Chapter 25: The Tragedy of Ohara
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Across the Sea: The Navy's Mission
The sea was calm, a deceptive facade for the storm brewing beneath its surface. Onboard a formidable warship, three of the Navy's most powerful vice admirals prepared for a mission that would change the course of history. Vice Admiral Akainu, Vice Admiral Kizaru, and Vice Admiral Aokiji, all Logia Devil Fruit users, stood ready to execute the orders of the World Government.
This mission was different. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with anticipation. Even more unusual, one of the Five Elders had personally accompanied them, observing from the warship's bridge. The gravity of the situation was evident to all.
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Ohara: The Calm Before the Storm
Ohara, a peaceful island renowned for its scholars and vast library, remained unaware of the impending doom. The archaeologists of Ohara, led by Professor Clover, had been researching the Poneglyphs, ancient stones inscribed with the lost history of the world. They sought to uncover the true history that the World Government had buried.
On this fateful day, the scholars gathered in the Tree of Knowledge, discussing their latest findings. Robin, a young girl with a prodigious talent for archaeology, listened intently, her curiosity insatiable.
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The Navy Arrives
The calm of Ohara was shattered as the warship approached. The massive vessel loomed over the island, casting a shadow that stretched across the shore. The residents of Ohara looked up in fear as the Marines disembarked, their presence an ominous sign.
Vice Admiral Akainu, his expression stern, addressed the gathered villagers. "By order of the World Government, this island and all its inhabitants are under investigation for the crime of researching the Poneglyphs. Surrender peacefully, and you will be spared."
Professor Clover stepped forward, his voice steady despite the fear in his heart. "We are scholars, dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. We mean no harm. Please, let us explain."
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The Destruction Begins
The negotiations were short-lived. The Five Elder, observing from the warship, gave a nod of approval. The order was clear: the Buster Call would be executed. A fleet of ten warships surrounded Ohara, their cannons aimed at the island.
Vice Admiral Kizaru, his movements as fast as light, initiated the attack. Beams of light shot from his fingers, destroying buildings in an instant. The residents of Ohara screamed in terror, fleeing in all directions.
Vice Admiral Aokiji followed, using his Ice-Ice Fruit powers to freeze the fleeing civilians in their tracks. His expression was conflicted, but his duty was clear. "Ice Age," he murmured, encasing large sections of the island in ice.
Akainu, with his Magma-Magma Fruit, was the most ruthless. Lava erupted from his hands, setting the forest ablaze. "Meteor Volcano," he declared, his attack raining destruction upon Ohara.
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The Tree of Knowledge
Inside the Tree of Knowledge, chaos reigned. The scholars tried to protect their precious books, but the fire and ice were relentless. Professor Clover, holding the Poneglyph research, made a desperate attempt to reason with the Marines.
"Please, these books contain knowledge that belongs to all of humanity! You can't destroy them!" Clover pleaded.
Akainu stepped forward, his face a mask of resolve. "Knowledge that threatens the world must be eradicated."
With a swift motion, Akainu attacked, and the flames consumed the Tree of Knowledge. Books turned to ash, and centuries of wisdom were lost in an instant.
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Robin's Desperation
Amid the chaos, young Robin ran through the burning library, tears streaming down her face. She had always felt out of place, but here, among the ruins, she felt truly alone. She stumbled upon Saul, a giant who had befriended her, trying to fight off the Marines.
"Saul! We have to get out of here!" Robin cried, her voice filled with despair.
Saul looked down at her, his heart breaking. "Robin, you must survive. You have the knowledge the world needs. Live, and find the true history."
Saul turned to face the Marines, his enormous frame shielding Robin. But even his strength was no match for the combined might of the Vice Admirals. Aokiji, once Saul's friend, delivered the final blow. "I'm sorry, Saul. Ice Time Capsule."
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The Final Order
With the island engulfed in flames and ice, the Five Elder issued the final order. "Destroy everything. Leave no trace."
The warships unleashed their full firepower. Cannonballs rained down, turning Ohara into a wasteland. The scholars, the buildings, and the island itself were obliterated in a symphony of destruction.
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Aokiji's Mercy
As the destruction reached its peak, Aokiji found Robin hiding amidst the ruins. He saw the fear and determination in her eyes, a spark of hope amid the devastation.
"Run, Robin," Aokiji said softly, creating a path of ice leading to the shore. "Live, and find the answers you seek."
Robin hesitated, then ran, her heart heavy with grief but fueled by a new resolve. She reached the shore, finding refuge on a small boat. As she drifted away, she looked back at the island that had been her home, now reduced to ashes.
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Aftermath
The warships withdrew, leaving behind a smoking ruin where Ohara once stood. The Five Elder returned to his quarters, satisfied that the threat had been neutralized.
Vice Admiral Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji stood in silence, each lost in their thoughts. They had executed their orders, but at what cost?
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A New Resolve
Far from Ohara, aboard the Silverhair Pirates' ship, Sergio D. Arthur felt a sudden heaviness in his heart. Though unaware of the specifics, he sensed a great tragedy had occurred.
"We must be ready," Arthur said to his crew, his voice filled with determination. "The world is changing, and we have to be prepared for whatever comes next."
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Epilogue: A New Era
The destruction of Ohara was a grim reminder of the World Government's power and the lengths they would go to protect their secrets. But it also planted the seeds of resistance, as those who survived vowed to uncover the truth.
As the Silverhair Pirates sailed on, they carried with them the hope and determination to challenge the injustices of the world. Their journey was far from over, but they were ready to face whatever came their way, united in their quest for freedom and truth.
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