"Damien-san!"

A green-haired girl patiently waited as the two guests made their way from the docks to the upper level.

"Toki," Damien whispered as the girl warmly entered his arms.

She smiled in his warmth, embracing the young pirate with a soft smile.

"Cool, you came back on a Marine ship!"

Damien continued to hold the girl in his arms, looking toward the chipper voice.

"Kuzan, have you behaved with Toki?"

The young boy returned the fist bump, smiling excitedly.

Solomon was still processing the girl that had appeared.

"This is… Boss' Lady?" he muttered. "Boss Lady?"

The girl leaned back from the hug only to see the towering Solomon. The man's tattooed chest and face, alongside years of war and combat, brought an imposing air that would suffocate most folks.

Toki knew Damien trusted the stranger, regardless of the war-torn aura around him, to step foot on the island. "Welcome to Mortem Island," she warmly greeted with a soft smile.

Solomon felt a pang of embarrassment at his current look after being so ardently welcomed by his Boss' woman. That is, until a boastful voice came to his ears: "Hah, I bet I can beat this guy up!"

Solomon's brows furrowed, and he glared at the darker-skinned proud boy, flashing a challenging grin. Kuzan was wearing a stylish blue shirt with gold buttons and a long, black coat draped over his shoulders.

[Clothing Image (in Discord)]

"Try me, brat!"

Kuzan smirked, aiming out a hand.

.

"Ice Time Capsule!"

.

It was a burst of bright blue chill, instantly leaving a thick ice trail toward the older pirate. The air and soil solidified instantly, plunging a foggy white vapour into the air—Solomon was frozen as well.

"…"

"Hehe, I'm a big deal now!" Kuzan cracked a victorious smile at Damien, only for a few cracks to resound.

The lad turned to the ice sculpture decorated with cracks right before exploding into tiny shards. "Kuhuhuhu, it was a nice chill right there! Why don't you cool up some refreshments for the Boss and me?"

Kuzan clicked his tongue, still not accepting Solomon.

.

"Ice Block: Partisan!"

.

A dozen ice spears appeared around the boy's freezing chill, sharp in nature.

*Fwoooo* A chill shot through the skies, following the ghastly manifestations of pure ice.

Kuzan smirked in success, seeing the individual spears nail his enemy from multiple fronts.

"Look closer, Kuzan." Damien's voice brought the boy out of his reverie, and he proceeded to do what was advised. And he saw something weird; the towering frame of Solomon, though hit hard with the spears, didn't seem to bleed or bruise.

The frozen limbs fell off their sockets while fresh, rotten wood took its place.

"Logia!" Kuzan exclaimed, pointing out a finger.

Though he felt that wasn't right, the boy had been given a lot of study material; part of it even included the types of Logia fruits.

"No… in that case, either a Special Paramecia or Mythical Zoan!"

Solomon, who stood unaffected, was somewhat surprised at the boy's insightful guess and confirmed the guess.

*Fuuuu* A creepy fog, black in nature, slowly emanated from the man, following a loud snapping sound. A vast shadow spanned across the grassy earth, covering up the younger foe. It was a frightening creature—a Wendigo!

"Awesome!" A bone-chilling cold pervaded out from Kuzan, freezing the moisture in the air and leaving it as a dense solid.

.

"All right, that's enough."

The words were overshadowed by the dangerous sounds breaking out from the two, yet somehow they instantly destroyed the tense atmosphere, shattering it like glass.

"Hmph, be glad you were saved by the bell, Kuhuhu. I won't be merciful next time."

Kuzan absorbed the threatening words and could only return a childish grin, "I'll freeze you down to the bone, old man!"

"Don't worry. He's a little brash and reckless but has a good heart," Damien whispered to Toki, who nodded.

The girl narrowed in on the 20-foot beast more than twice her height. Its nature was akin to all things frightening, surrounded by death, darkness and gloom.

The green-haired doctor walked up and gave a trademark Wano greeting, "Hello, my name is Amatsuki Toki."

Solomon was still in his menacing form but suddenly felt such a bright light emanating from the girl. Toki was dressed in an elegant outfit featuring a flowing, off-shoulder kimono adorned with a vibrant orange floral pattern. The ensemble included white thigh-high stockings and matching shoes.

[Clothing Image (in Discord)]

Faced with such a warm heart, much like his late mother, Solomon's menacing persona collapsed.

"…" He transformed back, scratching his head in defeated spirits, "I'm Solomon, the Boss' right-hand man!"

But his words didn't sit well with someone...

"Hah, Damien-san already has a right-hand man, and he's much stronger than you!"

Kuzan pointed at the much taller pirate with an accusatory finger, mocking him.

"Hmph, then I'll just beat him and take that spot myself."

The ice lad crossed his arms, his expression not believing the bold statement. "He's already gone toe-to-toe with an Admiral. You stand no chance!"

It left Solomon growling in irritation.

