One Piece: Curse of Immortality

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Ohara. 

The renowned archaeological sanctuary of West Blue is home to the world's largest collection of scholars and the most extensive library of rare books. 

For the world, Ohara holds profound significance, symbolizing the continuity of knowledge across ages and cultures. 

From the ship's bow, even from afar, Arashi could see the enormous, majestic tree at the island's center, the Tree of Knowledge, standing tall as if proclaiming to all that knowledge is to be spread and shared in every direction.

"Ohara is home to the world's most famous scholars and rarest collections of books." 

"This island is one of the West Blue's landmarks, a source of pride for the region," Eveya explained with a smile.

"Pride?" Arashi murmured.

"Yes, pride!" Eveya nodded firmly, not noticing the cloud of silence that fell over her tall commander, whose face now showed a touch of shadow. 

Indeed, a place housing the world's most esteemed scholars and precious books was a beacon of knowledge. 

But despite being such a treasure, Ohara would later become a ruin in its quest for truth, history, and justice. 

Who, then, was truly just? And who was dark-hearted? 

Who stood at the highest peaks, declaring their version of truth and incinerating those who defied them?

As their ship neared the coast, the Tree of Knowledge loomed even larger, casting a cool, fresh scent from the surrounding forest. 

Their arrival caused a stir among the island's residents. "Let's go have a look," Arashi said softly. "See the pride of our West Blue."

Stepping onto the island with Eveya following close behind, two squads of Marines marched alongside. 

As Arashi walked deeper onto the island, his expression changed. 

According to Marine records, this was noted as his hometown, but he had no memory of his former self, so everything here felt strange. 

Yet, walking under the trees, he suddenly seemed to hear echoes of piercing cannon fire, burning flames, and screams of agony, growing louder and clearer, deepening his frown.

Stepping out of the woods and into the town, however, the hallucination faded, replaced by a scene of peaceful calm. 

The colossal Tree of Knowledge towered proudly, while a group of archaeologists waited, guarded but dignified. 

"The Marines are here again!" 

"Could they have discovered our secret?"

"Seeking history is not wrong, everyone. There's no need for alarm—it's likely just a routine check." 

"Otherwise, the World Government itself would have come," spoke an elderly man standing in front: 

Dr Clover, head librarian and world-renowned archaeologist. Shortly, Arashi approached the group, meeting their cautious gazes with a warm smile.

"There's no need to worry. My visit here is unofficial," he assured, while Eveya introduced him: 

"This is Vice Admiral Arashi, commander of the G-18 Fortress in West Blue."

"Arashi?" Dr Clover's eyes lingered on the towering figure before him, and in that moment, the man's appearance overlapped with the memory of a young child he'd met over a decade ago. 

"That child back then…you've grown so much."

Arashi's heart stirred slightly. "Doctor, would it be convenient to speak privately?" 

Dr. Clover nodded, saying, "Of course." 

This set the archaeologists at ease; their greatest fear had been repeated investigations by the Marines. 

After a moment, Arashi entered the library at Dr. Clover's invitation, and the two found a quiet place to talk.

Looking up at the towering shelves stacked with ancient tomes, Arashi couldn't help but marvel, "Every book here is a treasure of the world."

"They are, indeed," Dr. Clover replied, "each one a testament to years of effort, a wealth for all humanity."

"Knowledge truly is a treasure," Arashi agreed with a nod. 

Humanity flourished precisely because it could build on the knowledge of those before, advancing to comprehend the world more deeply. 

Books, indeed, are the most crucial medium for this knowledge.

"Tell me, Arashi, why have you come here today?" Dr. Clover said, his tone tinged with nostalgia. 

"It's been over a decade, and now you've risen to be the highest-ranking officer in the West Blue."

Hearing this, Arashi smiled. "I came here with a few questions to ask you." 

After a pause, he added, "To be honest, I lost all my memories from before I was seventeen due to an accident." Understanding dawned on Dr. Clover. 

"That's why I saw a look of unfamiliarity in your eyes. You used to stick to me like glue, begging me to tell you stories," he chuckled.

Arashi smiled softly, "So, this truly is my hometown?" 

He felt nearly certain of it. His observation ability picked up on the slight reactions from the scholars upon hearing his name. 

But unexpectedly, Dr. Clover shook his head and spoke two words: "It's not."

"You were found by the Jonas family during an expedition for ancient ruins and brought here for a time." 

"But afterwards, you left with them again," Dr. Clover explained with a light sigh. "Since then, I've heard nothing about any of you."

"The Marines reported that the Jonas couple died in a shipwreck, attacked by pirates, and you were missing." 

The doctor's unexpected words stunned Arashi—he wasn't originally from Ohara!?

"My origins…" Arashi hesitated, searching for clarity.

Dr. Clover nodded, saying, "I only know a little. They found you near Alabasta in the Grand Line, where they saved your life." 

With a nostalgic smile, Dr. Clover continued, "You were such a kind child back then."

Looking up at Arashi, the elderly doctor gave a gentle smile. "Even now, you're kind, even as a Marine, serving to protect those who need it." 

"You've finally achieved the dream you had as a child. You're a good man, Arashi."

Arashi stayed silent, deep in thought. He had no memory of his past self, and he never anticipated such a complex background. 

After a bit more conversation, Dr. Clover gave him a tour of the library, where in a quiet corner, he introduced him to a little girl of about six.

