39. Finalizing the deal

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After her pupils emptied for a moment, they suddenly tightened.

"It's impossible, we don't have that many berries!"

Olvia screamed and jumped up.

One trillion berries—forget about seeing that much in a lifetime; just hearing the number made her heart race.

But Akira had asked Ohara to pay this astronomical sum to buy the news about the Poneglyph.

It's not that she didn't want to buy it; she simply didn't have the means.

"Maybe you should ask someone who can make the decision," Akira said calmly.

"You're right, only Dr. Clover can make that call. But the conditions you've set are too harsh. You'll need something to earn his trust."

"It's not impossible."

Akira pulled out a historical photo taken by Kizaru from his pocket and tore it in half in front of Olvia.

He kept the half with Roger's message and put it back in his pocket.

He handed over the side that only had the Poneglyph.

Olvia's eyes lingered on the part he pocketed, knowing it was the information worth a trillion berries.

Though it was within arm's reach, she knew she couldn't obtain it unless he offered it.

Taking a few deep breaths, she suppressed the urge in her heart.

After taking the photo, she walked away to make a phone call.

Akira wasn't in a hurry and waited with Robin in his arms.

"Brother, there's no one."

Beads of sweat had already formed on Robin's forehead, as maintaining her Devil Fruit ability for so long was a burden on her small body.

"If you're tired, rest."

Akira took out a clean white handkerchief and wiped Robin's sweat away.

"Not tired, not tired, brother and mother's business is the most important thing!"

Robin shook her head vigorously, continuing to use her Devil Fruit power.

Akira didn't push further.

His next deal with Ohara had to be kept private.

He hadn't yet mastered the Observation Haki to prevent eavesdropping.

So for now, it was up to Robin's efforts.

[Host: Akira]

[Age: 29]

[Physique: Monster Level (0/10000)]

[Development of Dog-Dog Fruit Model: Monster Raccoon: Monster Level (0/10000)]

[Haki: Monster Level Conqueror's Haki (0/10000)]

[Abilities: Gun Mastery, Six Powers Iron Body]

[Experience Value: 2500]

"2500 experience points are enough to upgrade both abilities to monster level.

"When I have time, I'll improve my strength."

Looking at the data in the system background, Akira thought to himself.

The diary system was incredibly powerful, but it had a small "flaw."

It only gave experience points, not skills.

If Akira wanted to improve a particular skill, he had to learn it first before quickly leveling up with experience points.

During this period, he'd been too busy competing for the position of Fleet Admiral to focus on strengthening himself.

So the 2500 experience points would have to be saved for now.

But there's no rush. Once the position of Fleet Admiral is secured, there'll be plenty of time for that.

And it's fine even if he saves more than ten thousand points; it would be just enough for him to further develop his physique or his Devil Fruit to a higher level.

He was still curious about what lay beyond the monster level.

"I wonder what the reward will be for completing the ultimate three missions?"

"It shouldn't just be experience points."

Akira mused over this.

Twenty minutes later, Olvia finished her conversation with Dr. Clover and approached him.

"The doctor wants to speak with you directly."

Olvia handed the Den Den Mushi to Akira.

Akira took the receiver: "Moshi moshi, Doctor!"

"Hello, Fleet Admiral."

Dr. Clover's voice was calm, as if the nature of the deal hadn't rattled him at all.

But the eyes of the Den Den Mushi reflected his true feelings—panic and excitement.

"I'm just an acting Fleet Admiral, not the actual one."

"The old man believes you'll succeed in securing the position."

"Heh... I'll take that as a good omen. So, are you willing to buy my information?"

Akira chuckled. The 83-year-old Dr. Clover's eagerness was evident, likely due to the importance of the Poneglyph.

But Akira wasn't interested in fake flattery.

After a brief silence, Dr. Clover spoke again, "I've learned everything from Olvia, and I've deciphered the photo you handed over. It's indeed a Poneglyph."

"I'm curious about the second half of the message, but this stone tablet doesn't seem to mention the entire history."

