One Piece: Starting in God Valley as a Slave

Carl stood on the bow of his warship, his Marine coat billowing in the sea breeze. Ahead, on the island of Ohara, the Tree of Knowledge had already begun to collapse.

Behind Carl, four Marine soldiers each held a Den Den Mushi, their expressions solemn as they awaited his orders. Without turning back, Carl spoke coolly:

"Relay my orders: fire at will."

At Carl's command, the signal was relayed to the other four warships. In the next moment, all five ships, including the flagship, unleashed a synchronized barrage.

Countless cannonballs arced gracefully through the sky before crashing down on Ohara. Explosions echoed, filling the air with thunderous roars. The Tree of Knowledge, already ravaged by flames, was obliterated in the first salvo.

From the warship's vantage point, Ohara was engulfed in a sea of fire. Flames consumed the entire island, painting the sky crimson. Every structure had been reduced to rubble, leaving only charred remains and silhouettes of human-shaped ashes.

Carl gazed at the scorched ruins of Ohara, his eyes devoid of emotion.

He knew there must have been innocents among the dead. But what did that matter to him? As a true leader, such sentiments were a luxury he could not afford. Those without the resolve for such decisions were better suited to playing at piracy.

Inside the ship's cabin, Nico Olvia and her daughter Robin were confined. When the explosions finally ceased, Robin looked up at Olvia and softly asked,

"Mom, is Ohara... gone?"

Olvia gently stroked Robin's hair, her face numb as she replied,

"Yes, from this day forward, Ohara no longer exists."

"But... why?"

Olvia didn't answer. Her thoughts drifted to what Carl had said to her:

The truth is not for the weak. Even if they learn it, it is meaningless.

Outside the cabin, Carl observed the smoldering remnants of Ohara. Seeing that the destruction was nearly complete, he issued another command to his subordinates.

"Contact the newspapers. Make sure photos of Ohara are published immediately."

"Understood!"

With that order delivered, Carl turned and strode toward the cabin holding Olvia and Robin. He pushed open the door and leaned against the frame, lighting a cigarette. Taking a slow drag, he exhaled no visible smoke but spoke calmly.

"Well then, the mess you created has been cleaned up. It's time we discussed payment."

"Nani?!"

Olvia stared at Carl in disbelief, wondering if she'd misheard him. Payment? For what—revenge?

Just moments ago, her homeland had been subjected to a complete scorched earth operation. And now she was supposed to feel grateful?

Carl's answer was simple:

"That's right."

He leisurely finished his cigarette. It was a special brand, exclusively provided to Admirals by the World Government, burning so cleanly that no ash needed to be flicked off.

Olvia watched as Carl flicked the stub away and spoke slowly,

"Black Dragon, what do you want me to do?"

Carl tilted his head slightly.

"Wrong. It's not for me—it's for this world."

Olvia's lips twitched in irritation.

"World?"

Carl chuckled softly, his gaze drifting toward Robin.

"Your daughter is adorable."

Olvia's expression changed instantly. She pulled Robin behind her, her voice trembling with urgency.

"Please don't hurt her! I'll do whatever you want!"

"Relax. Take a look at these first."

With a wave of Carl's hand, several thick books materialized from the darkness, landing before Olvia.

She stared in shock before picking up one of the books and flipping through it. On the first page, she saw the unmistakable seal of Ohara. Her eyes widened as she turned to Carl, her voice shaking.

"These... these are from the Tree of Knowledge?!"

Carl nodded, a faint smile on his lips.

"How many did you save?"

"All of them."

Olvia was overwhelmed with emotion, tears streaming down her face.

"This is wonderful! As long as these books survive, Ohara will never truly vanish!"

"Hmm?"

Carl's eyes narrowed slightly as he stepped closer, crouching down to lift Olvia's chin with a finger. His voice was low but sharp.

"It seems you've misunderstood something. Ohara is gone. Say otherwise again, and you'll join it."

The joy in Olvia's heart was instantly extinguished, replaced by icy dread.

Her lips quivered as she stammered,

"Then these books...?"

"They're for you," Carl replied. "I want you to organize them, especially the historical documents. Tweak them where necessary, then compile everything into a single volume."

"You want to alter history?! What do you take history for?"

Carl chuckled, glancing at Robin behind Olvia.

"Just a little girl for me to dress up however I like. What else?"

Robin stared at Carl, her young mind struggling to process his words.

Olvia found Carl's words unbearably grating. She wanted to argue, but after everything that had happened today, she could only smile bitterly.

Yes, if history could be erased, why not rewritten?

Thinking of Robin, Olvia closed her eyes in resignation and asked,

"How do you want it changed?"

"You're the expert here. Figure it out yourself. Just make sure the final version passes my review."

Olvia frowned but didn't protest further. Before she could say anything, Carl added,

"If I'm not satisfied, you'll have to redo it. And you wouldn't want to spend the rest of your life locked away, would you? Maybe you could, but what about Robin?"

"I understand. But where will you keep us?"

"Don't worry. The place is quite comfortable. You won't be mistreated."

"...Mary Geoise?"

Carl's lips curved into a smirk.

"Smart. Welcome to my home."

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+185 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg