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Chapter Text

Chapter 1: The Beginning of the Celestial Dragon

To speak of the New World is to speak of the most treacherous sea in the entire Grand Line... No, it's more accurate to say it's the most dangerous sea area in the entire world.

The ocean here is turbulent and volatile, with bizarre phenomena occurring on a daily basis. Sailing through this region is an unparalleled experience.

In the New World, no matter how experienced a veteran might be, death can come at any moment.

After all, everything in this place shatters the understanding of even the most seasoned navigators.

Whether it's an island suspended in the sky, or a sea suddenly splitting open, or a sudden hailstorm larger than ships under a clear blue sky.

In short, no matter what unimaginable event you think of, the New World can make it happen.

Even if the ocean surface abruptly transforms into boiling magma that consumes everything, it's nothing out of the ordinary here.

And the sea is fair in its ruthlessness. It does not discriminate, regardless of who you are pirate, Marine, adventurer, noble, or merchant it doesn't matter. To the sea, every identity is equal, for you are all its children.

Currently, in the waters near the entrance of the New World, on an unnamed island, there exists a man who has lived even after he should have died.

To speak of "living" here is not quite accurate it would be more appropriate to say that this man had already died once, only for his body to be taken over by a soul from another world, beginning a new journey.

At this moment, on the shore of this desolate island, a youth who appeared to be in his teens stood. His body was plump, dressed in tattered clothing that still retained an air of former elegance. His pale blonde hair was long, his face imposing despite his swollen features, his skin morbidly fair.

At a glance, anyone could tell that this young man was no ordinary person. He seemed like one of those idle, inept nobles one who knew nothing of hardship or labor. A person whose life consisted of nothing but eating, drinking, and waiting for death.

Indeed, this young man possessed an extraordinary background. If one were to ask whether there existed anyone in the world who, from the moment of birth to their inevitable demise, enjoyed absolute privilege and authority whose power and wealth were unmatched.

The answer would be yes. Such beings did exist. They are known as Celestial Dragons, referred to as the "Nobles of the World."

To discuss the Nobles of the World, we must delve into an event that occurred 800 years ago.

It is said that 800 years ago, the royal families of twenty kingdoms banded together to form a new regime with the goal of establishing a new world order the World Government. Since then, this World Government has ruled the entire globe for 800 years.

During this period, the descendants of those twenty kings were given illustrious titles like the "Descendants of the Creator" or the "Descendants of the Gods."

These descendants are collectively known as the Celestial Dragons, the true Nobles of the World. The Celestial Dragons are the living embodiment of the World Government, as it was their ancestors who established it.

Moreover, the highest levels of authority in the World Government have always been held by the most powerful Celestial Dragons.

Thus, over the past 800 years, the status of the Celestial Dragons has been constantly "elevated."

Now, they enjoy privileges and powers that ordinary people can never dream of reaching.

To illustrate this, let's use the simplest example: a Marine Admiral the highest rank in the Marines, second only to the Fleet Admiral.

Such a person would be regarded as a figure of great stature, influence, and power across the world.

This person could authorize a Buster Call to condemn an entire island as "criminal" and erase its existence from the map.

Their strength is among the top-tier in this world. While they may not necessarily be the absolute strongest, they undoubtedly rank among the elite.

And yet, such a figure, a Marine Admiral, in the presence of a Celestial Dragon, is merely a "bodyguard."

Yes, the Celestial Dragons are so exalted that whether it's the Marines, who rule the seas, or the enigmatic CP (Cipher Pol) organizations, they are merely the Celestial Dragon's servants.

Offending a Celestial Dragon is an offense that demands retribution at the highest level. The Marine Headquarters and CP organizations must do everything in their power to maintain the dignity of the Celestial Dragons.

That is to say, should something happen to a Celestial Dragon, a Marine Admiral-level figure must personally intervene to clean up the mess.

This world is so unreasonably structured. It is because of this absurdity that the Celestial Dragons have continued to elevate themselves over the past 800 years, viewing everything beneath them as mere dust.

To them, only their own kind the Celestial Dragons are considered people. The rest are merely "slaves."

Their arrogance and disdain for others have reached such an extreme that they wear bubble hoods out of sheer self-importance, simply because they do not want to breathe the same air as the common "untouchables." Though it may seem ludicrous, this custom illustrates the pride and arrogance of the Celestial Dragons in the most blatant manner.

At this moment, the chubby youth sitting on a rock by the shore of this unnamed island was none other than a Celestial Dragon of the most distinguished rank.

"Donquixote Claudius... What a domineering name, but the person himself is a bit of an idiot, no?" the plump youth muttered as he sat on a rock, continually criticizing his predecessor.

Yes, he was a member of the Donquixote family, an authentic Celestial Dragon.

Eight hundred years ago, the Donquixote family was the royal family of Dressrosa. After forming the World Government, the family moved from Dressrosa to the holy land of Mariejois, becoming one of the 19 remaining Celestial Dragon families.

Yes, nineteen.

Among the twenty kings' descendants, the royal family of Alabasta the Nefertari family chose not to relocate to Mariejois, thus refraining from becoming Celestial Dragons.

Instead, over the course of 800 years, they have come to be seen as mere "provincial lords" in the eyes of the Celestial Dragons.

Nonetheless, the Nefertari family still holds a measure of respect in Mariejois and within the World Government.

In short, this chubby youth is a member of the Donquixote family. From a familial standpoint, one could say he is the big cousin of the future pirate overlord, Heavenly Demon Donquixote Doflamingo, older by a few years.

As for the name "Claudius," it might not mean much in this world, but Claudius knows very well that this name carries the legacy of a certain Roman emperor a name signifying power and might.

Holding a wooden stick in his hand, Donquixote Claudius scratched out a few lines on the sand, muttering to himself: "First things first, let's get a clear picture of my current situation..."

"To start, the first point is that this idiot of a predecessor somehow ended up eating a Devil Fruit. I can't change that, but at least it's a Logia-type. With my excellent brain... I shouldn't be as hopeless as that idiot, right?" Claudius murmured softly.

Yes, his foolish predecessor despite being a noble Celestial Dragon had somehow been tricked into eating a Devil Fruit. While it was indeed a Logia-type fruit, it still highlighted his predecessor's sheer stupidity.

Naturally, if the present Claudius possessed the same inexplicable sense of nobility as the current Celestial Dragons, he would rather throw a powerful Devil Fruit to the slaves as a toy than use it to enhance his own strength.

But that's not who he is.

Yes, Claudius is a far more pragmatic person.

He does not subscribe to these so-called "feudal" beliefs.

Moreover, having arrived in the world of One Piece, how could he not relish the opportunity to experience the sensation of wielding Devil Fruit powers and the extraordinary mysteries they entail?

Thus, if his predecessor hadn't foolishly consumed a Devil Fruit, Claudius would still have dreamed of developing something like the Thunder Fruit to play with. But now it seemed that dream could no longer be realized. What a pity...

"The second point is that Claudius... or rather, I... am a Celestial Dragon."

No wonder this body is so fat, bloated, and utterly wasted.

It really puts a damper on my own handsome soul...

Claudius shook his head helplessly and looked at his reflection in the fluctuating tide, sighing at the state of his own body.

Understanding the situation of being a Celestial Dragon, especially a lower-tier one like Claudius, is straightforward.

The World Government is a massive organization that has maintained world order for 800 years. It's not possible for all Celestial Dragons to be mindless idiots like Claudius.

While all Celestial Dragons share the same noble bloodline, they are divided into upper and lower classes.

To use the simplest analogy, consider the Five Elders, the highest power holders in the World Government.

The Five Elders are also Celestial Dragons, but they are of the highest order.

Individuals like them are vastly different from the trash like Claudius.

They possess sharp minds, abundant experience, and serve as the steering wheel of the World Government's ship.

In addition to the highest-ranking Celestial Dragons, there are also the middle and upper Celestial Dragons those who hold leadership positions within the Celestial Dragon families or possess some capability of their own.

These individuals can be regarded as power holders within the Celestial Dragons' social hierarchy, wielding some measure of authority and a more "normal" state of mind.

Finally, there are those like Claudius, the lowest-tier Celestial Dragons who are mere parasites, content to eat, drink, and waste away.

After examining his appearance reflected in the ebb and flow of the tide, Claudius touched his chin for a moment, finally nodding with a hint of self-satisfaction and vanity.

"From a foundational perspective, there's potential. If I can change this temperament and transform this body, I should be able to match this skin with my truly handsome soul."

The original Claudius was a textbook example of a lower-tier Celestial Dragon, existing only to eat, drink, and wait for death. He lacked any awareness or motivation to take care of his physical appearance. Over-indulgence and laziness had turned him into a repulsive "dead fat" slob.

But if one were to look past these acquired factors and consider the underlying natural foundation, Claudius could indeed become quite good-looking. After all, the Celestial Dragons, despite their flaws, have a decent standard of aesthetics. Whenever they saw someone beautiful, they would often marry them, adding these individuals to their collection of wives. This proves, at the very least, that their aesthetic sense is not skewed.

Moreover, these Nobles of the World have been consuming the finest foods and enjoying the best of life for 800 years, which means their genes remain quite strong. As such, very few among them grow up to be hideously ugly. Most of their unpleasant appearances are the result of excessive indulgence and the absence of restraint.

In conclusion, Claudius felt that if he could put in the effort to control this body's excessive desires, lose weight, and shake off the inherent greasiness, he should be able to transform into a handsome man.

After all, his cousin, Donquixote Doflamingo, would become quite a dashing figure in the future at least much more attractive than most Celestial Dragons in Mariejois.

In Claudius's opinion, this was largely due to Doflamingo's unique growth environment. If Doflamingo had stayed in Mariejois, merely existing as a Celestial Dragon, he probably would have ended up the same as the others physically and mentally decayed.

"Lastly, the reason why Claudius my predecessor ended up shipwrecked and stranded on this island is clearly due to some conspiracy. After all, by all rights, I should have already been dead," Claudius murmured softly, a complicated light flashing in his eyes.

Chapter2: My Predecessor Was MentallyDeficient?

As the saying goes, "Where there are people, there are conflicts." The same principle applies to the Celestial Dragons in the Holy Land of Mariejois.

Celestial Dragons don't bother competing with ordinary "untouchables" because they have no need to contend with such lowly beings.

Anything they desire, they can simply take.

To the Celestial Dragons, they are inherently "superior." There is no need to fight because the untouchables wouldn't dare to oppose them. Could any lowborn commoner truly dare to rob a Celestial Dragon?

Therefore, conflicts among Celestial Dragons are usually restricted to their own class. Only those with equal nobility are considered their "rivals."

If you were to recount Donquixote Claudius's experiences, it would sound like a bad soap opera filled with absurdity and irony.

Don't let his status as a low-level Celestial Dragon fool you his parents were once quite influential.

They were the original heads of the Donquixote family, making Claudius, by birthright, a true "Second Generation" Celestial Dragon.

But as fate would have it, life is unpredictable, and disasters strike even those who consider themselves gods.

In the end, the Celestial Dragons are merely human, subject to the same cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death.

Claudius's parents died three years ago from an incurable illness. At that time, Claudius was just seven years old far too young to assume his father's position as the head of the Donquixote family.

With no one to take up the mantle, control of the family fell to Doflamingo's father, Donquixote Homing.

Homing was an anomaly among the Celestial Dragons.

He was kind-hearted and lacked the malicious intentions typical of his kind. He treated the young Claudius with genuine care, raising him like his own son over the past three years.

If nothing unusual had occurred, Claudius would have continued to grow up under Homing's care, living a life of luxury and indulgence until adulthood, where he could simply laze about like the rest of the useless Celestial Dragons, enjoying all that the world had to offer.

What more could a wasteful Celestial Dragon want? However, according to Claudius's memories, Homing had even planned to return the position of family patriarch to Claudius once he reached adulthood.

"If I think about it, living such an unproductive life while still enjoying everything the world has to offer… It doesn't sound half bad, does it?" Claudius murmured with a wry smile.

It has to be said, living such a life would indeed be quite pleasant no need to struggle, no need to face unpleasant matters...

But therein lies the problem...

For some reason, there seems to be an inexplicable "idealistic trait" buried deep within the Donquixote lineage, causing one or two problematic individuals to appear every so often.

In Claudius's view, these people are "mentally deficient" those who cannot comprehend reality. And, to make matters worse, Donquixote Homing, the current head of the Donquixote family, is exactly one of these individuals.

Over the past year or so, perhaps due to a trip he took with his wife and children to the North Blue where he witnessed the world's true state, Homing's idealistic trait had been fully triggered.

A prominent patriarch of the Holy Land Mariejois, a great man among Celestial Dragons, was now experiencing a sort of mental lapse. Every so often, he entertained the bizarre idea that he didn't want to be a Celestial Dragon anymore he wanted to be an ordinary man living in the "lower realms" with the common folk.

Within the Celestial Dragon class, such thoughts are considered outright lunacy the very epitome of mental sickness.

Worse yet, after contemplating this fantasy for a year, Homing hadn't discarded the notion. Instead, he was more convinced that this was the path he should follow.

As the saying goes, "Longing is the furthest distance from understanding." Homing, fixated on the simple life of ordinary people, believed it to be carefree and fulfilling.

He dreamt of living a life of farming and simplicity, never once considering the harsh realities of such a lifestyle. It was truly a classic example of the naive perspective of those who live above the world's struggles.

After all, how could a Celestial Dragon, born at the pinnacle of the world, possibly understand the hardships of the common people? It was the same as if a king told a starving peasant, "Why don't you eat meat instead?"

Due to this delusional fantasy, over the past year, Homing had begun making arrangements to create a "fallback plan" for the Donquixote family.

As the current head of the Donquixote family, Homing did have some sense of responsibility. He wasn't planning to simply disappear and leave everything behind. Instead, he began organizing the handover of the family's power and wealth.

During this process, the previously inconspicuous Claudius suddenly found himself in a very unfortunate position.

Despite his status as a useless waste, Claudius was still the legitimate heir of the Donquixote family according to both law and bloodline.

And among the Celestial Dragons, lineage is everything. It's the fundamental basis upon which their entire power structure and class system are built.

Thus, when Homing prepared to relinquish his position as head of the family, Claudius was naturally pushed into the spotlight.

Homing sincerely intended to return the leadership of the Donquixote family to Claudius. Claudius, in his former state of blissful ignorance, had no sense of the danger and eagerly accepted the arrangement, completely oblivious to the storm brewing around him.

Thinking back on it now, Claudius felt utterly speechless. His predecessor was truly a naïve and incompetent fool. He didn't even stop to consider that, beyond having a more legitimate bloodline, he had absolutely no qualifications to become the head of the Donquixote family.

First of all, there was his age. Was everyone else in the Donquixote family dead? Why else would they need a ten-year-old child to become their leader?

Secondly, due to his youth and the early death of his parents, Homing being the kind-hearted simpleton that he was—had not left Claudius with any capable supporters or advisors.

Thus, in terms of power and influence, Claudius had absolutely no foundation. He was just a worthless, powerless child.

If Claudius had been a genius, someone who showed promise and potential, perhaps the other Celestial Dragons might have tolerated his leadership, albeit reluctantly, in the hopes that he could elevate the Donquixote family to new heights in the future.

But the former Claudius was a true idiot, someone who could accomplish nothing except eat, sleep, and waste away.

So, what did the rest of the Donquixote family think? With a mediocre brat like Claudius leading them, it wouldn't be long before the once-prestigious Donquixote family fell to the bottom of the 19 Celestial Dragon families.

Thus, for the sake of both the family's honor and their own power, everyone with a shred of intelligence within the Donquixote family secretly opposed the idea of Claudius becoming the family's head.

Claudius understood this sentiment perfectly now. If it had been up to him, he wouldn't have chosen such a waste to be the head of the family either!

But that idealist Homing couldn't see the truth. He believed that returning the family's authority to Claudius was the rightful choice, that it was a moral duty to restore Claudius's position.

And so, events unfolded one after another. First, Claudius was tricked into eating a Devil Fruit prepared as a mere fruit salad, no less becoming the laughingstock of the Celestial Dragons.

This alone should have been enough, but Homing's stubbornness remained unmoved, even after Claudius became a joke among his peers. This only made things harder for those rational-minded Celestial Dragons who didn't want to see Claudius leading the family.

Forced into a corner by Homing's stubbornness and Claudius's sheer ineptitude, they had no choice but to resort to drastic measures.

Thus, the incident leading to Claudius's shipwreck occurred. After being poisoned with a Devil Fruit, he was cast out to sea. Given the way things played out, Claudius, a useless waste with no special abilities, should have died.

In fact, he did die in that shipwreck. The original Claudius's soul perished, making way for the rebirth of a new one.

Sitting on the rocky shore of this desolate island, Claudius felt exasperated as he recalled the absurd events that had transpired in his predecessor's life. If that fool had possessed just a bit of self-awareness and didn't arrogantly believe he deserved to be the head of the Donquixote family, he wouldn't have ended up dead at sea. He wouldn't have eaten a Devil Fruit, let alone become a laughingstock.

But what's done is done. There was no turning back now, and Claudius could only focus on the future.

Currently, he was stranded on a deserted island. Building a ship by himself was not entirely impossible, but the problem was that he had no experience with sailing, let alone navigating through the dangerous New World. Attempting to go out to sea would only lead to a quicker death.

Thus, from the very beginning, Claudius had no intention of building a ship to sail away. He was left with only two choices.

The first option was to do nothing, accept this damn fate, and wait here until he really died. The previous owner of this body had already chosen this path, resulting in the current situation of having a new soul occupy his lifeless shell.

The second option was to find a way to survive on this island and wait for rescue.

Yes, even if this was a conspiracy, Claudius was still a Celestial Dragon. Even if it was for appearances' sake, the Donquixote family would definitely send people to search for and rescue him.

It's just that the process might be delayed. They would likely wait until everyone was certain Claudius was dead and lost forever before making a move.

But that was enough for Claudius. He believed he could survive long enough for the rescue team to arrive and bring him back to Mariejois.

"Damn it, when I get back to Mariejois, the first thing I'm going to do is announce that I'm quitting this nonsense of being the Donquixote family's patriarch. Whoever wants the position can take it!" Claudius cursed angrily.

With his current abilities, even if he now had a different soul, it was impossible for him to immediately gain support and become the head of the Donquixote family.

Rather than struggle for a position he wasn't suited for, it was better to just give it up, change his mindset, and alter his approach.

As for whether he harbored any resentment towards those who orchestrated the downfall of his predecessor… well, not really. After all, he couldn't stand his predecessor's incompetence either.

Claudius was a practical person. He wouldn't take on the burdens of his predecessor's "debts" just because he now inhabited his body. Swearing to avenge the former owner? That's simply not going to happen...

Of course, if someone tried to kill him again in the future... well, Claudius wouldn't mind dealing with those who thought they could take him lightly.

"Well, it's useless to think about it too much now. Let's focus on how to survive until rescue comes… Damn it, a Celestial Dragon stranded on a deserted island? This is just ridiculous..." Claudius laughed at himself bitterly.

Chapter3: KingEngine?

The deserted island Claudius found himself on was, in a way, rather pleasant. Despite being located in the dangerous waters of the New World, this particular island was a "Spring Island." The climate was mild and temperate all year round, without the extreme shifts between hot and cold. Because of this, Claudius had an easier time surviving on the island compared to what he might have faced elsewhere in the New World.

At this very moment, a massive wild boar was desperately fleeing through the dense forest. Its eyes, which held little intelligence, were now brimming with raw terror.

Don't let the label of "pig" fool you. In reality, wild boars are formidable creatures of the wilderness. With their massive tusks, thick fur, powerful muscles, and enormous size, they often stand at the upper echelon of the food chain.

Especially the wild boar currently fleeing in fear it was no ordinary beast. This massive creature was comparable to an elephant from Claudius's previous life.

Clearly, this was another mutated creature unique to the Pirate World.

This world was bizarre, filled with exaggerated and upgraded forms of both flora and fauna. Some animals remained similar to their counterparts from Claudius's past life, while others had evolved into something far more monstrous.

For example, Sea Kings and Zunesha were so enormous that they defied common sense.

Even humans here had their own distinct changes.

Many of them were extraordinarily tall.

Take Claudius's cousin, Donquixote Doflamingo, as an example. If Doflamingo reached his full potential, he would be standing at a height of over three meters a height suitable for a proper Admiral, imposing and powerful.

And Doflamingo's height was not even considered abnormal in this world. Many others were even taller than him.

Claudius believed that if he trained well and developed properly, even though he was currently a fat, chubby kid, he wouldn't fall too far behind Doflamingo in the future.

But those were all considerations for later. Right now, why was this massive wild boar running so frantically?

That's because it had encountered the rampaging human "brat" who had been wreaking havoc on the island for the past two weeks, mercilessly hunting down all the top predators, like lions and tigers.

Yes, Claudius was currently chasing after the wild boar, panting heavily as he ran. In just two weeks, his formerly rotund body had slimmed down considerably. While traces of his old greasy fat could still be seen, he now had a somewhat muscular build.

The scene unfolding was indeed comical a ten-year-old boy was relentlessly pursuing a massive wild boar that towered over him. The wild boar, instead of turning around to fight, was fleeing in terror, which was both amusing and absurd.

"You stupid pig... can't you just... stop already?" Claudius gasped, cursing breathlessly as he glanced at the bloodied and battered wild boar ahead of him.

After taking a few more steps and feeling himself reaching his physical limit, Claudius gradually came to a halt. He took a deep breath, and his eyes suddenly sharpened.

In the next moment, his heartbeat began to accelerate, a deep and resonating sound spreading out from him, almost as if a drum was being pounded in the very core of his chest.

Boom... boom... boom... boom. The intense rhythm felt as if it were echoing through the entire area around him, reverberating like the beating of war drums.

Then, in the blink of an eye, Claudius moved again. But this time, his speed was several times faster than before.

The tiny figure, leaving behind only a faint blur, sped through the forest, following the trail of blood on the ground. In mere moments, he caught up with the frantically running wild boar.

Sensing the presence of the small human once more, the wild boar's terror only grew. It had already lost too much blood, and its strength was rapidly waning. Its pace, once full of vigor, began to slow as exhaustion set in.

However, a cornered beast is always the most dangerous. Realizing that it could no longer escape, the wild boar suddenly skidded to a stop. With a surprising agility that seemed at odds with its immense size, it performed a flawless three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn, kicking up dirt and debris as it spun to face Claudius.

"What the hell? Since when did wild boars learn how to drift?" Claudius thought, surprised by the sight.

The wild boar, now using all the strength left in its body, charged at Claudius with deadly intent. Its four hooves thundered against the ground as it lowered its enormous, lethal tusks, aiming to skewer Claudius.

"A final struggle before death, huh? But it's useless..." Claudius murmured, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

Just as the wild boar came crashing toward him, Claudius moved again. His feet pushed off the ground as he leaped directly toward the wild boar's head.

"Death Grip!" Claudius muttered softly.

In the next instant, it looked as if the massive wild boar had collided straight through Claudius's body, reducing him to nothing but mist.

However, something strange happened next. The wild boar, after running a few more paces, began to stagger uncontrollably. It stumbled forward, its limbs twitching and thrashing about. It tossed its head violently, as if trying to rid itself of something.

But no matter how much it struggled, it couldn't escape what was happening. Gradually, its frantic movements weakened until it finally collapsed to the ground, stirring up a massive cloud of dust.

And right then, near the wild boar's nose, Claudius's figure slowly re-materialized!

Yes, even though the original Claudius was a "mentally retarded Celestial Dragon," completely incapable of even basic survival skills, his one redeeming trait was that, in his ignorance, he had eaten the Devil Fruit that was prepared for him in the form of a fruit salad.

From that moment on, Claudius became a Devil Fruit user. Despite his predecessor's lack of education and inability to even comprehend the nature of his own powers, Claudius now had a remarkable ability at his disposal.

This fruit was a Logia-type Devil Fruit, bestowing the powers of a rare gaseous element known as the Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit.

Claudius's predecessor, being an uneducated fool, didn't understand what kind of gas "nitrogen" was, nor did he realize the potential of his ability. As a result, he never developed it at all.

Instead, he completely wasted it.

But Claudius was different. Having received modern education and possessing a wealth of scientific knowledge, Claudius could grasp the potential of the Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit immediately.

Simply put, it was an ability that allowed him to manipulate nitrogen a substance that made up a significant portion of the atmosphere, more than 78% to be exact.

Being an inert gas, nitrogen had many unique properties.

Of course, Claudius hadn't yet delved deeply into developing the fruit's full potential. For now, he was simply utilizing the basic effects of his Logia-type fruit, which was more than enough to dominate this small island.

After all, none of the beasts here had the ability to use Haki, which meant Claudius didn't have to worry about whether he could be harmed or not. By turning into his elemental form, he could avoid all physical attacks.

What's more, Claudius hadn't yet discovered any element that could restrain nitrogen. So, at least for now, he didn't have to worry about elemental weaknesses.

Looking at it from one perspective, as long as no one used Haki or other special means, Claudius's current state seemed practically invincible.

The way he killed the wild boar just now was a simple application of his Logia ability.

There was no need for Claudius to develop complex techniques. All he had to do was "grip" the wild boar's nose and release his nitrogen, saturating the air around it and displacing all oxygen. Deprived of oxygen, the wild boar naturally suffocated and died.

After ensuring the wild boar was truly dead, Claudius returned to his normal form.

He touched his chin, glanced at the massive carcass, and smiled faintly.

"All things considered, my new journey hasn't started off too badly. Although the circumstances were a bit messy, I have a genuine Celestial Dragon identity and the abilities of a Logia-type Devil Fruit...

Now, as long as I lay a solid foundation, I should be able to make some waves in this world... and reshape my fate," Claudius muttered softly.

As he spoke, Claudius drew a short sword that hung from his waist.

This short sword looked somewhat like a katana from Wanokuni, though it was much shorter about two-thirds the length of a regular sword. Despite its simplicity, the sword's craftsmanship was excellent, exuding the aura of a master's work.

The white hilt was wrapped with delicate silk threads, and the scabbard, while unassuming, was adorned with subtle patterns.

This wasn't a decoration Claudius had scavenged from the Celestial Dragons' collections; rather, it was one of the three "gift packs" he had received when he first arrived in this world.

That's right as a transmigrator, how could Claudius not have a a beginner's benefit? By some divine or otherworldly blessing, he had received some 'rewards' after arriving in this world.

This short sword was named 'Shinsō', the legendary Zanpakutō wielded by Ichimaru Gin, the captain of the Third Division in the world of Shinigami.

Now, it was in Claudius's hands. However, it seemed that during the transition between worlds, Shinsō had been altered by the forces of this world's power, making it far less potent than it had been in the Shinigami world. Even so, it was still a rare and remarkable weapon.

It retained its ability to extend and retract, but its speed was no longer the absurd 500 times the speed of sound. Through continuous testing, Claudius determined that Shinsō's current maximum speed was around three times the speed of sound.

While this was certainly impressive, it wasn't overwhelmingly fast compared to some of the terrifying abilities in this world. The speed of sound is roughly the same as that of a bullet from a musket. So Shinsō's speed was only two to three times faster than a standard bullet.

This meant that, while Shinsō was a formidable weapon against ordinary opponents, it wouldn't have the same devastating effect on true masters.

Although its power had been greatly diminished due to the world's corrections, Claudius didn't mind. An indestructible sword that could extend and retract at will was still a valuable asset. He had no intention of relying solely on the sword for combat, so he accepted its current state without complaint.

After drawing Shinsō from its scabbard, Claudius made a few clean, precise cuts across the enormous wild boar's hide, creating deep incisions that allowed blood to flow freely from the carcass.

Bleeding the meat was essential. If the blood wasn't drained properly, the resulting stench and flavor would be absolutely revolting. Claudius had learned this lesson the hard way during his early days on the island, so now he took care to bleed the meat thoroughly, even if it meant a bit of extra effort.

Shinsō was the first of his three gifts, and the second gift Claudius found highly intriguing it was an ability that allowed him to freely accelerate his heartbeat at will, a phenomenon he had come to know as the King Engine!

Chapter4: Looking for Claudius?

The so-called King Engine the name of this special ability originates from the world of One Punch Man. It was the signature technique of King, the so-called "strongest man on Earth." Supposedly, once King activated this ability, it was as if he entered a berserk state, capable of smashing enemies to pulp with ease.

In reality, the King Engine was nothing more than a 'gimmick.' The strongest man on Earth was simply a bluffing master, someone who survived on sheer luck no different from the likes of God Buggy in this world.

The King Engine's only real effect was its constant acceleration of the heartbeat. Yet, it was due to this 'ability' that King was mythologized as the "strongest on Earth."

When Claudius first acquired this ability, he felt rather helpless. As a pragmatic individual, he couldn't help but think, "Isn't this just a load of crap?"

Couldn't he have been granted a more practical power? If push came to shove, Claudius would have been willing to give up his beautiful blonde hair and go bald if it meant getting something more useful!

In the beginning, Claudius viewed the accelerated heartbeat ability as nothing more than a means of showing off. He didn't believe he could become the "strongest on Earth" in the Pirate World through such a ridiculous technique.

However, after several rounds of experimentation, Claudius discovered that this ability held more potential than he had initially thought. The constant acceleration of his heartbeat inevitably increased blood circulation throughout his body, which in turn could enhance his overall physical functions, including his hematopoietic ability.

Through multiple trials, Claudius confirmed at least one thing once he activated the King Engine and his heartbeat accelerated, he could indeed enter a sort of "rampage" state. It was fair to call it a "berserk mode."

The King Engine allowed him to temporarily boost his physical capabilities, improving strength, speed, and stamina. The burst of speed he had demonstrated while chasing the wild boar earlier was a prime example of what this ability could achieve.

Of course, given his current physical limitations, this was the extent of what Claudius could do. But the potential for further development and exploration of this ability was enormous.

If Claudius's body could withstand the strain, he could use the King Engine as a trump card a sudden power surge to overwhelm enemies who were otherwise on par with him.

And, if he were to add a few flashy catchphrases, like "I'm getting serious now," or "I didn't think you'd push me this far," the whole dramatic effect would be taken to another level, wouldn't it?

Thus, Claudius was actually quite satisfied with the potential of the King Engine. Whether for practical combat or pure bravado, the development possibilities were endless, making it well worth further study.

As for the last of his transmigrator gifts, it was an ability called 'Zero Hour Mizu', seemingly originating from the world of Shakugan no Shana. Claudius didn't know much about its original context.

Fortunately, there was a manual of sorts in his mind, so he was able to grasp the basics.

Zero Hour Mizu was the ability to "reset time to zero." In essence, it allowed the user to restore all their energy and vitality to a 'reset point' at zero hour.

While the concept of "existence power" didn't apply to this world, Claudius experimented with the ability and eventually figured out its utility.

Simply put, it functioned somewhat like the "Creation Rebirth" ability from Naruto. Although it didn't rely on any special energy, it could store the user's surplus energy and physical strength within Zero Hour Mizu throughout the day.

When needed, the stored reserves could be released, restoring Claudius's stamina and strength to their peak levels.

While it wasn't an overwhelmingly powerful skill at the moment, Claudius saw its potential for the future. It could be invaluable in prolonged battles, or… for engaging in more 'vigorous' activities.

"Yeah, that's right. After all, I'm still a Celestial Dragon, a world noble. There's no problem with marrying ten or even eight wives, is there? It's completely legitimate and legal.

If the body can't handle it and I overtax myself, I could always open up Zero Hour Mizu and..."

He shook his head to dispel the distracting thoughts, focusing back on the wild boar. After ensuring that the blood had drained into a small pool nearby, Claudius shifted his attention away from his fantasies.

Using Shinsō, he sliced off a few choice cuts of meat from the wild boar, ensuring to pick the most tender and flavorful sections.

"Speaking of which, it's been two weeks since I was 'killed,' right? By now, those guys should be sending a rescue team to wrap things up. After all, if I were in their shoes, I wouldn't think my previous self could survive a shipwreck alone for a full two weeks..."

As Claudius mused over these thoughts, five massive warships were steadily approaching the island from not too far away.

On the deck of one of the enormous warships stood a middle-aged man clad in a Marine coat of justice, a cigar clamped between his teeth. He wore sunglasses and kept his arms crossed, staring silently out at the vast sea.

The man's short lavender hair was slightly disheveled, and his muscular frame exuded a restrained yet formidable aura.

This man was none other than the current Marine Headquarters Admiral, Zephyr the Black Arm. Zephyr's life was a tragic yet tenacious one. As an Admiral, he held a compassionate heart and refrained from killing pirates, earning him the nickname "The Admiral Who Doesn't Kill."

But it was this very mercy that allowed seeds of evil to remain. Eventually, vengeful pirates took the lives of his beloved wife and child.

Devastated, Zephyr resigned as Admiral and redirected his focus to training the next generation of Marines. He became an instructor at the Marine Headquarters Training Camp, raising many exceptional students.

It could be said that most of the Marine's high-ranking officers in the later years were personally taught by him.

Eventually, a series of further tragedies led Zephyr to become disillusioned with the World Government and the Marines. He left to found Neo Marines, attempting to destroy the New World. His tragic yet heroic life ultimately ended at the hands of then-Admiral Kizaru, Borsalino.

But those were stories for the future. At this point, Zephyr had yet to experience such heartbreak. He was still brimming with vigor and confidence.

The task of the fleet under his command at this moment was simple yet complex to locate the Celestial Dragon, Donquixote Claudius, who had been shipwrecked in this sea more than two weeks ago!

In truth, Zephyr had no desire to get involved in such affairs. It was clear that Claudius's delayed rescue was due to the scheming and power plays of those in Mariejois.

As a Marine Admiral, while his status might seem prestigious in the eyes of the common folk, to the elites in Mariejois, he was just a useful pawn a mere errand boy.

Involvement in such matters was fraught with risk. But the problem was that the Marine Headquarters only had two Admirals at the moment. Garp adamantly refused promotion to Admiral, while Sengoku had other crucial matters to attend to.

However, when something happened to a Celestial Dragon, the highest level of authority must be mobilized to address it. So, in the end, an Admiral had to be dispatched to oversee the situation.

Thus, the burden of this mess fell onto Zephyr's shoulders.

Just as Zephyr was lost in thought, a lazy yet youthful voice called out from behind him.

"Teacher Zephyr, are you still worried about the Celestial Dragon? Honestly, I don't think there's any point. It's been two weeks since the shipwreck. Even if it were a powerful person, they'd have been devoured by sharks by now.

And that's not to mention... we're talking about a Celestial Dragon. So I think this so-called rescue mission is nothing more than a political exercise, isn't it?"

Hearing the voice, Zephyr turned around, glancing at the young man behind him. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

This young man had joined the newly established Marine Officer Training Camp two years ago. During his time as an instructor, Zephyr had discovered several promising talents, and one of them was the young man who now bore the rank of Rear Admiral on his shoulders Kuzan.

"You're right, Kuzan. This mission will most likely end in failure. It may be labeled a rescue mission, but it's more of a formality, a political obligation... However…"

Zephyr sighed and shook his head. "I'm afraid that once we return, those Celestial Dragon lords will shift the blame for Saint Claudius's death onto us, claiming it was due to the Marine Headquarters' incompetence. At that point… we'll have no recourse."

Kuzan, still inexperienced, looked at Zephyr with some surprise and asked, "What should we do then? They wouldn't really be that unreasonable, would they?"

Zephyr chuckled softly, then said, "Heh, when you become an Admiral someday and interact more with those people, you'll come to understand. Their Celestial Dragon masters are indeed that unreasonable..." Zephyr replied, his smile fading slightly.

After a brief pause, Zephyr rotated his shoulders, turning his gaze back to the horizon. "So, even if this mission is just a formality, we must do it perfectly. We can't leave any room for those lords to nitpick and blame us later. Although it's highly likely that Claudius has already perished at sea, we must proceed as if he's still alive and in need of rescue."

"That's the only way we can minimize any problems that may arise in the future."

Kuzan ran a hand through his shaggy hair, considering Zephyr's words before nodding thoughtfully. "You're right, Teacher. I'm still too young to see the bigger picture. So, what's our next course of action?"

Zephyr's eyes narrowed as he glanced at the vast expanse of ocean surrounding them. "There's only one deserted island in this sea area. If, and I mean if, by some miraculous one-in-ten-thousand chance, Claudius is still alive, he can only be on that island. So, our priority now is to search the surface waters while heading straight to that island. Once there, we'll search thoroughly for any sign of Claudius."

Kuzan nodded, understanding the plan. After a moment of contemplation, he looked up at Zephyr and softly asked, "But Teacher… what if that 'one-in-ten-thousand chance' actually happens? I mean, it seems like… some people higher up might not want Saint Claudius to return alive..."

"Stop right there, Kuzan," Zephyr interrupted sternly, his expression turning serious as he fixed his gaze on his disciple.

After a tense pause, Zephyr's expression softened slightly. He placed a firm hand on Kuzan's shoulder and spoke in a low but earnest tone, "Kuzan, you're still young, and there's much you don't yet understand. But there's one thing I want you to remember: never get too involved with those Celestial Dragons. Maybe some people above us don't want Claudius to survive, but we only need to do our duty."

He looked deeply into Kuzan's eyes, as if trying to imprint the gravity of his words into his disciple's mind. "All we need to do is what's expected of us. Even if the chances are slim, if Claudius is still alive, then we must bring him back to Mariejois safely. Understand?"

Kuzan had immense respect for his teacher, and after hearing Zephyr's heartfelt admonishment, he nodded earnestly. "I understand, Teacher. I'll remember your words."

"Good," Zephyr said, giving Kuzan a reassuring pat on the shoulder. The veteran Admiral turned back to face the sea, his gaze distant and contemplative as the fleet continued its steady approach toward the lone island.

Chapter5: The End of the Sea CircleCalendar1490

When the silhouette of the desert island appeared on the horizon, Zephyr and Kuzan's expressions both froze. They spotted black smoke rising from the island, a telltale sign that someone was lighting a fire.

"No way... Did we just stumble upon that one-in-ten-thousand chance?" Kuzan muttered incredulously.

Zephyr's eyes narrowed thoughtfully before he gave a decisive order. "It might just be what we're thinking. Quickly, tell the warship to increase speed!"

"Couldn't it just be a lightning strike or something? I mean, the chances of lightning starting a fire are probably higher than Saint Claudius being alive…" Kuzan said, smacking his lips in disbelief.

"Whatever it is, we need to check it out," Zephyr responded, quickening his pace as he prepared to land.

The warship surged ahead, closing the distance to the desert island.

Meanwhile, atop the mountain on the island, Claudius sat, grilling the wild boar he had hunted. He gazed out at the ocean, scanning the horizon from his high vantage point. His eyes caught sight of several warships swiftly approaching the island.

Taking a bite of the poorly cooked boar meat, Claudius let out a deep sigh and muttered to himself, "Finally... after all this waiting, they're coming. Have they sent someone to 'rescue' me? Or is this just to confirm my death?"

But Claudius made no move to meet the ships. After all, he was a Celestial Dragon. There was no need for him to rush. It was their job to come to him.

While it might seem arrogant, it was perfectly in line with the lofty status of a Celestial Dragon. So, Claudius remained where he was, calmly waiting, no longer forcing himself to eat the unappetizing boar. After all, as soon as he boarded a warship, he could expect food far better than this.

The Marines' warship reached the shore, and Zephyr, along with Kuzan and a contingent of Marines, quickly disembarked. They raced up the mountain, heading toward the plume of smoke.

Upon reaching the summit, Zephyr finally laid eyes on the mission's objective an unkempt and disheveled figure sitting near the fire. But there was no mistaking it; this was indeed Saint Claudius, who had been stranded after a shipwreck for the past two weeks!

As they neared him, Zephyr slowed his pace. Though he had never met Claudius before, he had heard stories. After all, a Celestial Dragon who had consumed a Devil Fruit was bound to be well-known.

The rumors painted Claudius as a spoiled young man temperamental, lacking any real ability, and incredibly difficult to deal with. Zephyr couldn't help but wonder how much anger had built up in Claudius' heart after being stranded for so long. He steeled himself, fully expecting to deal with an outburst of some sort.

Approaching Claudius cautiously, Zephyr swallowed and said softly, "Saint Claudius, I deeply regret the hardships you've faced. I'm Zephyr, an Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, and I personally led the fleet to rescue you. I'm relieved to see you in good health."

Claudius, for his part, recognized Zephyr immediately. This was a famous figure, after all a Marine Admiral with a distinguished reputation. Seeing him in person confirmed Claudius' suspicions.

When Zephyr spoke, he bowed slightly in respect. Though Marine Admirals generally received some level of respect from the World Government, they still couldn't avoid showing deference to the Celestial Dragons. However, Zephyr was not required to kneel.

Rear Admiral Kuzan and the other Marines accompanying Zephyr, on the other hand, did not enjoy such privileges. Despite feeling somewhat disgruntled, Kuzan lowered his head, preparing to give a formal bow.

But before they could complete the motion, Claudius spoke up. "It's fine. There's no need for such formality."

Zephyr and Kuzan blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback. The Marine officers froze as well. However, the soldiers had already fallen to their knees, bowing in submission before the Celestial Dragon.

Watching this scene, Claudius couldn't help but feel conflicted. While his memories told him that people often bowed and scraped before him, seeing it in reality for the first time left a different impression. These Marines, symbols of justice and strength at sea, were now groveling in front of him. It was a stark reminder of how much power the Celestial Dragons wielded.

Claudius had no desire to indulge in such theatrics. Forcing these men, especially potential rising stars like Kuzan, to debase themselves would bring him no real benefit. He might derive some fleeting satisfaction, but it would come at the cost of resentment. A man like Kuzan was destined for greatness, likely to become a Marine Admiral in the future. It was far better to show a little leniency and avoid fostering bad blood between them.

Seeing the stunned expressions on Zephyr and Kuzan's faces, Claudius waved his hand dismissively. "Let's not waste time. I appreciate you finding this island and rescuing me. But I've had enough of this place. I want to return to Mariejois immediately."

Claudius' unexpected display of good temper threw Zephyr for a loop. He had braced himself for insults or worse but was met with unexpected civility instead. Still, Zephyr didn't dare question it. Nodding quickly, he replied, "Of course, Saint Claudius. We'll see to it that you're safely escorted back to Mariejois without delay."

As Zephyr gave the command, the Marines swiftly prepared to set sail. Glancing around the island, Zephyr noticed the remnants of a fire, some half-cooked wild boar, and bones scattered about. It seemed the Celestial Dragon had truly been surviving on his own these past weeks.

"I get the feeling Claudius isn't like the other Celestial Dragons," Kuzan mused quietly.

Zephyr nodded in agreement. "Indeed. He's not quite what I expected. But maybe this experience humbled him. Who knows?"

They both shared a chuckle, Kuzan adding, "Yeah, maybe. Still, it's rare to meet a Celestial Dragon like him. I guess I was just curious."

"Well, enjoy it while it lasts. You'll probably never want to see a Celestial Dragon again after this," Zephyr said with a smile.

Meanwhile, aboard the warship, Claudius was soaking in a bath, finally able to relax after weeks of hardship. While he had been able to find water on the island, proper toiletries had been out of the question. Now, he was relishing the chance to finally rid himself of the grime and exhaustion.

"Zephyr and Kuzan... With the two of them here, I can rest easy. They'll get me back to Mariejois without any issues," Claudius murmured, sinking deeper into the warm water.

After a long, satisfying soak, Claudius stood up and examined himself in the mirror. "I've changed a bit these past two weeks," he noted, poking at the fat around his stomach.

Though he still carried a bit of extra weight, the time spent roughing it on the island had clearly toughened him up. He'd shed some fat, and his arms and legs now had a bit of muscle tone.

"Maybe with some proper training, I can finally shake off the 'greasy' label," Claudius said to himself with a small grin.

He dressed in the luxurious clothes the Marines had provided, finding them a bit loose after his weight loss. Nevertheless, they were still far more comfortable than anything he had worn on the island.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Claudius noticed that every Marine he passed immediately bowed their heads in respect. He acknowledged them casually, more to prevent them from dropping to their knees than out of any real courtesy.

Eventually, he arrived at his room on the ship. Despite being aboard a warship, the accommodations were surprisingly spacious and comfortable.

"This room's probably the result of the two weeks they spent preparing to rescue me," Claudius thought with a smirk.

Without looking back, he called out to the Marine standing outside his door, "Go prepare a proper lunch for me. And invite Admiral Zephyr to join me for the meal."

The Marine saluted and quickly replied, "Yes, Saint Claudius. I'll convey your orders immediately."

Once alone, Claudius sat down and took a sip of the tea that had been prepared for him. He murmured to himself, "Sea Circle Calendar 1490... I know a few things about what's to come, but it's best to confirm them with Zephyr."

Chapter Text

Chapter 6: Lunch with Zephyr

At the end of 1490, in the Sea Circle Calendar, it was truly an interesting time.

Claudius knew well that the Rocks Pirates, once the strongest pirate group ruling the seas, had fallen after the infamous God Valley Incident a few years back. After Roger and Garp teamed up to take them down, Rocks, their captain, had met his end. Since then, all the big names from the Rocks Pirates had gone solo.

If Claudius remembered correctly, the Big Mom Pirates had already been established, Kaido had also formed the Beasts Pirates, and Whitebeard, now in his prime, had started taking in "sons."

Apart from them, Golden Lion Shiki had risen to prominence. Known as the " Flying Pirate," he had built a massive pirate fleet and was currently the most dominant force in the New World.

Then, there were other famous pirates like Ochoku, the great pirate from the Land of Flowers, and Captain John, who had amassed a vast treasure hoard. All of these notorious figures had originally been part of the Rocks Pirates before they went solo.

And of course, there was the Roger Pirates an odd bunch in comparison. While most of these large pirate crews were vying for control of the New World, the Roger Pirates were wandering the world, seemingly at random. Sometimes they appeared in the New World, and at other times, they would pop up elsewhere, leaving everyone wondering what they were really up to.

However, none of this had much to do with a ten-year-old boy like Claudius.

Now dressed in his Celestial Dragon tiger-skin coat, Claudius was powerless to influence such major events. The storms of the outside world were too far away for him to care. What he needed to focus on was securing his footing when he returned to Mariejois.

Based on Claudius's calculations, in less than half a year, his family led by Patriarch Donquixote Homing would likely leave for North Blue with his cousins, Doflamingo and Rosinante, in search of their so-called "heaven on earth."

Compared to the chaotic struggles in the seas, this event was much more pressing for Claudius. It concerned his own future. Before Homing left, Claudius needed to settle his matters with the Donquixote family once and for all.

There were two possible approaches to this.

The first was to convince Homing to abandon his ridiculous dreams. Even if one were a Celestial Dragon, they should keep their feet on the ground. Pursuing an idealistic "new world" with no practical plan was bound to end in disaster. Homing would likely return crying in a year, having been rejected by the world. In the end, his wife would die of illness, his son would take his own life, and the Donquixote family would be brought to ruin. The Celestial Dragon family, once living in luxury, would turn into a tragic mess because of Homing's delusions.

But this option was difficult. While Homing was a bit naive and had treated Claudius well, their relationship wasn't close enough for Claudius to persuade him. Homing was, frankly, a fool with a heart full of good intentions but a head full of nonsense. Claudius had never tried to form a deeper bond with him, viewing him as nothing more than a misguided dreamer. Their relationship was so distant that it took Homing two weeks to even realize that Claudius had been involved in a shipwreck. That alone showed how little Homing cared for him.

Moreover, other members of the Donquixote family had tried to dissuade Homing from his plans, but he ignored them all. Claudius doubted a ten-year-old like himself would have any better luck. So, the first option was off the table.

The second option was simpler. The reason Claudius was being targeted by the family was because when Homing left, Claudius was likely to be pushed into the position of family head. Given his young age, lack of power, and personality, the more astute members of the Donquixote family naturally didn't want him to take the reins. Hence, they were plotting against him. If Claudius could resolve the underlying issues and remove himself from the equation, he believed that the family would stop targeting him.

After all, there weren't that many Celestial Dragons left, and infighting wasn't in anyone's best interest.

With these thoughts in mind, Claudius made up his mind. Once he returned to Mariejois, he would sever his ties with the Donquixote family and avoid the power struggles that came with leadership.

Just as Claudius was pondering these matters while enjoying a dessert, a knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.

Looking towards the door, Claudius called out softly, "Come in."

Zephyr, who had been waiting outside, took a deep breath before opening the door. As he entered, he saw Claudius, already seated at a luxurious dining table, enjoying his snacks.

Zephyr hadn't expected this Celestial Dragon to already be indulging in dessert before their meal, but considering it from the perspective of a Celestial Dragon, perhaps it was their way of showing hospitality.

Still, Zephyr wasn't here to curry favor. He wasn't that kind of person. He also knew that Claudius's situation wasn't great.

"Saint Claudius, thank you for your invitation," Zephyr said, bowing slightly.

Claudius smiled and waved his hand. "Zephyr, you are my savior. I've already told you—you don't need to salute me."

Zephyr was surprised for a moment but gladly accepted. Constantly bowing was tiresome, after all. So, he smiled and replied, "Thank you, Saint Claudius."

"Please, sit," Claudius gestured with a wave.

Zephyr nodded and, without too much formality, sat across from Claudius.

The two chatted casually for a while, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.

Through this small talk, Zephyr found himself surprised. This Celestial Dragon, though only ten years old, spoke with a maturity beyond his years. He seemed vastly different from the spoiled image most Celestial Dragons had.

As a seasoned Admiral who had seen many types of people, Zephyr had a keen eye for reading others. He quickly realized that Claudius wasn't faking this maturity. He wasn't pretending to be kind or reasonable it seemed to genuinely be his character.

This was a pleasant surprise for Zephyr. He had expected a troublesome, arrogant brat. Instead, Claudius was thoughtful and easy to talk to. The more they conversed, the more comfortable Zephyr felt, to the point where the atmosphere lightened considerably, even drawing out Zephyr's hearty laughter at times.

"By the way, Zephyr," Claudius said between bites of his meal, looking up at Zephyr.

Zephyr took a sip of the red wine that had been prepared for him and asked, "Yes, Saint Claudius? What can I do for you?"

Claudius smiled and said, "I told you before, there's no need for formalities. I just have a question. You're an Admiral of the Navy, so you must know a lot about the world's stories, right? I've always been curious about the sea. Unfortunately, my recent journey ended in disaster, but my interest hasn't faded."

After a pause, Claudius added, "If it's not too much trouble, could you share with me some interesting stories about the world today? Or perhaps tell me about any notable figures?"

Zephyr chuckled. "If you're interested in hearing an old sailor's tales, I'd be happy to oblige, Saint Claudius."

As Claudius listened attentively, occasionally interrupting with questions, Zephyr patiently explained the current state of the world. By the end of the conversation, Claudius had gained a much deeper understanding of the world outside Mariejois. While chaos reigned in the New World, the Marines and the World Government still maintained control over the Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line.

"Fascinating," Claudius mused. "The world is so vast. It seems I've been living in ignorance up in Mariejois. There's so much out there..."

Zephyr found Claudius's words sincere, which only added to his intrigue about this Celestial Dragon. Most of the Celestial Dragons he had met were either arrogant or oblivious to the world, but Claudius seemed genuinely interested in learning more.

"If you ever get the chance, Saint Claudius, you should visit the Four Seas. Unlike the New World, the seas there are more stable, and the danger is far less," Zephyr suggested.

Claudius nodded. "Yes, it would be good to see more of the world." After a brief pause, he added, "But, no matter where one goes, there's always some risk, isn't there? Even in Mariejois."

Hearing this, Zephyr narrowed his eyes slightly but didn't immediately respond.

Claudius smiled and continued, "I've heard that you, Zephyr, are passionate about training young Marines. In fact, you were involved in establishing the Marine officer training camp a couple of years ago, right?"

Zephyr was slightly surprised that Claudius knew about his background, but he quickly brushed it off. After all, it wasn't exactly a secret. Nodding, he replied, "Yes, I was fortunate enough to help set it up."

"In that case, you must have some ideas on how to train young people," Claudius said. "If possible, I'd like to learn from you, Zephyr. After all, from this experience, I've come to realize that even a Celestial Dragon like me can't always rely on status alone for safety. In the end, the only one you can truly rely on is yourself."

Claudius spoke softly, his tone sincere.

Chapter 7: Does a Celestial Dragon Need a Reason to Kill?

As soon as Claudius's voice fell, Zephyr remained silent for a while. Even though Claudius had spoken in a calm and polite tone, the fact remained that he was still a Celestial Dragon. When someone like him made a request, no matter how nicely it was phrased, it left Zephyr in a difficult position. Refusing would be no easy matter.

At the same time, Zephyr had his own challenges to consider. As a Marine Admiral, he couldn't just dedicate himself to Claudius full-time. From the way Claudius had spoken, it almost sounded like he was asking Zephyr to take him on as a disciple.

Becoming the first Marine to take on a Celestial Dragon as a student? That would certainly be a first. Zephyr had never heard of such a thing happening before. Plus, he wasn't eager to get involved in the complexities of Mariejois, which made the situation rather awkward.

If Claudius knew what was going through Zephyr's mind, he might have laughed.

Not only was Claudius not asking to formally become Zephyr's disciple, but even if he had been, it wouldn't have been all that outrageous. If anything, Zephyr should learn from his colleague, Sengoku.

In a few years, Sengoku wouldn't just accept a Celestial Dragon into his ranks he'd go as far as adopting his little cousin, Rosinante, as his own son! Now that's what you call open-minded!

But noticing the uncomfortable look on Zephyr's face, Claudius realized that the Admiral was overthinking things, probably assuming that Claudius wanted to recruit him as some kind of personal backer or bodyguard.

So, Claudius smiled and clarified, "Zephyr Admiral, I believe there's been some misunderstanding. I don't expect you to stay in Mariejois and personally guide me step by step. What I'm asking for is far simpler I just need learning materials and the benefit of your experience."

He paused before adding, "I know that as an Admiral, you're busy with your duties, and I wouldn't want to impose on you too much. But I'll have a lot of time once I return to Mariejois, and I don't want to waste it. That's why I hope you can share your knowledge with me before then."

Hearing this, Zephyr visibly relaxed. With a lighter tone, he responded quickly, "Thank you for being so understanding, Saint Claudius. As you said, I cannot stay by your side all the time, but if it's just providing information and sharing my experiences, I'd be more than happy to help. Once we arrive in Mariejois, I'll make sure to prepare everything for you."

Claudius smiled, satisfied with the answer. That was all he needed. Mariejois was full of skilled individuals, even among the slaves, and the hidden masters in the CP organizations were formidable as well. If Claudius wanted to learn and grow stronger, finding teachers wouldn't be difficult.

However, he understood that building a solid foundation was key. No matter how skilled someone was, without a proper base, it would be impossible to make progress. Without laying the groundwork, how could he expect to grow stronger?

Across the world of pirates, Zephyr might not be the strongest in terms of sheer combat prowess. However, when it came to training future talents and laying solid foundations, few could rival him.

As a Celestial Dragon who wasn't willing to waste his resources, Claudius had made a smart decision in seeking Zephyr's expertise. Many people would love the opportunity to learn from Zephyr, but such a privilege was rare and hard to come by. Being a Marine Admiral, Zephyr's time and attention weren't something just anyone could demand. But Claudius, as a Celestial Dragon, stood at the very top of the world's hierarchy.

Even so, he was careful not to take such a valuable resource for granted. After all, if he was going to lay a foundation, it needed to be the best.

Zephyr, for his part, seemed relieved to avoid getting tangled up too deeply with Mariejois politics. He could see that Claudius was straightforward and not the type to drag others into unnecessary trouble.

Feeling a little guilty for his earlier hesitation, Zephyr added, "Though I'm quite busy, if there's ever something you don't understand, I'd be more than happy to come and teach you personally."

His offer was clear: While Zephyr couldn't stay by Claudius's side all the time, he was willing to make occasional trips to Mariejois to offer guidance if needed.

This was a gesture of goodwill, a way to show that he valued Claudius's potential. From what Zephyr had seen, Claudius wasn't like the typical Celestial Dragons he had encountered. Perhaps this young man had the potential to accomplish something significant in the future.

Claudius smiled warmly. "That's excellent news. I'll be sure to rely on your help then, Zephyr."

With that settled, their conversation shifted to the basics of training. Zephyr explained the principles behind strength training, and Claudius eagerly soaked up the knowledge. Although the exercises Zephyr described push-ups, running, and weight training sounded simple, there were countless techniques to optimize them.

Zephyr was pleased to see that Claudius was so receptive to learning. His natural inclination as a teacher took over, and he gradually became more enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge.

Over the next few days, Claudius didn't even need to summon Zephyr. With little to occupy his time on the sea, Zephyr voluntarily sought Claudius out every morning. He would wake Claudius early and take him to the deck for training, giving him hands-on guidance.

As Claudius trained, Zephyr would sit nearby, compiling all the training materials Claudius would need once he returned to Mariejois. That way, Claudius could continue his training independently. Once Claudius had laid a solid foundation, Zephyr planned to summarize more advanced techniques for him.

Before long, the warship was approaching the Red Line. From the deck, one could already see the endless crimson cliffs rising from the horizon.

Claudius, with a towel around his neck, stood shirtless on the deck. Under Zephyr's guidance, a few days of regular exercise had started to show results. His body had lost most of its excess fat, and though he wasn't muscular yet, the lazy, weak aura he once had was gone. Now, at least, he looked like a young man with energy and drive.

