Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece
The Ohara Business
Luffy and Robin were currently heading towards the tree of knowledge to talk to his grandpa, and tell him to meet Saul on the beach south of the island. Ever since they left however, Robin was a bit jumpy. She couldn't exactly tell why, but that phrase Saul told them gave her goose bumps.
"What's wrong, Robin? You've been nervous all our way back." The straw-hatted boy asked concerned for her.
"I don't know why Luffy but that phrase Saul told us; I'm sure I saw it somewhere. I just can't tell where, and it's giving me a really ominous feeling." She replied. She knew she read about it somewhere, but her mind was currently preoccupied with fulfilling their mission.
Finally, they came out of the forest and began to run through Robin's village. Luffy couldn't help but notice for the first time the wired looks that Robin was receiving; it was like she was an outcast or some sort of abomination that the villagers tried to avoid at all costs. He wanted to ask her why were they looking at here like this, but he pushed it for later as they finally reached the tree of knowledge.
As they tried to enter the tree, the two marines who Garp positioned prevented them and told them that Garp ordered them not to allow anyone to enter under any circumstances.
Naturally, Luffy was enraged and started yelling, "Get out of our way. We're in a hurry; I need to talk to grandpa right now. It's very important, so move will you." The boy finished moving his hands to emphasize how important it is.
"Yeah, a friend of ours told us something very important and told just to tell Garp personally, so can you please move?" Robin asked politely in hope of winning over the marines and for them to allow her and Luffy to enter the tree.
"Sorry, Luffy but it is still a no. How about you both tell us what you have to say, and when vice admiral Garp is finished we'll tell him? Sounds good?" one of the marines told them hoping for them to stop hounding him, it was already hard enough to stand still like a statue without two children annoying you.
"No, I need to talk to gramps right now. It just can't wait." Luffy replied furiously. He was about to start punching his way through till Robin pulled him aside.
"Forget it, Luffy. They won't allow us to pass through; we failed Saul." Robin said in disappointed voice as she lowered her head.
"No, we didn't fail him; there are still ways to enter." Luffy said as he took a thinking position on the ground. He put his hand to his chin and started stroking it. It didn't take long for his face to turn red from stress.
"Luffy stop, you are exerting yourself thinking." Robin told her friend though she never expected to tell someone that. It felt wired.
Then as if a light bulb appeared over Luffy's head, he had an idea. He ran over to Robin and whispered it to her.
"We can't do that Luffy. We get in trouble." Robin chastised him for such an idea.
"Well, it is our only way in so there's no other choice." Luffy reasoned. Robin bit her lip a little then nodded her head in acceptance of Luffy's plan. She didn't want to fail Saul, so she'd do anything for her friend; after all what's a friend for if he can't help in the time of need.
Both children went back to where the marines were standing. As they approached them, Robin silently said, "I hope this works."
Hearing this, Luffy grabbed her hand causing her to blush a little and squeezed it a little as if to reassure he is here and told her with determination in his voice, "Of course it will, we'll doing together."
"Mr. Garp, I can confidently tell you that no one by that name has ever passed or entered the library." Clover lied through his teeth hoping to trick the vice admiral and make him leave. For the last half hour, Garp has been interrogating the scholars about Olivia mostly Clover, but they were putting a tough front denying any knowledge of her. However Clover wasn't sure how much longer they can last before they break, or before Garp patience finally runs out due to this charade for patience isn't something he is known for.
True to his reputation, Garp was increasingly growing frustrated with this game the scholars were putting him through. But time was on his side, he can see that their front was slowing collapsing on itself. All he needed now was poking in the right direction, ask a couple of questions here and there, and the scholars will spill their guts out.
Before he can proceed, a noise from outside grabbed his attention and everyone else for that matter. It sounded like the guards he placed were arguing with someone but he couldn't tell who. A few moments, silence returned to the outside only to be broken mere seconds later by 2 children demanding entry.
"Come let me in, I really need to talk to grandpa." A small boy's voice can be clearly heard who Garp recognized immediately.
"Please, let us in. It's very important that we talk to Mr. Garp now." This time a girl's voice came through who Garp assumed was the little girl he saw from earlier.
When the children were rejected entry, a 2 audible kicks were heard followed by an "ouch". Not a moment passed, when two children bursted into the library. "Grandpa, I really need to talk to you right now." Luffy told his grandpa who suddenly felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him.
A slap to the forehead was all Garp can muster. Really, first he finds his grandsons has fled their home, then the scholars were playing a game of cat and mouse with him, and to add cherry on the top his grandson and his friend just kicked their through his men demanding to talk to him. Really, he was getting too old for this.
Before his grandson can speak, Garp beat him to it, "What the hell Luffy? Can't you see I'm in a middle of working here? Couldn't you have waited for a bit longer?" Before turning his attention to the two that the kids bypass, "And you two, when we go back to marine ford; I personally supervising your training, since clearly you weren't having any if a little girl can kick her way through both of you." He finished causing the 2 who were rubbing their shins to quiver in fear.
"Robin," Clover whispered to her, "What's so important that you had to kick your way through to marines to talk to Garp."
Looking at the old man Robin told him, "You see professor, Luffy and I went to the beach to see a friend of ours, but when we told him who Luffy's grandpa was he told us that he needs to talk him and…" the girl stopped abruptly in the middle of her sentence grabbing everyone's attention especially Garp, "told us to tell him a single phrase."
"What is that phrase?" Garp asked as his interest was quipped by the serious face the girl was showing along with his grandson. He only showed that face if he made a promise which meant whatever it was for them it must been very important to make their through his men.
Both children took a deep breath and said in the same time "Buster Call"
All the adults in the room almost blacked out from fear and an eerie silence stretched for a couple of seconds making the kids feel uncomfortable before Clover broke the ice.
"Robin, where did you hear those words?" Clover asked sternly. The girl not seeing this side of the elder scholar before even when he was scolding her for spying on them became increasingly nervous.
"Hey stop, you're scaring Robin and what's up with your faces all white all of a sudden?" the boy asked confused why everyone was suddenly this scared.
"Be quiet, this is none of your concern right now." The man spoke up.
"Of course it's my concern, you're scaring Robin more than she already was." The boy replied furiously.
Hearing this, the old man looked to the little girl and saw that she was completely terrified. Collecting his nerves, he let go of her and when he was about to ask her how she heard this phrase more calmly; Garp stepped forward and said, "Maybe, I should handle it from here."
Clover then stood up and opened his arms, "Never in a million years will I allow to come near her." The old man protected the girl. He saw how Garp treated his own keen; he wasn't foolish to let him near Robin.
A gentle tug to his clothes brought his attention to said person he was protecting; he saw Robin was wearing a very serious expression now though still nervous. "No professor, I really need to talk him." The girl spoke sternly.
He was about o refuse but the look Robin gave him told him she was not backing down. Slowly lowering his arms, he allowed Garp to pass him.
As Garp approached the girl with grandson standing beside her, he saw the looks he was receiving and message was loud and clear, "DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT HURTING HER OR ELSE." He needed to treat this situation as delicately as possible or who knows what could happen.
Sitting in front of them, he began to speak, "You're Luffy's friend, right?" the two kids nodded, "Then I trust you like he does." The man finished cracking a huge smile that rivaled Luffy's smile in attempt to create a calm atmosphere to help the children relax more. This side of Garp helped Robin calm down a little as she collected her thoughts on what to say to him.
"Now back to business, you said a friend of yours told you that phrase right." The children nodded.
"Can you tell who he is?" Garp asked hoping he can finally get some answers.
"Well…" Robin knew Saul told them they can tell Garp about him since he needed to talk him but she was still uncomfortable about that so Luffy answered when he sensed her hesitation, "Saul grandpa"
Upon receiving this information, his eyes widened and he asked as slowly and calmly as possible to not cause unseen damages if he flipped his top off "Saul as in Jaguar D Saul". He was met by a yes from the children.
"Well thanks for the information Luffy and …" Garp said.
"Robin" the girl answered his unheard question.
"Right, Robin. Now just one more thing, where can I see him?" Garp asked.
"South of the island" Robin answered him.
"Alright, I shall be on my way now." Garp told his men. "All of you protect the library in my absence and as for you," he said looking the marines who allowed the children to get by them; "no one is allowed to enter without my permission especially children. Bogard stay with these two." Said individuals lowered their heads in shame. "Furthermore, no officer enters this place under any circumstances. Am I clear?" He was met by a chorus of 'yes sir'.
"Wait," Clover suddenly spoke, "I need to come with you. I have my own questions he needs to answer about…" the man bit his lip before he continued "Olivia."
"Mommy" Robin said in very quiet voice, but Luffy managed to hear her.
"Huh, finally decided to end this game of cat and mouse I see?" Garp asked sarcastically.
"Clover, wait there has to be another way…" an archeologist spoke only to be shut by Clover, "There's no other way. You heard what the children said, it is better we come clean now before who knows what might happen." Clover spoke silencing any remaining opposition.
"Grandpa, can I come with you?" Luffy asked in hope of an adventure with his gramps. Sure the man was a nut case for a lack of a better term, but he knew how to have fun.
"What? No, you stay here with my marines. They will protect you and Robin. " Garp replied.
"But I don't want to. Libraries are really boring." The boy whined; though he didn't offend the scholars whom from hearing his stories deduced that he was more of an outdoor person rather than an indoor one, he did manage to offend Robin who let it slide this time.
"Oh for the love… Ok, Luffy listen to me. I need to stay here, and protect Robin." He said trying to play on his grandson's protective nature of his friends.
