The Tide of the Era

Mosen's changing expression was fully captured by Kuzan, who felt he had guessed correctly; this guy was indeed connected to the Navy or the World Government.

A boy who looked about sixteen or seventeen years old, able to use the Six Powers so proficiently and combine them with Haki, it was impossible without guidance.

But which faction did he belong to? And what was his purpose for being here?

Just as Kuzan was about to press Mosen further, a sudden gale swept through the surroundings. Kuzan frowned and instinctively took two steps back.

When the storm subsided, a figure stood in front of Mosen.

"Dragon? What are you doing here!" Kuzan was stunned for a moment before asking.

"Are you alright?" Dragon ignored Kuzan's question and turned to Mosen first, asking about his condition.

Mosen shook his head and said, "Mr. Dragon, I'm fine."

Hearing this, Dragon breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to greet Kuzan, "Kuzan, long time no see."

Hearing the conversation between Dragon and Mosen, Kuzan seemed to understand something.

"So he's one of yours! No wonder he can use the Six Powers so skillfully," Kuzan said.

Dragon's eyes narrowed upon hearing Kuzan's words.

Dragon had noticed Mosen's labored breathing earlier, and combined with Mosen's current appearance and Kuzan's question, Dragon had a rough idea of how Mosen had dealt with Kuzan just now.

Dragon was very satisfied with Mosen's choice. Mosen's true identity absolutely could not be exposed, and making Kuzan mistakenly believe that Mosen was someone he had trained was probably the best option for now.

"Dragon, what have you been doing all these years? Mr. Garp is very displeased with you, you should know that. He's always wanted you to join the Navy," Kuzan asked.

"I have things I want to do. The Navy isn't suitable for me. As for the old man, I can only apologize," Dragon replied expressionlessly.

(ps: It wasn't written in the original story that Dragon had joined the Navy. The source of the idea that Dragon had joined the Navy seems to be from a cover illustration drawn by Oda, which featured someone who looked like Dragon wearing a Marine uniform. Other than that, it's all fan-made or unofficial.)

"You're Mr. Garp's son, where else could you go besides the Navy? You're not going to become a Pirate, are you?" As soon as Kuzan finished speaking, Mosen keenly sensed the temperature around them drop significantly, and his nerves tensed up.

"Your subordinate is trained very well!" Kuzan said, glancing at Mosen, who had adopted a defensive stance.

"He does have great talent. Kuzan, you don't need to be so tense. While I won't join the Navy, I won't become a Pirate either."

"Is that so? Then I can rest assured. But Dragon, honestly, I didn't expect to run into you here. Can you tell me what you're doing here?" Kuzan continued to ask.

"This child wanted to see the Tree of Knowledge, and I also have a book I wanted to borrow, so we came here."

"Looking at the Tree of Knowledge! Was he also born in West Blue? I heard that many people from West Blue come to see the Tree of Knowledge on their first voyage," Kuzan asked tentatively.

"That's right, I was born in Westmoon Village, Leo Island. It's a very beautiful place," Mosen said, using the village of the Village Chief and the others.

The Revolutionary Army had just been established, and Kuzan didn't know what Dragon intended to do. Moreover, due to Garp's relationship, Dragon and Kuzan had a good relationship. Coupled with Mosen providing a detailed place name, Kuzan chose to believe them for the time being.

"Dragon, for Mr. Garp's sake, I'll give you a piece of advice," Kuzan said, changing the subject.

"What?"

"Don't go near Ohara right now."

"Why?" Dragon asked instinctively.

"Because the World Government is very likely to launch a Buster Call on Ohara," Kuzan replied with a serious tone.

"What did you say! The World Government is going to launch a Buster Call on Ohara? How is that possible! The Tree of Knowledge is there!"

Kuzan sighed upon hearing this, "Sigh! So what if there's the Tree of Knowledge? Those scholars touched something they absolutely shouldn't have."

"Something they absolutely shouldn't have touched? Could it be the history of the Void Century?" Dragon pressed.

Kuzan remained silent, implicitly confirming it.

"When did researching history become a crime?"

"According to the World Government's statement, they are deciphering the history of the Void Century to awaken the Ancient Weapons and destroy the world," Kuzan replied helplessly.

"Do you believe that reason?"

Kuzan shook his head.

"Then what are your thoughts on the matter?"

"I have no objections to launching a Buster Call on Ohara. Those scholars touched what they shouldn't have, but the other people on the island are innocent. Therefore, I want to find a solution that satisfies both sides," Kuzan replied.

"Mr. Kuzan, I believe that scholars researching history is never wrong. The scholars of Ohara made a mistake by touching the World Government's taboos without the ability to protect themselves," Mosen said.

"So you mean it's okay to research these world-shattering things if you have the ability to protect yourself?" Kuzan asked, frowning.

"I just believe that everyone has the right to know the truth. The World Government's actions are a bit too extreme. Moreover, even if the scholars knew the truth of this world, what good would it do? Such things cannot be publicized to the world. Things that even the once-dominant Pirate King Roger couldn't do a few years ago, can a group of scholars do it? Or are the things hidden in that history so important that the World Government is unwilling to take even the slightest risk?"

After listening to Mosen's words, Kuzan sighed inwardly. He knew all these things too. The World Government's reaction was indeed a bit too intense. They shouldn't have resorted to a Buster Call. At least the ordinary people on Ohara Island were innocent. They shouldn't die.

Dragon and Kuzan had known each other for many years, and at this point, Dragon could somewhat guess Kuzan's thoughts. Dragon patted Kuzan's shoulder and said, "Kuzan, perhaps you think the ordinary people are innocent, but the Navy and the World Government won't see it that way."

From the World Government's perspective, since a Buster Call was initiated, they naturally wouldn't let anyone on the island leave alive. If even a single ordinary person from Ohara managed to sneak away and was a scholar, then all the sacrifices would have been in vain.

"But the World Government did reserve a ship for ordinary people to escape," Kuzan argued.

"That ship was just for show; it would have been sunk in the end, perhaps even by members of your Navy," Mosen said.

"Kuzan, the tide of the era rolls forward. Even the World Government cannot stop the flow of the waves. Roger used his life to kickstart the Great Age of Pirates, aiming to push this tide. The scholars of Ohara deciphering history were also pushing this tide. Kuzan, I hope you don't lose your way in the tide." After speaking, Dragon left with Mosen.

Today's data should be quite good, with investments up over 50. Thank you all for your support.