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Ohara.
The renowned archaeological holy land of the West Blue is home to the world’s largest community of scholars and the most extensive library.
Its significance to the world was undeniable.
In any era, in any world, knowledge serves as the vital vessel for transmitting civilization.
Even from a distance, standing at the ship’s bow, one could clearly see the massive, flourishing Tree of Omniscience standing at the island’s center, its branches spreading like a declaration to the world: let knowledge branch out and spread in all directions.
“Ohara boasts the world’s most renowned scholars and its most precious collection of books. This island is one of the West Blue’s symbols and the pride of this sea,” Eveya said with a smile.
“Pride?” Kojin murmured.
“Yes, pride!” Eveya nodded firmly.
She failed to notice that the tall, senior official before her had fallen silent, a shadow darkening his brow.
Home to the world’s most renowned scholars and the largest collection of precious books, it was a veritable hub of knowledge. Such a place naturally served as a symbol and pride of the entire world.
Yet even this pride had been reduced to ruins in the pursuit of truth, reality, and history.
Who was Justice? And who was darkness?
Who stood atop the highest tower, loudly proclaiming their own truth, incinerating and burying those who defied it in flames?
The battleship slowly approached the coast. The Tree of Omniscience ahead loomed even larger, its dense forest breathing fresh air.
Their arrival clearly alerted the island’s inhabitants.
“Let’s go take a look,” Kojin said softly. “Let’s see the pride of West Blue.”
He stepped off the ship, followed by Eveya and two squads of soldiers.
As they walked across the island toward its center, Kojin’s expression shifted constantly.
According to the personal files logged by the Marine, his hometown was none other than this very island.
However, he had not inherited the memories of his previous body, and everything here felt unfamiliar to him.
As he walked through the forest, Kojin vaguely heard the ear-splitting whistle of cannon shells, and the air filled with the heat of raging flames. Everything ahead seemed to be engulfed in a sea of fire.
The air was filled with screams and shouts, making his expression grow increasingly grave.
When he emerged from the forest and entered City Town, all illusions vanished, replaced by a scene of quiet and peace.
The massive Tree of Omniscience stood proudly, and a team of archaeologists was already waiting there, their faces stern and vigilant as they awaited their arrival.
“The Marines are here again!”
“Could they have uncovered our secret?”
“There’s nothing wrong with historical research. You don’t need to worry. This is likely just a routine inspection. Otherwise…”
“…it would be the World Government itself.”
The elderly man at the front was none other than Dr. Clover, the librarian and world-renowned archaeologist.
A moment later, Kojin approached them. After scanning the tense group, he smiled and spoke.
“There’s no need to be anxious. I’m not here on official business.”
Eveya introduced, “This is Commander Kojin, Vice-Admiral of our West Blue G-18 Fortress.”
“Kojin?!”
Dr. Clover froze, his eyes fixed on the tall man before him.
Suddenly, the man’s features overlapped with those of a child he had seen more than a decade ago.
“Has that little boy grown this much?”
Kojin’s heart stirred at the words. He said gently, “Doctor, would you be willing to speak with me privately?”
Dr. Clover nodded. “Naturally.”
At this, the scholars’ tension eased. Their greatest fear had been the Marine’s repeated investigations.
Moments later, Kojin accepted Dr. Clover’s invitation and entered the library. They found a quiet corner.
Looking up at the towering shelves packed with books, the dense rows of ancient texts, Kojin couldn’t help but marvel.
“Every book here is a treasure of the world.”
“It’s what we’ve strived to protect all these years, and it represents the common wealth of all humanity.”
Dr. Clover smiled. “Knowledge is indeed a treasure.”
Kojin nodded in agreement. “That’s precisely why humanity has grown stronger—by building upon the knowledge of those who came before, we climb higher and higher, gaining a deeper understanding of the world. And books are the most crucial medium and vessel for this.”
“State your purpose, Kojin,” Dr. Clover said. “It’s been over a decade since we last met. I never expected you to become the highest-ranking official in West Blue.”
Kojin smiled faintly. “I came specifically to ask you some questions.” After a pause, he continued, “To be honest, due to an accident, I’ve forgotten everything about my life before the age of seventeen.”
Dr. Clover’s eyes lit up with understanding. “No wonder I saw a stranger in your eyes. You used to pester me relentlessly, begging me to tell you stories.”
Kojin chuckled softly. “So, this is my hometown?”
He was almost certain that the field was constantly activated. The people beside Dr. Clover had clearly recognized him when they heard his name.
But to his surprise, the old man before him shook his head and uttered two words:
“No!”
“You are Jonas, the child the Jonas couple brought back from an expedition to search for ancient ruins.”
“After staying in Ohara for a while, you went with them on another trip.”
At this point, Dr. Clover sighed softly.
“After that, I never heard from you again.”
“The Marines said the Jonas couple was lost in a maritime disaster, killed by Pirates, and you disappeared without a trace.”
These unexpected words stunned Kojin.
He wasn’t even from Ohara?!
“Then… what about my background?” Kojin asked hesitantly, his voice tinged with confusion.
“I don’t know the details myself, but I once heard the Jonas couple mention that they found you near Alabasta in the Grand Line.”
“It was they who saved your life.”
Dr. Clover smiled. “You were such a kind child back then.”
Looking up at Kojin again, the old doctor’s face softened with a gentle smile.
“Naturally, even after becoming a Marine, you’ve remained kind and continue to do what you can for the people of this world.”
“You’ve finally realized your childhood dream.”
“You’re a good boy.”
Kojin remained silent for a long time.
He hadn’t inherited any memories from his previous life and hadn’t expected his background to be so complicated.
After chatting with Dr. Clover for a while, the old man gave him a tour of the entire library.
In a corner, they spotted a little girl about six years old.
“This is Robin, a very talented child,” Dr. Clover introduced her.
Kojin looked at her. The lingering sunlight streamed through the window cracks, illuminating the desk and half her face.
The way she focused on her book, with such earnestness, made her look almost like an angel descended to earth.
(End of Chapter)
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