"We'll reach Mariejois soon, right?" Claudius asked quietly, his gaze fixed on the towering cliffs of the Red Line in the distance.

It wasn't Zephyr who answered, but Kuzan, who had taken an interest in Claudius.

"Yes, Saint Claudius. At this speed, we should reach Mariejois in no time," Kuzan said with a grin, standing not far behind him.

"Good," Claudius replied with a smile. "As much as I've enjoyed these past few days, there are things I need to take care of in Mariejois. Only after that will I be able to rest easy."

As the warship slowly pulled into port, a large contingent of Mariejois servants had already gathered to welcome Claudius. The moment the ship docked, a sharp-faced man who looked like a butler hurriedly led a group of servants. They rolled out a fresh, bright red carpet from the dock all the way to the bubble elevator.

Armored guards lined up on both sides of the carpet, seemingly acting as an honor guard.

Claudius stood on the deck, watching the scene below with a flash of disdain in his eyes. "Hmph, quite the display. Where was all this effort before?" he muttered under his breath.

Kuzan, seeing the extravagant display for the first time, couldn't help but be surprised. Though he was aware of the status and privilege of the Celestial Dragons, seeing it in person where even something as simple as disembarking from a ship required this much fanfare was something else.

Zephyr, who had interacted with the Celestial Dragons several times before, was unfazed.

Once the gangway was in place, Claudius reached out and grabbed a short gun handed to him by a Marine. Then, without hesitation, he led the way off the ship.

The sharp-faced butler rushed forward to greet him the moment he saw Claudius. Though Claudius's appearance had changed significantly, the butler, Mendil, recognized him instantly, having served him for years.

As soon as Claudius set foot on the red carpet, Mendil dropped to his knees and groveled, "Welcome back, Saint Claudius. I've missed you dearly these past few days. It's been agony not being able to serve you."

Claudius glanced down at the butler with a look of disgust, speaking softly, "Really? I would've thought you'd be too busy enjoying the rewards from selling me out to feel any guilt, Mendil."

At those words, Mendil's whole body trembled. He raised his head in a panic, trying to stammer a response, "Y-Your Highness…"

"Shut up. I don't want to hear a single word from your filthy mouth." Claudius's voice was filled with cold disdain.

Without a moment's hesitation, Claudius raised the short gun in his hand and aimed it at Mendil's head. He didn't need evidence to confirm that Mendil had been complicit in betraying him and sending him off on that ill-fated voyage to the New World. The conclusion was obvious from his memories: this butler had seen him as nothing more than a fool, an easy target to manipulate.

And since Claudius didn't need evidence, he saw no reason to let the man live. Without waiting another second, he pulled the trigger.

Boom!

The sound of the gunshot echoed through the port. Blood sprayed into the air as Mendil's head exploded, and his lifeless body collapsed onto the bright red carpet.

Claudius tossed the still-smoking short gun onto the carpet without so much as a glance at the butler's corpse, and calmly walked forward as if nothing had happened.

After all, for a Celestial Dragon, killing someone like that wasn't out of the ordinary. He didn't need a reason. This was the privilege of being a Celestial Dragon absolute power over life and death.

Watching Claudius's back as he walked away, Kuzan couldn't help but murmur, "Now I've finally seen the true nature of a Celestial Dragon."

Zephyr, standing next to him, glanced at the body on the ground before shaking his head. "No matter how approachable he may seem, in the end, if something displeases him, a life can be taken just like that. You're right this is more like the Celestial Dragons I remember."

Chapter 8: Mariejois

Mariejois is vast.

At this moment, Claudius was strolling through the Social Square of Pangaea Castle. This square was primarily used for hosting emissaries from various nations and served as a place of interaction during the World Summit, held every four years. It was where the royal families from across the globe gathered to communicate with one another.

After passing through Pangaea Castle, one would see an imposing high wall. This high wall faced the main entrance of the castle and was guarded by heavily armed soldiers. The gate in this wall was called the Gate of the Celestial Dragons. Once you passed through the Gate, you've entered the sacred residence of the Celestial Dragons in Mariejois, also referred to as the "land of the gods."

This area was strictly off-limits to anyone except Celestial Dragons, their slaves, and their immediate families. It was often regarded as the heart of Mariejois and was sometimes called the "House of God."

Within this divine abode, all kinds of facilities were available: top-tier hospitals, world-class opera houses, and even a Colosseum where slaves fought for the amusement of the nobles. Essentially, one could live here for an entire year without ever feeling the need to leave.

"Has Zephyr ever visited the House of god?" Claudius asked with a casual smile as they walked.

Zephyr shook his head and replied, "I've been to Mariejois many times, but I've never set foot in the House of god. It's a place reserved for you Celestial Dragons. Only those summoned by you can enter. Most of us don't have that privilege."

"Hahaha, 'god's own land'? That's the first time I've heard it called that!" Claudius laughed heartily. After a short pause, he added, "god or not, it's all just talk. If we were truly gods, I wouldn't have nearly died out there in the New World. But since Zephyr has never been inside, how about you come visit my home now? I really appreciate all the care you've shown me during this time."

Zephyr was surprised. He had assumed his duty would end once Claudius was safely delivered to Mariejois, but with this personal invitation from a Celestial Dragon, it would be impolite to decline. Nodding, he said, "Since you've extended the invitation, it would be an honor to see it with my own eyes."

As they approached the Gate, the guards stationed there looked uncertain at first, recognizing Claudius but hesitant to confirm his identity. Then, one of the servants trailing the group shouted, "Saint Claudius has returned! Open the gate!"

Immediately, the guards verified Claudius's identity, and the Gate swung open. No one dared stop Zephyr or Kuzan from entering alongside Claudius.

Led by Claudius, Zephyr and Kuzan entered the House of god for the first time. As they walked, they took in the opulent surroundings, a testament to the wealth and privilege that came with being a Celestial Dragon. After a brief journey, they finally arrived at Claudius's palace.

Despite Claudius's youth, the palace he lived in was massive. It was originally the residence of the Donquixote family patriarch. When Homing became the head of the family, he didn't move in, nor did he relocate Claudius to another home. So, Claudius had always lived here, and for now, he had no plans to move out.

"Go inform the house officer to send me a new butler," Claudius instructed an attendant nearby.

The attendant quickly nodded and left to carry out the order.

Once seated in the grand living room, Claudius, Zephyr, and Kuzan began to chat. Just as Claudius was curious about the outside world, Zephyr and Kuzan couldn't help but be intrigued by the inner workings of the Celestial Dragons' lives. Though they wouldn't openly admit it, the luxury and mystery of the House of God sparked their curiosity.

Their conversation flowed easily, and after a while, Zephyr handed over his Den Den Mushi contact number to one of Claudius's attendants. This way, Claudius could reach out whenever he had questions or needed advice. Zephyr also handed over the basic training methods he had compiled during the journey, ensuring that Claudius could continue his exercises after returning to Mariejois.

With that, Zephyr and Kuzan prepared to take their leave.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for dinner? I'm not exaggerating our food here is truly excellent," Claudius said with a smile.

Zephyr waved his hand and declined politely. "No, thank you, Saint Claudius. After your long journey, you must be tired. Get some rest, and we'll be on our way."

Just then, an attendant walked in respectfully and announced, "Your Highness, Saint Homing and Saint Doflamingo have come to visit you."

Claudius smiled. "It seems dinner will have to wait. Zephyr, Kuzan, we'll catch up another time."

Zephyr nodded. "We'll let you get back to your family matters."

Claudius gestured toward another attendant and instructed, "Escort Zephyr and Kuzan out through the side door. I'd rather they not run into my... troublesome cousin. Things might get awkward. I consider these two my esteemed guests, so make sure nothing goes wrong. Understood?"

"Yes, Saint Claudius!" the attendant responded promptly.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness," Zephyr said, grateful for the considerate gesture.

With that, Zephyr and Kuzan quietly exited through the side door, led by the attendant. Not long after, a commotion could be heard at the front entrance, making its way into Claudius's ears.

"You idiots! My cousin's been missing for two weeks, and none of you thought to report it to my father?!"

A young boy with short blond hair, wearing small orange sunglasses and dressed in lavish clothes, marched into the living room, berating the attendants as he entered with an air of arrogance.

Trailing behind him was a middle-aged man with a kindly face, smiling warmly.

There was no mistaking them: the first was Claudius's cousin, Donquixote Doflamingo, and the second was Patriarch Homing of the Donquixote family.

Doflamingo, even as a young boy, was already domineering. Given that Claudius's former self had also been an arrogant troublemaker, it wasn't surprising that the two cousins had been thick as thieves, causing havoc wherever they went. They had been quite close.

"Cousin! I'm so glad you're alright! If something had happened to you, I wouldn't have anyone to play with. Rosinante is no fun at all; he's always getting in my way. You treat me better!" Doflamingo shouted excitedly as he rushed toward Claudius.

Watching the scene, Claudius felt a bit exasperated. Every time Doflamingo called him "cousin," Claudius had the urge to call him something far less polite. He couldn't help but think to himself, My predecessor was really a fool to be so close to you. Rosinante may be a bit shy, but he's a genuinely good person. You, on the other hand, are a brat with no trace of your parents' kindness.

"Claudius, are you alright? You've lost weight. You must've suffered out there, huh? I've already had plenty of supplements sent over to help you recover," Homing said with a gentle smile.

Judging by his expression, Claudius realized that Homing still had no idea what had truly happened, probably thinking it was nothing more than an unfortunate shipwreck.

Claudius didn't want to drag things out or bring up past grievances, so he smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Homing."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Claudius quickly grew tired of talking to Homing, whose unrealistic ideals grated on him. Meanwhile, Doflamingo kept boasting about his recent exploits, including a new slave he'd acquired a captain, no less—whom he wanted Claudius to watch fight in the Colosseum.

Claudius could only groan internally.

"I'm glad you made it back safely," Homing said, his tone turning serious. "There's something I want to tell you. I've made up my mind to leave Mariejois. Regarding the Donquixote family, your father and I..."

Before he could finish, Claudius interrupted him.

"Uncle Homing, I have no intention of becoming the head of the Donquixote family," Claudius said flatly.

Homing was taken aback. "What are you saying? You're the most legitimate heir to the Donquixote family..."

"I think being the patriarch is too much work and no fun at all. I'd rather leave it to someone else," Claudius said, playing the role of a capricious child. He rambled off a string of excuses, but the message was clear: I won't be the patriarch.

Homing, ever the simple and kind-hearted man, finally sighed and relented. "If that's how you feel... Well, there were some who opposed the idea anyway. I'll give the position to Lancelot instead."

"Great! That works for me!" Claudius replied quickly.

Donquixote Lancelot was a much more competent and clever individual than Homing, at least in Claudius's eyes. If the Donquixote family were to be handed over to Lancelot, perhaps the family could thrive in the future. And if that were the case, Claudius could still benefit from it without the burdens of leadership.

Doflamingo, however, didn't seem pleased. "Why do we have to go live down in the Lower Realms? I don't want to live among those filthy commoners..." he muttered, his tone full of disdain.

Homing, ever the optimist, smiled warmly at his son and said, "Doffy, living with your mother, father, and younger brother will be a wonderful experience. Trust me, it'll be interesting."

For now, Doflamingo fell silent. He was still too young to fully understand what was in store for him. At this age, he still believed his father's words and thought that living in the Lower Realms wouldn't be all that different from life in Mariejois.

Little did he know, his time in the Lower Realms would expose him to the harsh realities of the world struggles and suffering that would shape the monster he would later become.

After a few more exchanges, Doflamingo insisted that Claudius join him in watching the slave fights at the Colosseum in a few days. Apparently, he had acquired a fresh batch of slaves, including a captain, and was eager to show them off. Claudius, tired of his cousin's antics, agreed just to get through the conversation.

"Well, I'm glad you made it back safely," Homing said, smiling softly. "There's something else I wanted to talk to you about..."

Claudius, not interested in rehashing the past, waved his hand dismissively. "Uncle Homing, I really don't care about all that. Let's leave it at that."

After sending away the naïve and sweet Homing, Claudius finally felt a sense of relief.

"Now that I've declined the role of family head and Lancelot's likely to take over, I shouldn't have to worry about internal threats anymore," Claudius murmured to himself. "That should settle most of the mess in Mariejois."

After thinking for a moment, Claudius raised his voice and spoke to the empty room, "Bring me the best world map you can find and hang it right there on that wall."

His voice had barely finished echoing when an attendant standing outside the door quickly responded, "Yes, Saint Claudius!"

Chapter 9: The Luxury of Celestial Dragons!

The palace where Claudius resided was one of the finest in the House of God. Especially now that Claudius had been "reborn" with a new sense of taste, his life had taken on an air of refined luxury. He was no longer the wasteful Celestial Dragon he had once been.

In the center of the hall stood a table carved from the finest mahogany, upon which rested an intricately designed dragon-shaped incense burner. A single stick of incense burned slowly within, releasing a faint fragrance that filled the entire room, calming the mind and soothing the soul. This single stick of incense could burn for a full day and was worth a staggering 20 million Beri!

Nearby, a tea set sat on the table, simple in appearance but steeped in extravagance. The tea itself was of the highest quality, specially picked from the Kano Country. Brewed from the most tender leaves, just one sip left a lingering fragrance in the mouth. Even when set beside the incense, the subtle scent of tea could still be detected.

Beside the table was a rattan rocking chair with a velvet cushion. Claudius lounged half-reclined in the chair, holding a history book in his hands a rare and valuable volume that recorded knowledge lost to most of the world. Even if it were placed in the famed Tree of Knowledge on Ohara Island, it would be considered a treasure.

Yet, Claudius handled the book with indifference. Whenever he found something interesting, he simply folded the page's corner as a marker. Had he a pen, he might have even scribbled notes directly in the ancient tome. To a scholar, his careless treatment of such a precious artifact would have been blasphemy.

But after a while, Claudius lost interest. He closed the book with a sigh, shaking his head in disappointment. "It's all surface-level stuff lacking any real depth. It seems the history of this world is tightly controlled by the World Government. Even as a Celestial Dragon, I can't easily delve into the truths of the past."

He tossed the priceless book casually onto the table and picked up a cup of tea, taking a slow sip.

Claudius had once thought that, as a Celestial Dragon, he would have no trouble uncovering the mysteries from 800 years ago the secrets buried deep within the Pirate World. However, he had clearly underestimated the World Government's stranglehold on such knowledge.

For the past month or so, Claudius had dedicated himself to self-improvement. Every morning, he followed the foundation-building exercises Zephyr had taught him. In the afternoons, he practiced mastering his Devil Fruit powers, and in the evenings, he immersed himself in reading.

Despite all his efforts, Claudius had found little to no answers regarding the world's ancient mysteries. It seemed even the lower-ranking Celestial Dragons, like him, were kept far from the hidden truths of the past.

By now, it had been more than a month since Zephyr had rescued him from the New World. Just as Claudius had predicted, after Homing announced that Claudius would not be taking over as the head of the Donquixote family, all internal strife had disappeared.

In fact, the number of servants around Claudius had mysteriously dwindled. Of course, it wasn't because Claudius had gone on a revenge spree, executing them all. Rather, they had simply vanished, presumably killed off. Claudius had a strong suspicion that Lancelot, the new head of the family, was behind it.

It wasn't hard to understand. Lancelot had never intended to kill Claudius. He wasn't a bloodthirsty man. The earlier attempts to remove Claudius from the family's affairs were purely out of necessity for the Donquixote family's future. But now that Claudius had willingly stepped aside and posed no threat, there was no reason for Lancelot to continue targeting him.

On the contrary, Lancelot had even gone out of his way to make amends. Over the past month, he had sent gifts to Claudius every few days, everything from luxury items to personal trainers when he heard that Claudius had started exercising. Claudius accepted the gifts without complaint after all, there was no point in holding grudges for his predecessor's foolish mistakes.

In fact, Claudius had come to view Lancelot in a favorable light. After observing him over the past month and reflecting on past events, Claudius realized that Lancelot was a smart, calculated man. He wasn't as ruthless as many other Celestial Dragons. Claudius had even heard rumors that Lancelot occasionally freed slaves a rare act of kindness among the nobility.

Ultimately, Claudius had no lingering ill will toward Lancelot. The man was simply doing what was necessary to secure the family's future. In return, Lancelot had compensated Claudius well, and their earlier conflicts had faded into distant memories, buried alongside the servants who had once conspired against him.

Claudius didn't see any need to dig up the past. He was more than content to let things remain as they were.

Setting down his tea, Claudius rose from the rocking chair. He reached over and lightly shook a small bell sitting on the table, its chime echoing softly through the room.

Moments later, a beautiful maid in a black-and-white uniform entered the room, her head bowed respectfully. Her delicate face and graceful figure made her seem almost unreal. In a soft voice, she asked, "Saint Claudius, what are your orders?"

Claudius smiled at her and asked casually, "Has Doffy come by today?"

Recently, Doflamingo had made a habit of visiting Claudius regularly, dragging him along for all sorts of mischief. Claudius had often dismissed his cousin's invitations, using the excuse that he was still recovering from his ordeal.

Today, Claudius found it strange that Doflamingo hadn't shown up to bother him.

"No, Saint Doflamingo didn't visit today," the maid replied quickly. "I believe he had a disagreement with Saint Homing earlier."

"Ah, I see. That's not too surprising," Claudius nodded thoughtfully.

Doflamingo was certainly the odd one out in his family. His father, Homing, was a kind and simple man too kind, in fact. His mother was similar, and his younger brother, Rosinante, was the perfect image of a noble, a complete contrast to Doflamingo's violent and cruel nature. It wasn't unusual for Doflamingo to butt heads with his father, especially since he regularly did things that Homing disapproved of.

Unlike his family, Doflamingo was notorious for his sadistic tendencies. He enjoyed tormenting slaves, making them fight to the death in the Colosseum, and often found creative ways to torture anyone who crossed him, including his own servants. No wonder he preferred Claudius's company. In Doflamingo's mind, his cousin was just as cruel and twisted as he was.

Noticing that Claudius seemed in a good mood, the maid gathered her courage and spoke again, "Your Highness, won't you be going for a walk today?"

Claudius looked at her in surprise. It wasn't often that a maid would dare make such a suggestion. Her boldness stood out something that was incredibly rare among Celestial Dragon servants, who usually acted more like mindless automatons than people.

This particular maid had only recently been assigned to Claudius after he shot his former butler at the harbor. Understandably, she had been terrified at first, knowing the reputation of Saint Claudius. The rumors surrounding him his tyranny, his unpredictability had made her fear for her life. But over the past month, her perception had changed drastically.

Claudius wasn't the brutal figure the rumors made him out to be. He wasn't tyrannical, and he wasn't a lazy waste like most of the Celestial Dragons. If anything, he seemed... approachable. His demeanor didn't exude the usual arrogance of the nobility. She had begun to see him as a much more reasonable master than she had expected.

It was perhaps because of this growing familiarity that she had dared to ask such a question. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them, fearing that she had overstepped her boundaries.

Claudius, however, found her boldness refreshing. He smiled at her, "Nia, don't be so scared. I'm not going to bite you. As for taking a walk..." He glanced out the window at the sky, then shook his head. "No, I think I'll stay in today. Maybe another time."

The maid, Nia, breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Though Claudius had declined her suggestion, she felt a sense of accomplishment like the distance between her and her master had shrunk ever so slightly.

"From tomorrow, stop bringing me these history books. Instead, I want books about the customs and cultures of other countries. That's where my interest lies now," Claudius said with a smile.

"Yes, Your Highness, I will follow your orders," Nia replied quickly, bowing respectfully.

Chapter 10: People Who Have No Worries Must Have Foresight!

Early in the morning, with the assistance of the palace maids, Claudius completed his morning routine of washing and dressing. He didn't wear the iconic white robe of the Celestial Dragons, nor did he wear the customary bubble helmet that most of them used to protect themselves from the "filthy air" of commoners. Instead, he opted for simple, practical clothes that allowed for easy movement.

At the moment, Claudius was performing basic exercises in his vast courtyard.

To the people of Mariejois, Claudius's behavior seemed odd, and though there were whispers about him, nobody took it too seriously. Why? Well, it was simply a part of the reputation the Donquixote family had earned over the centuries. Among the Celestial Dragons, the Donquixote family was considered a bit eccentric. For over 800 years, they had consistently produced individuals who, in the eyes of other Celestial Dragons, seemed a bit... unhinged.

Take, for example, his uncle Homing, who was preparing to move to North Blue. Then there was Lancelot, who pardoned slaves as if it were a casual gesture. Now, Claudius was counted among these "oddities" because of his new lifestyle.

So, when Claudius chose not to wear the typical holy robes, refused to don a bubble helmet, and instead spent his time in physical training, other Celestial Dragons dismissed it as just another odd quirk of the Donquixote family. At most, they might gossip about him during idle conversations over meals.

Claudius himself couldn't care less. He wasn't the type to leave his estate unless absolutely necessary, and he wasn't concerned with the rumors. Let people say what they wanted. As a Celestial Dragon, and a member of the Donquixote family no less, as long as he didn't cross any major lines, no one would interfere with whatever "nonsense" he decided to indulge in.

After completing a set of exercises based on the instructions left by Zephyr, Claudius wiped the sweat from his brow. His training had left him feeling refreshed but slightly fatigued.

As he caught his breath, Nia, the maid who had recently become more familiar with Claudius, approached with a stack of freshly laundered towels, fragrant and soft.

Over the past few days, Nia had noticed significant changes in her interactions with Claudius. Not only did he seem to genuinely appreciate her presence, but he even joked with her occasionally. Perhaps the most notable change was that Claudius had allowed her to sit and eat with him during meals a privilege that made the other servants extremely envious.

Nia had come to understand his temperament and now felt far more at ease around him, replacing her initial fear with a sense of camaraderie.

"Your Highness," Nia said gently, watching Claudius wipe his sweat, "I've heard that it's possible to overdo the foundation training. If you push yourself too hard, it might actually harm your body. The tea I prepared is warm and ready for you. Why don't you take a break before continuing?"

Had it been a few days earlier, Nia wouldn't have dared to make such a suggestion. But now, she spoke with ease, knowing that Claudius would take her words in stride.

Claudius chuckled and threw the towel back to her. "Is that so? Well, if you say so, I'll rest for a bit."

He knew his own limits. Over the past few days, he had been studying his Devil Fruit abilities alongside his physical training. While his stamina was bolstered by the regenerative effects of his fruit, he wasn't in any rush. He was content to progress slowly and steadily, building his foundation step by step.

He sat down at a small table in the courtyard, taking a few sips of the warm tea Nia had prepared.

In the world of pirates, people often believed that sheer hard work alone could move mountains and part seas. But the truth was more nuanced. Hard work was essential, yes, but talent was just as important. And on top of that, material resources played a crucial role.

Claudius had no shortage of talent. Ever since he had awakened to his new life, he had been diligent in honing his skills. As for material resources, well, as a Celestial Dragon, those were practically endless. Wealth and influence were at his disposal without him even needing to ask. And those in Mariejois who sought favor with him would scramble to shower him with gifts and assistance.

In his experience, achieving mastery often involved some level of injury or wear and tear on the body. This was where resources became invaluable without the right support, it was easy to develop lingering injuries. But with the right tools, one could unlock their full potential.

Take the tea he was sipping, for example. It wasn't just a drink; it was specially formulated to enhance the benefits of physical training, unlocking latent potential in the body. While Marine soldiers might dream of having access to such luxuries, even they couldn't afford to match the level of extravagance that Claudius enjoyed daily.

This was the stark reality of power and wealth.

It was the same in Marine headquarters. Talented recruits were weeded out through rigorous selection processes, and the best were sent to elite programs like the Officer Training Camp, which monopolized high-ranking Marine positions. The Marines funneled their best resources into these select few, ensuring that they had every advantage on their path to greatness.

Without such backing, it would be impossible to succeed so easily.

Claudius was in a similar situation. He was born into the highest echelon of society he didn't have to worry about financial struggles or lack of support. As long as he didn't waste his potential and worked hard, his future achievements would undoubtedly be impressive.

As Claudius sat, Nia gently fanned him to stave off the summer heat. Meanwhile, Claudius absently touched his chin, deep in thought. Slowly, he raised his hand, and wisps of white smoke began to form at his fingertips.

Nia wasn't surprised by this; she had grown accustomed to seeing Claudius practice his Devil Fruit powers. She watched with curiosity as the smoke condensed, transforming into something far more tangible liquid nitrogen.

Claudius had been studying the powers of his Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit in earnest lately. He had discovered that by compressing nitrogen gas, he could condense it into liquid form. And liquid nitrogen was no small thing it was an incredibly powerful tool.

For starters, it was extremely cold. When it vaporized, it absorbed heat rapidly, freezing anything it came into contact with. The frostbite caused by this freezing process was irreversible, making it a dangerous and effective weapon.

Additionally, liquid nitrogen was chemically inert and didn't support combustion. In theory, it could be used to counter fire-based abilities. Claudius even suspected that, if developed fully, it might hold its own against Akainu's magma-based powers.

And this was just one application of the Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit. There were countless other possibilities waiting to be explored. But for now, Claudius was taking things slow. The development of a Devil Fruit's power was a long-term process that required patience and practice.

The mist of nitrogen gas enveloped the cup of tea on the table. After a few seconds, the once warm tea had frozen solid.

Claudius smiled in satisfaction and tapped the frozen cup with his finger. The teacup shattered into tiny shards, demonstrating the sheer power of the freezing nitrogen.

"Ah!" Nia gasped in surprise.

Claudius turned to her, amused. "What's the matter? Were you scared?"

Nia shook her head, her curiosity piqued. "No... It's just strange. I didn't feel any cold coming from it."

Claudius chuckled. "That's the nature of liquid nitrogen. By the time you feel the cold, it's already too late."

He glanced at his hand, still trailing wisps of nitrogen. "This is the power of science combined with the abilities of a Devil Fruit. Some might laugh at me for possessing this ability, but I find it full of potential."

Nia nodded, but after a moment, she hesitated. "Your Highness... I have a question. I'm not sure if I should ask it."

Claudius, intrigued, smiled at her. "Go ahead. Ask away."

Nia took a breath, gathering her courage. "You are a Celestial Dragon descended from the Creator and a god among men. You can have anything in this world with just a word. So why do you work so hard to increase your strength?"

Claudius's smile deepened, and his expression grew thoughtful. His gaze became distant as he spoke softly, "People who have no worries must have foresight, Nia. Today, I may be a god walking in the world... but who can guarantee that will always be the case?"

Nia was left speechless. In her mind, the World Government and the Marines were unbeatable forces. Who in the world could possibly challenge the Celestial Dragons? Hadn't they ruled the world for over 800 years?

Claudius saw the confusion in her eyes and continued, "Without strength to support it, this so-called 'godhood' is nothing more than a castle in the sky. It looks magnificent on the surface, but it's fragile. All it takes is a single blow, and everything will collapse."

Although Claudius enjoyed his current life as a Celestial Dragon, he wasn't naive. He knew that somewhere, beyond the horizons of the world he could see, forces were brewing.

Chapter Text

Chapter 11: Marine Hero · Vice Admiral Garp!

At Marine Headquarters, Marineford, a massive warship adorned with dog head decorations slowly docked into the harbor. From the ship jumped a man wearing a gray-white suit, his body solid and muscular, with short, messy hair and a scar running down the corner of his eye. His carefree and bold demeanor radiated authority.

This man, dressed in the iconic Marine cloak of justice, bore the epaulets of a Vice Admiral was none other than the Marine hero, Monkey D. Garp. He was the man who, along with Roger, defeated the infamous Rocks Pirates during the "God Valley Incident" a few years back, a feat that had earned him the title of hero across the world.

" Vice Admiral Garp, welcome back!" A Marine officer quickly approached him, holding out a stack of documents for him to sign.

Indeed, this was the legendary Garp, who, despite working alongside Roger to take down Rocks, was given sole credit by the World Government. They conveniently erased the existence of Roger's involvement to portray a cleaner narrative. Garp, however, detested being hailed as a hero for that incident and rarely spoke about it. Most Marines didn't even know the full truth, with only the highest-ranking officers privy to such secrets.

With a casual gesture, Garp took the documents and scrawled his signature without even glancing at them. This was a standard procedure for officers returning from missions, a formality that served as a "sign-in" of sorts.

"Vice Admiral Garp, Admiral Sengoku has asked that you head to the Marshal's office as soon as you arrive," the Marine officer said.

Garp handed the papers back and grumbled, "Can't even let a guy catch his breath, huh? Every time I get back, there's another task waiting."

Though Garp could grumble all he liked, no Marine officer dared to complain alongside him. The young officer could only smile awkwardly, knowing full well he didn't have the same privilege to criticize their superiors.

After giving the officer a few words of encouragement, Garp made his way toward the fortress, his powerful frame drawing the eyes of the lower-ranked Marines.

Inside the office of the Marine Marshal, a serious conversation was taking place. The iron-blooded Marshal Kong, with his towering physique, was reviewing a set of reports while Zephyr and Sengoku, two of Marine's most esteemed Admirals, sat nearby.

"The situation in the New World is getting worse," Kong said, shaking his head. "Shiki's arrogance knows no bounds. He seems hell-bent on wiping out all of his former comrades."

Zephyr nodded. "Shiki is out of control. If this continues, it could spark a much larger conflict in the New World."

Marine had unmatched power across the seas, but they had to tread carefully. The New World was home to powerful pirate crews, and even though Marine had the upper hand in individual strength, a full-blown conflict could cause these pirates to band together, which would be disastrous. The balance of power in the New World was fragile, and Marine had to maintain stability.

"Let them fight each other," Sengoku said, sipping his tea. "Shiki's currently focused on Ochoku. If they wear each other down, we might find an opportunity to clean up the mess."

Ochoku, like Shiki, had once been a member of the Rocks Pirates. Now, he was the ruler of the Kano Country and had significant influence in the New World. However, Shiki had recently marked him as a target, and a major clash between them seemed inevitable.

Marine's strategy had always been to maintain balance. Let the pirates fight among themselves, and as long as Marine didn't press too hard, the pirates would never unite. But if Marine escalated things too much, it could trigger a chain reaction that would bring the worst out of these criminals.

"Shiki's reckless, but we can't underestimate the impact of these internal conflicts on the overall stability of the seas," Zephyr commented. "What we need to focus on is reinforcing Marine's strength. It's been nearly ten years, and we still haven't solidified the positions of the three Admirals. This delay is starting to affect the morale of our forces."

Sengoku and Kong exchanged uneasy looks. The subject of Marine's three Admirals had been a sore point for years. There were plenty of capable candidates, but none had risen to the top. Marine needed three powerful figures to inspire confidence in the ranks and solidify the organization's strength.

Among the senior officers, there were several who were qualified, including Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had the skills and experience necessary to take on the role of Admiral. But Tsuru had no interest in the position, and with Garp looming over her as the obvious but unwilling choice for promotion, no one else was willing to step up either. No one wanted to be seen as Garp's second choice.

And Garp, the perfect candidate, had repeatedly refused the position of Admiral. His defiance had left the upper echelons of Marine HQ frustrated, as they couldn't force him into the role.

Kong sighed, his eye twitching in frustration. "Zephyr, since you're bringing it up, maybe you can convince Garp to take the position. He should be back by now."

Sengoku, frowning, said, "His pursuit of Roger's crew in South Blue was a bust. Roger's pirates are getting better at slipping through our nets. I have a feeling they'll be an even bigger problem than Shiki in the future."

That was Garp's mission. He had spent months chasing Roger's crew through South Blue but ultimately came up empty-handed. The pirates had vanished without a trace, leaving Garp with little choice but to return to base.

"Trouble in the future..." Kong muttered, his face grim. For a moment, the room was steeped in silence as the weight of Sengoku's words sank in.

Suddenly, the door to the office was banged on a few times before swinging open. Without waiting for permission to enter, Garp casually strolled into the room, one hand digging into his nose while the other closed the door behind him.

"Can't a guy get a break? First thing after I get back, you all want to drag me into another meeting!" Garp complained loudly.

Sengoku shot him a glare. "Garp, can you at least try to maintain some level of decorum?"

Garp laughed heartily. "Hahahaha! Come on, Sengoku, we're all friends here. What's the point of acting all formal?"

He flicked the piece of snot he had been playing with, and though the others caught a glimpse of it flying through the air, none of them commented on it. Garp's irreverent attitude was well known among his comrades.

Plopping down in a chair beside Zephyr, Garp waved away any pretense of formality. "Anyway, it was a bust. Those Roger Pirates are too slippery. No matter how hard we chase them, they manage to vanish. We really ought to upgrade our warships they're just not fast enough."

Zephyr clapped a hand on Garp's shoulder and said, "We'll look into the speed of the ships later. But first, we need to talk about something important strengthening Marine from within. Specifically, we need to fill the position of Admiral. What do you say, Garp?"

Garp didn't even let him finish. "Ahahahaha! No way! You know I don't want to be Admiral. Sure, it's a prestigious title, but all that red tape and dealing with the World Government? No thanks."

The room went quiet for a moment before Garp added with a grin, "By the way, I heard about your little mission with the Celestial Dragons while I was in South Blue. Zephyr, how'd that go? Bet it was a real headache."

Sengoku groaned, knowing that Garp wasn't going to be swayed. This stubbornness was part of what made him a great Marine but also what made him an infuriating colleague at times. Zephyr, too, shook his head. He knew that convincing Garp was a lost cause.

"Actually," Zephyr said, "the mission went smoother than expected. I met an interesting Celestial Dragon. Do you know Donquixote Claudius?"

Garp scratched his chin, thinking. "Claudius...? Oh! Is that the Celestial Dragon who accidentally ate a Devil Fruit? Heh, I remember hearing about that. Bit of a joke, isn't he?"

Indeed, Claudius wasn't well-known outside of Mariejois. His most memorable claim to fame was the incident where he accidentally consumed a Devil Fruit, something that had caused quite a stir and led to jokes among the higher ranks of the Marines.

Zephyr smiled. "That's the one. But he's different from the other Celestial Dragons. There's something about him... I get the feeling we'll be dealing with him again in the future."

Sengoku and Garp exchanged looks. When Zephyr spoke about someone's potential, it was worth paying attention.

"Interesting," Garp mused, filing the name away in his mind. "We'll see what happens."

Chapter 12: Monkeys Are Dangerous

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, inside the residence of the gods, Claudius sat comfortably in his study, leisurely reading a book.

Naturally, he was unaware that, thanks to Zephyr's remarks, he had gained quite a reputation within the Naval Headquarters.

The book Claudius held in his hands was one of many that Nia, had recently provided. It detailed the customs and governance of the world, specifically introducing the various national situations of the more than 170 countries allied with the World Government.

"Although slavery was officially abolished, it's not just the Celestial Dragons who blatantly disregard this decree. Even among the ordinary nobles, there are still slaves to be found..." Claudius murmured softly to himself as he read.

This was in line with his prior understanding. While Doflamingo was still just a child at this time, the infamous slave trade of the Sabaody Archipelago hadn't relied solely on his future influence to flourish.

The business was already thriving. Celestial Dragons often bought slaves when visiting the island, and when they weren't around, the nobles served as the primary clientele.

For the moment, Claudius had no particular interest in meddling with the slave trade. Even if he had the inclination to intervene, he lacked the power to do so. He wasn't some idealistic hero who could change things with mere words.

Aside from the slave trade operating in the shadows, most countries still operated under a feudal system. Kings ruled over their nations, and nobles were entrusted with the management of territories much like in the ancient times of his previous life. This brought Claudius to some deeper thoughts.

Just as he was contemplating these matters, a gentle knock sounded at the door of his study.

"Your Highness," Nia's soft voice called from outside.

Claudius snapped out of his thoughts and replied calmly, "Come in."

With his permission, Nia quietly opened the door and stepped into the study.

"Any news?" Claudius asked, still not turning away from the book in his hand.

"Yes, Your Highness," Nia replied with a nod, and before Claudius could prompt her further, she continued, "At Naval Headquarters, there is indeed a Vice Admiral by the name of Dragon. Although he hasn't been promoted yet, many within the Marine know that he is the son of Garp, the hero of the Marines."

"Just as I thought..." Claudius said with a small smile, muttering to himself.

Garp was indeed a Marine hero, a man who clearly despised the Celestial Dragons, but whose loyalty to the Marine and the World Government was beyond question. Otherwise, he wouldn't have risked his life during the God Valley incident.

Even if Garp's loyalty was to a peace shaped by the World Government's control, it was still unwavering. At the very least, Garp had a deep love for the Marines.

As a hero, Garp naturally hoped his son would follow in his footsteps, and it seemed he had succeeded. Dragon was already a Vice Admiral a clear indication of his talent.

Judging by Dragon's age, he should be in his early twenties probably around twenty-three or twenty-four.

Even without Garp's influence, Dragon's position as Vice Admiral was well earned.

So Claudius wasn't particularly surprised by the news.

"Why does Your Highness have such interest in Garp's son?" Nia asked, a little puzzled.

Claudius chuckled and replied, "Because this man is rather interesting."

Nia still didn't fully understand. Despite her curiosity, she quickly suppressed it.

Ever since Saint Claudius had returned from his "trip" to the New World, there had been many changes. His attendants, including Nia, all noticed that his temper had significantly mellowed. The once irritable and troublesome noble, known for causing daily chaos, had become a quiet figure who rarely left his estate.

Naturally, Nia had noticed this transformation as well. Though she had her doubts, she rationalized it by assuming that Claudius had matured. Perhaps his experiences had calmed his mind, allowing him to adopt a more stable and level-headed approach to life.

But Claudius, deep down, knew the truth. It wasn't a mere change of mindset; it was a complete change of soul.

As for why he was so interested in Dragon, it was because Claudius knew the man would eventually become the greatest enemy of the Celestial Dragons.

He needed to find out more about Dragon's current situation. Had he already started to distance himself from his father's ideals? If Dragon had already begun to oppose the World Government, then Claudius had to act swiftly.

If Dragon had broken away from his father's beliefs and was preparing to go rogue, it would be disastrous for Claudius and the other Celestial Dragons.

That would mean Dragon had already undergone his transformation he had already set his revolutionary ambitions.

If that was the case, Claudius needed to eliminate Dragon immediately, before he grew into a greater threat.

Claudius wasn't the type to be sentimental. Even though Dragon had a legendary father in Garp, that didn't earn him any special treatment.

The saying "Your position determines your actions" applied here. Whatever role Claudius found himself in, he would act accordingly.

If he had been reincarnated as a pirate, he would've lived as a pirate raiding, plundering, pursuing the title of Pirate King without a second thought.

Had he been reborn as a Marine, he would've donned the cloak of justice, worked his way up to Admiral, and used the power of the Buster Call to annihilate anything he found displeasing.

And if he had been born in Dragon's time and ended up under his command, Claudius might've devoted himself to revolution, fighting to overthrow the corrupt powers of the old world.

But none of those scenarios had played out. Claudius had been born as a Celestial Dragon, with all the wealth, power, and privilege the world had to offer.

Thus, his role was clear: protect the Celestial Dragons and maintain the status quo. As long as the World Government stood strong, he could continue to enjoy the privileges that came with his title. The choice was simple. There was no need to hesitate.

That meant anyone who threatened the Celestial Dragon's way of life had to be dealt with no exceptions.

Claudius knew that while the Celestial Dragons were untouchable now, that might not be the case in twenty or thirty years. The winds of change would eventually sweep through, and whether the World Government could withstand the coming storm was uncertain.

If the World Government fell and the Celestial Dragons lost their power, everything Claudius enjoyed now would be taken away. Worse yet, in the aftermath of the revolution, the rulers of the old regime the Celestial Dragons would be hunted down.

The fate of Donquixote Homing and his family was a stark reminder. Even though they had voluntarily given up their Celestial Dragon status, they were still hated by the common people, who wanted nothing more than to see them dead.

If the World Government collapsed, Claudius could easily imagine what would happen to him and the rest of the Celestial Dragons.

This was why Claudius was determined to ensure the survival of the World Government and the Celestial Dragon's rule.

From his memories and understanding of the world, Claudius could identify several key factors that might lead to the downfall of the World Government.

At the top of the list was Garp and his family the Monkey family.

Their influence on the world was undeniable. Garp was a hero in the Marine, one of the strongest figures of the time.

His son, Dragon, although currently a Marine Vice Admiral, would eventually become the leader of the revolutionary army, waging war against the Celestial Dragons and the World Government.

And then there was Garp's grandson Monkey D. Luffy, the future Pirate King. Though still unborn at this time, Luffy's fate was sealed. With his protagonist's luck, he was destined to become a major player in the world's future.

Between Garp, Dragon, and Luffy, the Monkey family had their hands in all three major power structures Marine, Revolutionaries, and Pirates. It was only a matter of time before they shook the very foundations of the world.

Of the three, Claudius wasn't too worried about Garp. By the time the revolution began in earnest, Garp would be old, likely retired. Having spent his entire life serving the Marines and the World Government, it was unlikely that Garp would suddenly become an enemy.

In fact, Garp could even be an ally, one of the few who could help hold the World Government together when the time came.

Dragon, on the other hand, was a different story. Once he fully embraced his revolutionary ideals, he would become a direct threat to the Celestial Dragons.

As for Luffy, Claudius had already made up his mind to stay out of the boy's way. The protagonist's aura was too strong, and getting involved with him would only invite trouble.

Still, if Luffy continued down the path to becoming the Pirate King, Claudius wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him before he could cause too much damage.

"But I'll have to give Garp some face," Claudius thought. "Once Luffy enters the New World, I'll have no choice but to deal with him. Whether it's in Alabasta or Enies Lobby... well, perhaps by that time, my actions might change his fate entirely."

"As for Dragon," Claudius mused. "Once he becomes a true threat, I'll have no choice but to deal with him decisively. If I can handle him before he establishes the Revolutionary Army, all the better."

For now, however, Dragon was still a Marine Vice Admiral. He was young, still bound by the ideals of justice instilled in him by his father. If Claudius played his cards right, perhaps he could even sway Dragon to his side, or at the very least, neutralize his ambitions before they fully developed.

"It's not like I can just kill him right now, though," Claudius thought. "He's still Garp's son, and Garp, despite his disdain for Celestial Dragons, is fiercely loyal to the Marines and the World Government. If I somehow managed to eliminate Dragon through underhanded means, Garp would no doubt lose his mind and come after me."

Claudius could already imagine the enraged Marine hero storming Mariejois, fists swinging, ready to punch him into oblivion.

"I need to be careful," Claudius thought, his expression growing serious. "But I also need to act before it's too late."

Thus, his plan began to take shape watch Dragon closely, steer him if possible, and if not, eliminate him before he could truly threaten the World Government and the Celestial Dragons.

With his mind made up, Claudius let out a sigh, already feeling the weight of the decisions he would need to make in the future.

Chapter 13: Civil Rights

Claudius held an optimistic view of the future transformations in this world.

Looking at the trajectory of history, these changes were undoubtedly inevitable.

Eight centuries of rule had accumulated a vast number of contradictions. When these tensions could no longer be suppressed, they would inevitably trigger a massive backlash, one so turbulent that no human effort could halt it.

Claudius didn't delude himself into thinking he was powerful enough to single-handedly suppress the wave of an entire era. For the various systems set in place by the World Government, whatever was meant to change in the future would certainly still change. However, Claudius had no intention of passively accepting all these changes.

There were different types of changes.

The first would be bottom-up, sparked by the revolutionary army that Dragon would one day establish. The clash of iron and blood would bring about a direct change in the ruling dynasty. At that time, while the World Government might survive in some organizational form, its current rulers would be doomed.

The second type of change would be top-down. This was the method Claudius favored a transformation initiated from within, allowing the system to adapt to the changing era, thereby revitalizing itself. This was the path Claudius was leaning toward, and it might be the approach he would take in the future.

"Even if the world changes, it should be guided by divine hands," Claudius muttered softly.

"Your Highness?" Nia, standing by his side, looked at him in confusion, unsure how to respond to his cryptic words.

Claudius smiled, setting aside the book in his hand. "Don't mind me. I was just thinking out loud."

Claudius's plan was clear: he intended to seize the right moment to initiate a top-down transformation that could adapt to the tidal wave of the new era. But before that, he needed to make preparations. If he wanted to stir up change, he couldn't do it alone he needed power, allies who would conspire with him.

At present, Dragon seemed like someone who might be of use. However, Claudius was still too young. Had he been born a decade or so earlier, he might have been better prepared. Therefore, until he possessed sufficient strength, he couldn't act rashly or push Dragon too hard. His approach would need to be subtle he would have to gradually influence Dragon's thinking, helping him understand Claudius's ideas, so that the two of them wouldn't end up as enemies.

This kind of work required "culture." In simple terms: brainwashing.

After all, Claudius hailed from an era of information overload in his previous life. His mind was brimming with knowledge, and as a well-educated man, brainwashing these natives shouldn't pose too much of a challenge.

"If things go as expected, the best solution would be to adapt to the times by reforming the existing system. Of all possible systems, a constitutional monarchy seems most fitting delegating symbolic power to the people so they feel like they have a stake in things, while holding the real, invisible power behind the scenes. That's the framework I have in mind."

Claudius pondered over this.

When contradictions piled up to a breaking point, if one didn't want to be overthrown, concessions had to be made. The biggest flaw of the current system was that the World Government wielded too much power, and the Celestial Dragons were completely unrestrained, making them utterly lawless.

To avoid the fate of being overthrown, Claudius felt that some power needed to be ceded. However, this would only be a façade. As long as societal productive forces hadn't yet reached a point of equal wealth distribution, class divisions would remain inevitable. Right now, these divisions were simply too glaring, with the Celestial Dragons brazenly standing above everything else. Such contradictions were bound to lead to conflict.

Although Claudius temporarily believed in delegating power, he had no intention of dismantling the upper class. His goal was to stabilize their power through the redistribution of authority. He would use wealth to control power discreetly after the system was reformed.

In short, Claudius intended to use constitutional reform as a façade to create a pseudo-capitalist system. Outwardly, there would be no obvious power on display, but in reality, he would still control the true power wealth.

By that time, with one hand holding the illusion of symbolic authority and the other holding real economic power, coupled with Marine waving the flag of justice, it would appear that significant changes had occurred. But in reality, he would still be at the top.

That would be enough.

Of course, Claudius knew better than to let Dragon in on these deeper thoughts. He had to wrap these ideas in the rhetoric of the "new era" and make them seem progressive. After all, what's more effective than using lofty ideals to manipulate others?

This kind of trickery was easy enough. It appeared grandiose, but it wasn't too complicated certainly not for Claudius.

Once Claudius understood this, he realized that gaining Dragon's cooperation would be his first major goal. The best way to do this? Books.

Dragon was still serving as a Vice Admiral in the Marine, meaning his ideological views hadn't solidified yet. His values were still being shaped, largely influenced by Garp.

That was perfect. At this stage, before Dragon fully discovered his path, Claudius could "rewrite" his thoughts using books that resonated with him.

As someone who came from an information-rich era, Claudius had more than enough material in his head to compose a book that could sway someone like Dragon. But for this plan to work, the content had to fit this world it couldn't be too outlandish.

Thus, Claudius had Nia continually gather books from this world for him, expanding his knowledge and preparing for the task ahead.

This was just the beginning. First, he would write a simple work to "enlighten" Dragon. He'd find a way to ensure that Dragon stumbled upon it naturally, arousing his curiosity. That would be the first step.

Later, when he was strong enough to travel freely, Claudius would traverse the world, writing a more substantial book one that could genuinely inspire Dragon.

The best outcome would be co-publishing a book with Dragon, tying him firmly to these ideals.

"I really am devious... tsk." Claudius touched his chin, smiling wickedly.

For now, lacking the strength to act openly, he had to rely on this "cultural" approach. It was the only path available to him.

Of course, Claudius knew that without real power, all of this was mere talk. If this path succeeded, it would be ideal. But if it failed, he would have to explore other means to secure his interests.

"Mass murder..." Claudius muttered.

The first approach, a top-down transformation, was the kingly path ruling through benevolence, enlightening the people, and guiding them with reason.

The second, more brutal path, was hegemony. If reasoning failed, Claudius would have to use raw power to enforce his will. Whoever tried to overthrow him would be eliminated.

These were thoughts Claudius kept to himself, weighing each option carefully. In the end, though, all roads led back to one conclusion: strength was essential.

With that thought, Claudius snapped back to the present. Nia was still standing quietly beside him, waiting patiently.

"Nia, bring me my pen and ink," Claudius said.

Nia blinked in surprise. "Your Highness?" She thought he had been focusing on martial arts recently, and now, suddenly, he wanted to write? Could he be thinking of composing a book?

She was momentarily confused, but in the end, it didn't matter. Claudius was a Celestial Dragon. Whether he was writing or even burning books, no one would dare question him.

Pushing aside these thoughts, Nia quickly fetched the pen and ink.

Claudius took the pen, paused for a moment, and thought to himself: if he wanted to influence Dragon's idealism, he needed a title that sounded grand!

After a few moments of consideration, Claudius made his decision and wrote two large characters on the paper: "Civil Rights."

But when he looked at his handwriting, Claudius froze. While the words themselves were fine, the writing was atrocious practically illegible.

"Ugh, my predecessor was truly useless. A noble who can't even write properly... It's embarrassing," Claudius muttered to himself.

Frustrated, he set the pen down. "Nia, you do it."

"Me?" Nia was taken aback. "But Your Highness... I'm not sure what you want to write."

"I'll dictate it to you. My handwriting is too awful to show to anyone. You can write decently, right?" Claudius asked, smiling.

Nia nodded hesitantly. "We do have to learn proper calligraphy in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Along with music, chess, painting, and so on..."

Claudius wasn't surprised. As a steward for the Celestial Dragons, it made sense for her to be highly skilled. After all, if one of the Celestial Dragons was in a good mood and asked you to play a tune or paint something, you couldn't very well say no. Otherwise, they might kill you for being useless.

"Good, then you can write for me," Claudius said with a grin.

Nia sat down in the spot Claudius had vacated. After neatly writing the words "Civil Rights," she paused, waiting for Claudius to continue dictating.

Claudius stood behind her, his voice calm and measured as he spoke:

"The people are like water, and the ruler is the boat. Dynasties may rise and fall, leaders may change, but the people endure. Water can support a boat, but it can also overturn it. Therefore, the well-being of the people must always come first, while the ruler serves as their guiding light..."

Claudius continued to dictate in a low voice while Nia diligently recorded his words. If Claudius wanted to influence Dragon's idealism, he had to craft this carefully, blending grand ideals with practical rhetoric. The title and the text needed to sound profound enough to inspire someone like Dragon.

Nia, listening intently to Claudius's words, couldn't help but feel a growing sense of disbelief. Initially, she thought Claudius's sudden interest in writing was just a passing whim, perhaps some lofty rhetoric praising the greatness of the Celestial Dragons. But these words...

The more Claudius spoke, the more shocked Nia became. His thoughts, his philosophy, seemed almost radical. As a member of the Celestial Dragons, Claudius's ideas about the people being the foundation of society, about rulers needing to adapt or face ruin were astonishing, almost blasphemous.

She kept her composure, though, continuing to write, her pen moving steadily across the paper as she recorded every word.

Chapter 14: Generous Cousin

The grand and opulent palace Claudius resided in was originally named the "The King's Palace," but he found the name far too ostentatious. Claudius believed that until he achieved some measure of success, it was best to keep a low profile. He didn't want to attract undue attention from the Five Elders or, worse, Imu, who he had never seen but knew held great power.

So, he changed the name of the "The King's Palace" to "Claudius Palace." Claudius knew well he had borrowed the name from the emperors of his past life. Of course, the palace's design and style were still inconsistent with the name. But for now, this would suffice. Once he had more power, he could make the necessary adjustments.

In the palace courtyard, Claudius gripped a wooden sword, repeatedly swinging it in powerful, simple movements. After three months of recovery and training, his body had undergone notable changes.

Without the burdens of food or drink, and with access to the best luxuries, combined with regular exercise, Claudius was growing into a striking figure. His physique had improved so much that every few days, he looked noticeably different.

The soft, chubby appearance he once had was now long gone. His body had returned to a healthy, muscular state, with his arms and waist becoming well-defined. His upper body was bare, and his skin, well cared for, gleamed under the sun, looking almost translucent without a scar in sight. His long, pale blonde hair fluttered in the wind. Once, Claudius had a somewhat sleazy appearance, but now, his sharp eyebrows and handsome features marked a dramatic transformation. Among the Celestial Dragons, his good looks were rare.

"More than 20,000 swings, and His Highness is still as steady as ever, without a hint of trembling. He really has a gift for this. Could he truly become a great swordsman?" muttered a burly middle-aged man nearby. He was wearing a slave collar around his neck and watched Claudius's training in awe.

This man had once been a renowned swordsman at sea before he was captured and enslaved. Claudius had discovered him among the slaves and immediately hired him as his kendo instructor. The man's task wasn't to teach Claudius any particularly advanced skills his role was simply to guide the practice of the basics.

Claudius had promised him freedom once he achieved mastery in kendo, a prospect that excited the man so much that he was eager to impart everything he knew to Claudius as quickly as possible, hoping to leave Mariejois sooner rather than later.

Kendo basics weren't much different from what Claudius had imagined. The first step was mastering sword swings—ensuring the blade moved exactly where you intended. If you couldn't control the sword's direction, how could you hope to cut down an opponent?

While simple, this training could become monotonous. Fortunately, Claudius had plenty of time on his hands. His daily routine was balanced after sword practice, he focused on physical training using the methods left by Admiral Zephyr. In the afternoons, he studied his Devil Fruit abilities. And in the evenings, he dictated his thoughts and plans, with Nia recording them. All in all, Claudius lived a very fulfilling life, even if he rarely left the palace. He never felt as if he was wasting time.

Nia, standing nearby, listened to the swordsman's words with a sense of pride. "Who do you think His Highness Claudius is? If he wants to become a great swordsman, he will succeed. There's no doubt about it."

After boasting about Claudius, she glanced at his chiseled figure, her cheeks flushing slightly. Celestial Dragons usually kept multiple wives—ten or even more. Whether they needed them or not, it was expected that wives would be kept in the palace. In the past, Claudius had done the same, keeping several women in his palace.

However, after returning from the New World, he had sent all those unfortunate women away, and so far, it didn't seem like he had taken an interest in that kind of thing. At least, Nia hadn't heard any rumors of maids sneaking into his bed at night.

This puzzled Nia. Could it be that Claudius had suffered some hidden injury during his time away?

Of course, she dared not voice such thoughts. Even though she was now quite close to Claudius, certain questions were off-limits.

Had Claudius known what Nia was thinking, he likely would've laughed. His predecessor had indeed kept a harem of wives, but they had been more ornamental than anything else. Being just a spoiled, pudgy boy at the time, the former Claudius hadn't known what to do with them. But because other Celestial Dragons had wives, he had followed suit, indulging in the practice.

After his return, with his new soul occupying this body, Claudius had felt nothing but disgust at the sight of those women. Feeling guilty for how they had been treated, he had sent them away, allowing them to return to their homes. It was one of the few good deeds he could count.

Now, Claudius's life was fulfilling. He focused on improving his strength to prepare for the turbulent future. He had no time for meaningless distractions. He was also well aware of his age—still too young to risk damaging his body by overindulging. Better to avoid those temptations now, so that when he reached his prime, he wouldn't face physical decline.

Claudius had heard stories of Celestial Dragons in their 30s and 40s who had turned to increasingly perverse behavior. They had "opened up" too early, without moderation, and the resulting decay of their bodies had driven them into a cycle of violence and depravity.

Claudius planned to avoid that fate. Once he had matured fully, he could find a suitable beauty and enjoy life to the fullest. Besides, with the Zero Hour embedded within his body, the pleasures of life would be endless. There was no need to rush.

As Claudius continued to practice his sword swings, and Nia got lost in her own thoughts, a loud and arrogant voice echoed from the courtyard entrance.

"It's been three months! My cousin is supposedly bedridden, yet here I see him practicing his sword skills. I thought you were ill! Get out here before I have to kill someone!"

Claudius stopped mid-swing, smiled helplessly, and looked toward the gate.

Sure enough, swaggering in with his trademark orange sunglasses and short blonde hair, was none other than Donquixote Doflamingo, his younger cousin. A few servants trailed behind him.

Doflamingo hadn't visited in a while. The moment he saw Claudius, he exclaimed, "Cousin, have you grown taller again?"

Claudius chuckled, tossing his wooden sword to the ground. He walked over to Nia, picked up a towel, and began wiping the sweat off his body. With a smile, he looked at Doflamingo and said, "I'm still growing, Doffy. I'll get taller yet."

"Really?" Doflamingo tilted his head slightly but quickly moved on. He grabbed Claudius by the belt and said, "Cousin, I'll be leaving Mariejois in a few days. Who knows when I'll be able to hang out with you again? You've been resting long enough. You should come out with me! I heard there's a giant slave in the arena today. They've set up some ferocious beasts to fight him should be fun to watch. You've got to come with me!"

Claudius paused for a moment, then asked, "You're leaving in a few days?"

"Yeah, my father says we're heading to North Blue next Monday. Lots of people are calling us traitors or something. I don't really get it, but since it's my father's idea, I'm sure it'll be fine," Doflamingo replied, nonchalantly.

