Chapter Text
Chapter 101: Ideals
Under the warm West Blue sun, the vast sailing ship glided over the calm seas, its silhouette gleaming against the backdrop of a clear sky. This wasn't just any ship; it was the pride of the Donquixote family, the Prometheus, proudly flying the Celestial Dragon insignia. However, this symbol was slightly unique, its traditional hoof mark was adorned with a bright purple flower in the center, the emblem of the Donquixote family.
The Prometheus was a spectacle. At the bow was a large statue of a sea god, a formidable guardian for this grand vessel. Reinforced with thick armor plating on its sides, the ship could easily withstand heavy assaults. Armed with a hundred and nine cannons spread across its bow and sides, the ship's firepower was nothing short of terrifying, able to reduce any enemy fleet to wreckage in minutes.
Beyond its defenses, Prometheus was a floating palace of luxury. The deck was so expansive it resembled a grand courtyard, large enough to host a game of polo or horse races. The deck was lined with lush green grass, complete with a sunken swimming pool and lounge areas. Rising four stories above deck, the ship even boasted a massive glass aquarium, teeming with marine life, from vibrant fish to graceful turtles and even a few sharks. At its center was an opulent restaurant, encircled by the aquarium's translucent walls, creating a dining experience that rivaled the finest establishments in the world.
Among the ship's many features, there was also a library, a place Claudius had meticulously designed to house a vast collection of books. Although the shelves were still mostly bare, Claudius had grand plans to fill them, especially with the knowledge preserved within Ohara's famed Tree of Knowledge. With some luck, he mused, he might even add a few ancient texts, including the elusive Poneglyphs, to his collection.
"Island sighted! I see a large tree in the middle of it, that must be Ohara!" Enel's voice rang out from the hot air balloon tethered to the Prometheus's upper deck. From his vantage point, Enel had been scanning the seas for any signs of danger, telescope in hand.
Claudius set down the book he was reading, took a bite from a slice of cake nearby, and asked casually, "Any Marine ships in the area?"
"Nope, the coast is clear," Enel replied.
Claudius chuckled. "Looks like we've beaten them to it. Perfect timing! If all goes well, that Tree of Knowledge will be coming with me."
As the Prometheus drew closer to Ohara, a crowd began to gather at the island's port. The townspeople stared in awe at the massive vessel, whispering among themselves.
"That's… the Celestial Dragons' banner!" an elderly man exclaimed, panic creeping into his voice. The crowd began to scatter, wary of the ship and its feared passengers. Everyone knew the reputation of the Celestial Dragons, being in their presence often meant trouble, and people were all too eager to avoid it.
Standing on the deck, Claudius watched the townsfolk retreat with a faint sense of pity. "Poor souls," he murmured. "They have no idea what's coming."
At his side, Stussy, now dressed in a sharp white suit, gave him a curious look. "Your Highness, do you intend to help them? There must be many innocent people here…"
Claudius shook his head. "Innocent or not, can you guarantee there aren't any scholars here studying forbidden texts?" he asked pointedly.
Stussy hesitated, eventually shaking her head. "No… I can't."
"Exactly," Claudius replied softly. "No one can. And if any of them manage to escape with that knowledge… well, that's a risk the Marines won't take. But I'm not here to judge them. I'm just here for the books." He grinned, turning his gaze toward the towering Tree of Knowledge in the distance.
Once the Prometheus docked, Claudius and his entourage disembarked, descending down a ramp that extended to the port. They hadn't gone far when they were approached by an elderly man with a distinctive hairstyle resembling a clover—Dr. Clover, the renowned scholar and head of Ohara's archaeological institute. The old man moved forward with the intent to kneel, showing his respect.
Claudius, however, held up a hand to stop him. "No need for that," he said gently, helping the man up. For someone of Dr. Clover's age, bowing or kneeling might just do more harm than good, Claudius thought.
"Are you Dr. Clover?" Claudius asked.
