Chapter 59: Secrets and Ambitions

The morning light filtered through the hotel room's curtains, gently waking William and Robin. They shared a quiet, loving moment, savoring the warmth between them before rising to begin their day. After a shared shower, full of laughter and soft touches, they dressed and enjoyed breakfast in the hotel restaurant, surrounded by the soft hum of morning life. When they were ready, they made their way back to Shakky's bar.

As soon as they stepped inside, Hancock wasted no time, pulling William into a tight hug and pressing a deep kiss to his lips. He returned it with equal warmth, amused by her bold display. Robin, the Boa sisters, Rayleigh, and Shakky joined them around a large table, and soon, the bar was filled with lively conversation.

When the talk turned to Robin's findings, she reached into her bag and pulled out her notes on the three copies of the poneglyphs she'd discovered among Shiki's treasure. "One of the copies," she explained, "just talks about the location of another poneglyph in Jaya Island. It mentions something about the Shandora people guarding it."

Rayleigh's expression shifted thoughtfully, and he nodded. "It's not there anymore," he said, his tone even. 

Robin's face showed a flicker of concern. "Then where is it now?" she asked, her voice hesitant.

"It's on Skypiea Island," Rayleigh replied calmly.

William's brow furrowed. "Where's Skypiea? Is it in the first or second half of the Grand Line?" 

Rayleigh chuckled. "It's in the first half, in Paradise. Skypiea is… up in the sky."

William grinned, his eyes brightening with excitement. "Perfect. Then Skypiea will be where we establish our kingdom. And this way, Robin can find her 'stupid black stone' up there, too."

Robin's expression sharpened, and she tugged William's ear, making him wince. "Just because you couldn't read the ancient text when we were kids doesn't make it stupid! It just means you were too lazy—and maybe too thick-headed—to understand it."

William chuckled through the tugging. "Alright, alright, I get the lazy part, but I'm not stupid."

"Then stop calling history stupid!" Robin insisted, giving him a mock glare. "You know that—"

"Yes, yes," William interrupted playfully, "those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it. I remember, Professor."

The group burst out laughing, and even Robin smirked, clearly pleased. Rayleigh watched them with an amused smile.

After the laughter had faded, Rayleigh turned serious. "William, I actually know what happened during the Void Century. I could tell you the truth if you'd like."

William paused, exchanging a glance with Robin before looking back at Rayleigh. "Not really interested, old man. I think I can guess what happened anyway."

Rayleigh raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what do you think happened?"

William leaned back, his gaze intense but confident. "There was probably a kingdom that ruled the world before the World Government. They likely had people with the name 'D' in their lineage, but they lost a great war to the current world government. That kingdom and its history got erased, just like they wanted to erase me, Robin and the scholars from Ohara."

As he spoke, a powerful wave of Conqueror's Haki rolled off him, and his eyes glowed with determination. "But I'm not interested in a loser's history," he continued, his voice steady. "I'm more interested in creating my own—something that will be remembered for centuries."

Everyone around the table watched him, momentarily awed. Hancock placed her hands over her heart, letting out a delighted sigh. "Ah, that's my husband," she said dreamily.

The others chuckled, and Shakky leaned in, smirking. "What an ambitious kid," she remarked, admiration in her voice.

Rayleigh gave William a proud look. "You're really something, William," he murmured, clearly impressed. But then William glanced over at Robin, his face softening.

"But if my bookworm wants to know." William continued, "Rayleigh, go ahead and tell her."

Before Rayleigh could respond, Robin shook her head. "Thank you, but no. The truth is important to me, but it's the journey to finding it that matters. I want to discover it on my own."

William smiled at her words. "Then that's what we'll do. Whatever you need, I'm here to help."

Hancock wrapped an arm around Robin in a gesture of sisterly support. "And I'll help you too," she added warmly.

Both Sandersonia and Marigold reached over, each taking one of Robin's hands. "Us too," they chimed in, smiling.

Rayleigh's laughter filled the room, and he shook his head. "You've got a good group here, William. Hold on to them."

With a nod of gratitude, Robin shifted the conversation back to the poneglyphs, her eyes lighting up as she explained the other two copies. "One of them mentions someone called Joy Boy, or the 'Liberation Warrior.' It's vague, but he might have been the leader of the people who fought against the World Government."

Rayleigh and Shakky exchanged glances, as though they recognized the name, but said nothing. 

"And the last one?" William asked, intrigued.

Robin hesitated, frowning. "The last one is… strange. It talks about the world sinking or some great disaster. It's hard to make sense of without more context, but I think it's hinting at something that happened before or during the Void Century."

William put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Robin. We'll find more poneglyphs. Someday, you'll have every piece of history you're searching for."

Robin gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, William."

Their conversation lightened, and everyone joined in as they discussed their plans and shared stories over a hearty lunch.

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