Claudius remained silent for a moment. He had a good relationship with Doflamingo, and even though he couldn't stop their family's downfall, he could still support Doflamingo in secret. In time, it might even be possible to groom Doflamingo into a useful ally, perhaps even a "dark hand" working in the shadows for him.

With that in mind, Claudius patted Doflamingo on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Doffy. You're my cousin, and no matter what happens, if you run into trouble, just come to me. I'll do everything I can to help you."

"I knew it! Cousin, you're the only one who's always had my back. While others see me as a traitor, you see me as family," Doflamingo said with a grin.

"Of course! You're my brother," Claudius replied casually.

"Then, as my brother, you have to come to the arena with me today," Doflamingo insisted, pulling Claudius along.

"I know, I know. Give me a moment to change," Claudius waved his hand, laughing.

With Nia's help, Claudius quickly dressed, though neither he nor Doflamingo wore the typical Celestial Dragon garb no ridiculous bubble hoods or flowing white robes. They walked out as they were, and anyone unfamiliar with them might not have recognized them as Celestial Dragons. Fortunately, the large group of servants trailing behind them marked their noble status. After all, no one but Celestial Dragons would dare to parade around Mariejois with such disregard for decorum.

As they walked, Doflamingo continued talking to Claudius. "Since I'm leaving soon, I can't take my slaves with me. Why don't I give them all to you, cousin? I still have two mermaid slaves they cost me quite a fortune at the slave market."

"Mermaids?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Well, thank you very much, Doffy."

Claudius's predecessor had owned plenty of slaves, but they had been more for show than for any real use. Most were treated as mounts, a typical pastime for the wasteful Celestial Dragons. But since returning, Claudius had found such practices distasteful. He had already rid himself of the useless ones, either by selling them or passing them on to servants. After all, while he still maintained the pride of a Celestial Dragon, he had no interest in indulging in senseless cruelty.

Now, only a few slaves remained in his household those with practical skills, like the swordsman who trained him.

With Doflamingo offering the mermaids, Claudius thought it better to take them under his wing than let them fall into the hands of other depraved Celestial Dragons. At least with him, they wouldn't suffer the same fate.

Chapter 15: Doflamingo is Down!

In the days leading up to Doflamingo's departure, Claudius had eased up on some of his strict routines. After all, once Doflamingo left, it was likely that their paths would diverge in ways that would be difficult to reconcile. Claudius couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental about it.

So, in the days that followed, whenever Doflamingo came to him, Claudius would accompany him, going out together as they had when they were younger.

It was early in 1491 of the Sea Circle Calendar, and Mariejois still enjoyed a mild climate. The weather that day was particularly pleasant ideal for travel.

At the port of Mariejois, several Celestial Dragons had gathered, Claudius among them. This wasn't some grand ceremony; the Donquixote family's Homing and his kin were preparing to leave Mariejois, renouncing their Celestial Dragon status to live as ordinary mortals in North Blue.

Homing was smiling, standing amidst an assortment of luggage that suggested he was more than ready for this transition. His two sons, Doflamingo and Rosinante, stood at either side of him, while his wife a quiet woman with a gentle smile stood behind, silently supporting her husband.

"Homing, are you absolutely sure about this?" an elderly Celestial Dragon, whose family Claudius couldn't quite place, asked Homing with visible irritation.

"I've thought long and hard about it, and yes, I'm sure," Homing replied with a calm smile.

"I have no idea what's going through your head! You're disgracing the Celestial Dragons! Why abandon our godly status to live like those lowly commoners?" the elder fumed, clearly upset.

But Homing remained composed. "What are you talking about? We're humans too, aren't we?"

The surrounding Celestial Dragons looked uncomfortable at this statement, their expressions twisting in displeasure.

"Homing, how dare you insult our bloodline? We're the descendants of the Creator, gods! We are not the same as those pitiful, filthy mortals!" the elder retorted furiously.

"I see no difference between us and them. Being a Celestial Dragon is just a title; at the core, we're all the same," Homing responded calmly, still smiling.

The elder's face turned an angry shade of red. "Fine, then! If you're so determined to go, so be it. But remember, once you leave Mariejois, you'll be stripped of your Celestial Dragon status. Don't come crawling back later!"

"I won't regret it," Homing said firmly.

Watching the exchange, Claudius couldn't help but shake his head. Homing really wasn't pulling any punches. If it had been Claudius in his place, he would have left quietly, without stirring up so much attention.

There was a better way to do it perhaps by framing it as a temporary experience of the mortal world, something that could be easily reversed if things didn't go as planned. That way, Homing could have kept a lower profile, and while there might still have been some gossip, no one would have labeled him a traitor.

But Claudius didn't feel inclined to intervene. He had enough on his plate without worrying about Homing's idealistic choices. Watching Homing argue with the enraged Celestial Dragons around him, Claudius almost found it amusing.

Beside him, Doflamingo appeared indifferent, blinking slowly as if none of this concerned him. Claudius's gaze shifted to Rosinante, standing quietly by Homing's other side.

Rosinante was Claudius's younger cousin, but unlike Doflamingo, he was a "good boy" who had inherited his father's innocence and kindness. Because of this, Claudius wasn't very close to him Rosinante's gentle nature simply didn't mesh with Claudius's previous self, who had been a selfish and reckless brat.

Looking at Rosinante now, Claudius couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental. If anyone in this world had what could be described as a "teammate curse," it was Rosinante. This kid had a knack for bringing disaster to anyone around him.

Just look at what happened to their family after they descended to the mortal world Rosinante's mother died of illness, his father was shot by none other than his brother, Doflamingo, and then the family was scattered to the winds. Later, Rosinante somehow ended up as an adopted son of Marine Admiral Sengoku, only to go undercover and nearly ruin Doflamingo's operations in North Blue. He also almost lost the Ope-Ope Fruit, which was a crucial asset.

And if that weren't enough, after betraying Doflamingo and helping Trafalgar Law escape, he inadvertently sabotaged Sengoku's mission, leading to the complete failure of the Marine's operation on the Island. Doflamingo escaped capture, and the valuable Ope-Ope Fruit was consumed by Law instead of being recovered by the Marines.

From the outside, Rosinante seemed to be acting on noble intentions, but from the perspective of those involved, he was an absolute disaster magnet.

Claudius had no doubt that if Rosinante hadn't died on the Island, Trafalgar Law's fate would have been similarly cursed by prolonged association with him.

And the root of it all, Claudius thought, was that Rosinante was too idealistic too much of a "saint." He meant well, but lacked the skill to back it up, constantly meddling in things beyond his control and dragging those around him into messes they didn't ask for.

With a sigh, Claudius averted his gaze from Rosinante. He had no intention of getting involved with him, not with the curse of misfortune that seemed to follow him everywhere. If Claudius wanted to avoid being dragged down, it was best to stay clear of Rosinante's troubles.

Feeling a pang of sympathy for Doflamingo, who would have to endure life in the mortal world alongside this "unlucky star," Claudius stepped forward and placed a hand on Doflamingo's shoulder.

"Doffy, take care of yourself out there," Claudius said, his tone genuine. "If I ever get the chance, I'll come visit you."

Doflamingo, still oblivious to the hardships that awaited him, smiled and nodded eagerly. "Cousin, when you come, make sure you bring something fun!"

"I will," Claudius replied with a smile. After a brief pause, he added softly, "And if you run into any trouble, find a way to reach out to me. I'll do whatever I can to help."

Doflamingo grinned, clearly appreciative of the gesture, and the two of them continued chatting for a while about trivial matters like the slaves Doflamingo had given Claudius the previous day.

Claudius had kept the two mermaids for himself, but the other slaves, which he found completely useless, had been sold off.

After some time, Homing exchanged a few words with the current Donquixote family head, Lancelot, and it was clear that the final farewells were being made.

Despite Homing's decision to renounce his Celestial Dragon status, Lancelot treated him with respect during this last moment, waving his hand generously to command the guards to ready a large ship to transport Huo Minggu and his family from Mariejois.

Watching them depart, Claudius couldn't help but wonder if Lancelot's actions were motivated by genuine goodwill or something more calculated. After all, the reason Doflamingo's family would face such misery in the future was largely due to their exposure as former Celestial Dragons, which had incited the anger of the common folk.

Was Lancelot being kind, or was this part of a subtle plan to betray them? It was hard to say.

In any case, it didn't really matter. Claudius had no intention of becoming enemies with Lancelot. If this was a scheme, he would simply be wary in future dealings with him.

As the ship sailed off into the distance, the other Celestial Dragons gradually dispersed. Some of them glanced at Claudius with odd expressions.

After all, Claudius had barely been seen in public over the past few months. While they had heard rumors about him acting strangely, their last impression of him had been that of an overweight, lazy fool.

Now, they were surprised to see how much he had changed. He looked taller, more refined, and his once soft, childish features had sharpened into something more mature. He no longer resembled the waste they remembered.

"Not bad. Maybe there's potential there. A future marriage prospect, perhaps?" some of the Celestial Dragons mused.

Though the Donquixote family had produced a few oddballs over the years, Claudius still bore the pure Celestial Dragon bloodline. Moreover, with his family's standing and the potential he now seemed to show, marriage might not be a bad idea.

But Claudius couldn't care less about their thoughts. Once Doflamingo had sailed away, he waved his hand and returned home. Now that Doflamingo's "distractions" were gone, Claudius could finally focus on his plans without interruption. Starting today, he could get back to fully concentrating on his own growth and preparations for the future.

Chapter 16: A Visit to Marineford?

In the Claudius Palace, within the large pond in the courtyard, two incredibly beautiful mermaid women were swimming gracefully. They seemed quite happy in the water.

These mermaids were slaves, a gift from Doflamingo to Claudius when he left Mariejois two months ago. Claudius had kept them here mainly for the sake of appearances.

Over the past two months, the two mermaids had begun to adjust to their new surroundings. They'd come to realize that their new master wasn't someone who enjoyed torturing slaves for amusement. He was even somewhat handsome and treated them with more kindness than they had expected.

Compared to their previous lives, though they still hadn't gained their freedom or left Mariejois, things were much better. They no longer had to wear the collars of slaves, weren't locked in giant fish tanks on display, and no one tossed vicious piranhas into the water to torment them for sport.

At that moment, not far from the pond, Claudius was sparring with a few men wearing slave collars, as if he was honing his combat skills against real opponents.

The two mermaid girls lay by the edge of the pond, watching the scene with curiosity.

"Mero, why do you think His Highness Claudius is doing this?" one of the mermaids asked her companion. "Isn't he one of the Celestial Dragons?"

Sori, the other mermaid, shook her head in confusion and replied, "I have no idea. Maybe he's just bored. When I first came here, I was terrified. I never imagined a Celestial Dragon like Claudius could be so strange. Not only does he not torture us, but he even removed our slave collars…"

A glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes as she asked quietly, "Lenny, do you think there's a chance he might let us go home someday?"

Lenny was silent for a moment, hope also flickering in her gaze. "I don't know, but… I have a feeling there's a chance."

"If we could go home, that would be wonderful," Sori said softly. "I miss Fish-Man Island."

In the past, when they were in Doflamingo's hands, simply staying alive had been their only hope. But after two months here, the idea of going home no longer seemed like an impossible dream. If Claudius knew about their secret hopes, he might even find it amusing. Could they really be mistaking him for a kindhearted man?

At that moment, Claudius threw a punch and sent one of the gladiator-like slaves flying. His expression darkened.

"I told you, you don't need to hold back," Claudius said, frowning. "You're not going to get in trouble if you hurt me, so why are you still being so cautious? Do you think I'm just playing games here, pretending to fight?"

The slaves, trembling in fear, knelt down in the courtyard. Their bodies were drenched in cold sweat, too terrified to respond.

Watching this, Claudius felt a wave of disgust.

These slaves had been broken stripped of their courage and hope. Especially the ones with some fighting ability, they'd been rigorously trained for Celestial Dragons, conditioned never to resist or show aggression. They'd been taught to fear causing any harm, lest they pay with their lives and bring ruin upon their fellow slaves.

Even though Claudius had promised rewards, even their freedom, if they could defeat him, none of them dared to truly fight. They treated it like a game, performing flashy moves before deliberately leaving themselves open to be easily defeated.

On the one hand, they didn't trust Claudius. He was still a Celestial Dragon, after all. They couldn't believe that beating him in a fight would lead to freedom. More likely, it would end in their deaths. On the other hand, they thought that playing along, making their master happy, might earn them a slightly easier life.

Claudius, seeing them act like mindless drones, felt even more bored and frustrated. He waved to his steward, Nia, and said, "Take them to the arena. I don't want to see these pathetic creatures anymore."

Nia nodded quickly. After a few orders, the guards came and escorted the group of trembling slaves out of the courtyard.

Nia then approached with a cup of tea, offering it to Claudius. "Your Highness, why waste your energy on these slaves? You've already given them a chance, but they're too broken to make use of it. They deserve to be slaves."

Claudius took the tea, sipping it to moisten his throat. He shook his head. "Pitiful people are always so detestable. It's not that they're weak that bothers me; it's that they're so useless that they have no value at all. No matter how many times I fight them, I can't gauge my own strength."

Claudius had been training for about six months, making significant progress. But there was no one around who could provide him with a real challenge. Originally, he thought sparring with the slaves might help, and he'd even considered freeing them if they impressed him. But the whole thing had been a massive disappointment.

He'd once thought about sneaking into the arena in disguise to fight, but when he mentioned this idea to Nia, she was so shocked that she immediately summoned the arena's owner. The poor man had nearly fainted from fear.

The mere thought of Claudius, a Celestial Dragon, getting injured in his arena terrified the man. If Claudius were hurt, his entire family would likely face execution. And if the other Celestial Dragons found out that Claudius had been fighting slaves, the consequences would be even worse.

Claudius didn't want to cause unnecessary deaths over something like this, so he ultimately abandoned the idea.

Handing the empty teacup back to Nia, Claudius rubbed his chin in thought. "If there's no other option… maybe I should visit the Naval Headquarters."

"Naval Headquarters?" Nia repeated, surprised.

"Yeah... why didn't I think of that earlier? I could go in disguise and ask Zephyr to set me up with some promising Marine recruits. It's such a simple solution," Claudius said, his eyes lighting up at the idea.

While Nia found the notion a bit far-fetched, her duty was to serve. If His Highness had made up his mind, all she had to do was carry out his wishes.

"Very well, Your Highness. I'll fetch the phone transponder so you can contact Admiral Zephyr," Nia replied.

Meanwhile, at Naval Headquarters in Marineford, Fleet Admiral Kong was reviewing some documents in his office. A few months ago, a fierce conflict had erupted in the New World between the pirate fleets of Ochoku and Golden Lion Shiki. The battle had been chaotic, but it now seemed like Shiki's forces were gaining the upper hand, while Ochoku's power had nearly been wiped out.

"Maybe in a month or two, we'll see a winner between them," Kong mused, glancing over the reports.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Admiral Zephyr walked in, wearing an odd expression.

"What's going on, Zephyr? You look… unusual," Kong remarked, raising an eyebrow.

"Something strange has happened. A Celestial Dragon from Mariejois is coming to visit us here at Marineford," Zephyr said, still sounding puzzled.

Kong blinked, searching through his papers. "What? I didn't receive any notice about that."

While it wasn't unheard of for Celestial Dragons to visit Naval Headquarters, it was a rare occurrence, often happening only once in a decade. And when it did, it was usually with a lot of pomp and ceremony, something the Fleet Admiral would definitely be aware of.

Zephyr chuckled. "No, this isn't an official visit. He contacted me privately."

"Privately? You have a direct line to a Celestial Dragon?" Kong asked, surprised.

But then he paused, a thought crossing his mind. "Wait… is it that Claudius from the Donquixote family?"

Zephyr nodded. "Yes, that's him. He called me out of nowhere, saying he wanted to visit, but asked that we not go overboard with preparations. He even said he'd be coming incognito and didn't want anyone to know he was a Celestial Dragon."

Kong let out a slow breath, shaking his head in disbelief. "A private visit, disguised? This Claudius really is unlike any other Celestial Dragon I've ever heard of."

Zephyr scratched his head. "I know, right? He said he wants me to arrange for some Marine recruits to spar with him. Apparently, he wants to test his skills."

Kong stared at him, speechless. "A Celestial Dragon wants to come here, to Naval Headquarters, just to fight? What happens if he gets hurt? We'll be the ones in trouble!"

"This is definitely unexpected," Kong finally said, still trying to wrap his mind around it.

After thinking for a moment, he sighed. "Alright, pick a couple of recruits who can put on a good show, but make sure they don't embarrass the Celestial Dragons. If we make them look bad, it'll cause us all sorts of problems."

Zephyr smiled and shook his head. "I don't think that's the best approach, sir. You don't know Claudius like I do. He's not like the others. I think he genuinely wants to test his abilities. If we handle this seriously, it could be beneficial."

Kong gave Zephyr a strange look. "Why do you say that?"

Zephyr didn't hold back. He nodded and said, "Well, for one, he's sort of like a disciple of mine. I've been working with him on some combat techniques, and I'd like to see for myself how far he's come in the last six months."

Kong sat in silence for a moment, then finally nodded. "You've always had a good eye for people, Zephyr. I'll trust your judgment on this one. But if anything goes wrong, don't expect me to go to Mariejois to clean up the mess."

Zephyr chuckled. "Don't worry. Leave it to me."

Chapter 17: Stussy?

In the waters near Naval Headquarters at Marineford, a large ship flying the World Government flag sailed slowly toward the port, the towering structures of Marineford visible in the distance.

On the deck, Claudius stood, staring at the massive fortress of justice looming ahead, a sense of awe creeping into his expression.

"I've seen Marineford in my previous life, but witnessing this grand structure in reality is something else entirely," Claudius murmured. "Just looking at it from here, you can practically feel the weight of justice in the air."

As soon as he finished speaking Nia gently draped a luxurious mink coat over his shoulders.

"Your Highness, the air here is quite cold. Be careful not to catch a chill," Nia said softly, her tone full of concern.

Claudius chuckled. "With my current physical condition, I don't think a little sea breeze will knock me down. Otherwise, wouldn't it be embarrassing to show up at Naval Headquarters like this?"

"Your efforts haven't gone unnoticed, Your Highness. I believe you'll come out on top this time," Nia replied with a smile.

"My skills are barely passable," Claudius said with a laugh. "At best, I'm just above average."

At that moment, a strikingly beautiful woman with a well-proportioned figure and wearing an elegant, tailored suit approached them from behind. She bowed her head respectfully before speaking.

"Saint Claudius, we're about ten minutes away from Marineford," she said in a soft, measured tone.

Claudius turned to look at her and nodded. "Thank you, Stussy, for the escort."

"It's an honor for CP-0 to be of service, Your Highness. Thank you for remembering my name," Stussy replied, her head still lowered in deference.

Indeed, Claudius wasn't visiting Naval Headquarters this time to flaunt his status as a Celestial Dragon. Quite the opposite he intended to keep his identity hidden. There was no need to burden the Marines he would spar with by making them feel any unnecessary pressure. Only by doing so could he get an accurate measure of his own strength.

However, Claudius couldn't just waltz into Naval Headquarters without a reason. After all, it wasn't a place one could casually visit like a public square. He needed a legitimate pretext, so he used his authority over the CP organization. The Cipher Pol, particularly CP-0, served as the shield of the Celestial Dragons, the most elite and mysterious arm of the government. Though Claudius wasn't one of the more prominent Celestial Dragons, he was still a genuine member of that privileged class, which gave him certain command over CP-0.

And so, Claudius had called upon CP-0 to arrange his transportation to Marineford, flying under their banner to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. His excuse for visiting was under the guise of "internal training and communication," making him, for the moment, a member of CP-0.

Coincidentally, the one sent to escort him was none other than Stussy, the future Queen of the Pleasure District, the mastermind behind the intelligence network known as Happy Street in the New World.

In Claudius' eyes, Stussy was a remarkable figure not because of her strength, but because of her uncanny ability to maintain her appearance. Despite being around the same age as Charlotte Linlin, Stussy looked like a woman in her early thirties, maybe even younger. She carried herself with the grace of someone much younger, and even two or three decades from now, she would still appear as youthful and radiant as she did today. It was as though time had no hold on her.

Claudius found himself intrigued by Stussy, not only because she was an attractive and capable woman but also because of her unique talents. In the back of his mind, he was already thinking about ways to recruit her into his circle someday.

After all, it wouldn't be too difficult. CP-0, despite its prestige, ultimately served the Celestial Dragons. Even if Stussy held a high-ranking position in CP-0, Claudius had the authority to pull her out of her role and assign her as his personal guard or assistant.

The only challenge would be shifting Stussy's loyalty. As someone born and raised within CP-0, her devotion was undoubtedly to the Celestial Dragons as a whole. Claudius would need to gradually cultivate her loyalty to him personally, much like he had with Nia. When Nia first arrived, she had been a standard butler, strictly loyal to the system she served. But now, her loyalty was solely to Claudius, and she was the one person he could fully trust.

Claudius gazed at Stussy silently, these thoughts running through his mind.

Stussy, feeling the weight of his stare but unsure of his thoughts, remained still, growing slightly nervous. It wasn't wise to make a Celestial Dragon uncomfortable.

After a long pause, Claudius finally made up his mind. There was no need to rush. He would establish a connection with Stussy first and let things develop over time. For now, he didn't have the power or resources to fully bring her into his fold. It was better to let her continue growing within CP-0, accumulating experience and strength.

With this thought in mind, Claudius smiled. "I have a good memory when it comes to beautiful women, so of course, I'd remember your name."

Stussy raised her head slightly at his teasing remark, a professional smile still on her lips. "Thank you for your kind words, Saint Claudius."

"Once we arrive at Marineford, remember not to reveal my true identity to anyone. Just treat me like your subordinate during our time here," Claudius instructed, his tone becoming more serious.

"Of course, Your Highness. I'll make sure of it," Stussy replied immediately.

Despite Claudius' interest in her, Stussy herself was also quite intrigued by him. She was an ambitious woman, after all. In her career within CP-0, she had dealt with many Celestial Dragons, and Claudius was nothing like the others.

From what she knew, he had once been a typical "brainless Celestial Dragon," causing trouble and indulging in excess. About a year ago, he had been tricked into eating a Devil Fruit and had almost lost his life during an incident in the New World. But after his return to Mariejois, he seemed to have transformed completely.

First, there was his appearance. Gone was the fat, sluggish figure, replaced by a strikingly handsome young man. His demeanor had changed, too. Claudius no longer had the arrogant air of the other Celestial Dragons. He carried himself with a sense of purpose, and his physical fitness was surprisingly good for someone of his status. It was clear that he had undergone rigorous training under the guidance of someone strong.

Moreover, the way he interacted with people was different. He didn't look down on those around him. Even his relationship with his butler, Nia, was notable. Nia didn't seem like a mere servant. There was a bond of trust and mutual respect between them, something Stussy had never seen with other Celestial Dragons.

But what fascinated Stussy the most was the reason for this visit. Claudius wasn't coming to Marineford to flaunt his status or conduct an inspection. He was coming to spar with the Marines, to test his own abilities.

In her more than ten years with CP-0, Stussy had never seen a Celestial Dragon voluntarily visit Naval Headquarters to train. It was almost unbelievable.

As their ship docked at Marineford's military port, Claudius disembarked, walking down the gangplank calmly.

Zephyr, who had already been informed of Claudius's arrival, stood waiting for him at the port. There was no formal reception, just a quiet meeting as Claudius had requested.

As soon as Zephyr saw Claudius, his eyes lit up with surprise. As a Marine Admiral, Zephyr had a sharp eye for detail, and the changes in Claudius were obvious. It wasn't just that Claudius had slimmed down or gained muscle; it was the way he carried himself his solid stance, his confidence, the subtle signs of rigorous training.

In just six months, Claudius had undergone a dramatic transformation. Zephyr, an experienced instructor, could immediately tell that Claudius had been working hard. His progress wasn't something an ordinary person could achieve in such a short time.

"It's a pity," Zephyr thought to himself. "If he weren't a Celestial Dragon, with this level of talent and his Devil Fruit powers, Claudius could have become an Admiral candidate alongside Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino."

Pushing the thought aside, Zephyr stepped forward to greet him. Just as he was about to bow, Claudius interrupted with a grin.

"Zephyr! It's been a while! I've missed you, old man," Claudius said cheerfully. "No need for all the formalities. Didn't I tell you before? When I'm here, treat me like anyone else. I'm not here as a Celestial Dragon, so keep that under wraps, alright?"

The warmth in Claudius's tone caught Zephyr off guard but pleased him. Smiling, the Admiral replied, "Looking at you now, Your Highness, I'm proud of the progress you've made."

Chapter 18: The Future Vice Admiral

Claudius and Zephyr chatted casually as they made their way deeper into Naval Headquarters. There wasn't a grand welcoming committee or any big names showing up to greet them, given that Claudius wanted to keep his identity under wraps. After all, if a Celestial Dragon suddenly appeared for "internal discussions" with the CP agency, it would be odd not to have the admirals or even the higher-ups like Sengoku and Kong in attendance. That would raise too many questions.

Though they didn't show up, the likes of Sengoku and Kong were certainly aware of the situation. They knew a Celestial Dragon had arrived at Marineford, likely here to test his strength against their Marines.

Claudius followed Stussy closely, keeping a low profile and playing his role as a subordinate to CP-0. He didn't draw much attention this way, which was just how he wanted it.

Laughing and chatting along the way, the group arrived at the officer training camp. This camp had only been in operation for a few years and wasn't yet fully developed. Before Zephyr officially retired and took over as the primary instructor, the training structure hadn't solidified. For now, different high-ranking officers would drop by to teach whenever they were free. Even the legendary Garp would show up occasionally to train the new recruits.

Today, it was Rear Admiral Kuzan's turn to instruct. He stood on the training field, watching over a group of Marine recruits as they practiced military combat techniques in unison. The sound of synchronized movements echoed across the field.

As Zephyr and his group approached, Kuzan turned his head and immediately recognized Claudius. His eyes lit up in recognition, but Zephyr quickly gave him a subtle look, signaling to keep quiet. Kuzan understood instantly and pretended not to know anything.

With a casual smile, Kuzan called out, "Mr. Zephyr, who do we have here?"

Zephyr grinned and replied, "The CP agency has come to engage in some internal discussions with us. This here is Crowe, a promising talent from CP-0. Why don't you find a few good men to spar with him and see if our Marines can hold their own against the CP agency?"

Kuzan wasn't slow to catch on. He immediately realized what was going on. Saint Claudius wanted to spar with the Marines under the guise of a CP-0 member.

"Sure thing," Kuzan replied smoothly. He glanced over the recruits on the field before raising his hand and calling out, "Momonga, come here!"

Claudius's ears perked up at the name. Momonga? He recognized the name immediately. In the future, this man would become a Vice Admiral in the Navy. While not particularly exceptional among the top ranks, he was solid definitely no slouch.

At this point in time, Momonga was still young, probably not even twenty yet. His body was lean but muscular, the kind of build that marked him as a highly capable fighter. It was no wonder Naval Headquarters had high hopes for him, especially given that he had Zephyr's backing as one of his protégés.

Momonga quickly jogged over to Kuzan, offering a crisp salute. "Sir!"

Kuzan smiled approvingly. "Today we've got some CP-0 members here to spar with our Marines. I want you to step up and show them what we've got. Don't embarrass us."

Momonga looked a bit surprised but quickly composed himself. He nodded firmly. "Understood, sir. Everything for the sake of justice!"

Zephyr chuckled from the side. "Of course, this is just a friendly exchange. Don't go too hard we don't want anyone getting hurt."

Although Claudius had insisted there shouldn't be any restrictions, Zephyr couldn't help but feel cautious. After all, this was no ordinary sparring match. If something went wrong and Claudius got seriously injured well, even as an Admiral, Zephyr wouldn't be able to escape the consequences.

There was no delay in starting. The training ground was cleared, and soon, Claudius and Momonga were standing face to face.

Claudius was pleased with the matchup. Momonga seemed like a solid first opponent someone who could help him gauge the limits of his current strength.

Momonga, on the other hand, was a bit skeptical. Claudius looked very young, barely older than fifteen or sixteen by his estimation. Is this really a serious opponent? he wondered.

The reality was that Claudius had developed rapidly over the past few months, thanks to his disciplined regimen of good food, exercise, and training. But in truth, Claudius was only just about to turn eleven.

"Naval Headquarters, Momonga," the young Marine greeted, introducing himself with a salute.

Claudius nodded in response. "CP-0, Crowe. Let's have a good match."

With the formalities out of the way, the atmosphere between them grew tense. Momonga wasn't one to hesitate. As soon as Kuzan gave the signal, he shot forward with a burst of speed, aiming to take the initiative. In an instant, he closed the distance between them and delivered a sharp kick toward Claudius's chest.

Claudius didn't back down. He didn't use his Devil Fruit abilities to dodge, instead opting to meet the kick head-on with one of his own. Their legs collided with a loud thud, and both men were forced back a step.

Momonga blinked in surprise. He hadn't held back, yet this seemingly younger fighter had managed to match him blow for blow. "This kid's no joke," he thought.

Claudius, too, was impressed. The force of Momonga's kick had sent a jolt of pain through his leg. It was clear that, in terms of raw physical strength, Momonga had the upper hand. But not by much, Claudius noted. Given that Momonga had been training with the Marines for two years while Claudius had only been at it for half a year, the gap in their abilities didn't seem that large.

I can keep up, Claudius thought confidently.

Their thoughts only lasted a split second. The moment both fighters regained their footing, Momonga launched another attack. This time, he disappeared from Claudius's sight in an instant.

Shave! Claudius recognized the move immediately. Sure enough, Momonga appeared behind him in the next moment, his clawed hand reaching for Claudius's shoulder to pin him down.

But Claudius was ready. He, too, had mastered the basics of the Marine Six Styles. With a burst of speed, Claudius vanished from Momonga's grasp, appearing a short distance away.

Momonga smiled to himself. "You've got the Six Styles too, huh?"

He wasn't surprised, though. Despite being known as "Marine Six Styles," the techniques were also taught within the CP organization. Marines and CP agents often exchanged skills and techniques in training.

What Momonga didn't know was that Claudius hadn't learned his Six Styles from the CP agency but from Zephyr himself. To Zephyr, the Six Styles were more than just combat techniques they were a powerful foundation for physical mastery. Through rigorous training, one could develop superhuman strength and speed, laying the groundwork for mastering Haki and even forging one's unique combat path. Zephyr himself, as well as Garp, had followed that path.

So when Claudius asked for something to help him in his training, Zephyr had been more than willing to teach him the Six Styles, along with all the insights he had gained over the years. And judging by Claudius's current performance, he hadn't squandered that opportunity.

Claudius dodged Momonga's next attack with a sidestep, but he wasn't done yet. "Finger Pistol!" he called out, throwing a sharp kick instead of a punch. While it was called "Finger Pistol," Claudius had adapted the move, channeling the force through his heel.

Momonga reacted quickly, taking a defensive stance. "Iron Body!" he declared, hardening his muscles like steel.

A metallic clang echoed through the training ground as Claudius's kick struck Flying Squirrel's chest. Though the blow was powerful, Momonga held firm, barely moving an inch.

His Iron Body is strong, Claudius thought, pulling back.

Momonga, now taking the fight seriously, reached for his sword. Drawing his blade in one swift motion, he shouted, "One Sword Style: Flying Squirrel Slash!" With a quick slash, he sent a powerful arc of energy toward Claudius, a combination of his swordsmanship and the Tempest Kick technique.

Claudius's eyes widened. A flying slash? Though it wasn't a true swordsman's slash, it was still impressive for someone so young. The energy was coming fast, and Claudius didn't have time to dodge.

Realizing this, Claudius decided to stop holding back. A thin, mist-like vapor appeared around his body, and the slash passed right through him without causing any harm. Momonga, now charging toward Claudius to finish him off, gasped in shock.

"Logia?" he muttered under his breath, realizing the kind of opponent he was dealing with.

Logia Devil Fruits were rare and incredibly powerful, often considered the strongest of the three Devil Fruit types. While he had some skill with Haki, it wasn't enough to deal with a Logia user of Claudius's caliber.

With no time to adjust his attack, Momonga barreled straight into Claudius, who stood his ground. Without missing a beat, Claudius raised his hand and grabbed him by the neck. Just as the Momonga was about to summon his Haki to fight back, he suddenly found himself gasping for air.

It wasn't the chokehold cutting off his breath, but something far more terrifying. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't inhale. His lungs screamed for oxygen, but the air around him had become unbreathable.

"Death Choke," Claudius murmured softly, his grip steady.

Unbeknownst to Momonga, Claudius had released his Devil Fruit ability, saturating the air around the him with nitrogen. With no oxygen left to breathe, Momonga's body began to falter, his strength rapidly draining as his face turned red.

Just as it seemed like the end was near, Claudius let go, withdrawing his ability and taking a step back. The suffocating atmosphere vanished, and Momonga collapsed to the ground, panting heavily as he tried to catch his breath.

Claudius smiled. "Though it might seem unfair…"

Before Claudius could finish his sentence, Momonga raised a hand, still gasping for air but managing to speak. "No… it's fine. I lost fair and square. I didn't anticipate you'd be a Logia user. In a real battle, I'd already be dead. No need to give me an easy out."

Chapter 19: The King Engine Ignites!

Momonga was straightforward and honest in his defeat. His words left a good impression on Claudius, who nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll gladly accept the victory."

At the same time, Zephyr smiled and added, "Yes, in battle, no one would question the validity of such a win. It's just that Momonga was too careless, and that's what led to his loss."

Momonga nodded regretfully and stepped back. However, Claudius wasn't quite satisfied yet. He stood in the arena, giving a meaningful look to Zephyr.

Zephyr, understanding the unspoken message, glanced over at the other Marine officers gathered nearby. Spotting the figure he had in mind, he called out, "Commodore Gion, come over and spar with this CP-0 agent, Crowe."

Claudius followed Zephyr's gaze and saw a strikingly beautiful woman with long, graceful legs stepping out from the group of Marines. She had a strong presence that instantly drew attention.

"Yes, Teacher Zephyr," Gion responded, bowing her head respectfully before walking toward the center of the training ground.

If Momonga was a rising star in the Marine ranks, then Gion was on a whole other level. Claudius knew very well that Gion wasn't just any Marine. In the future, she would become a Vice Admiral, but not just any Vice Admiral she would be one of the elite, an Admiral candidate with the codename "Momousagi" (Pink Rabbit).

An Admiral candidate wasn't an ordinary Vice Admiral. It meant she was someone on par with the likes of Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino, Marine's strongest combatants. The only thing keeping her from the full rank of Admiral was a lack of vacancy in the position.

Claudius knew that after the battle between Kuzan and Sakazuki, where Sakazuki became Fleet Admiral and Kuzan left the Marines, Gion could have stepped up to take one of the vacant Admiral positions. But she did not make the cut, as Issho and Aramaki attained the positions instead.

Regardless, this didn't take away from Gion's strength. Even now, she had the potential to stand among the strongest, and Claudius was both satisfied and excited to face such an opponent. He knew that against her, he'd have to give it his all.

Gion moved quickly, closing the distance between them with long, confident strides. When she stood before him, she introduced herself, "Naval Headquarters, Gion."

Claudius nodded and responded, "CP-0, Crowe."

With their brief introductions over, Kuzan signaled for the match to begin. As soon as he did, Gion placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, a rare and famous blade named "Jinbira," which would become her lifelong companion.

With just that motion, a fierce sword aura burst from her, and in the blink of an eye, her hand was cloaked in a pitch-black Armament Haki that flowed smoothly to her sword's hilt.

Claudius observed this and quickly made a judgment. Compared to Momonga, who had only a basic grasp of Armament Haki, Gion was far more skilled. She wasn't a beginner; she was proficient. This meant his Logia powers, which allowed him to turn into an element, wouldn't be as effective. Gion could use her Haki to strike his physical form even if he tried to go intangible.

The air around them grew tense. After a brief moment of silence, Gion made her move. The blade of Jinbira flashed from its sheath, and before the sword was fully drawn, a sharp slash cut through the air, heading straight for Claudius.

This was no mere sword swipe. Unlike Momonga's earlier "pseudo-slash," this was a true Swordsman's Slash—deadly and precise.

Claudius didn't dare attempt to evade by going intangible. If he misjudged and Gion caught him off guard like Flying Squirrel had, he wouldn't stand a chance. Instead, he moved swiftly, drawing his short sword, Shinsō, and raising it to block.

With a metallic clang, Gion's slash struck Shinsō. The blade held firm, but the sheer force behind the slash pushed Claudius back two steps.

Gion smiled slightly, seeing her advantage. She surged forward with incredible speed, whispering, "Rabbit Jump!" Her movement technique propelled her forward like a swift hare, increasing her speed to a level Claudius hadn't expected.

Before he could fully recover from the block, Gion was already in front of him. To his surprise, she didn't strike with her sword. Instead, she coated her leg in Armament Haki and delivered a powerful kick to his chest.

"Tempest Kick!" Gion shouted as her kick connected.

Claudius felt the impact explode against his chest. The force lifted him off his feet and sent him flying backward, rolling across the ground several times before coming to a stop.

From the sidelines, Nia, Claudius's butler, gasped in shock, instinctively wanting to rush forward. However, Stussy placed a hand on her arm, holding her back.

"Your Highness doesn't want his battle interrupted," Stussy said calmly. "Remember, this trip isn't about showing off his status. He came here to temper himself."

Nia hesitated but eventually nodded, calming herself down.

Meanwhile, back on the battlefield, Claudius scrambled to his feet, managing to dodge another of Gion's attacks with a hasty roll that lacked any semblance of grace. Yet, for all its inelegance, it worked.

Though the move looked clumsy, the "lazy donkey roll," as it was often called, had saved countless warriors from death over the ages. Sometimes, practicality outweighed style.

The brief respite gave Claudius a moment to breathe, but not for long. No sooner had he gotten to his feet than Gion was upon him again, her sword raised high, ready to bring it down with a force that could split him in half.

Claudius steadied himself, bracing for the impact. His Devil Fruit powers surged, and with a low growl, he raised his hands. As Gion brought Jinbira down, her blade stopped short, as if blocked by an invisible force.

Gion's eyes widened in surprise. "What is this?" she muttered.

Claudius grinned. "An invisible air shield."

Before Gion could process what had happened, Claudius released a pulse of compressed nitrogen from around his body, forcing her to leap back, her brow furrowed in caution.

"So, this is the same technique you used to subdue Momonga?" Gion asked, still watching him intently.

"More or less," Claudius replied cryptically.

The air around him shifted again, his body now radiating a different kind of pressure. He had started to compress nitrogen within his body, preparing to use it for enhanced speed and attack power. However, despite the temptation, Claudius refrained from using liquid nitrogen, a far deadlier variant of his abilities. The risk of causing irreversible damage to Gion was too high, and he didn't want to seriously injure her.

As his aura intensified, Gion hesitated. Her instincts told her that Claudius was preparing something dangerous. She raised her guard, carefully observing his movements.

Suddenly, the sound of Claudius's heartbeat filled the air, loud and rhythmic, like a powerful drum beating steadily. It was so intense that it could be heard from several meters away.

"Thump, thump, thump!"

Gion's eyes widened in astonishment. "What... what is that?"

Claudius stretched his neck, cracking it on both sides, and smirked. "It seems you're an opponent worth taking seriously."

His heartbeat, now akin to the legendary King Engine, created an oppressive atmosphere that seemed to magnify his presence. Combined with his words, it gave the impression that he hadn't even been trying up until now, completely fooling Gion.

In the next instant, white smoke exploded from Claudius's feet, propelling him forward at an incredible speed. He lunged straight toward Gion, his movements nearly a blur.

Chapter 20: Shoot Her, Shinsō!

"He's fast!" Gion thought, eyes widening in surprise as she watched Claudius' movements. His speed had more than doubled from earlier, catching her off guard. At that moment, Gion was fully convinced that Claudius had finally gotten serious.

In the blink of an eye, Claudius closed the distance between them, throwing a powerful straight punch aimed at Gion's chest. Reacting quickly, Gion stepped back to avoid the hit, thinking she'd successfully evaded the attack. But just as she prepared to counter, a sharp pain shot through her chest. Despite missing her by a hair, the punch carried an invisible force that struck her hard, sending her flying backward.

As Gion was knocked back, realization dawned on her. "So this is the power of his Logia Devil Fruit," she thought, gritting her teeth. Claudius's ability was invisible, colorless, and intangible, making it a serious threat to anyone without strong Observation Haki.

Claudius hadn't even touched her directly, but his ability to manipulate nitrogen gas had extended the range of his attacks, allowing him to hit from a distance without making physical contact. He showed no mercy, and another burst of white smoke erupted from his feet as he shot forward again, closing the gap almost instantly.

Gion found herself on the defensive, struggling to keep up as Claudius launched a series of relentless attacks, using his invisible nitrogen manipulation to disrupt her every move. The pressure he applied was intense, and her momentum from earlier had been completely crushed. Each strike forced her to react quickly, but the unseen nature of his attacks made it nearly impossible to regain control.

As she continued to evade, Gion realized something else. The air around her was getting thinner. She could feel the suffocating pressure building up Claudius was manipulating the air, depriving her of oxygen. If this kept up, she'd be in serious trouble.

"He's using every advantage he can in close combat..." Gion thought, gritting her teeth. The fight had become more challenging than she expected. His powers were more dangerous than she'd anticipated, and his fighting instincts were sharper than she gave him credit for.

Determined not to lose, Gion steeled herself. Armament Haki surged across her body, and she took one of Claudius's punches head-on, using the impact to push herself backward and create some distance between them. She landed smoothly, her breathing steady, but her gaze had sharpened.

"It seems you're worthy of my full effort!" Gion said seriously, her voice carrying a weight of determination.

Claudius blinked in surprise. "Wait, I was just pretending to be serious. Now you're saying you're about to get serious?" he thought, feeling a bit uneasy. He knew Gion would become an Admiral candidate in the future, so he couldn't underestimate her now.

Claudius remained cautious, watching as Gion took a deep breath. "Rabbit!" she whispered.

Suddenly, the air around Gion shifted. Her aura intensified, and Claudius could feel her strength surge to new heights more than double what it was before. But what caught him off guard was her sudden transformation. From her head sprouted long rabbit ears, and a fluffy white tail appeared at her back. Her eyes turned a soft peach color, and strange markings adorned her forehead.

Claudius blinked in disbelief. "A... bunny girl?" he muttered, his voice laced with amusement.

Gion's face turned a bright shade of red. She hated using her Zoan-type Devil Fruit, the Mythical Zoan, Rabbit Rabbit Fruit, for exactly this reason. The rabbit ears and tail made her feel self-conscious, and despite her immense power, she rarely used this form unless absolutely necessary. (T/N: I'm not aware of Gion having a devil fruit, but I guess this is one of the author's tweaks. Also, keep in mind this fic was written back in 2020, so you might come across some things that weren't known at that time.)

But seeing Claudius's amused expression only fueled her embarrassment and determination. Without a word, she stomped her feet, launching herself toward Claudius with incredible speed.

Her movement was so fast that Claudius could barely register it. "She's ridiculously fast!" he thought, struggling to react in time.

"Tempest Kick!" Gion called out, her voice sharp.

Before Claudius could defend himself, her foot slammed into his chest. This time, the force was much stronger, and the impact was immediate. Claudius felt a sharp pain radiate through his chest, and blood spilled from the corner of his mouth. His body flew backward, crashing into the wall of the training ground, shattering it on impact.

"Ahh, Gion's angry," Kuzan remarked casually, watching the scene unfold with a grin.

Zephyr, standing nearby, shook his head in mild exasperation but reassured Nia, who looked ready to panic. "Don't worry. Gion isn't cruel. She might be angry, but she knows how to control herself. Of course... Crowe might be in for some pain. He might not be getting out of bed for a few days," Zephyr added with a chuckle.

Claudius groaned as he lay in the rubble, his whole body aching from the blow. "Damn... all I did was call her a bunny girl. Was that really necessary?" he muttered to himself, wincing from the pain.

Despite the pain, Claudius wasn't ready to give up. Struggling to his feet, he pushed the debris away and spotted Gion leaping into the air, preparing to land another devastating attack.

"What is this? Is she going to drop out of the sky and crush me?" Claudius quipped, unable to resist a sarcastic comment even in the face of danger.

His body reacted instinctively, white smoke trailing from his feet as he rolled out of the way just in time. The spot where he had been lying moments before exploded as Gion landed, her fist crashing down with enough force to create a massive crater.

Claudius watched the scene with wide eyes. "She would've turned me into a pancake if that hit me..." he thought, shivering at the thought.

Gion straightened up, pulling her fist from the ground, her eyes still full of fury. Claudius swallowed nervously. "I thought carnivorous Zoan fruits were supposed to be the violent ones. How is a rabbit this terrifying?"

Taking a deep breath, Gion calmed herself, addressing Claudius with a stern tone. "Since you're an opponent worthy of my full strength, I'll tell you. I'm not just a regular rabbit Zoan. This is a Mythical Zoan," she said, her voice steady.

Before Claudius could respond, Gion's figure blurred again as she launched forward with another punch. Claudius barely had time to react, turning his body to gas as the punch passed through him, avoiding damage.

However, elementalizing his body couldn't save him for long. As soon as Claudius returned to his physical form, Gion was right behind him. Her rabbit paw, now transformed into a furry hand, landed squarely on his shoulder.

"I've got you now," Gion whispered, a triumphant smile on her lips.

Claudius was shocked. He could feel the pressure of her Armament Haki locking onto his physical form. There was no escaping this time.

In a flash of desperation, Claudius drew his short sword, Shinsō, intending to strike back, but Gion was one step ahead. She grabbed his wrist, forcing the blade away, and pinned him in place.

"Any last moves? If not, this battle is mine," Gion said confidently, tightening her grip.

Claudius grinned, despite the pain. "Are you sure about that?"

"Hmph, go ahead and try. I'm not afraid," Gion replied, though she remained on high alert.

"Well, I wasn't planning on using this move, but you've hurt my pride a little. So..." Claudius whispered, his tone soft yet ominous.

Gion's grip tightened even more, ready for whatever Claudius had up his sleeve. She wasn't going to let him escape.

"Shoot her... Shinsō!" Claudius murmured, his voice barely audible.

In the next instant, a flash of blood-red light filled the space between them. Gion's eyes widened in disbelief as she felt a cold, sharp pain in her abdomen. Shinsō had extended, piercing both Claudius and Gion simultaneously.

She hadn't anticipated such a reckless move. Shinsō, with its unique ability, had struck both of them, and Claudius had used the blade's lengthening power to surprise her.

Claudius, now free of her grip, took advantage of the moment. He twisted around, grabbing Gion's wrist and locking her in place. With his other hand, he pressed Shinsō's edge lightly against her neck, the blade still dripping with blood.

He leaned in, his voice low and slightly strained. "Looks like you forced me to use this. Now… you've lost."

Gion stood frozen, shocked by the sudden turn of events. She hadn't expected Claudius to have such a trick up his sleeve.

...

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Chapter Text

Chapter 21: What a Coincidence
On the top floor of Marineford's Naval Headquarters Hospital, in the most advanced ward equipped with the best medical technology, Claudius lay on a hospital bed in a patient gown, looking relaxed. It would be hard to believe that just a few hours ago, he had been fiercely battling Gion in a high-stakes training match, narrowly winning with a risky, self-sacrificing move.

The aftermath of that fight had nearly given several bystanders a heart attack especially those aware of Claudius's true identity. Zephyr himself had almost suffered a heart attack from the shock.

After all, Claudius was pretending to be a CP-0 recruit. If he were genuinely just a potential agent, even with all his promise, an accidental death during training wouldn't have been the end of the world. Marineford could handle that without too much pressure.

But Claudius wasn't just any recruit he was a Celestial Dragon. If he were injured, people might grumble, but if he died, it would be an entirely different story. The fallout would be catastrophic.

Despite the tension, after Claudius had executed his "mutual destruction" move and pierced both himself and Gion, he still managed to stand victorious. Zephyr, using his seasoned eyes, could see that though Claudius was seriously injured, it wasn't life-threatening. To avoid exposing Claudius's identity, Zephyr had to restrain Nia, Claudius's panicking butler, as well as Stussy, who had been quietly freaking out.

Zephyr's impression of Claudius had shifted over time. When they first met, Zephyr had pegged him as just another spoiled Celestial Dragon, a troublemaker. But after their encounter in the New World, Zephyr had seen a glimpse of Claudius's potential and had passed down to him valuable training techniques.

Now, after seeing Claudius fight again, Zephyr's opinion had changed dramatically. Claudius wasn't just talented he was fearless and ruthlessly determined. The fact that Claudius was willing to stab himself to ensure victory in what was essentially a sparring match left a deep impression.

At that moment, Zephyr realized that Claudius wasn't just a typical Celestial Dragon. He was the kind of person who had the grit and drive to push through pain, hardship, and limitations. He had both talent and tenacity, a combination Zephyr admired. If Claudius had been a Marine, Zephyr would have groomed him to become a future Admiral, maybe even a Fleet Admiral. It was a shame such potential was locked within the confines of the Celestial Dragons.

By Claudius's bedside Nia attended to him, offering him tea and keeping him comfortable. Despite the battle he had just endured, Claudius appeared at ease, though there was still a hint of soreness in his movements.

However, Nia's expression darkened every time her eyes flicked to the other bed in the room. Under her breath, she muttered curses aimed at its occupant.

This was a three-person ward, the most elite medical facility in Marineford. Normally, only top officers like Admirals or the Fleet Admiral would use it. But in cases of injury, it was also made available to those Marines deemed promising future leaders.

Lying on the other bed was none other than Gion, the Commodore who had been defeated by Claudius in their intense sparring match. Despite Claudius winning the bout, Gion's physical condition was far superior to his, thanks to her Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit abilities, which granted her enhanced vitality and recovery.

Even so, Gion had suffered a serious wound from Claudius's Shinsō. While Zoan fruits, especially the Mythical ones, were known for their incredible resilience, she was still too injured to be up and about. Thus, Gion had been placed in the same elite ward as Claudius to recuperate.

As Nia continued to glare at Gion, the Commodore smirked and said, "Heh, if I didn't feel the ruthlessness you displayed during that fight, I'd think you were just some pampered noble's son, lounging around with your maid fussing over you."

Claudius chuckled and replied, "What's wrong, Gion? Are you upset about losing?"

Gion's expression turned slightly sour. It was true Claudius hadn't been stronger than her in raw power. In fact, in terms of physical strength and skill, he was slightly weaker. But the fact remained: in the end, he had won. He had shown the resolve to risk everything for victory, and that was something she had to respect, even if it frustrated her.

"I'm not someone who can't admit defeat," Gion said after a pause, her voice firm despite the sting of the loss.

"Good to hear," Claudius said, a teasing smile on his face. "I wouldn't want to have to stab myself again just to prove my point."

As they exchanged words, Claudius reflected on the match. He knew there was still a considerable gap between his strength and Gion's. His victory had been due to his boldness rather than sheer power. He had leveled the playing field with his determination and a willingness to take drastic risks.

Based on these two sparring sessions, Claudius had a clearer understanding of his own strength. Compared to the average Marine Commodore, he was undoubtedly stronger. In terms of raw power, he was well above someone like Momonga, but he still had some ground to cover before reaching the level of the top-tier Commodores like Gion.

Nevertheless, he wasn't discouraged. He knew that with more training and effort, he would eventually surpass even someone as formidable as Gion.

After a brief exchange, Claudius turned his attention away from Gion. As impressive as she was both as a fighter and as a beautiful woman he found his thoughts drifting toward the man lying in the third bed in their shared ward.

That man was none other than Monkey D. Dragon, the future revolutionary leader who would one day be considered the world's most dangerous criminal. To Claudius, the coincidence of running into Dragon here felt almost too good to be true.

Dragon, the son of Marine hero Garp, was a figure surrounded by mystery. At this point, Dragon was still a respected Marine with a promising future ahead of him, someone people believed would one day become an Admiral, or perhaps even the Fleet Admiral. His presence in this elite ward was no surprise, given his status and potential.

However, it seemed Dragon's injuries weren't too severe, as he was up and about, helping himself to tea and snacks while occasionally chatting with Gion. Claudius had noticed they were on familiar terms, which made sense. Gion had a close relationship with Garp, often referring to him casually as "Little Garp." It was no surprise she knew Dragon well, too.

Despite sharing the ward, Dragon had only exchanged a few polite words with Claudius, acknowledging him as just another CP-0 recruit. He hadn't given Claudius much attention since then.

As Dragon quietly read a book, his serious expression gave off a scholarly air. He didn't resemble the man who would one day be the leader of a worldwide revolution. Without the familiar blood-red tattoos on his face courtesy of Garp's infamous slipper discipline Dragon looked more like an intellectual than a soldier.

Claudius, watching Dragon out of the corner of his eye, couldn't help but laugh inwardly. "What luck! I was just wondering how I could get closer to this guy, and now we're stuck in the same hospital room! Patient friends, huh? Perfect."

Indeed, before coming to Marineford, Claudius had prepared himself for a potential encounter with Dragon, though he hadn't expected it to happen so soon or under such circumstances.

Putting thoughts of Gion aside, Claudius shifted his focus to Dragon. He had to make his move carefully, so as not to waste this golden opportunity.

"Now that Dragon's here, Gion's not my priority anymore," Claudius mused. He turned to his butler and said, "Nia, could you grab that book I brought with me? I'd like to read a bit."

Nia, quick as always, nodded and asked, "Which one would you like to read, Mr. Crow?"

Claudius pretended to think for a moment before replying, "Hmm... How about 'Civil Rights'?"

As soon as Claudius said the title, Dragon's eyes flickered with interest. Though he tried to maintain his composure, Claudius noticed his subtle reaction.

Nia hurriedly fetched the book from Claudius's bag and handed it to him. Smiling, Claudius opened the book and casually read aloud a famous quote: "The people are the most valuable, society comes second, and the ruler is the least important..."

Dragon's eyes sharpened at the words, his curiosity clearly piqued.

Unable to hold back any longer, Dragon leaned forward slightly and asked, "My friend, what book is that you're reading? And where can I find a copy?"

Claudius smiled inwardly. "Hook, line, and sinker."

Feigning mild confusion, Claudius looked up at Dragon and replied, "Oh, this? It's called Civil Rights, but I doubt you can find it in any stores..."

Chapter 22: Artistic
Dragon raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Claudius's response. Could this really be an original work? The thought surprised him. The few lines he had overheard earlier carried ideas that seemed radical, even rebellious ideas that would be considered dangerous by the World Government. The fact that this text wasn't widely available made it even more compelling.

Dragon couldn't help but wonder how Claudius had gotten his hands on such a book. It was certainly the kind of work that might be banned, given its subversive nature. And judging by what he'd overheard earlier, Claudius wasn't just an ordinary CP-0 agent his position seemed somewhat unique, especially considering Zephyr's respectful treatment of him.

But still, could someone with such a connection to the World Government be holding onto this type of literature?

Dragon's mind raced with possibilities, but he didn't jump to conclusions. After all, it wasn't every day you encountered a member of CP-0 in a hospital ward with a book like this. Though curious, he kept his questions light for now.

"Really?" Dragon asked, a hint of regret in his voice, assuming that the book might be a rare or even one-of-a-kind piece.

Claudius, noticing Dragon's interest, smiled and said, "The book isn't particularly rare for me. If you're interested, feel free to borrow it."

With a simple gesture, Claudius nodded to Nia, who promptly fetched the book and handed it to Dragon. Without hesitation, Dragon accepted it. "Thank you, my friend," he said sincerely. "By the way, I didn't catch your name."

"Crowe, interim member of CP-0," Claudius replied with a smile.

"Interim member?" Dragon repeated, finding the title a bit curious. However, he didn't press the matter. It wasn't unusual for someone to be placed in a transitional role within CP-0, especially if they had other tasks ahead of them. Perhaps Claudius had some important assignment coming up, or maybe he was still in training. Whatever the case, Dragon decided not to pry too deeply into it just yet.

"Monkey D. Dragon," Dragon introduced himself in return. "Vice Admiral of Naval Headquarters."

Dragon, though young, had already risen to the position of Vice Admiral. He was just a few years older than Kuzan and had been brought into the Marines by his father, Garp, from an early age. At only twenty-something, he was already a highly respected figure within the Marines, and many believed he was on track to become an Admiral in the future.

However, despite his impressive career, Dragon had been feeling more and more disillusioned with the way the Marines and by extension, the World Government were functioning. Though he hadn't yet fully defined his own revolutionary ideology, he was in the midst of a personal crisis, seeking answers to the questions that troubled him.

That's why the moment he overheard Claudius reciting lines from that book, his curiosity had been piqued. He was searching for something—something that could guide him or clarify his thoughts, and this book seemed like it might hold the answers he was looking for.

Claudius pretended to be surprised at Dragon's introduction. "Monkey? As in the son of Vice Admiral Garp?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

Dragon waved his hand, looking a little embarrassed. "Yeah, that's right. But I'd prefer not to rely on my father's name too much."

Claudius chuckled. "The son of Garp, huh? I didn't mean any disrespect."

It was clear to Dragon that Claudius wasn't trying to curry favor or leverage his connection to Garp, which was refreshing. Over the years, Dragon had encountered many people who tried to get close to him simply because of his father's reputation. But this Crowe didn't seem to have any such intentions, and Dragon found that oddly comforting. It made him think that perhaps Claudius's own background carried enough weight that he didn't need to rely on external connections.