"Ok, I'll protect her with my life." The boy said causing the girl who was nearby to blush.
Clover then came up to Robin and told her, "Stay here, Robin. The marines will keep you safe." He was met by a yes.
"Now come on, let's start moving." Garp spoke loudly; he then exited the door followed by Clover. A couple of moments passed without any one speaking until Luffy broke the ice.
"Man, this is boring." This remark caused to hear a huff of annoyance from no other than Robin.
"Oi, Robin what's wrong?" he asked clueless as if he didn't insult her in her point of view.
"I'm not talking to you." The girl informed him.
"Why?" the boy panicked.
"You said libraries are boring. I like libraries."
"But…" he was met by another huff and the girl turning her back to him.
"Come on Robin, don't be like that." He was met by silence from her. "Robin" again silence was all he received.
As this comedy skit was going on, the scholars and marine alike were laughing pretty hard. "I can already see who's wearing the pants in this relationship." One marine said to a scholar who replied with a laugh, "She's already controlling his every action." Those two upon recognizing to whom were they talking returned to the silent treatment and glaring at each other, though they wondered how such a scene eased the tension in the room considerably.
Finally after a couple of rounds, Luffy fell defeated and began apologizing, "I'm sorry I hurt your feelings Robin."
The girl acknowledged him by turning her head and said in a scolding tone, "You promise you won't say libraries are boring."
"I do." He said not wanting to be ignored by her
"Good, now come on let's read some books." She said grabbing his hand, and replied with a very weak "hooray" with all the resolve he can muster. Though she saw through she still appreciated he was putting an effort into it.
"I'm sure there are some books about Gold Roger somewhere." She said perking Luffy's interest as he took the lead excited about his hero.
The children began a race for leadership; the marines didn't care too much what the children did as long as they were in the library. The scholars were beyond than happy that Robin was doing her favorite pastime with her friend, though they secretly prayed no one near the basement.
On the east side of the island, the small rowboat finally came to a halt as it hit the shore. Olivia came out of it looking around; she was still in awe. Yes, this is Ohara; she couldn't believe her eyes, she finally made it back home. She could have went on marveling on the beauty of her home island, but she had a mission to finish even if it was coupled with her demise.
She began to trek through the forest in order to go to the tree of knowledge to warn the scholars about what was going to happen. Deep down in herself, she wished Saul had actually made it and warned everyone. She wished that when she reaches the village, it would be empty due to the villagers evacuating. She began reminiscing on the last 6 years of her life.
She went on this expedition after her husband's death in order to fulfill his dreams. She somehow managed to get a bounty on her head, and then was forced to watch her colleagues all die in front of her eyes. And just to add a cherry on the top, a vice admiral went AOWL because of her. To say that those 6 years were eventful would be understatement of the century.
But the regret she held the most was abandoning her daughter. She can still remember her face as she left on the boat crying out for her not to leave her alone, even now it still tore her heart thinking about it. She wondered how much old her daughter had become 6 … no she must be 8 years old now. She began to think will her daughter accept her back; no she said to herself, even if her daughter accepted her back she deserves someone better than a criminal to be her mother.
Meanwhile on the opposite side of the island, the marine ship made its way to the port. The man from earlier came out of his room. He was wearing a green vest with a black coat above it. He had a pale white skin due to the lack of exposure to sun and wore a very evil look in his eyes.
"Sapdine sir, we docked on Ohara. What are your orders?" one of his men asked.
Sapdine came down from his ship. He looked around; he saw his men saluting him, and he liked it. He loved people saluting him, worshiping him, and making his every command come true like a god.
He wasn't known to be the best of soldiers, actually he wasn't known for his strength or capabilities whatsoever. He rather known for his corruption as he made his way to his current position he held through kissing up, scheming, and bribing.
"You two come with me. Your mission is to protect me at all costs. No person is to come in 5 feet of me, got that?" He said to 2 men who were known to the strongest of their comrades.
"The rest of you go to the tree of knowledge and search it for any possible evidence." He said though he didn't care so much, he was planning to destroy this island just for the heck of it. This was his ticket for heroism; he will be known as the hero that destroyed the demons of Ohara who were plotting to destroy the world. He can already imagine it people cheering for him; calling out his name it was nice. This will truly make his reputation fly high sky; it what mattered after all. And the best thing of this all, he can do without even worrying about anyone finding out. Who can stop him anyway? He was supported by the world government so that meant he can commit any heinous act and no one will dare to defy him. He only hoped his son will do him proud when he hands him the title.
"So what's your relation to Olivia?" Garp asked Clover as both men walked through the forest to see Saul.
