Dragon turned to look at Robin, his expression extremely grave.
"This is the chronology Taro used when recounting the history of the Giant Kingdom. More crucially, the period of suffering he described for this Giant Kingdom was also exactly 100 years!"
Robin was utterly shocked. "How is that possible? This..."
"Indeed, how could it be? That's history from 800 years ago!" Dragon sighed again, equally finding it hard to believe.
"How could there possibly be such a coincidence in the world!"
"What else did he say?" Robin pressed.
Dragon's tone became exceptionally solemn, his eyes filled with reverence.
"He also mentioned a great man who appeared in that country, a great man who dedicated his entire life to changing an era! And his ideology!"
Dragon relayed to Robin the story of "that great man" that Taro had told while drinking on the warship that day.
After listening, Robin frowned deeply. Then, she reached into her chest and pulled out a small cloth pouch, taking out the stack of papers Taro had given her, lost in thought.
Seeing her action, Dragon said softly:
"You should understand the power contained in what's written on those papers. This is likely the ideology that Dr. Clover spoke of, the one the World Government truly fears!"
Robin's gaze grew distant. "No wonder back in Alabasta, he wasn't very interested in what the poneglyphs recorded. So he already knew!"
"Now, you also think my speculation is possible, don't you?" Dragon's tone was somewhat inscrutable.
Having his speculation confirmed to a certain extent left his emotions unsettled.
Robin looked up, her words carrying urgency. "Dragon, I need to see him. Do you have a way to contact him?"
"Hmm, a cadre from the Revolutionary Army is currently studying under him." Dragon first nodded, then shook his head.
"However, regarding that 100-year history, he also seems unwilling to say much. Whenever it's mentioned, he always looks like he's grinding his teeth! You probably won't get more information!"
Robin's mood also grew heavier. "If your speculation is true, then his reaction is quite understandable!"
"In the history you know, is there any record of a great man like the one Taro described?" Dragon asked, frowning. "If so, then Taro's origins would be clear!"
Hearing this, Robin carefully searched through the memories in her mind, ultimately shaking her head. "No!"
Seeing a flicker of disappointment on Dragon's face, she added, "Right now, I've only deciphered a few poneglyphs. Perhaps the deeds of that great man are recorded on other poneglyphs!"
Dragon's disappointment lasted only a few seconds before he quickly became reinvigorated.
"Regardless of whether Taro is a descendant of the Giant Kingdom, those ideas truly exist. That can't be faked."
"Thank you, Nico Robin! You guided us to find the 'key of revolution'. For this favor, I am endlessly grateful!"
Robin shook her head slightly. "No need to thank me. These things were given to me by him in the first place. It seems he knew long ago that you would find me!"
Dragon was taken aback for a moment, then nodded. "Hmm, he is indeed planning something. Our meeting was clearly within his expectations."
Robin sighed, finding it hard to believe. "A young man around 20 years old, with such foresight and planning?"
"The facts are right before our eyes! That's not something an ordinary person could write!" Dragon pointed at the papers in Robin's hand.
"The descendants of the Giant Kingdom, 800 years later, remain this inscrutable. One can imagine how glorious it must have been back then!"
Robin's gaze revealed confusion. "Such a kingdom, how could it ultimately..."
Dragon understood her meaning and sighed. "Taro mentioned it was a country that loved peace."
"Civilization does not always triumph over barbarism. You are well-versed in history; you should understand this."
Robin voiced her deep agreement with an "Mhm." "Please arrange a meeting with him as soon as possible. I beg you!"
Dragon clearly also wanted to learn much more and didn't hesitate in the slightest.
"I'll send a message right away!"
...Grand Line, Drum Kingdom.
Driven off the ship by Zephyr, Taro flew all the way. By the time he reached this winter island, it was already late at night.
The Drum Kingdom had now been renamed the Sakura Kingdom, with the former Kingdom Guard Captain Dalton becoming the current king.
The old palace atop Drum Mountain had also been transformed by Dr. Kureha into the Sakura Kingdom Medical Center. The "Doctors 20" had now been expanded to "Doctors 40" and were still growing.
It seemed this place would eventually restore its former glory as a great medical nation.
Taro's figure shot across the sky filled with raging wind and snow, landing on the open ground in front of the old palace.
Observation Haki instantly spread out, enveloping the entire mountaintop. Soon, Taro detected a familiar presence. Moving his feet, he leapt up lightly.
"Little Marine, barging into someone else's home like this is very rude, you know!"
Just as Taro's hand grasped the doorknob to Ace's hospital room, Dr. Kureha's voice came from the end of the corridor.
Although she was already 139 years old, she was full of vigor, holding a bottle of plum wine and taking a big swig.
Taro let go of the doorknob. Being caught red-handed by the owner was a bit awkward, followed by some surprise.
This "Doctorine" seemed rather inscrutable, to have detected his intrusion so quickly.
"My apologies, Granny... uh, Madam Kureha!"
Halfway through his apology, a strong sense of self-preservation stopped him from the impulse to call her 'granny'.
"Oh, a clever little Marine brat. What are you doing here? Want to know my secret to eternal youth?"
Kureha placed one hand on her hip, appearing very casual.
Taro's mouth twitched. No, I don't want to know.
He was secretly astonished. This old lady wasn't flustered at all. Could she really be a super expert?
He glanced towards Ace's room. "I have some business with Ace!"
"He hasn't woken up yet. You're too early!" Kureha took another sip of wine. Seeing Taro's surprise, she added,
"It's not his injuries. It's his inner self. Out of a self-preservation instinct, it's unwilling to let him wake up!"
Hearing this, Taro breathed a sigh of relief. "Is that so? Then that's not too bad!"
"Oh? You're not here to arrest him?" Kureha raised the corner of her mouth.
Taro shook his head.
Kureha walked towards Taro, observing him carefully as she approached.
"Your body is very special, little Marine!"
"Huh?" Taro was taken aback. "What?"
Kureha pushed open the door to Ace's room. "Come in!"
Taro, setting aside his earlier confusion, quickly followed her inside, darting to Ace's bedside.
Ace's upper body was wrapped in bandages, with the injuries on his shoulders being the most severe. Bloodstains were still faintly visible on the bandages.
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