Dr. Clover nodded respectfully. "Yes, that is correct. I am honored by your visit, Your Highness. May I ask your name?"
"Claudius. Donquixote Claudius," he replied with a polite smile.
"A great honor, Lord Claudius," Dr. Clover responded, bowing his head. "How may we be of service?"
Claudius walked with the old man, gesturing toward the distant tree. "I'd like to see the Tree of Knowledge," he said, "and there are two things I'd like to accomplish during my time here. Shall we?"
"Of course," Dr. Clover agreed, falling into step beside him. After a pause, he asked, "And what might those two things be, if I may inquire?"
"Firstly, I'm looking for a certain… large individual. From what I've heard, a giant has recently been seen here. Does that ring any bells?" Claudius asked nonchalantly.
Dr. Clover's brows knitted slightly. "A giant? I haven't seen any giants on this island, I'm afraid."
Claudius waved off the concern. "No matter. I'll handle that myself. As for the second matter, I need your help with something."
Dr. Clover inclined his head. "And what might that be?"
Claudius looked at him with a faint smile. "I want to take all the books from the Tree of Knowledge. You and your scholars can help me prepare them for transport."
Dr. Clover froze, staring at Claudius in shock. "You… you want to take all the books? The Tree of Knowledge holds the history of mankind, a treasure trove of culture and wisdom. Surely you can't mean—"
"Oh, I assure you, my ship has more than enough space to accommodate the collection," Claudius replied breezily, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Dr. Clover's mind raced, struggling to process what he was hearing. "Lord Claudius, the books of Ohara… they are more than just objects. They represent centuries of knowledge, preserved by generations of scholars…"
Claudius met his gaze, his tone softening slightly. "And that's exactly why I want to preserve them, Doctor. You've done a remarkable job here, but the truth is… you don't have the means to keep them safe. Not anymore."
A heavy silence fell between them. Dr. Clover's face paled as he began to grasp the unspoken implications. "Your Highness," he said, voice shaking slightly, "we in Ohara have safeguarded this knowledge for thousands of years."
Claudius nodded sympathetically. "Yes, and look where that's brought you. The world isn't as forgiving as it once was. You may call it a pursuit of knowledge, but to others, it's a threat. Some things… are better left buried. Don't you agree, Doctor?"
Chapter 102: History Will Repeat Itself, but Humanity Cannot Turn Back Time!
Claudius's blue eyes seemed to pierce right into Dr. Clover's soul, making the old scholar feel unnerved. Claudius's smile had a disarming quality, but Dr. Clover could sense the threat behind it. Steeling himself, he responded, "I don't quite understand what you're implying, Lord Claudius. Ohara has the ability to safeguard what we hold here."
"No, Doctor. You don't," Claudius replied softly, his tone almost gentle, yet unmistakably firm. "You don't even have the strength to protect yourselves, let alone the knowledge you guard. You've lived a long life, haven't you, Doctor? Haven't you learned by now that one should never bite off more than one can chew?"
Dr. Clover fell silent for a moment, sensing the gravity of Claudius's words. "What exactly are you saying, Lord Claudius?" he asked cautiously.
Claudius chuckled, the sound almost mocking. "Haven't you ever wondered why, in the eight hundred years since the Void Century, no one from Ohara's long line of scholars has dared to dig as deep as you have into ancient texts and forbidden history? Do you think they never had the same curiosity? Or is it that they knew better than to pursue it?"
Dr. Clover's face stiffened as the weight of Claudius's words sank in. He tried to force a smile, but it was strained. "Researching ancient texts and history has been forbidden by the World Government. For centuries, we've obeyed the law."
Claudius waved a hand dismissively. "Spare me the denials, Doctor. I didn't come here to judge you. That's not my role. Save that speech for the Marines or the CP agents who might actually care to listen. Me? I simply don't want to see the treasures of the Tree of Knowledge destroyed. So, Doctor, why don't you help me transport all the books to my ship? That way, at least they'll be preserved."