Breathing out a sigh of defeat, "Olivia was one of the scholars of this island; in fact she was one of the best," Clover said then he carried on, "that's why we sent her to lead the expedition that your marines encountered lately. However she made it clear that she's going to cut all ties with us in case anything goes wrong. "
While Garp raised an eyebrow regarding the other scholars part since he didn't know that they were any on the boat expect Olivia, but he did know why she wanted to cut all ties, "Let me guess, she wanted cut all ties in case she became a criminal, right? You do know why an archeologist becomes a criminal."
True Clover knew and the reason was the ponoglyphs.
They're indestructible stones that contained an ancient language chiseled into its sides. It is told that they contain the events of 100 years that happened about 800 years ago which still unknown. Most people who study these 100 years call it the void century.
800 years ago, the world government hoping to keep the secrets of the void century hidden issued a law that forbade studying them. Any individual caught trying to analyze them was met by swift death. However, even though with the huge risks a lot of people and scholars couldn't help themselves as they tried to learn its secrets. Those always met the same fate which was death.
"There's still one thing I can't warp my head around, why go through all the trouble to protect if she asked to cut all ties with her?" Garp asked eager to receive the answers he was waiting for.
Clover knew what he was going to say will seal the fate of the scholars, but it was already late to back down; "We have a ponoglyph ourselves hidden under the tree. We're analyzing it for last 6 years." The man finally spoke dropping a huge bombshell.
Garp was shocked; he didn't expect that. "I see… It makes sense now." Garp was able to fill this jigsaw puzzle.
"When the children mentioned the 'Buster Call' …" Clover stopped as a shiver traveled through his body, "I knew it was the time to admit everything. Though the scholars' fates and I are sealed, I want to avoid unnecessary bloodshed that the government might want to cause."
"But if you truly wanted that, why study them in the first place? Why risk it?" Garp asked.
"History is for the people. It's their right to learn what have happened." Clover exclaimed angrily then he calmed down and said "That's why I am glad I am speaking to you Garp."
Quirking his eyebrow, Garp told him, "You are fully aware that I can simply just phone the fleet admiral and they will buster call this island due to your admission alone right?"
"True as that maybe, you are still better than some of those unsavory fellows who worship bloodshed more than anything else in the name of justice. To be honest, I'm glad it is the marines are being sent into this case and not anyone else; at least you can be reasoned with unlike the world government." Clover explained. Garp couldn't agree more with him, he knew who corrupt the government was; that's why he never became an admiral. Furthermore, he knew what Clover meant by saying "who worship bloodshed"; it was the followers of absolute justice a twisted version of justice that justified killing countless innocent people in the name of protecting the world. The more he thought it about the more he came to believe that pirates are becoming the good guys these days; maybe Luffy should become a pirate he thought before a voice came in and said he will be a great marine.
He came out of his thoughts as he reached his destination. He was greeted by beach of Ohara which was housing a large giant.
"Garp" Saul greeted him.
Garp merely looked at him with a sharp glare and said, "Saul, you have some explaining to do so skip the pleasantries and get to it."
Meanwhile in the library, Robin was sitting and reading one of her favorite books. Truly to her the power of knowledge was priceless, she came out of her trance as she he heard a loud snore coming from the table across her. She looked at the source, and saw that Luffy was sound asleep for the fifth time in 15 minutes. It was astounding how he can sleep when he was reading a good book; Robin couldn't get him.
Opting to wake him up, she formed an arm on his arm and pushed his hand that he was using to hold his head up while he was sleeping. Like a tree cut from its base, his head fell down on the table with a loud thud which woke him up in a panic saying, "Please Gramps, don't throw in that crocodile's mouth!" this little outburst almost made Robin faint. Honestly, what was his grandpa thinking?
"Luffy wake up, this is the fifth time you fell asleep." Robin scolded. They were supposed to be reading not sleeping, he should at least try to read like her; she truly wanted to share her favorite activity with someone her age.
"No, I wasn't sleeping, I was… Ah, um…" Luffy tried to come with an excuse much to amusement of his friend, even if she was still frustrated with him.
"Don't lie, Luffy. I saw you sleeping; you were even saying meat in your sleep." Robin cut him off. Luffy knew he was caught since his brother told him he usually says meat, while he's sleeping.
"I just can't help Robin. I thought reading about Roger will be fun, but this is so…" Luffy stopped when he remembered what happened a while ago. Though much to his effort the damage was all set and done, Robin frowned at him wearing a very sad look in her eyes.
"I thought you promised you weren't going to say libraries are boring." Robin said with a pout.
"But I didn't…" the boy uselessly tried to defend himself so Robin wouldn't ignore him.
"But you're thinking weren't you?" Robin inquired firmly.
"I'm sorry, Robin. I know you like libraries, but you just can't force me to like them too. It doesn't work that way." Luffy spoke up hoping to get his point to his friend without hurting her feelings even more. Robin was surprised for a moment, but nodded her head in an understanding manner. True, it wasn't nice to force someone to do something they didn't want. She knew how bad it felt
A single thought crept through her mind at that moment, and it accidently managed to slip through her mouth. "I bet you think that books are stupid too cause I read them." She said in very depressed voice.