.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

"What do you know about Indra?" Damien questioned with amusement.

"Hehe, I've been reading a lot!" Kuzan claimed. "Zenora Indra has made a bigger name for himself after challenging the likes of the Evil Spirit and even the Golden Lion in the past few months while you were gone."

Many people are saying that he'll be the Sin Incarnate's greatest weapon!"

Kuzan's chipper voice suddenly turned uncertain as he finished his admiration, "But the papers never tell me the power you gave him… Something about the clashes knocking everyone out to tell the tale."

Solomon wasn't overly pleased with the information, but he remained silent. He had been humbled by Rayleigh a little while ago yet had trouble reining in his ego. "Tch, just wait, I'll take him down soon enough!" he declared.

.

"Damien."

The soft and yearning voice was that of a female. Solomon felt a cold wind as a purple-haired young woman to Damien's left.

Soon, he felt a sharp glare from the woman swirling with aetherial energy.

The cold gaze forced the pirate into overdrive, his body beginning to release copious amounts of black mist.

However, Damien's actions once again broke the atmosphere. His large hand reached out and traced the newly arrived person's long silky hair, dissolving her penetrating gaze.

"Aurora, you're here too," Damien said as he continued running his hand over the girl's head.

He then turned to Solomon.

"I already gave you two weeks of hellish training. I'll be off to another island very soon, so I'll let Aurora train you in my absence."

The girl's amethyst eyes narrowed in on the tattooed Solomon. She had seen a fair share of brutes in the Underworld and felt the same bloodthirst from this one.

"I know I've got a lot to learn, but I doubt a pretty lady can train me."

His brave words left Kuzan snickering from the side, greatly awaiting what was to come.

Boom!

Solomon's face warped in difficulty as he felt a heavy weight befall his body, forcing his bones to creak. Veins popped along his forehead while he struggled to stay standing.

"I, I'm sure I can train myself!"

A thin smile stretched on the purple-haired girl's face, her expression that of someone toying with a person's confidence. "You remind me of one of my Hounds, Kaiser. I broke his ego just like this."

*Vvoooo!* A sharp wind shrieked from the increasing force, making it visible. Purple lines appeared in the air, all of them crashing up Solomon.

"I-It's just like No Man's Land…" He entered his Wendigo form but was left on his knees and locked onto the amused Empress.

Boom!

Another sharp increase in weight as the only thing Solomon could fight back to at least remain looking up with was his stubborn nature.

A repulsive wave of gray energy pulsed out from the trembling man with bloodshot eyes, desperately trying to hold up against the crushing weight.

Yet shocking enough, the desolate Haki was shredded apart from another burst of spirit, one originating from the tall young woman in purple streaks.

"I hope you didn't think my girls were weak," Damien said with a smirk, satisfied by the crumbling ego of the Wendigo.

"Toki, lock him up for a while. He can listen quietly."

The other young girl hummed, doing as asked.

.

"Clockworks: Chronostasis."

.

An archaic clock materialized behind the green-haired girl, ticking ever so slowly.

A green shell formed around the desperate Solomon, instantly freezing him in his place.

The clock ticked so slowly that it seemed to have been broken, yet its slow speed was reflected on Solomon, who felt time pass at a thousandth of its original pace.

"Don't worry. My time powers will keep your injuries at bay. I'll heal your 37 broken bones when Damien-san wants you freed." The voice was sweet and caring—anyone would want to hear it from their family doctor.

Kuzan greatly enjoyed the proceedings. He finally saw another person's spirit broken by the two ladies.

"What are you snickering about?"

The young lad turned to the famed pirate and asked something completely different. "Did you say you were going somewhere else again? Can I come too!"

Damien raised an eyebrow at the scruffy-haired boy's pleading expression. "I was planning to take Toki. I don't know if you'd be interested in where I'm going."

However, the words didn't whittle away the boy's excitement at the possibility of coming along.

Damien shrugged, "Whatever, it will only last a few weeks at most." He then addressed the others, "Our destination is the Island of Knowledge—Ohara!"

----------------------------------------------

[A Day Later]

Damien had set sail with the company of the cheerful Toki and excited Kuzan. The three leaned off the Warship's bow, breathing the cool breeze of the Paradise.

"I heard of the Tree of Knowledge that had stood for over 5,000 years. How is that even possible?" came Kuzan's voice.

"The people of Ohara were scholars by nature, but that can't explain such a magnificent tree," Toki chimed in.

Damien nodded, "The Tree of Knowledge. Treasured Tree Adam. Sunlight Tree Eve," he listed out. "All these three trees have stood for thousands of years, even though I have no clue on what makes these trees so incredibly durable."

Kuzan tapped his chin, imitating Damien's thinking gesture. "Are you going to read about something?"

Much to his chagrin, he didn't receive a direct answer: "A wise man once said, 'To defeat an enemy, you must know them. Not simply their battle tactics, but their history, philosophy and art'."

