Chapter 76: Learning History Won't Save Ohara
Though he intended to change fate,
The destruction of Ohara Island was almost inevitable.
After all, even for the World Government, tolerating Ohara's existence for so long was already the limit.
While Lotte planned to rewrite Olvia's fate, Nico Robin's story would remain largely unchanged—that was a completely different matter.
According to the current timeline,
Olvia was around 14 years old. When Ohara fell, she would be 33.
That left a full nineteen years in between. Even if something unexpected happened to Lotte, he should still have ways to handle it.
While Lotte was deep in thought,
Olvia—who had just heard his agreement—joyfully hugged his arm. Then, realizing what she'd done, her face flushed red as she quickly let go and bowed slightly.
"Th-thank you so much."
"If Mr. Lotte has nowhere to stay for now, you're welcome to rest at my house for a bit."
She said shyly, clutching the hem of her clothes, cheeks still pink.
Lotte saw through her thoughts and gave a strange glance toward Dr. Clover's office.
The old man really liked making "suggestions."
But considering that in the original story, Vivi was urged to marry at 18, Brûlée was arranged for marriage at 17, and Scarlet eloped with Kyros at 16,
A girl like Olvia was already at the age where romance was expected.
"Hm, sure. Thanks for the offer."
Lotte smiled lightly. This was also an opportunity for him.
While Olvia hadn't yet become completely obsessed with lost history,
There were things he needed to tell her.
Olvia's cheeks flushed even more. She nodded gently and turned to lead Lotte away.
As the two gradually left the Tree of Omniscience and arrived at a two-story white apartment,
Any scholar who earned a doctorate
Was granted such a house on Ohara Island.
Several elderly scholars saw Lotte walking with Olvia. They were briefly surprised, then smiled knowingly and pretended not to notice.
As the door opened,
Lotte followed the girl inside. The first things that met his eyes were massive bookshelves and piles of books covering the tables, chairs, and sofa.
Olvia's face turned red when she saw this and hurriedly said,
"S-sorry! I'll clean up right away! Mr. Lotte, please sit on the sofa and wait!"
She nervously began tidying.
But Lotte simply sat on the sofa, watching the scene with amusement.
He lightly snapped his fingers. Branches extended from his arm, effortlessly stacking the books and returning them neatly to the shelves.
Then he spoke calmly.
"Olvia, there's something I want to talk to you about."
"You heard earlier, right? The World Government will eventually act against Ohara. If they surround the island with the Marines and their full force,"
"How many people on Ohara do you think will die?"
As the words fell,
The girl froze in place, her expression panicked.
"B-but… Mr. Lotte will be here, right?"
"And if those people really come… we can just evacuate early, won't that be fine?"
Hearing the girl's somewhat naive words, Lotte sighed helplessly.
"That's right. I promised Dr. Clover I would protect you and the residents as much as possible."
"But facing the World Government and Marine Headquarters directly—that's impossible."
"Moreover, if I'm not here, do you really think you can just run away with the others and survive? Early evacuation would still be a death sentence."
Even if the residents of Ohara evacuated early,
Without protection, they would never escape the World Government's pursuit. Even Robin—who had a Devil Fruit—barely survived in the original story.
Let alone unarmed elderly scholars.
Olvia trembled with fear upon hearing this.
The thought that everyone she had grown up with would be killed
Made tears well up in the corners of her eyes.
This was a scene she could never have imagined—it struck a massive blow to her young heart.
Lotte spoke sternly.
"What's with that expression? What are those tears for? Do you think crying will save everyone?!"
"Olvia, if you truly want to change things, start by stopping the tears!"
As his words fell,
Olvia was momentarily stunned. Then her gaze became resolute.
She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, clenched her fists, and nodded firmly at Lotte.
"Mr. Lotte, I understand!"
Seeing this, the corners of Lotte's mouth curled upward slightly.
He had never needed a vase on his ship, but the current Olvia was different—she still had tremendous potential waiting to be unlocked.
Relying solely on his protection would never be enough for Ohara.
It would be far better to train Olvia and completely break her away from her original fate.
Learning history won't save Ohara!
Lotte stood up, rubbed Olvia's silver hair, and smiled.
"Good. For the next while, I'll teach you how to become stronger."
"I don't know yet which area you're best suited for, but as long as you master even one of them, you'll be able to stand on your own in the West Blue."
Aside from Wood Release—which he couldn't teach—
He could instruct her in physical techniques, swordsmanship, Haki, and even Sun Breathing.
With Lotte's guidance,
As long as Olvia's talent wasn't too poor, comprehending at least one Breathing Style from Sun Breathing wouldn't be difficult.
Combined with the ability of the Imperial Arm Gaia Foundation, she would be able to handle ordinary crises.
"Thank you, Mr. Lotte."
Olvia's cheeks flushed as her head was patted.
This was the first time a boy not much older than her had touched her hair.
Lotte laughed heartily at the sight.
"Just call me Lotte. Next, I'm going to teach you how to use something."
"This thing must not be known to anyone else—not even Dr. Clover."
"Understood?"
Olvia nodded seriously.
She knew that if Lotte was saying this, the item must be extraordinary.
Lotte took out the cosmetic-type Imperial Arm Gaia Foundation,
Ignoring Olvia's slightly strange look, and began explaining how to use it.
As an improved Imperial Arm,
The compatibility requirement had been greatly reduced. It wouldn't be difficult for Olvia to use, though fully mastering it was another matter entirely.
This was the fastest and most direct way to make her stronger.
Olvia's gaze shifted from strange to amazed.
She had never imagined
That such a miraculous item existed on these seas!
Under Lotte's guidance,
A short week passed in the blink of an eye.
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