Dr. Clover clenched his fists, understanding now that Claudius was speaking the truth. It was all too clear, Ohara's fate had already been decided by the World Government. They were seen as criminals, and retribution was on its way.
"Lord Claudius…" Dr. Clover began, his voice heavy with resignation, "Allow me to go and make preparations."
As he turned to leave, Stussy, dressed in her pristine white suit, placed a firm hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. "I'm afraid refusal isn't an option, Doctor," she said softly, though her words held a quiet menace. "We're extending you a rare courtesy here. His Highness is being quite generous, but I… I can be very unforgiving."
Her grip on Dr. Clover's shoulder was deceptively gentle, yet he could tell he wouldn't be able to pull away if he tried. Alarmed, he stammered, "What are you planning to do?"
"What does it look like?" Stussy replied smoothly. "We're going to help you transfer every single book from the Tree of Knowledge to His Highness's ship."
"Impossible! The Tree of Knowledge—" Dr. Clover protested, only to notice a group of soldiers approaching under the direction of Claudius's head servant, Nia.
"Your Highness!" Nia greeted, awaiting orders.
Claudius gave a casual wave. "Get the men ready, Nia. Help Dr. Clover gather the books from the Tree of Knowledge. And be careful—those books are valuable. I don't want anything damaged."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Nia responded crisply. He gestured to the soldiers behind him, and they began making their way toward the massive tree that housed Ohara's vast repository of knowledge.
Desperation flared in Dr. Clover's eyes. He looked at Claudius, his voice trembling. "Lord Claudius, please… is all of this true?"
Claudius glanced at him with a hint of impatience. "Are you really asking me that, Doctor? Deep down, you know the answer, don't you?"
The old scholar looked down, anguish flickering across his face. "So the World Government… they really see us as criminals? All because we dared to seek the truth?"
Claudius's expression softened for a moment, but his voice remained steady. "Yes, Doctor. Did you really think the World Government wouldn't notice? Your scholars have been stirring up trouble on the seas for years now. They warned you to stop, time and again, but you didn't listen. You mistook tolerance for weakness. But before you could bring real harm to this world, they decided it was time to act."
Nearby, Dr. Clover caught snippets of hurried whispers among the townspeople, rumors of Marine warships spotted approaching Ohara. His heart sank further.
"Why is it a crime to study history?" Dr. Clover asked, his voice a mixture of sorrow and defiance. "Our past defines us, shapes us. How can we move forward if we can't confront the truths of our past? If we keep running from it, we're doomed to repeat the same mistakes."
Claudius regarded him carefully. "You're right, Doctor. Understanding history is important. But you're naïve if you think that knowledge doesn't come with a price. I believe in looking at things from all angles, Doctor. Sure, your intentions may be innocent, but the impact of what you uncover could put the entire world in danger. And as you so wisely said, history does have a way of repeating itself."
"Danger?" Dr. Clover repeated, struggling to grasp the full scope of what Claudius was implying. "We are scholars! We hold no power to harm anyone. What possible threat could we be?"
"That's precisely the issue, Doctor," Claudius replied, his tone firm. "You don't have the power to protect yourselves. Ohara may be the first to unlock these secrets, but what if someone more dangerous comes along? What if Kaido or Big Mom, or any other pirate with an insatiable lust for power, found out what you've discovered? What if they got their hands on an Ancient Weapon? Could you bear the consequences?"
Dr. Clover faltered, unable to answer. He knew, in his heart, that Ohara's scholars would be defenseless against the evils of the world. "But we don't seek the Ancient Weapons… we only want to understand our past…"
Claudius sighed, cutting him off. "It doesn't matter what you seek, Doctor. What matters is the risk you pose. You can try explaining that to the Marines or the CP agents if it makes you feel better, but my advice? Help us secure these books. At least that way, something of Ohara might survive. Consider it your final contribution to humanity."
Dr. Clover's shoulders slumped, the fight leaving him as he looked into Claudius's piercing gaze. "So, there really is no way to save Ohara, is there?"