The conversation shifted, and after exchanging a few more pleasantries, Dragon dove into the book. As he began reading, his eyes widened with each passing sentence. The ideas within were revolutionary, unlike anything he had encountered before. Concepts like "the people being more valuable than the ruler" and "the government serving the people, not controlling them" struck a deep chord within him.

No wonder this book isn't available anywhere, Dragon thought. This kind of ideology would be suppressed immediately.

He quickly found himself engrossed in the text, marveling at the boldness of its ideas. "Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. How can a ruler call themselves a leader without the people's support? True governance is shared by the people," Dragon muttered, echoing lines from the book.

It was clear that whoever had written this had a profound understanding of governance and the delicate balance between power and the people. The more Dragon read, the more it resonated with him, as if this text was helping to resolve the confusion that had been weighing on his mind.

"This book is incredible," Dragon murmured to himself. "It contains thoughts I've never even considered before."

Curious to know more about the author, Dragon flipped to the front of the book, hoping to find some kind of signature or note from the writer. But after scanning through the pages, he found nothing—no name, no preface, no indication of who had penned this work.

"How unfortunate..." Dragon sighed. "I would've loved to read more from this great thinker."

As he said this aloud, he didn't bother hiding his disappointment from Claudius or Gion. Gion, having little interest in the topic, remained silent, but Dragon's enthusiasm was evident.

Claudius, watching Dragon's reaction, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This is going better than expected, he thought.

When Dragon finally pulled his eyes away from the book, he turned to Claudius and asked, "What do you think of this work? It's truly remarkable, isn't it?"

Claudius hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit awkward. After all, it wasn't exactly polite to openly praise your own work. "I think... it's decent. Maybe not perfect, but decent," he replied modestly.

Dragon was caught off guard by the humility in Claudius's answer. "Decent? Just decent?" He shook his head in disbelief. "I think you might be underestimating it. The ideas in this book are revolutionary! They challenge the very foundations of society and governance. It's filled with wisdom and insight."

He looked back at the book, his brows furrowing in thought. "But it feels incomplete. There's so much more to explore, and the text only scratches the surface of what could be a deeper philosophy."

Dragon's mind raced with the possibilities. There had to be more to this philosophy. "Do you happen to have more of this work? A follow-up or continuation?"

Claudius shook his head, smiling slightly. "Not yet."

"Not yet?" Dragon repeated, his interest clearly piqued. "So, there will be more?"

Claudius kept his tone casual, though inwardly he was amused at how quickly Dragon had latched onto his words.

Dragon nodded, though the excitement in his eyes was unmistakable. "If you ever manage to gather the rest, I would be more than willing to help, in any way I can."

Why does this guy sound like a poetic scholar? Claudius thought to himself, trying not to laugh. Dragon's enthusiasm and almost literary tone were starting to amuse him. It was hard to reconcile this refined, thoughtful man with the figure who would one day lead the most feared revolutionary army in the world.

Still, Dragon's interest in his ideas was undeniable. He seemed almost desperate for more, which was exactly what Claudius had hoped for. Now, it was time to string him along just a little bit further.

"It's not that difficult to write," Claudius said with a shrug. "The ideas are there, but I haven't had time to properly organize everything."

Dragon looked genuinely impressed. "You wrote this?!" he exclaimed, staring at Claudius with renewed respect.

Claudius nodded. "It's just the beginning," he said humbly. "There's much more to be written, but you know how it is life gets in the way."

For a moment, Dragon seemed stunned. The man sitting across from him was the author of the very text that had just blown his mind. The fact that Claudius had written something so profound only added to the mystery surrounding him.

"If this is just the beginning, then I can only imagine how impactful the rest will be," Dragon said, his tone full of admiration. "You've already given me so much to think about."

Claudius smiled inwardly. You haven't seen anything yet.

Out loud, he replied modestly, "I'm just exploring some ideas. If you'd like, we can discuss them further sometime."

Dragon nodded eagerly. "I'd be honored to."

Chapter 23: To Teach and Educate People
Claudius ended up staying at Naval Headquarters for seven days, though six and a half of those were spent in the hospital. By the third day, Gion, the beautiful Commodore who had been injured alongside him, was discharged. She was growing impatient in the high-end ward.

There were three people sharing the ward Claudius, Dragon, and Gion—but Gion felt out of place, like an outsider. Claudius and Dragon seemed to hit it off immediately, spending most of their time deep in conversation about ideas that Gion had little interest in. She often found herself rolling her eyes as the two exchanged thoughts, feeling left out and somewhat ignored.

Wherever Gion went, she usually attracted attention. After all, she was the Marine's renowned beauty, and admirers followed her everywhere. Even the second-in-command at the officer training camp, a man destined to be an Admiral candidate, was practically her biggest fan, visiting her four times in the three days she spent in the hospital.

But here? It seemed Claudius and Dragon barely noticed her. They might exchange a few polite words when they were all resting, but that was it. As if that wasn't enough, Nia, Claudius's butler, didn't hide her disdain for Gion, constantly giving her cold glares, likely blaming her for Claudius's injuries.

Feeling humiliated by the cold treatment, Gion had had enough. Her Zoan fruit ability had already sped up her recovery, and as soon as she was well enough, she signed her discharge papers and left, no longer willing to stay in the ward where she felt so unwelcome.

As for Dragon, his injuries had healed days ago, but he deliberately stayed in the ward longer to engage Claudius in more philosophical discussions. Dragon was at a crossroads in his life, and though he had a budding sense of rebellion, he still hadn't fully formed his ideas. The things Claudius talked about resonated with him in a way that few other things had.

Though Dragon already had strong opinions about the injustices in the world, Claudius had access to ideas and philosophies far beyond what Dragon had been exposed to. Claudius, having come from an era of information and diverse political thought, was familiar with theories and movements that had no counterpart in Dragon's time. Even if Claudius wasn't a master of these philosophies, they were more than enough to open Dragon's eyes to new possibilities.

By the end of the seven days, Dragon had developed a deep respect for Claudius not for his strength, but for his ideas and his way of thinking.

Just as Claudius and Dragon were wrapping up one of their discussions, an unexpected visitor arrived at the ward.

It was none other than Garp, Vice Admiral of the Marines and one of its strongest combatants. His arms were crossed, and his nose was tilted up arrogantly as he sat on Dragon's bed, clearly there to reprimand his son.

"You idiot! What kind of injury do you have? You should've been discharged from the hospital five days ago! But here you are, loafing around for another five days. What are you trying to do, dodge your duties as a Vice Admiral? How am I supposed to face the world if my son acts like this? You're getting out of this hospital today, whether you like it or not! There's a mission waiting for you."

As Garp said this, he glanced over at Claudius on the other bed, deliberately avoiding mentioning the specifics of the mission. It wasn't that Garp was worried Claudius might leak the information; after all, Claudius was Celestial Dragon, a position that came with access to far more classified details. No, Garp didn't want to risk Claudius showing too much interest in the mission and deciding to tag along. The last thing Garp wanted was to babysit a Celestial Dragon on a dangerous operation.

There was also another reason for Garp's reluctance: his long-standing disdain for the Celestial Dragons. After the God Valley Incident, Garp's contempt for the world nobles had only deepened. While Zephyr Admiral had vouched for Claudius, saying he was different from other Celestial Dragons, Garp wasn't quick to change his mind. At best, he thought Claudius was a decent fighter tough enough to stab himself to defeat Gion.

"I'm not going," Dragon said bluntly, rejecting his father's proposal without hesitation. "I'm not the only Vice Admiral in the Marines. Someone else can take care of it. You seem to have plenty of free time, so why don't you handle it yourself and leave me out of it?"

Garp's temper flared, and he slammed his hand against the bed. "Do you even know what's going on in the New World right now? Golden Lion Shiki just took down Ochoku! Now's the perfect chance to hunt Ochoku down and lock him up in Impel Down. This is a big deal, and you're sitting here slacking off? You've got to come with me. Let's catch him together."

Hearing this, Claudius's curiosity was piqued. He knew of Golden Lion Shiki, but Ochoku wasn't a name he was too familiar with. He knew that Ochoku had once been part of the Rocks Pirates, just like Shiki, but the details of his story were murky. Judging by Garp's reaction, Ochoku must've been one of his old rivals.

"I've got more important things to do than that," Dragon said, clearly irritated.

"What could be more important than upholding justice as a Marine? More important than wiping out evil?" Garp demanded, his frustration growing.

"Ochoku is already weakened by Shiki. You don't need me for this you can handle it on your own. This is a trivial matter for me. What's important right now is that I'm at a critical point in my life, figuring out my beliefs. I'm finally starting to see through the confusion I've been feeling. That's far more important to me than chasing some pirate."

"You idiot! I'm your father!" Garp shouted, his patience wearing thin.

Watching the heated argument, Claudius couldn't help but reflect on Garp's skills as a mentor. Garp was strong, legendary even he had power, fame, and experience. But in one area, he struggled immensely: raising the next generation.

Marine had two prominent figures when it came to training future leaders. One was Zephyr, who was practically the "headmaster" of the Marines. He had trained many of the Navy's top officers, including the future Admirals. He was a respected teacher who produced disciplined, formidable Marines.

Then there was Garp.

Garp was a different story. His intentions were good, and he genuinely wanted to raise great Marines, but the results spoke for themselves. He had raised his own son, Dragon, to become the world's most notorious criminal. Strike one.

Then, after realizing he'd botched his son's path, Garp turned his attention to Ace, Roger's son, hoping to mold him into a top Marine. That didn't go so well either Ace ended up becoming Whitebeard's adopted son and a pirate through and through. Strike two.

Lastly, there was his grandson, Luffy. Garp had tried to raise Luffy to be a strong Marine, but the boy had also gone off to become a pirate, charging headlong toward the same rebellious path as his father and brother. Strike three.

If it weren't for Garp's incredible reputation and accomplishments, Claudius figured the World Government would've come after him, maybe even demoting or punishing him for being a terrible influence.

Now, watching Garp and Dragon argue, Claudius could clearly see why Garp's mentorship hadn't panned out. Garp was too overbearing. He wanted his son and grandson to follow the paths he had laid out for them, never really considering their desires. No wonder they had all rebelled.

It was time for Claudius to intervene. If he didn't step in, Garp and Dragon might end up in a full-blown argument, and Garp could easily find out that the real reason Dragon didn't want to leave the hospital was because of Claudius's discussions with him. Claudius didn't want to end up being the scapegoat for their fight.

Also, if Garp and Dragon started brawling here, Claudius didn't want to be caught in the crossfire his injuries still weren't fully healed, after all.

"Dragon," Claudius said, trying to calm the situation. "Don't be too quick to dismiss your father's suggestion. There's value in theory, but you also need practice. You need to see the world with your own eyes, experience it. That's how you refine your ideas. Vice Admiral Garp's mission might be the perfect opportunity for you to do just that."

Dragon paused, turning to listen as Claudius continued, "The conversations we've had ideas are important, but they need to be tested against reality. You might find new inspiration, or see things from a different perspective while out there. Consider it part of your journey."

Dragon hesitated. He respected Claudius's opinions, and it was true that he had learned a lot from their talks. After a moment, he finally nodded. "Fine, I'll go with you, then."

Garp was a bit stunned at the moment. He knew just how stubborn his son was—how could he not? Yet, watching Claudius sway his son's resolve with just a few words left Garp genuinely surprised.

As a result, his impression of Claudius shifted slightly.

"It seems… maybe Zephyr was right. This Claudius might be different from the usual spoiled, arrogant Celestial Dragons," Garp thought to himself.

After Dragon agreed to Garp's mission, he turned and looked at Claudius with a smile. "Mr. Crowe and I hit it off right away. We'll be parting ways for now, but who knows when we'll get to meet again? Why don't we exchange contact information? If I find myself confused in the future, I might reach out to have a chat."

Naturally, Claudius wouldn't refuse such an offer. He nodded and called out, "Nia."

Nia knew what to do. She immediately took out a phone transponder snail from her bag and handed it to Dragon. The two exchanged signals, ensuring they'd be able to communicate in the future. With that settled, Dragon followed Garp to begin the formal discharge procedures.

As they walked down the corridor of the Marine hospital, Dragon remained silent for a while before finally speaking up. "Who is that Mr. Crowe? I get the feeling he's more than just a CP-0 agent, right?"

Garp glanced at Dragon with a complicated expression. After a moment, he shook his head and said, "If he didn't tell you himself, then it's not my place to say any more.".

Chapter 24: Sabaody Archipelago
After Dragon left, Claudius didn't bother staying at the Marine hospital. He wasn't a Marine, so there was no need for any formal discharge procedures. Once he packed up his belongings, he left Naval Headquarters, Marineford.

Before he departed, he had one last meeting with Admiral Zephyr. What surprised him, however, was the unexpected appearance of Marine's so-called "Flower of Gion," who showed up at the port just to see him off.

The reason? Claudius had managed to defeat her during a sparring session on the training grounds. Out of respect for a worthy opponent, she felt it was only right to personally bid him farewell.

She also made it clear that she wouldn't lose next time due to a mistake like she did before, and warned Claudius to stay sharp.

Looking at the proud and stubborn "Flower of the Marines," Claudius couldn't help but smirk. Next time? Compete with me again? If there's a next time, I'll have you flat on your back—not in battle, but in bed, showing you all the ways I can break you down until you're begging for mercy.

But, of course, those were just the dirty thoughts running through Claudius's mind. Putting aside such fantasies, he was confident that if there really were a next time, he would be able to face Gion head-on with his own growing strength.

Why was he so sure? Because Claudius had already received something crucial from Zephyr something he'd been aiming for since the beginning.

Zephyr had handed over a detailed manual on Haki cultivation and training methods.

When it came to Haki mastery, there were two individuals in the Marine who were absolute experts.

The first was the man Claudius had targeted Zephyr himself.

Zephyr, known as the "Admiral Who Doesn't Kill," had earned his second moniker, "Black Arm," due to his proficiency in Armament Haki. His mastery in Armament Haki was unparalleled, and it was through this skill, rather than any Devil Fruit ability, that Zephyr climbed to the rank of Marine Admiral. His powerful Conqueror's Haki was an extension of his life experience, and while Claudius hadn't even awakened his Conqueror's Haki yet, Zephyr's manual provided insight that was invaluable for future training.

The other Marine expert who could match or even surpass Zephyr in Haki mastery was none other than the hero of the Marines and Dragon's father—Vice Admiral Garp.

Despite holding the rank of Vice Admiral, Garp's strength was on par with, or even above, the Admirals. He was the unchallenged powerhouse of the Marine.

So why didn't Claudius go to Garp for Haki training? The reason was simple: Garp wasn't exactly known for being the most... diligent or articulate instructor, at least not when it came to teaching others.

In contrast, Zephyr's manual was filled with detailed explanations. He had poured in all his experiences and insights, even adding personal advice tailored to Claudius's abilities and potential based on their interactions over the past few days.

It was clear that Zephyr truly cared about Claudius, whether due to his passion for teaching or a genuine respect for Claudius's status as a Celestial Dragon. Regardless of the reason, Zephyr had spared no effort in helping him.

Thus, Claudius was more than willing to view Zephyr as a true mentor.

"I'll find a way to repay Zephyr someday…" Claudius murmured to himself as he stood on the deck of the ship, watching Marineford slowly recede into the distance. He glanced down at the manual filled with Zephyr's wisdom and insights, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

Zephyr's generosity had genuinely touched him, so much so that Claudius was determined to protect the man's family, no matter what.

"Stussy..." Claudius called out.

Stussy, who had been standing nearby during Claudius's time at Marineford, immediately stepped forward and responded softly, "Your Highness, what are your orders?"

"Once we return to Mariejois, I want you to transfer some of our best operatives from CP-0 and have them positioned around Zephyr's family. Don't reveal their identities just have them act as friends or acquaintances. If any danger approaches Zephyr's family, I want our agents to protect them at all costs. Understood?" Claudius instructed.

Although Stussy didn't fully understand why Claudius wanted to make such an arrangement, she nodded and accepted the task without question.

While Stussy remained puzzled, Claudius knew exactly why he was taking this precaution. Better to be safe than sorry.

Claudius wasn't one to meddle unnecessarily, but after benefiting so much from Zephyr's guidance, he couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

There were simply too many uncertainties in this world. Sending a few skilled agents as a safety net was the most straightforward and effective measure he could take.

"It should be enough… right?" Claudius mused to himself. The idea of anyone daring to harm a Marine Admiral's family was almost unheard of. But Claudius wasn't taking any chances. Even if it were an improbable scenario, he believed his intervention could make all the difference.

The journey from Marineford to Sabaody Archipelago wasn't far. It took less than half a day to reach their destination.

Claudius had no intention of heading back to Mariejois right away. Since he was already out and about, he decided to visit Sabaody Archipelago and see what it had to offer.

After all, Sabaody was a well-known island, marking the end of the first half of the Grand Line and serving as the gateway to the New World. On this island, just about anything could happen.

You could see the lofty and arrogant Celestial Dragons. You could see downtrodden slaves at the bottom of the hierarchy. You could witness Marine officers enforcing justice or encounter pirates causing mayhem.

Here, on this chaotic island, you might even stumble across legendary figures like Whitebeard, Golden Lion, or the future Pirate King himself, Roger.

These giants of the seas often stopped by Sabaody because there was no other direct route to the New World. The only alternative was to circle around the Calm Belt.

The Sabaody Archipelago was a true melting pot—a place where predators and prey lurked in the shadows, hidden in plain sight.

But for Claudius, the island didn't pose much danger. Sabaody was directly under the jurisdiction of the Celestial Dragons. In essence, it was their playground their fiefdom.

It was close to both Marineford and the Holy Land Mariejois. Should trouble arise, reinforcements from either the CP organization or the Marine Headquarters could arrive almost instantaneously.

So long as Claudius didn't run into some reckless fool like Luffy someone who would attack a Celestial Dragon without a second thought he had no reason to worry.

And people like Luffy were few and far between. Claudius was confident he wouldn't be so unlucky.

While most pirates had to enter Sabaody through the lawless zone's port, Claudius's status allowed him to sail directly to the luxurious port reserved for Celestial Dragons.

After disembarking, Claudius decided to conceal his identity at least a little. He didn't need to go to great lengths to disguise himself but opted not to flaunt his status. He kept his entourage small, bringing only Stussy, his butler Nia, and a few hidden guards.

Without the typical Celestial Dragon attire, the obnoxious bubble hood, or a procession of slaves, he didn't stand out too much. Most people would just assume he was a wealthy noble visiting the island.

Given how many nobles frequented Sabaody in hopes of currying favor with the Celestial Dragons, Claudius's appearance was anything but conspicuous.

As he strolled through Sabaody Archipelago, he took in the sights with curious eyes, observing the island's layout and unique atmosphere.

Apart from the lawless zones, the rest of the island was surprisingly orderly. The scenery was beautiful, the climate pleasant. It truly was an ideal place for leisure and relaxation. No wonder so many Celestial Dragons liked to visit.

From what he could tell at the port, a few of his "Celestial Dragon brethren" were already on the island. But Claudius had no intention of meeting up with them or exchanging pleasantries. He preferred to explore the island on his own terms.

"Your Highness, I've compiled a list of interesting spots and information about Sabaody Archipelago. Please take a look and decide where you'd like to go," Nia said, handing Claudius some papers.

Claudius glanced through the information. He wasn't interested in soap bubble parks or sightseeing spots. Specialty shops and scenic views didn't catch his eye either. In the end, he settled on one destination—the auction house in the illegal zone.

He smiled and said, "Let's go check out this auction."

The moment the words left his mouth, Stussy's expression turned a bit apprehensive. "Your Highness, that auction isn't exactly legitimate. It deals in some rather shady, gray-area businesses. And more importantly, it's located in the lawless zone it's dangerous there..."

Sabaody's illegal zone was still chaotic at this time.

The auctions there weren't particularly well-regulated, and the slave trade wasn't as "refined" as it would be in the future. Claudius figured that later on, when his big cousin, Donquixote Doflamingo, eventually extended his influence into Sabaody, he would formalize and dominate the slave trade market, turning it into a more structured "employment agency."

But for now, these auctions were still a hodgepodge of activities selling everything from slaves to rare treasures. Claudius wanted to take a look, just to see if there was anything of value.

"It's fine. With you around, Stussy, what could possibly go wrong? Is there anyone out there who'd dare to harm me?" Claudius said with a grin.

Stussy sighed in resignation, smiling wryly as she replied, "I'll certainly do everything in my power to protect Your Highness. But if we encounter a situation I can't handle, please don't hesitate to reveal your true identity to avoid unnecessary trouble."

"Don't worry, I promise," Claudius nodded with a lighthearted smile.

With that, they made their way to the illegal zone of the Sabaody Archipelago.

Chapter 25: Demon Blade, Shindō!
After stepping into the lawless zone, Claudius could feel the chaotic energy that permeated the area. However, with Stussy accompanying him and a few discreet guards trailing behind, no one dared to provoke him.

Truth be told, the chaos in the lawless zone rarely affected those who appeared to be well-off or of noble descent, like Claudius. Most of the violence and crime targeted people who were destitute and alone those whose deaths would go unnoticed.

People like Claudius, who exuded the aura of a noble, were seen more as potential patrons in the eyes of the scum of this area. After all, the lower rungs of society depended on these wealthy individuals for their income. And since nobles were not to be trifled with lightly, trouble tended to steer clear of them.

There was no hassle when they entered the auction house. Stussy handled negotiations with the auctioneer, and it wasn't long before Claudius and his group were led to the front row of the venue.

Though Claudius didn't explicitly reveal his identity as a Celestial Dragon, he was seated right behind the reserved area for them, in the second row, just shy of the most prominent seats in the house. He glanced at the two Celestial Dragons occupying those seats ahead of him. They seemed young, probably no more than their twenties.

Claudius couldn't immediately recognize who they were just from seeing their backs, but he could already tell that they were of the same mold as his predecessor typical Celestial Dragons, wasteful and utterly useless.

Understanding their nature, Claudius had no interest in introducing himself or exchanging pleasantries. Instead, he simply sat back in his seat and waited for the auction to begin, paying no attention to the chatter between the two Celestial Dragons in front of him, who seemed to be boasting about their slave purchases.

With nothing better to do, Claudius closed his eyes and began to reflect on his interactions with Dragon over the past few days.

Had he made any real impact? Yes, definitely. Through sheer persistence and rhetoric, Claudius had at least planted some seeds of doubt and introspection within Dragon. But expecting to fully rewrite Dragon's future would be naive.

First and foremost, Dragon was a strong-willed individual. While he might acknowledge some of Claudius's points in the short term, someone like him wouldn't be easily swayed. Claudius could sense that Dragon was more interested in testing his own beliefs against Claudius's arguments rather than blindly accepting them. He was absorbing the conversation, seeking common ground while still maintaining his own distinct ideals.

But for now, this was enough. All Claudius wanted was to establish a rapport, a foundation of friendship. If he could guide Dragon in the future, he would. If not, at least there would be some room for negotiation instead of immediate hostility. Just having a space for dialogue was sufficient for now.

Thinking that he probably wouldn't see Dragon again for a while, Claudius let out a quiet sigh and put those thoughts aside. He focused on resting and quietly waited for the auction to begin.

Soon enough, the auction hall filled up, and the auctioneer wasted no time starting the event.

Claudius had never participated in an auction before, but he had heard plenty about their typical routines. As expected, the initial items were rather mundane and uninteresting. Claudius paid no attention to the early bids for treasures and slaves, finding nothing remarkable among them.

The same held true for the two Celestial Dragons in front of him. They didn't bother bidding on anything either.

The ones truly engaged were the nobles seated further back, eagerly vying for things Claudius couldn't care less about.

"The gap in wealth and power is obvious. The nobles in this world aren't as sophisticated as I'd imagined… Celestial Dragons really are on another level," Claudius mused.

Just as he began to question if he'd come to the wrong place, the auction finally presented something of interest.

The first major highlight of the night was a giant slave, towering and muscular. The giant had a rough yet dignified air about him, giving off the aura of a seasoned warrior. His arms and legs were bound with thick chains, and a massive slave collar encircled his neck.

The moment the giant appeared, Claudius noticed the two Celestial Dragons ahead of him perk up with interest.

From what Claudius knew, aside from rare mermaid slaves, giants were among the most valuable slaves in the market, with a starting price of 50 million Berries.

For most ordinary nobles, this was an astronomical sum. But for Celestial Dragons? It was a trivial amount.

Even lower-tier Celestial Dragons like Claudius received a monthly allowance of 500 million Berries just as pocket money. And with the world government and countless wealthy merchants constantly fawning over them, Celestial Dragons rarely had to spend their own money on luxuries or treasures.

Instead, merchants and officials would scramble to present these items as gifts. There was no way they would dare to ask the Celestial Dragons to pay for anything themselves.

As a result, Claudius had barely touched his monthly allowance in the past six months, saving up a substantial fortune that he intended to use as seed money for his future endeavors.

But for most Celestial Dragons, their biggest monthly expense was probably their extravagant spending sprees on Sabaody Archipelago, and this auction was likely one of the prime outlets for them to blow their funds.

Sure enough, Claudius had no interest in acquiring the giant slave. But the two Celestial Dragons in front of him were more than eager. They started the bidding war at 100 million Berries.

Despite the other nobles being wealthy, none dared to compete with the Celestial Dragons. The two young men seemed to get into a heated argument, raising the bid repeatedly until the price soared to nearly 200 million Berries. Eventually, one of them conceded, clearly upset.

The auction continued, showcasing various intriguing items like brawny fishmen slaves and rare treasures, keeping Claudius entertained. The Celestial Dragons in front, however, did not bid on anything else.

It wasn't until a Devil Fruit was brought onto the stage that Claudius's eyes lit up. With a smile, he gestured to Nya to raise his paddle.

"One hundred and fifty million Berries, for the first bid! Any other takers?" the auctioneer called out, trying to stir up more enthusiasm. "This Devil Fruit is a rare Logia-type! Even if the price were doubled, it would still be an excellent deal…"

Claudius paid no attention to the auctioneer's words. He was genuinely interested in this Devil Fruit because it was the Swamp-Swamp Fruit, a Logia-type fruit often regarded as the "weakest" of its kind.

This fruit wasn't sought after because of its lackluster abilities and the fact that it did little to enhance the user's appearance. But even so, it was still a Logia-type, making it inherently valuable.

The Fruit had potential in the right hands. And if Claudius couldn't find someone suitable to eat it, he could always give it to the Marine's science team once they acquired the brilliant scientist, Vegapunk. In time, they'd develop the technology to transfer Devil Fruit abilities into objects.

At the very least, this fruit could be turned into a tool effectively creating a piece of equipment with a 'storage' capacity similar to a bag of holding. If nothing else, it could even be used to set up someone Claudius didn't like perhaps in a manner reminiscent of how he had been dealt in the past.

Becoming a Celestial Dragon for the past six months had rubbed off on Claudius in some ways. He wasn't above using underhanded tactics now.

Logia Devil Fruits, no matter how "trash" they seemed, were still worth hundreds of millions. They were valuable and rare, so why not grab it?

Without revealing his identity as a Celestial Dragon, Claudius's bids weren't met with any special treatment. But after a few rounds, he secured the Swamp Swamp Fruit for a final bid of 300 million Berries.

The win revitalized his interest in the auction. He leaned forward slightly, eager to see what would come up next.

Soon, the next item made its appearance a beautiful, ominous sword.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please feast your eyes on this extraordinary blade one of the 21 Great Grade Swords. This is the famed Demon Blade, Shindō!"

The auctioneer's voice boomed with excitement. "This blade was acquired at a high price from the black market. But be warned it's not just any famous sword. Shindō is a cursed blade. According to legend, it was forged by a notorious pirate blacksmith centuries ago. The blade has been used to commit countless atrocities, becoming imbued with a dark, malevolent aura."

"However, as the years have passed, the curse seems to have weakened. We believe it's time for this demon blade to be reborn, and we are seeking the one destined to wield it here tonight!"

The auctioneer's fervor was palpable as he introduced the sword.

Claudius's gaze settled on the blade. At first glance, it looked exquisite. The scabbard was crafted from ebony wood, deep black with subtle golden patterns that gave it an elegant, almost mystical aura. A few dark green gemstones adorned the sheath, enhancing its beauty without seeming ostentatious.

The handle, wrapped tightly in blood-red threads, exuded a low-key sense of luxury. Even from a distance, Claudius could feel the faint, lingering malevolence emanating from the blade.

"This truly is one of the 21 Great Grade Swords... A top-tier weapon," Claudius murmured, his interest growing. He'd already made up his mind he had to get his hands on it.

Seeing the look in Claudius's eyes, the butler Nya hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Your Highness, this sword may look magnificent, but it's a cursed blade. They say cursed swords bring misfortune to their wielders. Are you sure—"

"Hahahaha, what's there to be afraid of?" Claudius interrupted with a hearty laugh. "I refuse to believe that a sword, no matter how cursed, can be my undoing."

The starting price for Demon Blade Shindō was set at an impressive 300 million Berries. Claudius didn't bid immediately but instead observed the room, assessing his potential competition.

Initially, a few of the wealthier nobles entered the bidding, and the price quickly rose to 400 million Berries. However, before long, the Celestial Dragon who had previously bid for the giant slave joined in. With a single bid, he raised the price by another 50 million Berries, clearly showing his intent to claim the blade.

The rest of the attendees, intimidated by the involvement of a Celestial Dragon, soon fell silent, unwilling to risk offending such a powerful entity. But just as Claudius was about to make his move, a new voice suddenly called out from the back of the auction hall.

"500 million Berries."

Claudius turned, his gaze locking onto a strikingly handsome, middle-aged man seated in the last row. The man's presence radiated confidence and composure, his aura distinct from the rest of the audience.

At first glance, Claudius was taken aback by how good-looking the man was. But on closer inspection, he realized something even more shocking.

"Silvers Rayleigh?" Claudius muttered to himself, eyes widening in recognition.

...

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Chapter Text

Chapter 26: I’m a Celestial Dragon Too!
Claudius wasn't the only one who recognized Rayleigh. If the legendary swordsman hadn't spoken up, sitting quietly in the last row, it was likely no one would have noticed him at all. But as soon as Rayleigh placed his bid against a Celestial Dragon, he attracted the attention of everyone present.

Rayleigh wasn't just some random nobody; he was the vice-captain of the Roger Pirates.

Years ago, his name might not have been as widely known, but after the Battle of the Valley of the Gods, the Roger Pirates though defeated by the World Government had become a major force, gaining a spot on the government's blacklist.

In recent years, the Roger Pirates had been constantly pursued by Marine Hero Garp and had clashed frequently with other powerful pirate crews, such as Whitebeard and Golden Lion. Their infamy had grown, and Rayleigh, once just a skilled swordsman, was now widely known as "Silver Rayleigh."

At this point in time, he hadn't yet earned the epithet "Dark King", but his reputation as a formidable pirate was well established. His bounty was set at 1.2 billion Berries, a testament to his notoriety.

To put things in perspective, the bounties of prominent figures like Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and the future Emperors like Big Mom and Kaido hadn't yet skyrocketed to the four-billion mark. Whitebeard's bounty, for instance, was around 2 billion Berries, bolstered by his participation in the Battle of the Valley of the Gods. The others, like Kaido, were hovering around the one-billion range. So Rayleigh's bounty, during this period, was considered extremely high full of prestige.

"Isn't that the deputy captain of the Roger Pirates?"

"It's Silver Rayleigh!"

"No wonder he dared to bid against a Celestial Dragon!"

"Should we inform the Marines? Marineford isn't far from here…"

While Claudius was still processing his surprise, he noticed more details about the group surrounding Rayleigh.

Sitting next to Rayleigh was a man with an unremarkable appearance but an overwhelmingly commanding presence. Just from the way he sat there, one could feel the aura of authority and dominance radiating off him.

He was casually holding a half-empty bottle of cheap booze, dressed in a standard pirate captain's coat and hat, looking a bit drunk. Despite his rough appearance, the intensity in his gaze and the weight of his presence were unmistakable.

There was no doubt about it—this man was none other than Gol D. Roger, the future Pirate King who would one day trigger the Great Pirate Era!

"Didn't they say to keep a low profile and avoid causing trouble? We're almost done coating the ship. We're too close to Marineford. I really don't want to run into that troublesome guy, Garp," Roger muttered helplessly, clearly frustrated by Rayleigh's antics.

Rayleigh, however, wasn't the least bit concerned by Roger's complaints. He merely laughed and replied, "But that blade is truly a masterpiece. You know how I make a living, right? How could I pass up a blade like that?"

Roger glanced at the unassuming Western sword hanging from Rayleigh's waist and sighed. "I get it. You're always on the lookout for quality swords…"

"Exactly. I'm a swordsman after all. When I see a blade of this caliber, it's only natural I want to buy it, right?" Rayleigh responded with a grin.

Before Roger could continue arguing, a burly man with sunglasses and a ponytail interjected with a playful smirk, "Captain Roger, Rayleigh's already drawn attention. You're just wasting your breath trying to talk sense into him. We should wrap up here and leave as soon as possible. Who knows, someone might have already alerted the Marines by now."

Roger scratched his head in irritation. "Damn it, Gaban, you just love egging him on, don't you? If Garp does show up, we'll leave you behind. We'll be waiting for you at Fish-Man Island!"

"Hahahaha, I've got no problem with that. But I think Garp wouldn't bother with me he'd be more interested in chasing after you, Captain," Gaban laughed heartily.

Watching this scene, Claudius was astounded. It wasn't just Rayleigh Roger himself was here, as well as the elusive Scopper Gaban. They were practically parading around Sabaody Archipelago!

"Who would have thought that the Roger Pirates were hiding out here on Sabaody? If Garp found out, I bet he'd drag Dragon along just to raise hell in the New World…" Claudius thought, a grin forming on his lips.

While Claudius was absorbed in these thoughts, the Celestial Dragon seated in front of him seemed to take offense at the way Rayleigh and his companions ignored his status.

Fortunately, he didn't escalate the situation. Instead, he called out again, raising the bid to 600 million Berries.

Claudius couldn't help but shake his head in exasperation. The behavior of these lower-level Celestial Dragons always embarrassed him. Instead of participating in a proper auction, where financial power determined the winner, they resorted to flaunting their status and attempting to intimidate others. It was pathetic.

And considering who Rayleigh and his group were, these tactics would have no effect. They wouldn't back down just because a Celestial Dragon tried to throw his weight around. If anything, it just made the Celestial Dragon look even more foolish.

Sure enough, Rayleigh casually raised the bid by another 50 million Berries, completely unperturbed.

"Just as I thought, the Roger Pirates aren't exactly swimming in wealth," Claudius mused. The Roger Pirates, after all, were notorious for not engaging in traditional trade or business ventures. Any funds they had likely came from looting and pillaging. No way they could casually toss out hundreds of millions of Berries without blinking.

Most of their money probably came from plundering other pirates or wealthy merchant caravans. If Claudius remembered correctly, there were even rumors of the Roger Pirates toppling entire nations.

"Seven hundred million!" The Celestial Dragon in front of Claudius shouted furiously, glaring in Rayleigh's direction. "Who do you think you are, daring to compete with me, Saint Rothschild ? Do you know who I am?"

Claudius sighed inwardly. This was precisely why he hated revealing his status as a Celestial Dragon outside Mariejois it was just embarrassing.

The Rothschild family was a perfect example of this. No sense of true nobility, no understanding of propriety. They behaved like spoiled brats, trying to bully people with their status in a place where money spoke louder than titles.

And Rayleigh? He'd rather snap his sword than bend to the will of a Celestial Dragon.

Knowing he had to step in to maintain some semblance of dignity for his kind, Claudius glanced at Nia and nodded.

Understanding immediately, Nia ignored Rothschild's angry outburst and calmly raised the paddle. "800 million Berries."

The room fell into stunned silence.

Everyone had already been on the edge of their seats, watching a fierce bidding war between a Celestial Dragon and the Roger Pirates. But now, another heavyweight had jumped into the fray?

Who was this audacious bidder who dared to raise the stakes without hesitation? Who would ignore both the Celestial Dragons and the Roger Pirates and confidently place such a high bid?

The attention of the entire auction hall shifted to Claudius and his group. Even Roger and Rayleigh looked over curiously, wondering who had entered the fray.

Saint Rothschild, caught completely off guard, turned around with a furious glare. "Who the hell are you?! How dare you..."

But before he could finish, Claudius raised his hand and casually flicked his fingers. A small, invisible surge of nitrogen gas struck Rothschild squarely across the face, producing a crisp slap sound. Though it didn't cause any visible harm, it left Rothschild stunned.

Not just Rothschild—everyone in the room was left speechless.

The Roger Pirates had at least played by the rules of the auction house. But who was this man who dared strike a Celestial Dragon, and in the face no less?

"Rothschild, my dear cousin, I don't need you telling me what to do," Claudius said calmly from his seat, not even bothering to stand. His voice carried an undertone of disdain, as if Rothschild were no more than an insignificant pest.

Rothschild, finally realizing who it was that had hit him, grew even more incensed. "Claudius! You bastard! You dare strike me? Even my own father has never laid a hand on me!"

"Well, consider it a favor. I'm educating you on behalf of your father. This is an auction, not some social gathering where you can throw your weight around. Either place your bid or shut up and go home."

Claudius's words were sharp and unyielding, his tone brooking no argument.

The Donquixote family, to which Claudius belonged, was notorious even among the Celestial Dragons for their eccentric and unpredictable nature. Not long ago, a member of the Donquixote family had even descended to the "lower world" to live among commoners. If Claudius kept this up, it wouldn't be surprising for him to develop an even wilder reputation within Mariejois.

Claudius' temper was well-known among the Celestial Dragons, and slapping around fellow Celestial Dragons was nothing new for him. As long as he didn't cause any permanent injuries or deaths, no one would bother to step in. Disputes among the Celestial Dragons often played out this way petty rivalries escalating into physical altercations that were later resolved or swept under the rug.

The most critical factor here was the family background. And in this regard, the Donquixote family was far more influential than the Rothschild family. Among the nineteen Celestial Dragon families, the Donquixotes were in the top tier, while the Rothschilds languished in the bottom ranks.

Rothschild knew this well. He wasn't so foolish as to escalate a conflict he couldn't win. Trembling with rage, he jabbed his finger at Claudius several times before finally huffing in frustration. Without another word, he turned around, gathered his entourage, and stormed out of the auction house, utterly humiliated.

The other onlookers finally put two and two together. No wonder the man had dared to bid against both the Roger Pirates and another Celestial Dragon. He was one of them an even higher status Celestial Dragon.

The realization settled in, and the room's atmosphere shifted. People began murmuring amongst themselves, some with admiration and others with relief that they hadn't gotten involved.

"Who would've thought… He's a Celestial Dragon too."

"And not just any Celestial Dragon… He's got a bigger presence than Rothschild."

"Did you see that? He didn't even flinch when he slapped Rothschild! I didn't know there were such gutsy Celestial Dragons…"

Meanwhile, another Celestial Dragon who had been sitting beside Rothschild glanced uneasily at Claudius before turning to look at the exit. After a moment of hesitation, he decided to follow Rothschild out of the auction hall.

Although he didn't have much of a relationship with Claudius, he was somewhat friendly with Rothschild. Sitting next to him, competing for slaves, and coming to the auction together wasn't a coincidence. Besides, they'd already won the bid for the giant slave earlier. Staying now would just add more awkwardness to the situation.

After all, he didn't want to provoke the notorious oddballs of the Donquixote family and risk getting slapped in front of everyone. There was no honor in that.

With the two of them gone, Claudius relaxed, his mood much improved. He glanced over at the Roger Pirates, then gave Rayleigh an apologetic smile, as if to say, Sorry for the trouble caused by that idiot earlier.

This caught both Rayleigh and Roger off guard.

"Well, well… Who would've thought there'd be a Celestial Dragon like him? Quite the amusing fellow," Roger said with a chuckle, finding the entire situation more entertaining than anything else.

Rayleigh looked back at Claudius, an unreadable expression on his face. Then, with a small sigh, he slumped back in his seat and placed his hand on his chin, appearing contemplative.

"What's wrong? You're not going to continue bidding?" Roger asked, confused. "You liked the sword, didn't you?"

Rayleigh glanced at Roger and smiled wryly. "That guy named Claudius did us a favor by shutting down that troublesome Rothschild. If I keep bidding, it'd make me look petty. I'm not shameless enough to ignore that. Let's just leave it at that."

Chapter 27: Shinsō Confronts Rayleigh!
With Rayleigh the handsome, troublemaker out of the picture, no one else dared to challenge Claudius for the Demon Blade Shindō. Why, you ask? Well, it was simple: no one in their right mind would dare.

The fact that Claudius managed to win a renowned sword ranked among the Twenty-One Great Grade Swords at a minor auction like this was already a pleasant surprise. After all, the swords in this category were coveted treasures, weapons that could only be wielded by true masters of the blade.

The only reason Shindō was even up for auction was because it was a cursed blade an item most people avoided. Otherwise, it wouldn't have ended up in such a lackluster place. As soon as it resurfaced, swordsmen of great renown would have gone to great lengths to claim it.

That was also why Shindō had never risen to the level of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades, despite its quality. Its sinister nature held it back. If it had been forged without its malevolent aura, it might have climbed even higher perhaps even becoming something akin to the First Generation Kitetsu, whose terrifying reputation overshadowed its status as a cursed blade.

Rayleigh, as a veteran swordsman, could see through to Shindō's true potential. But even he, despite his keen eye, knew it wasn't worth getting entangled with the Celestial Dragons over it. He understood that Shindō's reputation didn't match its capabilities. That was why he had risked drawing attention to himself by bidding against Celestial Dragons.

Now, though, Shindō had ended up in the hands of another Celestial Dragon. Rayleigh felt a pang of regret. He doubted any Celestial Dragon would ever put the blade to proper use. More likely, it would be treated as a mere trinket, left to gather dust.

He couldn't imagine any Celestial Dragon wielding a cursed blade in battle. More than likely, it would become a status symbol a sign of wealth and power rather than skill and strength.

After the auction concluded, Claudius had Stussy arrange for the transport of his newly acquired items, including the Logia-type Swamp-Swamp Fruit and the Demon Blade Shindō. He then continued exploring Sabaody Archipelago at a leisurely pace.

He didn't worry in the slightest that someone might try to rob him of his purchases. This was Sabaody Archipelago, after all an island practically under the control of the Celestial Dragons. If anyone dared to act against him, an Admiral would descend upon them faster than they could even blink.

Stussy, having spent more time with Claudius recently, had become familiar with his personality and quirks. She was no longer as reserved as when they first met. Smiling, she commented, "I thought you might end up buying a few slaves, Your Highness, but instead, you went for a Devil Fruit and a cursed blade."

The Devil Fruit was particularly surprising. Celestial Dragons generally viewed Devil Fruits as mere playthings, not worth their time. Buying one at an auction wasn't something she'd seen before.

Claudius laughed. "What can I say? I'm a man of refined tastes. Sometimes, you just have to buy what catches your eye."

"Spending over a billion Berries on a whim? It's good to be rich and willful, I guess…" Stussy thought silently, but she didn't voice her thoughts. Instead, she continued to chat with Claudius as they strolled through the area.

"Your Highness, if we go any further, we'll reach the illegal port. It's not exactly the safest place. Maybe we should head back?" Stussy suggested gently.

She was right the port in the illegal zone was one of the most dangerous spots on the entire island. It was like a backdoor exit. If things got too heated on Sabaody, people often fled through this port to make a quick escape.

Claudius nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm, maybe you're right. Let's turn back."

He had been somewhat tempted to take a look at the famed Oro Jackson, the ship that would one day carry Roger and his crew across the Grand Line. But then he thought better of it. If Roger and his crew were this brazen, parking their ship out in the open, it would only be a matter of time before Garp showed up to exchange "old friends' greetings" with Roger.

No need to get involved in such matters now. There'd be plenty of time to visit Sabaody again in the future. He might even choose this island as his first base of operations. It was conveniently located a crucial hub with easy access to New World, and more importantly, it was close to Mariejois, allowing him to maneuver efficiently.

Just as Claudius turned to leave, he heard an all-too-familiar arrogant voice echoing from a small hill in the distance.

Claudius frowned. "What's that idiot up to now?"

The arrogant voice belonged to none other than Saint Rothschild, the fool Claudius had slapped earlier at the auction. Curious, Claudius gestured for his group to follow him up the hill to get a better view.

What he saw left him incredulous.

Rothschild was sitting atop a large Fish-Man slave, glaring down at a group of people surrounded by his entourage. And those people just so happened to be members of the Roger Pirates.

Saint Rothschild was ordering his servants around like a wannabe general, boasting that none of the pirates would leave Sabaody alive. He promised to capture every last one of them and haul them back to Mariejois as slaves.

"Is this guy out of his mind?" Claudius thought, genuinely stunned. "Picking a fight with Roger's crew? This is a whole new level of stupidity."

Unable to vent his frustration on Claudius earlier, Rothschild had turned his ire toward the Roger Pirates, whom he blamed for sparking the initial conflict. He thought capturing them would restore his dignity as a Celestial Dragon.

Rothschild sneered down at the pirates, completely unaware of the impending danger. "On your knees, all of you! Maybe if I'm in a good mood, I'll let you keep your lives," he said, voice dripping with arrogance.

Roger and his crew stood silently, not making a move. To Claudius, it was clear they were contemplating whether to wipe the floor with this fool or just leave.

But to Rothschild, their silence was a sign of fear and submission. His smug smile widened.

"See? They're scared stiff. They know they can't afford to anger me."

On the other side, Rayleigh glanced at Roger. "What's the plan, Captain?"

"Just kill them," grunted Douglas Bullet, the hulking newcomer of the Roger Pirates.

Douglas Bullet was a fierce addition to the crew. Though he was one of the junior members, his strength was undeniable. He was a former soldier who had gone rogue after being betrayed by his commanding officer. After decimating the forces that had wronged him, he had been marked as a highly dangerous criminal by the World Government. Eventually, he ended up joining Roger's crew.

His style was brutal and direct. For someone like Bullet, killing a Celestial Dragon was just another day at the office. After all, with the bounties on their heads, they were already condemned men. What difference did one more crime make?

However, Roger shook his head. "There's no need to kill him. But we can't just walk away, either. Let's rough him up a bit enough to make him wish he was dead. The World Government can heal him up later. As long as he's not dead, it'll blow over."

Rayleigh chuckled at Roger's confident tone. Typical Roger brimming with bravado even when discussing breaking a Celestial Dragon. But Roger was right. As long as they didn't kill Rothschild, they wouldn't stir up as much trouble. They could still carry on with their journey.

"Let me handle this one," Rayleigh offered, stepping forward. He didn't even bother drawing his sword. Using his blade on trash like Rothschild would be a disgrace.

With a single step, Rayleigh closed the distance. He moved with such speed that it seemed almost casual. He didn't need to go all out crippling a Celestial Dragon hardly required his full strength.

But just as Rayleigh was about to deliver his blow, something happened.

A flash of steel, faster than the eye could see, shot out from a distant hill.

"Shoot to kill, Shinsō!" Claudius murmured softly.

A silver light zipped across the air, targeting Rayleigh with pinpoint accuracy. The sword extended impossibly fast, its blade glinting in the sunlight as it aimed for Rayleigh's chest.

Rayleigh's eyes widened in surprise. Even with his enhanced vision and Observation Haki, the speed of the blade caught him off guard. It wasn't a slash it was as if the entire blade had been shot straight at him, the tip hurtling towards him at breakneck speed.

"Damn!" Rayleigh grunted, channeling Armament Haki into his hand. He caught the blade just before it could pierce his skin. The force of the strike pushed him back several steps, his feet digging deep furrows into the ground.

Claudius, witnessing the scene, was momentarily stunned. He had fully expected Rayleigh to dodge, never imagining he would try to catch Shinsō with his bare hands.

But before Rayleigh could fully comprehend the situation, Claudius' thoughts commanded Shinsō, and in an instant, the blade retracted back to its original form, resting peacefully in its scabbard.

Rayleigh stared at his empty hands, feeling a bit awkward. He had just attempted to catch the strange, flying blade, but before he even realized what was happening, it had already vanished. Did he really fail to catch it?

If Claudius could hear what Rayleigh was thinking, he might have laughed out loud. Seriously? Did Rayleigh actually think he could just snatch Shinsō out of his hands? This wasn't some ordinary weapon this was like a piece of bound gear from a game. Did Rayleigh really believe he could simply take it away? He was definitely overestimating himself.

Chapter 28: A Little Low?

After Rayleigh's attack was blocked, he didn't make another move. Instead, he looked up at Claudius and his group on the hill, his expression a mixture of confusion and surprise. He couldn't quite understand why Claudius had stepped in to stop him.

Wasn't this the same guy who slapped another Celestial Dragon earlier? By all logic, there shouldn't be any good blood between the two, so why defend him now?

"You're the guy from the auction house, aren't you? Crowe, right? What's going on here?" Rayleigh asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Claudius. Donquixote Claudius," Claudius corrected him with a soft smile.

"So you are a Celestial Dragon," Rayleigh said, grinning. "Makes sense. Only someone like you would dare to hit another Celestial Dragon."

Claudius chuckled. "And weren't you about to hit him too? It looks like the title of Celestial Dragon doesn't mean much to you."

At this point, Roger, who had been quietly observing the exchange, burst into laughter.

"Hahahaha! We're pirates! Obeying laws isn't exactly our thing. Whether we hit your Celestial Dragons or not, the Marines will come after us anyway. If we lay a hand on them, it won't make much of a difference.

We've already got plenty of heat on us, and it's not like we have a fixed base of operations. Catching us won't be easy," Roger said, still laughing heartily.

"Fair enough," Claudius nodded. "That logic holds up. But you see, I happened to witness the whole thing. And as a Celestial Dragon, I can't just stand by and watch you bully Rothschild like that."

Rayleigh raised an eyebrow, his surprise evident. "Didn't you just bully him yourself not too long ago?"

Claudius glanced at Rayleigh, then calmly explained, "That's different. I'm a Celestial Dragon. How I handle him is an internal affair. But you guys? You're pirates. If you attack him and the world sees, it'll be a disgrace to all Celestial Dragons. And if our reputation is tarnished, that includes me. So, of course, I have to step in."

Rayleigh blinked in understanding and nodded slightly. Before he could respond, Rothschild, still furious, jumped into the conversation.

"Claudius, you b******! Don't meddle in my affairs! Do you think these filthy pirates can actually bully me? I have twice as many servants as they do!" Rothschild spat, pointing an accusing finger at Claudius.

"What an idiot…" Claudius muttered under his breath, utterly unimpressed.

Roger, meanwhile, was laughing so hard he could barely catch his breath.

"Hahahaha! Exactly, what an idiot! I always thought all Celestial Dragons were like him, but I didn't expect someone like you among them!" Roger said, wiping a tear from his eye.

But just as his laughter subsided, an intense pressure began radiating from him. It was a force so powerful it seemed to distort the very air around them. Claudius felt the pressure settle heavily on his chest, as if an invisible weight was pressing down on him.

Stussy, standing beside Claudius, gasped in shock, her eyes wide. "Conqueror's Haki! That's Conqueror's Haki!"

Claudius wasn't particularly surprised. After all, this was Gol D. Roger, the man who would eventually become the Pirate King. Of course, he would possess the legendary Conqueror's Haki. Still, the force wasn't directly aimed at Claudius, and even Nia, his butler, only felt a slight strain from the pressure.

However, on Rothschild's side, things weren't so easy. Roger's Haki swept through the area, causing all of Rothschild's servants to collapse unconscious, leaving him standing there alone and utterly bewildered.

"W-what did you just do?" Rothschild stammered in fear.

Claudius shook his head in frustration. While there were certainly powerful figures among the Celestial Dragons, idiots like Rothschild made Claudius wonder how long he could survive being associated with such incompetence.

"See now? Your servants are useless! Get out of here already!" Claudius snapped at Rothschild.

Rothschild, sensing that the tides had completely turned against him, no longer had the arrogance from earlier. With Claudius berating him and Roger's overwhelming power looming over him, he hastily ran towards Claudius, leaving his unconscious servants behind.

Claudius turned to the Roger Pirates and said calmly, "You've settled your score. No one is stopping you now. Why haven't you left yet? Unless you're thinking of following me back to Mariejois?"

Roger, still intrigued by Claudius, studied him with curious eyes. While he had crossed paths with Celestial Dragons before, especially during the God Valley Incident, he had never met one like Claudius. This one was… different.

After a brief silence, Roger grinned and suddenly asked, "You know, being a Celestial Dragon seems pretty boring. Why don't you come with us? The world's a big place, and we're setting out to find its end. It'll be an adventure like no other. What do you say?"

For a moment, Claudius was taken aback. Did Roger just invite him one of the Celestial Dragons to join his pirate crew? Was he serious?

Not only was Claudius stunned, but so was everyone else around them. Rayleigh quickly snapped out of it and scolded Roger, "Roger, are you out of your mind? If he gets on our ship, we'll never be able to escape! The World Government and Marines would hunt us down like never before!"

Rayleigh had a point. If Claudius joined the Roger Pirates, the World Government would undoubtedly label it as a kidnapping, and the Marines would stop at nothing to destroy the crew. Plus, if word got out that a Celestial Dragon had become a pirate, it would be an enormous blow to the World Government's prestige.

Roger rubbed the back of his head with an awkward smile, realizing his mistake, while Claudius finally snapped back to reality.

Did he want to join Roger's crew? If he weren't a Celestial Dragon, living a cushy life in Mariejois, he might have seriously considered it. If he were just some random guy living in Sabaody, he'd probably be begging Roger for a spot on the ship right now. The chance to see the end of the world and uncover its secrets? It was a tempting thought.

But the reality was, Claudius was a Celestial Dragon. He had power, status, and a life of luxury awaiting him. Joining the Roger Pirates was a fool's errand.

So Claudius remained silent, and Roger, realizing how absurd his offer had been, let the moment pass. The tension in the air became awkward, and the group fell into silence.

It was at that moment that Copper Jabba spoke up. "Captain, someone probably called the Marines after the scene at the auction house. If we don't leave soon, things might get troublesome."

Roger blinked as if suddenly reminded of their situation. "Ah, right! I've got a feeling Garp's already on his way here!"

With that, the Roger Pirates made a quick decision to leave the island before the Marines arrived. But before they left, Roger called back to Claudius with a grin.

"Hey, what I said earlier still stands! If you ever get tired of being a Celestial Dragon, come find us!"

Before Roger could finish, Rayleigh clamped a hand over his mouth, muttering, "Enough with that already. If this guy actually takes you up on that, we'll be in way over our heads."

And just like that, the infamous Roger Pirates left Sabaody, though Claudius couldn't help but scratch his head in confusion. The whole encounter felt… off. This was the future Pirate King? Why did he seem so… casual?

Still, Claudius knew one thing for sure despite how strange the encounter had been, Roger and his crew were not to be underestimated. Today, things had gone oddly smoothly, but that didn't mean future encounters would be so harmless. These men were dangerous, no doubt about it.

Just as Claudius was lost in thought, his butler Nija received a phone call. After answering a few questions, she approached Claudius with a serious expression.

"Your Highness, there's been an incident at Mariejois."

Claudius frowned. "What kind of incident?"

"The Homing family has returned, but they were stopped at the port. There seems to be some kind of dispute…" Nia explained.

After a moment of thought, Claudius remembered. Ah, yes. It had been nearly three months. The Homing family, after realizing they couldn't make it in North Blue, had come crawling back, hoping to reclaim their status as Celestial Dragons.

But this was ridiculous. They had left voluntarily, throwing away their noble title. And now they wanted back in? As if the position of Celestial Dragon was a revolving door.

"What's more, they left everything behind when they ran off. How do they expect Lancelot, who's been managing things for the past three months, to just step aside now that they're back?" Claudius thought, shaking his head in exasperation.

This was no small matter. The Homing family was essentially trying to re-enter Mariejois as if nothing had happened, expecting to pick up where they left off. But among the Celestial Dragons, their departure had already branded them as traitors. Coming back now wasn't going to be as simple as they thought.

Claudius sighed. "Do they think the other Celestial Dragons will just welcome them back with open arms?"

After a brief pause, he made his decision. "Let's head back to Mariejois and see what's going on."

Chapter 29: Aftermath
Claudius turned around and prepared to leave, deciding it was best to distance himself from the scene before things got worse. His group quickly followed him, while Rothschild, now left alone and leaderless, stood looking lost and confused.

His "servants" were all knocked out cold from the earlier events. After seeing what had transpired, he finally understood there were people in this world who didn't care about his status as a Celestial Dragon. Fear crept into his heart. Realizing he'd be safer sticking with Claudius, he shamelessly decided to tag along.

"Wait for me! Claudius, wait up!" Rothschild yelled, waddling after them as fast as his short legs would allow.

Claudius heard him, but he didn't bother to turn around or acknowledge him. He couldn't care less. If Rothschild wanted to follow them, fine. One more didn't make a difference.

The Sabaody Archipelago wasn't far from Mariejois on the Red Line, and before long, Claudius and his crew arrived at the port of Mariejois.

By this time, Rothschild seemed to have had a change of heart. Not only was he no longer resentful over the slap Claudius had given him earlier, but he also stuck to Claudius like glue, pestering him with questions.

"Is Devil Fruit delicious? You can't swim anymore, right? Doesn't that feel weird?"

