This time,
Roy no longer rushed to attack, but instead circled around Roger.
The alternating use of Gravity Domain, Mental Shock, Telekinesis manipulation and harassment, and swordsmanship dragged the battle into a close-quarters fight.
He was well aware of the gap in skill between himself and Roger, and his goal was not simply to win.
Instead, under the pressure of Roger's Conqueror's Haki Coating, he squeezed out his own potential, honing his swordsmanship while trying to learn how to use Conqueror's Haki Coating.
Roger saw through Roy's intentions, but instead of being annoyed, he showed appreciation.
"Hahaha! Kid, you want to learn Conqueror's Haki Coating? Then feel it with your body!"
Amidst his laughter, each swing of Roger's ' Ace ' was accompanied by black and red Inazuma.
It's not just a display of power, but more like the ultimate embodiment of will and Haki!
" Divine Departure!"
Roy's mind was highly focused. He released his Conqueror's Haki and made contact with it, then turned sideways to hold ' Frost Snow ' in front of him. It wasn't a block, but a guide!
"Clang--!"
The violent impact sent him flying again, the pain in his arm and the blood spilling from the corner of his mouth growing even more.
But this time, Roy's eyes shone with an astonishing light!
Not enough! More!
Roy wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes becoming even more focused, even with a hint of madness.
He charged at Roger again, unleashing his full Gravity Domain to suppress him. His Mental Shock pierced Roger's brain like sharp needles, and every strike from his " Frost Snow " sword...
They all tried to imitate that feeling of highly concentrated domineering Haki.
He attempted to forcibly fuse Conqueror's Haki with the power of the Telekinesis-Telekinesis Fruit and his swordsmanship will, unleashing a single slash.
The space around the blade distorted slightly, and faint black and red sparks of electricity flashed by, only to dissipate immediately.
Its power was far less than that of true Conqueror's Haki Coating, and because it distracted Roger, Roger easily found an opening.
"Too impatient, kid!"
Roger laughed loudly, Ace casually deflected Roy's slash, the back of his blade striking Roy's chest.
"Bang!" Roy was sent flying backward again, his chest heaving with blood and qi.
" The Conqueror's Haki Coating is the ultimate sublimation of one's own will and Haki! It's not a simple imitation or patchwork!"
Roger's voice resonated in Roy's heart, "Feel your will! Let your Haki obey the call of your heart!"
Roy lay on the ground, breathing heavily.
Roger's words were like a wake-up call, waking him from the misconception of simply imitating techniques.
Reflecting on his journey at sea, the bonds he forged with his companions, his yearning for freedom, and his ambition to conquer the world and face any challenge... all burned fiercely within him!
"My will..."
Roy murmured, the confusion in his eyes fading, replaced by determination and sharpness.
He slowly stood up, and the aura around him began to change.
The Conqueror's Haki had been somewhat disordered due to repeated setbacks began to vibrate and coalesce with a unique rhythm!
Instead of deliberately imitating Roger's black and red Inazuma, he focused all his attention on himself, using his powerful mental strength to guide the Conqueror's Haki to begin compressing and condensing.
"Oh?"
Roger sensed the transformative and solidifying aura emanating from Roy, and genuine surprise and anticipation appeared in his eyes.
"He's already gotten to the basics so quickly? What a monstrous kid!"
Roy raised " Frost Snow," and the blade was no longer simply covered in black Armament Haki; instead, a layer of black-gold light began to swirl and surge around it!
Although it was still unstable and far less refined than Roger's, it was indeed the Conqueror's Haki Coating!
"Take this, Roger!"
Roy roared, pouring all his nascent Conqueror's Haki, along with his own power and will, into this single strike, unleashing a powerful blow!
A massive, dark golden sword aura tore through the earth, charging relentlessly towards Roger! This strike had already touched the threshold of the top-tier powerhouse realm!
"Well done!" Roger's eyes flashed with light. Without dodging or avoiding, Ace's black and red Inazuma surged to its peak as he laughed and charged forward!
" Divine Departure!!!"
The dark gold and black-red light clashed violently once again.
The energy storm that erupted was far greater than ever before; the surrounding rocks and trees were all blown away by the aftershocks, leaving the area in complete disarray.
The entire Upper Yard was trembling!
The Golden Bell emitted a melodious hum, as if playing a stirring symphony for this clash between the old and new eras!
As the light faded, Roy knelt on one knee, supporting himself with " Frost Snow." His clothes were tattered and he looked disheveled, but his eyes shone like stars.
He succeeded! Although it was only a preliminary grasp and consumed a huge amount of energy, he had indeed touched upon the power of Conqueror's Haki Coating!
Roger stood there, watching Roy, who was panting but had an excited look in his eyes. He put Ace away and a smile of immense satisfaction and joy appeared on his face.
"Hahaha! Well done, kid! The future of this sea truly belongs to young people like you!"
Just as their attacks collided, both sides tacitly stopped fighting.
Leite and Gaban each took a few steps back, both covered in bruises and scrapes, but their eyes were filled with exhilarating pleasure.
Gaban shook his slightly numb arm and grinned, "Big guy, you're really strong! I'll beat you up next time!"
"You're not bad either, old man."
On the other side, Hawk Eyes and Rayleigh simultaneously sheathed their swords.
Hawk Eyes's chest rose and fell slightly, a faint bloodstain visible beneath.
Rayleigh adjusted his glasses and chuckled, "A promising young man, Mihawk. Your sword has found its path; all that remains is the test of time."
Hawk Eyes nodded slightly, his eyes filled with satisfaction from the duel. "Thank you!"
This battle clearly taught him a great deal.
Tesoro and the others also stopped fighting and came to Roy's side.
Pea quickly arrived beside Roy, and green life energy slammed into Roy's chest. Wisps of heat rose from his wounds, which visibly healed. In no time, Roy was completely recovered.
"Good job, Pea. Go and treat the injured."
Roy stroked Pea's emerald green hair, stood up and stretched, then gave an order.
Looking at their companions, everyone had a satisfied smile on their face.
Roger watched this scene, clapping his hands and laughing heartily, his signature mustache twitching, which was quite amusing.
"Hahaha! The master has finished his duel, the sparring ends here! Men, bring out the wine and food! Let's have a feast!!!"
"Oh!!!"
The members of Roger Pirates cheered immediately. After a day of fighting, their fatigue vanished upon hearing the order to start a feast. They skillfully lit a campfire and brought out their treasured drinks and food.
Roy, who also called the Pea, helped ripen many delicacies on the Boin Archipelago, which then joined the feast.