"This is unbelievable..."
Naruto and Robin wandered between the towering shelves, unable to help expressing their awe.
They had been walking for nearly an hour, yet there was still no end in sight. It was hard to imagine just how many books were stored here.
Robin, a little proud, said, "There are countless books here. They record the history of the past few hundred years."
"Dr. Clover said that the vast majority of books in the world have backups here."
"Just by reading the books here, you can understand everything happening across the sea, even events that took place centuries ago…"
"..."
"A full historical archive of the world of pirates, huh?"
Naruto looked around with amazement, then asked, "Robin-chan, since there are so many books here, are there any about combat techniques?"
"Combat books? You mean biographies?"
Naruto shook his head. "I mean those that record fighting methods—like the San Shoku no Haki (Three Types of Haki), and Rokushiki (Six Styles) used by the Marines."
Robin's eyes revealed a hint of confusion.
"I'm not sure about those, Naruto-kun. But you can check the book directory."
She led Naruto to a certain shelf and pointed at the books there. "These books record the titles and locations of everything stored here. You can check them."
Naruto stared blankly at the few hundred volumes before him.
Even books that simply listed other book titles numbered in the hundreds. It was mind-boggling to imagine the total count.
"Whew…" The blond boy exhaled and, with no better option, formed a hand seal.
"Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" (Multiple Shadow Clone Technique)
Poof, poof, poof…
Over three hundred Naruto clones appeared, all looking drained and unmotivated as they gazed at the shelves.
The original Naruto pointed ahead.
"Alright, brothers—go!"
The clones sighed in despair but still trudged forward and each pulled out a book to examine.
"100 Ways to Care for a Sow"
"Survival Strategies for Extreme Weather"
"A Journey Through the New World"
"Little Secrets of Admiral Sengoku"
"..."
As the clones flipped through the volumes, Naruto glanced at Robin curiously.
"Robin-chan, don't you want to train your chakra?"
Robin shook her head. "Rather than becoming a ninja, I want to read books and become a historian like my mother."
Naruto understood. She still didn't grasp how important power could be.
But seeing how absorbed she was in reading, Naruto didn't insist on it and set the idea aside for now.
They each got busy with their own tasks—Naruto refining his chakura, Robin immersed in her books. Time passed slowly but steadily.
Along the way, the scholars in the Tree of All-Knowing were shocked to see Naruto's clones and asked about his ability.
Naruto brushed it off with an explanation involving a Devil Fruit, earning many envious looks from the scholars.
"..."
After two hours, one of the clones suddenly shouted:
"Found it! A book on combat techniques!"
Naruto snapped his eyes open and eagerly took the book from the clone.
It was a catalog listing various books.
"Beginner's Guide to Kenjutsu"
"Techniques for Cutting Iron with a Sword"
"Basic Marine Training Regimen"
"100 Ways to Deal with Pirates"
"World Government Secrets: Rokushiki"
"..."
Following the location indicated, Naruto quickly found the bookshelf.
His eyes sparkled as he looked at the collection.
"I know I've said it before, but I have to say it again—this really is the holy land of archaeology. Even these are here…"
He licked his lips involuntarily.
Inside this shelf were books on kenjutsu, taijutsu, training methods, and even haki training.
And, of course, the Marines' Rokushiki.
If someone could master the techniques here, they'd at least reach the combat level of a high-seas pirate—perhaps even stronger.
Naruto eagerly climbed up and carefully selected two books:
"Basic Training in the Three Types of Haki"
"World Government Secrets: Rokushiki"
These two books practically held the essence of combat in the One Piece world. One detailed haki, the other described elite physical techniques.
"Oh? You want to borrow these two books?"
Dr. Clover looked surprised as he approached.
"Haki and physical training—those are both very advanced topics."
Naruto nodded and replied, "There were a lot of bad people in my hometown. They called me a monster and abused me every day."
"I only barely escaped… but I got shipwrecked on the way."
"That's why I want to grow stronger—so I can fight back against those people and never be bullied again."
Dr. Clover nodded thoughtfully.
He knew Naruto had a Devil Fruit ability, and from what he said, it was obvious he had suffered similar treatment as Robin.
After thinking for a moment, Dr. Clover finally nodded.
"Alright, you may take the books. But you must cherish them. And when you get the chance, copy them and return a copy to us."
"Understood! Thank you, Dr. Clover!"
Naruto nodded eagerly but didn't leave right away. Under Dr. Clover's curious gaze, he looked toward Robin and asked:
"Dr. Clover, could Robin-chan train with me too?"
Dr. Clover looked surprised.
"Why?"
Naruto replied earnestly, "So she can protect herself. I don't want Robin-chan to be bullied anymore."
"And she wants to be a historian. But searching for Poneglyphs in the future will be full of danger."
"She needs strength to survive that."
Naruto spoke with such sincerity—but Dr. Clover was already thinking further ahead.
Their research into the Poneglyphs had long earned the World Government's disapproval.
Lately, that disapproval had been turning into suppression—there were even bounties on some scholars.
If the worst came to pass, many scholars might be killed. And Robin, as the youngest among them…
"…Very well. I agree."
Dr. Clover called Robin over and asked her to train in haki and Rokushiki with Naruto.
"..."
In a forest clearing near the beach—
Robin stood next to a tree stump, looking uneasy.
"Naruto-kun, what should we do?"
Naruto thought for a moment, then took out the Three Types of Haki book.
"Robin-chan, let's start you off with Busōshoku no Haki (Armament Haki). That should pair well with your Devil Fruit power."
"As for me, I'll begin with Rokushiki!"
(End of Chapter)
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