Claudius looked at him with a hint of sympathy. "History will repeat itself, Doctor. But humanity… humanity can never turn back time."
Dr. Clover took in Claudius's words, his eyes misting over as he whispered to himself, "Humanity cannot turn back time…" He gave a sad, resigned smile, seeming to finally accept his fate. "I see it now. This is the end… and I have led Ohara to its death."
Claudius gestured to Stussy, who released her grip on Dr. Clover's shoulder. "Go on, Doctor. Do what you can, while you still have time."
With one last weary glance, Dr. Clover nodded and walked away, his steps heavy as he prepared to assist Claudius's men in transporting Ohara's precious knowledge.
Chapter 103: Spandine: I’m About to Make It Big!
At the port of Ohara, Spandine stood in stunned silence as a line of heavily armed soldiers moved stacks of books from the island onto a large ship anchored nearby.
"Who are these people? And what the hell are they doing?" Spandine muttered, glancing questioningly at a subordinate beside him.
The subordinate quickly responded, "Sir Spandine, I heard it's His Highness Claudius who's on the island."
Spandine felt a pang of dread. The presence of Celestial Dragons complicated everything. Even though he hadn't seen this particular ship before, the flag it bore was unmistakable, no one in their right mind would dare interfere.
"Why didn't anyone inform me sooner?!" Spandine snapped, masking his unease. "Get moving, take me to him at once!"
Meanwhile, inside the Tree of Knowledge, Claudius was gazing around in awe at the massive, hollowed-out tree that served as Ohara's legendary library. Shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls stretched up to the ceiling, housing humanity's forgotten cultures and wisdom. The sheer volume of knowledge amassed here was breathtaking.
As he observed, Stussy approached quietly, stopping beside him. "Your Highness, our men have found the renegade Giant Vice Admiral—Jaguar D. Saul—hiding on the west coast."
Claudius glanced at her and nodded. "I see."
"Do you wish for him to be apprehended?" Stussy inquired.
Claudius shook his head dismissively. "Let's not get sidetracked. The priority right now is to evacuate all these books from the Tree of Knowledge. Also, hand me the Den Den Mushi."
Stussy handed over the Den Den Mushi she carried, and Claudius dialed a number. After a few rings, a lazy voice picked up, sounding as though the speaker had just been woken up.
"Kuzan?" Claudius greeted with a slight smile.
At that moment, Kuzan was lying sprawled out on the deck of a warship stationed around Ohara, a sleep mask pushed up onto his forehead. Recognizing the voice on the line, he seemed a bit surprised.
"Your Highness Claudius?"
"That's me," Claudius replied with a grin.
"So… you're actually on Ohara?" Kuzan asked, amused.
"Of course. If you're all planning to blow this place to pieces, someone has to be here to rescue these precious artifacts before they're lost forever. You know me, always looking out for the world's cultural treasures," Claudius joked.
Kuzan chuckled. "I didn't think of that angle."
"Well, I didn't call to discuss my library. Sengoku requested that CP-X assist Marine with a certain… problematic situation. Specifically, your wayward friend, Jaguar D. Saul. If I remember correctly, you two were close, right?"
Kuzan fell silent, clearly uncomfortable. After a moment, he admitted, "Yes… Saul and I are good friends. We've been through a lot together."
"Then I'll leave his fate in your hands," Claudius said quietly.
There was a pause before Kuzan replied, "Wait… does that mean… you know where he is?"
"He's on Ohara, hiding in the forest along the western coastline. But it's not my place to interfere in Marine matters. That's between you and him," Claudius said, his tone carefully neutral.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Kuzan replied solemnly. "I'll handle it."
As they hung up, Claudius looked down at the phone worm, musing to himself. "Was that too harsh? After all, they are friends…"
Stussy, who had overheard, gave a small smile. "I think Your Highness was quite considerate. Precisely because they're friends, you gave Kuzan the chance to settle this himself."
