Symbiotic Relationship

Thick smoke spiraled up into the sky, completely obscuring the island, while the ice covering hundreds of miles around the island resembled a mirror of the sky. These two originally unrelated scenes merged together, creating a unique sense of awe.

On the floating battleship, Issho and Kuzan turned their heads to look at the island behind them. It could be said that this island was the site of the first failure of the Buster Call since Rocks.

"Vice Admiral Kuzan, personnel from the World Government are asking where their superior Spandine is."

Suppressing his discomfort, a naval captain respectfully reported to Kuzan and Issho.

"Tell them their superior is on that island behind us. If they want to find him, we can let them go down now. Damn it, the Navy's reputation has been ruined by those World Government guys."

Kuzan replied irritably. Clearly, the World Government had agreed to spare the ordinary people of Ohara and only execute the scholars studying the Poneglyphs. However, the act of sinking the evacuation ship behind the Navy's back made Kuzan particularly upset. What could have been a righteous action was turned into something villainous.

"Yes, sir!"

Knowing the personality of his vice admiral, the captain immediately turned to relay the message to the World Government personnel.

"Issho, what do you think the Navy's justice means to the World Government?"

Looking at Ohara, still shrouded in smoke, Kuzan couldn't help but ask. Clearly, the series of recent events had left him somewhat confused.

Hearing Kuzan's question, Issho was silent for a moment before replying, "The Navy's justice has nothing to do with the World Government. For the Navy, the World Government provides military funds and logistical support. To the World Government, the Navy is merely a tool to maintain their rule and the stability of the sea. Perhaps the World Government doesn't realize that the Navy can exist without the World Government, but the World Government cannot exist without the Navy. Currently, their relationship is more of a cooperation, mutually dependent, compromising, and restricting each other."

...

On the shore of Ohara, Nicholas silently watched the departing Navy fleet. Behind him stood the massive figure of Saul, with Olvia and Robin on his shoulder.

Saul and Olvia were both deeply shocked. They understood what the term "Buster Call" represented, and to think that Nicholas could thwart such a devastating force spoke volumes of his strength.

"Hurry, hurry!"

In the Tree of Knowledge library, Dr. Clover was organizing people to rescue various precious historical texts. The previous shelling from the Buster Call had caused significant damage to the library.

A day later, on the shores of Ohara, many scholars and residents were pulling makeshift sleds loaded with well-wrapped books. Among them, on the giant sled pulled by Saul, a conspicuous square stone block was covered with oilcloth.

"Dr. Clover, I've arranged for a ship. You just need to head northwest to the edge of the ice field, where you can board the ship and leave. Someone will take you to a safe place."

Nicholas spoke calmly to Dr. Clover. Although the Buster Call had temporarily retreated, it didn't mean the World Government would give up on pursuing Ohara. The scholars of Ohara had touched a forbidden area, and the World Government would not rest until they were completely eradicated.

"Thank you, Mr. Nicholas."

Dr. Clover expressed his gratitude sincerely. Clearly, the World Government's attack on Ohara had made him realize that for everyone's safety, they could no longer stay in Ohara. However, leaving was easier said than done. The scholars were experts in historical research, but venturing out to find a new place to settle on the vast sea was a daunting task.

Therefore, Dr. Clover had put aside his pride to seek Nicholas's protection. With Nicholas's influence, as long as they reached the New World, they wouldn't have to worry about being hunted by the World Government and the Navy.

However, Nicholas had not accepted their allegiance. In his view, he didn't need the scholars of Ohara to research history, and even with his power, protecting so many people and ensuring their safe arrival in the New World was unrealistic.

The New World was dangerous, not only because of pirates but also due to the unpredictable weather and sea conditions.

The group set off, quickly moving away from Ohara on the frozen sea. Dr. Clover, Olvia, and Robin stood on the giant sled pulled by Saul, looking back at the gradually disappearing Ohara with tears in their eyes. Many of the Ohara scholars were also in tears. From that day on, they no longer had a homeland. Ohara, once renowned worldwide as the holy land of archaeology, was going to disappear.

However, although the physical city of Ohara was gone, as long as everyone stayed united, they believed that the "holy land of archaeology" would forever exist in their hearts. History could be carried not only in books but also in the people who act as the torchbearers of civilization. Even if countless historical texts were destroyed, as long as those who studied and learned from them survived, the imprint of history would not vanish.

As time passed, the group saw a fleet at the edge of the ice field. Suddenly, a figure leapt from the deck to the ice.

"Nicholas, is this everyone?"

The newcomer was Dragon, his expression stern under his hood.

"Yes, they're all here. I'm entrusting them to you."

Nicholas nodded. If there was anyone in the world willing to shelter these Ohara people and provide them with a place to stay, it was the revolutionary army committed to changing the world. Despite the flaws of the World Government, it was still the most powerful entity in the world at this time.

"Dragon!"

Saul's voice was filled with disbelief. He never expected Dragon to be the one coming to their aid.

"It's been a while, Saul."

Dragon looked up and smiled as he greeted Saul.

With the help of the revolutionary army, all the people of Ohara and the materials they carried were quickly transferred to the ships. In the next moment, the chaotic winds over the sea suddenly seemed to receive a command, blowing in one direction. The sails of all the ships billowed, driving them out to sea.

Moments later, Nicholas could only see tiny dots on the horizon; the ships were no longer visible.

"Whoo!"

Nicholas exhaled deeply, turning his gaze back to Ohara. Though it hadn't been completely destroyed by the Buster Call, the earlier bombardment had caused significant damage. The Tree of Knowledge bore many marks of gunfire and smoke. Without Nicholas's intervention, this thousand-year-old living fossil would have surely faced destruction.

As Nicholas mused on how destruction was much easier than construction, the Den Den Mushi in his pocket suddenly rang.

"Purururu, purururu."

Nicholas picked up the Den Den Mushi and immediately answered. As soon as the call connected, the Den Den Mushi's face showed a panicked expression.

"Mr. Nicholas, help! We're being targeted by Kaido and the Navy!"

Amidst Judge's panicked voice, the sounds of numerous explosions could be heard in the background. It was clear that Judge's situation was quite dire.