Chapter 22: The Roger Pirates and the Duel of the Gunslingers
Is it really the Roger Pirates? The future Pirate King himself? Are we really about to meet one of the most legendary figures in the world of pirates—Gol D. Roger?
Shakky and Antonio immediately followed their captain, eager to witness what could be a duel between the future greatest marksman in the world. The anticipation was palpable.
"Haha! Peterm, are you nervous? Don't be fooled by his age—he's already been recognized by the president of the Sniper Guild as the most promising sharpshooter of the future."
A deep, charismatic voice rang in Brook's ears. The speaker was a young pirate in a red captain's coat, a straw hat perched atop his head, teasing one of his crew members.
Strong...
The sheer vitality radiating from this man was overwhelming. His powerful aura surpassed even that of the Golden Lion, Shiki.
"Hmm?"
Roger suddenly felt a gaze upon him. He turned his head and locked eyes with the cold and distant Brook. His aura—why did it feel so strange? It was as if it wasn't the aura of a living being at all.
Brook met Roger's gaze, stunned. Such incredible Observation Haki... Had he already awakened the advanced ability to hear the voice of all things?
But then again, it made sense. Roger was a true child of destiny. At 25, he was still wandering around the Grand Line, lagging far behind someone like Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy had set sail at 17, defeated two of the Seven Warlords of the Sea within a year, traveled the entire Grand Line, and reached Sabaody Archipelago. By 19, he had become an Emperor of the Sea, stormed Big Mom's territory, and invaded Wano to challenge Kaido. At this rate, his defeat of Kaido was practically inevitable.
Gol D. Roger was also a prodigy of his era, but at 25, he was still aimlessly exploring the Grand Line. Compared to Luffy, he had a long way to go. Awakening the ability to hear the voice of all things was probably just a consolation prize.