Preparation of the buster call!

At the same time, within the World Government at Mary Geoise...

"Is all of this true?"

A serious voice echoed in the empty chamber of authority.

"We've confirmed it. Our investigation has verified the existence of Poneglyphs in Ohara within the West Blue. Coupled with the earlier incident involving Nico Olvia, everything points to the scholars of Ohara conducting research that threatens the interests of the World Government," a voice from a Den Den Mushi gravely reported.

"We had some doubts about the Buster Call on Ohara being excessive, but it seems we were too lenient."

"Hmph, those scholars in Ohara have had it too easy for too long. They dared to cross this line," two of the Five Elders said sternly.

The CP agent on the other end of the line could only listen quietly. Discussing the World Government's secrets was dangerous, even for him.

"By the way, who from CP9 is overseeing the Buster Call with the Navy this time?" asked the blond Elder.

"Spandine is in charge. His CP9 unit is heading to the West Blue to join the Navy's Buster Call. He was also the one who uncovered the hidden scholars in Ohara."

"Tell Spandine that no scholars are to be left alive. As for the ordinary people, if they are found uninvolved, arrange for them to leave on evacuation ships."

"Understood!"

The Den Den Mushi call ended.

After a brief silence, the bald Elder spoke, "Allowing the rest of Ohara's population to leave on evacuation ships—couldn't that cause problems? What if some scholars manage to hide among them?"

"They won't act so irrationally. As long as the World Government and Navy declare that the Buster Call is targeting Ohara's scholars, the ordinary people won't allow the scholars to board. They might even help identify them. Human nature tends to avoid risk. And Spandine is quite capable."

"Actually, I admire the scholars of Ohara. They've revived many cultures that should have been lost to history, contributing greatly to human heritage. But their current research is too dangerous. What they're doing is more threatening than Roger or even Nicholas! Stability in the seas is paramount."

The Elders believed that Nicholas, Roger, and other pirates eyed the Poneglyphs for their own purposes. They knew that even with the knowledge of history, overthrowing the World Government was a Herculean task. Even Roger, after becoming Pirate King and reaching the final island, understood this and initiated the Great Pirate Era, hoping someone would bring a new dawn.

But the scholars of Ohara didn't realize the danger their research posed. If the existence of ancient weapons was revealed, it would ignite the ambitions of the world's power-hungry individuals. These people, unlike pirates, could mobilize significant resources and influence.

Member countries of the World Government could be monitored, but unaffiliated nations were another matter. If these nations joined the hunt for ancient weapons, it could spark a global catastrophe, drawing everyone into the turmoil.

Meanwhile, at Marineford...

Corazon, now a Lieutenant Commander, stood defiantly in front of Sengoku.

"Corazon, you know we can't change this," Sengoku said, feeling a headache coming on as he looked at his foster son.

"We in the Navy uphold justice. I can accept using dirty tactics against pirates, but I can't accept wiping out an entire island just for researching the Poneglyphs! A Buster Call doesn't just erase an island; it erases the people on it! How can they ignore the lives on that island, focusing only on the spot on the map?!"

"People!" Corazon nearly shouted as he spoke. "When it comes to people's lives, Corazon, some things are more complicated," Sengoku responded, trying to calm him down.

Sengoku himself had tried to negotiate with the Five Elders regarding the Buster Call on Ohara. The best he could secure was the provision that ordinary citizens of Ohara could leave on evacuation ships after being screened, thus avoiding the devastating effects of the Buster Call. However, Ohara and its scholars were to be completely eradicated.

"How complicated can it be!? All I know is that because of a single order from the World Government, thousands, even tens of thousands of innocent people will lose their homes. A world-renowned archaeological sanctuary will be reduced to rubble! Have you forgotten the justice you once taught me? We're supposed to protect the common people and maintain stability in the seas, not uphold some damned World Government!" Corazon's emotions were raw and intense.

"Corazon, there are things that are beyond our control. But it's time you knew some things. Remember, this is top secret and must not be leaked. Do you understand?" Sengoku's face turned serious and grave.

After hearing Sengoku's explanation, Corazon was stunned. He took a deep breath, his expression complex. At least he was reassured that Sengoku hadn't betrayed his sense of justice. But still, how could such a thing be possible?

Once Corazon had left, Sengoku sat in his chair, looking out the window at the vast Navy base and the seagull flag fluttering in the wind on the plaza. He let out a long sigh.

"Ohara."

The word hung in the air, heavy with complicated emotions.

Meanwhile, in the West Blue, Ohara…

Under the persuasion of Dr. Clover and the other scholars, the first batch of Ohara's ordinary citizens was set to leave today. Due to Olvia's influence, Robin's uncle's family was among those in the first group, ensuring their safety. The longer people waited, the harder it would become to leave Ohara.

Dr. Clover, watching the families board the evacuation ship, had a smile on his face, but his heart was heavy. He had received information from a friend that two of the Navy's renowned Vice Admirals, along with three other Vice Admirals, were en route to Ohara. They were accompanied by special officials from the World Government and a significant contingent of warships and soldiers.