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Rockwell was stunned, his gaze fixed on nothing.
He may have looked older, but he was only twenty-two, with plenty of room to grow. He'd entered the Grand Line with a head full of romanticized notions about piracy, only to have Arthur shatter his illusions.
Arthur felt no guilt.
If his words could make Rockwell turn back, it would save his life. If they could make him understand the importance of strength, perhaps they truly would meet again in the New World.
Rockwell's eyes slowly regained focus, as if a transformation had occurred within him. "I understand, Mr. Arthur," he said resolutely. "I will train hard and find you in the New World!"
"Good." Arthur clapped him on the shoulder, satisfied. "You mentioned capturing some Ohara scholars? What's that about?"
"Mr. Arthur, Ohara scholars are the most valuable slaves, just like Fish-Men. They fetch a high price." Rockwell's eyes lit up, his tone eager.
Ohara was a unique island in the West Blue, known for its academic atmosphere. Most of its inhabitants possessed considerable knowledge, making them highly sought-after slaves, perfect for roles like butlers and servants.
Normally, no one dared capture them on the island. But once they left, they risked capture by slavers.
Before becoming a pirate, Rockwell was the heir to a trafficking family.
Shortly after entering the Grand Line, he encountered a team of scholars from Ohara. Three days prior, he had captured them, intending to sell them at the Sabaody Archipelago.
Arthur didn't care if Rockwell was a slaver. Pirates needed income.
Dabbling in the black market was a necessity. Unless they had treasure maps or looted buried riches, most couldn't afford to be picky.
Unlike the New World pirates with established territories and protection rackets, those in Paradise operated under the watchful eye of the Marines.
Illegal activities had to be discreet.
"Ohara?" Arthur mused, stroking his chin.
These archaeologists, obsessed with history, were practically asking for trouble. Studying history was fine, but defying the World Government's ban and crossing their line was suicidal—not just for themselves but for all of Ohara.
Lacking sufficient power, yet doing things beyond your capabilities – that was a recipe for disaster, and it would implicate the entire island of Ohara.
Seeing Arthur lost in thought, Rockwell grew uneasy. "I heard Mr. Arthur is also from the West Blue. I hope you won't hold this against me." He regretted his actions.
"Bring those slaves here. I want to see them." Arthur's tone was laced with curiosity. He had a few questions for these archaeologists.
Relieved that Arthur wasn't blaming him, Rockwell barked at a nearby pirate, "What are you standing around for? Bring the Ohara scholars!"
Soon, five figures were brought before Arthur. Four were elderly men with white hair and beards. The fifth was a striking woman with silver hair, dressed in leather.
Despite being captured, they showed no fear, their scholarly demeanor unchanged.
Looking at the woman's uniquely colored eyes, Arthur felt a sense of familiarity.
"Could she be Nico Olvia?" He narrowed his eyes, studying the composed woman who resembled a martyr.
Seeing them, Arthur knew they had accepted their fate. They knew the World Government was hiding something, yet they still sought the truth.
Unnerved by Arthur's intense gaze, Nico Olvia spoke resolutely, "I know you, Seabury D. Arthur. The pirate with a 300 million Belly bounty for stealing the Heavenly Tribute. What do you want?"
"You... don't seem afraid to die," Arthur asked, curious.
No one faced death so calmly unless they had something more important to live for, like Whitebeard saving Ace.
Arthur feared death, but he wouldn't die meaninglessly. Facing a strong opponent, if escape was impossible, he would accept his fate.
Hearing Arthur's question, a stooped old man with a long beard spoke, his eyes gleaming. "Bearer of the Will of D, do you also know something?"
Nico Olvia and the other three scholars stared intently at Arthur.
"Heh! I know nothing, nor do I want to." Arthur scoffed. Ancient history meant nothing to him. As long as he lived a thrilling and exciting life, nothing else mattered.
"Answer my question. Why aren't you afraid to die? What's the point of this self-destruction?"
"Bearer of the Will of D," the old man declared, raising his hands, his eyes filled with fervor, "The truth that the World Government is desperately trying to hide will one day come to light! We are merely pioneers. Others will follow in our footsteps."
Their pursuit of historical truth was like his own pursuit of an exciting life—unshakeable.
They had set sail with thirty-three people, now reduced to five. Yet, even death hadn't deterred them.
"Arthur, you dared to steal the Heavenly Tribute, which means you don't fear the World Government. And your name carries the initial 'D'. Don't you want to know the lost history from 800 years ago?" Nico Olvia's tone shifted, as if inviting him to join their cause.
"The History? Are you kidding me??" Arthur was uninterested in anything beyond his own goals.
He was curious about the origins of Devil Fruits and the World Government's secrets, but uncovering them himself would be far more exhilarating.
"Let me warn you. Your actions have crossed the World Government's line. Continue, and all of Ohara will suffer."
"No!" The five archaeologists spoke firmly. "All of Ohara supports us!"
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