One Piece Nine Tails

Water Behind and Roger engaged in an intense battle on the ice.

Water Behind used his magic to create a battlefield the size of a nation almost instantly. However, whether due to the ice being too fragile or its overwhelming strength, this expansive ice world began to fracture in a very short time.

Each collision resulted in large-scale shattering of the ice surface, and both combatants maintained such high-speed attacks that their movements were almost impossible to follow.

In this fierce fight, Roger felt increasingly strained.

As the ice shattered into pieces, Water Behind finally showcased why he was named "Water." Occasionally, he would create long spears condensed from seawater during his attacks.

Simply manipulating seawater this way was nearly invincible, but fortunately, Water Behind didn't want to end the battle that easily. Instead, he condensed and compressed the seawater, forming almost solid-state spears.

Roger cut through these spears with sharp sword strikes, relieved to see no water spilling. However, these attacks were still challenging to handle.

Roger never imagined that highly compressed water could contain such immense power. A simple spear felt like it weighed thousands or even tens of thousands of tons.

"Alright!"

Roger suddenly struck with great force, his sword surrounded by a powerful Haki, black lightning crackling around him. As he slashed downward with both hands, the strike met Water Behind's club in mid-air.

Using his full strength, Roger was pushed back several meters before stopping. He looked at Water Behind and said, "You don't really intend to 'eliminate the root cause of global unrest,' do you?"

"No, that's not right. You do want to do that, but you're not sure if it's me, right?"

Water Behind indeed paused, saying, "There is a certain distortion within you, but you are not the true root cause."

"So, you got the wrong person." Roger grinned. "If you say I'm involved in everything, you might as well say the World Government is involved in everything too."

Yes, he was involved, but so was the World Government. Even though they acted as a collective rather than an individual, blaming everything on him alone was too much.

Garp, Sengoku, and Rocks triggered God Valley. The Kraken incident also involved Zephyr and Garp. The Jalthzberg Kingdom incident had the Navy investigating first, and the World Government played a significant role in dealing with Aatrox. Even the Wano Country incident originated from the Black Order.

Why say everything was his fault? The World Government as a whole was involved too!

"Your body lacks 'time' and 'wish.' I didn't expect you to perceive this so clearly. Perhaps it's because the Haki you possess resonated with me."

Water Behind said something Roger didn't quite understand. Roger frowned and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Water Behind's metal club vanished as he seemingly abandoned the fight.

He solemnly said, "The root cause of the unrest exists, but it is neither of this time nor this wish."

"..." Roger still didn't quite grasp Water Behind's words. What did he mean by not of this time and not of this wish?

"I see, awakened prematurely?" Water Behind seemed to realise something, muttering, "No, it's not the correct time, but Roger possesses some distorted qualities."

Roger continued to frown. Premature awakening? Was he supposed to awaken later? Did it mean that the root cause of the unrest wasn't at this time?

What did it mean that he had some distorted qualities?

Too many questions filled his mind, just like the inexplicable appearance of Water Behind.

"What exactly are you talking about?" Roger couldn't help but shout.

But Water Behind did not answer, and after seemingly figuring something out, he completely abandoned his combat stance.

"You already carry a death curse; there's no need for me to act against you."

Water Behind said calmly, "And I need distortions like yours to draw out the true root cause. Gol D. Roger, you have temporarily spared your life."

He declared this, but Roger knew he wasn't bluffing.

Water Behind's ability to control seawater was too terrifying. In their earlier clash, that part of his power didn't fully manifest; he was more focused on demonstrating his monstrous speed and strength.

Combined with his ability to control seawater, no one would be a match for him on the sea.

So he wasn't bluffing; he genuinely possessed the power to kill him!

"Even so, I still welcome you for a drink if you have the chance." Roger deactivated his demonic form, sheathed Ace, and chuckled. "After all, I only have a few more years to live. If I get stronger, I'll definitely fight you properly."

Even when discussing his death, Roger spoke casually with a broad smile. "It's just a pity I might not live to see this 'root cause' you mentioned."

A hint of surprise appeared on Water Behind's usually impassive face for a moment. Perhaps it was Roger's uncommon attitude towards death.

After all, the terror of life and death is immense, and few can treat death so lightly.

"Go and do what you must. If fate allows, we will meet again." Water Behind turned and walked across the fractured ice and floating sea, disappearing.

Roger watched Water Behind fade into the distance, still pondering his words. But...

It's frustrating!

He needed to improve at figuring these things out; it was better left to Rayleigh and Nameless.

As he thought this, Nameless suddenly appeared beside him.

"Oh, just in time!" Roger cheered.

"Did you win?" Nameless asked, not seeing Water Behind.

"No, I'll win next time."

However, with his current strength, progress would be too slow if he continued to train in the usual way.

Especially since his main focus now was mastering Observation Haki.

But Roger would never give up.