Damien turned to the boy and said, "My greatest foe will not be any little pirate nor the Navy. Rather, it will be the World Government. Do you know why no one has ever been able to challenge their supreme rule?"

Kuzan shook his head while Toki listened attentively.

"It's because no one truly knows the extent of their strength. They've reigned for more than seven centuries."

"Devil Fruits, Haki, Ancient Weapons, the Five Elders, God's Knights, lost truths and hidden pasts… Oda is always cooking things up."

"What is an 'Oda'?" Kuzan suddenly asked, picking up Damien's mumbling.

"Rahaha! You won't get it. For now, just enjoy the fresh breeze beyond Mortem Island."

The Ice-boy nodded, opting to go run around the stolen marine Warship, admiring its impressive build.

.

"Damien-san, thank you for taking me as well," came a graceful voice.

"Of course, I know how much you value your knowledge. I'm sure they have an entire section that suits your interests."

He then embraced the girl.

She was quite traditional and didn't showcase the affection she wanted near strangers.

The girl smiled and closed her eyes. Damien gave her an affectionate kiss on her soft lips. "I missed you, Damien-san."

…

[Few Days Later]

[West Blue Sea]

"I see it, it's huge!"

Kuzan's eyes widened at the sight in the distance.

The tree was incredibly thick and spanned half the island. Buildings surrounded the massive tree, lining its grassy fields with human life.

The island had a vibrant atmosphere, and there was even a rumour that it smelled like books all year round!

The three guests arrived at the docks, walking down the ramp and onto the bright island.

[Ohara Images (in Discord)]

A few inquisitive glances fell upon the guests. It was certainly odd; a marine Warship that could house up to a thousand soldiers had all but three people.

"Amazingly, the World Government permits their quest for knowledge," Toki murmured, enjoying the air outside Mortem.

"Within reason," Damien interjected, his two words carrying a certain weight.

…

"Welcome, pirates."

It came from an older gentleman.

Damien examined the man while he examined the pirate.

He wore a red-and-white striped shirt with a large belt at his waist, pants and a blue-and-black jacket. The man's appearance didn't match his age. The historian looked at most forty even though he was 68 years old!

He had a shaved top, with his green hair adjusted jutting on the sides and the back top, combined with a large beard reminiscent of a three-leaf clover.

"My name is Clover. I am the Director of the Ohara Library," he calmly introduced himself, easing the tension among the other scholars.

[Clover Image (in Discord)]

Damien nodded in return, matching the man's identity with someone from his memories.

Unlike the other two, Kuzan was quite confused by the warm welcome. He thought Damien would have them dress up like marines to get here. "Does Ohara welcome pirates, too?"

Clover laughed at the boy's innocence. "Of course, we welcome anyone thirsty for knowledge. As for pirates, I was once a pirate in my younger years. Who's to say a man with a bounty can't be curious?"

"A-ra-ra, you were a pirate?"

Clover smiled, his eyes flashing with nostalgia. He breathed in the memories and shared, "I was an ardent researcher and adventurer obsessed with the Void Century, hehe. It got me into quite a lot of trouble, though."

"Arrested by the Marines on ten different occasions, although you managed to break out every single time," Damien finished his words. "And you've fully given up your life as a pirate."

Clover's eyes lit up in surprise: "The man touted as The Undying has done your homework about me; I'm humbled."

He glanced at the glorious Tree of Knowledge with reverence, "I'm far too old to swing a sword… Now I just look after the vast knowledge I had collected alongside the one the people of Ohara had attained over the past centuries."

A thin smile appeared on his face as he mumbled, "Nearly all my life aspirations have been accomplished."

Toki tilted her head and curiosity, feeling some melancholy in Clover's voice. "Is there still more you want to do?"

The librarian sheepishly laughed, scratching his unique hair. "Well, I wanted to meet a man known for his stories and lost tales… It's a historian's dream. You've probably never heard of him."

"Oh? Now, you've intrigued me. You know, I'm something of a historian myself," Damien quipped, expressing his curiosity.

Toki also blinked at the book-loving Clover with her big green eyes. Kuzan, on the other hand, didn't care much for it.

The older gentleman cleared his throat, once again humbled by this attention given to him by such a titanic pirate and a lovely young woman. "Well, it was a figure that I heard of in my years of study, a man whose tracks are impossible to find…"

A bright line shone in the older man's eyes, conveying his deep-seated desires. "They call him 'The Phantom Bard'. A man with an arsenal of stories that the World Government had tried again and again to extinguish for centuries!"

Clover shook his head, almost disdaining the Government's actions. "They wish to hunt down an unarmed man, deeming him a danger for the knowledge he holds. Even spending endless gold and berries to find the Bard."

The man gazed at the famed pirate with an air of solemnity and loudly proclaimed, "But they don't get it... Knowledge is better than money… You have to protect money, but knowledge protects you!"

To Be Continued…