"Doctor, this is a fragment I found inside a relic."
"Is it just this small piece?"
"Yes, the others have been eroded and destroyed, and only this piece barely has some recognizable writing. However, I'm unsure about many parts, so I brought it back for you to examine."
In the field of archaeology, Clover is the real authority. Whenever faced with unclear historical matters, Robin opts to let the more expert researchers study them.
Clover's reputation in the archaeology world is well-established; even the Five Elders know his name. With genuine talent, he also holds a significant position in the scientific community.
"Where was this discovered?"
"Below an island. It was dredged up by my Drizzile."
The term "Drizzile" refers to her Drizzile. Although she knows the species names Sobble and Inteleon, she isn't familiar with Drizzile's form, so she uses this simple name to refer to it.
"...Kingdom... It should be some kingdom wanting to leave something behind. But without the technology of a Poneglyph, who knows what it went through over the years, ending up like this."
He stored the severely seawater-eroded fragment, intending to study it further later. Then, Clover asked Robin about her experiences these past years. When she was young, Robin spent most of her time with these scholars, akin to being their half-daughter.
The research of documents can't be rushed. If it were a complete Poneglyph, they could translate it directly. Such a heavily fragmented piece must first be cleaned to reveal more of it, proceeding slowly afterward.
The documents that have been brought back won't run away, but knowing Robin's personality, she might venture out again after a while.
During this time, Robin lightly touched on her travels, detailing the exploration of relics while omitting the dangers she faced. However, it did not escape Clover; even Olvia, who arrived later, sensed something amiss.
"Young Robin, it seems your experiences are still insufficient. Let me teach you something else."
As he spoke, Clover began doing warm-up exercises.
"Doctor, what are you planning to do?"
"Teach you some self-defense techniques. Compared to beasts on the islands, humans pose a greater danger. Since you act alone often, you need some defensive measures."
"Doctor, you... can do this?"
Seeing the elderly face of Clover, Robin found his words a bit hard to believe.
"What? Do you look down on me? I was quite strong in my youth."
"The doctor isn't lying. He led our expedition team when he was young. At that time, no two or three pirates were his match, and many times he resolved crises for us."
Several equally senior doctors recounted Clover's deeds in his youthful days, giving Robin a deeper understanding of Clover.
Previously, she only knew Clover was skilled in archaeology and possessed extensive knowledge, but she had never heard of his exceptional martial skills.
The scholars of Ohara indeed aren't frail. Archaeology in this world is different from usual, often facing various crises; without adequate physical strength, it's impossible to undertake such tasks.
But she always thought Clover conducted research on documents under others' protection, not realizing Clover was the one protecting others.
Reflecting on the time when Clover took a bullet to the chest but still persevered in moving books, it all suddenly made sense.
"Wait, those things should've been taken out as well. I'll go find them."
Talking about youthful days, the other doctors seemed quite excited; although their youthful vigor was gone, they too had once been young, shedding sweat over their adventures on The Sea.
They quickly found an old photo in an album, depicting Clover holding a knife in one hand, standing at the bow of a sailboat, slicing through the waves.
"Robin, on your travels, you must be most vigilant against the World Government. During my historical explorations, I was captured many times, but back then, I hadn't touched their bottom line.
The events of Ohara have indicated their fears regarding things 800 years ago, so you mustn't let them discover your true purpose.
We are scholars, not warriors. In a crisis, seizing the chaos to escape is the best choice. But accidents happen, and if you find yourself captured, you must have sufficient measures to deal with it.
For instance, what would you do if you were seized? Here, use me as an example."
As he spoke, Clover moved behind Robin, demonstrating a seizing motion.
"Doctor, isn't this inappropriate? I fear I might hurt you."
"No worries, I'm not that fragile. If it weren't for my current status, I could still lead an expedition team."
"Then, excuse me."
Suddenly, several arms sprouted from Clover, locking him with joint techniques.
"I would probably do this. Does this reassure you, Doctor?"
"Of course, feel free to proceed."
Soon after, Clover was seated, rubbing his waist.
"I was careless, forgetting you're an ability user. However, Robin, this is still not secure enough. If someone strong broke free from your hold, it would still be dangerous. Therefore, you should be... a bit more ruthless.
Your ability is very convenient; during a sudden attack, aim for the eyes, nose, or this spot to quickly incapacitate your opponent. This is especially effective against men, and even more so if you use your leg."
Clover was teaching Robin how to deal with enemies, and today Robin discovered the "fierce" side of the seemingly gentle Dr. Clover.
He was driven by necessity; among archaeologists, Clover was relatively strong, but compared to those who fought daily, he lagged far behind.
In his youth, to ensure his safety, he specialized in targeting the lower body, employing a combo of stomping feet, kicking between the legs, poking eyes, and slashing throats, which repeatedly helped him avert danger.
Though he had strained his waist, and most of the advice was already known to Robin, it still enriched her emergency strategy repertoire.
"Don't worry, Doctor. I still have Drizzile; it can be quite helpful."
After evolving, Drizzile's power had significantly increased, enhancing both its intelligence and physical strength.
It could set traps and use water emitted from its hands to create water bombs for attacking enemies. While it couldn't yet snipe at high speed like Inteleon, the liquid similar in composition to Sobble's tears could function as a potent tear gas.
Robin worked very well with it, making it a great companion in her adventurous life.