But everyone understood that the shadow cast by Ohara's scorched earth would not fade easily-in the days ahead, the sweat shed on the training grounds would likely flow like a river.
The reason could not have been simpler: anyone who had spent long enough in this Family knew that their sights were not set on anything small.
If even a whisper leaked out, destruction from the sky might come as soon as tomorrow.
His fingertips unconsciously brushed his chin as Rossi's thoughts drifted.
Where in the world was that little girl named Nico Robin now?
It was not as though he had any other designs on her.
The child was still thin and small, with nothing that could be called attractive.
What truly drew his attention was her unique ability-only she could read those ancient words carved into stone.
Pluton slumbered deep within Wano Country's rock walls, Poseidon had yet to be born, and as for Uranus... it was most likely some ship hanging in the starry sky overhead.
Rossi knew all of that.
But eight hundred years ago, how exactly had that man named Joy Boy lost to Imu? The question lodged in his heart like a tiny thorn.
Reaching Laugh Tale required all four red Poneglyphs, and the key lay with that girl.
Then-
Should he set out for the West Blue to find her?
A chance encounter
Before Rossi could decide, a message arrived from Dr. Tieshidaino, asking him to visit the laboratory again.
"These numbers are...?"
"An old address."
In the laboratory, the doctor handed him a slip of paper marked with precise coordinates for a stretch of sea in the New World. "I used to have a secret workstation there.
"It's full of my research manuscripts, along with a large batch of unfinished mechanical assistants.