"Maybe," Claudius murmured, before his attention shifted to Dr. Clover, who was walking towards him, holding the hand of a young girl with short, dark hair. The girl looked around in confusion, clearly unsure of what was happening.
"Nico Robin," Claudius whispered to himself.
"Hm? Did you say something, Your Highness?" Stussy asked, not quite catching his words.
"Nothing important," Claudius replied, smiling faintly.
Dr. Clover approached him and spoke in a calm, yet urgent tone. "Your Highness Claudius, I see that you're a man who values culture and knowledge. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here, trying to save these books. So… I have a request."
"Go on," Claudius said, nodding.
Clover took a deep breath. "I'd like to entrust this child to your care. Her name is Nico Robin. She's a gifted child, with an insatiable curiosity for knowledge and culture."
He didn't mention that Robin was already an accomplished scholar in her own right, despite being only eight years old. To him, she was like a granddaughter, and now, in these final moments, he wanted to ensure her safety.
Claudius looked at Clover, slightly bemused. This was the same man who'd resisted him only moments before, yet now he was entrusting a child to his care. The irony was not lost on him.
"And why, exactly, should I accept this request?" Claudius asked, his tone softer than his words.
Clover hesitated, then replied, "I noticed Your Highness has a deep respect for books and knowledge. Surely a grand library like yours could use a skilled caretaker. Robin has spent her whole life here in the Tree of Knowledge, she knows these books inside and out. I believe she could be of great help to you, guiding you through the collection, finding whatever you need with ease."
Claudius was silent, looking at Clover for a long moment before his gaze dropped to Robin. The little girl was watching them with wide, apprehensive eyes, uncertain but trusting in her mentor.
Finally, Claudius let out a small smile. "You make a compelling argument."
Clover's shoulders slumped with relief, a small smile of gratitude crossing his face. For him, Claudius was Robin's best chance of survival. Despite her young age, she was already a true Ohara scholar, and he wanted a piece of Ohara to live on, even if it had to be through her.
He knelt down beside Robin, speaking softly. "Robin, I've entrusted you to this gentleman. His status is very high, he'll keep you safe. From now on, stay close to him, do as he says, and don't cause any trouble, alright?"
Robin looked at him with teary eyes. "What about you, Grandpa Clover?"
Clover forced a gentle smile. "I'm staying here in Ohara, my dear."
"But… I want to stay too," Robin said, her voice trembling.
He hugged her tightly, whispering in her ear, "Robin… from now on, you are Ohara."
Claudius gave them a moment, his gaze drifting back to the diminishing rows of books. Just then, an overly familiar, sycophantic voice grated on his ears.
"Your Highness, there you are!"
Claudius turned to see Spandine hurrying over, practically tripping over himself in his eagerness.
"Hahaha, Spandine," Claudius greeted him with a knowing smile. "Looks like you're the CP lead for this operation?"
Spandine, ever obsequious, nodded rapidly. "Yes, thanks to Admiral Sengoku's recommendation, I was assigned as the overseer for this Buster Call. Quite an honor."
"Well, do a good job and it might get you some recognition back in Mariejois," Claudius replied, nodding.
Spandine laughed nervously, quick to agree. Then, after a moment of hesitation, he cautiously asked, "If I may… Your Highness, what exactly are you…?"
"Oh, this?" Claudius gestured to the books being loaded onto his ship. "I'm simply salvaging some of these cultural artifacts. No need for you to concern yourself, go ahead and complete your mission."
Relief flooded Spandine's face. "Of course, Your Highness. Thank you for clarifying."
Just as Spandine was about to turn away, Claudius spoke up again, as if remembering something. "By the way, Spandine, have you ever considered a position in CP-X?"
Spandine's eyes widened in shock, his face lighting up with excitement. "Your Highness… are you serious? A chance to serve directly under you?"
Claudius clapped a hand on Spandine's shoulder, smiling in that charming yet unreadable way. "I've always appreciated your skills and loyalty. I think you'd fit right in."