"I heard you just came back from Naval Headquarters! What were you doing there? Was it fun?"

"Who were those pirates back on the island? Why weren't they afraid of us Celestial Dragons?"

Claudius, preoccupied with his own thoughts, grew increasingly irritated by Rothschild's incessant chatter. Finally, he snapped.

"Can you shut up for a second, you idiot? Don't you have your own ship back on Sabaody? Your servants are still there, right? What are you doing following me?"

Rothschild, seemingly oblivious to Claudius's growing annoyance, simply shrugged. It was as if the earlier slap had knocked some sense into him or knocked it out, perhaps. He certainly didn't seem to care about being insulted now.

"Those guys are so boring. I only went to Sabaody because things were too dull here in Mariejois. But you seem to be having a lot more fun." Rothschild said casually.

Claudius looked at him in disbelief. "I slapped you, called you an idiot, and insulted you in front of everyone. Don't you feel the least bit angry? You're a Celestial Dragon, aren't you?"

Rothschild rubbed his face, contemplating for a moment. "You know, my father never hit me, and no one's ever called me an idiot before. But maybe that's why I find you interesting! You're not like the rest of us. I remember you being different before, too. I'm curious what happened to you?"

Claudius stared at him in disbelief, thinking, Is this guy for real? Does he actually have Stockholm syndrome?

With a sigh of frustration, Claudius shot Rothschild a disgusted look. "Can you just leave me alone? I'm not interested in talking to you."

"Why not? Aren't we both Celestial Dragons?" Rothschild asked innocently.

"You're of no use to me. Unless you're willing to be my subordinate, I've got nothing to say to you," Claudius replied coldly.

He figured that would be enough to get Rothschild off his back. After all, who in their right mind would willingly become someone else's subordinate especially a fellow Celestial Dragon?

But to his shock, Rothschild immediately responded, "Fine, I'll be your subordinate!"

Claudius froze for a moment, utterly stunned. "Rothschild, you're more than ten years older than me, and you're a Celestial Dragon. Have some dignity!"

There was no way Claudius could casually accept someone like Rothschild as his lackey. Not only was he a fellow Celestial Dragon, but Claudius was also trying to keep a low profile. Drawing unnecessary attention by taking in Rothschild as a subordinate would only create more problems back at Mariejois. He didn't need the extra scrutiny right now.

Moreover, Rothschild was a total liability. If Claudius accepted him, he'd likely have to clean up after Rothschild's messes, and the last thing he needed was to be dragged into even more trouble.

Still, the situation wasn't without its advantages. Claudius realized that Rothschild might be useful later. As he moved up the ranks within Mariejois, there would come a time when having someone like Rothschild in his corner might prove beneficial. He just needed to bide his time.

With that thought in mind, Claudius softened his tone slightly, no longer treating Rothschild with the same disgust.

Before long, their ship docked at the port of Mariejois. As they disembarked, Claudius noticed a commotion nearby. A large group of Celestial Dragons was arguing with a few lower-ranking officials.

Claudius squinted, recognizing one of the figures in the crowd. It was his cousin Doflamingo, whom he hadn't seen in three months.

Ignoring Rothschild, who was still struggling to get off the ship, Claudius quickly made his way over to where the argument was taking place.

"You can't just come back now, Homing! You left for North Blue on your own. You've been stripped of your Celestial Dragon status!" one of the Celestial Dragons shouted angrily.

Homing looked worn and defeated, his face lined with stress. "I understand that," he pleaded, "but at least let my two sons stay in Mariejois…"

Standing beside him were Doflamingo and Rosinante, both of them dirty and disheveled. It was clear they hadn't had an easy time during their absence.

Claudius couldn't spot Homing's wife anywhere. Perhaps she had passed away in North Blue, or maybe she was still on the ship. Either way, it didn't look good.

The Celestial Dragons refused Homing's request. They weren't about to let Doflamingo and Rosinante stay, fearing that the boys would grow up harboring resentment for how their father had been treated.

Just as the argument was reaching a boiling point, Claudius finally arrived. "Doffy, why are you back?" he called out.

At the sound of his voice, Doflamingo's aggressive demeanor crumbled. The moment he saw his cousin, tears welled up in his eyes. All the anger and frustration he had been holding back came rushing out.

"Cousin!" Doflamingo cried, running toward Claudius with a loud wail. "I've had such a miserable time!"

Without hesitation, Claudius embraced Doflamingo, allowing the boy to cry and wipe his tears on him. Despite the dirt and grime, Claudius didn't push him away. He listened as Doflamingo poured out his grievances how he had fallen from the privileged life of a Celestial Dragon to being persecuted and bullied by the very people he once looked down upon. He even shared how his mother had passed away due to the hardships they had endured.

As Claudius listened, he began to understand the situation more clearly. During their journey to North Blue, Doflamingo's mother had fallen ill. After they settled down, their identity as former Celestial Dragons was exposed. The once "untouchable" masses had quickly turned into a vengeful mob, looting their wealth and tormenting them. Doflamingo's mother hadn't survived the ordeal.

In the end, Homing had no choice but to return to Mariejois with his sons, abandoning their failed attempt at living outside the protected bubble of the Celestial Dragons.

Claudius did some quick math. In the three months since they'd left, they had likely only spent about a week in North Blue before fleeing back. And in that short time, they had been utterly broken by the harsh realities of the outside world. It made Claudius rethink his own situation he needed to be cautious about any future steps.

Claudius glanced at Doflamingo and Rosinante, feeling a pang of sympathy for the two boys. Not only were they dealing with their mother's death and their father's failed ambitions, but now they had to carry the burden of his grand proclamations as well.

No wonder, in the future, Celestial Dragons would still refuse to let Doflamingo and Rosinante return, even after Homing's death. Claudius had always wondered why the Donquixote family had been so thoroughly rejected. But now it made sense now, even if he died, the stigma he left behind would prevent Doflamingo and Rosinante from ever being accepted back into Mariejois.

Homing, clearly overwhelmed by frustration, dragged his sons away without another word. As they passed by, he glanced at Claudius, his expression filled with helplessness and defeat. He tugged Doflamingo along, and the boy reluctantly let go of Claudius, his tear-streaked face still looking back at his cousin.

Claudius sighed deeply as he watched them walk away. He quickly instructed his butler, Nia, to gather all the money they had on hand. Stepping forward, he shoved the small pouch of Bailey into Doflamingo's arms.

"Doffy, this is all I can do for you right now. Use the money to take care of yourselves. I'll send someone to help you in secret once things calm down. Just… live well, alright?"

Doflamingo looked up at his cousin, his eyes filled with gratitude. He nodded, wanting to say something more, but before he could speak, Homing tugged him away again, pulling him and Rosinante back toward their ship.

Chapter 30: Doffy, You Are My Brother!
Sea Circle Calendar, mid-1496. It had been five years since the Doflamingo Homing family caused a stir by trying to return to Mariejois.

According to the original course of events, by 1493, Doflamingo would have grown tired of watching his father, Homing, continuously fail, blaming him entirely for their family's downfall. In his frustration, Doflamingo would have killed his father in North Blue, severed his head, and brought it back to Mariejois, hoping this act would allow him to reclaim his place among the Celestial Dragons.

But things had played out differently, thanks to Claudius's involvement. Over the past few years, many aspects of the situation had changed.

For one, Claudius had secretly sent people to look after Homing and his family. The man had once done him some small favors. Claudius didn't want to see him meet such a tragic end, nor did he want his unlucky cousin, Doflamingo, to be driven to the point of murdering his own father and falling into an irredeemable darkness.

Thanks to Claudius's quiet interventions, the Doflamingo family managed to live somewhat decently in North Blue. While they weren't living in luxury, they were at least able to eat meat three times a day.

In fact, if it weren't for Homing's stubborn pride, the family wouldn't have struggled so much. Celestial Dragons like Claudius had been helping them in secret, but Homing, being the hardheaded fool he was, refused to fully accept the assistance. Claudius could only offer them small amounts of money and send people to deal with minor problems from behind the scenes. Beyond that, there wasn't much he could do.

Homing, having no real skills to make a living, spent his days doing menial jobs in the local town with his sons, scraping by with the little money they earned.

Meanwhile, Claudius had grown. He was now a young man at the age of seventeen, and the last traces of his boyish features had long since faded. His appearance had undergone significant changes over the past five years.

First, his height had shot up. He was now over 2.5 meters tall, with no signs of slowing down. It wouldn't be surprising if he reached the "standard Admiral height" of three meters before his twenties.

His physique had developed well too. His muscles were strong but not bulky well-defined and athletic. He was neither fat nor too lean; his body was well-proportioned. Claudius had always been a handsome boy, and over time, his features had matured. While he still bore a resemblance to the Doflamingo of later years, he lacked that sinister, devilish aura. Instead, he radiated a sense of confidence, strength, and warmth.

As for the person he was currently sparring with on the deck of a luxurious ship flying the World Government's flag, it was none other than the beautiful Stussy, a rising star in CP-0.

In the past few years, Stussy had aligned herself closely with Claudius. Though she was already quite capable on her own, being a part of CP-0 and handling several significant missions, her relationship with Claudius had elevated her status even further. She had become one of his trusted confidants.

Originally, Claudius hadn't intended to bring Stussy under his wing so quickly, but she seemed to recognize that Claudius was a different kind of Celestial Dragon one with a future worth betting on. Over time, she'd positioned herself squarely in his camp, and now, she was practically part of his inner circle.

On the deck, Stussy launched a swift attack, her fingers coated in Haki, brushing past Claudius's short blonde hair, narrowly missing his ear. Before she could follow up, Claudius grabbed her arm with a firm grip, the sound of bones creaking under pressure. Despite the pain, Stussy managed to free herself by kicking Claudius in the chest, but as she landed and tried to regain her footing, she saw Claudius grinning at her.

"Too late…" Claudius said with a smirk.

In the next moment, Stussy felt an invisible force strike her in the chest, sending her flying off the deck and crashing into the sea below.

Claudius laughed, shaking off the combat stance. Not far away, his butler, Nia, rushed forward with a black mink coat, draping it over his shoulders as she asked with concern, "Your Highness, are you alright? She kicked you pretty hard just now."

Claudius chuckled, "I'm fine, just a little sore."

As if on cue, Stussy climbed back onto the deck, soaked from head to toe, looking like a wet cat. With a pout, she complained, "Your Highness! I'm a woman, you know! Can't you go easy on me?"

"Hahaha! I believe in equality, Stussy. No special treatment just because you're a woman," Claudius teased, still grinning.

Stussy glared at him as she rolled up her wet sleeves, revealing her arm, which now sported five dark bruises in the shape of Claudius's fingers. She winced as she rubbed the sore spot. "Your Armament Haki has gotten seriously strong, Your Highness. Even with Haki and Iron Body, I still got hurt. If I were anyone else, my arm would've snapped."

Claudius raised his arm, flexing his fingers as a layer of black Armament Haki coated his skin. He nodded in satisfaction. "I've gotten the hang of Armament Haki and Observation Haki, but I've heard there's a higher level to Armament Haki…"

Stussy nodded, explaining, "Yes, Armament Haki has three stages. The first is coating using Haki to enhance your attacks, like when you grabbed me just now, even though you're a Logia-type Devil Fruit user. The second is hardening, where you cover parts of your body in Haki for enhanced defense and attack. The third is emitting Haki, allowing you to strike from a distance, like what you just did."

Claudius already knew most of this, but he smiled and said, "It takes time to fully master Haki. What I used just now wasn't Armament Haki, though. I'm still not at that level it was one of my abilities."

"Ah yes, the 'Vitality Bomb,'" Stussy said with a smile.

Claudius nodded. Just as he was about to continue the conversation, Nia pointed out, "Your Highness, we're almost there Cornillo Island."

Cornillo Island, a famous hot spring island in the New World, was a popular tourist destination. It wasn't too far from the Red Line, a quick seven- or eight-day sail on a fast ship. But Claudius hadn't come for a vacation he was here to meet an old friend.

That friend was none other than Monkey D. Dragon, son of Vice Admiral Garp.

Claudius hadn't seen Dragon since they parted ways in the hospital at Marineford, but they had stayed in touch through phone calls. Over time, they had become genuine friends.

Earlier that year, a major event had shaken the Naval Headquarters: Dragon, who had been in line for a promotion to Admiral, had suddenly resigned from the Marines, much to the shock of the higher-ups. Despite the efforts of Sengoku and Zephyr to change his mind, Dragon had walked away from it all, and shortly after, he disappeared.

Claudius hadn't heard from him in a while, but about two weeks ago, Dragon had reached out, asking him to meet on Cornillo Island for an important discussion. Claudius, intrigued by what Dragon might have to say, had agreed to the meeting, which is why he was now in this part of the New World.

As they approached the island, Claudius smiled. "Finally, after so long at sea, we're here. I wonder what Dragon wants to talk about this time."

Before Claudius could say more, the phone worm on the table rang. Expecting it to be Dragon, he reached over and picked it up. To his surprise, it was Doflamingo.

Claudius grinned and asked, "Doffy? What's going on? Need some help? You know your cousin's always here for you."

There was a pause on the other end. Then Doflamingo's voice came through, quieter than usual. "Cousin... I ate a Devil Fruit."

Claudius's smile faded slightly. He sighed, "And?"

"I'm leaving home. I can't stand it anymore. I'm done with Father and Rosinante. I need to get away from this life… this isn't who I am…"

Claudius wasn't surprised. He knew that Doflamingo's personality didn't mesh well with the humble life Homing and Rosinante were content with. He had been waiting for this moment.

"So, what's next for you? Need my help?" Claudius asked gently.

"You're really going to support me?" Doflamingo asked, sounding surprised.

He had expected his cousin to try to talk him out of it or offer some kind of advice. But Claudius wasn't questioning him at all.

"Doffy, you're my brother. No matter what you decide, I'll support you," Claudius said with a soft smile.

...

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Chapter Text

Chapter 31: Plans

"So… what if I said I wanted to take revenge on Mariejois?"

Doflamingo's voice came hesitantly through the phone. He paused for a moment, as if waiting for Claudius's response, but before Claudius could answer, he quickly added, "Of course, not revenge on you, cousin. I know you've always treated me well. If it weren't for your support over the years, I probably wouldn't have made it this far. And if my father hadn't stubbornly refused your kindness, we wouldn't have ended up living in such a miserable state…"

Claudius didn't hesitate. Doflamingo wanting revenge on Mariejois made sense to him. After all, Claudius himself had plans to turn Mariejois upside down when the time was right. He wasn't planning on staying a Celestial Dragon forever.

A few years ago, he'd been too young, still figuring things out. Back then, Claudius lacked the strength and influence to make any real moves. But now, things were different. He might not be at the peak of his power yet, but he was more than capable of holding his own in this vast ocean. If he were in the Navy, he figured he could easily hold the rank of Vice Admiral by now.

His age was no longer a limitation, and he was beginning to think it was time to start laying the groundwork recruiting allies, building up his own forces. Claudius knew it would be a long process before he had enough power to pull off what he was planning, but that was fine. He was still young, and there was plenty of time.

Now, with Doflamingo at a breaking point with his family and ready to strike out on his own, things were aligning in Claudius's favor. Doflamingo needed time to rise to power, to establish himself. Perhaps, by the time Doflamingo succeeded, he would be a valuable ally in Claudius's own plans.

So, rather than stopping him, Claudius fully intended to support him. Their bond had grown stronger over the years, and Doflamingo essentially saw Claudius as the only family member who truly understood him.

Sure, Doflamingo might want to carve his own path for a while, aiming to create his empire, but Claudius was confident. When Doflamingo eventually realized he needed more, there was a high chance he would fall under Claudius's banner completely.

This was the perfect time for investment.

"I've already told you, Doffy," Claudius said with a smile, "you're my brother the person I trust most. You know you're my only family. So, whatever you decide to do, even if it's taking revenge on Mariejois, I'll support you. In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing those pompous fools taken down a peg myself. Maybe our timing will be perfect."

"The only family…" Doflamingo whispered to himself.

His eyes reddened. Despite his resolve to strike out on his own, he was still just a thirteen-year-old boy. His mother had passed away. His father had dragged their family from the heights of privilege to the depths of despair. His younger brother, Rosinante, didn't understand him at all, holding on to naïve ideals and fantasies that Doflamingo found insufferable.

If he were to count the people who truly understood him, only his cousin Claudius came to mind. Now, hearing Claudius call him his only family stirred something deep within Doflamingo's heart.

Though he still had his father and brother, none of them were like Claudius. Claudius was the only one who really understood him the only one who was truly family.

If Claudius had known what Doflamingo was thinking, he might have felt a pang of guilt. It was true that he had some thoughts of using Doflamingo for his own purposes, but it was also true that, aside from that, Doflamingo really was his only family. Claudius didn't consider Homing or Rosinante as family. In his eyes, they were more like burdens or nuisances.

"I knew it, cousin. I knew you'd support me," Doflamingo said, his voice filled with excitement. "Let's turn this world upside down together, the two of us!"

"Hahaha, exactly!" Claudius laughed. "We'll turn this world on its head."

After a moment, Claudius's tone shifted as he asked, "So, what's your plan? What do you need from me? Just tell me, Doffy."

Doflamingo paused for a second, then said, somewhat shyly, "Cousin, do you know about Haki?"

"Huh? Of course I do. You should know I've always been interested in that sort of thing," Claudius replied.

"Good. Something strange happened recently. While I was fighting a mob that was bullying Rosinante, I suddenly awakened this power called 'Conqueror's Haki.' Because of that, a few people approached me. They seem to think I have the potential to be a king. They've pledged their loyalty to me, calling me 'Young Master.' With them by my side, I'm ready to make my move."

As Doflamingo explained, Claudius felt a wave of disbelief wash over him. He had spent years honing his skills, pushing himself to the limit, but he hadn't managed to awaken Conqueror's Haki. Meanwhile, his cousin, after suffering in North Blue, had accidentally unlocked it and, on top of that, had people lining up to pledge their allegiance to him.

Claudius couldn't help but compare their experiences. He had worked so hard to earn every bit of power, even managing to recruit Stussy into his circle. But Doflamingo, despite his miserable circumstances, had managed to awaken Conqueror's Haki and gain followers just like that.

Claudius thought with a wry smile. Why is no one falling over themselves to be my follower?

Then he remembered Rothschild, the Celestial Dragon who had begged to be his subordinate back on Sabaody Archipelago. Claudius had turned him down, of course. Maybe he shouldn't have been so quick to refuse?

Doflamingo really does have the protagonist's template if only he wasn't a villain, Claudius thought with amusement. Born into a Celestial Dragon family, cast down into hardship, and now rising through sheer force of will. And now, he's awakened Conqueror's Haki.

Claudius sighed inwardly. In a different world, Doflamingo could have easily been the main character of some epic saga.

He even has me behind him, like some powerful mentor figure. Damn, the kid's got it all.

"Cousin? Cousin, are you still there?" Doflamingo's voice interrupted Claudius's thoughts.

"Ah, yeah, sorry. Just lost in thought for a moment," Claudius said, brushing it off. "So, what's your next move?"

"I'm going to form the Donquixote Family. I'll start by taking control of the area where we've been living. I'll become the biggest power in the region's underground, and from there… I'll keep growing," Doflamingo explained. His voice was filled with determination, and it was clear he'd been thinking about this for a long time.

Claudius listened carefully. Everything was pretty much as he'd expected. Doflamingo was planning to build his own crew, get involved in the underworld, expand his influence, and eventually take on the World Government.

There were a lot of holes in Doflamingo's plan, but Claudius knew those would get filled in over time. As Doflamingo gained experience, he would grow stronger, smarter, and eventually become the infamous "Heavenly Demon."

Once Doflamingo finished laying out his plan, Claudius asked, "So, how can I help you? What do you need from me?"

There was a brief silence on the other end before Doflamingo spoke, sounding a bit embarrassed. "Well… I was hoping… you could lend me some money, cousin. Just to get started."

Claudius blinked in surprise. All Doflamingo wanted was a loan? Given how difficult life had been for him in North Blue, Claudius had expected him to ask for something bigger.

His heart went out to his cousin. It was clear how much Doflamingo had suffered. Feeling a surge of brotherly affection, Claudius spoke generously.

"We're brothers, Doffy. You don't need to borrow anything from me. When you left Mariejois, you gave me all your slaves. Think of this as me returning the favor. I'll send you one billion Baileys to start. Is that enough? If you need more, don't hesitate to ask."

"One… one billion?" Doflamingo stammered. Having lived in poverty for so long, he had lost touch with the value of money. For years, he'd been scraping by, barely able to earn enough to survive. Now, his cousin was offering him one billion Baileys as if it were nothing. It was more than he could've imagined.

Moved to tears, Doflamingo said emotionally, "Cousin, you're the best. Don't worry, I won't let you down. I'll make something great of myself, and I'll repay your trust."

"Hahaha, you're part of the Donquixote family, Doffy. I know you'll rise to become someone important. Work hard, and if you ever need anything else, just let me know. As long as I can help, I will," Claudius said with a hearty laugh.

After exchanging a few more words, the call ended. Claudius put the receiver down and gazed out toward the island that was now in clear view.

"Finally, the wheels are in motion. The figures of this era are slowly starting to move. I can't afford to lag behind," Claudius muttered to himself, a sense of anticipation swelling in his chest.

Nia standing nearby, heard his words and asked, "Your Highness, what are you thinking about?"

"Hahaha, nothing too serious. Just feeling a bit reflective," Claudius replied with a grin.

Meanwhile, at the port of Cornillo Island, Dragon had just stepped off a small boat. He turned to glance toward the horizon and noticed a larger ship flying the World Government's flag approaching the dock.

"That's probably him," Dragon said quietly, watching the ship draw closer. "It's been years since we last met. I wonder if Mr. Crowe has changed… and if he'll agree with my ideas."

Instead of leaving, Dragon stayed at the harbor, waiting for the ship to dock, curious to see if the man he had invited Claudius was indeed onboard.

At the same time, in the Holy Land of Mariejois, the headquarters of the World Government, the Five Elders were gathered together, deep in discussion. The tides of the era were shifting, and by 1496, the tremors of change had already begun to be felt around the world.

Chapter 32: Meeting Dragon
In a hot spring hotel on Cornillo Island, Claudius and Dragon were soaking in the hot spring, steam rising around them as they relaxed.

Claudius had a feeling Dragon was planning something big, so to avoid unwanted attention, he had instructed his butler Nia to book the entire hotel for them. With no one else around, they could speak freely without fear of being overheard.

Dragon leaned back in the hot water, his expression much more relaxed than before. With a sigh of relief, he said, "It's been years since we've seen each other, Mr. Crowe. You've changed so much, I almost didn't recognize you. If it weren't for Miss Nia by your side, I would've walked right past you."

Claudius smiled and replied, "You've changed a lot too. And that tattoo on your face... what's the story behind it?" He gestured toward the lines now etched across Dragon's face.

When Claudius had met him at Naval Headquarters a few years ago, Dragon hadn't had that tattoo. Now, it seemed like a permanent fixture, sparking Claudius's curiosity.

"This?" Dragon touched his cheek lightly, then smiled. "A mark of my resolve, I suppose."

Seeing that Dragon didn't want to go into more detail, Claudius didn't push him further. After all, what if it was the result of a smack from Garp? That would be a bit awkward to explain.

Changing the subject, Claudius asked, "I heard you resigned from your position as Vice Admiral earlier this year. That caught me by surprise. From what I remember, you were on track for promotion to Admiral. Why give up such a promising career? With your skills and reputation, even the position of Fleet Admiral wasn't out of reach for you. So, why leave?"

Dragon leaned his head back against the stones of the hot spring, smiling softly. "Paths diverge, and sometimes, they can't be reconciled. After all these years, I realized I could never fully align myself with Marine's sense of justice. There was an insurmountable gap between us…"

"What do you mean by that?" Claudius asked, sinking deeper into the soothing waters.

"The justice Marine fights for isn't the justice I believe in," Dragon said, his voice calm but tinged with regret. "If I had stayed, it would have only led to more conflict and bitterness. So, I chose to leave while I still could."

Claudius nodded slowly. He had half-expected this, knowing Dragon's nature.

Dragon waited a moment, clearly expecting Claudius to ask more, but when the latter simply sat back and enjoyed the hot spring, saying nothing, Dragon's patience began to wane.

"Mr. Crowe, aren't you going to ask me what I'm planning next?" Dragon said with a sigh, sounding both amused and exasperated.

Claudius blinked as if suddenly realizing what Dragon wanted and asked, "Oh right, Dragon, what's your plan?"

"Can you be a little more sincere?" Dragon replied, shaking his head with a wry smile.

The truth was that, over the years, Dragon had come to view Claudius as a close friend, someone who might share his vision for the world. He had hoped Claudius would be more invested in this conversation, given their similar ideals. But for now, it seemed like he'd have to be the one to push the topic forward.

Claudius chuckled and leaned in slightly, giving Dragon his full attention. "Alright, Dragon. So, what's your plan now that you've left Marine? And why did you want to meet me here?"

Dragon's expression grew serious as he replied, "I'm going to strike out on my own. I've thought it over for a long time, and now I'm ready to make my move. That's why I invited you here… I'd like you to join me."

"Join you?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, his expression a mixture of curiosity and amusement. He was starting to understand where this was going.

It's like Roger back on Sabaody. He hardly knew me, yet he invited me to join his crew. And now here's Dragon, doing the same thing, assuming I'll say yes without even considering the possibility of me turning him down.

"Yes, join me," Dragon repeated earnestly. "You and I, we share some differences in our views, but we also have many common ideals. I still remember what you said to me in Marineford, that question you posed 'What do you think justice is?' It resonated deeply with me. Since then, I've traveled the world, seen the suffering in countless nations, and realized what I need to do. So, I'm asking you, Mr. Crowe, to walk this path with me."

Claudius listened closely, but couldn't help but feel a bit wary. "Walk with you? Where exactly are you going?"

Dragon hesitated for a moment, weighing his next words carefully. Then, he sighed, deciding to reveal his true intentions. "I want to dedicate my life to changing this world. It's rotten, Claudius. The corruption has spread too deep. I believe it's time to give this world a brighter future."

Claudius stared at him for a moment before chuckling. "You still talk like that, huh? Dressing up rebellion with fancy words. Just call it what it is, Dragon. You want to start a revolution."

Dragon couldn't help but laugh as well. "You're right, Mr. Crowe. I am being a bit hypocritical with my words. Yes, I want to start a revolution."

"A revolution against who, exactly?" Claudius asked, though he had a feeling he already knew the answer.

"The biggest oppressors of all," Dragon said, his tone growing serious. "The Celestial Dragons. You should know better than anyone how corrupt and out of touch they are. They treat everyone like dirt, like slaves, while they sit on their thrones in Mariejois. For eight hundred years, they've ruled with cruelty and arrogance. I can't stand by and watch them destroy more lives. My mission is to take them down. I want to free the world from their chains."

Dragon's words hung in the air, heavy with purpose. Claudius sat quietly, absorbing it all. After a long silence, Claudius finally spoke.

"Dragon, you know I live in Mariejois, right? You know who I am… and you're still telling me this?" Claudius asked softly, his tone almost playful.

Dragon nodded, his confidence unwavering. "I know you work for CP-0. I know CP-0 is the shield of the Celestial Dragons, answering directly to them…"

"Then why are you so willing to tell me all of this?" Claudius asked, genuinely curious.

"I'll admit, I was hesitant at first," Dragon said, a small smile on his lips. "I've been wrestling with this decision for months. But in the end, I decided to trust you. Everything in life can be faked, except for one thing your convictions. I believe in your convictions, Claudius. I'm convinced you'll join me."

"You?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, now fully understanding what Dragon was implying.

"Yes, to show you that I'm serious about this, I've already started gathering like-minded individuals. Together, we've formed a force a 'Revolutionary Army.' We're united by the same goal: to overthrow the Celestial Dragons and reshape this world."

Claudius smiled slightly, impressed by Dragon's sincerity and the risks he had taken by revealing this much. "You've laid all your cards on the table… But I'm afraid I can't join you, Dragon."

Dragon blinked, caught off guard. He had expected some resistance, but not a flat-out refusal. "You haven't even heard my full plan. Why reject me so quickly?"

Claudius shook his head. "Dragon, it's not about the plan. It's about something much more fundamental. I can't join you because…"

"Because what?" Dragon frowned, sensing something off. A nagging feeling of dread crept over him.

Claudius paused, then smiled softly. "The reason I can't join you, Dragon, is because I'm not actually a member of CP-0."

"Huh?" Dragon stared at him, confused. "Isn't that better? If you're not CP-0, then—"

Claudius raised a hand to stop him. "Listen. While it's true I'm not part of CP-0, if you're really going to go down this path, then… the two of us are destined to be enemies."

"Enemies?" Dragon repeated, his voice dropping as realization dawned on him. His body, still submerged in the hot spring, tensed as he whispered, "You… you're…"

"That's right," Claudius said, his voice calm but filled with a strange weight. "I'm one of those 'corrupt, cruel' Celestial Dragons you're talking about."

Dragon's world seemed to stop. He froze, his mind racing. "You… you're a Celestial Dragon?"

Claudius nodded, smiling faintly. "That's right. My full name is Donquixote Claudius. I'm a member of the Donquixote family, one of the original 19 Celestial Dragon clans."

Dragon's jaw tightened, his mind reeling from the revelation. He'd come here, exposed his deepest secrets, and now he realized he'd been talking about revolution with a Celestial Dragon.

Chapter 33: Insider?
Just moments ago, Dragon had solemnly declared he would devote his life to overthrowing the Celestial Dragons, only to find out his 'best friend' was one of them? Did he just spill the beans to the worst possible person?

If Claudius went back now and asked CP-0 to do a thorough investigation, the fledgling Revolutionary Army would be squashed before it even had a chance to grow.

Dragon's mind was in chaos. He realized that if he didn't eliminate Claudius right here, the secret would be exposed. But killing him would be an extreme gamble, a case of mutual destruction.

When they first met at the port, Dragon had already sensed that Claudius was no slouch. While Claudius wasn't quite on Dragon's level, he was formidable. Plus, Claudius had people with him. If Dragon couldn't eliminate all of them, there'd be no hiding the fact that he had killed a Celestial Dragon.

Once word got out that Dragon had killed a Celestial Dragon, it would be over for him and his movement. The Revolutionary Army was too small to withstand the full might of the World Government. Its only fate would be total annihilation.

Even though he was Garp's son, committing the crime of killing a Celestial Dragon meant certain death. No one could save him from that.

That's why Dragon was losing it. He had considered many outcomes before coming here. Even if Claudius had turned out to be a high-ranking CP-0 agent, Dragon believed he could still persuade him, because he had faith in the power of ideals.

But no matter how he had strategized, he hadn't anticipated this Claudius was one of the Celestial Dragons! What kind of cruel joke was this?

"Why so glum?" Claudius teased, amused by Dragon's despondent expression.

Dragon, looking like he had just surfaced from a hot spring, sighed deeply. "How can I not be? I gave up my promising future in the Marines to follow my ideals, to build something greater, and now… it's all going to be ruined at your hands. I… I… Argh!"

"Why does it have to end at my hands?" Claudius asked with a grin.

"I've laid my cards on the table. You're a Celestial Dragon. Do you think you'll let me go now?" Dragon replied wearily.

"You haven't considered killing me here? Ending this?" Claudius asked, still smiling.

"I did… just for a moment. But it doesn't make sense, does it? Besides… I saw you as a friend, someone who shared my vision. And now, you expect me to kill you?" Dragon shook his head.

Claudius chuckled. "Exactly. You see me as a friend, and don't I see you as one too?"

"So what?" Dragon said, still at a loss.

"Didn't you say just now that 'thoughts don't lie'?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, teasing him.

Dragon paused, frowning as he thought. "Yeah, thoughts don't lie… but you, a Celestial Dragon, think like this? What are you trying to do, Claudius? What do you really want?"

"Hahahaha! It's simple—I want to shake things up. To change the world," Claudius said, laughing.

Before Dragon could respond, Claudius continued, "Honestly, if you hadn't come to find me, I would've come looking for you. Ever since you left the Marines, I knew you had something big on your mind. I was planning to recruit you, but it seems you've already found your own path. We don't have to walk it together, but that doesn't mean we're enemies."

"You want to rebel too?" Dragon asked, bewildered. The idea of a Celestial Dragon starting a revolution was just too wild to comprehend.

"Rebel? No. Don't lump me in with rough rebels like you. I'm a Celestial Dragon; I can't rebel against myself, can I? That would be idiotic," Claudius said matter-of-factly.

"Then what are you trying to do?" Dragon asked, a little frustrated but increasingly curious.

"Your approach is from the bottom-up; you call it rebellion. Mine is from the top-down. I call it reform. See the difference?" Claudius said with a smirk.

Dragon blinked in surprise. Then, realization dawned on him. "You want to seize power? Take control of Mariejois and the World Government, and then reshape it according to your ideas?"

"More or less," Claudius nodded.

Dragon was stunned, and then he muttered to himself, "It makes sense… given your position, that's the most logical path for you. I didn't expect… A Celestial Dragon with such ambitions. If I were in your shoes, I don't think I could do what you're doing."

He stared at Claudius, shaking his head in disbelief. "You really are something else, Claudius."

Claudius rolled his eyes internally. This wasn't about ambition or heroism. If the World Government weren't destined to collapse, he wouldn't be wasting his time on this. Being a carefree Celestial Dragon was much more appealing. This was just "self-preservation," not some grand vision.

After a moment of reflection, Dragon asked, "So why are you telling me all this?"

"As a friend, you've been honest with me. It's only fair I be honest with you. From a practical standpoint, I think there's room for cooperation between us," Claudius replied with a smile.

Dragon fell silent, pondering the implications. After a long pause, he said, "Yes, there is. You can work from the top, I'll work from the bottom. Together, we might be able to accomplish something incredible."

"Aren't you worried I'm just using you?" Claudius asked, still smiling.

Dragon met Claudius's gaze and smiled back. "Do I really have a choice? Besides… thoughts don't lie. I believe you."

"Then let's work together," Claudius said with a grin.

In Claudius's eyes, the Celestial Dragons were still relatively united and powerful, despite some internal squabbles. This stability, while beneficial to most of the Celestial Dragons, was inconvenient for someone like Claudius, who had "other plans." It made it harder for him to maneuver and limited his room to grow.

Breaking this stable status quo from within was difficult. But with Dragon, someone outside the system, Claudius could find opportunities to disrupt things. Dragon could be the tool Claudius needed to shake up the game.

For example, if Claudius wanted to secure his rightful place as the head of the Donquixote family, he could leak the whereabouts of someone like Lancelot a highly secretive Celestial Dragon to Dragon. Dragon could arrange for a ruthless pirate to take care of Lancelot, clearing the way for Claudius to assume power.

Once he rose to a higher position, the snowball effect would kick in. Nobody would suspect that the Revolutionary Army had a man inside Mariejois, right? The potential benefits were immense.

Dragon, too, saw the advantages. Claudius's cooperation was invaluable essentially having a spy in the heart of Mariejois. It was an opportunity too good to pass up.

As Dragon pieced it all together, he suddenly burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" Claudius asked curiously.

"Just a few minutes ago, I thought meeting you, a Celestial Dragon, would be the end of me. But now I see it clearly this was meant to happen! It's fate!" Dragon said, laughing heartily.

Claudius shook his head. "Now I see why your son turned out to be such a dramatic guy. He clearly got it from you."

""What son? Stop making stuff up! I'm still single no wife, no kid!" Dragon retorted indignantly.

In the end, despite the unexpected twists, both Claudius and Dragon walked away with something valuable from their meeting. It was, in every sense, a win-win situation.

After a bit more conversation, Dragon asked, "So, what's your next move, Claudius?"

"I need reliable people to work for me. There's no shortage of talent in Mariejois, but I just don't trust them. Right now, I'm looking for people I can depend on," Claudius explained.

"That makes sense. Better to have someone with less skill but complete loyalty," Dragon agreed.

"Was there anything else you wanted to discuss?" Claudius asked.

"Not really. The Revolutionary Army is still in its early stages. We need time to grow and gather strength. I have a feeling that someday soon, the world will change dramatically… We need to be ready for that," Dragon replied.

"Alright then. If that's the case, I'm heading out," Claudius said, nodding.

Chapter 34: The Ruthless Admiral, Sengoku!
At the Holy Land Mariejois, on the top floor of the World Government headquarters, the Five Elders were gathered, discussing pressing matters.

The Five Elders were the true power behind the World Government. Above them was a figure known only as "Imu," an enigmatic individual whose existence even most of the Celestial Dragons were unaware of. Imu rarely intervened, only appearing when it was necessary to "extinguish" certain threats, to erase individuals or ideas deemed too dangerous. So, unless it was an existential crisis for the World Government, most decisions were handled by the Five Elders themselves.

These five men were the highest authority within the Celestial Dragons, often referred to as the 'Supreme Celestial Dragons.'

The Five Elders of today, though not as old and frail as they would appear in later decades, were still no longer in their prime.

"The intel has come in. Six months ago, the Roger Pirates had another encounter with the Whitebeard Pirates in the New World," the bearded Elder began with a grim expression. "But what's troubling is the presence of the Wanokuni samurai on Whitebeard's ship… Kozuki Oden has indeed joined them. We were right about the Roger Pirates."

The bald Elder sighed in frustration. "First Douglas Bullet, leaves the Roger Pirates, and now they've gained another powerhouse? It's like they're playing a game we can't win."

"That's not the real issue here," the Elder with the sword cut in. "The problem is that Roger's crew has been scouring the seas, seeking the world's secrets. They're after the final island, Raftel. Normally, this wouldn't concern us much since even if they found the historical Poneglyphs, they wouldn't be able to read them. But now… with Kozuki Oden aboard, that changes everything. He could be capable of deciphering the ancient text!"

"Then we must prioritize capturing the Roger Pirates," said the Elder with blond hair calmly.

"We've already ramped up our efforts, but unlike Whitebeard, Shiki, or Big Mom, Roger doesn't have a fixed base or territory. They're always on the move. Finding them in the vast ocean is like finding a needle in a haystack," said the curly-haired Elder gravely.

"And they don't just stay in the New World. They're all over the globe. Last we heard, they were spotted in the first half of the Grand Line, but we have no idea what they were searching for," added the bearded Elder.

"What else could it be? They're clearly after more Poneglyphs," the bald Elder replied with a deep frown.

In fact, the Roger Pirates were currently in Water 7, but not for anything related to the Poneglyphs. They were there to commission a ship from the legendary shipwright, Tom. Contrary to what Claudius had thought, the famous Oro Jackson hadn't been built yet, and that's what Roger and his crew were in Water 7 to get their new, faster ship.

The World Government's fear of the Roger Pirates had only grown over the last six months. With the addition of Kozuki Oden, who could potentially read the Poneglyphs, the Five Elders had been pressuring the Marines to intensify their efforts to capture them.

But the Roger Pirates were not only trying to stay ahead of the World Government. There was a deeper, more personal reason behind their urgency Roger himself was suffering from a terminal illness. While they had found a doctor at Twin Capes who could temporarily suppress his symptoms, Roger's time was running out. The crew needed a faster ship to complete their journey before it was too late.

"To make matters worse, it seems there are other groups trying to uncover the truth of what happened 800 years ago. Scholars and other scattered forces across the seas are digging for ancient documents some of which might include the Poneglyphs," the blonde Elder said grimly. "The Marines have been sent out to deal with them multiple times, but we still haven't been able to identify exactly where they're coming from."

The bearded Elder sighed. "Roger's crew is trouble enough. Now we've got these scholars sniffing around too. This is getting out of hand."

"Could it be Ohara?" the bald Elder asked after a pause. "After all, Ohara is the most renowned center for archaeological study. They might have the knowledge to decipher these ancient texts."

"I've considered that possibility as well," the blonde Elder responded. "But at this point, it's only suspicion. Ohara is an esteemed hub of history and culture. Moving against them without concrete proof could cause a significant backlash."

The truth was, they couldn't afford to act recklessly when it came to Ohara. The island had a prestigious reputation, and any rash actions taken without evidence would undoubtedly stir up problems, not only within the academic community but possibly across nations that valued Ohara's historical contributions.

While they suspected that Ohara scholars might be behind the recent archaeological expeditions, the Five Elders were hesitant to jump to conclusions. Ohara had been peacefully coexisting with the World Government for centuries, and they believed it was unlikely that the island's scholars would jeopardize that relationship. After all, the government had been funding Ohara's research generously, allowing them to delve into ancient history and culture.

But the Five Elders were underestimating the current generation of Ohara scholars. Unbeknownst to them, those scholars were more determined than ever to uncover the truth about the Void Century an act that would eventually pit them directly against the World Government.

"This is a delicate situation. We need to be cautious. I've assigned CP-9's Chief Spandine to investigate. Though he's not the strongest or the most upstanding individual, he's diligent. I'm confident he'll bring us satisfactory results," the blonde Elder added.

Spandine was, of course, the father of Spandam, who would later go on to become the infamous leader of CP-9. Claudius had encountered Spandine before, and he knew exactly what kind of person he was a sycophantic, cowardly man who would practically grovel before the Celestial Dragons. But despite his lackluster personality, Spandine was surprisingly competent when it came to investigative work. He would indeed uncover the truth behind Ohara, setting the stage for its eventual destruction.

However, expecting Spandine to find the Ancient Weapons? That was a long shot. Even the Five Elders didn't hold much hope in that regard.

The bald Elder suddenly spoke up, breaking the flow of conversation. "What about the other matter? You didn't just put Spandine on this case. What about the Ancient Weapons? Any updates?"

The blonde Elder shook his head. "No, nothing substantial. Finding an Ancient Weapon is no easy task. I've merely told Spandine to test the waters. If he manages to uncover something, great. If not, there's no rush."

"Well, since the Ancient Weapons are tied to the historical texts, it makes sense to let him handle both tasks," the bald Elder said with a nod.

Spandine's reputation wasn't great, but at least in this instance, he would succeed in exposing Ohara. Claudius knew all too well what kind of chaos Spandine's investigation would cause in the years to come. The Ohara tragedy was fast approaching, though no one knew it yet.

"So, moving on to today's main issue," the bald Elder said, pointing at a map on the table. "What do you think of Sengoku's proposal?"

The map showed an island, Cornillo Island, one of the famous hot spring islands in the New World. Coincidentally, this was where Claudius and Dragon were currently located.

"Is the intel solid?" asked the bearded Elder.

"It's been confirmed by CP-0," the bald Elder replied. "The remnants of Captain John's pirate crew have been hiding out there."

"Then, justice must be carried out. The fleet from Naval Headquarters has been stationed nearby for a while now, correct?" said the curly-haired Elder.

The phrase "carry out justice" in this context meant only one thing a Buster Call. Cornillo Island was about to be wiped off the map.

Captain John had once been a member of the infamous Rocks Pirates, before they were disbanded after the Battle of God Valley. After that, John went solo, but in recent years, he had been driven into a corner by Golden Lion Shiki. Shiki had been on a rampage, recruiting or destroying anyone who might oppose him, trying to recreate the fearsome Rocks Pirates of old.

So far, Shiki had crushed rival pirates like Ochoku and Silver Axe. Now, he was gunning for Captain John, who had narrowly escaped one of Shiki's attacks. But John was not one to give up easily. He had hidden a vast treasure across the world, and if he managed to regroup and recover, he could easily return to power in a short time.

But Admiral Sengoku wasn't about to let that happen. He had weighed the options and decided that the only way to deal with Captain John was to obliterate him and his crew. A Buster Call would ensure that no one, including John, could escape.

Sengoku, often seen as calm and collected, was ruthless when it came to justice. He always chose the most efficient path, even if it was brutal. His cold logic would later be seen in the destruction of Ohara, and even during the Marineford War, where he was willing to sacrifice the entire Naval Headquarters to crush Whitebeard's forces. Sengoku wasn't just ruthless toward his enemies he was willing to put everything on the line to protect the World Government's interests, even if it meant heavy losses for the Marines themselves.

Chapter 35: Did a Celestial Dragon Just Get Hit with a Buster Call?

In the waters near Cornillo Island in the New World, a massive Marine fleet was gathered. Sengoku, the Marine Admiral, stood on the deck of a colossal warship, his expression unreadable as he seemed to be waiting for news.

Behind him stood Borsalino, the future "biggest slacker" in the Marines, though now a Marine Vice Admiral. Since Dragon left, Borsalino had become a top candidate for the position of Admiral. Despite his incredible potential, his lazy and indifferent attitude was a major flaw. The only person capable of keeping him in line was Sengoku.

"Admiral Sengoku," Borsalino said casually, "the longer we wait, the more likely it is the remnants of the John Pirates will realize something's up. And not just them… Shiki's Flying Pirates are scouring the seas too. It won't be long before Golden Lion Shiki himself shows up. That could complicate things."

Sengoku kept his gaze on the horizon and replied, "We wait."

Borsalino raised an eyebrow. "What exactly are we waiting for?"

"Waiting for peace of mind," Sengoku muttered, clearly conflicted.

Though Sengoku had proposed the Buster Call to the Five Elders, it wasn't a decision he had taken lightly. It was the rational choice, but it weighed heavily on his conscience. Part of him hoped the Five Elders would reject the proposal. But if they approved it… well, he wouldn't hesitate to carry it out.

What Sengoku didn't know was that on this very island, not only was Claudius a Celestial Dragon present, but so was Dragon, the son of his good friend, Garp. If Sengoku had known that, he certainly would've thought twice before pulling the trigger on the Buster Call.

Just as these thoughts swirled in his mind, Sengoku's transponder snail began to ring. After a brief conversation, Sengoku's face turned cold, his decision made. He ended the call and spoke without turning to Polusalino.

"Return to your warship. Prepare for battle," Sengoku ordered.

Borsalino sighed, his eyes briefly narrowing. Without another word, he transformed into golden light and zipped toward his warship.

At the same time, Sengoku pulled out a golden transponder snail from his pocket. With a single press, the snail emitted a high-pitched screech.

In response, the ten massive warships of the Marine fleet began to spread out, encircling Cornillo Island. The Buster Call had officially begun.

Unaware of the chaos that was about to unfold, Claudius and Dragon were relaxing on the island.

Initially, Claudius had planned to leave after chatting with Dragon, but Dragon had convinced him to stay a bit longer, saying it would be hard to meet again after this. Dragon wanted Claudius's advice on how best to grow the Revolutionary Army.

Claudius, having nothing urgent on his plate, agreed. He decided to spend a few more days on the island, resting while discussing Dragon's plans.

In hindsight, maybe leaving earlier would have been better, as they were now about to be caught in the middle of a full-blown Buster Call.

Elsewhere on the island, Stussy was out shopping near the port with Nia. The streets were oddly quiet.

"Nia, don't you think the island has been emptier these past two days?" Stussy asked, glancing around. "It's much quieter than when we first arrived."

Nia looked around at the sparsely populated port. "You're right. There are far fewer ships arriving. I wonder what's going on."

"This island relies almost entirely on tourism to keep the local economy alive. If fewer ships are coming… maybe the weather's bad out at sea, affecting the routes?" Stussy mused, but something felt off.

In the unpredictable seas of the New World, odd weather patterns could halt travel for days. But this situation was starting to feel unusual, even for the New World.

As they talked, Nia suddenly pointed toward the water, her eyes wide. "Isn't that a Marine ship?"

Stussy turned to look. "Yes, those are Marine ships. Three of them… and that huge one in the middle is an Admiral-class ship. Only an Admiral can command one of those."

Before she could finish her thought, the three Marine warships suddenly unleashed a barrage of cannon fire. The sky filled with black dots, as shells arced toward the island.

As a seasoned CP-0 agent, Stussy's eyes widened in horror. "Nia, run! Get back to His Highness! The Marines are attacking!"

The port, which had been relatively calm moments ago, was obliterated by the first volley of cannon fire. The anchored ships were completely destroyed in the blink of an eye.

"They've destroyed the port," Stussy muttered, fear creeping into her voice. "They're cutting off our escape routes!"

Without wasting another moment, Stussy grabbed Nia's hand, and the two of them ran back toward the hot spring hotel where Claudius and Dragon were staying.

Back at the hotel, Claudius and Dragon had been startled by the thunderous booms of the bombardment. They rushed to the window to see what was happening. The hotel, built on the side of a mountain, gave them a clear view of the Marine warships shelling the port.

"Is that… the Marines?" Dragon said in disbelief. He had expected pirates or some other threat, but the sight of Marine ships bombarding the port shocked him.

"What the hell are they doing? Why are they attacking the port?" Claudius asked, just as confused.

The bombardment continued, with the warships gradually expanding their range, blasting away at the coastline.

Suddenly, Dragon's eyes widened in realization. "It's a Buster Call! That's Marine's Buster Call!"

As a former Vice Admiral of the Marines, and nearly an Admiral candidate, Dragon recognized the pattern of attack immediately. The indiscriminate, devastating bombardment was unmistakable.

"A Buster Call?" Claudius echoed, stunned.

Dragon quickly explained, "A Buster Call is an extreme measure authorized only by the highest-ranking Marine officers. It involves an Admiral leading five Vice Admirals and ten warships, all loaded with elite troops. Once it's triggered, the island and everyone on it will be annihilated. Nothing survives a Buster Call everyone and everything deemed a threat to the World Government gets wiped out."

Of course, Claudius knew what a Buster Call was. He was just shocked that he, a Celestial Dragon, had gotten caught in one. In his memories, Buster Calls had only been launched a few times: once against Douglas Bullet, again at Ohara, another time at Enies Lobby, and then later again for Bullet after his escape.

But here he was, a Celestial Dragon, randomly hit with one? This was beyond absurd.

"Are you kidding me? I'm a Celestial Dragon! Am I going to be the first Celestial Dragon to get wiped out by a Buster Call?" Claudius cursed under his breath.

Dragon, deep in thought, added, "There must be some dangerous criminals hiding on this island. The World Government wouldn't issue a Buster Call without a serious reason. Whoever it is must have been deemed a grave threat."

Claudius shot him a glance and said sarcastically, "Could it be that some traitor from your Revolutionary Army got found out? Aren't you the grave threat here?"

Dragon rolled his eyes. "As long as you haven't sold me out, I'm still clean. I'm the former Vice Admiral of the Marines. No way they'd hit me with a Buster Call."

"If I had sold you out, do you think I'd still be standing here, waiting for the Buster Call with you?" Claudius snapped back.

Despite the looming danger, the two didn't seem overly concerned. They bantered back and forth as if a Buster Call wasn't about to flatten the entire island.

The truth was, Buster Calls didn't have a perfect track record. Despite their destructive power, they hadn't always lived up to their reputation. Except for Ohara and the battle with Bullet, most Buster Calls hadn't delivered the crushing results the Marines had hoped for. That lackluster history made Claudius feel a little less worried. After all, as long as he wasn't blown to bits right away, he was still a Celestial Dragon. Once the Marines landed and realized who he was, he'd be fine.

As for Dragon, he was in a similar mindset. As long as his revolutionary ties weren't exposed, the Marines would have no reason to go after him. He still had enough credibility within the Marine ranks to avoid becoming a target.

While Claudius and Dragon strategized how to deal with the situation, elsewhere on the island, in a hidden cave, a group of ragged pirates gathered around their leader Captain John's remnants.

They had known they were exposed the moment the Marine fleet arrived. Now, gathered around their wounded captain, they were scrambling to find a way off the island.

If Claudius had been there, he would have been surprised to see a familiar face among John's crew none other than a young Crocodile. The future Warlord of the Sea was still in his teens, a mere rookie pirate.

Claudius had always thought Crocodile began his career after Roger's execution, but that wasn't the case. Crocodile had been in the game for years, even joining Captain John's crew after the disbandment of the Rocks Pirates.

Crocodile had been part of John's crew ever since, gaining valuable experience in the harsh world of piracy. After Captain John met his end, Crocodile would eventually strike out on his own, famously challenging Whitebeard and later joining the Seven Warlords of the Sea. He was one of the oldest and most experienced pirates among the Warlords, having been in the game long before some of the other notorious names made their mark.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 36: Hot-blooded
At this time, Crocodile was far from becoming the ruthless "Desert King" that the world would come to fear. He had only recently set out to sea, and somehow, he'd gotten his hands on the Logia-type Sand-Sand Fruit. Captain John, recognizing the potential in him, had taken Crocodile under his wing, grooming him to be a future right-hand man.

Captain John wasn't wrong in his judgment Crocodile had immense potential. A Logia-type Devil Fruit user, especially in a crew full of seasoned pirates, was a major asset. If trained properly, Crocodile could have become John's most trusted lieutenant.

But right now, the immediate concern was escaping the Marines. John had bigger problems than nurturing Crocodile, and Crocodile's future as his second-in-command was suddenly uncertain.

"Captain, let's fight them head-on!" Crocodile said, full of youthful energy.

Captain John looked at his crew and then, with a fierce grin, declared, "Yeah, we can't let those Marine dogs think they've got us cornered. Even if we die, we'll go down biting! Fight to the death!"

Crocodile, fired up by John's words, shouted, "Yes, captain! Let's show them we're not to be trifled with!"

But John wasn't about to charge into a suicidal battle. He was a cunning man, and he'd long anticipated that they might be forced into a situation like this. He had already made preparations for a secret escape route.

"Of course, we won't just throw our lives away," John said in a low voice, his eyes gleaming with a calculating light. "There's a secret port on this island. We can use a submarine I've hidden there to make our escape."

John was always careful to leave himself an out. In every situation, he made sure he had an escape plan. Here, on this island, was no different. But the submarine was too small to carry everyone. His plan was simple: leave a group of his men behind to act as a distraction while he slipped away with a few chosen ones.

One of the younger crew members perked up. "A secret port? As expected of the captain!" he said, impressed.

"Of course!" John continued, keeping his voice steady. "But we can't just flee without a fight. That would make us look weak. Here's the plan: I'll take a few of you to the submarine while the rest stay behind to hold off the Marines. Once their warships are close enough, we'll attack them from the submarine, cause some chaos, and grab one of their ships to break through their blockade. Afterward, we'll head to East Blue, where I've got a stash of treasure buried. With that treasure, we can rebuild the crew and come back stronger!"

John's plan sounded inspiring, but it was full of holes. If anyone had stopped to think about it for a moment, they would've realized that most of them were being set up to be cannon fodder. Claudius, if he were here, would have seen through the scheme immediately John was setting his crew up as decoys while he made his own escape.

As for the treasure in East Blue? There might have been something there, but more likely than not, John was just spinning tales to keep his crew motivated.

Even Crocodile, who would later become a master of manipulation himself, didn't pick up on the deception. At this point in his life, he was still a hot-blooded teenager, full of idealism and loyalty to his captain.

Perhaps it was this very betrayal that would later shape Crocodile into the ruthless and untrusting man he would become. Maybe it was Captain John's betrayal that taught Crocodile not to place his faith in others.

"In that case, let me lead the charge!" Crocodile declared, eager to prove himself.

Captain John blinked in surprise. He hadn't planned on sending Crocodile to his death just yet Crocodile had too much potential. John had intended to take him along on the submarine and let the others die buying them time. But here was Crocodile, volunteering to lead the suicide mission.

John tried to stop him. "No, Crocodile, you should come with me. I need you at the submarine."

But before John could finish, Crocodile thumped his chest and said, "Captain, do you think I'm weak? I'm a Logia-type Devil Fruit user! It's my job to be at the front lines. I'll draw the Marines' attention and buy you time. Just be sure to move quickly on your end!"

John was at a loss. Crocodile's words made sense Logia users were notoriously hard to kill, and if anyone could buy them time, it would be him. And if John objected too much, the rest of the crew might start to get suspicious. He couldn't afford to reveal his true intentions now.

"Since you're so eager, I can't argue with that," John finally said, patting Crocodile on the shoulder. "Once you've dealt with those Marines, I'll make you my first mate!"

Crocodile's eyes lit up at the promise. "You got it, Captain! I'll do you proud!"

With that, Crocodile rallied a group of the John Pirates' remaining men and led them out of the cave, determined to face the Marines head-on.

As soon as they left, John let out a sigh of relief. "Alright, let's get to the submarine," he muttered to the few remaining men he had chosen to accompany him.

Back at the hot spring hotel, Claudius and his group were gathered in the main room. Nia was looking around in confusion. "Your Highness, where is Mr. Dragon?"

Claudius answered casually, "He said he didn't want the Marines to harm too many civilians, so he's gone to help evacuate people."

Nia was about to ask more questions when Stussy entered the room, holding a transponder snail.

"Did you get through?" Claudius asked, glancing at her.

"No luck," Stussy replied with a frustrated shake of her head. "The entire island's transponder snail signals have been cut off. I tried contacting Marine Headquarters, but they're using encrypted lines. I can't access them."

Claudius had anticipated this. When the Buster Call started, he had immediately ordered Stussy to try to contact the or the World Government to let them know that a Celestial Dragon was on the island. If they knew he was here, they would definitely call off the bombardment. But as expected, the Marines had cut off all communication in the area as soon as the Buster Call was initiated.

It made sense. Even if they were targeting the remnants of the John Pirates, wiping out an entire island, especially a civilian hot spring resort, would be a huge scandal. The Marines didn't want any word of this getting out. Afterward, they could easily blame the destruction on natural disasters Cornillo Island was, after all, a volcanic island. Once the mission was over, they could have someone like Akainu trigger a volcanic eruption to bury the truth, quite literally.

"Well, if we can't contact them, we'll just have to sit tight and wait for the Marines to land. Once they see who I am, they won't dare continue this nonsense," Claudius said with a sigh.

While a Buster Call sounded like the end of the world, Claudius wasn't too worried. As long as he wasn't killed outright by the shelling, his status as a Celestial Dragon would protect him once the Marines realized who they were dealing with. The warships' cannons couldn't hit every part of the island, and the hot spring hotel, nestled on the mountainside, hadn't been affected yet. He figured the bombardment was just to soften the island up before the real operation began Marines would eventually come ashore to clean up.

As expected, before long, Claudius spotted the Marine warships approaching the coastline. Soon after, he saw groups of Marine soldiers disembarking from the ships, led by officers.

Stussy, peering through a telescope, lowered it and said quickly, "It's Admiral Sengoku. I saw him getting off the ship."

"Sengoku, huh?" Claudius murmured. "He really likes to throw around Buster Calls, doesn't he?"

While Claudius watched the Marines, something else caught his eye. A group of rugged-looking men suddenly charged down the mountainside nearby, heading straight for the Marines. It was obvious from their appearance that these were pirates, likely the remnants of Captain John's crew, now making a desperate attempt to fight back.

At first, Claudius didn't pay them much mind. He didn't really care who these pirates were or what crime had earned them a Buster Call. But then, his eyes landed on one particular figure leading the charge a young man who seemed oddly familiar.

"Wait… is that…?" Claudius squinted. "No way, I must be mistaken. That guy looks way too young. He shouldn't have even gone to sea yet…"

Just as Claudius was questioning his own eyes, a burst of yellow sand appeared from the battlefield. A small sandstorm whipped up, tearing through the Marines who had just landed.

Claudius's jaw dropped in shock.

"Holy crap, it is Crocodile!" he exclaimed, recognizing the young pirate now. "What the hell did he do to get the Marines to pull a Buster Call on him?"

Among the group of pirates, Crocodile was still relatively weak compared to the more seasoned crew members, but the flash of his Devil Fruit powers was unmistakable. His abilities, even in their undeveloped state, were already dangerous enough to wreak havoc on the Marines.

In a matter of moments, Claudius saw a Marine Rear Admiral go down, slashed and thrown by the sheer force of the pirates' attack.

"Wow, that's brutal. These aren't your run-of-the-mill pirates, huh?" Claudius muttered to himself. "Makes sense, though. Crocodile wouldn't join just any weak crew. If he's on board, they've got to be pretty strong."

Claudius observed the battle for a few more seconds, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Then, a grin spread across his face.

"Well, well… looks like fate has brought you to me, Crocodile," Claudius said to himself, chuckling. "You're still so young, caught up with pirates like this? What a waste of talent.

With that, Claudius's form shimmered, turning into a gust of wind as he vanished from the rooftop.

"Your Highness!" Nia called out in a panic as she saw Claudius disappear.

Chapter 37: Capture

Nia stood there, completely dumbfounded. Just a moment ago, everyone had agreed to stay put, wait for the Marines to land, reveal their identity, and then make a quick exit. And now, in the blink of an eye, His Highness had enthusiastically transformed into wind and vanished?

At that moment, Stussy spoke up, trying to calm Nia. "Don't worry. His Highness isn't weak. He probably sensed something interesting. He won't do anything too dangerous. Let's just wait for the Marines here."

Meanwhile, Crocodile, full of energy and bravado, was about to charge the Marines head-on and show them what he was made of. But suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew past him, scattering his body into countless particles of yellow sand, sent whirling into the air.

It took Crocodile a moment to pull himself back together, reforming his body. When he did, he noticed someone standing a short distance away. His first instinct was to think this was a Marine, but on closer inspection, this person looked more like a noble.

Crocodile didn't care. He raised his hand, forming a blade from yellow sand, and without a word, launched it at the stranger, intending to cut him down.

Claudius smiled, amused by Crocodile's immediate aggression. "This guy's really fierce attacks first without even asking a question," he thought to himself.

The sandy blade sliced through Claudius's body, but he remained unharmed. Seeing this, Crocodile's eyes widened in surprise. "Logia?" he muttered.

Claudius laughed. "Hahaha, yep! Logia, just like you, kid!"

"Hmph," Crocodile snorted. "Even among Logia users, there's a difference in strength. You're not Marine, so why are you stopping me?"

If it were a lesser opponent, Crocodile wouldn't have bothered with any conversationhe would have just killed them. But being proud of his Logia abilities, and now facing another Logia user, his curiosity was piqued.

"I'm here to save your life. Do you even know what you're up against?" Claudius asked with a grin.

"What else? Just some hypocritical Marines pretending to be righteous, right?" Crocodile said dismissively.

"No, not quite. You are facing Marines, yes, but this is a Buster Call. If you rush out now, it won't end well for you," Claudius explained with a laugh. "With your strength, you'd be walking straight into death."

"Buster Call?" Crocodile repeated, confused.

Seeing that Crocodile had no idea what he was really facing, Claudius filled him in on what a Buster Call entailed. When he was done, he added, "So you understand now? Sengoku, an Admiral from Marine Headquarters, is on this island. Your little tricks won't pose any threat to him. If you charge out there, you're just signing your own death warrant."

Just as Claudius finished speaking, a flash of golden light appeared on the distant coastline. Both Claudius and Crocodile turned their attention toward it.

They watched as a massive golden Buddha—a manifestation of Sengoku's Devil Fruit power unleashed a shockwave from its palm, obliterating a group of pirates trying to approach the warship, turning them into nothing more than scattered flesh and debris.

"See that?" Claudius said, pointing toward the scene. "That's an Admiral one of the Marine's strongest fighters. Your small body would be reduced to ashes in seconds."

Crocodile stood there, speechless. He had heard stories of Buster Calls and Admirals, but seeing it in person shook him. Still, he wasn't willing to give up so easily.

"Our Captain John won't go down without a fight!" Crocodile shouted, still clinging to hope. "He'll strike from the submarine soon, and we'll hit the Marines from both sides! Wait, why am I telling you this? Get out of here!"

"Captain John? That explains the Buster Call. His name alone would be enough to justify it. But a submarine, attacking from both sides? You're dreaming, Crocodile," Claudius thought to himself.

Before Claudius could respond, Crocodile raised his hand and sent another sandy blade flying toward him. This time, the sand was infused with Armament Haki, adding more force to the attack.

"Idiot," Claudius said calmly. "You've been duped by your captain. He's never coming to save you. He's abandoned you."

With those words, Claudius reached for the sword at his waist. Instead of dodging the incoming sand blade, he stood his ground, raising his weapon. The two clashing forces of Armament Haki met, and with a deft movement, Claudius deflected the sand blade with minimal effort.

The sword Claudius wielded wasn't just any blade it was the demon sword Shindō, which he had acquired from the Sabaody Archipelago years ago.

"Don't talk nonsense! Captain John isn't that kind of person!" Crocodile yelled, enraged, and lunged at Claudius, intent on turning him into a desiccated corpse.

As Crocodile reached out, yellow sand began to pour from his hand, aiming to drain the life from Claudius's body. But Claudius wasn't having it. "Damn, Crocodile! How did you go from being so cunning in the future to being this naïve now? Can't you see you're being played?" Claudius thought.

Realizing that words weren't going to get through, Claudius decided it was time to end this. His expression turned serious as the full force of his Devil Fruit power erupted. A cold mist began to swirl around him, and he extended his arm toward Crocodile.

"Eternal Frost," Claudius muttered.

A white mist shot from his arm, engulfing Crocodile. Crocodile tried to retreat, but it was too late. His arm was caught in the mist, and a sudden, bone-chilling cold spread through it.

Moments later, Crocodile's arm was completely numb. He staggered back, barely avoiding the rest of the mist. When he glanced down at his arm, it was covered in a layer of frost. With a light touch, the arm crumbled into dust.

"What... What kind of power is this? Is it some kind of ice Logia? Are you... Kuzan?" Crocodile stammered in shock.

Claudius didn't bother answering. He knew Crocodile could regenerate his arm with his sand powers, and indeed, within seconds, Crocodile had reformed his limb using yellow sand.

"No, my name is Claudius," he said with a grin. "And I'm here to save you, kid. You and I are destined to meet, so how about you stop wasting your time with this pirate nonsense and come work for me instead? Trust me, being my subordinate has a lot more potential than being stuck in some pirate crew."

Crocodile scowled. "Don't underestimate me!!!" he roared, summoning two large sand whips that lashed out at Claudius from both sides.

At this point, Claudius had had enough. He wasn't going to keep playing around. While Crocodile's powers were impressive, he was still inexperienced. Claudius knew every trick in Crocodile's playbook, but Crocodile didn't know anything about him.

Letting the sand whips strike him, Claudius didn't even flinch. The attacks bounced off an invisible barrier, leaving him unharmed. Crocodile's momentary triumph faded into confusion as he realized his attack had failed.

Before Crocodile could react, Claudius drew a plain-looking short sword from his side.

"Shoot him, Shinsō," Claudius said softly.

In a flash, Crocodile felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. Blood spattered across his vision, and he instinctively shut his eyes.

"Not good!" Crocodile thought, panicking.

Before he could open his eyes again, he felt a hand clamp around his throat, lifting him off the ground.

"Now you're done," Crocodile thought triumphantly. "Once I drain him, it'll be over..."

But something was wrong. Instead of drawing the life from Claudius, Crocodile felt a crushing pressure in his lungs. Something was being forced into his nose and throat, cutting off his air supply. He gasped, trying to cough, but the choking sensation overwhelmed him.

"The Choke of Death," Claudius said quietly. "Forced coma."

Crocodile's world began to blur as the lack of oxygen took its toll. His body went limp, and he slipped into unconsciousness.

In truth, Claudius wasn't that much stronger than Crocodile at this point in time. The key difference was that Claudius knew all of Crocodile's techniques, while Crocodile knew nothing about his. It was no wonder that Crocodile, still inexperienced, had been bested so quickly.

"Well, well, isn't this convenient?" Claudius said with a satisfied grin, holding Crocodile's unconscious body. "I was just wondering where I could find someone with potential, and here I stumble across both Dragon and Crocodile on the same day. What luck!"

In truth, if Claudius hadn't interfered, Crocodile would never have been caught by the Marines. He would have used his abilities to slip away underground and escape unscathed.

Only later would Crocodile realize he had been betrayed by Captain John, someone he once trusted. This betrayal twisted his personality, pushing him to go out to sea on his own. His first claim to fame would come from hunting down and killing Captain John, the very man who betrayed him.

From there, Crocodile would go from being just another rookie pirate to a rising star on the seas. His journey would be marked by significant events.

First, he would cross paths with Douglas Bullet. Although the outcome of that fight remained unknown, it would be a key moment in his rise. After lying low for a few years, he would re-emerge to clash with Whitebeard, a battle that would cement his reputation.

His fame would eventually catch the attention of the World Government, leading to their invitation for him to join the ranks of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

The rest, as they say, is history. Ultimately, his fall from grace would come at the hands of Luffy, who would beat him down and send him to the underwater prison Impel Down.

But right now, things were taking a different turn. Claudius had found Crocodile early young, inexperienced, and full of potential. And now that Claudius had him in his grasp, Crocodile's destiny was sure to change in ways neither of them could foresee.

Chapter 38: Celestial Dragon’s Hoof

Inside the hot spring hotel, Admiral Sengoku sat facing Claudius and his entourage, clearly a bit on edge. It wasn't every day that a situation like this cropped up, and he was visibly unsettled by the implications.

"Saint Claudius, my deepest apologies. The Navy had no idea you were vacationing on this island. The Buster Call was... purely a tactical decision," Sengoku began, his voice carrying a slight tremor. He knew what was at stake here. On the surface, it was about wiping out the remnants of the John Pirates. However, Claudius, a Celestial Dragon, was present something no one had expected.

The issue wasn't that Claudius had been harmed in any way he hadn't but if this escalated, it could be viewed as a conspiracy. If word got out that a Buster Call was launched in an area where a Celestial Dragon was present, it could be seen as an act of treason. Even though the order was sanctioned by the Five Elders, if the Celestial Dragons in Mariejois wanted someone to take the fall, not even the Five Elders could protect Sengoku. Worse still, the entire Marine command might have to face the consequences.

After all, one of the Marine's primary duties was to protect the Celestial Dragons. To have a Buster Call potentially harm one? That would be catastrophic.

But Claudius, much to Sengoku's relief, wasn't planning on blowing things out of proportion. He smiled and said, "No need to apologize, Sengoku. If anything, this was my fault for being too unpredictable. I ended up causing the Marines quite a bit of trouble."

Sengoku exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. Claudius wasn't making this into a big deal. "I'm grateful for your understanding, Saint Claudius..."

"Hmm... If I recall correctly, your Buster Call this time was targeting the John Pirates, correct?" Claudius asked thoughtfully.

"Yes, that's right. Kizaru and the others are currently searching for them," Sengoku responded, a little surprised at the question, but he saw no reason to withhold any information.

"In that case, I should tell you something I just learned. Captain John and some of his crew have escaped the island in a submarine," Claudius said calmly.

"Submarine?" Sengoku's eyes widened slightly. He furrowed his brow and asked, "May I ask where you got this information, Your Highness?"

Claudius gave a light chuckle and gestured towards Crocodile, who was sitting in the corner of the room, shackled in seastone cuffs, his expression one of deep frustration. "I got it from him. He used to be one of Captain John's close confidants. Lucky for me, I caught him before he could escape."

"'Used to be' is right!" Crocodile growled angrily. "That bastard John used me as a pawn. I was ready to risk it all for him, but he just ran without so much as a warning!" (Lol you were the one at Fault)

The bitterness in Crocodile's voice was palpable. He had once been loyal to Captain John, but realizing he had been abandoned without a second thought had turned that loyalty into rage.

"Sengoku," Claudius continued, "It's clear this kid's not lying."

Sengoku eyed Crocodile for a moment, taking in the scene. Claudius hadn't hidden Crocodile's identity, nor could he. The Marine was already aware of Crocodile as a rising figure in John's crew he was even on their watch list due to his Logia Devil Fruit abilities. Claudius didn't bother with subterfuge. There was no need. Sengoku already knew.

After a moment of contemplation, Sengoku pulled out his Den Den Mushi and made a call. "Kuzan," he said after a few seconds of conversation, "freeze the surrounding waters. We've got reliable intel John's trying to escape in a submarine."

He hung up the phone, his expression firm. Without Claudius' tip, John might've gotten away. But now? Not a chance. Aokiji's ability to freeze the sea made it impossible for submarines of this era to escape. They couldn't dive deep enough or move fast enough to evade his ice.

"Thank you, Saint Claudius," Sengoku said, bowing his head slightly. "I'll make sure to report this to the Five Elders."

Claudius nodded, then smiled. "So... about this Buster Call?"

Sengoku chuckled, a little ruefully. "Well, there's no choice now. We'll have to abort it. I think this is the first time in history that a Buster Call has been called off mid-action..."

"Really?" Claudius raised an eyebrow. "This was your first time using the Buster Call?"

"Yes," Sengoku admitted. "The Buster Call is a drastic measure, after all. If it weren't for the elusive nature of John and his crew, I wouldn't have used it in the first place. And if it weren't for your tip, we might have failed to catch them anyway."

Claudius found this somewhat amusing. He'd always imagined Sengoku as the kind of man who'd used the Buster Call multiple times, especially given his cold reputation. After all, Claudius knew that Sengoku had authorized the destruction of Ohara without batting an eye. Yet here he was, admitting it was his first time calling for such a strike.

Technically, a Buster Call couldn't be stopped once initiated, but Claudius' position as a Celestial Dragon overruled that. His mere presence was enough to cancel the entire operation.

Sengoku, however, wasn't just calling it off for Claudius' sake. Now that they knew John was escaping via submarine, the focus was on capturing him. Killing innocents on the island would do nothing to achieve that. So, halting the Buster Call not only appeased Claudius but also helped the Marines avoid unnecessary bloodshed. At least now, Sengoku could rest easier knowing they hadn't caused undue harm.

"I suppose Dragon will have a better opinion of me after this," Claudius mused to himself.

He'd noticed Dragon earlier, secretly helping civilians caught in the chaos. Claudius, however, had done one better he had stopped the Buster Call entirely. While others might not grasp the full implications of what had just happened, Dorag would undoubtedly understand and remember Claudius' intervention.

Of course, Claudius had no intention of mentioning his encounter with Dragon. That particular meeting would be a secret he intended to bury in history. After all, if anyone discovered in the future that he had met Dragon who will lead a revolution things could become very complicated.

"So, what's the plan for John's crew?" Claudius asked after a moment's thought.

Sengoku smiled faintly. "Normally, if we caught them, we'd send them to Impel Down. But given the scale of this operation, the orders from above are clear total extermination."

The aim of the Buster Call was to completely wipe out the John Pirates. Even if they were captured, execution was the only option. There was no room for leniency this time.

"Really?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Crocodile. "In that case, Admiral Sengoku, this kid here... I don't think he's completely rotten yet. He's crossed paths with me, and, well, I promised him his life if he gave up the information. I'm not one to go back on my word. So, how about letting him go?"

Before Sengoku could respond, Crocodile spat angrily, "Claudius, you're full of it! I'm not some snitch! I'm no traitor!"

Before he could finish, Stussy shot out her leg and kicked Crocodile in the back, sending him sprawling to the floor. "How dare you speak so rudely to His Highness?" she said coldly.

Sengoku looked uncomfortable but tried to remain diplomatic. "Your Highness, I understand your intentions, but this boy is still a pirate. A dangerous one at that. He may be young, but he's a Logia Devil Fruit user. Letting him go wouldn't be wise, especially given the orders we've received to completely eliminate the John Pirates."

Claudius understood Sengoku's hesitation. He imagined it was tough for Sengoku to let a pirate go, even if a Celestial Dragon was asking. Claudius smiled inwardly, knowing full well that if he weren't a Celestial Dragon, Sengoku would have crushed Crocodile without a second thought.

"So, if he weren't a pirate, you'd let him go, right?" Claudius asked, leaning in slightly.

Crocodile's response was immediate and defiant. "Don't even think about it! I'm a pirate, through and through! Kill me if you want, but I'll never abandon my freedom!"

"Your Highness," Sengoku said with a resigned sigh, "as you can see, he's made his choice. Even if I wanted to, I can't let him go. The boy has no intention of leaving his life of piracy."

Claudius smiled slyly. "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that. You seem to forget who I am. If he won't switch careers willingly, I can... convince him. Nia!"

Nia, stepped forward. "What do you require, Your Highness?"

"Bring me the 'Celestial Dragon's Hoof,'" Claudius said, a wicked smile creeping onto his face.

As soon as those words left his mouth, Crocodile's expression twisted in confusion. He didn't quite understand what Claudius meant, but Sengoku's face darkened.

"Your Highness, surely you don't mean..." Sengoku began, but Claudius waved him off casually.

"I'm just being practical, Sengoku. If this kid doesn't want to abandon his pirate ways, then I'll give him a little... incentive to reconsider his career path," Claudius replied smoothly.

Nia gave a quick bow and turned to leave the room, ready to carry out the order. Meanwhile, Crocodile, still ignorant of what was about to happen, glared up from the floor.

"You can kill me, Claudius, but don't think for a second that you can humiliate me into submission!" Crocodile barked defiantly.

Stussy rolled her eyes and nudged him with her foot. "You really don't know when to shut up, do you?"

Sengoku sighed heavily, realizing there was little he could do to stop what was coming. "It seems your Highness truly has everything planned out... Fine, if you're so determined, I won't interfere."

Claudius' smile widened as he looked at Crocodile. "Oh, you'll learn soon enough. Sometimes, it just takes a little push in the right direction..."

The door opened again, and Nia returned, carrying a metal branding iron in the shape of the infamous "Celestial Dragon's Hoof" the symbol burned into the flesh of slaves owned by the Celestial Dragons. Crocodile's eyes widened as the realization finally hit him.

"You... you can't be serious..." Crocodile muttered, his voice shaking with both disbelief and rage.

Claudius leaned in, his voice low and menacing. "Oh, I'm very serious. Either you accept a new path in life, or you bear the mark of the Celestial Dragon. It's your choice."

As the gravity of the situation dawned on Crocodile, Sengoku watched in silence. Claudius had laid out his terms, and there was no escaping them now.

Chapter 39: Am I a Slave Now?
Nia stepped out to complete her tasks, while Crocodile sat huddled in the corner, his expression vacant, clearly trying to process what was happening. Meanwhile, Claudius and Admiral Sengoku continued their conversation in high spirits, almost as if nothing out of the ordinary was taking place.

Before long, Sengoku received a report from Kuzan: John's submarine had been apprehended, and Kizaru and Sakazuki were on their way to support the operation. At that moment, Sengoku felt a wave of relief wash over him. With Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Kizaru working together, John and his crew wouldn't stand a chance. They were young but undeniably powerful. John's fate was sealed.

This was probably the first real conversation Sengoku had ever had with Claudius. They'd crossed paths before, but any interactions were mostly formal or through Zephyr, who had a better relationship with Claudius. Zephyr had often spoken of how different Claudius was from the typical Celestial Dragons, but now, after their exchange, Sengoku was beginning to understand what Zephyr meant.

Claudius wasn't just physically strong for a Celestial Dragon; he was sharp, well-spoken, and far from the spoiled, entitled aristocrat Sengoku had expected. In their interaction, Claudius could have easily used his status to force Sengoku into bending the rules to protect Crocodile. But instead, he chose a more nuanced approach, one that allowed Sengoku to save face while still achieving his own goals.

In that moment, Sengoku couldn't help but think: What a shame Claudius is a Celestial Dragon. If he had been a Marine, with proper training, Claudius could have become as remarkable as Kuzan, Sakazuki, or Kizaru.

Just as Sengoku was reflecting on this, the door opened and Nia returned, holding a red-hot branding iron in his hand. The sight of it caused Sengoku to let out a resigned chuckle. "Zephyr told me you weren't like the other Celestial Dragons, Claudius, but I didn't expect to witness something like this today."

Nia respectfully handed the branding iron to Claudius, who took it with a mischievous smile. "Well, Admiral Sengoku, even I have my 'Celestial Dragon' moments. After all, a bit of cruelty runs in our blood."

Sengoku smiled wryly. "I wouldn't call this cruelty, Your Highness. If anything, you're simply 'guiding' others onto the right path."

Claudius laughed. "Who would've thought? The Marine Admiral just called one of my acts a good deed! Maybe I should do more 'good' in the future."

Sengoku could only shake his head with a helpless smile. There really wasn't much he could say.

Claudius turned to Stussy. "Hold him still and get his back ready. From now on, he belongs to me. Let's see if he still wants to be a pirate after this."

Stussy complied without hesitation, stepping forward and pressing Crocodile to the ground. With swift, practiced movements, she tore his clothes apart, exposing his muscular back.

Crocodile, sensing the gravity of the situation, began to struggle, but the seastone cuffs sapped his strength, leaving him powerless. Stussy, a skilled fighter herself, easily pinned him down. Crocodile's arms were locked in place, leaving him no choice but to shout in frustration.

"What the hell are you doing, Claudius? Let me go!" Crocodile yelled, his voice laced with panic.

Claudius strolled over, the branding iron in hand, and grinned. "Relax, kid. I'm saving your life. After today, you're no longer a pirate. Your bounty will be wiped clean, and you'll have a fresh start. You should be thanking me."

In his mind, Claudius couldn't help but find the situation amusing. This is Crocodile, one of the future Seven Warlords. And now, I get to brand him with the mark of a Celestial Dragon.

"Let me go! You can't do this!" Crocodile's voice trembled with terror. Sure, the promise of having his bounty erased sounded nice, but something about this whole situation felt wrong. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was stepping into an even deeper trap.

Nia, standing by, said. "You should know what's happening, Crocodile. His Highness is about to mark you with the 'Celestial Dragon's Hoof.' Once it's branded onto you, there's no removing it. From that point forward, you'll belong to him. For life. Of course, there are perks. Most people won't dare to touch you as long as you're under His Highness' protection. But if you disobey... well, we'll make sure you understand what it means to wish for death."

Crocodile's face contorted in rage and disbelief. "A slave? You think I'll become a slave? I'd rather die here than live with that brand on me! I Crocodile will never be anyone's slave!"

"In time, you'll come to accept this, maybe even embrace it. I'm not like the other Celestial Dragons. I don't just collect slaves for fun. You'll still have your freedom, to some degree. Even Admiral Sengoku here can testify that I'm a reasonable man."

"Reasonable?" Crocodile spat, trying to struggle free. "Go to hell!"

"Relax," Claudius said, his voice calm but firm. "This is all for your own good."

With those words, Claudius pressed the searing hot brand onto Crocodile's back. A sickening sizzle filled the room as the mark of the Donquixote family—the "Celestial Dragon's Hoof" burned into his skin.

Crocodile let out a scream of pure agony. "Claudius! You bastard! I swear, I'll make you pay for this!"

Claudius casually pulled the branding iron away, handing it back to Nia. Crocodile lay on the ground, his body drenched in sweat, his muscles twitching from the excruciating pain. The brand, still fresh and red on his back, marked him as property of the Donquixote family.

He glanced at Nia, who promptly took the branding iron away. "Make sure he's treated. We saved his life, no point in letting him die from infection or something trivial."

Stussy nodded and began to drag the weakened Crocodile out of the room.

As they left, Sengoku, who had been watching the entire scene, spoke up with a slight frown. "Your Highness, are you sure Crocodile won't try to harm you in the future? I don't think he's the type to submit easily."

Claudius smiled confidently. "That's the fun part. I don't need him to submit right away. I didn't mark him just to turn him into a mindless slave. I see potential in him. He'll either come around and be useful to me, or he'll keep fighting. Either way, I win. If John could win him over, why can't I?"

Sengoku shook his head slightly, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Well, if you're that confident, I won't argue. Now that the situation with John is under control, I should go see how things are progressing. Once we've finished with the John Pirates, I'll personally escort you back to Mariejois."

Claudius chuckled. "Looks like I have no choice but to accept. After all, your Marines blew up my ship when you launched the Buster Call. Can't exactly swim back, can I?"

Sengoku grinned, though it was tinged with embarrassment. "We'll make sure you're taken care of, Your Highness."

After Sengoku left, Nia approached Claudius. "Your Highness, should we really return with the Marines? Weren't we planning to travel a bit more and scout for new talent?"

Claudius smiled. "Don't worry, Nia. We've already had an unexpected windfall. Crocodile has plenty of potential. We'll be fine."

Nia frowned slightly, still skeptical. "Him? I'm not sure. He doesn't seem very... cooperative."

Claudius laughed heartily. "Trust me, Nia. Give him time. We can work on his IQ later."

Chapter 40: Golden Lion!
Not far from Cornillo Island, a massive ship hovered high in the sky one that would make any experienced pirate or Marine tremble in recognition. If anyone saw the distinctive flag it flew, they'd immediately exclaim, "Golden Lion!!"

Yes, this airship was none other than the flagship of Golden Lion Shiki's infamous fleet. Over the past few years, Shiki had become one of the most notorious pirates, his reputation soaring to unparalleled heights.

"Captain—no, Admiral! We've cracked the Marine's communication signals from Cornillo Island and intercepted critical intel!" A pirate, dressed in shabby but practical clothing, rushed to Shiki's side, his voice excited yet filled with awe.

Shiki's sharp eyes lit up, and a powerful, almost tangible pressure radiated from him. This wasn't just his Conqueror's Haki; it was the natural aura of a man who had stood at the pinnacle of the pirate world for decades. His very presence screamed dominance and command.

After all, who was Shiki? He was the Golden Lion, a pirate whose name had made even the strongest heroes retreat in fear. His pride and aura were overwhelming, even when not consciously unleashed. The sheer force of it nearly made the young pirate kneel on the spot.

"Oh? Finally cracked it, huh? What are those bastards up to? Who's leading the operation? Is it connected to that old dog John?" Shiki asked, his voice carrying a commanding edge.

The young pirate swallowed hard, steadying himself under the weight of Shiki's presence. He couldn't help but feel that with a leader like this, the Golden Lion fleet could one day rival the glory of the Rocks Pirates, perhaps even dominate the seas like never before. He quickly pushed those thoughts aside and got to the point.

"Yes, Captain, it's related to John. The Marines completed their mission and are preparing to return to base. The fleet's being led by none other than Admiral Sengoku!"

"Sengoku?!" Shiki's eyes widened briefly before a wicked, confident smile spread across his face. "Jiehahahahaha! Sengoku? In the New World? Well, isn't this my lucky day!"

The reason why Golden Lion Shiki was feared across the seas wasn't just his ruthlessness, it was the overwhelming power of his Devil Fruit. His Float-Float Fruit ability made him a menace in naval battles. At this moment, not even Whitebeard, the so-called strongest man in the world, had as much influence as Shiki. Some even believed Shiki's fruit was the strongest Paramecia Devil Fruit in existence.

When it came to sea warfare, Shiki's dominance of the skies gave him an insurmountable edge. He didn't need to engage in a direct battle with Sengoku. All he had to do was drop heavy objects from the sky onto the Marine fleet, crushing their ships one by one.

And Sengoku? Even as a user of the legendary Zoan-type Devil Fruit, he was still bound by the sea's curse. Once his ship went under, even Sengoku would be powerless to stop Shiki's onslaught.

Normally, the whereabouts of Marine Admirals like Sengoku were kept top secret. The New World was vast, and the odds of running into Sengoku on a random day were slim. But now? Shiki felt like fate had handed him a golden opportunity. He had originally come to hunt down Captain John, who had slipped through his fingers. But if he could destroy Sengoku and the Marine fleet, it would be a devastating blow to the World Government, one that could shake the seas to their core.

"Jiehahahaha! Today's the day Marine learns who really rules the New World!" Shiki laughed maniacally, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Prepare for battle! Sengoku's mine, and so is that traitor John! Let's wipe them out!"

The young pirate, barely able to contain his excitement at Shiki's bold declaration, saluted enthusiastically. "Yes, Captain—no, Admiral Shiki! I'll relay your orders at once!"

With Shiki's command, the massive airship began to accelerate, powered by Shiki's abilities. Meanwhile, Sengoku and his fleet sailed onward, completely unaware that one of the most feared predators of the sea was closing in on them.

Unbeknownst to them, Golden Lion Shiki had set his sights on them, ready to launch a full-scale assault. The John Pirates were already finished John himself was nothing more than a corpse. Sengoku hadn't even bothered asking him about the so-called legendary treasure; John's demise had been swift and unceremonious. But Shiki? Shiki was hunting for blood.

On one of the warships, Claudius and his group were making the best of their situation, now traveling under the protection of the Marines after their ship had been destroyed.

"Though the Buster Call was unprecedentedly halted, the mission was still a complete success. The John Pirates have been completely eradicated. The Five Elders are pleased with our efforts," Sengoku said with a satisfied smile. "And, of course, Your Highness played a key role in this. Without your assistance, John might've managed to slip away."

Claudius, reclining in a chair, smiled casually. "Is that so? I never thought I'd be the subject of praise from the Five Elders. What did they have to say?"

"They commended you briefly. Of course, John's death and the success of the mission will be in tomorrow's papers at the latest. I wouldn't be surprised if your name shows up in the headlines as well," Sengoku replied with a grin.

In the past, Claudius would've shied away from such attention. Back then, he was just another Celestial Dragon, using his noble title to intimidate and manipulate. The last thing he wanted was to be in the public eye, where unwanted attention could cause complications. But now things were different. Claudius had plans—ambitions. And for those plans to succeed, he needed subordinates, people who would work for him. He couldn't do everything alone.

But attracting the right people wasn't easy, especially when they saw him only as a spoiled, entitled Celestial Dragon. The likes of Crocodile, for example, weren't impressed by noble titles. Claudius had gotten lucky with Crocodile, but he couldn't rely on luck every time. If he wanted to recruit powerful individuals, he needed something more something that inspired respect.

Reputation.

Without it, Claudius was just another noble. But with a reputation for power and ambition, people might begin to see him as a figure worth following.

Just as Claudius was about to respond, the sound of cannon fire echoed across the ship. The sharp blare of alarms followed immediately after, filling the air with tension.

Sengoku's relaxed demeanor vanished in an instant. His face turned serious as the alarm blared a sound that only went off when the fleet encountered a powerful enemy. Given that this was a Buster Call fleet, and Sengoku himself was present, that could only mean one thing: they had run into one of the most dangerous adversaries on the seas.

"Your Highness, it seems we may be in trouble. Please, stay safe. I'm going to investigate," Sengoku said, his voice urgent.

Before Claudius could respond, a deafening crash echoed outside. He turned to look out the window and saw a massive sailing ship fall from the sky, crashing into the sea nearby and sending waves crashing against the warships.

"What the hell?" Claudius muttered.

Sengoku froze in place for a moment, his face darkening with realization. Gritting his teeth, he muttered, "Damn it... it's him. Golden Lion Shiki!"

High in the sky, a figure floated above the fleet his presence unmistakable, his aura commanding. His long golden hair blew in the wind, a cigar hanging loosely from his lips. He wore a golden coat draped over his shoulders, exuding the swagger of a man who had ruled the seas for decades. Two famous swords hung from his waist, and before he even spoke, his overwhelming aura blanketed the entire fleet.

"Jiehahahahahaha! Sengoku! My old friend! Long time no see! Why don't you come out and say hello?" Shiki's voice boomed across the battlefield as he hovered in the air, his laughter echoing through the sky.

Sengoku stepped out from the cabin, his expression tense but composed. His body radiated authority and power, the very image of justice incarnate. He stared up at Shiki, his eyes narrowing. "Golden Lion, don't get too full of yourself!"

Shiki laughed maniacally. "Jiehahaha! I was right! Sengoku, you're here! This is perfect! Today's the day I send you to the bottom of the sea!"

Claudius leaned out of the window, gazing up at the figure floating above the fleet. Even he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. "So that's Golden Lion Shiki..." he murmured to himself. "No wonder they call him one of the pirate overlords. His presence alone is worlds apart from someone like John..."

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 41: Golden Lion Takes on Four!?

Looking at the confident Golden Lion Shiki hovering in the sky, Sengoku felt utterly exasperated. Damn it, did I forget to check the almanac before heading out this time?

First, they nearly wiped out the Celestial Dragons on Cornillo Island with a Buster Call. Then, if not for Claudius's timely reminder, the mission to eliminate Captain John would have likely failed. And just when Sengoku thought things had finally settled down, they bumped into Golden Lion Shiki on their way back?

Of all the people on the sea, the ones Sengoku most dreaded fighting were Shiki and Whitebeard.

It wasn't that they were necessarily stronger than other pirates like Roger or Kaido, but fighting them at sea was an absolute nightmare. Shiki ruled the skies with his floating powers, while Whitebeard could summon tsunamis with a single punch. Neither fight was one you wanted to have on the open ocean.

In contrast, Sengoku wouldn't be nearly as worried about running into Roger, Kaido, or Big Mom. But here, in the open waters, facing someone like Shiki, Sengoku knew he was in for a tough battle.

And to make matters worse, they had a Celestial Dragon on board. If Claudius got killed during the fight, even if Sengoku managed to defeat Shiki, it wouldn't matter there would be hell to pay when he got back to headquarters. That thought alone filled Sengoku with frustration.

Though he felt the weight of the situation, Sengoku Admiral didn't let it show. He met Shiki's arrogance head-on, shouting, "You think you're going to kill me here, Shiki? You really believe your own hype too much. You shouldn't have come. This time, you're not leaving. I've already reserved a nice, comfy cell for you in Impel Down!"

"Jihahahaha! Sengoku, your bark's gotten louder since we last met!" Shiki cackled, unsheathing his famous twin sabers, Kogarashi and Oto, the weapons that had accompanied him through countless battles.

Without any more chatter, Shiki swung his blades downward, slicing the air itself. The violent slash tore through the sky, a sharp force bearing down on Sengoku and his warship, as if Shiki intended to cleave both in two.

But Sengoku wasn't one to panic. If Shiki were easy to handle, he wouldn't be ruling the skies. Just as the slash was about to strike, Sengoku's body swelled up, his form transforming into a towering golden Buddha over five meters tall.

With a powerful growl, Sengoku raised his hand, releasing a shockwave that met Shiki's slash in midair. The energy from the shockwave and the slash collided, dispersing in a blast of power. But Sengoku didn't stop there his shockwave continued, shooting upward toward Shiki.

Shiki didn't flinch. With a sneer, he covered his free hand in Armament Haki, punching the air and neutralizing Sengoku's shockwave.

"Jihahahaha! Not bad, Sengoku!" Shiki laughed, his voice carrying through the wind.

Meanwhile, in the cabin below deck, Claudius watched the battle in awe. It was his first time seeing such a high-level clash, and the sheer intensity was overwhelming. This was nothing like reading about it in mangas back in his old life this was raw, terrifying power, and it was exhilarating to witness.

"So that's the power of the Mythical Zoan, huh? Admiral-level strength is really something else. And Shiki's Armament Haki it's the third stage, the external release. I used to think Shiki's Haki wasn't anything special, but it looks like the steering wheel stuck in his head really does start to affect him later on…"

Claudius's thoughts were racing as he analyzed the fight.

Back in the sky, Shiki snorted as he waved his hand, and from out of nowhere, a massive sailing ship came crashing down toward Sengoku's warship. Shiki, using his Fuwa Fuwa no Mi, had lifted the ship into the sky earlier, and now he hurled it as a weapon.

"These are the ships from the pirates I've killed. You love catching pirates so much, Sengoku? Well, here, have some!" Shiki taunted, sending the ship plummeting down.

On a nearby warship, another figure couldn't stay silent any longer. Tall, strong, and filled with fiery rage, this Marine was none other than Vice Admiral Sakazuki, known as the "Marine Mad Dog."

"Great Eruption!" Sakazuki roared, thrusting his fist upward. A massive blast of magma shot into the sky, obliterating the falling ship in an instant, turning it into a rain of smoldering debris.

But Sakazuki wasn't finished. His magma fist continued its ascent, now barreling toward Shiki, who was still laughing in midair.

"Bring it on!" Shiki yelled, unsheathing his second saber and sending a powerful slash toward the magma fist. The slash cleaved Sakazuki's attack in two, redirecting the molten magma away from him.

However, the two halves of the magma attack didn't just vanish they changed trajectory and hurtled toward another warship.

Sakazuki's face twisted in shock. "Awakening! He's awakened his Devil Fruit powers!"

"Surprised? I'm the Golden Lion!" Shiki grinned, brimming with confidence.

Before the magma could destroy the ship, a cold blast of freezing energy shot through the air. Two enormous ice pillars rose from the sea, catching the magma in mid-flight and freezing it solid before the magma could hit the warship. The frozen chunks of magma fell harmlessly into the ocean below.

Shiki's smile faded slightly as he recognized the new player. "That little brat Kuzan is here too? This could be troublesome."

With Kuzan on the battlefield, the sea was no longer a guaranteed advantage for Shiki. The Marine admiral could freeze the ocean, making it harder for Shiki to exploit the terrain. Shiki had come here with the goal of sinking the Marine fleet, but now that seemed far less likely.

Just as Shiki pondered his next move, a blinding golden light streaked through the sky, hurtling straight toward him. Shiki moved to dodge, but the light transformed into the form of a man none other than Borsalino, the future Marine Admiral Kizaru.

"Ever felt what it's like to be kicked at the speed of light?" Borsalino quipped as his foot shot toward Shiki.

Shiki, with his wealth of battle experience, didn't fall for Borsalino's theatrics. He caught Borsalino's ankle mid-air, smirking as he said, "A bit too soon to try kicking me, kid."

As Shiki raised his blade to sever Borsalino's leg, Sengoku's voice boomed from below. "Now! Everyone, attack!"

Sengoku, Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino all surged forward, using Geppo to launch themselves into the air. They closed in on Shiki, attempting to surround him.

Borsalino, managing to pull his leg free, drew his Sky Cloud Sword and slashed at Shiki. But Shiki still wore a smile on his face, unbothered by the Marine's combined assault.

With a slight movement of his fingers, Shiki summoned iron pillars from one of the floating ships. The iron beams shot toward the Marines with incredible speed, imbued with his own Haki, cutting through the air like missiles.

"Fighting me in the air, Sengoku? You've got some nerve!" Shiki laughed.

Sakazuki charged in first, his body transforming into magma. But even with his quick reflexes, several of the iron pillars struck him, forcing him to shift into his elemental form just in time. If not for his quick thinking, the Haki-infused iron would have severely injured him.

"Iron Lion!" Shiki roared, and the iron pillars merged into a massive iron beast, enveloping Sakazuki. The iron lion then plummeted toward the sea, with Sakazuki trapped inside.

Sakazuki, being a Devil Fruit user, was in serious danger of being drowned. Kuzan, recognizing the threat, immediately halted his attack on Shiki. He fired a wave of freezing energy toward the ocean, creating a massive ice sheet just as the iron lion hit the frozen surface.

The impact caused the iron lion to melt into a pool of molten iron, but Sakazuki re-emerged, standing tall on the ice.

Still, even on solid ground, Sakazuki knew he couldn't keep up with a sky battle. Gritting his teeth, he stayed back, ready to apply pressure from below.

Meanwhile, Claudius watched the aerial battle from the warship's cabin, feeling a mix of awe and excitement. "Incredible. One man is holding off an Admiral and three Vice Admirals, all without breaking a sweat. No wonder Shiki's one of the strongest pirates out there. He's as powerful as Whitebeard in his prime."

Nia nervously urged, "Your Highness, we should escape while the Marines are holding him off. This place is too dangerous!"

Claudius, however, wasn't interested in running. "Escape? Where to? Kuzan's already frozen the sea there's no moving the ship now. And besides, how often do you get to see a fight like this up close? I'm not about to run away with my tail between my legs!" Claudius said with a grin, his eyes locked on the chaotic battlefield in the sky.

Nia, still on edge, tried again. "But Your Highness—"

Claudius waved her off, his excitement undiminished. "Relax. This is a rare opportunity. How often do you get to witness the Golden Lion take on an Admiral and three Vice Admirals? And besides, I doubt there's a safer place on this frozen sea than right here."

Nia bit her lip, realizing that Claudius had made up his mind. Still, she couldn't shake the anxiety gnawing at her.

At that moment, another figure entered the room. It was Stussy, looking equally concerned but more composed. "Your Highness, I've already contacted Naval Headquarters and CP-0. They're mobilizing to send reinforcements as quickly as possible. Help is on the way."

Claudius chuckled, waving dismissively. "Help? At this rate, by the time they get here, it'll be too late. We'll either have won or—well, we'll be fish food. There's no point in pinning our hopes on anyone coming to the rescue."

Chapter 42: King of the World!

Watching the battle from inside the cabin didn't seem to satisfy Claudius anymore. After observing for a while, he made the decision to head to the deck for a closer view of the action.

"Your Highness, isn't that too dangerous? I may not know much about naval warfare, but even I know that Golden Lion Shiki is one of the world's top pirates. Right now, even Sengoku Admiral is struggling against him..." Nia said anxiously, trying to dissuade him.

"Hahahaha, what are you so afraid of?" Claudius laughed casually. "Look, Sengoku and the others are having trouble because they don't have the advantage in the sky. Even if I stay in this cabin, I'm not any safer than I would be on the deck. If things get really bad, I'd rather be out there at least I might get a chance to seize the moment."

Nia was about to continue pleading with him, but Stussy intervened. "His Highness is right. The danger is the same whether we're inside or outside. It's better to be where we can act if necessary."

With that, she draped a dark brown coat over Claudius's shoulders. The way he looked now arrogant, calm, and dressed like a boss oozed confidence. Still not feeling completely ready for his grand appearance, Claudius made one last stop before heading out. He rummaged through Sengoku's quarters and found a pack of cigars, the kind that were reserved specifically for Marine Admirals.

These are probably high quality, Claudius thought to himself. Without a second thought, he cut one, lit it up, and took a puff. With the cigar clenched between his teeth, he strutted onto the deck, looking every bit like a man in control.

"I swear, Your Highness, you're starting to look more like a villain by the minute," Stussy teased.

Claudius smirked, blowing a cloud of smoke into the air. "Villain, hero, it's all the same to me. As long as I get what I want, who cares what they call me?"

Meanwhile, the battle in the sky was growing more intense. Shiki, the infamous pirate, fought with unparalleled aggression, his advantage in the air allowing him to keep Sengoku and the Marines on the back foot. Despite being one of the most powerful figures in the Navy, Sengoku was struggling to keep up with Shiki's relentless attacks. The golden Buddha form of Sengoku shimmered in the sunlight, sending out shockwaves with every punch, but even that wasn't enough to push Shiki back completely.

"Palm of the Buddha!" Sengoku roared, seizing an opportunity. Polusalino, using his speed, had managed to drive Shiki backward with a precise laser strike, giving Sengoku the opening he needed. His giant palm, glowing with golden energy, slammed downward as if compressing the very air around it, creating a crushing force that aimed to end the fight right then and there.

Shiki's playful expression disappeared, replaced with one of grim determination. "Don't underestimate me!" he shouted, his voice filled with rage. His arms, now coated in an intense black Armament Haki, met Sengoku's blow head-on. The collision of forces sent shockwaves rippling outward, and at that moment, both Shiki and Sengoku unleashed their Conqueror's Haki.

The sky above them seemed to tear apart as the sheer force of their Haki clashed, creating a whirlwind of energy that blew Borsalino and Kuzan away from the battle zone.

The sea itself trembled under the overwhelming pressure, and most of the Marine soldiers on the warships collapsed from the strain of the two Conqueror's Hakis. Only the strongest among them Rear Admirals and Vice Admirals were able to stay conscious, though even they were struggling to move.

On the deck where Claudius stood, Nia was the first to fall, knocked unconscious by the sheer force of Shiki and Sengoku's power. If not for Stussy holding her up, she would've hit the floor. Even Stussy, though far stronger, was clearly suffering under the immense pressure.

Claudius, on the other hand, stood firm. Though he could feel the weight of the Haki pressing down on him like two massive mountains trying to crush him, he refused to buckle. His legs trembled slightly, but his body didn't move.

"I was born noble, above all others. A mere Conqueror's Haki... you think that's enough to overwhelm me?" Claudius whispered to himself, his voice filled with quiet determination. His eyes flashed, and then he spoke louder, with a confidence that shook his very core. "I am the king of the world!!!"

As the words left his mouth, Claudius felt the weight of the pressure lift. What had been suffocating moments before now felt like nothing more than a cool breeze. He straightened up, his movements fluid and relaxed, the pressure from the Conqueror's Haki completely gone.

Frowning slightly, he touched his forehead. "That felt strange... it was like something was about to erupt from within me. Could it be... Conqueror's Haki?"

Unlike Armament and Observation Haki, Conqueror's Haki was something you were born with, a power that came from deep within your soul. You either had it or you didn't—there was no learning it. Claudius had never thought too much about whether he possessed it. He never obsessed over it because, in his mind, Conqueror's was more of a symbolic power than a practical one. It was nice to have, sure, but it wasn't the be-all and end-all of strength.

But now... now it seemed that Claudius did have Conqueror's Haki, and not just a weak version of it. The fact that even the combined pressure from Shiki and Sengoku hadn't been enough to force it out fully... it was clear that Claudius's Haki was on another level entirely.

A grin spread across his face.

With Shiki locked in a stalemate against Sengoku, and Borsalino and Kuzan temporarily out of position, Shiki was fully focused on the Marine Admiral. He wouldn't expect a sneak attack, especially from someone like Claudius, who was still an unknown factor.

"This is my chance," Claudius thought, his eyes flashing with excitement. "Shiki's wide open."

Without hesitation, Claudius drew Shinsō, the shorter of the two swords hanging at his waist. It was fast, lethal, and perfect for the kind of strike he was about to make.

Locking his eyes on Shiki, who was still engaged with Sengoku in the sky, Claudius took a deep breath. "Go... shoot him, Shinsō!"

The short blade shot through the air like a bullet, faster than any musket, and aimed directly at Shiki.

Shiki's senses, honed over years of battle, screamed in warning. His Observation Haki flared, alerting him to the danger just in time. Without thinking, he pulled back, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow.

But Claudius's attack wasn't a complete miss. The blade grazed Shiki's cheek, leaving a deep gash that dripped blood down the side of his face. It wasn't enough to kill, but it was a message a clear one.

Shiki retreated, gritting his teeth. His sudden movement had given Sengoku the upper hand, and the pressure of the fight had injured Shiki further, blood now trickling from the corner of his mouth.

He reached up, feeling the deep cut on his cheek, part of his skull exposed from the wound. His gaze shot downward, focusing on Claudius. A young man stood there, tall and confident, with messy blond hair, a dark coat billowing around him. He held a short sword in one hand, a cigar in his mouth, and a smile on his face as if he had all the time in the world.

"It was him," Shiki thought, his eyes narrowing. "I didn't think there were any dangerous people in this fleet. I was careless... that brat nearly skewered me."

Without any hesitation, Shiki drew one of his swords and unleashed a powerful slash toward Claudius, the blade of energy cutting through the air like a lightning strike.

"Saint Claudius!!!" Sengoku shouted, his eyes wide in horror as he realized the danger Claudius was in.

Claudius didn't flinch. As the energy slash tore through the air toward him, he calmly placed his hand on the demon sword, Shindō, hanging from his waist. His eyes narrowed in focus, and with a deep breath, he murmured, "Let's see just how far apart we really are, Golden Lion."

"One-Sword Style... Justice Cross!"

In an instant, Claudius drew Shindō, his Armament Haki coating the blade in a black sheen. His heart raced, the Emperor's engine in his chest pumping out every ounce of potential he had. This strike was everything.

As Shiki's attack reached him, Claudius swung Shindō upward, intercepting the slash. The impact sent a shockwave through his body, his arms trembling under the force. The deck beneath his feet shattered, and his legs sank into the wood, but Claudius didn't break.

"Break!" Claudius roared, his muscles bulging as he pushed back with all his might. In a moment of pure power, he deflected Shiki's slash, sending it careening off into the sky, dissipating harmlessly.

"Haah..." Claudius exhaled deeply, his breath ragged, his body trembling from the sheer force of the clash. His legs remained trapped in the ruined deck, but he had managed to block the strike from one of the most powerful pirates in the world.

"I... actually did it," Claudius muttered, blinking in disbelief as he stared at his trembling hands. His arms felt like they were on the verge of breaking, and his muscles ached in protest, but he had stopped Shiki's attack head-on.

Claudius leaned heavily on Shindō for support, his mind racing. The sheer power he had just faced left him in awe, and for a brief moment, he felt the overwhelming gap between himself and the top figures of the world. But the fire in his heart hadn't dimmed it had only grown stronger.

"So this... is what it's like," Claudius whispered, a wild grin slowly spreading across his face. His heart was pounding with exhilaration, his body aching from the strain, but none of that mattered. He had tasted a fragment of true power, and now he wanted more.

"I want this kind of strength," he said quietly, almost to himself. "No, I need it. This... this is the power that rules the world."

Chapter 43: Retreat, Golden Lion Shiki

After nearly killing Claudius with a single blow, a flicker of surprise crossed Shiki's eyes. Then, with clear frustration, he sneered, "I thought you were something special. Turns out you're just a silver-plated weakling."

Shiki had initially assumed that the person who managed to land a blow on him had to be someone formidable, especially after seeing Claudius standing there so confidently. The air of arrogance, the calm demeanor it all fooled him into thinking Claudius was a legitimate threat. Even Sengoku, usually sharp, seemed to misjudge the situation, likely because of the way Claudius presented himself.

But now? Shiki was irritated. He, the feared Golden Lion, had allowed himself to get scratched by some nobody. A mistake like this could damage his reputation. In a world of pirates, where status and image were everything, this was no minor matter. If word got out, how could he maintain his standing as a top dog?

Furious at being caught off guard, Shiki readied his sword to finish Claudius off. But before he could strike, Sengoku launched another attack, forcing Shiki to deal with the Marine Admiral instead.

Still feeling the aftereffects of Sengoku's last blow his internal organs had taken a good hit Shiki realized this wasn't the time to push his luck. Sengoku wasn't a small fry. If they continued to go head-to-head like this, especially without the clear advantage of air superiority, Shiki could be in serious trouble.

Sengoku, on the other hand, was just as furious. If Shiki had killed Claudius, the consequences would have been catastrophic. Going back to Mariejois without him? Sengoku might as well put up the pirate flag and prepare for a swift execution. But seeing Claudius still alive, albeit shaken, gave Sengoku some relief. At least they had avoided the worst-case scenario.

Meanwhile, Stussy was helping Claudius back to his feet, pulling him out of the shattered deck. "Your Highness, that was reckless! Shiki might not have noticed you earlier, but now you've practically thrown yourself into his crosshairs! Are you alright?"

Claudius, still wobbly but regaining his balance, gave her a lopsided grin. "I'm fine. A bit winded, but nothing serious. Just ran out of steam, that's all…"

Even as he spoke, Claudius could feel his strength returning rapidly, his body recovering at an extraordinary pace. His legs, which had been trembling from the impact of Shiki's attack, were now feeling much steadier. "Zero Hour Mizu," he thought to himself.

When he had first inherited this strange power, Claudius assumed it could only be used at specific times, as its name suggested. But after much experimentation, he had realized that the power had transformed along with his physical capabilities. Instead of being a fixed store of energy, the Zero Hour Mizu allowed him to rapidly replenish his stamina and strength, drawing from the reserves he had built over the years. This meant that as long as he didn't overextend himself, he could recover from exhaustion in no time.

Smiling to Stussy, Claudius continued, "I thought I might be able to kill or severely wound Shiki with that last hit, but I underestimated him. He's not just any pirate; he's one of the most feared men on the seas. It was foolish of me to think I could bring him down so easily."

Stussy sighed, relieved that Claudius was recovering but still concerned about his safety. "Even so, Your Highness managed to injure him, and that created a window for Sengoku and the others to press their attack. It wasn't for nothing."

Claudius nodded thoughtfully. "True. And I've learned a bit more about his weaknesses. He's powerful, but he's not invincible. He relies on his air superiority. If I can just disrupt that…" Claudius trailed off, a plan forming in his mind.

Stussy, noticing the shift in his tone, looked at him curiously. "You have another idea, don't you? What are you planning now?"

Claudius grinned, that same glint of mischief returning to his eyes. "Remember, I'm not just any noble. I ate a Devil Fruit, and not just any Devil Fruit. I have powers that could shift the tides in our favor."

Stussy raised an eyebrow, still unsure. "But I've rarely seen you use your abilities, and none of what I've seen so far seems like it could stop someone like Shiki."

Claudius let out a confident laugh. "That's because I haven't had to go all out yet. You forgot, Logia users are some of the most dangerous in the world. There's a reason we're considered the strongest of the three Devil Fruit types. Watch this."

With that, Claudius took a deep breath and raised his hand toward the sky, as though he were reaching out to grasp something invisible. Immediately, Stussy felt a shift in the air around them. The wind, which had been relatively calm, began to stir, and a powerful force radiated from Claudius's body.

The sky above the battlefield darkened, clouds swirling and condensing as the wind picked up speed. Claudius, wielding the power of the Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit, was drawing on the nitrogen in the atmosphere, manipulating it to create a cyclone high above. The air pressure began to drop, and soon a powerful vortex formed in the sky, pulling the clouds into its growing spiral.

Shiki, still dodging attacks from Sengoku and Polusalino, suddenly felt the shift. His instincts screamed at him, and he glanced down toward the source of the disturbance. What he saw made his blood boil. That same young man, the one he had dismissed as a nobody, was now conjuring a storm.

"No way… this brat can control the weather?!" Shiki snarled, his fury rising.

The Golden Lion's greatest fear was a storm. His Devil Fruit gave him incredible control over floating objects, but in a fierce storm, his precision and stability would be severely compromised. It was his one significant weakness, and now it was being exploited.

Sengoku noticed the sudden change in Shiki's demeanor and grinned. "Looks like the tables have turned, Shiki! Your greatest advantage is now your biggest weakness!"

Shiki, already feeling the powerful winds tugging at his control, realized that the longer he stayed, the worse it would get. Evading another one of Sengoku's shockwaves, he snarled, "Don't get cocky, Sengoku. You might've pushed me back today, but this isn't over! Sooner or later, I'll crush you all, Marines and your precious Celestial Dragons included!"

Without wasting another second, Shiki turned and shot upward, fleeing the battlefield with as much speed as he could muster. He knew when to cut his losses. He might have taken a few hits, but his pride was still intact. There would be another day for revenge.

Claudius watched from the deck as Shiki made his retreat, a look of surprise crossing his face. "Well, I didn't expect him to retreat that quickly. Guess he's smarter than I gave him credit for."

Sengoku returned to the ship shortly after, shaking his head. "It's a shame we couldn't capture him. We had a real chance today."

Claudius, still catching his breath, shrugged. "Honestly, we're lucky to be alive. If you think about it, we're not equipped to take him down right now. At least not without losing half the fleet."

Sengoku let out a tired sigh but nodded. "You're right. It's better this way. We'll fight him another day."

With Shiki gone, Kuzan and Sakazuki worked together to thaw the ice surrounding the ships, allowing the fleet to return to its original course. They had narrowly escaped disaster.

Back in the cabin, Sengoku turned to Claudius with an appreciative smile. " After thinking it through, Sengoku realized that without Claudius on board, the situation would have been very different. If not for Claudius' presence, the Marines would have likely avoided a direct encounter with Shiki altogether. At the very least, they would have had an easier time retreating rather than getting tangled in this dangerous battle.

No Shiki, no near-death experience, no battle at all, just a straightforward, albeit frustrating, search for John on Cornillo Island. After releasing a Buster Call and coming up empty, Marine would've stuck around to scour the place until they found something or finally gave up.

In that scenario, Shiki might not have even bothered with them. He wouldn't have had any reason to pick a fight, and the Marine fleet could have avoided this entire deadly confrontation.

Sengoku shook his head at the thought, sighing internally. This was one of those moments where everything seemed to spiral out of control for no good reason. But, dwelling on what could've been wasn't going to change anything. Best to focus on what actually happened.

With that, Sengoku shifted gears and gave a tired smile. "Regardless, it's fortunate we had your help today. I didn't expect you to have the ability to manipulate the weather like that. Your power is..."

"Nitrogen," Claudius interrupted with a casual smile. "To put it simply, I control the nitrogen in the air. Since it's an invisible gas and makes up most of the atmosphere, I can use it to influence the climate, at least to a certain extent."

Sengoku could tell Claudius didn't want to go into too much detail about his power, and respected that boundary. He nodded, deciding not to press further. "Well, your control over it is remarkable. Without you here, it's hard to say how much worse today could have gone. Shiki is always difficult to deal with, but you really tipped the scales."

While Sengoku expressed his gratitude, Claudius couldn't help but feel a bit conflicted. If not for his involvement, Shiki likely wouldn't have attacked in the first place. Claudius' mere presence on the ship had drawn attention to the fleet, and that attention had nearly gotten them all killed.

After all, if Sengoku and the others had been on Cornillo Island as originally planned, scouring the ground for any sign of John, Shiki probably wouldn't have cared enough to intervene. There wouldn't have been any reason for him to pick a fight with the Marines, especially one as serious as this.

But there was no point in bringing that up now. What mattered was that they survived and they even managed to push Shiki back.

Chapter 44: The Five Elders

Mariejois' port was bustling with activity as several Marine warships slowly made their way to berth. Claudius, however, wasn't in any rush to disembark. Instead, he sat back, leisurely flipping through a newspaper with a smirk on his face.

The headlines grabbed his attention. "Navy Headquarters Kills the Infamous Pirate John and Engages in Battle with Golden Lion Shiki in the New World." Claudius chuckled to himself and said, "Well, that's one way to get people's attention."

Standing nearby Nia smiled. "Your Highness's identity has also been mentioned in the news, but fortunately, Sengoku and the others know how to keep things under control. They didn't publish your photo."

Even though the news of Claudius was spreading, it seemed the Marines had made sure to keep his face out of the papers. Nia, ever loyal, was relieved to see her master's name gaining fame without compromising his security.

Stussy, who stood on the other side, spoke up. "I know Morgans, the bird-man who runs the World Economy News Paper. He's just recently come into contact with the World Government. Without approval, he wouldn't have dared to print anything about your Highness."

The World Economy News Paper, owned by the ambitious bird-man Morgans, had been around for a while, but it never used to be a major player in the media landscape. However, once Morgans established ties with the World Government, his paper started getting first access to some of the most crucial stories, and its influence grew rapidly. Morgans knew where his bread was buttered and was quick to keep certain things quiet when necessary, all in the name of maintaining his newfound government connections.

"I must admit," Claudius said thoughtfully, "he's done a remarkable job turning that paper around in just two years. It's on the path to dominating the newspaper industry."

In the years to come, Claudius knew Morgans would develop the World Economy News Paper into a global powerhouse, wielding influence that could secretly sway world events. Morgans wasn't just a newsman—he was a kingmaker, pushing stories that could alter the balance of power, as he did with Luffy's rise as the "Fifth Emperor," which was, in fact, largely due to Morgans hyping him up.

Of course, Claudius also understood that while Morgans was useful to the World Government now, there might come a time when his influence grew too dangerous. But for now, Morgans was just a pawn in a much larger game. "I'll deal with him when the time comes," Claudius mused to himself. "No need to rush."

For now, Morgans had played up Claudius' role in John's death, even exaggerating the incident with Shiki. He made sure everyone knew Shiki was injured by Claudius, and the paper even claimed the scar on Shiki's face would be a lasting reminder of his defeat.

Thanks to Morgans' embellishment, Claudius' name was starting to spread across the world.

Meanwhile, high in the skies above the New World, Shiki himself was fuming as he read the newspaper. His forehead veins bulged in fury. "Damn it! That brat was Celestial Dragons?!" Shiki growled, crushing the paper in his hands. "Sengoku called him 'Your Highness,' but how did a Celestial Dragon manage to injure me?!"

Shiki's fingers brushed against the scar on his cheek. It would leave a permanent mark a reminder of the day he was humiliated by a so-called "trash" Celestial Dragon. The thought that his reputation had been tarnished, not by a top Marine but by someone from the pampered class of Celestial Dragons, made him boil with rage.

"Donquixote Claudius," Shiki hissed, his voice filled with venom. "You'd better pray we never cross paths again. Your royal status won't save you from me next time."

While Shiki stewed in his anger, elsewhere in the City of Water, the Pirate King himself, Gol D. Roger, was laughing uproariously as he read the same headline.

"Ahahaha! Shiki, of all people, got himself hurt by a Celestial Dragon?!" Roger's laughter echoed through the room. "I didn't see that one coming."

"Now that name sounds familiar," Roger continued, still chuckling. "Donquixote Claudius…where have I heard it before?"

Rayleigh, sitting nearby, glanced up and smirked. "Of course it sounds familiar. We ran into him on Sabaody Archipelago about five years ago, remember?"

Recognition dawned on Roger's face. "That's right! He was that interesting Celestial Dragon kid. I even thought about inviting him to join us back then!"

"Haha, you really should have, Captain," said Scopper Gaban, joining the conversation. "Imagine the look on Shiki's face if we had!"

Roger thought about it for a moment, then grinned. "Yeah, I should've tied him up and brought him along. He definitely had potential."

Rayleigh leaned back, taking a sip from his drink. "He was a strange one, alright. I could tell back then that he wasn't like the other Celestial Dragons. And now, five years later, he's managed to injure the Golden Lion. This era is really starting to heat up."

Roger's eyes gleamed with excitement. "That's why we can't waste any more time! The Oro Jackson will be ready soon, and when it is, we'll conquer this sea once and for all! Hahaha!"

Back in the New World, aboard a massive ship resembling a white whale, the infamous Whitebeard, Edward Newgate, was also reading the headlines.

"Shiki got himself in trouble again, eh?" Whitebeard said with a wide grin, tossing the newspaper aside.

His young crew member, Marco, raised an eyebrow. "I don't believe for a second that Shiki was injured by a Celestial Dragon. No way. This is probably just the World Government adding a little flair to make themselves look good."

Diamond Jozu nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the idea of a Celestial Dragon fighting is hard to swallow."

Whitebeard wasn't too concerned. "It doesn't matter who did it. The important thing is Shiki took a hit. He's been getting too cocky lately, taking down Ochoku and John. I wouldn't be surprised if I was next on his list."

Marco's eyes lit up. "Then why not strike first, Pops? We could take him out and be done with it."

Whitebeard waved a dismissive hand. "Nah, I'm not interested in ruling the seas like Shiki or the others. Let him come if he wants a fight. I'll sink him if he does, but until then, I'm not going looking for trouble."

Unlike Shiki, Big Mom, or Kaido, Whitebeard had no ambition to rule the seas. He simply wanted to live freely and protect his "sons." But even though he wasn't chasing the throne, his confidence in his own power was unshakable.

As Whitebeard dismissed the idea of hunting Shiki, many of the other powerful pirates across the world who read the news had similar reactions. They either scoffed at the idea of a Celestial Dragon being a threat or dismissed it as government propaganda.

Back at Mariejois, Sengoku was leading Claudius off the warship, making their way through the port. As they walked, Sengoku turned to Claudius and said, "The Five Elders have summoned you as well. They want to meet you."

Claudius raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Me? They want to meet me?"

Sengoku nodded. "Yes. They were quite clear about it. I believe it's related to your... recent activities."

Claudius smirked, "So, the lowest of the Celestial Dragons is being called to meet the highest? Must be because of all the noise we caused with Shiki."

"Indeed," Sengoku said with a smile. "You've caught their attention. Frankly, I'd be interested in meeting you too, if I were them."

Sengoku knew the Five Elders well enough to understand their curiosity. Most Celestial Dragons were content to live off their status, but Claudius was different. He had shown potential something rare among the so-called "gods."

Five Elders likely saw in Claudius an opportunity a way to reshape the world's perception of Celestial Dragons, to show that not all of them were entitled, lazy, or corrupt. Claudius could become the "face" of a new kind of Celestial Dragon one who was capable, competent, and strong.

And that, Sengoku thought, was an opportunity the Five Elders would not want to miss.

Chapter 45: Test

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, Claudius felt more than familiar with his surroundings. After all, this was where he lived. But despite having passed by the World Government's headquarters countless times, he had never set foot inside, let alone visited the top floor, where the Five Elders those who held the highest authority in the world had their office. The entire floor belonged to them, spacious and prestigious.

Born into the Celestial Dragons, Claudius, even in his previous life, had never had the privilege of meeting the Five Elders. He was, after all, part of the lowest rung of the Celestial Dragons hierarchy. But beside him now was Admiral Sengoku, who walked these halls with familiarity. It was clear this wasn't his first time meeting with the Five Elders.

Walking behind Sengoku, Claudius couldn't help but think about how this man was likely the Five Elders' chosen candidate for the next Marine Fleet Admiral. It made sense. If Claudius were in their position, he'd likely favor Sengoku as well. Not only was Sengoku incredibly powerful and intelligent known as "The Resourceful General" but more importantly, he was obedient. Among all the high-ranking Marines, Sengoku had the closest ties to the World Government and followed its orders without question.

Despite his strength and intelligence, Sengoku had always been the most loyal to the World Government, even to the point of carrying out a Buster Call on Ohara, destroying the island without hesitation. For him, following orders was Marine's ultimate duty.

It was only later in life, when Sengoku neared retirement, that he started to question these views and began to favor Kuzan for the role of Fleet Admiral. Unfortunately for him, the World Government had other plans, supporting Sakazuki instead. But all that was still in the future. Right now, Sengoku was the model of a Marine officer someone the Five Elders trusted implicitly and likely intended to place at the top of Marine's command.

As they approached the top floor, Sengoku hesitated outside the door of the Five Elders' office. Turning to Claudius, he asked, "Have you met the Five Elders before, Your Highness?"

Claudius blinked, then smiled and shook his head. "No, I'm just a minor figure among the Celestial Dragons. How could I have met them?"

"Really?" Sengoku chuckled lightly. "They're not as intimidating as they seem. They're actually quite approachable."

Claudius gave a polite nod, but in his mind, he disagreed. They're only approachable because they like you, Sengoku. They see you as one of their own. Try telling that to Sakazuki when he's being cold-shouldered in the future.

Sengoku knocked on the door, and after receiving permission to enter, the two walked in. As expected, all five of the world's most powerful figures were present.

It was Claudius' first time seeing them in person. While they were already old, they appeared younger than he had imagined from his memories of the future. Despite their age, they radiated a powerful aura that instantly made Claudius feel a little tense, as if standing in front of them made lying impossible.

These men aren't like the other Celestial Dragons, Claudius thought to himself. They exude real authority. They feel like true rulers.

The Five Elders didn't spend much time addressing Claudius. They focused mostly on Sengoku, who provided a concise report on recent events. His report wasn't exaggerated or filled with unnecessary praise for Claudius, but it also didn't downplay the contributions Claudius had made, keeping things fair and balanced.

Claudius didn't mind. After Sengoku finished, the Five Elders turned their attention to him. Claudius couldn't shake the feeling that there was something like relief in their eyes, though he couldn't quite place why.

"Donquixote Claudius, correct?" asked the bald elder who held a sword. He didn't bother introducing himself; it seemed he expected Claudius to know who they were.

Claudius, ever respectful, nodded and replied, "Yes, that's correct."

"Antonio's son?" the other bald elder inquired, as if recalling a distant memory.

Claudius' father, Antonio, had passed away from illness long ago, but it seemed he had made quite an impression on the Five Elders during his time.

"Yes, Antonio is my father," Claudius confirmed.

"Ah, I thought I remembered correctly," the elder said with a nostalgic smile. "It feels like just yesterday you were a child, and now look at you."

"Thank you for remembering, it's an honor," Claudius replied politely.

One of the other elders, a bearded man, studied Claudius for a moment before speaking. "Courteous and respectful. It seems you're quite capable, given how Sengoku speaks of you. It's rare to see a young Celestial Dragon like you. Usually, all we see are those troublemaking brats who embarrass us with their behavior."

Claudius managed a modest smile at the compliment, but inside he was processing the situation. It was true many of the Celestial Dragons were arrogant and reckless, relying entirely on their bloodline to act above the law. Clearly, the Five Elders had little patience for such behavior.

The elder continued, "It's good to see a promising member from the Donquixote family for once. Your family has produced more than its fair share of... oddballs." He chuckled slightly, clearly thinking of Donquixote Homing, who had forsaken his Celestial Dragon status and gone to live as a commoner.

Claudius chuckled politely but said nothing. He was fully aware of his family's strange history.

After some pleasantries, the Five Elders shifted to more serious matters. Despite their apparent satisfaction with Claudius, they needed to measure the depth of his understanding and ambitions.

Without much preamble, the elder with the sword asked, "Claudius, as someone of your status, you must know why it's important to strive for strength. Is it because you're afraid we can't protect you?"

Claudius paused for a moment, considering his response. He decided that honesty would serve him best here. "Yes and no," he said.

The elder raised an eyebrow. "Explain."

Claudius took a deep breath. "You may not be fully aware, but about six years ago, I had an accident. I ended up stranded on a deserted island in the New World. It was only thanks to Zephyr Admiral that I was rescued."

The Five Elders exchanged looks but didn't interrupt.

"Before that accident," Claudius continued, "I was like many of my fellow Celestial Dragons living without a care in the world, assuming my status was enough to shield me from anything. But that experience taught me an important lesson."

"And what lesson is that?" the bald elder asked, clearly intrigued.

"In this world, everything you have without strength is just an illusion. It may seem grand and secure, but it can all be taken away in an instant. If you don't have power, then everything you possess status, wealth, even your life is at the mercy of others. So, I believe a person must rely on themselves above all else."

As soon as Claudius finished speaking, the elder with the sword laughed heartily. "Well said, boy! You're absolutely right. In this world, strength is everything!"

Claudius nodded. "That's why I seek strength. On the one hand, I trust that you can protect me, but on the other hand, I want to be strong enough to protect myself. That's why I've been working to grow stronger."

The Five Elders exchanged approving glances. The elder with the beard spoke next, his tone thoughtful. "You've got ambition, and that's a good thing. But what are your thoughts on the future? How do you see the world, and more importantly, how do you see our World Government?"

Claudius felt a slight chill at this question. They're testing me, he realized. He couldn't reveal his true thoughts, his desire for power and control over the world government itself. If they sensed even a hint of disloyalty, they could crush him on the spot.

Carefully choosing his words, Claudius replied, "I believe the world as it is today is stable, but that stability won't last forever. There are forces in the world, like the Golden Lion Shiki and others, who seek to challenge our rule. Careerists, like them, want to overturn the World Government and seize control. While our strength is undeniable for now, the future is uncertain."

His words were cautious, but they were enough to make the Five Elders take notice. For someone so young, Claudius already had a clear grasp of the global situation, and more importantly, he wasn't naive about the future.

"And what do you think of our World Government?" the bald elder asked again, pressing the issue.

Claudius knew this was a trap. Criticizing the World Government would be foolish, but blind praise would be equally unwise. So, he opted for loyalty.

"The World Government is the foundation upon which my identity as a Celestial Dragon stands," Claudius said firmly. "Anyone who threatens the World Government is my enemy because I understand that my power and status come from the stability and authority of the government. We are inseparable."

The Five Elders smiled, clearly pleased with his answer. Claudius had passed their test.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 46: Pandora’s Box

After that, the Five Elders continued asking Claudius a few more questions to gauge him thoroughly. Claudius answered each of them appropriately he didn't appear to be incompetent, but his performance was just right for someone of his age and standing. This balance left the Five Elders quite satisfied, even more so than they had anticipated.

The bald elder, seemingly the leader, finally spoke up. "It seems you're a young man unwilling to fade into the background, with a clear ambition to rise."

Claudius chuckled, now feeling more at ease after the intense questioning. "It's true, I'm not one to sit idle. As for ambition, I'd say I have just enough to keep things interesting."

"There's no need to be modest," the bald elder said with a smile. "We are family after all, fellow Celestial Dragons. You don't have to hide your ambition or tone down your confidence in front of us."

Claudius found this a bit amusing. These Five Elders were indeed more approachable than he initially expected. But then again, it made sense he shared the same bloodline, the same elite status. He was one of them.

The elder with the mustache then chimed in. "You've shown that you're far from idle. Helping Marine bring down John and even forcing Golden Lion Shiki to retreat is no small feat. You've damaged the power of these pirates and reinforced the World Government's authority in the process. That's no small contribution. Combining these merits, it's only right that we offer you a reward. So, tell us, what do you want, Claudius?"

Claudius had anticipated something like this. Before all of this, he had thought long and hard about how to maneuver himself into the Five Elders' good graces, to place himself in their line of sight. After all, while being a Celestial Dragon gave him a status few could touch, it didn't grant him automatic influence over the internal workings of the World Government. Gaining favor with the Five Elders, however, would change that. Now that he'd unexpectedly gained their attention through his role in these events, it was the perfect opportunity.

As soon as the mustached elder finished, the blond elder, who hadn't spoken much yet, laughed and added, "You seem to be close to both Zephyr and Sengoku. They hold you in high regard. Maybe you're thinking of joining Marine, hm? Hahaha!"

Sengoku, standing nearby, laughed as well. "If His Highness were to join the Marines, I would be the first to welcome him. There's always a need for more talent in our ranks. In my opinion, His Highness has the potential to rise to the rank of Admiral."

"An Admiral, huh?" The bald elder raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Seems like you think highly of Claudius, Sengoku."

The mustached elder, however, shook his head with a sigh. "As good as that sounds, it's not appropriate for someone of Claudius' standing to join the Marines."

Claudius had briefly considered the idea, but he knew joining Marine was not the path for him. Five Elders wouldn't approve of a Celestial Dragon lowering himself to serve, and besides, the thought of merely being an Admiral didn't hold much appeal for him. Even sitting on the Marine's top seat, like Sengoku, didn't particularly entice him. He was after bigger things.

Sengoku, sensing the mood, nodded with some regret. "Yes, I suppose that's true. It is a pity, though. Having someone like His Highness in Marine would have been invaluable."

Claudius smiled and spoke up. "Joining Marine is indeed out of the question, but I do have some ideas that I'd like to discuss."

The elder with the tufted hair raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Well then, let's hear it. Don't hold back. For someone like you, we are always open to hearing new ideas and proposals."

Claudius hesitated for just a moment, then said, "I have a bit of an unconventional idea, one I think could be of great value to the World Government."

"Go on," the bald elder urged. "We have time today, and we're eager to hear your thoughts."

"Well," Claudius began, "I'd like to propose forming a new organization, or perhaps a new department."

The room quieted. "A new organization?" the bald elder asked, puzzled. "What exactly do you mean?"

"For now, let's call it 'CP-X.' It would be an offshoot of the current CP system but with a different focus."

Claudius could see he had their interest, so he pressed on. "As you all know, being a Celestial Dragon, I've had regular contact with the CP organizations. In fact, one of my trusted subordinates, Stussy, is a member of CP-0, though I've had her assigned to protect me personally now. Through this relationship, I've gained a deeper understanding of the CP's structure."

Seeing no objections yet, Claudius continued. "While Marine's main focus is to maintain stability across the seas, the CP agencies deal with matters that require more discretion, handling tasks that cannot be made public and protecting Celestial Dragons. But both Marine and the CP have their limits."

The bald elder nodded. "That's correct. So, what exactly do you have in mind for CP-X? Strengthening the current CP forces?"

Claudius shook his head. "Not quite. The CP organizations are already powerful enough. In fact, they might even overshadow Marine in some aspects, right Sengoku?"

Sengoku chuckled softly, nodding. "Yes, sometimes the CP can overstep, given their direct ties to the Celestial Dragons."

"Exactly," Claudius said. "My proposal is for CP-X to be independent of the CP system. It would act as a hidden backup plan for the World Government—an organization that operates in the shadows, capable of stepping in when neither Marine nor the CP can handle a situation."

The Five Elders exchanged glances. Sengoku and the elders both smiled at the idea, though Claudius could tell they weren't taking it too seriously. In their minds, a situation that both Marine and the CP couldn't resolve would be an extreme one, something beyond Claudius' reach. But still, they didn't dismiss his idea outright. He was a Celestial Dragon, after all, and for them, that meant he was trustwort.

The bald elder glanced around the room, reading the faces of his colleagues. Finally, he spoke. "It's good to see you thinking this way, Claudius. Young people like you should have ambitions, ideas that drive them forward. As your elders, we're happy to see you contributing to the World Government's future."

He paused, then added with a smile, "Your idea is a bit unconventional, but we're willing to give you a shot. We'll authorize the creation of this CP-X, and provide you with some initial resources—money, personnel, whatever you need to get started."

Claudius was delighted but stayed composed, nodding in thanks.

"However," the bald elder continued, "after that, you're on your own. We won't be lending you any more support beyond this initial investment. Whether you succeed or fail will depend entirely on your own efforts. Do you understand?"

Claudius smiled, the wheels in his mind already spinning with the possibilities. "I understand perfectly, and I'm grateful for the opportunity."

The elders exchanged a few more words, approving the idea without much concern. In their eyes, this was merely a small-scale experiment. If Claudius succeeded, great—it could serve the World Government well. If he failed, well, he'd learn a valuable lesson about ambition.

But Claudius saw it differently. To him, this was an opening, a chance to begin building something far larger and more powerful than they could imagine. This Pandora's box, he thought to himself, you've opened it yourselves.

Chapter 47: Deal

In Mariejois's arena, Crocodile was being firmly pinned to the ground by Claudius. After a few fruitless struggles, he finally gave up, panting heavily, though the look of defiance in his eyes remained. Still, he didn't curse or lash out further.

Seeing that Crocodile had stopped resisting, Claudius eased up, releasing his grip. Poor Crocodile, he thought, such a promising future ahead of you, but you were unlucky enough to cross paths with me. You haven't even raised your pirate flag, yet here you are, already captured. What a pitiful twist of fate.

Though Claudius was mentally poking fun at Crocodile's misfortune, he decided not to rub salt into the wound. Instead, he said, "Well, how about now? Even without using Shinsō or any of my weapons, just fighting you with my bare hands and Devil Fruit ability, you still couldn't win. Do you still think you had the upper hand back then?"

Crocodile swallowed his pride, sitting up slowly. "Fine," he muttered grudgingly, "I'll admit you're stronger than me. But let me make one thing clear, just because you're stronger doesn't mean I'll bow to you. If you think I'll become your obedient little slave, you're dreaming. You might as well kill me now because I swear I won't beg for my life."

Claudius found Crocodile's youthful bravado amusing. The future warlord and kingpin, once a proud teenager, now reduced to this. The same Crocodile who had no problem using dirty tactics or manipulating situations to his advantage in the future was here, full of honor and defiance.

"Oh, right," Claudius thought to himself with a smile, "Who wasn't a hot-headed teenager at some point?"

Crocodile, watching Claudius from the corner of his eye, was confused. This guy who couldn't be much older than him was speaking like some wise elder. They were practically the same age, yet their circumstances couldn't be more different. One was born into unimaginable wealth and privilege as a Celestial Dragon, while the other had been betrayed by his own captain. It didn't seem fair. Same age, both wielding Logia abilities, yet the gap between them was insurmountable.

Before Crocodile could sink too deeply into his thoughts, Claudius spoke again. "I told you from the start, putting the Celestial Dragon's hoof brand on you was just to save your life. I didn't brand you as a slave to humiliate or control you."

Crocodile's expression hardened. "That brand is humiliation. It's the mark of a slave," he said through clenched teeth.

Claudius chuckled. "You might even come to wear it with pride one day."

"Ha! Are you crazy?!" Crocodile spat, the anger in his voice unmistakable.

"Listen," Claudius said, his tone more serious now. "In my eyes, it's not a slave brand. I'm not the kind of person who enjoys controlling people like that."

Crocodile was taken aback. He could see in Claudius's eyes that the guy was being sincere, as odd as that sounded. But after a pause, Crocodile still retorted, "That may be true for you, but in the eyes of the world, it's a mark of slavery. That's the reality."

Claudius gave him a knowing smile. "Then change the world. Change the rules."

Crocodile blinked, stunned. "What? Change the world?"

"Why not? Who says I can't?" Claudius shrugged casually, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"You? Change the world?" Crocodile scoffed. "You're not ready for that. You're not strong enough."

Claudius chuckled again, but this time there was a hint of steel in his gaze. "You're right. For now, I'm not strong enough. But I'm young, I've got time. I have the ambition, and most importantly, I have the position to do it. You'll see. One day, I will change the world."

Crocodile stayed silent, clearly weighing his words. After a moment, Claudius added, "So, how about it? Will you help me build this future? Or are you content just sitting here, angry at the world?"

Crocodile eyed him warily. "Help you? That's just another way of asking me to serve you. How's that any different from being a slave?"

Claudius sighed. "This guy really won't budge, huh?" he thought.

After a moment, Claudius asked, "Alright then, what is it that you want?"

"Freedom," Crocodile replied instantly. "Let me go."

Claudius shook his head. "That's not happening. Do you have any idea how hard I worked to keep you alive? You haven't exactly earned your freedom. Do I look like I'm here to do charity work?"

Crocodile's defiance flared up again. "Then kill me."

Claudius chuckled. "You're really a stubborn one. Fine, let's compromise."

Crocodile's ears perked up. "Compromise?" he asked, trying to mask his interest.

Claudius smiled. "Every year, I'll give you one chance to challenge me. If you win, I'll let you go free and even grant you three requests whatever they are. But if you lose, you'll work under me, no complaints, for the rest of the year. I won't treat you as a slave, and no one else will either. In fact, as long as you don't openly reveal it, no one will know you're bound to me. How does that sound?"

Crocodile mulled it over. It wasn't freedom, but it was better than being treated like a dog. He was about to respond when Claudius's expression shifted, and his voice dropped into a warning tone. "Crocodile, I like you. But don't mistake that for weakness. I am a Celestial Dragon. Test my patience, and you'll find out what it truly means to suffer."

The room felt heavier, the atmosphere suffocating. Crocodile knew better than to push any further. After a moment of tense silence, he nodded. "Fine. Your terms are fair. But you have to promise not to suppress my growth or hold me back in any way."

Claudius smirked. "You really think you can beat me in a year, after the beating I just gave you?"

Crocodile's pride flared again. "Who do you think I am? I'm Crocodile. I'll be a legend one day."

Claudius chuckled. "That much is true. You'll definitely be known around the world, that's for sure."

Crocodile straightened up, a hint of pride returning to his posture. But before he could savor the moment, Claudius added with a grin, "Of course, it'll be under my banner. Everyone will know you as my Crocodile."

Crocodile glared but said nothing. His pride wouldn't allow him to argue back, not when the power gap between them was so glaring.

Claudius continued, "Good, we have a deal. And not only will I not suppress your growth, but I'll also make sure you have everything you need to improve. Whatever you need to get stronger, just ask. As long as it's within my reach, you'll have it."

Crocodile's eyes lit up slightly at that. If this Celestial Dragon was willing to provide him with resources, then he could use this time to get stronger, and then… who knows? A year was a long time. Maybe he'd rise far beyond Claudius's expectations.

Standing up and dusting himself off, Crocodile glanced at his bare torso. "I'll need a coat," he said, his voice quieter now. "To cover this damn mark."

Claudius, amused, waved to his butler, Nia. A moment later, Nia handed over one of Claudius's signature brown-black coats, lined with mink fur. Claudius tossed it to Crocodile without hesitation. "As long as you show your value, you can have whatever you want."

Crocodile threw the coat over his shoulders, covering the humiliating mark on his back. "So, what do you want me to do?" he asked.

"For now?" Claudius said, turning away with a casual wave. "You're not ready for any real tasks. Focus on getting stronger. We'll see how useful you are then."

Crocodile watched him walk away, a flicker of frustration in his eyes, but he kept quiet. Claudius had made it clear this was the deal. He'd have to play along, at least for now.

As Claudius left Nia, approached him with concern. "Your Highness, are you sure this is wise? He's a Logia user, after all. It would be easy for him to escape. Shouldn't we at least put a seastone collar on him?"

Crocodile's jaw tightened, hearing that. But Claudius, without looking back, waved the concern away. "No need for that. I believe in his word. If I'm wrong and he runs? Then I've misjudged him, and I won't want someone like that under me anyway."

Crocodile's eyes twitched at Claudius's nonchalant response, but he kept quiet, though the thought of escape was nowhere near his mind now. Claudius's words had a strange, unsettling effect. It wasn't fear, but rather a twisted sense of trust. Crocodile, for all his arrogance, could recognize sincerity when he saw it.

"I won't run," Crocodile said firmly, almost as if he was convincing himself. "A year. That's all I need to surpass you."

Claudius smiled, not turning around. "Good. I like your confidence.

Chapter 48: Authorizing the Formation of CP-X

Claudius and his group returned to their palace, and from a distance, they could already see Stussy waiting for them.

Walking up with a smile, Claudius asked, "Is everything settled?"

Stussy nodded and handed him a stack of documents. "All the authorizations are here. From today on, the World Government has officially established a new organization called 'CP-X.'"

She paused for a moment before adding with a smile, "I have to say, Your Highness, you really have a way with things. The Five Elders authorized CP-X as a completely new department, independent of both Naval Headquarters and the CP organization. Though it carries the 'CP' name, it's outside the authority of both the CP and the military high command. You can report directly to the Five Elders."

Her smile widened. "This essentially means, Your Highness, that you now hold a power on par with Naval Headquarters itself. It's really remarkable... Is this the influence of the Celestial Dragons?"

Claudius didn't seem particularly surprised, because this was exactly what he had requested from the Five Elders. He had known this was coming for a while now, so why act shocked?

Although Stussy had emphasized how powerful this new organization could be, Claudius knew better. Right now, CP-X was just an empty shell with no manpower or resources. No matter how much potential it had, without people to fill the ranks, it was meaningless.

The real challenge would be turning this potential into reality. If he could build CP-X into a strong and efficient force, then its creation would truly be something worth celebrating. Until then, there was no reason to get too excited.

That didn't stop Claudius from boasting a little. "What did you expect? I'm the Celestial Dragon most favored by the Five Elders. Naturally, I hold considerable power."

Stussy, knowing how Claudius liked to show off, didn't tease him. Instead, she played along, smiling as she said, "The more capable Your Highness is, the happier I'll be. After all, I've now been transferred from CP-0 to become the chief officer of CP-X."

Even though Claudius had requested a seemingly enormous power, the fact was that he currently had no one to fill the ranks of this new organization. The only people he could trust were Stussy and Nia. But Nia, while competent in her role, had no combat ability whatsoever and was mainly responsible for managing Claudius' daily affairs. She couldn't be expected to run CP-X. That left only Stussy, who was more than capable of taking on such a role.

Claudius patted Stussy on the shoulder. "Do your best. You'll find that this organization will offer you a much wider platform to show your talents than CP-0 ever could."

"I trust you completely, Your Highness," Stussy responded without hesitation.

Regardless of whether CP-X would succeed or fail, as long as she stayed close to Claudius, a Celestial Dragon favored by the Five Elders, Stussy knew she had everything to gain. And it didn't hurt that Claudius admired her abilities as well.

Loyalty to a strong and influential person, coupled with the promise of a bright future, made Stussy's choice clear.

Turning her gaze to Crocodile, who was sitting at the table devouring the food meant for Claudius, Stussy asked curiously, "It seems like you've already tamed that tough one?"

Crocodile, who no longer wore a slave collar, was eating like a starving man, with no sense of shame. Naturally, Stussy assumed Claudius had managed to bring him under control.

Claudius glanced at Crocodile, who seemed completely absorbed in the feast, and said, "Of course. I just had to shake my sleeve a little, and he came around. He's on our side now. Though he's still somewhat weak at the moment, his potential is good. I'll give him some time to grow stronger. Maybe one day he'll be able to handle something more important."

Crocodile grunted in dissatisfaction at Claudius' words but didn't argue.

Seeing this, Stussy didn't pursue the topic further. Instead, she shifted the conversation. "So, Your Highness, what's our next step with CP-X? The Five Elders have already given us a start-up capital of 500 million Berries."

Neither Stussy nor Nia, who had been with Claudius for a while now, was particularly impressed by the amount. In their world, such a sum wasn't anything special. However, Crocodile, who had known poverty, couldn't help but react.

"Five hundred million? That's a lot of money!" Crocodile exclaimed.

Nia shot him a disdainful look. "Five hundred million is nothing. His Highness' swords are worth 800 million each."

Crocodile looked at the two swords hanging from Claudius' waist in astonishment.

Claudius chuckled at Crocodile's awe and teased him, "What? Are you tempted by them?"

Crocodile hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "As valuable as they are, I don't know how to use a sword. It'd just be a waste in my hands."

"At least you know your limits. Don't worry stick with His Highness, and you won't be lacking in opportunities down the line," Nia said sharply.

Crocodile shot her a glare but quickly dismissed it, realizing there was no point in getting angry at someone who was essentially harmless.

Claudius laughed at the exchange. "Five hundred million, huh? It seems like the Five Elders don't have high hopes for me. Giving me that amount... it's almost like they're telling me to just have fun with it."

Before Stussy could respond, Claudius continued, "It's fine, though. I've been hoarding my own private funds over the years, and some of the gifts people have given me in the hopes of currying favor have been sold off. I've accumulated quite a bit. The only thing I lack now is people I can rely on."

"Do you want me to go out and find some capable individuals?" Stussy asked, already knowing that Claudius wasn't keen on recruiting from within the World Government.

Claudius shook his head. "No need for now. You can have the CP organization keep an eye on the seas for me. If anyone I've been interested in pops up, let me know. I'm not eager to wander the vast oceans, only to risk running into another Buster Call."

Stussy nodded. "Understood, Your Highness."

After a moment of thought, Claudius asked, "Nia, I remember that before we left Mariejois, a businessman named Umit gave me a sizable amount of money to curry favor. Do you remember that?"

Nia thought for a moment before replying, "Yes, Your Highness. Umit gave us one billion Berries as a 'donation,' hoping for protection for his business in Mariejois."

"What's his business again?" Claudius raised an eyebrow.

Niya, who had an excellent memory, immediately answered, "He's in the shipping industry. He wants to establish a foothold in Mariejois because, without Fishman Island, Mariejois is the major transit point between the Grand Line and the New World. Controlling the shipping routes here means controlling the flow of goods between both seas."

Claudius remembered now. Umit the name sounded familiar because, in the future, this man would become the king of shipping in the dark underworld, a very powerful figure. But at the moment, Umit was still trying to gain a foothold and hadn't secured the connections he needed.

"Seems like he might be a useful guy. At the very least, he could make some money for me. After all, if I want to strengthen CP-X, I'll need a lot of funds. And while I'm not exactly short of money, more is always better. Get in touch with Umit for me when you can. I want to have a conversation with him."

Claudius smiled, then added, "Oh, and tell him to bring another billion as a meeting gift. I'm not the same person I was before."

Back then, Claudius had been just another Celestial Dragon with no real power. But now, things had changed. He was no longer at the bottom of the hierarchy. He had the favor of the Five Elders, and that meant Umit needed to pay double if he wanted to secure Claudius' protection.

"Don't worry, Your Highness," Nia replied. "Even if you asked for two billion more, I'm sure Umit would gladly bring it."

Claudius smiled and said, "Alright, enough about that. Since I'm on the rise, I don't intend to let my cousin in the North Blue struggle alone. Go fetch my phone snail. I'm going to reach out to him. It's about time someone up top looked out for him."

Claudius grinned, clearly thinking highly of himself. "I've always got Doffy's back, haven't I? Let's reserve a high-ranking spot in CP-X for him, just in case."

As Nia went to get the phone, Claudius turned back to Stussy and said, "Stussy, you're a very capable woman. Keeping you by my side for all these years has held you back in some ways, hasn't it?"

Stussy looked surprised, then quickly responded, "It's an honor to serve you, Your Highness. How could there be any complaints?"

Claudius smiled and waved his hand. "Alright, alright. I know you're loyal to me, but that's not an excuse to keep you tied down. Stussy, I've built a much broader platform now, and I think it's time to let you stretch your wings and show what you're truly capable of. You've got strategy and talent, more than enough to handle greater responsibilities."

Chapter 49: Doflamingo is On Board!

Stussy had left Mariejois, setting out on the task Claudius had assigned to her. It wasn't anything too complicated; just a return to her "old business." Claudius had tasked her with establishing a force known as "Happy Street."

In the original timeline, had Claudius not intervened, Stussy would've likely received this assignment from CP-0 anyway. After all, as Claudius knew, this was the period during which the future heavyweights of the dark world were beginning to carve out their empires. Morgans, the bird-man, had already aligned himself with the World Government. Umit, as Claudius had recently learned, was starting his dealings in Mariejois. The others hadn't crossed his path yet, but Claudius had a sense that his cousin Doflamingo was also beginning to make his way into the underworld. It was all unfolding around the same time.

With the support of a Celestial Dragon like Claudius, he was confident that Stussy's development wouldn't lag behind her original trajectory. In a few years, "Happy Street" would undoubtedly rise to become a major intelligence power in the dark world. By then, CP-X would have no real weakness when it came to information gathering.

Meanwhile, in North Blue, the young Doflamingo was also expanding the reach of his Donquixote Family.

Although Doflamingo was only fourteen, he was cruel and ruthless in his actions. His subordinates, many of them considerably powerful, had already declared their loyalty to him as their king. His reputation in the dark world was steadily growing.

On his ship, Doflamingo sat listening to a report from one of his lieutenants. Despite his youth and somewhat immature appearance, there was a certain gravitas to the way he carried himself. He was already showing signs of being a future kingpin.

"Young Master," Trebol, the man who looked like a slug, reported, "I've gathered some intel on the leader of Germa 66. His name is Vinsmoke Judge. He was a wanted man not too long ago, but somehow, he's returned to Germa 66 and taken over as their new leader. What's strange is that, despite being a fugitive, Germa 66 is now recognized as one of the World Government's allied nations. They don't have a fixed territory, but they still enjoy the privileges of a member nation. Even Vinsmoke Judge's wanted status has been lifted."

Doflamingo frowned, clearly puzzled. He didn't understand how things had changed so drastically.

North Blue didn't have many big players, and his Donquixote Family had been flourishing in the region. Whenever they encountered trouble, they could always use the backing of his cousin Claudius, a Celestial Dragon. Most people wouldn't dare provoke the Donquixote Family.

But recently, this organization called "Germa 66" had emerged. Though technically an organization, it flew the flag of a World Government-affiliated nation, which made things tricky. Doflamingo couldn't just go up against them head-on, so he had to investigate them carefully.

Though some intel had been gathered, Doflamingo still couldn't piece it all together. How had this Vinsmoke Judge, once a wanted man, become a king?

Doflamingo found the situation frustrating. He wasn't yet powerful enough to openly challenge a member nation of the World Government. Germa 66's affiliation forced him to tread carefully in any competition with them.

Just as Doflamingo was mulling over the issue, the phone snail on the table beside him began to ring.

Doflamingo turned his head, and upon seeing the caller, his frustrated expression instantly vanished. A grin spread across his face as he quietly muttered, "It's him."

Trebol, observing his young master's joy, couldn't help but feel a bit helpless. While Doflamingo was exceptionally capable, he relied on his cousin a little too much. Whenever he encountered difficulties, his first instinct was to consult Claudius. Though it was a little strange to them, none of his subordinates dared to comment on it. After all, they knew very well Doflamingo's cousin was none other than a true Celestial Dragon!

Fortunately, this cousin of his had always treated Doflamingo well, helping him and his family on many occasions. And despite Doflamingo's occasional reliance on his cousin, he had grown into a sharp decision-maker on his own.

Picking up the phone snail, Doflamingo greeted enthusiastically, "Cousin! I read the papers. I heard you had quite the clash in the New World and even managed to injure the legendary pirate Golden Lion, Shiki! That's incredible!"

Claudius chuckled on the other end. "It wasn't as dramatic as the papers made it seem. They exaggerated things a bit. How are you, Doffy?"

Doflamingo shared a few details about his family's expansion, mentioning how they were making steady inroads into the dark world.

After chatting for a while, Doflamingo hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Cousin, you're on Mariejois, so your intel is probably more reliable than mine. I've got something I need your help with. Could you check it out for me?"

Claudius smiled. "Of course. What's going on? Let's hear it."

"It's about this organization called 'Germa 66' that's recently popped up in North Blue. The leader's name is Vinsmoke Judge. It's strange because not too long ago, this guy was wanted by the World Government. But suddenly, he's become a king of a member nation. We think Germa 66 might also be getting involved in the dark world, but we don't know if they're going to be a friend or a foe. Could you look into them for me?"

Claudius paused for a moment, recognizing the name. "Vinsmoke Judge, huh?" He thought for a moment before asking, "Are they using those massive snail ships?"

Doflamingo immediately replied, "Yes, their floating base is called the 'War House'..."

Claudius laughed. "Well, I happen to know a bit about this. Let me fill you in."

Doflamingo's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward with excitement. "Cousin, you're amazing!"

Claudius chuckled before continuing, "Vinsmoke Judge is a top-tier scientist. Based on the info you gave me and what I already know, I'd bet he was part of a private scientific team alongside Dr. Vegapunk. Their research was so dangerous that the World Government couldn't just leave them to their own devices. They wanted to bring the whole team under their control and form a Marine science division. Vegapunk has already been taken in and is now leading that division. But Judge managed to escape with some of their research and is now back in Germa."

Doflamingo was stunned. "A scientist? And he's also a king?"

"Yes, Judge's background is decent he's a prince from the Germa Kingdom. Based on what you've told me, it sounds like he's managed to elevate himself to king. But because Germa 66 is technically a World Government member nation now, the government won't take any drastic actions against them. That's probably why their status has shifted so much," Claudius explained.

The details clicked into place in Claudius' mind. Though his knowledge of the Marine science division and Vegapunk was limited, he had pieced together enough from Doflamingo's intel. His deductions weren't far off the mark Vegapunk had indeed been forcibly brought into the World Government's service not too long ago. Now, he led the newly formed Marine science division.

Doflamingo, still processing the information, said, "So he's that powerful? A scientist?"

"Yes. From what I know, even though Germa 66 is an allied nation, they aren't exactly liked by the World Government. In the distant past, the Vinsmoke family ruled North Blue with military force, which made the World Government wary of them. The Vinsmokes have been trying to get the World Government to give them a fixed territory, but so far, that request hasn't been approved. And you're right they are looking to move into the dark world. They plan to sell 'war' and operate as mercenaries."

Claudius had just laid out the Vinsmoke family's entire background for Doflamingo.

Doflamingo took a moment to process all of this before responding, "So, they're not really on good terms with the World Government?"

"That's right," Claudius confirmed.

"In that case, they might not be enemies. In fact, we might be able to work with them. If they're selling war, I could benefit from that maybe even branch into the arms trade," Doflamingo mused.

Claudius was impressed. His cousin was only fourteen, yet he was already showing sharp business instincts. He had a strategic mind.

"You're not wrong, Dover," Claudius said, amused. "They might not be enemies. And speaking of business, I've got a proposition for you. I've recently gained the trust of the Five Elders, and they've authorized me to establish an organization called CP-X..."

Claudius went on to explain the details of CP-X and what he had in mind.

Doflamingo listened carefully, then exclaimed, "That's incredible, Cousin!"

"As my cousin, I'd like to invite you and your Donquixote family to join CP-X. What do you think? I see it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. You're already making moves on your end, and when it comes to business, this could serve as a protective cover, making everything seem legitimate."

Doflamingo didn't hesitate for a second. After all, the Donquixote family wasn't a major power yet more like a small seedling still growing. As his cousin had pointed out, this partnership would give him more freedom to take bold actions.

Using the World Government's banner to bolster his own strength, while secretly plotting to eliminate those arrogant Celestial Dragons sitting high above… wasn't that a thrilling thought?

"Cousin, since you've invited me, of course I'll agree," Doflamingo said without delay.

"Hahaha, that's what I expected from my younger brother. That's all I wanted to say. If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out," Claudius said lightly.

Chapter 50: Retirement

In the middle of the Sea Circle Calendar year 1497, largely unnoticed by the world, a new organization called Happy Street began to emerge and expand within the underworld. Meanwhile, Umit had essentially taken control of the shipping business in Mariejois.

This small ripple, like a butterfly flapping its wings, might seem insignificant now, but could lead to major changes in the future.

Inside the grand palace of Mariejois, Claudius sat leisurely in a rocking chair, engrossed in a book. His butler, Nia, entered the study holding an account ledger.

Hearing the door open, Claudius glanced up and smiled at Nia.

Nia returned the smile and said, "I saw Crocodile storming out earlier. Did he upset you again, Your Highness?"

"Me? No, not at all. I'm far too generous for that. It's just that he lost to me again during our morning training, and instead of closing the gap between us, it seems to have widened. He's been sulking all day."

Claudius chuckled softly.

Nia, clearly not surprised, shrugged. "Crocodile might be skilled, but how could he compare to you, Your Highness? Of course he lost."

"Working for free, is he? He should be ashamed," Nia continued with a snicker. "You've fed him, given him drink, even let him study Zephyr's teachings without charge, and he still dares to challenge you. If he loses, it's only what he deserves."

Claudius smiled again. "Young talents need proper nurturing. Let him struggle now. One day, he might grow into someone worth my attention."

Changing the topic, Nia placed the ledger on Claudius' desk. "Your Highness, this is Umit's account book for the year. As per our agreement, he's given us 30% of his profits. That's about four billion Berries."

"Not bad," Claudius nodded, though he didn't bother looking at the ledger. He trusted Nia completely when it came to finances.

Though Umit had aligned himself with Claudius, Claudius never fully trusted the man. Umit was ambitious, and Claudius sensed that deep down. So, he didn't bring Umit into CP-X or any of his inner circles. Instead, he just demanded 30% of Umit's business profits annually no negotiation.

Claudius had noticed Umit's reluctance, but as a powerful Celestial Dragon, and with the backing of the Five Elders, Claudius could shut down Umit's business with a mere word. Umit had no choice but to comply.

"Any issues with the account?" Claudius asked.

"No discrepancies. The numbers check out," Nia replied.

"Good. Split it in half. Send one half to Stussy, and keep the rest for emergencies. Umit might be obedient now, but we can't be too sure about the future."

Nia then asked, "Would you prefer to replace him? After all, someone like him can be swapped out any time."

Claudius shook his head. "Not yet. He's competent enough for now. Once his business grows large enough, and I find someone more reliable, I'll take both him and his empire in one stroke."

Seeing that Claudius had no further plans for Umit at the moment, Nia moved on. "There's news from the Sabaody Archipelago Roger's crew has been spotted there again."

"Roger, huh?" Claudius mused, a smile playing on his lips. "This might be the last time they enter the New World."

By mid-1497, Claudius knew that in about a year and a half, Roger would find the final island, Raftel, and become the Pirate King a title that would threaten the World Government. Afterward, Roger would disband his crew, marry in South Blue, and then, with his health failing, surrender to the Marines. His execution in East Blue's Loguetown would mark the start of the Great Pirate Era.

"Did Garp catch them?" Claudius asked.

"No, unfortunately. Garp Vice Admiral is currently in the New World. Roger's crew has been spotted in a tavern in the lawless area," Nia replied.

"A tavern? Could it be Shakky's Rip-off Bar?" Claudius asked, raising an eyebrow.

Nia was surprised. "How did you know, Your Highness?"

Claudius chuckled. "That place is a little famous for more than just its drinks. Some people fall in love there, you know?"

If memory served, that tavern was where Silvers Rayleigh and Shakky started their romance. Rayleigh would later retire in Sabaody and live there with Shakky.

Nia smiled, though a bit confused. "I get the feeling you're always particularly interested in news about Roger's crew, Your Highness. Why is that?"

Claudius laughed heartily. "Roger was the first pirate bold enough to invite me aboard his ship. Besides, I've got a feeling that they'll do something truly world-shaking soon."

"Regardless, Your Highness, you should prepare. Zephyr will be arriving shortly to see you," Nia informed him.

"See me? Why?"

"I heard there was an attack on Marineford's residential area by a group of pirates. Zephyr's family was caught up in it."

Marineford, the headquarters of the Navy, housed not only Marine officers but also their families. Recently, a group of pirates had the audacity to attack the living quarters, causing a huge scandal and embarrassing the Navy.

Zephyr's family was one of the targets, but Claudius had made arrangements years ago to station CP-0 operatives in Marineford. Thanks to their protection, Zephyr's family was unharmed.

Zephyr, having discovered that Claudius had secretly protected his family, was now coming to thank him personally.

After putting the pieces together, Claudius nodded thoughtfully. "Zephyr's visit is timely. I had something I wanted to ask him anyway, particularly about the Marine Science Unit."

"The Science Unit? Why are you interested in them, Your Highness?" Nia asked, curious.

Claudius smirked. "Well, as head of CP-X, I rank the same as the leaders of the CP organizations, the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, and others. I'm not directly under any military command, but cooperation is only natural. Marine's science division might have some interesting projects, don't you think? At the very least, I'm curious to see if there's anything that could enhance the power of the Marsh-Marsh Fruit."

Not long after, Zephyr arrived at the gates of the palace. Nia went out to greet him, and soon he was escorted to Claudius.

Claudius hadn't seen Zephyr in some time, but upon seeing him, he smiled warmly. "Zephyr, it's been a while."

Zephyr strode over quickly and grabbed Claudius by the arm, his expression sincere. "Your Highness, thank you. If it weren't for you, I don't know what might have happened to my family."

Claudius waved him off casually. "No need for thanks, Zephyr. I barely remember making those arrangements."

"Even so, Your Highness, you saved their lives. I owe you a great debt," Zephyr said, his tone serious.

After exchanging more pleasantries, the two sat down. Claudius, always quick with a jest, said, "Zephyr, I must say, you've been a bit negligent this time. Isn't today rather important?"

Zephyr blinked, confused. "Important? Is today a special day?"

Claudius stared at him. "You don't know? Roger's crew is in Sabaody Archipelago right now. Aren't you planning to capture them?"

Zephyr chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, Your Highness, you're not aware. I've already resigned from my position in the Marines."

"Resigned?" Claudius was genuinely surprised. "You're leaving the Navy?"

"Not entirely. I'm stepping down from the position of Admiral. Recent events have made me reflect deeply. I'm no longer suited for the responsibilities of an Admiral, especially in these turbulent times. I think it's better for me to retire from active duty and focus on training the next generation of Marines," Zephyr explained with a calm smile.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 51: Famous Swordsman

After chatting for a short while, food was ready, and Claudius invited Zephyr Admiral to join him for dinner. Zephyr didn't hesitate to accept the offer.

Typically, Claudius dined with Nia. At first, Nia had found it difficult to relax during these meals, but over time she had grown accustomed to the routine. However, when guests were present, she reverted to her more formal duties, standing behind Claudius and assisting him as needed pouring drinks or attending to minor tasks.

Claudius didn't pay much attention to Nia's formalities, instead continuing his conversation with Zephyr.

"From what I see, the situation on the seas will only worsen over the next couple of years. Zephyr, is it really a good time for you to step down? The Marines will be down two Admirals. Doesn't that leave the Navy vulnerable?" Claudius asked casually between bites of food.

Zephyr didn't hold back. He knew Claudius well by now, and their relationship was close enough that formalities were unnecessary.

After swallowing a mouthful of food, Zephyr chuckled. "As expected, the food here is top-notch."

He paused for a moment before continuing. "You're right, Your Highness. The situation is definitely growing worse, especially with the pirates in the New World becoming more restless. Once they start moving, it stirs up every scoundrel across the seas. Take that attack on Marineford, for example. I've been in the Marines for decades, and it was the first time I'd ever seen pirates dare to attack our base directly."

Claudius laughed quietly. It was something he could never have predicted either, despite his knowledge of the future.

Zephyr then added, "But while things are deteriorating, my stepping down doesn't necessarily affect me. As for the Admiral vacancies, I was anxious about it at first, but the more I think about it, the less it matters. There's always Garp, even if he refuses the Admiral title no one would dare look down on him. And just because I'm no longer an Admiral doesn't mean I can't still fight when Marine needs me. It's just a title."

Claudius understood that, despite Zephyr's nonchalant attitude, losing an Admiral would still affect the Navy's presence on the seas, particularly during the coming Great Pirate Era. The Marines at full strength might have deterred some of the rising pirate captains. But then again, the truly dangerous ones wouldn't be stopped by mere titles.

Claudius shrugged inwardly. If Zephyr wanted to step down, it wasn't his place to argue.

"Since you're stepping down, it won't be proper to call you Admiral anymore. From now on, how about I call you Teacher Zephyr?" Claudius said with a smile.

Zephyr smiled warmly in return. "It would be an honor to be called Teacher by someone as remarkable as you, Your Highness."

"Haha, then I offer my congratulations, Teacher Zephyr. May you enjoy your retirement from the frontlines, and may you continue to shape the next generation of Marines," Claudius said, raising his glass in a toast.

The two clinked glasses and drank, their conversation shifting to lighter topics about the state of the sea and its ever-shifting tides.

"Oh, right," Zephyr suddenly remembered. "You once asked me to keep an eye out for some up-and-coming figures on the seas, didn't you? Well, I've recently come across one of them."

Claudius leaned in, intrigued. "Who?"

"A young swordsman by the name of Dracule Mihawk. I believe that's one of the names you mentioned?"

Claudius's eyes lit up with interest. "That's the one. Where is he now?"

Zephyr shook his head with a wry smile. "That, I don't know. His movements are hard to track. He's taken up the pirate mantle, but oddly enough, he roams alone."

Most pirates gathered crews to bolster their influence, even if they didn't rely heavily on them. Even the legendary Roger Pirates had a small but elite crew. But Mihawk was different. He sailed the seas solo, rarely causing trouble or following any clear purpose. It was as if he was simply drifting wherever the wind carried him.

Because of this, Mihawk was notoriously difficult to locate.

"A lone wolf, huh? That makes it a real challenge to track him down," Claudius muttered, shaking his head. He had even sent people to search for Mihawk on Kuraigana Island but had come up empty-handed. The swordsman was elusive.

"Well, he's been challenging swordsmen wherever he goes. Don't be too surprised if he ends up challenging you one of these days," Zephyr said with a chuckle.

Claudius laughed at the thought. "Me? I'm no swordsman, Zephyr. I don't plan on relying on a blade for the rest of my life."

"That may be," Zephyr said with a knowing grin, "but word on the sea is that you've earned a reputation among swordsmen, whether you like it or not."

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about, teacher?"

"You may not realize it, but after your fight with Shiki, you left quite an impression. Shiki may be a notorious pirate, but among swordsmen, he's also highly respected. The fact that you gave him that scar has spread. Now, many young swordsmen know of you, and they see you as a formidable opponent. If Mihawk's going around challenging the best swordsmen, don't be surprised if he shows up at your doorstep one day."

Claudius blinked in surprise. "All that from just a single strike? I never expected to be labeled as a swordsman after that."

He had only slashed Shiki in a moment of desperation, using whatever was available. He never thought it would earn him a place in the swordsmen's hall of fame. Then again, the truth of that battle wasn't widely known. Few had witnessed it, and those who did had little reason to broadcast the details. It wasn't as though Shiki would go around bragging about a loss.

"So now I'm a famous swordsman, huh? If Mihawk really does come looking for a fight, at least it'll save me the trouble of hunting him down," Claudius said with a laugh.

Zephyr nodded. "Just don't underestimate him. He's been taking down some well-known swordsmen lately."

"Hah! If someone like me can be mistaken for a swordsman, it's no wonder Mihawk's been able to carve his way through the ranks," Claudius joked, but there was a serious undertone to his words. "Don't worry, I won't underestimate him."

Satisfied with Claudius's understanding, Zephyr said no more on the subject. "As long as you're prepared."

The conversation drifted back to other topics. Zephyr eventually mentioned, "As for the other people you asked me to watch out for, I haven't heard any news yet. Maybe they haven't appeared yet, or maybe they're keeping a low profile."

Claudius shrugged. "No rush. We'll see them eventually."

Initially, Claudius had planned to ask Zephyr about the Navy's Science Division, but now that Zephyr was stepping down, he didn't want to burden him with work-related questions. He could always ask Sengoku or another high-ranking officer later.

After chatting for a while longer, Zephyr brought up another subject. "I heard you're quite interested in Sky Island, is that true?"

Claudius blinked in surprise. "Yes, I am. From what I've gathered, the World Government has a way to reach Sky Island, don't they?"

In his memories, Sky Island was typically reached by catching the unpredictable Knock-Up Stream, but Claudius knew there had to be other methods.

Zephyr nodded. "Yes, there's an upward weather current in the West Blue that leads to Sky Island. However, it's extremely dangerous. Out of a hundred people who try, maybe a handful make it. That's why we rarely use that route."

