Chapter 118: Desert Jewel

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Under Byakuya's persuasive words, even Robin, a history expert, became uncertain about the authenticity of the Poneglyph before her. 

However, the stone contained detailed information about the ancient weapon, 'Pluton'—its creation, terrifying power, and the location of the last remaining ship.

Robin was initially reluctant to share this information with Byakuya. 

She knew all too well that if such a powerful ancient weapon resurfaced in the world, it would undoubtedly unleash chaos, destroying numerous countries and shattering countless happy families. 

Robin would rather die than be responsible for such devastation. 

But because the authenticity of this Ponneglyph was in question, Robin couldn't be sure if the information was accurate. 

She wouldn't have to sacrifice herself if it turned out to be fake.

Although Robin could have given Byakuya a false location, allowing her to claim that the Poneglyph was fake if he couldn't find 'Pluton,' her dedication as a historian made her equally curious about the truth. 

Torn between these thoughts, Robin eventually revealed the real location to Byakuya. 

"The Poneglyph indicates that Pluton's location should be beneath an oasis, not far east of Alubarna," she said.

Vivi frowned as she pondered, "An oasis near the capital? But the area around Alubarna is deserted. Where would there be an oasis?"

Vivi grew up in Alubarna and was very familiar with the surrounding environment. 

Byakuya suggested, "Perhaps it was an oasis many years ago, but over time, it gradually disappeared."

Hearing this, Vivi's mind was flooded with a name from something she had once read in a book. "Are you talking about the Desert Jewel?"

"I remember reading that two hundred years ago, it was a lush oasis called the Desert Jewel." 

"But over the centuries, as people over-extracted water from the area, the lake dried up, turning into a desert," Vivi explained. 

Robin nodded, "I think I've read about that too. That's likely the place."

With Vivi and Robin's help, they quickly pinpointed the location of the Desert Jewel. 

But before they set out, Byakuya suddenly said, "Why don't we take this Poneglyph with us too?" 

"Whether real or fake, it's already harmed the Kingdom of Alabasta significantly." 

"If we leave it here, there's no guarantee that others won't come after it in the future."

"For the kingdom's safety, it's better not to leave it here," Byakuya said, looking at Vivi. 

After all, her family had guarded this for eight hundred years, and if he wanted to take it, he needed her consent.

To Byakuya's surprise, Vivi spoke up willingly before he could even present the argument he had prepared in his mind. 

"Byakuya, you're right. Keeping the Poneglyph here does pose a risk to the Kingdom of Alabasta." 

"Given the current situation, our kingdom can't handle any more turmoil. It's better if we take it away."

Curious, Byakuya asked, "Don't you need to consult with your father first?"

"It's fine; I'm sure my father will understand," Vivi replied, playfully winking at Byakuya, looking very cute. 

At that moment, Byakuya understood her intentions. Vivi had likely realized that he wanted the Poneglyph, which is why she agreed so quickly. 

Byakuya felt gratitude wash over him as he gently stroked Vivi's sky-blue hair, whispering, "Thank you."

Vivi looked at Byakuya mischievously and said, "If you really want to thank me, how about tonight? We…"

"Ahem, we'll talk about it later!" Byakuya interrupted awkwardly.

Vivi stomped her foot in frustration, "Hmph! Are you even a man?"

Faced with Vivi's challenge to his masculinity, Byakuya knew he couldn't back down.

Byakuya gritted his teeth and said, "All right, tell me, how long until you're of age? On that day, I'll ensure you know what being with a real man means."

"Aww, that'll take so long!" Vivi pouted, puffing out her cheeks adorably frustrated, which made Byakuya's heart skip a beat. 

Testing the waters, he suggested, "How about when you turn seventeen?"

"No way, fifteen!" Vivi insisted.

"Fifteen is too early!" Byakuya countered.

"Then sixteen?" Vivi proposed.

Byakuya thought it over, "Sixteen could work." After all, in the world of pirates, people matured quickly. 

By sixteen, most women were already capable of having children. "How long until you turn sixteen?" he asked.

Blushing, Vivi giggled, "Three more months. Make sure you come find me then."

"Uh..." Byakuya finally realized that Vivi had been planning this all along.

Before he could respond, Robin's voice interrupted, filled with a hint of jealousy. 

"Hey, hey, if you two are going to flirt, maybe don't do it in front of a third wheel like me?"

Realizing Robin was still in the room, Vivi, who had been acting boldly, suddenly panicked like a startled animal and instinctively hid behind Byakuya. 

Her face turned as red as a tomato, almost dripping with embarrassment. 

She felt mortified that she had blurted out such things in her scheme to tease Byakuya in front of Robin. 

If word got out, how could she face anyone as a princess?

Seeing Vivi's shy reaction, Byakuya quickly intervened to change the subject. 

"We should head to the Desert Jewel and see if we can find any traces of Pluton," he said, trying to diffuse the situation. 

With that, Byakuya used his system's space to take the Poneglyph away, securing himself a thousand points of World Source Power. 

Now, it was just a matter of finding Pluton and seeing how much World Source Power could be exchanged for.

Vivi found an old book she had read before that documented the Desert Jewel's history. Following its guidance, the three of them ventured deep into the desert. 

Byakuya looked around, seeing nothing but sand in every direction. Only the faint outline of Alubarna was visible in the distance. 

"Vivi, are you sure this is the Desert Jewel?" he asked.

Vivi hesitated, "I'm not sure. The book records events from two hundred years ago."

"Well, if the book says it's here, let's try it," Byakuya decided. 

"You two should step back. I don't want you to get caught up in this."

Once Vivi and Robin had retreated to a safe distance, Byakuya took a deep breath. 

His hand moved like a blade, surrounded by cherry blossom-like Haki that shimmered beautifully. 

Channeling all his strength, he struck the desert floor with a powerful slash. 

The impact created a thin crack in the ground that expanded, spreading incredibly fast. 

The earth shook violently, like an earthquake, as the crack grew wider and deeper. 

Byakuya peered down into the abyss, but all he saw was endless darkness, which evoked a sense of dread.

Robin approached, her voice concerned, "Can you see Pluton?"

"There's nothing down there," Byakuya shook his head. "Maybe I should go down and take a closer look."

"Go down?" Vivi glanced into the chasm, unable to see the bottom. 

Who knew how long it would take to reach the ground if someone jumped down? 

"Byakuya, going down there is too dangerous," Vivi warned. 

"Maybe we're in the wrong place, or the Poneglyph's information is incorrect. There's no need to take such a risk."

"I have to find Pluton," Byakuya insisted. 

"Don't worry. With my strength, nothing will go wrong." If Robin hadn't intentionally given him the wrong location, Pluton was likely hidden below. 

If he could find it, the reward would be at least ten thousand points of World Source Power—a huge gain for him. 

Compared to that, any danger was insignificant. Besides, he didn't believe anything would go wrong.

Robin stared at the crack, deep in thought, before finally speaking. "I'll go down with you." 

As a historian, she was equally eager to confirm whether Pluton was truly down there. 

The truth of the Poneglyph's authenticity was something she deeply cared about.

<End Chapter>

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