In that moment, Spandine's mind whirled with thoughts of his impending success. There was only one thought echoing in his head: I'm about to make it big!
Chapter 104: The End of Ohara
The books from the Tree of Knowledge were quickly taken by Claudius and his crew. Once he had what he came for, Claudius decided he wouldn't get further involved in the events about to unfold on Ohara. The rest was bound to get messy, and he preferred to avoid the hassle.
Walking toward the port with Spandine, Claudius observed as CP-9 agents and Marine soldiers kept tight control over the scholars who had been detained in the Tree of Knowledge. It was only a matter of time before they discovered the ancient text hidden beneath the tree.
Following behind them, Stussy held onto little Robin, who kept looking back, clearly distressed. Just as they neared the port, Robin spotted a familiar figure in the distance, one she'd only seen in faint memories, but that still held a place in her heart. She watched as the woman hurried towards the Tree of Knowledge, looking frantic.
Claudius noticed too and raised an eyebrow. The woman had silver hair and a sharp, fox-like expression—distinctly resembling Robin's future self. This must be Nico Olvia, Robin's mother.
Spandine saw her as well and let out an angry shout. "Nico Olvia!!!"
"Mom!" Robin cried out, her voice high with emotion. She didn't need any more confirmation after hearing Spandine's outburst. That was her mother.
Olvia stopped in her tracks as she heard Robin's voice, her eyes widening in shock as she looked at her daughter in the arms of strangers. She didn't know why Robin was with these people, had they captured her to use as leverage?
"Mom?" Spandine glanced between Robin and Olvia, putting the pieces together.
Claudius watched in silence for a moment before giving Stussy a small nod. Stussy understood and released Robin's hand, letting her run over to her mother. Robin flung herself into Olvia's arms, and the two embraced tightly, Olvia's face streaked with tears as she held her daughter close.
Spandine, his irritation momentarily masked by curiosity, glanced at Claudius. "She is the fugitive from Marine."
Feigning ignorance, Claudius asked, "Is that so?"
Spandine quickly confirmed. "Yes, it was because of her that we were able to confirm Ohara's suspicions in the first place."
Claudius nodded. "Well, it looks like you have your hands full here. I'll leave you to it. I'm heading back to Mariejois."
"Understood, Your Highness," Spandine replied, almost too eager to please.
Claudius continued, "Once everything's wrapped up here, make sure to finish your work at CP-9 and bring Robin to me in Mariejois. Oh, and don't forget to bring Lucci as well."
Spandine nodded eagerly, his face lighting up with the prospect of a promising future under Claudius. "Yes, Your Highness! I'll arrange everything. I also have some capable subordinates in CP-9… I was wondering if…"
Claudius waved a hand, signaling he wasn't particularly bothered. "If you think they're up to the task, bring them along. I'm assigning you to set up a specialized intelligence division similar to CP's structure under CP-X. You'll be responsible for it."
Spandine was visibly thrilled. "Thank you, Your Highness! I promise to serve you well. Once I finish up matters here, I'll report to Mariejois without delay!"
Claudius nodded, his expression one of mild approval. "I'm counting on you."
Satisfied, Claudius turned and walked away with Stussy and the rest of his entourage, leaving Robin and Olvia to share a final moment together. As far as he was concerned, Robin was in no danger. His own orders and Spandine's presence were enough to ensure her safety.
Watching Claudius disappear from view, Spandine turned his attention back to Olvia. In another scenario, he would have treated her as any other fugitive, capturing or eliminating her without a second thought. But now, knowing she was the mother of the child Claudius seemed to have taken an interest in, he hesitated. He didn't want to risk offending the young Celestial Dragon.
Is this some kind of test from His Highness? Spandine thought, overanalyzing the situation. After a brief pause, he muttered to himself, Maybe I'll just detain her instead of executing her outright. That way, the World Government gets their prize, and Claudius's protégée doesn't lose her mother completely. Everyone wins.
