Qualification to talk!

Time flew by, and another day passed.

Two more evacuation ships had set sail from Ohara.

While the ordinary citizens of Ohara, who had learned about the Navy's Buster Call, were in a state of panic, the scholars inside the Tree of Knowledge remained remarkably calm.

They chose to spend their final peaceful moments in Ohara, and Nicholas, sitting at the top of the Tree of Knowledge and reading, was deeply moved by their composure.

Many people claim not to fear death, but when it arrives, they often break down in tears. These scholars, however, were genuinely unafraid. They continued their tireless research on the Poneglyph at the base of the Tree of Knowledge, hoping to decipher it completely in their final moments.

Around noon, the peacefulness inside the Tree of Knowledge was suddenly interrupted by the sound of Nicholas's Den Den Mushi ringing.

"Bluru bluru bluru!"

The ringing shattered the silence in the library, drawing everyone's attention.

Nicholas took out the Den Den Mushi from his pocket. Without avoiding anyone, he answered the call.

"Moshi moshi!"

"Nicholas-san, the evacuation ships from Ohara have been ordered to be sunk by CP9's Spandine! Don't let Ohara send out any more evacuation ships! Don't let Ohara send out any more evacuation ships!" The voice on the other end sounded panicked, evidently shocked by Spandine's ruthless order.

"Okay, I understand," Nicholas replied calmly.

After confirming that Nicholas had received the message, the caller quickly hung up, fearing exposure.

Looking at the Den Den Mushi, which had now closed its eyes and returned to silence, the library remained tranquil. However, the earlier conversation had already spread, and all the scholars' eyes were now on Nicholas. Dr. Clover looked at him, wanting to say something but ultimately staying silent.

Although they had mentally prepared for the World Government's brutality, they had not expected such extreme inhumanity. Those people on the evacuation ships were ordinary citizens, not scholars studying the Poneglyph.

"Well, you all heard it. The World Government doesn't intend to give Ohara any chance of survival. The Navy's Buster Call fleet has likely surrounded the waters around Ohara by now."

"If I'm not mistaken, the World Government's agents have probably already secretly landed on this island," Nicholas said slowly.

"The inevitable has finally come. It's a pity we still haven't uncovered what happened during that hundred-year void in history," Dr. Clover said regretfully, putting down his book.

"Everyone, prepare to meet the World Government's people," Nicholas said as he walked towards the door, leaving these words behind.

As his voice trailed off, his figure disappeared from the library.

After Nicholas left, Dr. Clover put down his book and looked around at everyone in the library.

"Disaster is about to befall Ohara. Each of you is a distinguished scholar with your own convictions," he said.

Dr. Clover paused for a moment before continuing, "Isaac, Thomas, Stephen, Charles..."

"Those of you I've named, you joined us most recently, but I am honored to have worked with you. Now..."

"Let's calmly and resolutely face what we have long anticipated!"

The scholars' eyes flickered, and they responded in unison, "For the sake of truth!"

The brief declaration was firm and powerful, filled with strong conviction.

Dr. Clover then set down his work and turned to walk toward his office inside the Tree of Knowledge.

...

At the same time, in the waters not far from Ohara Island, several World Government ships were sailing toward Ohara. On the central ship, a group of men in black suits were vigilantly watching their surroundings.

"Spandine-sama, the Navy is asking why we suddenly fired on the evacuation ship?" one of the black-suited men respectfully said, holding a Den Den Mushi.

"Heh, those audacious fools deserve to die! Evacuation ship? Who can prove that the people on board are all innocent civilians? What if there are demons from Ohara who want to revive ancient weapons? Blame the foolish scholars of Ohara for studying the Poneglyphs. They've angered the higher-ups and are doomed! And do you know why I'm the chief and you're just a field agent? If you don't learn to read the higher-ups' intentions, you'll always be a field agent!

As for the Navy, tell them that the evacuation ship harbored dangerous elements from Ohara, refused to stop for inspection, and attacked us first. Understand?"

Spandine glanced at the subordinate holding the Den Den Mushi.

The subordinate, showing his resolve, pulled out a gun and shot himself in the shoulder.

"Under...stood... It was...those guys...who attacked us first."

Seeing the subordinate gritting his teeth in pain, Spandine patted his shoulder wound and said with a smile, "Hahaha, kid, you have potential. After this mission, you'll be under my command."

With that, he stood up and walked toward the deck.

The other men in black suits followed closely, but they remained silent. They had no respect for Spandine, seeing him as someone who rose to his position through flattery rather than merit. They were only following his orders because they had been directed by higher authorities to ensure Spandine's safety during this mission.

Hours later, inside the Tree of Knowledge.

"Old man, you sure are bold, daring to research what the World Government has strictly forbidden!" Spandine sneered at Dr. Clover.

"I don't understand what you're talking about. Ohara has always focused solely on academic research and has never studied the Poneglyphs you mentioned," Dr. Clover replied calmly, still trying to prevent the impending tragedy for Ohara.

"Still pretending? Do you think we would dare to initiate a Buster Call without solid evidence? Olivia and her companions all set out from Ohara. And judging by the time, you probably haven't had a chance to move the Poneglyph at the base of the Tree of Knowledge yet," Spandine taunted.

Dr. Clover's expression changed, but he firmly said, "I demand a conversation with the Five Elders. It is our right!"

"You want to talk to the higher-ups? Hahaha, how ridiculous! What right does a criminal like you have to speak with them?" Spandine laughed until tears came to his eyes.

"And what about me? Do I have the right, Chief?"

Spandine's laughter came to an abrupt halt.