"Boom!"
A deafening roar, like the bellow of an ancient beast, echoed through the air.
This strike was a full-force explosion of power.
The fist of the Wood slammed into a towering hill.
In an instant, it was as if the very heavens and earth were torn apart by this force, the sky seeming to collapse in on itself.
The ground trembled violently, dust billowed into the air, and the mountain crumbled amidst the endless roar, debris scattering in a storm of dust.
Roy stood firmly atop the Wooden Human Rahu, sharing its power.
He gave a slight nod, a satisfied expression on his face. Clearly, the destructive force displayed by this punch had far exceeded his expectations.
"The power of this punch has already reached the level of an Admiral or an Emperor in the world of One Piece."
Roy mused to himself. This meant that, beyond his Devil Fruit abilities, he now possessed another formidable power capable of rivaling the top-tier fighters, undoubtedly giving him more confidence and possibilities.
However, his joy did not last long, as Roy soon noticed a problem.
"But for now, the duration of the Wooden Human state is still too short. That's a significant limitation in a real fight."
Although the Wooden Human Rahu displayed astonishing power, the chakra consumption required to maintain its form was immense, and its duration fell far short of Roy's needs.
Feeling his chakra draining at an alarming rate, he realized that to use this technique in future battles, he would need to further enhance his Wood Style.
"I need to find a way to further cultivate the Divine Tree."
Roy continued to explore the Forbidden Technique scrolls, with the "Impure World Reincarnation" technique particularly piquing his interest.
However, performing such a forbidden technique required not only rare materials but also a profound mastery of ninjutsu, both of which he currently lacked.
Therefore, Roy could only set it aside for the time being, planning to research it when conditions were ripe in the future.
But he did not stop there. His attention turned to another equally compelling ninjutsu—the Wood Clone Technique.
Wood Clones were said to be able to create clones with physical substance and formidable combat power.
What set them apart was that, unlike ordinary Shadow Clones that dissipated over time, Wood Clones, bolstered by natural energy, could act independently for extended periods.
Even Madara Uchiha's Wood Clone was said to be able to use Susano'o, a potential that greatly appealed to Roy.
With a thought, Roy's hands quickly formed seals, and the chakra within him seemed to respond to his call.
With a low rumble, a lifelike Wood Clone radiating natural energy materialized beside him.
Roy observed the clone closely, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Indeed, the durability of this Wood Clone is beyond imagination. Unless it suffers a fatal wound, it can continue to act."
Compared to other clone techniques, the advantages of the Wood Clone were evident.
Moreover, Roy soon discovered that the Wood Clone possessed an exceptional innate ability for concealment.
Activating his Observation Haki, he carefully scanned and was surprised to find that a meticulously camouflaged Wood Clone could hide its presence to an incredible degree. Under Roy's deliberate control, it would not reveal any information about the original body.
"This way, some of my plans might be implemented ahead of schedule."
A sly smile curled at the corner of Roy's mouth.
"This tainted world is also due for a cleansing."
On these seas, there were things so vile and nauseating that their time for judgment had indeed long since come.
However, before implementing any of this, Roy himself had to make thorough preparations, the most crucial of which was establishing an "alibi."
With these plans and thoughts in mind, Roy returned to Marine Headquarters.
Although it was currently working hours, he chose to ignore that regulation and went straight back to his own courtyard.
On the path just in front of the courtyard, Roy unexpectedly encountered Vice Admiral Garp, who was also skipping work.
Their eyes met, and they simultaneously broke into knowing smiles—a silent understanding and camaraderie that needed no words.
But then, Garp's gaze suddenly sharpened. He stared intently at Roy, scrutinizing him as if trying to discern some unusual change.
"Roy, you brat, how come you look like a completely different person?" Garp's tone held a hint of surprise.
"Not at all, not at all, Vice Admiral Garp. You must be mistaken." Roy responded nonchalantly.
However, Garp shook his head firmly. "No, your presence, your strength... you've definitely gotten stronger. So much so that it makes me itch for a fight."
As he spoke, a gleam of eagerness shone in Garp's eyes, clearly wanting to spar with Roy.
"Next time for sure. Next time for sure." Roy skillfully postponed.
Just then, Roy abruptly changed the subject. "By the way, Vice Admiral Garp, I happen to be planning to take a vacation in the East Blue. I hear the sea restaurants there are great—a perfect place to relax. How about you come back with me? We can keep each other company and enjoy ourselves."
"After all, fighting pirates year after year leaves one with aches and pains. Taking a few days off to rest seems perfectly reasonable, doesn't it?"
Garp paused, his finger halfway to picking his nose, a displeased look flashing across his face. "Can't help it. That old geezer Sengoku piled a bunch of annoying tasks on me again. What a headache."
"Oh, right!" Garp suddenly exclaimed as if remembering something important. He pulled a bounty poster from his pocket and handed it to Roy. "If you happen to run into this kid while you're in the East Blue, give him a good thrashing for me. That brat's always causing trouble."
The "kid" Garp referred to was the subject of the bounty poster—Straw Hat Luffy. His smile was bright, but in Garp's eyes, it was utterly infuriating.
Roy took the bounty poster.
"Should I cut him into the shape of an octopus and bring him back?"
A playful smile tugged at the corner of Roy's mouth, a sly glint in his eyes.
"Ahahaha, no need for that. Your suggestion gave me quite a scare."
Garp said this while casually picking his nose.
As the two slack-off buddies of Marine Headquarters, their relationship had long transcended that of ordinary colleagues. There was no need to hide such personal matters from Roy.
"That kid is actually my grandson. Tch, I can't believe he got lured away by that Red-Haired guy."
Garp's tone carried a hint of resignation and anger.
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