The Tree of Knowledge was said to be more than five thousand years old.
Its internal structure was equally extraordinary.
Whether it had been deliberately altered at some point or was simply one of nature’s miracles, the inside of the ancient tree resembled an enormous naturally formed treehouse.
More impressively, its hollow interior had developed into the perfect structure for a vast library.
The Tree of Knowledge housed the largest collection of books in the world.
At that moment, inside one of its private studies, Ohara’s leading archaeologist, Professor Clover, was discussing an important matter with another scholar.
The World Government presided over an enormous political system.
Its alliance generally consisted of between one hundred and fifty and two hundred member nations, with the total usually remaining close to one hundred and seventy.
Those member nations, however, did not represent the full extent of the territories under the World Government.
Many islands outside the jurisdiction of any formal kingdom also belonged to its sphere of authority.
Marine Headquarters at Marineford, for example, was not a nation, yet it remained part of the World Government.
The shipbuilding island of Water 7 and the archaeological sanctuary of Ohara were similar.
Neither belonged to a kingdom.
Instead, both operated as autonomous islands within the World Government’s vast system.
There were many such territories throughout the world.
Professor Clover was not merely the leader of Ohara’s scholars.
Under World Government law, he also served as chairman of the island’s autonomous governing council.
In simpler terms, he was Ohara’s highest authority.
“Olvia, the documents and rubbings your expedition brought back are extremely important.” Clover’s expression was grave.
“After translating them, we found that several passages from the Poneglyphs point toward the same conclusion.
More than eight hundred years ago, during the Void Century, an enormous kingdom truly did exist.” Seated across from him was a beautiful woman with a mature and composed presence.
She was Nico Olvia, one of the scholars whose actions would eventually become closely tied to Ohara’s destruction.
Olvia nodded.
“It appears the World Government has deliberately erased that kingdom and its history.
The Poneglyphs must have been created by people who wanted to ensure the truth survived.” Her voice grew firmer.
“We have to—” A sudden knock interrupted her.
Clover’s brows tightened.
He quickly gathered several papers from the desk and placed them out of sight before clearing his throat.
“Come in.” A scholar opened the door.
“Professor, there is a visitor outside the Tree of Knowledge.
He introduced himself as Donquixote Doflamingo and says he wishes to discuss something with you.” Clover stroked his beard thoughtfully.
“Donquixote?
Is he a Celestial Dragon?” “He doesn’t dress or carry himself like one,” the scholar replied, shaking his head.
“He also said he came from the North Blue.” “Oh?” Something seemed to occur to Clover.
“That boy who killed his own father…” Donquixote Homing’s decision to abandon Mary Geoise and take his family down to live among ordinary people had never been a particularly well-kept secret.
The family had nearly been killed by the people of the North Blue, after all.
Their identities had become widely known among the local population.
What happened afterward was far less public.
Few ordinary people knew that Doflamingo had returned to Mary Geoise carrying his father’s severed head, hoping to regain his status as a Celestial Dragon.
Professor Clover was no ordinary man.
As one of the world’s most prominent archaeologists, he possessed considerable influence in academic and cultural circles.
He had occasionally been invited to attend the Levely as a scholar and had participated in events involving senior World Government officials.
His position gave him access to information unavailable to most people.
After thinking for a moment, Clover quickly identified exactly which Doflamingo had come to see him.
Clover already held little affection for the Celestial Dragons.
He had even less patience for a boy who had murdered his father and carried the man’s head to Mary Geoise in the hope of rejoining them.
He waved dismissively.
“I have no connection with him, and he has no appointment with me today.
Tell this Doflamingo that I have no interest in discussing anything with him.” His voice hardened.
“And ask him not to bother me again.” The scholar nodded and left, closing the door behind him.
Olvia watched him go before turning back to Clover.
“Professor, was that wise?
He may no longer be a Celestial Dragon, but there’s no telling what ties he still has to the World Government.” “It doesn’t matter.” Clover spoke with complete confidence.
“I can deal with whatever connections he may have.” After a brief pause, he added, “Besides, even if he were still a Celestial Dragon, what could he possibly do to me?” Outside the Tree of Knowledge, Doflamingo soon received Clover’s reply.
“My apologies, Mr.
Doflamingo,” the scholar said diplomatically.
“Professor Clover is currently occupied.” He softened the message considerably rather than repeating Clover’s blunt rejection.
Doflamingo understood the situation regardless.
“Fuffuffuffu… That’s perfectly fine.” He produced a sealed envelope.
“It merely means I haven’t shown him enough sincerity.” Doflamingo held out the letter.
“Please deliver this to the professor.
I believe that once he reads it, he’ll become much more interested in meeting me.” The scholar initially intended to refuse.
However, Doflamingo’s absolute confidence made him hesitate.
It was only a short walk.
If he rejected the letter and inadvertently delayed something important, he might be held responsible later.
After a moment’s thought, he accepted the envelope.
“Very well.
Please wait here.” Back inside the private study, Clover and Olvia had resumed their discussion of the Poneglyphs when another knock sounded at the door.
After being interrupted twice in such a short span, Clover was visibly losing his patience.
When the same scholar entered again, he immediately asked, “What is it now?” “Mr.
Doflamingo said—” “I already said I won’t see him!” Clover cut him off angrily.
“Why is that boy still pestering me?” The scholar hurriedly placed the envelope on the desk.
“He said that after reading this letter, you would definitely be willing to meet him.” Clover snorted.
“What an arrogant brat.” He tore open the envelope while continuing to complain.
“I’d like to see what could possibly make an ignorant child speak with such confidence.
Does he even know who I am?
I am the world’s foremost archaeolo—” His voice stopped.
The moment Clover read the words on the page, his expression froze.
The corner of his mouth twitched.
The anger and bluster vanished into silence.
Olvia was the first to notice the change.
She gave Clover a puzzled look.
A moment later, Clover recovered his composure.
He folded the letter quickly, tucked it away, and straightened his collar.
Then he turned toward the scholar with an expression of surprise, as though the man had been the unreasonable one all along.
“What are you standing there for?” Clover gestured impatiently toward the door.
“Go invite Mr.
Donquixote Doflamingo inside at once.” The scholar stared at him.
“Professor?” “Go.” Still bewildered, the scholar nodded and left.
As he walked through the corridor, he could not help grumbling inwardly.
Professor Clover had changed his attitude with astonishing speed.
Was that the true difference between an ordinary scholar and a great one?
Perhaps he still had much to learn about adapting to the situation.
The instant the door closed, Clover’s calm expression darkened.
Before Olvia could ask what the letter contained, he spoke in a heavy voice.
“That man knows we’re researching the Poneglyphs.” Olvia stiffened.
“How is that possible?
Every scholar involved in the project is someone we trust completely.” “I don’t know.” Clover’s gaze dropped toward the hidden letter.
“For now, all we can do is meet him and find out exactly how much he knows.”