Night blanketed the western shore of Hachinosu Island. Waves lapped gently against the reefs, producing a steady, soothing rhythm.
On the beach, the scholars' campfire flickered and danced, stretching Orbia's shadow long across the sand.
"Orbia, this is what you asked for."
Kuroba handed her a meticulously preserved manuscript—a bundle of old newspaper records.
"You actually kept it, Doctor?" Orbia said softly, eyes widening as she looked at the well-maintained papers.
She sat hugging her knees beside the fire, her fingers unconsciously rubbing along the edges of the manuscript.
"This is the very first report that made Major General Gern famous back when he was stationed in the West Blue," Kuroba said with a faint smile.
Back then, the West Blue had seen the rise of a brand-new Marine prodigy. As editor-in-chief, Kuroba had made it a habit to keep handwritten copies of particularly significant reports.
Later, when Morgans monopolized the entire news industry, Kuroba resigned and moved to Ohara, taking these personal "treasures" with him. Even now, on this voyage, he had brought them along.
"Why do you want to read about him?" Kuroba asked, watching Orbia's unusually serious expression with confusion. "Orbia?"
"Because…" she murmured, "…even after he knew exactly what we were researching, he still chose to let us go."
"And what's strange about that?"
"The problem is…" Orbia whispered, "…he has seen other Poneglyphs."
The firelight traced a golden edge along her pale hair.
"Orbia?" Vi approached, carrying a cup of hot tea, the lenses of his glasses reflecting the dancing flames. "You should rest. Tomorrow we'll need everyone working together—"
"I'm going to see that Marine major general."
She suddenly stood up. The newspaper manuscript crumpled slightly in her clenched hand.
"Have you lost your mind?!" Vi nearly spilled his tea. Kuroba was equally shocked, hastily lowering his voice. "Orbia, people change. What I said this afternoon was only speculation. Going to see him now—"
"I know."
"You know and still—"
"But what if he really has seen other Poneglyphs?" Orbia cut them off, her eyes burning brighter than the campfire itself.
"This is the closest we've ever come to the truth after all these years at sea!
"He let us go—that means he's seen other Poneglyphs. He knows everything.
"We've been sailing for so long, risking our lives again and again, losing companions just to get a single rubbing from Skypiea.
"We don't have time to waste anymore!
"Instead of wandering aimlessly, it's better to ask him directly!"
"Orbia!!"
"Don't wait for me. If something happens, I'll take responsibility myself."
Before Vi or Kuroba could stop her, she snatched up her cloak and disappeared into the darkness.
...
At the perimeter of the Marines' temporary camp, a sentry suddenly raised his spear in alarm.
"Halt!"
Under the moonlight, the figure of a white-haired woman with both hands raised slowly came into view.
"I am Nico Olvia of Ohara," she said, her voice trembling slightly in the sea breeze. "I request an audience with Major General Gern."
"An audience with Major General Gern…" The guards exchanged uneasy glances.
Then, from the shadows, a low voice spoke.
"Let her through."
Tazolo stepped out from behind a structure, the gold ring on his finger glinting coldly in the moonlight.
"The Major General is already expecting you."
Olvia's pupils shrank sharply.
He had anticipated her coming?
She was led into a room that was still mostly intact. Inside, Gern sat by an oil lamp, methodically wiping down the Black Blade Eight Desolations.
With the wrappings loosened, the blade reflected the lamplight in sharp glimmers. Nearby, Ribo was curled up asleep, her head resting against Gern's thigh. Her rabbit ears rose and fell gently with each breath.
"Major General Gern, I—"
"The Poneglyphs are in the Sea Forest of Fish-Man Island, the Whale Forest of Zou, and beneath the land of Wano," Gern said without looking up, the blade turning through a sharp arc.
"The rubbing you have comes from Skypiea, doesn't it?"
Olvia staggered back half a step, her back bumping into the table.
This Marine not only knew of the Poneglyphs' existence—he knew their locations in precise detail.
Her voice came out hoarse, barely her own.
"Why… are you telling me this?"
The sharp click of the Black Blade being set down echoed clearly in the silence.
Gern finally raised his head. The oil lamp edged his silhouette in gold, but his eyes remained sunken in deep shadow.
"Because the Roger Pirates have already gathered all four Road Poneglyphs," he said calmly. "They'll reach the so-called 'truth' very soon."
"That's impossible!" Olvia cried out before clapping a hand over her mouth and glancing toward the sleeping Ribo.
Dr. Kuroba had spent his entire life deciphering only fragments. How could a group of pirates—
"The Kozuki Clan of Wano," Gern continued, his words smashing her last hopes like a hammer. "Kozuki Oden can read the ancient script.
"He's currently been borrowed from the Whitebeard Pirates and is sailing with the Roger Pirates."
Olvia's nails dug painfully into her palm.
"And Ohara…" Gern went on, "…has been under World Government surveillance for three years now."
"Then why…" Her voice trembled. "Why did you let us go?"
"Hah…" Gern let out a sigh and absentmindedly stroked Ribo's ear.
"If I were you, once the ship is repaired, I'd take everyone and leave the New World. Never touch the Poneglyphs again."
"That's impossible. This is my husband's—"
"But he's dead, isn't he?" Gern narrowed his eyes slightly. "That should count as his final wish, don't you think?
"And even if the truth is absolutely correct, if you don't have the power to protect it, then pretend it never happened.
"You Ohara scholars are not the Roger Pirates.
"And you should think about your daughter, too."
"Robin!"
Olvia froze as if struck by lightning.
She had never once mentioned the little Robin she'd left behind in Ohara—to anyone.
Gern paid no attention to her expression. He rose, carefully adjusted Ribo—who was sleeping in an utterly undignified pose—then poured himself a glass of water.
He said nothing more.
Because he knew these scholars would never give up. Everyone's convictions were different.
He had merely happened upon them and offered a warning.
Besides, he had already told Olvia everything she wanted to know.
Olvia stood in silence for a long time. Then, at last, she slowly raised her eyes, spoke a few quiet words to Gern, and turned to leave.
"Major General Gern," Tazolo said as he entered only after Olvia had gone. "Is that woman insane?"
"She knows full well that this could drag all of Ohara into the grave. The World Government won't leave a single person alive!"
"Scholars are selfish. Arrogant. Willing to sacrifice others for their so-called ideals…" Gern gazed toward the distant darkness.
"…aren't they?"
"The wheel of history," he continued quietly, "cannot be stopped.
"I let you go this time—but will the next person do the same?"