"What? Of course not Robin" Luffy told her, "It's true that I don't like books as much as you do, but if someone awesome like you read them, then I think they are awesome too." Luffy said with a very large toothy smile.
The girl's face lit up with this compliment. Truly, Luffy being around her was affecting in a very positive way. He made feel happy, wanted, appreciated and most importantly loved.
She looked around and saw that Luffy was already long gone. She then heard him talking to marine, "Oi, marine guy can you let us way so we can play?" the boy asked him.
"I'm sorry Luffy, but you have to settle playing here. Your grandpa made it clear to protect both of you." The marine replied to him much to the latter's disappointment.
Luffy came to the table he sat on with Robin, and put his head between his hands. He looked up and remembered something; the tree had windows so he began walking looking for one. And in a few seconds, he found what he perceived as his way out; he slowly went to Robin and poked her in her shoulder and whispered, "Hey, Robin want to get out so we can play?" he asked the girl.
"No, we're going to get in trouble and the others told us to stay in here so we can stay safe." The girl refused.
"Come on Robin, let's go and it is not that bad to be in trouble." She looked into his eyes and saw determination that said he wouldn't give up until she went with him. Then it dawned on her, once Garp is finished; he's taking Luffy so this might be her last chance to play with him.
Slowly, she came out of her chair still holding the book she was reading, and asked Luffy "How are we going to get out?"
He pointed to the window and said "Through there." She wanted to protest, but Luffy cut her off by holding her hands and said "Please trust me" the physical contact made her cheeks redden a little but she nodded.
Once they reached the window, Luffy pushed it open and said, "Robin whatever happens don't scream and when I give you the signal jump." Robin felt nervous but nodded nonetheless.
Luffy then jumped out of the window which was on a relatively high place. Robin was about to scream till she saw what happened next; Luffy began to suck in air as his belly expanded to comical sizes causing her eyes to widen like plates. She saw Luffy then land peacefully on the ground.
She then noticed him moving his head telling her to jump. Honestly, she was beyond nervous but she trusted Luffy; that's why she took a deep breath and jumped all the way down keeping her scream in her stomach. When she hit Luffy's belly, she bounced off and landed on her feet and said, "Truly, this was the most terrifying experience of my life, but where did you learn to do that?" she managed through her fright of what happened.
"This, I used to do it all the time back with my brothers." Luffy said perking Robin's interest. So he had more than one brother; could it be that Sabo person he mentioned earlier she wondered.
"Robin" Luffy called out to her as he putted his face in hers; he then proceeded to poke her forehead "Tag, you're it." And promptly ran away.
Furious, she was once again caught off guard she ran after him, "Monkey D Luffy, come back here. This is the 100th time you do this." Though she sounded angry, she was beyond happy; she was planning to use the time he had left here to the fullest, but she inwardly wished he would stay for a bit longer.
Forever if it was still possible.
"Sengoku ordered your men to do what…" Garp gasped in shock not believing that his friend ordered Saul's men to kill the scholars.
"I know I was shocked as well, but this is what he told me himself. Then he ordered me to aid in this monstrosity." Saul said in a low voice.
Clover sat down on the ground, he needed a minute to collect himself after what he heard "The world government is planning on erasing Ohara from the map just because of the ponoglyphs." He was now sure that the government was hiding something regarding the ancient slabs.
"Hmm, I see. So that's when you went to Olivia to know the truth of what's really going on." Garp deduced.
"Yes, I couldn't just stand around and helplessly watch as innocent lives were thrown in the air like they were nothing." Saul declared.
He then proceeded to kneel down on his feet and said, "Please Garp, if you want to arrest me, then do it, but first save this island. The people of this island didn't commit any crime for them to be killed."
Seeing this side of Saul made Garp uncomfortable, he was about to speak when Clover interrupted, "Garp, you are the only person here capable of stopping this madness. Don't let the innocent people of this island suffer for a crime they didn't commit." He said leaving Garp blinking in disbelief.
Finally, Garp managed to get over himself and spoke, "I agree with both of you. We can't let this island be destroyed; there is no need for such bloodshed. I'll talk with Sengoku myself and tell him to stop this fiasco."
Garp and Sengoku were old pals in the marines. Their history went way back; as they were known to go toe to toe with the former king of pirates Roger. In addition, it was due to their efforts that Shiki the golden lion was subdued when he attacked marines ford. Sure they had different views about serving justice, and rubbed on each other's bad side, but they were friends through and through. At least that's the side Garp hoped to appear when he talked to his friend, he still remembered the pirate king's son episode and hoped Sengoku didn't actually know what was going on. The man sometimes got so lost in doing his duties that he forgot to be a human, truly his friend needed to choose between being one or not.
