Several months had passed, and the sanctuary had finally crossed the Calm Belt, arriving near the waters of Ohara.
Dawn's light seeped through the clouds like diluted blood, and the sanctuary's gilded bow cast a long shadow over Ohara's ruined pier.
Perona tiptoed, trying to catch a falling feather, but Stella gently pressed down on her head:
"No mischief today, okay."
Her hand brushed over Perona's hair, her voice soft and soothing.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Olvia's fingers gripping the ship's railing tightly, trembling from the effort.
Perona reluctantly obeyed. She had only been here once before, feeling little attachment, and her personality prevented her from noticing the oppressive atmosphere.
Nearby, Rami observed Robin's distant gaze and quietly asked Koala:
"Is Sister Robin unwell?"
Koala shook her head and walked toward Robin:
"Sister Robin, do you want to play hopscotch?"
"Mama once told me, if you play hopscotch a hundred times, your wish can come true."
Robin's eyes flickered with faint emotion as she forced a smile:
"Thank you, Koala."
"Let's get off the ship!"
Black's voice rang, and Robin ran forward, clutching his cape tightly, checking Olvia's position before following him off the ship.
More than half a year had passed since the Buster Call, and Ohara's land still bore scorch marks, a testament to the bombardment's intensity.
Olvia suddenly knelt, holding the soil of Ohara in her hands. Her body trembled, silent but expressive.
Koala wanted to move forward, but Mandy held her sword horizontally, shaking her head slightly.
Koala pursed her lips, emotions stirred by the atmosphere, appearing subdued.
Robin's eyes reddened, tears threatening to fall.
Perona suddenly sprang from behind Mandy, her pink pigtails brushing the armor. She held a freshly woven flower crown.
Ignoring Black's twitching mouth, she placed it on Robin's head:
"The Queen of Archaeology has returned to her loyal Ohara, crowned!"
Robin looked at Perona, laughing through her tears, her smile a blend of helplessness and relief.
Perona's antics softened the sorrow. Olvia had stood, and everyone began moving forward.
As Olvia's emotions settled, Koala joined her side, placing the wild chrysanthemums she had picked into Olvia's hands:
"I heard… if you put flowers in water, you can see the people you miss."
Olvia offered a strained smile, stroking her light golden hair:
"Thank you, Koala. You are a gentle child."
They reached the original site of the Tree of Knowledge.
Once lush, the giant tree now stood reduced to its roots, forming a natural archway.
Passing through, they arrived at the ruined library.
The globe at the center lay shattered, bookshelves toppled, and the remains of knowledge scattered.
Black's gaze fell on the lake, where large footprints remained.
"It seems the Giant Race moved the documents already."
"Then conflict between the God's Knights and Elbaf is inevitable."
"Before that, we may need to break immortality and take down a few Knights."
"Dragon and Vegapunk must have met by now."
"We could also eliminate some Revolutionary Army members to maintain balance."
He pondered silently, revealing nothing. This trip was simply to accompany Robin; other matters could wait.
Perona drew a large smiley face with charcoal.
Rami arranged shells to spell "Robin," turning to her:
"This way, Ohara will smile every night!"
Lunch was held in Ohara. Stella laid out picnic blankets and distributed the pre-prepared food:
"The strawberry jam sandwich is Rami's, with extra honey."
She handed Olvia a bronze pocket watch:
"I found this in the ruins… the hour hand is still moving."
Olvia thanked her, mechanically chewing her food, clutching the watch.
Rami gently tugged at her sleeve:
"Auntie, I found this too."
She revealed an unburnt seashell hairpin:
"Just like the one Sister Robin used to wear."
Rami spread strawberry jam on Robin's bread:
"Papa says eating more sweets helps you grow taller!"
She coughed but persisted, smiling brightly.
Koala fed Olvia a piece of chocolate. Robin showed less emotional strain than Olvia.
Robin's life in Ohara had been harsh. Olvia's brother's family treated her almost as a servant chores, cleaning, and cooking were hers.
Other children avoided her; her Devil Fruit made her a "monster."
Except for Dr. Clover and a few, Robin had no childhood friends.
Olvia, however, had lost family, friends, career… all destroyed by fire, intensifying her pain.
After the meal, Olvia began to recover with the children's care, Robin quietly by her side.
Black observed for a moment, then signaled for the others to leave first.
Standing on the tree's remaining roots, tapping his scepter lightly:
"We'll head back to the port first; follow as soon as you can."
He understood that giving space after grief truly eased the heart.
When Olvia, holding Robin's hand, returned to the pier, several little girls squatted on the beach.
They folded paper boats, lit candles on them, and set them afloat.
Robin approached, eyes still red, asking:
"What are you doing?"
Rami turned:
"My papa says, the further the paper boat floats, the lighter the longing becomes."
Perona leapt, gesturing wildly:
"Then I want to be the Pirate King!"
"When I find the Great Treasure, I'll buy a super-big ship and put all of Ohara inside!"
Black sneered, grabbing Perona by the back of her neck:
"Alright, Pirate King, that's all you're good for. Let's go."
He carried Perona and motioned for everyone to board.
Black had always lived by the rule: "Know there are tigers in the mountains; don't go there if you know." He struggled to empathize with Ohara's suicidal recklessness.
The Ancient Weapons and Celestial Dragons' treasures were tied to the Ancient Script.
Those in the World Government who could read it occupied sensitive positions, making access difficult for Black.
In the future, these treasures might be needed, and Robin's skills would remain essential.
If not for Robin as his future wing, this trip would never have happened.
Robin looked at the remaining paper boats on the shore, hesitated, then gently released them into the waves.
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