LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 245: Chapter 245: Rhodes and Asuna
"Dear, a group of scholars from Ohara has requested to meet you. They claim they wish to learn about the history of Wano Country," said Yadina, her tone tinged with curiosity.
"I've already had Shaki investigate their background. They're genuine scholars. Do you want to meet them?"
This was the first time Yadina encountered scholars seeking an audience with Li Yuan. Usually, countless people vied for his attention daily, but most were filtered by Shaki and only a select few even reached Yadina. These scholars, however, piqued her interest due to their lowly status compared to the usual visitors.
"Ohara's scholars? Is their leader a man named Dr. Clover?" Li Yuan asked after a moment's thought.
"Yes, dear. Do you know them?" Yadina replied, surprised.
"I've heard of them. Where are they now? Let's go meet them, and have someone bring Wano's historical texts along."
Li Yuan's interest wasn't particularly intense, but he found the idea of meeting these iconic figures from the original story intriguing.
"They're on Venice Island. I'll arrange for the books to be sent there immediately," Yadina said, activating her Mirror-Mirror Fruit to transport them directly.
---
On Venice Island, the bustling streets were lined with neatly arranged stalls, lively vendors, and an orderly flow of pedestrians. The scholars from Ohara marveled at the vibrant, well-managed environment.
"Dr. Clover, this place is incredible! Is this really a pirate-controlled territory?"
Nico Olvia, along with the other scholars, couldn't hide her amazement.
"See? I told you. The world's greatest swordsman, Li Yuan, is a wise and extraordinary pirate. He's nothing like the others," Dr. Clover remarked, admiration evident in his tone.
For three days, the scholars had wandered Venice Island, finding not a single fault. Its prosperity and order were unlike anything they had seen before, even surpassing most kingdoms.
"Are you the scholars from Ohara? The captain has agreed to meet you. Please, follow me," said Marcus, a division captain of the Infinity Pirates, addressing Dr. Clover and his team.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Dr. Clover exclaimed, his excitement palpable. He hadn't expected their request to be granted so readily.
Marcus led the group to a luxurious villa built in a unique architectural style that stood out in the One Piece world.
"This building is so distinctive!" Olvia marveled, her gaze wandering over its intricate design.
---
In the villa's grand hall, Li Yuan sat at the head of the table. Upon entering, Marcus immediately approached.
"Captain, I've brought them," Marcus reported.
Li Yuan, however, didn't look at the scholars right away. Instead, his attention turned to Marcus.
"Marcus, you joined me back in the Year 1481 of the Sea Calendar. It's now 1493. When you first came aboard, you were on par with Karoo and Kano, even occasionally besting them with your Mink Tribe's electro abilities," Li Yuan began.
"Now, Karoo and Kano are officers, yet you're still a division captain. Your progress has been slow. Why is that? Is it because I provided you with fewer resources? Or because I didn't mentor you enough?"
Marcus froze, his captain's words hitting him like a thunderbolt.
"No, Captain! It's entirely my fault. I've grown complacent. I swear to train harder and earn my promotion as soon as possible!" Marcus promised, his voice firm.
Li Yuan nodded in satisfaction. Marcus had immense potential, being a Mink Tribe member with the Fur-Fur Fruit, a perfect match for his race. With access to the Infinity Pirates' resources—specialized training regimens, combat sparring, and restorative treatments—there was no excuse for mediocrity.
"I'll give you three years. By then, I expect to see your name among the officers of the Infinity Pirates," Li Yuan said.
"Yes, Captain!" Marcus replied, his resolve renewed.
---
Finally, Li Yuan turned to the scholars.
"You must be the scholars from Ohara. Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the chairs.
As the group sat, Li Yuan's eyes briefly lingered on Olvia. Her striking white hair and weathered beauty caught his attention.
Pinch!
A sharp pain shot through his side as Yadina twisted his skin with Armament Haki.
"Hmph!" Yadina huffed, displeased. She couldn't believe Li Yuan was still ogling other women despite already having four wives, especially with Toki heavily pregnant.