"Garp, if you're planning on making a call, you should probably make it snappy." Saul said in a very shaky voice as his eyes were glued on something in the distance. Looking to where he is looking at it, both men's faces were drained out of color at the sight before them.
In the shore line of Ohara, there were 10 battleships resting in the water gently bobbing against the waves. Each one of them carried cannons the size of a house that can be seen from they're standing.
"It's like they are just standing there, waiting for something." Clover stated feeling very sick.
"Good, that's in our advantage; this means the holder of the signal hasn't reached the tree yet. We need to make it there quickly before he does." Garp said making both men nod.
"I'm coming too" Saul declared, Garp wanted to argue but accepted it since there was no time for that right now.
As they began to walk, Saul grabbed Clover and held him in his hands. Each man was hoping to make it quick enough back to the tree to avoid this upcoming senseless slaughter.
Olivia was running as fast as she can through the forest. For the all half hour or so, her mind was put on high alert after she was nearly caught by some marines who happened to stroll through the forest. She finally came out of it and started to make her to the tree of knowledge.
She ran from house to house trying to conceal her presence. She was slowly inching towards the tree. It has been a while since last time she saw it; it always brought to her good memories. She shook her head; it wasn't the time to take a walk down memory lane so continued her trek towards the tree. As soon as she arrived, she was forced to duck behind a large tree nearby.
"Darn it." She cursed under her breath. The marines have beaten her to the place. She steeled herself and went to find their commanding officer. She had a suicidal idea, but desperate times call for desperate measures; whoever their commander was she was going to kill him hoping to put the marines in a state of disarray and forcing them to leave the island. She knew that for what it's worth her plan wasn't going to work in the slightest, but she had to try.
"I'm not going to let the island to be destroyed. I'm not going to let my colleagues to be killed. I'm not allowing my daughter to be killed." She said as she moved further down the road.
She ran the fastest she could; she needed to find him and end it soon. Her baby daughter will be safe, "Robin will be safe." She said to herself not caring about anything else in the current moment. She readied her rifle she was carrying with her, but as she was running; she heard people coming her way so she hid behind some bushes.
Peeking through them, she managed to see 3 figures, 2 of them made her smile even if she still held a grudge against one of them; the 3rd figure made her heart stop but she steeled herself it was now or never.
She jumped in front of Garp holding the rifle firmly between her hands, pointing it directly between his eyes and said, "This is as far as you go, Monkey D Garp. I won't allow you to go any further and harm anyone else."
Garp though surprised a bit that Olivia actually managed to get the drop on him didn't flinch; he knew when a person was ready to kill, and she wasn't. Though that look in her eyes reminded him of someone else; it reminded of a mother who did the impossible just to save her son and give him a chance at life.
"Come on Garp, we need to get moving." Saul shouted. Time wasn't on their side and they didn't need Garp to get into of his eccentricities. Clover then looked from Saul's hand to see why Garp halted and what he saw made him panic.
"Olivia, what are doing?" he asked the woman who looked at him confused.
"What should be done professor." She answered not moving her eyesight from Garp. Though she was very happy to see her old friend and tutor.
"Olivia, you're not thinking straight; please don't do anything rash." Saul called out when he saw what's going on down there.
"I'm sorry, but this must be done to save my island." Olivia stated even though her grasp was becoming increasingly shaky. This was all Garp needed to disarm her and crush the rifle she held.
"Nico Olivia" Garp said as he was dusting his hands from the rifle he just destroyed. He then stepped toward the woman who braced herself for the death that was coming her way putting a strong face though a single tear for her daughter managed to slip through.
"Garp don't" Saul yelled hoping to stop the vice admiral from doing whatever he was thinking.
Garp simply stood in front of her, and then she asked him "What are waiting for? Are waiting for me to beg for my life? It's not happening so just kill me already."
"Olivia" Garp spoke with authority "I take it from Saul's testament that you're entire team was killed during the attack that the marines launched against you."
Olivia replied furiously, "Attack? That's what you call it. It was a slaughter; we didn't even know what was happening. One moment we're sitting, the next cannonballs were raining on us like a storm; my own survival is a miracle by itself."
Saul merely lowered his head in shame of this horrible memory. He was responsible for this act of inhumanity whether he liked it or not. He was leader of his ship; if he was more attentive then none of that would've happened.
Clover was beside himself still furious about death of his comrades no matter how many times he heard it.
Suddenly Olivia felt something snap inside her as she rushed Garp and grabbed his coat, "Tell me hero of the marines, do you take pride in killing innocent people? Does it make your world government happy?" she said as she shook Garp who didn't seemed bothered by all the abuse.
"Why do you people work so hard to keep everything a secret? For what purpose do you kill people who aren't committing any crime? Tell me, don't you people claim to support the truth? Why all the unnecessary bloodshed?" she asked as she lost her grip.
"WE'RE SCHOLARS SECRAHING FOR THE TRUTH; NOT PIRATES KILLING PEOPLE." She said as she finally collapsed crying.
