From the year 1498 to 1500 in the Sea Circle Calendar, the world experienced many significant events.
First, the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, surrendered to the Navy and was executed in Loguetown. Before his death, he said one final phrase: "Do you want my treasure? If you want it, it's yours to claim. I've hidden it somewhere on the Grand Line." From then on, the Great Pirate Era began.
Later, the Golden Lion Shiki, who refused to believe that Roger could be captured by the Navy, rampaged through the Navy Headquarters at Marineford. After destroying three-quarters of the base, he was captured by Sengoku and Garp and imprisoned in the Deep Sea Prison—Impel Down.
Eventually, Golden Lion Shiki escaped Impel Down by severing his own legs and breaking the myth that no one could ever escape from the prison.
Of course, all these events were far removed from the lives of Shanter and Robin, who were in Ohara. What they didn't know was that an event of great significance would soon rock the island of Ohara.
"Little girl, did you pass the Archaeology Ph.D. exam the other day? I was afraid to ask because I thought you might not have done well," Shanter affectionately ruffled Robin's hair.
"It should be fine," Robin replied, leaning against Shanter, her arms wrapped around his waist.
"Eight years old and already a Ph.D. student? That's impressive!" Shanter sighed, "But my navigation skills still haven't improved much."
"This is Ohara, the Island of Archaeologists, not the Island of Navigators. Without anyone to guide you, of course, you'd learn slower," Robin comforted him.
"I always say you're a fool, but you're truly a genius," Shanter said, feeling even more discouraged, "Am I really talentless when it comes to learning? I have all this strength but can't seem to learn anything. If this goes on, I'll just end up a brute!"
Actually, Shanter's self-assessment was a bit skewed. Although he was only nine years old, his speed and strength had long surpassed normal humans. While it was true that he relied on physical strength, he had a decent grasp of navigation skills. Even though he wasn't as experienced as the seasoned sailors who had lived on the sea for decades, his knowledge wasn't much lacking compared to theirs.
Of course, when comparing Shanter's achievements in navigation to Robin's accomplishments in archaeology, there was a stark difference. Robin was a genius—becoming a Ph.D. and reading ancient texts at the age of eight was no small feat.
"Brother, don't be so discouraged," Robin said, trying to comfort him. It was difficult for her, though, since Shanter never showed vulnerability. He always had a resolute, forward-moving attitude, rarely expressing anything softer. Apart from Shanter, Robin had little closeness with anyone else on Ohara.
"You're right," Shanter snapped out of his mood, "What's wrong with me? I should be proud of you for becoming an archaeologist!"
A few days later.
As usual, Robin went to return her books to the Tree of Knowledge. "Good evening, Dr. Kuloba. I'm here to return the books."
At the same time, a group of archaeologists fired several celebratory cannons: "Robin, congratulations!"
"That's amazing, Robin. You really are a genius."
"We've got cake, cake! It's not too sweet, though."
"Robin, you scored a perfect score on your Ph.D. exam! From now on, you can officially call yourself an archaeologist and study alongside us." Dr. Kuloba handed Robin a golden medal. "Here, this is your proof as a scholar. Wear it well, Robin."
"Fantastic, Robin."
"Congratulations!"
"Listen well, Robin. Remember what it truly means to be an archaeologist." At that moment, Dr. Kuloba took out a pointer and tapped the blackboard.
"Yes, Dr. Kuloba," Robin said, proudly standing tall.
"What we call 'knowledge' is essentially 'the past.' This Tree of Knowledge, which has been alive for 5,000 years, contains a vast collection of documents and information gathered from all around the world. It is an irreplaceable treasure for all of humanity. It is the oldest and largest library in the world, and beneath the Tree of Knowledge live a group of excellent archaeologists. By studying the books here, there is no historical mystery we cannot solve. Do you understand, Robin? I hope you continue to study various cultures and contribute to the world in the future." Dr. Kuloba kindly patted Robin on the head, imparting his thoughts to her.
"Yes, Doctor. I really want to uncover the history of the Blank Century!" Robin was overjoyed at the praise. After all, apart from Shanter, who else had ever truly cared about her? Even Shanter often teased her and rarely gave her compliments.
"No, no, that has always been forbidden."
"Why? Isn't it enough to just study the historical texts to learn what happened during the Blank Century?" Robin asked, puzzled.
"How do you know about that?" Dr. Kuloba suddenly took several steps back, his pointer waving in the air. His face was filled with panic, which confused Robin even more.
Robin, a bit embarrassed, nodded shyly.
Dr. Kuloba looked at her sternly: "You should know that decoding the historical texts is a crime."
Robin was frightened by his intense expression. "But everyone is always down in the basement, studying the historical texts overnight, right?" She looked up at Dr. Kuloba with innocent, wide eyes, unable to comprehend why he was so upset.
Dr. Kuloba crouched down, placing his hands on Robin's shoulders. "Your knowledge is impressive, but you are still just a child! We only studied the historical texts knowing the consequences—we are mentally prepared to lose our heads if caught. For the past 800 years, this has been the law of the world. Countless scholars have died for it. Let me tell you this: only our Ohara clan has ever been able to decode ancient texts. There is no turning back now. Listen, Robin, I want you to swear never to go near the basement or study the historical texts."
Robin returned home, feeling lost. As soon as she walked in, she heard Shanter's carefree voice: "Little girl, how'd it go? Did you pass? Tell me, why are you so quiet?"
At that moment, Shanter noticed Robin's distracted expression and immediately asked, "What's wrong, little girl?"
Robin hesitantly explained the situation, causing Shanter to be visibly shocked.
"So, they're studying the historical texts? That's illegal! They're asking for trouble!" Shanter cursed, furious. "Damn, these scholars are idiots. How dare they study so openly?"
Robin's thoughts were in chaos, and she ignored Shanter, lying down on the bed, her head spinning.
Shanter, too, felt uneasy. If studying the historical texts was illegal, then those archaeologists must be bad people, right? But they seemed no different from ordinary people. What would he do if they really were bad people?
Due to his father's teachings and his own experiences, Shanter had always believed in the righteousness of the World Government. Even when he was five, Shanter had decided he would join the Navy to uphold justice in the world.
However, what Shanter didn't know was that the world was not always so black and white.
The young boy and girl, each carrying their own doubts, slowly drifted into slumber.
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