Unaware of Spandine's internal conflict, Claudius had already boarded his ship, the Prometheus. As the ship pulled away from Ohara, he walked briskly towards the library that had been constructed onboard. The sight of row after row of books lining the shelves brought a genuine smile to his face.
The library was nearly two-thirds full, filled with the rescued knowledge from the Tree of Knowledge. Claudius was thrilled, picking up a random volume and skimming through its contents. The book contained information he had never encountered before, insight into different cultures, ancient records, and mysteries lost to time.
"'The History of the Land of Flowers,' 'The Fairies of Dressrosa,' 'Nefertari, the Descendants of the Twenty Kings'..." he murmured, reading off the titles. A spark of excitement lit in his eyes.
The depth and range of these records were astounding, covering the histories of countless nations and regions. It truly was a treasure trove of human culture and knowledge.
"With all this," Claudius muttered to himself with satisfaction, "I could train an entire generation of scholars… ones who'll be loyal to me."
The Prometheus sailed further from Ohara's shores as Claudius continued his exploration of the library. Nia walked in quietly, carrying a steaming cup of tea, and smiled when she saw her master's enthusiasm.
"Your Highness, would you care for some tea?" she offered.
"Ah, Nia," Claudius said, taking the cup from her with a grin. "What do you think? Isn't this library magnificent?"
Nia looked around, clearly impressed. "Indeed, Your Highness. I just didn't expect that even the entire Tree of Knowledge couldn't completely fill these shelves."
Claudius chuckled. "True. We should keep adding to this collection. If we come across more rare books or even records from other races—like from Fish-Man Island—we'll bring those in as well."
They chatted a bit longer about future plans for the library. Then, a thought struck Nia, and she hesitated before voicing it. "Your Highness… as we left the port, I noticed Marine and the CP agents were organizing some evacuation vessels. Do you think they're… planning to do something drastic?"
Claudius took a thoughtful sip of tea. "And which Vice Admirals are leading the Buster Call this time?"
Nia replied, "It's Kuzan, Sakazuki, Onigumo, Strawberry, and Doberman, if I'm not mistaken."
Claudius sighed, the weight of realization settling in. "Well, that's quite the lineup."
"Hm? What do you mean, Your Highness?" Nia asked, slightly puzzled.
Claudius didn't answer directly. Instead, he glanced back at the distant shores of Ohara. In the quiet that followed, faint sounds of explosions and cannon fire reached their ears, echoing over the water.
Chapter 105: Dragon: One of These Days, You’ll Drive Me Crazy!
In Sea Circle Calendar 1505, three years had passed since the Ohara incident. The world remained in turmoil, with no signs of improvement. If anything, the pirate forces had grown more rampant, spreading chaos across the seas and leaving a trail of destruction and suffering.
Marine, despite conducting several rounds of conscription to bolster its ranks, struggled to cleanse the seas of the ever-growing number of pirates. At best, they were able to maintain a fragile sense of order.
Meanwhile, Claudius's CP-X had flourished. Under Stussy's management, Happy Street had become a dominant force in the dark world, recognized as the largest network of establishments for entertainment and intelligence. Branches had sprung up in key locations worldwide, with over 170 countries hosting strongholds. Even in territories difficult for the World Government to reach such as Charlotte Linlin's expanding Totto Land—Happy Street had its presence.
Doflamingo and Crocodile were thriving as well, both gaining notoriety as formidable pirates in the New World. Crocodile had assembled a powerful fleet, specializing in piracy, while Doflamingo balanced his pirate persona with his growing underground business. Known as the "Joker," he was gaining recognition as a middleman in the underworld, weaving connections with all sorts of shady players.
Umit, under Claudius's watchful eye, had expanded his shipping empire significantly. He now controlled nearly 40% of the world's smuggling operations and was well on his way to becoming the "King of Shipping." However, Claudius could sense that Umit's growing wealth was making him restless, chafing under the heavy tributes he had to pay. Claudius was biding his time, knowing that when the moment was right, Umit's fate would be sealed, and his empire absorbed.
