The days that followed their discovery in the hidden chamber of the Tree of Omniscience were filled with an air of excitement and anticipation. William and Robin dove headfirst into their studies, poring over the Poneglyphs and sharing theories that seemed to grow more ambitious with each passing hour. Yet, beneath the surface of their enthusiasm, an unease was brewing on Ohara.
News began to spread across the island—rumors of increased patrols from the World Government. Scholar after scholar whispered about the ominous presence of Marines stationed just outside the library. The whispers sent a chill down William's spine, even as he pretended to shrug it off.
"They can't scare us away," he said to Robin one afternoon as they sat cross-legged on the floor of the library, surrounded by scrolls and tomes. His tone was light, but he could feel the tension building around them. "What are they going to do? Take away our library card?"
Robin tried to smile, but her eyes betrayed her concern. "It's not a joke, William. They're tightening their grip. They're worried about what we might find."
He tossed a scroll aside, frustration bubbling up within him. "But we're not doing anything wrong! We're just trying to learn!"
"I know," Robin said softly, her gaze falling to the Poneglyph they had been studying. "But to them, knowledge is dangerous—especially the kind that can expose their secrets."
William clenched his fists, his usual bravado faltering. "They can't just waltz in here and bully us into silence. This is our home!"
Robin placed a gentle hand on his arm. "It's not just about us anymore. If they suspect we're getting close to something they want to keep hidden, they might take drastic measures."
Before William could respond, a heavy knock echoed through the library. The door swung open, revealing a familiar figure—Professor Clover, the head scholar of Ohara, stepped inside, his face lined with worry.
"William! Robin!" he called, his voice urgent. "We need to talk."
William sprang to his feet, immediately sensing the gravity of the situation. "What's going on?"
Clover looked around, as though ensuring no one else was listening. "The World Government is planning something. I've received word that they're sending a special unit to investigate our research."
"Special unit?" William repeated, the weight of the phrase sinking in. "What does that even mean?"
"They've got their eyes on the Poneglyphs. They know that we've been studying them, and they won't let us uncover the truth." Clover's voice trembled with the seriousness of his words. "If they find out what you two have discovered…"
William felt a fire ignite within him, a mixture of anger and resolve. "Then we'll just have to stop them."
Robin's expression turned grave. "We can't fight the World Government, William. They're too powerful."
"Maybe not yet," Clover interjected. "But if they come here looking for a fight, we need to be prepared. We can't let them take the knowledge we've uncovered."
The urgency in the air was palpable, and William's mind raced with thoughts of what could happen next. He had always been fearless, but this was a new kind of danger—one that threatened not just him, but the very foundation of everything he and Robin have. "So what do we do?" he asked, determination etched into his features.
Clover paused, taking a deep breath. "We need to gather the other scholars and prepare a plan. If we can stand united, they may think twice before making a move."
As the three of them discussed their options, the atmosphere in the library shifted. Gone was the carefree joy of discovery; it was replaced by a sense of impending dread. William could feel the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. He wasn't just a carefree boy anymore; he was someone who needed to protect what mattered most.
That evening, a meeting was called in the main hall of the library. Scholars gathered, their faces a mix of concern and determination as they spoke in hushed tones. William watched from the back, his heart pounding. It was surreal to see the usually lively and spirited professors looking so somber.
"Friends," Clover began, stepping up to the podium. "We stand at a crossroads. The World Government is tightening its watch over Ohara. We've been warned of a special unit coming to investigate our research. If they discover our findings, the consequences could be dire."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, uncertainty hanging thick in the air.
"The Poneglyphs represent knowledge that could change the world," Clover continued. "But in the wrong hands, it could spell disaster for us all."
William felt Robin's hand squeeze his arm, and he looked over to see her pale face. She was clearly feeling the weight of the situation. "We can't let them take it," she whispered, determination sparking in her eyes.
"I won't let them," William vowed under his breath, a fiery resolve igniting within him.
Clover's voice grew stronger. "We have two options: we can destroy our research and hide the Poneglyphs, or we can stand our ground and protect what we believe in."
William raised his hand, surprising everyone in the room. "I vote we fight!"
A wave of murmurs cascaded through the crowd, skepticism mingling with admiration for the boy's boldness. But Clover shook his head. "It's not that simple, William. We cannot go to war with the World Government."
"Then what do we do?" William's voice rang out, unwavering. "We can't just let them walk in here and take everything!"
Robin stepped forward, her voice steady. "We can hide the Poneglyphs. If they can't find them, they can't destroy them."
Clover nodded slowly, considering her words. "It's risky, but it may be our best option."
As the meeting continued, William felt a swell of determination rise within him. Whatever happened, he wouldn't allow the World Government to crush the hopes of Ohara. He would protect Robin and all the knowledge that had been uncovered.
And as they spoke about plans to hide the Poneglyphs, he couldn't shake the feeling that a storm was brewing just beyond the horizon—one that would soon engulf them all. The looming threat of the World Government loomed over Ohara, and the time for action was drawing near.