Chapter 73: Arrival at Ohara! The Fruit of Time
West Blue.
As the famous birthplace of the mafia,
Led by the "Five Great Western Families"—the five major mafia groups that ruled the underworld—this sea had considerable overall power among the four blues.
Accompanied by a drifting ship,
A small boat swayed and advanced toward Ohara Island.
Ohara's most famous feature was undoubtedly the enormous tree at its center—the Tree of Omniscience, also the world's largest library.
Lotte gazed at the massive tree from afar.
Without hesitation, he accelerated the boat forward.
A few scholars on the island noticed this scene and raised their eyebrows.
"Oh? Looks like we're getting a visitor. Seems like he's coming alone to Ohara."
"Could he be another history enthusiast? That would give us more hands."
"We can't be sure yet, but he doesn't look like a pirate."
They discussed among themselves.
Although historians on the island had repelled attacking pirates before—those guys usually came for vague treasure maps—
A lone ship like this often belonged to an experienced scholar.
Only such people
Would risk being swallowed by the waves and cross the sea alone in pursuit of knowledge.
One of the archaeologists took out a telescope to observe the approaching boat.
After clearly seeing Lotte's appearance,
He showed a somewhat surprised expression.
"This time it's a young man—and quite handsome too. Maybe Olivia will have a new playmate."
"That girl is always obsessed with history—she probably doesn't have time to play with others."
"Hahaha! You never know!"
Amid their discussion,
The small boat gradually reached Ohara's harbor.
With the sound of footsteps, Lotte lightly leaped onto the dock.
While surveying this historic island,
The familiar system mechanical voice rang in his mind once again.
[Ding! Host's current location detected: Ohara. Would you like to sign in?]
Lotte narrowed his eyes slightly upon hearing this,
Then immediately mentally selected sign-in without hesitation.
[Ding! Sign-in at Ohara completed!]
[Reward obtained: Fruit of Time (Ten Years)]
[Description: Consuming this fruit will transport the user to the world ten years in the future. Whether for escape or achieving a goal, it is an absolutely excellent tool.]
[Special Note: Trust me, there will come a time when you need it.]
As the voice fell,
Lotte's pupils suddenly contracted sharply.
This sign-in reward was different from usual—not only did it include a detailed introduction,
But it also had a seemingly suggestive special note.
There will come a time when you need it?
Though Lotte acknowledged that this fruit's ability was indeed incredibly powerful—after all, in the original story, only Toki from the Time-Time Fruit could traverse time—
He still couldn't understand why the system would add such a note.
He lightly raised an eyebrow.
For now, he had no intention of time-traveling. He would keep this fruit for the time being.
Lotte calmed his thoughts.
Then he continued observing the surroundings at the harbor. A few scholars approached with smiles.
"Young man, welcome to Ohara."
Lotte also nodded slightly toward the scholars and smiled.
"Sorry to trouble you. Could you tell me where Director Clover is right now?"
"I have some matters I'd like to discuss with him."
Director Clover,
Even on the entire island of Ohara, he was one of the most prominent figures.
As the head librarian of the Tree of Omniscience, he was also an authority in the field of archaeology.
If Lotte wanted to find the information he needed, Director Clover was undoubtedly the most suitable person.
As soon as the words fell,
The two scholars showed surprised expressions.
"So you're here for our Director. He should be working in the library right now, but strangers can easily get lost if they go in alone."
"Even we don't always know his exact location today."
The leading scholar thought for a moment.
Then, catching sight of a graceful figure not far away,
His eyes lit up and he called out.
"Olivia! Come take this guest to the Tree of Omniscience!"
"I remember you went there earlier today—this young man has business with the Director!"
As the words fell,
A silver-haired girl who was just passing by froze for a moment.
She held a history book somewhat reluctantly, turned around, and upon seeing Lotte who had just arrived, her eyes brightened. She walked over.
"Eh? Your clothes don't look like typical West Blue fashion."
"Could you be from another sea?!"
The nearby scholar coughed lightly.
"Ahem, Olivia, that's not something you should ask."
Realizing she had been a bit rude, the playful girl stuck out her tongue,
Then looked at Lotte, hands on hips, somewhat proudly.
"Hmph! Let the greatest genius—me—be your guide! What do you want to talk to the Doctor about?"
Olivia asked curiously.
Lotte smiled lightly and shook his head.
"That's not something I can just tell anyone. If you're interested, you can listen in later."
Though he had already recognized the girl's identity,
He was still somewhat amazed.
Her appearance was even more beautiful than he had imagined—on par with Robin in later years.
Nico Olvia.
The mother of Nico Robin in the future, and an exceptionally outstanding historian.
Olvia saw that Lotte wouldn't tell her and puffed out her cheeks like a hamster in annoyance. Then she turned and started walking toward the Tree of Omniscience.
"Come on! I'll take you to the Doctor!"
Lotte shrugged and followed the girl's steps.
The two walked along the road.
After just a short while, the girl seemed to have gotten over her sulk. She looked at Lotte curiously and asked.
"By the way, are you really from another sea?"
"The Doctor always says the outside world is very dangerous and has never let me set sail. I wonder what the outside world is like?"
"Can you tell me about it?"
Her eyes were filled with anticipation—a longing for the unknown world.
Lotte had no reason to refuse such a girl's request.
After thinking for a moment,
He began describing the scenes he had seen in the New World and the first half of the Grand Line.
Of course, he deliberately omitted certain parts.
Olvia listened to Lotte's storytelling and couldn't help but smile.
The two chatted and laughed as they walked along the streets. In the distance, a few scholars exchanged knowing looks with "mission accomplished" expressions.
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