"Let me down." Clover told Saul. When he was on the ground he rushed to his sobbing protégée and consoled her. "You poor girl, no matter what we down can't pay for the sacrifices you made… or our friends."
Garp then finally spoke, "What you and your crew committed are crimes punishable by death," he declared before continuing, "What happened at sea we've been enough and should've ended there." This caused the woman to look at him confused.
"It was you and your comrades who committed the crime so you got your punishment. However, this island didn't commit anything to be destroyed so I suggest we go looking for the trigger carrier to stop him." He said filling the woman with hope that there is still a chance to save her island from destruction and keep her daughter safe. It was a good thing that she managed to stumble into 2 decent marines she thought.
Soon enough the four of them were making their way to the tree.
Deep inside the forest, the two children came to a halt as their fun game of tug ended.
"I… win…" Luffy breathed out as he sat down.
"No fair." Robin complained "How can you run this fast?"
"Well, my brothers and I live in the forest and hunt animals there, so it just comes naturally." He replied
"Wow, it seems you have a lot of fun with them." Robin said.
"Yeah, they're the best." He said though a bit sad at the end which Robin caught onto. She was about to inquire why when he asked her "Don't you have any?"
Robin looked at him then frowned, "No, I only have a cousin, but she always ignores me because my aunt tells her to."
Luffy stuck out his tongue and said, "That aunt of yours sure sounds like a witch." This comment made Robin laugh very hard before she quieted down.
"You know Luffy; I wish I was as strong as you to tell her that." She commented. Luffy then made his way toward her and grabbed her hands and began to speak, "Then you should do it, next time you see her; I'll be with you so you can tell her off for being an old hag." With this both children began to laugh. Their laughter was cut off by the sound of someone screaming in the distance.
"Damn stupid forest, I should be home, yet here I am walking through a stupid jungle." A man's voice was clearly heard. Both children decided to hide; then not a moment has passed before 3 figures in black clothes appeared talking to one another.
But something in the man's pocket caught Robin's attention, and it made her blood run cold. In his pocket, a small golden snail can be spotted as it shone through his clothes.
In the recent years, scientists have managed to create what they called transponder snails for communication. Even though they were living beings, a mic was implanted on their backs to allow long range communication. It was basically a genius combination of flesh and machine.
Robin began shivering as she finally remembered what that phrase Saul told them meant. Luffy caught to her distressed state and asked her what's wrong.
"Luffy, you still remember what Saul told just right?" she asked him and he nodded.
Then she asked him if he saw that snail to which he also nodded. "Luffy" she said in a serious tone, "I finally remembered what that phrase means."
"So what does it mean?" he asked wanting to know.
"That snail in that man's pocket is a golden transponder snail, Luffy." She stated "It's used only once to summon a 'Buster Call' attack which I read about in a book. It means an all out sea bombardment on a single target till nothing remains." She finished shaking in fear finally understanding the full implications of what Saul said to them.
"Whoa" was Luffy's only reply. He couldn't even fathom such a horrific thing happening. This was definitely not cool. Then he asked the most important question, "So do you think he'll use it."
Robin looked at him "I don't think…" she was cut off by Sapdine yelling "I can't wait to destroy this island." This caused the children's head to whip at him.
One of the 2 men following him coughed clearing his throat and spoke "Sir, if I may remind you first need proof that the scholars are researching the ponoglyphs before activating the call."
The mention of the ponoglyphs brought Robin's mind back to the scholars, the tree, and that ancient slab she saw them working on when she was spying on them.
"What? Didn't you hear the report about those scholars killed at sea? They all originated from Ohara." the man said causing Robin to gasp. Her mother was out at the sea so does that mean she is dead? She was brought out of her thoughts by his next comment. "This is proof enough to me. To end this evil, we need to cut off the head of the serpent" he exclaimed pointing to the tree. He then ordered his men to follow him to get this thing over as soon as possible.
"This guy is seriously messed up." Luffy commented. This guy was sick as they came.
He looked at Robin who was holding her book tightly as tears filled her eyes. "What's wrong Robin?"
"My mom was with the scholars that were killed." Robin stated and Luffy got the message so he hugged her remembering his own recent lose and said, "I'm sorry, Robin."
Then he came out of it and looked at her with a serious expression, "but there is no time to cry, we need to get that snail!" he said. The girl wiped her tears and looked at him.
Before she could refuse, a question rose in her head, "Why should I help anyone?" she asked the boy leaving him blinking at her "What do you mean?" he asked.
"I mean why I should save the island when everyone is so mean to me." She answered. Then Luffy's mind slowly pieced everything together; why everyone in the island looked at Robin that way because they hated her. Frankly, why Robin should help them: the children always picked on her, the people of the island always glared at her and made her feel unwanted, and her life at home was absolutely tortuous. For all she cared, she can simply hitch a ride with Luffy and his grandpa and go with them since she has nothing left with her mother's supposed death to wait for.
"But what about the ones who aren't mean to you?" Luffy asked causing to her blink as a realization hit her. Not all the islanders hated her; there were the scholars who treated her like family, the giant who taught her to laugh when times were rough, and her mother who made her smile every time she thought even though she's gone now.
Then there was the straw-hatted boy who came into her life for the last few days and made her feel happy for once in her life.
She was hyped for a moment only for an epiphany to make her way into her mind, "But Luffy, this is the world government. We're only kids; we can't face it. We're not strong enough." She stated.
"Robin" the raven head said with determination in his voice "I'm going to be king of pirates. If I allow something like that to stop me, then I won't achieve my friends."
Though she was filled with awe; Robin wasn't fully convinced. Sensing this, Luffy did something he really didn't want to do, but it needed to be done. He took his hat and planted on Robin's head. The girl gently caught the hat by its brim and lifted it looking at Luffy whose eyes were burning with confidence "I promise you Robin that I won't take my hat back until your island is saved."
Robin knowing how important his hat was to him was filled with determination to save her island, so she stood up and declared "Let's get this snail. But first we need a plan."
The 2 kids started discussing one as they ran after the 3 men.
Currently at the tree of knowledge, a tense standoff was going on which caught the attention of the citizens.
"Soldier, please open the way so my men and I can carry out our investigation." An agent said in frustrated voice.
"Sir, as I said before no one is allowed to enter without permission from vice admiral Garp." A marine replied back just as if not more frustrated than the agent.
The citizens started gathering around the scene and began to talk among themselves wondering what was happening.
"What is happening here?"
"Aren't agents and marines on the same side?"
"Why are they fighting?"
As they argument between the agents and the marines was rapidly increasing at a constant rate, a thundering sound made his way toward their ears, followed by the sound of screaming. They looked and saw 4 figures approaching.
"Saul" a marine stated clearly flabbergasted.
"Nico Olivia" an agent spoke.
Then Garp jumped the distance standing like a rock in front of the agent "Agent, what is your rank?" the man then gave Garp a salute and said "CP9"
"What are your orders then?" the agent felt like he is being interrogated but didn't want to be on the receiving end of one of Garp's fists. "There is suspicion that the scholars are researching the ponoglyphs, so we're sent to investigate it."
Olivia heard this and became increasingly angry, and started to rush toward the agent before Saul put his hand in her way stopping her from committing suicide "You mean you massacred my friends on suspicion alone." She stated angrily from where Saul was blocking her path.
"Olivia, don't do anything stupid. These people won't hesitate twice about killing you." Saul told her.
Averting his attention to her, the agent spoke "What do you think you're doing here? Men arr…" the man's words died in his mouth as Garp stood in his face with a very dark look "I'll sort this out with your commanding officer, where's he now?"
Not wanting to angry him further than he already did, the agent straightened himself and answered "Commander Sapdine hasn't arrived yet."
If Garp wasn't in a bad mood, before he sure was now. He knew that degenerate slime ball; knowing he was responsible for this disaster made it even worse. He didn't get to dwell on his thoughts though as a marine bursted from the tree screaming "The kids. They're gone."
"Luffy" Garp screamed.
"Robin" Olivia gasped.
Pointing a finger to the forest Garp gave his orders, "Form a patrol, and find the children." Then his men began to scary around before going in the forest.
In the jungle, the kids has long gone formed their plan and now were only waiting for the right moment. Seeing the agents coming their way, Robin noticed a bunch of low hanging branches, so she used her powers discreetly and hang a couple of them on Sapdine's clothes causing the man to scream, "That's it. This island is definitely going to get it now."
As he was busy trying to get the branches off, Robin formed a couple of arms around his waist without him noticing, and began to feel his coat to find where he kept the golden snail. Then she was something cold and metallic.
Signaling to Luffy it was his part, he began to slowly stretch his arm as Robin removed the snail. When he reached the arm, he took the snail and silently made his way back to their hiding spot.
"Yes, we did it Luffy." Robin cheered looking at their prize.
"Come on, let's go give to gramps." The boy said
As they were about to leave, they accidently stepped on a branch breaking it. The noise that was emitted caused the agents to look their direction. One of the agents noticed what the boy was holding.
"Sir, they got the dial." He said
"What?" Sapdine screamed from where he was struggling, looking to the kids only to see a small boy holding the dial, he then proceeded to blow his top off
"Get that dial back from those damn brats."
Author's notes:
Hi guys, as you can see the Ohara segment is beginning to reach its end. Next chapter will be the climax of the Ohara Island.
Please do take care, leave in the reviews your opinion about this chapter, and tell me which arc you are most excited for.
And finally, I hope you all enjoy my work and see you next week with a brand new chapter.