"That Divine Departure wasn't weak. It just fell a little short against me."
Shane also blended and transformed the powers of Conqueror's Coating and Ryuo.
"I know."
"You're a clever brat! You actually dared to learn Haki under my blade!"
"I used to be the one who used others to hone my blade."
Roger found Shane rather endearing. Whatever opponent he faced, he always thought about what he could learn, never willing to lose out in the slightest.
Before, he had merely thought the kid had some spirit and would make a good recruit for his crew.
He had never expected to spend the past year constantly hearing about Shane growing stronger and stronger, defeating one former opponent after another.
Roger had faced countless enemies in his life. Chinjao, Bondi, Linlin, and Golden Lion, whom Shane had defeated, had all fought Roger before.
It was as though this young man was walking a path he himself had once taken.
When Shane truly became one of the overlords of the New World.
Only then did Roger take a serious look at Shane, knowing that the world was changing greatly and a New Era would rise.
He also became acquainted with Dr. Clover and discovered many truths about the world.
Roger also learned that Olvia had been taken away by the Dragon Emperor Pirates over a year ago, presumably to search for the Poneglyphs as well.
So he and his crew ventured across the Four Blues, searching for Poneglyphs and exploring the ancient myths that had survived to the present.
Only then did he confirm something: the myths of many ancient civilizations across the Four Blues, the Grand Line, and the New World recorded a Sun God Nika. Among the Tontatta, Giants, and Mink Tribe, there was another, more obscure name: Joy