'[Cover Story: Chopper and the Quack Doctor 15 - "What kept me alive until now was a miracle I witnessed with my own eyes!"]'
'Dr. Hiriluk and Chopper sat together as the doctor recounted his past. Back when he was a notorious bandit who had committed every crime imaginable, he was diagnosed with a terminal illness and left with very little time. But one day, he witnessed a breathtakingly beautiful field of cherry blossoms. Miraculously, his illness almost completely vanished. That miracle awakened his conscience, inspiring him to turn over a new leaf and become a better person. As he spoke, the quack doctor also introduced Chopper to his research...'
---
Robin picked up the pages and gave Liam a rough explanation of their contents.
The inscription recorded research findings concerning a mysterious type of particle, as well as a tragedy that resulted from it.
It all began with this mysterious particle. Since it was difficult to translate accurately, Robin temporarily dubbed it the '"PYRO Particle."'
Researchers discovered that by altering the particle's microscopic structure, they could make it emit many different wavelengths.
Some wavelengths transformed the PYRO Particle into a type of microscopic particle commonly found throughout nature and involved in the water cycle.
Other wavelengths converted it into a highly compatible factor with characteristics extremely similar to those of the 'Lineage Factor'.
Still other wavelengths transformed the PYRO Particle into a special particle capable of affecting Lineage Factors. The tragedy recorded on the Poneglyph was related to this third type, known as 'PYROSADO'.
High-concentration PYROSADO solutions, as well as the fruits grown from plants cultivated with them, possessed the property of attracting particles of the second type, the Lineage Factor.
At the same time, because the solution, and even medicines made from plants cultivated with it, had a catalytic effect on human Lineage Factors, many nations of that era widely administered them to their soldiers to enhance their combat capabilities.
And thus, the tragedy began.
The armies enhanced by these medicines became nearly invincible on the battlefield. However, not long after, every soldier who had taken the special medicine began aging prematurely. Their organs rapidly deteriorated, and within an extremely short period, countless soldiers died of old age.
To warn future generations to treat such dangerous technology with extreme caution, these events were engraved onto an indestructible Poneglyph.
"The first type of particle is probably what was mentioned on the Poneglyph of Kuja Island, the so-called ''Coral Particles,'' or perhaps ''Keratin Particles.''" Robin looked down at the densely annotated pages. "Through the natural water cycle, these particles don't just exist in the sea. They're also widespread in inland freshwater sources and even within the water contained in the human body..."
"As for the second type, based on the research materials of Dr. Vegapunk we've seen before, it very likely refers to the ''Devil Fruit Factor.'' That would fit the description of having a high degree of similarity to the Lineage Factor."
"So that's also why a person can normally possess only one Devil Fruit ability," Liam said. "Back then, when we forced the Pipe-Pipe Fruit into Laffitte's body, his entire body collapsed and he died on the spot."
"A collapse and disintegration at the Lineage Factor level..." Robin murmured. "A single person only has one set of Lineage Factors and can therefore only fuse with one set of Devil Fruit Factors. If that theory is correct, then the essence of your Stand ability may be the power to harmlessly separate Devil Fruit Factors from the Lineage Factor they're fused with."
She rubbed her temples. "The life energy represented by a Stand may also be connected to the Lineage Factor... As for the third wavelength emphasized in the Poneglyph... judging by its effects, it seems similar to certain stimulants, except with much more terrifying side effects."
In truth, the first two wavelengths were only briefly mentioned; most of the text focused on the third. Based on her previous knowledge, Robin could make educated guesses regarding the first two, but she had little idea about the much more extensively described third wavelength.
Liam, however, immediately thought of several things.
'Alabasta's Aqua Vitae.'
'Fish-Man Island's Energy Steroids.'
'Caesar's SAD solution.'
The first two originated from civilizations with histories spanning thousands of years. If their technologies were based on what was described in the Poneglyph, Liam wouldn't be surprised at all.
As for Caesar's technology, it came directly from one of the world's greatest geniuses, Dr. Vegapunk, a man who had written countless theories centuries ahead of his time even in his youth.
"So, in summary, this is one of the seventeen Poneglyphs unrelated to the Void Century." Robin put down the papers and let out a soft sigh.
Liam wrapped an arm around her shoulders, only to be promptly pushed away.
"What about you?" she asked. "Did you end up fighting Aokiji?"
"That Ice Age guy was trying to trick me into becoming his hired muscle!" Liam complained. "But slacking off during a fight isn't exactly difficult. Instead, I got to watch a pretty interesting battle."
Turning toward 'B.I.B.', he said, "A Logia Awakening. Heh... pretty impressive stuff."
"He actually cooperated with you?" Robin asked in surprise. "Why would he do that, unless...?!"
Liam grinned and snapped his fingers beside her ear. "That's right. I've got the position of 'Shichibukai' in the bag!"
"He came all the way to Dressrosa just to deliver me an invitation. They're appointing me as one of the Seven Warlords. He said I should head to Marineford as soon as possible so they can announce it to the world. Apparently, the newspapers and the other Warlords will be invited to witness the ceremony."
"To 'you'?" Robin pointed out.
"We'll discuss that once we get to Marine Headquarters," Liam said. "If they insist on making 'me' a Warlord, I'm not interested. It'd be much more fun if the ''Devil Child'' became the Shichibukai."
Robin reached up and playfully pinched both of his cheeks. After thinking for a moment, she asked, "Then Hancock will be there too, right?"
Liam chuckled. "That depends on whether she misses you."
"Really?" Robin replied with an amused smile.
Liam nodded seriously. "But before we head to Marine Headquarters..." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the invitation Aokiji had given him, which had been completely ruined by seawater. "Doesn't matter. I can just show up and let them recognize my face."
He crumpled the soggy invitation into a ball and tossed it into a wastebasket.
"But before going to Marine Headquarters, I'm planning to visit Whitebeard first. I feel like farming a mini-boss. There's free loot sitting right there, wouldn't be a waste not to take it?"
"Speaking of Whitebeard..." Robin briefly recounted the battle that had taken place earlier.
Liam suddenly understood. "So that's what happened!"
As they chatted, Liam caught Robin off guard. Before she could react, he hoisted her onto his shoulder. She let out a startled cry as he strode toward the bathroom, laughing loudly.
---
### '''''''''''
"What exactly happened here...?!"
Several hundred kilometers away, a Homies ship humming a cheerful tune floated among the ocean waves. The people aboard wore grim expressions as they stared at a vast field of drifting wreckage.
The shattered remains undoubtedly belonged to 'Charlotte Snack's pirate ship'.
"Snack..."
Standing on the deck, 'Charlotte Oven's' face was twisted in fury. In his open palm lay a Vivre Card that had already burned completely to ashes.
Terrifying heat radiated from his body in rolling waves, reflecting the rage surging within his heart.
Grinding his teeth, Oven roared:
"Who did this?!"
"Who dared to do such a thing?!"
"Quick! Everyone who can dive, get into the water and search!"
"A chair, a teacup, anything! As long as we find even a single Homie, we'll be able to identify the culprit!"
"I will never forgive him!"
"And the Charlotte Family will never forgive him either!!!"
'(End of Chapter)'
You can read ahead up to 30 chapters on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/marvel6395