitions.

He had just witnessed Roy's power, yet such a person was willing to stay in this low-ranking, slow-promotion department for the sake of changing the detention forces.

For a moment, Binz felt that his attitude toward Roy had been too presumptuous.

"."

Smoker was also somewhat shaken, but felt something strange about it.

The main reason was that when he thought about how Roy usually gulped down a can of cola, he found it hard to connect Roy's words with his actual actions.

But the most crucial one is Zephyr.

At this moment, even the former admiral couldn't help but show emotion.

Because Roy's words truly struck a chord with the former general.

It's important to understand that Zephyr's life was certainly great and legendary, but it could also be described as tragic.

His wife and children were killed by pirates, his disciples were killed by pirates, and his arm was cut off by pirates.

However, it should be noted that in all the countless battles he fought throughout his life, Zephyr never actually killed a single pirate with his own hands—therefore, in addition to the nickname 'Black Arm,' he also had another nickname, 'Zeff the Unkillable.'

The reason he didn't kill them wasn't because he didn't hate pirates.

Rather, it is as Roy said.

Zefa firmly believes that evil must be judged by law in order to demonstrate true justice.

Killing pirates with overwhelming force is merely using violence to combat violence.

So now, Roy's words undoubtedly struck a chord with him.

Loyna's statement that she was willing to give up power and status in order to ensure that evil is brought to justice moved him.

"That old bastard Bilos really struck gold."

He sighed inwardly.

Then, he looked at Roy, whose eyes were 'firm'.

"Good lad, I underestimated you."

He sighed, but his mind was made up.

"Since that's the case, then I've changed my mind as well."

"You can stay in the detention unit; I won't force you to join my ranks."

“In the future, I can recommend you to the Warring States period to become the manager of the detention force—what do you think of that?”

He said in a deep voice.

For a moment, even Roy was genuinely surprised.

How much did this old man crave his body that he would cooperate with him so readily?

However, after only a moment of surprise, Roy came to his senses.

"If that's the case, I'm willing to become your disciple."

Since you've said that, what else is there to say? Let's just become disciples.

(End of this chapter)