Tree of Knowledge - O'Hara's Grand Library
The Tree of Knowledge, the largest and oldest library in the world, stood tall in the center of O'Hara. Within its ancient walls resided the greatest collection of books and manuscripts, curated by the world's most erudite scholars.
Dr. Clover, the library's esteemed leader, was a distinguished elderly man. His forehead was shaved, leaving green hair on the top and back of his head, complemented by a massive, exaggerated green beard shaped like a clover. His eccentric appearance was completed by a red-and-white striped shirt, a thick belt, loose-fitting pants, and a blue-black jacket. His energetic demeanor and distinctive look made him stand out in any crowd.
Charlotte had long since grown accustomed to the bizarre styles prevalent in the pirate world, so Dr. Clover's eccentricity did not faze him. Instead, he approached with a composed expression and greeted the scholar with a polite smile.
"Hello, Dr. Clover."
The old scholar observed Charlotte for a moment before responding in a calm yet welcoming tone. "Ah, a visitor from afar. Welcome. What brings you to O'Hara?"
Though Dr. Clover's expression was serious, his voice carried a surprising gentleness. Charlotte felt a slight unease. Could the old man somehow discern that he was from the New World? He hesitated, but quickly dismissed the thought. The islands of the world were distant from one another—there was no way Dr. Clover could have known such a thing simply from their meeting.
He quickly collected himself and replied, "I came here out of pure curiosity. After all, this is the world's largest library."
Dr. Clover nodded knowingly. He was used to scholars and travelers seeking knowledge within these halls. As long as the books were treated with respect, visitors were always welcome. However, Charlotte and his companions had an unusual air about them. Their attire and demeanor stood out even among the scholars of O'Hara.
Mitis, a bright-eyed boy in Charlotte's group, eagerly stepped forward. "Grandpa Clover, can I look around with you?" he asked with an innocent sparkle in his eyes.
Dr. Clover chuckled at the child's enthusiasm and nodded warmly. "Of course. Come along, then."
Charlotte sighed, knowing he couldn't refuse the child's request. He could only hope that Mitis wouldn't stumble upon something dangerous.
As Dr. Clover guided Mitis deeper into the library, Charlotte took a moment to take in his surroundings. Towering bookshelves stretched endlessly before him, each meticulously arranged. The sheer scale of the library was awe-inspiring. However, an unshakable sadness gnawed at him—he knew what the future held for O'Hara.
What a tragedy.
These books, these carefully preserved records of history, would soon be lost in flames. The knowledge painstakingly compiled by generations of scholars would be erased. The thought filled him with a deep melancholy. He clenched his fists. If he couldn't prevent the destruction of O'Hara, then he would at least preserve its legacy. He would safeguard as many books as possible and ensure that their knowledge lived on.
Determined, Charlotte turned on his heel and went in search of Dr. Clover. He found the elderly scholar engaged in conversation with Mitis, both of them smiling. Charlotte hesitated for a moment, then approached.
Dr. Clover glanced at him and greeted him with an amused expression. "Ah, Mr. Charlotte. What a coincidence."
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Coincidence?" He then noticed Mitis blinking innocently at him—clearly, the boy had given away his name. He sighed and chose to ignore it.
Taking a deep breath, Charlotte decided to be direct. "Dr. Clover, I have a request. It may be an unwelcome one."
Dr. Clover's response was swift and dry. "If it's unwelcome, let's not mention it."
Charlotte was momentarily taken aback by the old scholar's wit. However, before he could react, Dr. Clover chuckled. "I'm only joking. Go on, tell me."
Steeling himself, Charlotte spoke his mind. "I want O'Hara's collection of books. A copy, at the very least. If possible, any unique manuscripts you could spare."
Dr. Clover raised an eyebrow. The request was beyond audacious. O'Hara's library contained a vast sea of knowledge—copying all of it was an almost impossible task. Yet, he didn't dismiss Charlotte outright. Instead, he studied him carefully.
"Why?" the scholar asked, his voice carrying an undertone of curiosity.
Charlotte hesitated. He knew he couldn't reveal the truth—doing so might only put the scholar in greater danger. Instead, he spoke cautiously. "The seas are turbulent. Pirates run rampant, and knowledge can sometimes be more dangerous than weapons. If history teaches us anything, it's that knowledge can invite disaster."
Dr. Clover's expression remained unreadable. Charlotte pressed on. "It's unwise to put all of one's treasures in a single place. Even if an unforeseen catastrophe were to strike, some of O'Hara's knowledge could still survive elsewhere."
The silence that followed was heavy. Dr. Clover's sharp gaze lingered on Charlotte, as if trying to peer into his very soul. The scholar was no fool—he understood the veiled warning in Charlotte's words. Did this young man know something about O'Hara's fate? The thought sent a chill through him.
Finally, after a long pause, Dr. Clover spoke. "Very well. I agree."
Charlotte exhaled, relieved. He had been prepared for rejection. Clearly, Dr. Clover, too, sensed the dangers that loomed over O'Hara, though he could not have imagined the full extent of the impending catastrophe.
O'Hara was a place of great wisdom, but even wisdom could not protect it from the wrath of the World Government. If they truly sought to destroy this place, the consequences would be dire.
Even if he told Dr. Clover the truth, would the old scholar believe him?
Perhaps not. And Charlotte wasn't willing to take that gamble.
Dr. Clover, meanwhile, found himself intrigued by Charlotte. Mitis had spoken of the man's vision—an idealistic dream of an "eternal library," a place where knowledge could be safeguarded against time and tyranny. Even Dr. Clover had to admire such an ambition.
Perhaps that was why he agreed.
Charlotte, suppressing his excitement, knew that the task ahead would be immense. Copying even a fraction of O'Hara's collection was no small feat.
As for the forbidden history—the truth of the Void Century—Dr. Clover would never reveal it to him. And Charlotte? He wouldn't ask.
Some secrets were better left unspoken.
For now, they would play their respective roles, each pretending not to know the other's hidden truths.