“Professor, this is a relic I found in a ruin.”
“Is this the only piece?”
“Yes, the others have been eroded and destroyed. This is the only one with some recognizable text, although I’m not sure about many parts. So, I brought it back for you to take a look.”
When it came to archaeology, Clover was the real authority. Faced with uncertain historical questions, Robin chose to let the more authoritative expert study it.
Clover’s reputation in the archaeology world was real. Even the Five Elders knew his name. With his genuine talent, he held a high position in the scientific community.
“Where did you find this?”
“Underneath an island; it was retrieved by my Lizzi.” [TN: Direct translation is Little Lizard.]
“Lizzi” referred to her Drizzile. Although she knows the names of Sobble and Inteleon’s race, she wasn’t familiar with Drizzile’s form, hence she used this simple name to refer to it.
“…kingdom…It seems like some kingdom wanted to leave something behind, but they didn’t have Poneglyph’ technology. Over the years, who knows what it has experienced to have ended up like this.”
Putting away the severely seawater-eroded relic, he planned to study it later. Clover then asked Robin about her experiences over these years. During her childhood, Robin spent most of her time with these scholars, and she was almost like their own daughter.
Studying ancient texts isn’t something that can be done quickly. If it were a complete Poneglyph, they could translate it directly. But, with this seriously damaged piece, they’ll have to see if they can clean up more sections first, and then proceed slowly.
The retrieved documents wouldn’t run away, but knowing Robin, she might set sail again after some time.
During this time, Robin lightly touched on her travel experiences, focusing on the exploration of ruins and omitting the dangers she faced. However, she couldn’t conceal it from Clover and even Olvia, who came later, sensed that something was off.
“Robin, it seems your experience isn’t quite enough. Let me teach you something else.”
Saying that, Clover started warming up.
“Professor, what are you doing?”
“I’ll teach you some self-defense techniques. Compared to the beasts on the islands, the dangers brought by people are greater. You often go alone; you need some self-defense measures.”
“Professor, you…know this?”
Seeing the elderly Clover, Robin found it hard to believe his words.
“What? Looking down on me? I was quite strong in my younger days.”
“Professor isn’t lying. In his youth, he led our exploration team. A couple of pirates were nothing in front of him. Many times, he resolved crises for us.”
Several other elderly professors recounted Clover’s actions in his youth, deepening Robin’s understanding of him.
Previously, she knew Clover was quite an expert in archaeology with vast knowledge but she had never heard that his combat skills were outstanding.
The scholars of Ohara weren’t weak; the archaeology in this world was different from ordinary archaeology, they often faced various crises. Without good enough physique, it was impossible to do such work.
But she had always thought Clover was under protection of others while he studied documents, not realizing he was the one protecting others.
Recalling how Clover took a bullet in his chest but still endured the pain to move the books, everything made sense now.
“Wait, we should bring those things out from back then. Let me go look for them.”
When talking about their youth, some of the professors seemed very excited. Although their youth had passed, they had once also been young, had once sweated on the seas, and had their own adventurous years.
They quickly found a photo from an old album. It showed Clover holding a sword with one hand, standing at the bow of a sailboat which was sailing through the waves.
“Robin, when you’re out there, the World Government is the one you should be most wary of. When I was exploring history, I was captured many times, but I hadn’t touched their bottom line then.”
“The events of Ohara have already shown their fear of what happened 800 years ago, so we can’t let them discover your true purpose.”
“We are scholars, not warriors. Escaping during chaos is the best option when facing danger. However, accidents do happen. If you are unexpectedly kidnapped, you need to have enough countermeasures.”
“For example, what should you do if you’re kidnapped? Come, let me demonstrate using myself as an example.”
Saying that, Clover walked behind Robin and acted out a kidnapping scenario.
“Professor, isn’t this a bit risky? I’m afraid I might hurt you.”
“It’s okay, I’m not that fragile. If it weren’t for my identity, I could lead an exploration team again.”
“Then, excuse me.”
Saying that, several arms suddenly appeared on Clover’s body and locked him up in a joint lock.
“This is what I would do. Professor, are you reassured now?”
“Of course, go ahead.”
Shortly after, Clover sat in a chair, rubbing his waist.
“I was careless. I forgot you’re a Devil Fruit user. But, Robin, this is still not safe enough. If you encounter someone too strong who can break free from your control, then it would be quite dangerous. So, you should be… more ruthless.
Your ability is quite handy. When attacking suddenly, aim for the eyes, nose, and this spot here. This will quickly incapacitate them; it is especially effective against men. Of course, using your legs is even more effective.”
Clover was teaching Robin how to handle enemies, and Robin only realized today that Professor Clover, who seemed kind, also had this “vicious” side.
But he was forced. Among archaeologists, Clover was relatively strong, but compared to those who fought daily, he was far inferior.
For his own safety, when he was younger, he specialized in hitting three key areas: stepping on feet, kicking the groin, poking eyes, and slicing throats. This combo was practiced so proficiently that it helped him escape danger many times.
Although his waist was twisted, and Robin already knew most of the experiences he shared, it still enriched her emergency measures.
“Don’t worry, Professor. I also have Lizzi. It can be quite helpful at times.”
After evolution, Drizzile became stronger, with significant boosts in intelligence and stamina.
It can set traps, and use the water secreted from its palms to form water bullets to attack enemies. Although it cannot yet shoot high-speed Snipe Shots through its body like Inteleon, it could use a liquid similar to Sobble’s tears as an effective tear gas grenade.
Its coordination with Robin was also excellent, making it a good companion in her adventures.
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