Spandine, now part of CP-X, had proven to be a dependable subordinate. His experience was invaluable in developing Claudius's specialized espionage division. His long-term project involved infiltrating and subtly influencing the World Economy News Paper. Morgans, that audacious "birdman," would one day have to be put in his place.
And then there was the matter of Lancelot. Shortly after Claudius returned to Mariejois from Ohara, Doflamingo sent a "gift" from the New World. Claudius hadn't needed to open it to know that it was Lancelot's head. A man who once seemed like an insurmountable obstacle was now just another casualty, forgotten and irrelevant. The report labeled it a shipwreck, every last member of Lancelot's fleet perished, over two thousand men lost to the sea. No survivors.
With Lancelot's demise, Claudius had ascended to the position of "Patriarch of the Donquixote Family" without incident. Everything had fallen into place as expected.
Now, Claudius found himself in the first half of the Grand Line, near the waters surrounding Little Garden. He was on the Prometheus, heading for the prehistoric island out of simple curiosity. He wanted to see the ancient creatures dinosaurs and perhaps capture one as a pet.
Inside the grand library of the Prometheus, Claudius sat comfortably in a chair, holding an ancient history book about Alabasta. Tea and incense were set on a table nearby, adding to the calm atmosphere. The tranquility was interrupted by the sudden ringing of a Den Den Mushi on the table.
"So, where are you now?" came the voice of Dragon, sounding slightly amused.
Claudius sighed, flipping a page. "What do you need, Dragon? I'm on vacation."
Dragon chuckled softly. "You never really rest, do you? Let me guess you were part of the Ohara incident, weren't you?"
Claudius rolled his eyes, half-smiling. "I suppose you could say that."
"What does that even mean?" Dragon asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and exasperation.
"It means I was in Ohara at the time but wasn't exactly participating in the main event. Satisfied?" Claudius replied playfully.
"Close enough," Dragon said, pausing before getting to his point. "That means you had access to the books from the Tree of Knowledge. You took them, didn't you?"
"'Took them'? You make it sound so criminal. I preserved them for the sake of safeguarding the world's cultural heritage," Claudius shot back with mock indignation.
There was a silence on the other end, then Dragon sighed. "So, you do have them. Let's cut to the chase can I borrow some?"
Claudius looked puzzled for a moment. "Why? Planning to switch from leading a revolution to academia?" he asked, amused.
Dragon chuckled again, though this time there was an edge of seriousness. "I want to see if I can train scholars within my own ranks."
Claudius's expression darkened slightly. "So, you're hoping to decipher the ancient texts? Following in Ohara's footsteps, are you?"
"Your insight is as sharp as ever," Dragon admitted, a note of resignation in his voice. "Yes, knowing that history could be crucial to the Revolutionary Army."
"Why is everyone so obsessed with the past?" Claudius muttered, closing his book and rubbing his temple.
"'History is a mirror that reflects our mistakes and triumphs,'" Dragon said, quoting something Claudius had told him once.
Claudius sighed. "Alright. I'll let you make copies of whatever you need. But let me be clear, if you're hoping to recreate Ohara's success in decoding the ancient language, you're in for disappointment. The odds aren't in your favor."
Dragon's voice hardened, but he maintained his composure. "I'm aware. But I have to try."
Claudius hesitated, then added in a lighter tone, "I'll give you a tip Nico Olvia is still alive, imprisoned on the sixth level of Impel Down, Eternal Hell. She has the knowledge you're looking for. If you're serious, why not plan a prison break?"
Dragon scoffed. "If I had the manpower for that, I'd be storming Mariejois and setting your palace on fire."
Claudius laughed, the sound rich and unbothered. Before he could respond, Dragon cut him off. "And no, I'm not talking about breaking into Impel Down. I meant reading. I swear, Claudius, one of these days, you're going to drive me insane."