"Instead, it records fragmented information like the other Poneglyphs."

Akira wasn't surprised at all. The Poneglyph on Sky Island only revealed that Poseidon would be born on Fish-Man Island.

In terms of valuable information, it was comparable to the others.

But its true worth lay in the inscription left by the late Roger.

"Trust me, if you buy the second half, you'll understand why I dare to ask for that amount."

"You can read the Poneglyphs too?"

"Guess."

Dr. Clover paused but eventually lost his composure, saying, "One trillion berries is far too much. You know no one can come up with that amount except the World Government."

"That's for you to figure out."

"Fleet Admiral Akira, I really want to purchase your lead. Can we negotiate the price?"

"What do you want to discuss?"

What followed was a heated negotiation between Akira and Dr. Clover.

One trillion berries was indeed an outrageous sum, far beyond what Ohara could afford.

Akira knew this well.

The reason he started so high was to create room for negotiation.

The Tree of Knowledge has stood for 5,000 years, and Ohara houses invaluable documents from scholars worldwide. While the archaeologists, led by Dr. Clover, might not have money, they do have connections.

In this era, those who can read are either wealthy or of high status, and even more so those who reach the rank of "scholar."

No ordinary family can afford to support someone in becoming a scholar; it's a luxury reserved for royalty and nobility.

If Dr. Clover, at 83 years old, is willing to mobilize his network and rally scholars worldwide to donate, the sum could be substantial.

"It's really impossible to increase, Master Akira."

"As compensation, we've collected numerous real treasure maps and locations of hidden ruins. If you leverage Marine resources, you can acquire great wealth. Would that be acceptable?"

"If you agree, I promise that by the end of the month, all the berries I've committed to will be deposited in the Marine Bank."

Finally...

Akira finalized the transaction amount and other additional conditions with Dr. Clover.

After handing another photo to Olvia, he began walking towards the port with Robin in his arms.

Robin continued to use her ability to push the unconscious soldiers away.

"If you want to verify its authenticity, you can go to the Shandora ruins on Sky Island and find a large stone."

"The Poneglyph is beneath that stone. As for how to reach Sky Island and the details of my clue, you can follow the latest news."

"The news will give you the answer."

Olvia was so absorbed in examining the photo that she didn't respond to Akira's words at all.

When she finished reading the final message, her body trembled.

"One Piece Roger... so he had already gathered them for the world."

---

Fleet Admiral's Office

Akira sat at his desk, reviewing documents, while Robin sat obediently on the sofa, her short legs swinging back and forth.

"Little Robin, when do you start school?" Akira asked casually.

"Brother, I've already graduated from liberal arts. Now, I just need to complete martial arts, but the teacher said I shouldn't rush into it. I'll study it when I'm older."

Robin smiled sweetly, adding, "So, I'm on vacation, and it lasts for four years."

Akira's hand, which had been holding a pen, paused involuntarily as he looked up at Robin.

Goodness.

A prodigy finishing all liberal arts by the age of six?

Even if you're part of the protagonist group, that's a bit extreme.

Although the liberal arts curriculum at school isn't particularly difficult, it's diverse, and most people take three to five years to complete it.

For those who struggle, failing a course is common.

But Robin studied for just one year and passed the graduation examination.

This wasn't just skipping a grade—it was more like bungee jumping through the curriculum.

However, Akira's eyes flashed with understanding, finding it reasonable.

In the original story, Robin earned the title of archaeologist at the age of 8.

Given that archaeology is one of the most challenging subjects, it makes sense that she could master ordinary subjects quickly.

Martial arts training, however, is straightforward.

There's no trick to it—it's all about building physical strength, learning Marine Six Styles, and developing Devil Fruit abilities.

But all of this requires a strong foundation.

At just 6 years old, Robin could harm her development and potential if she pushes herself too hard.

Marine School isn't the extreme training; they prioritize the long-term potential of each student.

"Since your holiday is four years long, why not stay here and help out during that time?" Akira suggested, looking at Robin. "Would you like that, Little Robin?"