Clearing his throat, Li Yuan focused on the conversation.
"Dr. Clover, what brings you to Wano Country?"
"Li Yuan-sama, we are in search of the truth about the Void Century. We heard that Wano Country has a history spanning over 800 years and hoped to find records related to that lost era," Clover explained earnestly.
"Ah, I see. Well, I don't give away anything for free, and I don't like being indebted to others either. I can provide you with Wano's historical records, but I'll need something in return," Li Yuan said.
"What would you like in exchange?" Clover asked, puzzled.
"I've heard Ohara's Tree of Knowledge houses the most extensive collection of books in the world. I'd like permission to copy them," Li Yuan replied.
Clover's eyes lit up. "Of course! The Tree of Knowledge was built to spread knowledge to the world. If Li Yuan-sama is an admirer of learning, we'd be honored to share our collection."
Satisfied, Li Yuan pointed to a nearby stack of books.
"There's everything we have on Wano's history. Feel free to study them here. Food will be brought to you regularly," he said.
"Thank you, Li Yuan-sama!" Clover exclaimed, overjoyed.
---
After leaving the scholars to their work, Li Yuan and Yadina returned to Wano.
"You're still jealous, aren't you?" Li Yuan teased, pinching Yadina's puffed-up cheeks.
"I'm not jealous! You're just a shameless flirt!" Yadina retorted, glaring at him.
As they entered their home, they were greeted by Toki, who was heavily pregnant.
"Sister, you should be resting!" Yadina exclaimed, rushing to her side.
"I'm fine. There's still a month to go," Toki replied with a warm smile.
---
A month later, under the care of Lazuli and her team of doctors, Toki gave birth to twins—a boy and a girl.
"Dear, please name our children," Toki said, cradling the newborns.
"You should name them this time," Li Yuan replied, admitting his lack of naming creativity.
"Then the boy will be Andre Rhodes, and the girl Andre Asuna," Toki decided after a moment's thought.
"Rhodes and Asuna. Beautiful names," Li Yuan said with a smile.
---
One month later:
"Dear, we've discovered an island in the Calm Belt—a Gravity Island—but it's inhabited by ferocious beasts," Yadina reported.
"Gravity Island? That's excellent news. It'll be perfect for increasing Yinwa's gravity training levels," Li Yuan said, his excitement evident.
"Gravity Island? That's excellent news! This could finally push Yinwa's gravity levels higher," Li Yuan said enthusiastically as he finished his training.
Currently, the gravity levels Yinwa could manipulate weren't providing enough resistance for Li Yuan's advanced training. If Yinwa could increase its gravity output, it would solve the problem entirely.
"Big Brother! Big Brother! Can Yinwa get stronger now?"
Yinwa darted over excitedly upon hearing Li Yuan's words.
"We're not sure yet, but we'll go and find out," Li Yuan replied with a grin.
"Yay! Let's go see it together!"
Yinwa beamed with joy at the thought of leaving Onigashima. It spent most of its time assisting Li Yuan with his training, rarely getting the chance to explore beyond the island. Occasionally, Li Yuan would take it to other parts of Wano, but those moments were few and far between. Being cooped up had left Yinwa feeling stifled.
"By the way, Yadina, where exactly is Gravity Island?" Li Yuan asked.
"The Hades Underworld, our flagship, is already prepped and ready. I'll personally take you there!" Yadina said playfully, sticking out her tongue.
Li Yuan chuckled at her antics. Clearly, Yadina wasn't about to miss this rare opportunity to join him on an adventure.
"I see, you little schemer. So you want to keep this trip all to yourself, huh?" Li Yuan teased.
Yadina giggled but didn't deny it.
"Yinwa, let's head to the port!" Li Yuan laughed, scooping up Yadina and leaping onto Yinwa's back. He quickly unhooke
d the dozens of tons of weights strapped to Yinwa, lightening its load.
"Hold on tight, Big Brother! Off we go!" Yinwa chirped, thrilled to be taking flight.
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