"Her name is Robin, a very talented child," Dr. Clover said, pointing to her. 

Arashi watched as a beam of sunlight filtered through a crack in the window, illuminating the table and casting a soft glow on the young girl's focused face as she read. 

Her concentration gave her an almost angelic presence.

Nico Robin.

Arashi's gaze rested on the little girl for a moment before he looked away, deciding not to disturb her focused reading. 

He followed Dr. Clover, continuing their tour of the massive Tree of Knowledge.

"This place is a treasure of humanity," Dr. Clover sighed. "If it were ever destroyed, it would be a true disaster—a loss to history." Arashi nodded.

He understood that Dr. Clover was subtly seeking some form of protection. 

Afterwards, they continued walking around the island. 

Ohara exuded an atmosphere of peace, with a pervasive sense of learning that brought serenity to the heart.

"You're researching things forbidden by the World Government, aren't you?" 

Arashi asked suddenly, his tone even, showing no particular emotion. Dr. Clover's expression changed slightly. "Child, what are you talking about?"

"History shouldn't be hidden," Arashi replied calmly. 

"But without the necessary strength, pursuing it will only lead to disaster." 

With his field extending across the island, Arashi had seen the stone inscribed with ancient writing beneath the Tree of Knowledge. 

Dr. Clover's expression wavered, and he finally sighed, "How much do you know?"

"I know what I need to, and even what I shouldn't," Arashi said quietly. 

"If Ohara were to be destroyed one day, what choice would you make, Dr. Clover?"

Dr. Clover paused, then smiled. "I would do everything in my power to ensure that Ohara's will lives on." 

"He looked at Arashi and asked, "And you, child? What would you choose?"

But Arashi was already walking away. "Goodbye, Doctor." After several paces, he raised his hand in a parting wave. 

Dr. Clover watched him leave without receiving an answer, murmuring to himself, 

"I understand… As a Marine, you have your duty and your beliefs. If that day truly comes, I, too, have my faith."

Ohara remained as tranquil and harmonious as ever, but upon returning to the base, Arashi summoned the commanders of the Thirteenth Division with a hardened expression.

"The purpose of the Marines is justice," he declared coldly. 

"And this justice isn't given to you by anyone—it is the measure in your heart that determines the human boundary." 

His voice was firm. "Remember who you're fighting for and for whom you wield your blade!"

He then turned to one of his officers. "From now on, Bullet, double the training intensity." 

"In two years, I want all 13,000 soldiers trained into an elite force!" 

His stern tone struck the division commanders, especially the first eight, who had previously served directly under him, while the commanders of the ninth through thirteenth divisions were relatively new, appointed based on their merit.

Half a year quickly passed. Every day, the G-18 Fortress resounded with intense training. 

Bullet's rigorous drills left the soldiers exhausted, but their strength grew markedly. 

Meanwhile, Crocodile and T. Bone led moral and ideological training, instilling a deeper understanding of justice. 

They even dared to share past failures within the Marines, influencing the soldiers' thoughts subtly.

One day, a merchant ship arrived at the gates of G-18 Fortress.

"Who are you?" a Marine on watch asked, surprised. "Capone Family?"

"We Marines have no business with gangsters. Leave, now!" the guard barked, completely unafraid of the fortress behind him.

"Please convey our respects to Vice Admiral Arashi," replied a short, young man of about twenty with a cigar hanging from his mouth. 

This was Capone Bege, head of the Capone Family.

"Respect?" The Marines exchanged looks, glancing at the stacked crates on the ship's deck. But what could be inside them? 

"We'll have to check with the higher-ups," the Marine guard replied.

"Please send my greetings to Vice Admiral Arashi. It would be an honour to meet him in person." Bege smiled. 

He had heard tales of this vice admiral and finally had a chance to visit. Capone Bege knew that, to operate safely in these waters, he would need Arashi's goodwill. 

After all, the real power in these waters wasn't his family; it was Arashi, the West Blue's commander. 

Previously, he had relied on a now-retired Marine admiral, Johnny, for protection.

Back at the fortress, Arashi heard of the visit from Iffia. "Capone Bege?" 

He raised an eyebrow, chuckling as he issued a single order: "Leave the gift. Tell them to get lost."

Soon, the Marine guard relayed the message, and Bege's face froze momentarily. 

However, he quickly regained his composure, ordered his crew to leave the gift, and departed.

The Marines watched in surprise as the Capone Family's ship sailed away, leaving behind a sizable merchant vessel. 

They shouted, "What is the meaning of this?"

"Everything on that ship is a gift for Vice Admiral Arashi!" Bege called back from afar. 

The Marines stared at the loaded vessel, noting how low it sat in the water, indicating a massive haul.

When Crocodile and his team tallied the contents of the merchant ship, Arashi was surprised by the final figure.

"Two hundred million Berries."

"That young man certainly knows how to invest," Crocodile commented, raising an eyebrow. 

"Leaving all this without even stating his request."

Arashi smirked. "Now, that's a smart man."

He looked over the stacked crates of gold, jewellery, art, and other valuables. Not long ago, he had been concerned about funding. 

Now, it seemed a new source of wealth had opened up.

In West Blue, there were five major mafia families; Capone Bege's was just one of them. 

If he could bring them all into his service, he would become the true underground ruler of these waters. 

More importantly, funding his elite forces would no longer be a concern, leaving resources available for other pursuits.

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