"Does that mean I can always stay by your side?" Robin asked, her small hands clutching her skirt with anticipation.

"...Definitely!"

"Yeah! V(^-^)V"

"Hehehe." Akira chuckled, and after a moment of thought, he said, "Then I'll give you a little test."

"Suppose all Marine officers and soldiers are busy maintaining various trade routes and can't be reassigned, but Dr. Clover has provided a lot of real treasure maps and locations of hidden, dangerous ruins."

"Question: How would the headquarters explore and develop these treasure locations and ruins before the end of the month to ensure the wealth is secured for the Marines?"

"I need you to write a detailed plan and give me the action steps."

Originally, Akira intended to assign this task to Rosinante or the staff's civilian personnel, but considering Robin's exceptional talent, he decided to test her abilities further.

"Brother, when do you need it?" Robin asked, twirling her hair with her index finger and thumb while thinking.

"No rush. Start working on it when you wake up tomorrow morning, and have it ready by this time in the evening," Akira replied.

"Okay, I already have a few ideas. I'll jot them down first."

Robin jumped off the sofa, ran to Akira's side, grabbed a sheet of paper, and began writing intently.

Akira didn't pay much attention as Robin worked; instead, he focused on his own documents.

The office returned to its usual quiet.

Before long, Robin finished writing and tugged on Akira's arm, playfully shaking it.

"Brother, I've remembered everything. Let's go home and sleep! I'm scared to stay in such a big house without you."

"Alright."

It was getting late, and Robin was still young, needing plenty of sleep.

The documents weren't urgent, and working late was just a habit. Akira decided to head home and rest as well.

He picked up Robin and started walking out.

"By the way, brother, I couldn't figure out why that old man didn't suspect you were lying to him," Robin asked.

"Because he had no other choice. What they're doing is illegal. If anyone else found out, their only fate would be death. But since I know their secret, it means their lives are in my hands."

"Oh, I see. So whether it's true or not, as long as he doesn't want you to expose him, he has to agree to anything you ask. If it's real, he gains, and if it's fake, he has to deal with it himself. It's like… like…"

"It's like paying protection fees," Akira laughed.

"Exactly! Brother, are you lying to him?"

"Of course not, I never lie," Akira replied with a grin.

"Hee hee…"

In the silent corridor, only Akira and Robin's conversation echoed softly.

---

Somewhere on an Island in East Blue

At the port, a fishing crew of dozens returned with a bountiful catch.

Everyone brought their families to help unload the seafood from the boat.

"Whoa, what's that glare?"

Suddenly, a shining golden light on the horizon caught everyone's attention.

As their eyes adjusted, they looked closer, and their pupils widened in shock.

"That… that… that's…"

"My God, it's gold, so much gold."

"Everyone, come out and see! There's a city of gold!"

The fishermen shouted in disbelief.

The island wasn't large, and soon, villagers who had been asleep were woken up.

Before long, the entire island had gathered, all eyes fixed on the approaching spectacle.

On the sea, three large warships led the way.

Behind them, a massive ice surface emitted a constant chill.

On the ice, a golden city, built entirely of gold, gleamed brilliantly under the moonlight.

"Kuzan-sama, I see an island ahead. Should we stop?" a soldier quickly ran over, saluted, and asked for instructions.

Kizaru sat casually on the warship's gun barrel, trimming his nails, and asked without looking up:

"How many people are on the island?"

"By visual estimate, less than 50,000."

"Hmm… too small. No need for a special stop."

Kizaru pouted and said without hesitation, "Just circle the island and leave, as usual."

"Yes!" The soldier trotted off to relay the orders.

With the golden city on the iceberg, the warships circled the island once before gradually sailing away, leaving the villagers in awe.

"Marines are really rich."

"With that much gold, they could probably buy the whole world."

"It's so beautiful, that golden city."

The villagers' greedy eyes lingered on the golden city, unable to look away, and some couldn't help but drool at the sight.