While I was rereading chapter 968 I realized that Joy Boy isn’t necessarily a name but also a title, I think it’s safe to say that Roger’s words “I wish I was born in the same era as you” could mean something else than what we initially thought.
Before chapter 968, we got the impression Roger desired to be born in an earlier era, the era of the Ancient Kingdom.
But remember that during these flashback chapters it’s been shown to us that Roger is fully aware that they are far too early to be able to do anything about what they’ve discovered.
The line “I wish I was born in the same era as you” actually meant Roger hoping he was born at a later time, a time when he could meet the new Joy Boy and accompany him during his adventure to carry on the will of the Ancient Kingdom.
In Chapter 968 Oden said that he will open the borders of his country before the day that Joy Boy appears.
Now Luffy is finally confirmed to be Joy Boy / Nika.
*Theory by Boy_Sabaw