Claudius nodded in understanding. "So, there's still a way. But judging from your tone, it sounds like you have more to say?"

Zephyr smiled. "Indeed, there is more. Vice Admiral Tsuru will soon be leading a Marine warship to Sky Island. This would be her fourth trip. If you're truly determined to visit, I figured this might be a safer option for you than braving the soaring currents."

Claudius grinned. "Teacher, you really do know me well. If I had made up my mind, I'd go even if it meant riding the currents. But I appreciate the suggestion. I think I'll take you up on it."

Zephyr chuckled. "I thought as much."

Chapter 52: One Of The Strongest Devil Fruit

In this world, there are three types of seas: the Blue Sea, the White Sea, and the White-White Sea.

The Blue Sea refers to the ocean most people are familiar with, which includes the Four Blues (East Blue, West Blue, North Blue, and South Blue), the Grand Line, and the Calm Belt. Above the Blue Sea, however, lie two more mysterious oceans: the White Sea and the White-White Sea.

The White Sea is located approximately 7,000 meters above the Blue Sea, while the White-White Sea is even higher, around 10,000 meters above sea level.

Sky Island, also known as Skypiea, is a well-known location within the White-White Sea, floating at an altitude of 10,000 meters. Though it is real, many people on the Blue Sea consider it to be just a legend or myth due to its inaccessibility.

Sky Island remains shrouded in mystery because the World Government rarely intervenes in matters concerning these high-altitude seas. While some of the more powerful pirates and seasoned adventurers in the New World are aware of its existence, the general populace tends to dismiss it as mere folklore.

Most ordinary folk and weaker pirates dismiss Sky Island as a mere fantasy, a tale spun by the sea's dreamers. Meanwhile, those who know the truth—the world's elites—are too disinterested to bother correcting them. As a result, the phrase "Sky Island is just a myth" has become the dominant belief among the masses.

Now, high above West Blue at 10,000 meters, Crocodile stood aboard a Marine warship, gazing at the vast, cloud-like expanse of the White-White Sea with awe. Despite having set foot on the sea of clouds, the experience still felt surreal to him.

"I've heard stories about the White-White Sea and Sky Island, but I always thought it was just a joke or a legend. I never expected there to be such a miraculous place above the sky," Crocodile muttered, his voice full of wonder.

Claudius, standing beside him, chuckled. "Hahahaha, people's dreams never end, Crocodile. This world is full of surprises. Your old captain didn't tell you that Sky Island is real?"

Crocodile shot him a glance, shaking his head. "No, I didn't spend long with the John Pirates. I was mostly in hiding, trying to avoid the Golden Lion. Didn't have time to ask about things like that."

"Is that so? Then you were running with the wrong crowd. But now that you're with me, your world is only going to get bigger," Claudius said confidently, smiling.

Under different circumstances, Crocodile might have snapped back with a sarcastic retort, but standing here, gazing out at the endless sea of clouds, he couldn't bring himself to argue. The sight was simply too overwhelming. After a moment, he nodded slightly, his eyes filled with complex emotions. "A bigger world... maybe."

"It's not a maybe. It's a certainty," Claudius said firmly. He paused before asking, "How are you feeling? Better?"

Crocodile took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "Much better. At first, I was short of breath, but now I'm used to it."

"That means your body's adapted well. You're getting stronger, worthy of the man who costs me hundreds of millions of Berries a year," Claudius joked with a grin.

Crocodile scowled at him. "The investment you've made in me will be repaid twice over in the future."

"Good to hear, hahaha," Claudius laughed.

Because the White-White Sea sits at such a high altitude, the air is much thinner than at sea level. Most people suffer from altitude sickness when they first arrive, struggling to breathe. Crocodile had felt the effects earlier, but now seemed to have adjusted. Claudius, being a Logia user with control over gases, felt nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, it almost felt like his element was more in tune with this place.

Not long after discussing Sky Island with Zephyr, Claudius had decided to join Tsuru on her mission to Sky Island. Opportunities to visit the sky were rare, ships to the White-White Sea were dispatched only every few years, and relying on the chaotic upward currents was too risky to consider. So, when this chance came, Claudius didn't hesitate to seize it.

Now, here he was, sailing through the sky with Vice Admiral Tsuru and her crew.

Tsuru, a seasoned veteran of Sky Island expeditions, navigated the dangerous currents with practiced ease. Though they lost over a dozen Marine soldiers during the ascent, the majority of the crew made it safely to the White-White Sea.

Claudius had wisely left Nia, behind on this trip. Nia, while loyal, was completely defenseless and would have been more of a liability. Instead, he brought Crocodile along, hoping the experience would open the younger man's eyes and prepare him for the future.

Tsuru was here on an official mission for the World Government. With the upcoming World Summit in two and a half years, the government was looking to strengthen its alliances, particularly as the seas were growing more chaotic. They had already scoured the blue seas for potential allies, but there were limits to what they could find there. So, they had turned their gaze upward, toward Sky Island, hoping to recruit new member nations and harness the Sky Islanders' unique "shell technology."

Contrary to popular belief, Sky Island wasn't just one place. There were several islands in the White-White Sea, including Angel Island and Birka, the latter being the home of the infamous Enel. Even Kaido had once attempted suicide by jumping from one of the Sky Islands.

But Claudius wasn't interested in politics or alliances. He was here for something far more important: the Thunder Fruit.

Yes, Claudius knew how clichéd it sounded. But clichés aside, the Thunder Fruit was no joke. It was widely considered one of the strongest Devil Fruits in existence. Some even called it the most powerful Logia fruit, and possibly the strongest Devil Fruit of all.

When Claudius had first arrived in this world, one of his greatest regrets was that his predecessor had squandered the opportunity to gain a truly powerful ability. The Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit, while impressive, had been wasted due to the original Claudius's ignorance. If Claudius had the chance, he would have much preferred to seek out the Thunder Fruit, an ability capable of devastating entire islands.

As Claudius was lost in thought, Crocodile stood at the edge of the deck, captivated by the surreal sight of the sea of clouds. Claudius, meanwhile, had grown bored of the view and was about to head back to his cabin when a crisp voice called out from behind him.

"What are you staring at?"

Claudius turned, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Just admiring the view. Why?"

The speaker was a tall, strikingly beautiful woman. It was none other than Gion, the Marine swordswoman Claudius had crossed paths with back at Marineford.

Gion had matured since their last encounter. She now bore the rank of Vice Admiral and carried herself with a more refined presence.

"Back then, I really thought you were just a member of the CP organization. I never expected you to be a Celestial Dragon. This trip to the White-White Sea is dangerous why would someone of your status take such a risk?" Gion asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Claudius smiled and shrugged. "I am part of the CP organization, don't forget. I'm the leader of CP-X, directly reporting to the Five Elders. In terms of administrative rank, I'm equal to the Fleet Admiral. As for being a Celestial Dragon, no one ever asked me if I wanted the title."

Gion raised an eyebrow. Claudius's behavior was certainly far removed from what anyone expected of a Celestial Dragon. Who had ever heard of a Celestial Dragon risking their life, let alone for something as trivial as adventure?

"Come on, we both know CP-X is just a figurehead organization. It might sound impressive, but it's all bark and no bite. You're using it as a cover, aren't you?" Gion said, a smirk tugging at her lips.

Claudius chuckled, not bothered by her words. "You're not entirely wrong. CP-X is still in its infancy. That's why I'm here to hunt for treasure."

"Treasure? On Sky Island? You mean the dials?" Gion asked, puzzled.

Claudius shook his head, his grin widening. "I'm here for something far more valuable. I'm after the Logia Thunder Fruit, the strongest Devil Fruit in existence. Rumor has it that the Thunder Fruit is here on Sky Island. Once I get my hands on it, I'll train someone who'll rival even you, Gion. That's why I'm willing to take the risk."

Gion's eyes widened in surprise. "The Thunder Fruit? How do you know it's here? Marine has been searching for that fruit for years, and there's been no sign of it. The last time it was seen was over two hundred years ago."

Marine had always prioritized finding powerful Logia fruits to strengthen their ranks, especially after the emergence of monsters like Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino. Yet, despite their best efforts, they had never been able to locate the elusive Thunder Fruit.

Claudius smirked. "Who do you think I am? I'm Don Quixote Claudius. This is a secret of my family, passed down for generations. Not many people know about it."

Chapter 53: Stop it, He’s Still a Child!

After two days of drifting through the vast expanse of the White Sea, the Marine warship finally arrived at a Sky Island known as Birka.

"This wasn't our original first stop, but we made an exception to accommodate you, Your Highness," Tsuru said with a smile as she stood on the deck beside Claudius.

Back in her youth, Tsuru had been known as one of the most beautiful women in the Marines. Claudius figured even now, old man Sengoku probably still harbored a soft spot for her.

But time spares no one, and the beauty of youth had given way to the marks of age. Tsuru's face was now lined with wrinkles, yet her aura of wisdom remained undiminished. If anything, it had only deepened with time, making her presence feel like that of a wise elder.

"Hahaha, I really appreciate it, Sister Tsuru," Claudius replied with a grin.

Despite the age difference, Gion and Tsuru had a close relationship, often referring to each other as sisters. Claudius, not wanting to be left behind in terms of seniority, had shamelessly adopted the same habit, calling Tsuru "Sister" as well.

Though it might have seemed cheeky, Tsuru appeared pleased with the title, her gaze toward Claudius becoming softer and more affectionate.

"If you're really thankful, Your Highness, how about sharing the secret of the Thunder Fruit with me?" Tsuru teased, her eyes twinkling.

Claudius laughed and shook his head. "Ah, I'm afraid not. I'm quite the miser when it comes to that. The Thunder Fruit is crucial to CP-X's future, so I can't just hand that secret over, even to you, Sister Tsuru. Besides, doesn't the Marine already have enough on its plate? Why steal this from me?"

Tsuru chuckled at his response, shaking her head. "Sengoku and Zephyr always say how generous you are, but it turns out you're quite stingy."

"Well, if you're interested, I do have a Marsh-Marsh Fruit on hand. It's a Logia fruit too. How about I offer that to you?" Claudius offered playfully, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Tsuru waved him off with a laugh. "No thanks, that fruit's a bit too… unsightly. Besides, I was just joking. No one here would dare compete with a Celestial Dragon for anything."

With the conversation drifting to lighter banter, Claudius and the rest of the group disembarked from the warship.

Birka's port wasn't anything special, a rather ordinary and quiet place. It was clear that the island wasn't particularly prosperous, and the locals weren't exactly rolling out the red carpet for the Marines. In fact, they seemed indifferent to their arrival, perhaps because they'd seen the Marines before or had long been aware of their existence.

Tsuru mentioned she was going to meet the island's leader, known here as the "god." Unlike the rest of the world, where leaders were called kings or rulers, on Sky Island, the title "god" was reserved for those in charge.

"God? If they don't change that title, I doubt they'll be joining the World Government anytime soon," Claudius muttered. "While I couldn't care less, my people the Celestial Dragons are very particular about that name. In this world, only a Celestial Dragon can be called a god."

Tsuru sighed, clearly sharing the sentiment. "Yes, that's been a major sticking point in our negotiations. The path to Sky Island is dangerous, and the World Government has considered wiping out these self-proclaimed gods more than once."

Claudius nodded. "Still, we're here now. Let's hope they're a bit more reasonable this time around."

The conversation turned to lighter matters, but Claudius remained focused on his primary goal: finding the Thunder Fruit. He knew it was somewhere on Birka, but he didn't have any concrete leads.

"Could it be that Enel has already eaten it?" Claudius mused to himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

In his memories, Enel destroyed Birka around 1504 and went on to rule Angel Island. Given the timing, it seemed likely that Enel had already acquired the Thunder Fruit before his conquest of Birka. After all, how else would he have had the strength to wipe out an entire island?

As these thoughts swirled in Claudius's mind, the group ventured deeper into Birka. Both Crocodile and Gion, who were visiting Sky Island for the first time, were fascinated by the people with wings, asking questions about the locals' origins and customs.

Claudius, however, wasn't interested in providing a history lesson. He knew most Sky Islanders were descendants of the Lunarians, but that wasn't what concerned him. His thoughts were still preoccupied with how to locate the Thunder Fruit.

"If worse comes to worst, I'll just turn this whole island upside down," Claudius thought to himself. Birka wasn't that large—it wouldn't take too long to search the entire place.

Just then, a sharp cry broke through the air. Claudius and his companions turned to see a priest or what passed for one on Sky Island whipping a small, frail figure in the distance. The boy, no older than seven or eight, was covered in bruises and blood, his bare feet slipping in the dirt as he struggled to stay upright.

"You worthless wingless brat!" the priest spat, cracking the whip again. "Weren't you acting all high and mighty before? Now look at you powerless! Filthy creatures like you should learn their place as slaves!"

"What's a wingless man?" Crocodile asked, glancing at Claudius. However, he quickly noticed that Claudius's gaze was locked onto the child, his eyes glowing with sudden intensity.

Tsuru, sensing the tension, answered, "Wingless men are those without the characteristic wings of Sky Islanders. They might be the descendants of outsiders who found their way here, or even people like us who came from Blue Sea. They're treated as inferiors, little more than slaves."

"So, they look down on us too, huh?" Crocodile frowned.

"Yes," Tsuru replied, her tone resigned. "I've visited Sky Island four times, and each time they made it clear how little they think of us."

"Then why bother negotiating with them? Doesn't seem like they'd ever agree to join the World Government," Crocodile remarked.

"You try diplomacy first," Tsuru said with a sigh. "And if that fails… well, there are always other methods."

Crocodile chuckled dryly. "Looks like even the Marines don't have it easy."

But before he could say more, Claudius suddenly shouted, his voice ringing out across the square.

"Stop! He's still a child!" Claudius roared.

Before anyone could react, Claudius raised his hand. The priest who had been whipping the boy suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest, as if something had struck him. With a loud thud, the priest was flung backward, crashing into the wall behind him.

Everyone froze in shock. Crocodile's jaw dropped. Even the Marines who had accompanied them were left speechless. Since when did a Celestial Dragon care so much about a random child? Weren't they the ones usually causing trouble, not stopping it?

But Claudius wasn't paying attention to their reactions. His heart was racing. He recognized that child. Those long earlobes, that wingless body—it was unmistakable. This kid was none other than Enel!

And from what the priest had said, "You can't use your power," Claudius realized something even more important. Enel was wearing seastone shackles around his ankles. That meant he had already eaten the Thunder Fruit but hadn't yet mastered its full potential.

"Enel's already eaten the Thunder Fruit… and he's just a kid?" Claudius thought, his mind racing. Enel was currently nothing more than a slave on Birka, but he would eventually break free and return with a vengeance, destroying the island. That act of destruction had seemed so out of character, but now Claudius understood. This kid had suffered immensely, and when he gained the power to fight back, he unleashed all his pent-up rage on those who had wronged him.

But now that Claudius had found Enel, he wasn't going to let him slip through his fingers. He had no intention of walking away from Sky Island empty-handed. If Enel already had the Thunder Fruit, then Claudius would just take the boy himself.

Yes, Enel had the potential to be a powerful ally. His natural Observation Haki was exceptional, and with the Thunder Fruit, he could monitor entire islands. His arrogance in the future would be his downfall, but Claudius could see how to mold him. Trained properly, with the right guidance, Enel could easily reach an Admiral-level of strength, perhaps even more.

Best of all, Enel was still young. There was plenty of time to shape him into something formidable. The Sky Islanders had no idea what a treasure they had in their midst, and that ignorance would be their undoing.

"I didn't expect to find you like this, but no matter.

Without wasting a moment, Claudius rushed forward, catching the stumbling Enel before he fell to the ground.

Gently, Claudius supported the young Enel, his voice soft and comforting as he spoke. "Are you alright? These bastards are truly despicable, treating a child like this. Don't worry, from now on, I'll take care of you. No one will ever lay a hand on you again."

Enel, still in shock, blinked up at Claudius, utterly confused by the sudden turn of events. He had no idea why this man, a complete stranger, was helping him, but for the first time in a long while, it felt like someone was on his side.

Just as Claudius finished speaking, the priest who had been whipping Enel managed to stagger to his feet. His face contorted with rage as he snarled, "Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you interfere in Birka's affairs? I serve directly under the god of this island! And you, a filthy wingless outsider, dare to strike me?"

Before he could finish his tirade, Claudius's expression darkened. His gaze sharpened, and his voice turned cold. "Strike you? No, I'll do more than that. And remember this well your executioner is none other than Donquixote Claudius, one of the most noble Celestial Dragons in the world. Don't forget that name as you descend into hell."

As Claudius spoke, a burst of white vapor erupted from his body, swiftly enveloping the priest. In an instant, the vapor solidified, encasing the man in a deadly frost. The priest, now frozen from head to toe, stood rigid, his body locked in a fatal embrace with death. With a light tap, his ice-covered form shattered into pieces, leaving nothing but frozen remnants behind.

Chapter 54: Massacre the City!

Of course, Claudius had no intention of leaving that guy intact. After freezing him into an ice sculpture, Claudius casually tapped his scabbard against the man's chest. A crisp *crack* echoed, and in an instant, the guy shattered into countless pieces. The ground was covered in broken shards, and not a single drop of blood could be seen.

Seeing this, Gion was visibly surprised and muttered, "Ice powers? Is this like Kuzan's ice?"

Kuzan, the wielder of the Logia-type Frozen Fruit, was well-known for his ice abilities. Watching Claudius freeze a man to pieces with just a gesture, Gion couldn't help but be taken aback.

Vice Admiral Tsuru, however, narrowed her eyes and studied the remains. "No, this isn't Kuzan's ice. Kuzan's power freezes people solid, but this... this is far more lethal. His ability seems different from Kuzan's, but I'm not sure how."

Though Tsuru didn't fully understand it, she was right. Kuzan's ability freezes the exterior, encasing people in ice, but it doesn't usually kill them instantly—strong individuals like Whitebeard or Doflamingo could even break free from it.

Claudius's freezing power, on the other hand, worked differently. His liquid nitrogen froze from the inside out, rapidly absorbing all the surrounding heat, making it far more deadly. The result? A person reduced to fragile shards with no chance of survival.

However, while Claudius's ability was more lethal, it had its limitations. His freezing wasn't as fast as Kuzan's. Kuzan could freeze an entire sea in the blink of an eye, while Claudius couldn't. Kuzan could also control the degree of freezing, even leaving someone alive after being encased in ice. Claudius's liquid nitrogen had no such control—once it was used, the damage was irreversible, with no possibility of melting someone back to life.

As the realization of what had just happened settled in, panic spread among the remaining people of Birka. One woman, her voice trembling with fear, screamed, "Demons! These wingless people are demons! They killed the envoy! Somebody, kill them!"

Claudius stood there, holding the boy Enel in one hand, his expression thoughtful. He murmured, "It's true… no snowflake in an avalanche feels responsible."

If Enel had experienced even a sliver of warmth or kindness during the darkest moments of his life, perhaps he wouldn't grow up to resent and destroy all of Birka in the future. But the cruelty of the priests and the onlookers had darkened his heart beyond repair.

Before Claudius could dwell further on his thoughts, a few of the remaining priests reacted, their anger boiling over. One of them, face twisted with fury, raised his hand and fired a shot at Claudius.

"No! Protect His Highness!" Tsuru's voice rang out sharply.

The bullet passed right through Claudius, leaving him unharmed thanks to his elementalized body. But now, this situation was no longer just a case of casual retaliation, it had escalated into something far more serious.

"Damn it," Tsuru muttered, knowing exactly what this meant. Marines quickly moved to form a protective circle around Claudius.

Claudius glanced at the bullet hole left in the wall behind him, a wicked smile creeping across his face. "Vice Admiral Tsuru, what do you think?"

Though Tsuru's expression remained one of frustration, she couldn't ignore the shift in tone. Claudius had stopped calling her "Sister Tsuru" and had reverted to her formal title of "Vice Admiral." She understood immediately what that meant.

With a sigh, Tsuru nodded. "These fools dared to attack a Celestial Dragon. That's a crime punishable by death."

Claudius smirked. Tsuru's words gave him the justification he needed. Even if what he had done earlier was seen as protecting himself, shooting at a Celestial Dragon—no matter the outcome was an unforgivable offense.

"Hmph, exactly. These bastards had the audacity to shoot at me. In the name of Claudius, I condemn them to death!" Claudius declared coldly.

Before anyone could react, Claudius's voice boomed across the crowd. "I am Donquixote Claudius, the noblest of Celestial Dragons, a descendant of the Creator, a god among men. You wretched fools dared to slander me, call me a 'wingless demon,' and even fired upon me. There is no forgiveness. In my name, I sentence all of Birka to death!"

The people of Birka stared at him, confused. While they had some knowledge of the world below, they had little understanding of what it meant to defy a Celestial Dragon. But they were about to learn the hard way.

Tsuru's expression shifted, but in the end, she said nothing. Claudius had given them no choice. These people had brought this upon themselves when they cursed and attacked him. There was no turning back now.

Claudius raised his arm, stretching it toward the sky, and quietly muttered, "Death Field—God's Punishment."

As his words echoed in the air, Tsuru couldn't see any visible change, though she felt a strange gust of wind pass by. More importantly, she sensed an overwhelming surge of energy radiating from Claudius.

"What kind of power is this?" Tsuru muttered, frowning.

Before she could figure it out, the people standing five meters beyond the Marines began clutching their throats, gasping for air. Their faces flushed red as they struggled to breathe, collapsing to the ground in agony.

This invisible force spread outward in waves, sweeping across the city. Ten meters, fifty meters, a hundred meters… No one could escape. The panic spread, but it was futile. The people who tried to run away fell just as quickly as those who stood frozen in fear, their bodies writhing as the life was choked out of them.

Gion, watching in horror, muttered, "What… what is this power?"

Even the birds in the sky were not spared. One by one, they dropped like stones, as if death itself had taken hold of everything in the area.

Crocodile, who had been observing from the side, glanced at Claudius. "God's punishment, huh?"

Indeed, this was Claudius's ultimate move his version of an island-destroying technique. As a Logia user, he had to have an attack on par with the destructive powers of other top-tier Logia users like Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Kizaru. While their powers were flashy and devastating, Claudius's approach was more subtle, yet equally deadly. His attack suffocated everything in its path, draining the air and life from any living being that relied on oxygen.

Within moments, the once-bustling city of Birka was deathly silent. No birds chirped, no animals stirred. The people, animals, and even insects had been wiped out by suffocation. The entire island had fallen under the weight of Claudius's power.

While Tsuru felt a pang of guilt for the lives lost, she couldn't say she objected. Defending Celestial Dragons was one of the Marines' highest responsibilities. Birka had made itself an enemy of the World Government, and in that context, they had done what was necessary.

Besides, she thought, Marines have done worse with Buster Calls.

"Your Highness," Tsuru began hesitantly, "now that the city is gone, I suppose our mission is a failure."

Claudius, glancing at the lifeless island, shrugged. "Maybe, but I have a feeling that when we reach the next island, they'll be more willing to talk. Especially after hearing about what happened to Birka."

Tsuru couldn't argue with that logic. What was done was done.

"Oh, by the way," Claudius added with a sly grin, "I'm sure Birka has some valuable resources lying around. It would be a shame to leave it all behind. Let's nationalize it, shall we? Hahaha!"

Crocodile shot Claudius a sideways glance. "You sound more like a pirate than a noble."

Claudius laughed. "What? If they hadn't provoked me, I wouldn't have bothered with them. Consider this the price they paid for their arrogance. Besides, if we take their resources, it strengthens us and helps protect the seas. It's all in the name of peace, after all."

To say something so self-serving right after wiping out an island… Only someone as brazen as Claudius could do that with a straight face.

Tsuru smiled wryly. "His Highness has a point. Originally, we came to explore Sky Island technology. Let's not waste the opportunity. Gion, search the temple."

"Understood!" Gion replied, immediately heading off to follow Claudius's orders.

Before she left, though, she hesitated and asked, "It's safe to go out now, right?"

Claudius chuckled. "Don't worry. My power's dissipated, but the air might still be a little thin for a bit. Give it some time, and everything will return to normal."

With that reassurance, Gion left to carry out the search.

Claudius turned his attention to the young boy still in his arms, smiling gently. "So, kid, what's your name?"

The boy, Enel, looked up at him with wide eyes. Though he didn't fully understand what had happened, one thing was clear—this man had saved him from the people who had tormented him his entire life. To others, Claudius might have seemed like a demon, but to Enel, he was an angel sent from the gods to deliver him from his suffering.

"My name is Enel," the boy whispered, his voice barely audible.

Claudius smiled warmly. "Enel, huh? A strong name. Well, Enel, you're with me now."

Chapter 55: Not Compatible with New World?

Sailing on the seas can be incredibly time-consuming. After Claudius and his crew took a warship to the West Blue and then made their way from there to the White Sea above the sky, several months had already passed. In that time, they had visited several other Sky Islands.

By the end of 1497 on the Sea Circle Calendar, the Sky Island expedition of Claudius and his group was finally coming to an end.

Getting to Sky Island had been difficult, but descending was much easier. Using a balloon octopus, they wrapped the ship, and much like a hot air balloon, they "jumped" down from the sky safely into the Blue Sea.

Aboard the warship, Vice Admiral Tsuru sighed with some regret. "In the end, the mission failed. I was prepared for it, but it's still disappointing."

That was right. After they annihilated Birka, Vice Admiral Tsuru had led the group to visit a few more Sky Islands. Claudius had been particularly curious about Angel Island, but they failed to reach it. The other Sky Islands they visited were also unwilling to join the World Government, despite their fear of what had happened to Birka.

While Tsuru regretted the outcome, Claudius wasn't particularly surprised. To be fair, Sky Island was somewhat of a "paradise." Whatever happened down below didn't affect them much.

Why would they join the World Government? Seek protection? From what? They had no enemies, and the Marines couldn't exactly send a lot of forces up there to protect them if something did happen.

It would just feel like they were paying a pointless protection fee. Joining the World Government wouldn't give them any benefits, only the obligation to pay taxes. Why would they want that?

Claudius smiled and turned to Tsuru. "Still, it wasn't a wasted trip. We managed to gather some of Birka's Sky Island technologies, right? Though we only have enough special shells to arm a small unit for now, it's a start."

Tsuru nodded. "Yes, but it's a pity we only brought one warship. If we had an entire fleet, we could have evacuated all of Birka's resources and created a fully armed special unit."

Claudius laughed. "Imagine what we could've done if we had more ships. Those power shells would be invaluable for naval battles, especially when boarding enemy ships or landing on beaches."

Tsuru smiled but quickly caught herself. "I almost forgot we're Marines. For a moment, I felt like a pirate thinking that way."

"Hahaha! Didn't it sound like that?" Claudius joked.

They exchanged a few more words before Tsuru's expression shifted to something more serious. "But I think the greatest gain from this trip wasn't technology. It was that boy, Enel. I didn't expect Your Highness to have such a kind moment, rescuing a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, no less. And he turned out to be the wielder of the Thunder Fruit. If I'd known that, I would've acted first!"

Tsuru, who had been with Claudius the entire time, knew full well that he had no reason to know that the boy had such a powerful fruit ability when he saved him. She assumed Claudius had just been feeling particularly generous at that moment, and by sheer luck, he had stumbled upon a treasure.

Little did she know that Claudius, with his knowledge of the future, had specifically targeted Enel. If it had been anyone else, Claudius likely wouldn't have bothered. After all, he wasn't someone who went around saving everyone.

But that wasn't something he could explain, so Claudius just smirked and said, "Ah, see? Good deeds are rewarded! It looks like I'll need to do more in the future. Do a good deed, and you're bound to gain something from it!"

Tsuru chuckled but couldn't help thinking to herself, "If 'good deeds' for Claudius involve wiping out entire islands, the sea might not survive another year of him."

After a moment, Tsuru's expression turned serious again. "Your Highness, this Enel boy is still young. Perhaps it would be best to send him to Marine training. I can guarantee that we'd use the best resources to train him. With his abilities, he could easily become an Admiral one day. It's a bright and promising future for him."

Claudius immediately waved her off, cutting her off mid-sentence. "Sister Tsuru, stop trying to steal my treasure. That's not happening."

He then grinned mischievously. "The whole reason I took the risk of going to Sky Island was to find the Thunder Fruit. I didn't find the fruit, but I found the boy who possesses it, so my goal is achieved. Enel will be a great asset to me. I know what resources Marine can offer him, but don't worry, my CP-X will provide just as much, if not more. He'll be one of my trump cards in the future, so I'm not handing him over to you."

Tsuru's expression showed clear frustration. The Thunder Fruit was one of the strongest Logia-type fruits, and Enel was still a blank slate. If they trained him within Marine, he would become a powerful and loyal force for the government.

"Your Highness," Tsuru said, trying again, "as a Celestial Dragon, don't you think that by entrusting Enel to Marine, you'd be serving your own interests as well? Marine is here to serve you, after all. With him on our side, we could stabilize the seas more effectively. Surely we can discuss this?"

But Claudius shook his head again, still grinning. "Nope. This is non-negotiable. Besides, you've seen how close Enel is to me. He wouldn't want to join Marine anyway. Forcing him would be pointless."

"Who cares if it's not sweet? It'll still quench the thirst," Tsuru muttered under her breath, clearly annoyed.

But seeing how adamant Claudius was, she finally gave up. With anyone else, she might have been more forceful, but Claudius was Celestial Dragon royalty. Who would dare take something from him?

"It's a shame," Tsuru sighed. "Both you and Enel would be great assets to Marine. If only you were on our side, the seas would be much safer."

Just as Tsuru lamented the situation, Gion approached. "Vice Admiral Tsuru, we're approaching the edge of the White Sea."

"Good. Let's prepare for the descent," Tsuru nodded. "According to the map, the New World waters should be below us. It's not too far from the Red Line, so this is the quickest route back to Mariejois."

While they had ascended to Sky Island from the West Blue, they were now descending into the New World.

Claudius left the preparations to the professionals. He had little experience with sailing and no expertise in navigation. This was a job best left to the Marines.

Soon enough, the warship was securely wrapped in the balloon octopus, and they began their descent from the White Sea. Claudius couldn't help but feel the rush of excitement as they plunged through the sky.

"When we get back to Mariejois, the first thing I'm doing is soaking in a nice, hot bath," Claudius said, his voice a little shaky from the adrenaline.

Tsuru, standing next to him, was about to respond when she noticed something strange. Following Claudius's gaze, her eyes widened in horror.

It wasn't just her—Gion, too, was frozen in place, her face pale with fear. Panic quickly spread throughout the warship.

A massive storm was forming in the sky, not far from their position. Worse yet, it was moving directly toward them.

"Are you kidding me?!" Claudius cursed. "I made a joke about taking a bath, and now this storm shows up like a death flag?!"

Encountering a storm in the New World was dangerous enough, but to hit one in the air was practically a death sentence.

Claudius couldn't help but feel cursed. His past experiences in the New World hadn't exactly been smooth. The first time, he'd been shipwrecked and killed in a conspiracy, only to be revived in this new body. The second time, he had eaten his way into trouble during a Buster Call mission. And now, the third time he came to the New World, he was staring down a giant storm while still mid-air.

"Does the New World just hate me?" Claudius muttered.

Tsuru, too, was stunned. She had descended from Sky Island four or five times before and had never encountered a storm in this area. This region, surrounded by Spring Islands, was known for its stable climate. How could they have been so unlucky?

The storm grew fiercer, and the balloon octopus began to wobble, the air inside it swirling violently. It even started to shrink a bit.

"Shouldn't it be expanding in the storm?" Claudius grumbled, then quickly took action. Raising his hand, he unleashed a surge of nitrogen, filling the balloon octopus to stabilize it.

"If this keeps up, the storm's going to tear the warship apart!" Tsuru shouted, quickly assessing the situation. Desperate, she turned to Crocodile. "Crocodile, use your sand to encase the entire ship and create a protective wall. It's our only shot!"

At this point, it wasn't about strength—it was about survival. Tsuru, being a Paramecia user, couldn't do much against a storm of this magnitude, but Crocodile's abilities could provide some protection.

Without hesitation, Crocodile activated his powers. Yellow sand poured from his body, wrapping around the entire warship. In moments, the ship was encased in a thick protective barrier of sand.

From the outside, it looked like the balloon octopus was floating through the sky, carrying a massive sandball.

Not long after Crocodile's sand enveloped the ship, the storm fully hit them. The warship shook violently, the fierce winds trying to tear it apart. If Crocodile hadn't anchored the balloon octopus to the ship with his sand, it would've been blown away by now.

Inside the sand shell, Tsuru breathed a slight sigh of relief, but her expression remained grim. "This storm is only going to get worse. Even if we survive it, we have no idea where it will take us."

Claudius could do nothing but shake his head, resigned to the situation. "At this point, it's all up to fate."

What Claudius didn't know was that this storm was steering their warship, which was already on the brink of destruction, toward a mysterious and unexpected location: the sea of Edd War

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 56: The Battle of Edd War!

At Marine Headquarters, Marineford, inside Kong's office, Garp was currently enduring one of his lectures.

"The intelligence has been confirmed: The Golden Lion Shiki ambushed the Roger Pirates near the waters of Edd War. Given the timeline, they're probably already fighting as we speak. This isn't the time to sit around talking. We need to head to the New World immediately. That's all."

Garp, who was picking at his ear, responded uncomfortably.

"The Roger Pirates and Shiki's Flying Pirates don't get along. The two groups are bound to wear each other down. While it's unlikely the Marines can intervene in the middle of their battle, we still need to make our way to the New World. We don't know how this fight will end. Shiki may be powerful, but Roger is no pushover. If Shiki loses, we might be able to swoop in and deal with the aftermath, just like we did with the last major pirates Ochoku and John."

Kong understood the rationale and didn't argue further on the topic. Instead, he switched gears and said, "Sengoku has already been dispatched to deal with Shiki and Roger. Garp, we need to talk about you."

Garp immediately began to zone out.

"Zephyr has stepped down as Marine Admiral, leaving Sengoku as the sole Admiral. This has left a significant gap in our top command structure. You need to step up, Garp. The Marines need the full power of all three Admirals. When will you take responsibility and accept the promotion to Admiral?"

Before Kong could finish his sentence, Garp stood up, waved dismissively, and walked out of the office, grinning carelessly. "I didn't make Zephyr step down, so why are you telling me all this? I'm not going to be an Admiral."

"Hey! Garp! You bastard, get back here! I haven't finished talking!" Kong shouted angrily, but Garp just laughed as he shut the door behind him.

"Hahaha! Even though you didn't finish, I already heard enough!" Garp yelled back with a big smile.

"That damn bastard…" Kong cursed under his breath before laughing helplessly. There was nothing he could do about Garp. The man was just too stubborn. Hitting him wouldn't work—he was too strong. And scolding him? Garp's skin was thicker than the walls of Marineford.

After leaving the office, Garp began preparing to head for the New World to see what would happen at Edd War. Kuzan and the others, who had been waiting outside, followed him. Kuzan, smiling, said, "Hey, Mr. Garp, that was pretty cool of you to reject Fleet Admiral Kong's promotion order like that."

"Hahaha! Becoming an Admiral would just tie me down. I don't want to lose my freedom. Besides, we don't have time for that nonsense right now. If we don't hurry, Sengoku will have already taken care of everything!" Garp laughed.

At the same time, Vice Admiral Saul, a giant of Marine Headquarters, yawned. "Can't this sea take a break? I just got back from a mission."

Kuzan looked over at Saul, asking curiously, "By the way, I heard you've been working with CP-9 lately. Is that true?"

Saul nodded. "Yeah, I caught a group of scholars. Those guys had nothing better to do than study ancient texts. Don't they realize that's a crime punishable by death? It's hard to understand why they'd risk their lives over something like that."

At this point in time, Saul had not yet met Robin's mother, Nico Olvia, so he hadn't begun to question the justice of the World Government. He simply followed orders, believing in their righteousness. After all, the World Government had repeatedly emphasized the prohibition of studying ancient texts. From a legal standpoint, these scholars were criminals, and it was Marine's duty to arrest criminals. Saul didn't think twice about it.

As they chatted, Garp and the others arrived at the port. There, they saw Sengoku already on board a warship with Borsalino and the rest of his unit, ready to set sail.

Leaning against the railing on the deck, Sengoku noticed Garp and his crew approaching. His casual expression shifted into a frown. "Garp, wasn't Kong talking to you? Shiki's already my responsibility. Don't meddle."

Garp waved dismissively. "Ah, don't worry. I'm just here to join the fun. I'll leave the credit to you."

"Damn it, Garp, you know that's not what I meant!" Sengoku grumbled.

The two of them often bantered like this. If Vice Admiral Tsuru were present, Garp would have probably hitched a ride on her ship, but since she wasn't around, he boarded his own ship with Kuzan and the others, setting off to join Sengoku's fleet in the New World.

Meanwhile, in the waters of Edd War, the Oro Jackson, flagship of the Roger Pirates, found itself surrounded by Shiki's fleet of flying ships.

"This is really bad. Shiki isn't someone who can be reasoned with, and now we're blocked right when we got a lead on the Poneglyphs," Rayleigh said with a sigh, standing on the deck as he looked up at the massive flying ships overhead.

Over ten years ago, Roger's crew had discovered the pseudo-final island, Lodestar Island, where they learned that another island Raftel was the true final destination. To reach Raftel, they needed four Road Poneglyphs. Ever since, Roger's crew had been scouring the world for the Road Poneglyphs, but most of what they found were only historical Poneglyphs, which, while valuable, didn't help in their quest.

This time, they had learned that Charlotte Linlin Big Mom possessed one of the Road Poneglyphs, and Roger was planning to steal it. Yes, steal it, not fight for it. It wasn't that Roger was afraid of Big Mom; he just didn't see the point in wasting time. Time, for Roger, was incredibly precious. His plan was to sneak in, steal the Poneglyph, and get out.

But before they could even set sail for Totto Land, Shiki had shown up with his fleet. The timing couldn't have been worse. If they couldn't avoid this fight, they might not survive to continue their quest for Raftel.

Shiki's reasons for confronting Roger were simple. Since the Battle of God Valley, Shiki had admired Roger, believing him to be someone capable of achieving great things. For years, Shiki had persistently tried to persuade Roger to join forces with him. Despite Shiki's pride, he was willing to lower himself, not to ask for Roger's surrender, but to propose an equal partnership.

But Roger was as elusive as ever. The Marines couldn't catch him, and neither could Shiki. This time, however, Shiki had Roger cornered, and he wasn't planning to leave without an answer. If Roger refused to cooperate, Shiki intended to eliminate him once and for all.

Shiki had also recently learned something crucial: the Roger Pirates had uncovered the whereabouts of an Ancient Weapon. This information wasn't false. Over the years, the Roger Pirates had gathered countless historical texts, even visiting Sky Island. They had come across many hidden secrets from the Void Century, including information about the Ancient Weapons.

Roger, however, had no interest in using the Ancient Weapons. His only goal was to explore the world and find Raftel before his time ran out. But Shiki wasn't so passive. He was a conqueror with grand ambitions. If he knew the location of an Ancient Weapon, he'd seize it and use it to dominate the world.

Shiki wrongly assumed that Roger's scattered, small crew meant they were after the Ancient Weapons. He believed Roger was quietly gathering power. So when he stopped Roger's ship this time, he had two plans in mind.

Plan A: Roger would agree to cooperate. With Roger's knowledge of the Ancient Weapons and Shiki's military might, they would conquer the world together. Shiki was even willing to share power equally with Roger no tricks, no deception. He admired Roger that much.

Plan B: If Roger refused, Shiki would bury the Roger Pirates at Edd War, eliminating the one man who could stand in his way.

As Shiki looked at the Roger Pirates, surrounded by his fleet, he let out a hearty laugh. "Jihahahaha! Roger, it's been a while. Finally, I've caught up with you!"

Roger, unfazed, laughed back. "Ahahahaha! Shiki! Good to see you. What happened to your face? Don't tell me you let a Celestial Dragon take you down."

Shiki's expression darkened at the mention of his old wound. The incident had been a stain on his pride, and he didn't appreciate Roger bringing it up.

With a snort, Shiki responded, "Enough with the jokes, Roger. You know why I'm here."

"Yeah, it's about your ridiculous ambitions, isn't it?" Roger said bluntly.

"That's right," Shiki confirmed. "I know you have the knowledge of the Ancient Weapons. So, I'm going to ask you one last time: Will you join forces with me? With your brains and my military power, the world will be ours in no time. I swear on my name, Golden Lion, that I'll share the world equally with you!"

Shiki's offer was made with absolute sincerity.

But before Roger could respond, Shiki's tone shifted, becoming cold and threatening. "Of course, if you refuse… then Edd War will become the graveyard of the Roger Pirates. What do you say, Roger?"

Chapter 57: Shiki: What the Hell is This?

Before Roger could even respond, Buggy, the trainee idol, blurted out in panic, "Captain Roger, why don't we just agree to his terms for now? It's a huge gamble, but we can always look for a chance to escape later!"

"Hahahaha, Buggy, are you scared?" Shanks teased with a laugh.

Both Shanks and Buggy were interns aboard Roger's ship. Unlike the overly cautious Buggy, Shanks had an adventurous spirit and welcomed any opportunity for excitement. Even with Shiki showing up at their doorstep, he wasn't afraid in the slightest.

"Shanks, that's the Golden Lion Shiki we're talking about! That guy's ruthless; he'd even kill his own men if it suited him. We don't have as many people as he does, so help me convince the captain!" Buggy urged, his voice trembling.

"What's there to be afraid of? It's not like you're gonna get hacked to pieces," Shanks replied nonchalantly.

"You bastard! Who do you think caused me to end up like this in the first place?!" Buggy snapped, momentarily forgetting about Shiki as his rage at Shanks took over. The two immediately began bickering, paying no mind to the imminent danger.

Seeing his young apprentices' spirited behavior, Roger couldn't help but laugh heartily. Then, turning to Shiki, he shouted, "Listen up, Shiki! I, Gol D. Roger, have never done anything that goes against my principles or makes me regret in my entire life. Your ambitions, as grand as they may be, seem utterly boring to me. So, I'm turning you down!"

As soon as Roger finished speaking, Shiki's eyes narrowed, and his presence became overwhelming. The aura of the Golden Lion, with all its arrogant majesty, began to spill out. He bit down on his cigar and spoke in a menacing tone, "So, you've made your choice. Are you saying I should kill you right here and now?"

Roger's lips curled into a grin as he shook his head. He drew his saber from his waist, letting out a bold laugh. "No, Shiki. I'm saying I'm going to crush you here and now!"

Shiki's expression darkened. He sighed, almost as if he felt sorry for Roger's decision. Then, putting away his thoughts of recruiting talent, he unsheathed his own blade, Oto and Kogarashi, and pointed them at Roger. "Fine then. Let's settle this once and for all, Roger!"

"Just what I wanted, Shiki!" Roger bellowed back.

In an instant, the two unleashed their Conqueror's Haki, the powerful clash tearing through the calm sea. The ocean churned violently, and the sky itself seemed to crack open, as if the very world was splitting apart.

The previously tranquil waters around Edd War erupted into a scene of chaos, a battlefield befitting demons.

Shiki's vast fleet opened fire, unleashing a barrage of cannon fire in an attempt to sink Roger's ship. Swordsmen and devil fruit users began launching attacks from the decks.

Not one to back down, Roger stepped forward and raised his saber. Infusing it with powerful Armament Haki, he unleashed a devastating slash, shouting, "Divine Departure!"

Shiki's eyes gleamed with a fierce light, and he immediately coated his blade in Haki, turning it into a 'black blade.' Without retreating, he swung back to meet Roger's strike, roaring, "Lion's Threat!"

The two legendary strikes collided with such force that the air itself seemed to fracture, leaving cracks in the sky. The impact of their blows signaled the start of the Battle of Edd War, a fight that would shape the course of history on the seas.

Meanwhile, aboard a Marine ship caught in the storm's fury, Claudius was vomiting uncontrollably for the third time. He wasn't alone; for hours now, everyone on the ship had been sick, even Gion, the beautiful swordswoman, who clung to the deck's railing while repeatedly retching.

Many of the crew were already at their limit, barely holding on amidst the constant dizziness and lurching of the ship. The only thing keeping the situation from being even more disgusting was Crocodile's ability to sweep away the mess with his sand powers. Even so, his face had turned pale—not just from vomiting himself, but from the strain of continuously fortifying the sand barrier against the storm's relentless assault.

As a Logia user, Crocodile had a vast reserve of stamina. Though he couldn't match monsters like Kuzan and Sakazuki, who could fight for days on end, he was still determined to grit his teeth and hold on for as long as it took.

Claudius gripped the mast with one hand and said weakly, "If this keeps up, we're all dead. We need to lower our altitude. If we can make it down to sea level, we'll stand a better chance."

"Lower the altitude? How are we supposed to do that?" Gion asked, her voice trembling as she held on to the railing.

"We need more weight! Crocodile, can you add more sand?" Claudius asked urgently.

Crocodile paused, seemingly calculating the risks. After a moment, he responded, "I can do it, but the time I can maintain this barrier will be cut short. If I run out of strength before we reach the surface, we're definitely done for."

"If we keep floating like this, who knows how many days it'll be before the storm dies down? We won't last that long. It's better to take a gamble now. If we can force a landing, we'll have a much better chance," Claudius said, clenching his teeth.

Though hesitant, Crocodile saw the logic in Claudius's plan. On the other hand, Vice Admiral Tsuru, looking equally pale, chimed in, "His Highness is right. If we continue as we are, we'll just be prolonging our deaths. We have to take a chance!"

The young Enel, clutching Claudius's leg, was utterly despairing. He had finally escaped from Birka only to face death again in this brutal storm, without ever getting to see the wider world Claudius had spoken of.

With most of the crew in agreement, Crocodile steeled himself and shouted, "Fine, then! If we're going down, let's go down swinging! I refuse to be outdone by you stubborn bastards! If I'm going to die alongside you damned Celestial Dragons, then so be it!"

As Crocodile increased the flow of sand, the balloon octopus keeping the ship aloft started to struggle. Gradually, the vessel began its slow descent. The tension was palpable as Claudius and the others clung to the hope that they could make it.

An hour passed, then two. With every effort from Crocodile, the ship drew closer to the turbulent sea below. His face grew paler by the minute, his strength almost completely drained.

"I can't keep this up for much longer. We didn't make it all the way down. Prepare yourselves to be torn apart by the storm!" Crocodile shouted, his voice filled with frustration. "Damn it! To think I, Crocodile, will die here before even making a name for myself. What a joke!"

Claudius leaned against the mast, despair etched on his face. "Damn it all! I haven't even begun to carve my name into history! I haven't seen any of the great heroes of this era yet… I can't die here!"

"Do you really want to be the strongest?" Gion asked with a faint smile as she clung to the railing.

"On these seas, isn't that what every man should aspire to? What's wrong with wanting to be the strongest?" Claudius answered, his smile bitter.

"Nothing at all," she replied. "It's just odd to hear it coming from a Celestial Dragon. I never thought I'd end up dying alongside one of you."

Claudius chuckled. "What's there to complain about? I'm a Celestial Dragon; plenty of people would kill for the chance to be buried with me. But, I have to admit, having a beauty like you for company on the way to the underworld isn't the worst way to go."

Meanwhile, out over the storm-tossed waters of Edd War, Shiki hovered in disbelief, grumbling to himself. "What the hell? Didn't they say there wouldn't be any storms for the next few days? Those damn weather forecasters…!"

Before confronting Roger, Shiki had ensured his meteorologists had checked the weather forecasts thoroughly. Yet here they were, right in the middle of a fierce storm. It was as if fate was mocking him, undermining all the effort he had put in to corner Roger.

"Damn it all!" he shouted in frustration. "Roger, you're not getting away that easily! Storm or not, I won't let anyone take victory from the Golden Lion—not the weather, not the sea!"

But Roger was already taking advantage of the chaos. With the storm giving him cover, his ship, the Oro Jackson, tore through the encirclement. Seeing his opportunity, Roger laughed heartily. "Ahahahahahaha Shiki, fate seems to be on my side today. If you don't withdraw now, it'll be too late!"

Despite their strength, naval battles were not Roger's forte compared to men like Whitebeard or Shiki, especially since Shiki's mobility in battle was unparalleled. Roger knew they might withstand a fight for a few days, but in the end, defeat was inevitable. Yet fate had other plans. Just hours into the confrontation, the sudden appearance of a storm had turned the tide. Roger couldn't help but feel that destiny was favoring him today.

Shiki, seeing Roger's smug expression, was furious. But before he could give the order to retreat, a massive ball of sand appeared in the storm, seemingly out of nowhere, hurtling straight toward his fleet.

"What the hell is this?!" Shiki shouted, bewildered and alarmed.

"Could this be some kind of divine punishment?" he thought for a split second as the massive sand ball barreled towards his ship.

In the next moment, the enormous mass of sand smashed directly into Shiki's gigantic flying vessel, causing chaos to erupt throughout his fleet.

Chapter 58: On Shiki’s Face?

The violent collision and the storm's fury tore apart Shiki's massive flagship in an instant. The rudder on the deck was also shattered, as if by fate itself. With a fierce impact, it slammed into Shiki's head.

In the chaos, Shiki didn't immediately realize what had happened. All he felt was a sharp pain in his head, and blood began streaming down, turning his once golden mane into a blood-soaked mess.

Before he could make sense of it, the shattered debris and sand engulfed him. In his daze, Shiki thought he saw the remnants of a broken warship?

Meanwhile, Claudius and his crew, trapped inside a ball of sand, couldn't see the outside. Based on their calculations, they hadn't fallen all the way to sea level yet, but the sudden jolt from a violent impact left them rattled.

"Did we crash into a mountain? If that's the case, we might still be alive," Claudius thought briefly.

As the thought crossed his mind, another powerful impact sent him flying. The sturdy warship they'd been on was instantly shattered.

The sand cocoon burst apart, and Claudius regained his vision. To his surprise, they hadn't hit a mountain, they'd crashed into a ship.

Swept along with the yellow sand, Claudius felt himself propelled towards a familiar figure. But everything was happening too fast; he couldn't immediately recognize who it was.

In the next second, he and the sand buried the figure on the deck. A fierce gust of wind followed, sweeping away all the sand.

Only then did Claudius notice that his hand was pressing down on something round and sticky.

"Wait a minute, did I just land on a girl? That'd be awkwardly exciting. Is it Gion? But it doesn't feel right, it's too hard, and... kind of gross?" Claudius thought to himself with a hint of dirtiness.

He shook his head sharply, trying to clear the dizziness. When he opened his eyes, he realized his hand was pressing down on the head of someone whose face was smeared with blood. The worst part? It was a man.

"What the hell? It's a dude's head? I was hoping for something better..." Claudius muttered in disappointment.

Still feeling woozy, Claudius was about to move when he suddenly heard an enraged voice from beneath him: "Claudius, it's you!!!?"

Startled by the familiar voice, Claudius snapped out of his dizziness and looked closely. No way, it was Shiki! How did this guy end up here? Could it be... did we crash into his ship?

But wait — what's up with the rudder on his head? Did we hit it? Is that why it's stuck there?

"Shi—" Claudius began to speak, but a wave of nausea hit him hard. It was as if he was drunk; there was no stopping it. Without warning, he vomited all the leftovers in his stomach straight onto Shiki's head.

Shiki was already having a bad day with the rudder lodged in his skull. Recognizing his enemy, Claudius, on top of him only made things worse. And just as he was about to lash out, Claudius spewed vomit all over his face.

For a split second, Shiki nearly passed out from sheer disgust. The Golden Lion — a man whose reputation shook the world, who commanded respect even from his enemies had never been treated like this. Yet today, here he was, drenched in vomit.

He instinctively opened his mouth to curse Claudius, but thankfully stopped himself at the last moment. If he opened his mouth now, wouldn't he swallow all that disgusting stuff?

After Claudius finished emptying his stomach, the dizziness eased, and he started regaining his senses. Then it hit him: "Oh, crap! Did I just throw up all over the infamous Golden Lion Shiki?"

As that realization sank in, Claudius felt even more shocked. Not only had he puked on Shiki's head, but he was actually pinning him down!

"This has got to be a once-in-a-lifetime chance!" Claudius thought, exhilarated.

Without hesitation, he pressed Shiki's head harder and started pounding it with his fist, landing blow after blow. At the same time, the power of his Logia Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit surged to life. Claudius gritted his teeth and shouted, "Death's Choke!"

Shiki felt an unbearable suffocation washing over him. He opened his mouth in desperation, trying to gulp down air, but instead got a mouthful of Claudius' vomit, nearly choking him to death.

Struggling, Shiki grabbed Claudius by the neck. With great effort, he finally managed to summon some of his Haki. Although he had healed somewhat, he was nowhere near his peak strength. Still, he cursed Claudius in his heart. "If it weren't for this bastard crashing into my ship, I wouldn't be in this mess!"

Of course, Shiki had no idea that, even without Claudius, his fate was pretty much sealed once that rudder hit him.

Claudius, meanwhile, kept squeezing Shiki's throat, cutting off his air. Shiki responded in kind, tightening his grip on Claudius' neck. Both men were now red-faced, gasping for air, locked in a ridiculous struggle.

Here they were, the legendary Golden Lion and one of the world's most privileged Celestial Dragons, reduced to a petty street brawl, strangling each other without any grace or dignity.

Claudius' hand fumbled for the short sword at his waist. "If I can just get my hands on Shinsō, I can finish this guy off!"

Just as he reached for it, a strong gust of wind from the storm suddenly blew them both apart. The wind scattered Claudius' nitrogen power, allowing Shiki to breathe again, but Shiki couldn't maintain his grip on Claudius either.

Claudius, blown backwards, smashed his head against the cabin wall, his forehead bleeding profusely before he could activate his Logia powers.

Still, he was in better shape than Shiki. In this chaotic environment, Shiki's powers were severely restricted. Claudius grabbed onto the crushed wall for support and pulled out Shinsō from his waist.

He was about to say "Shoot him," but just then, Crocodile came flying through the air, swept up by the same wind, and crashed directly into Claudius.

"Cough," Crocodile spat out a mouthful of blood, his face pale. But Claudius couldn't worry about him now. If Shiki recovered, none of them would stand a chance.

Pushing Crocodile aside, Claudius pointed Shinsō at Shiki, and growled, "Shoot him, Shins—"

Before he could finish the command, the storm surged, slamming the broken ship into the sea with a force that completely destroyed what was left of it.

The impact sent Shinsō flying from Claudius' hand. He lost his balance and was thrown into the air once again, landing right back where Shiki was.

This time, Claudius was ready. He grabbed Shiki's arm as they collided, pinning them together, and pressed Shinsō against Shiki's abdomen.

"Shoot him, Shinsō!" Claudius roared with all his strength.

At such close range, Shiki had no chance to dodge. Pain exploded in his gut as Shinsō stabbed into him, and his injuries compounded, leaving him in utter despair.

"Die, you brat!" Shiki managed to summon enough strength to grab his saber, and with a bit of Haki, he slashed at Claudius' side.

The searing pain nearly made Claudius let go, but instead it only triggered the viciousness deep inside him. He wasn't about to let go now. Not after coming this far.

The King Engine kicked into high gear, his heartbeat thundering in his chest. Amidst the storm's noise, Shiki could clearly hear the rapid thumping, and for the first time, he felt a pang of panic.

Claudius didn't care about honor or fairness at this point. He released Shinsō, leaving it lodged in Shiki's body, and with his free hand, he grabbed the rudder stuck in Shiki's head.

He pulled. Hard.

A sharp, searing pain shot through Shiki's head. He struggled, trying to push Claudius away, but with the King Engine boosting his power, Claudius held on tight, refusing to let go.

"I'm gonna turn you into a dead lion today!" Claudius growled through gritted teeth. He yanked the rudder again, harder this time.

Shiki's eyes rolled back, and before he could stab Claudius again, everything went dark, and he passed out cold.

Feeling Shiki go limp, Claudius relaxed a little, thinking, "Did I kill him? Man, this rudder really is dangerous. It's been jammed in his head this whole time."

But sensing that Shiki was still alive, Claudius realized he'd only knocked him out.

"Damn, that was rough," Claudius muttered. One hand held onto Shiki's lifeless body, while the other pressed against his own waist, trying to stem the bleeding. Blood flowed freely from between his fingers.

"Still, this is a win, right?" Claudius thought triumphantly. "First thing CP-0 and Naval Headquarters will do is scramble to capture the great pirate Golden Lion Shiki. Bringing him to justice..." Claudius thought joyfully.

But before he could bask in his victory, the storm showed no mercy, the ship beneath them still creaking and groaning. He held onto Shiki's limp form, blood still pouring from his own wounds. Shiki's unconscious body was barely hanging on, and Claudius himself wasn't in much better shape.

Chapter 59: Gion’s Heart Skipped a Beat

The storm came fast and left just as quickly. Using the remnants of the shattered ship to stay afloat, Claudius and the others weathered a few more waves. The sky slowly began to clear, with the storm seemingly chasing after Roger's group.

Lying on the wreckage of the deck, Claudius glanced over at the unconscious Golden Lion, Shiki. He didn't have any Seastone handcuffs to properly restrain him. The knife still stuck in Shiki's abdomen meant pulling it out could cause even more blood loss. Claudius briefly wondered if the infamous pirate would bleed to death before he did.

Summoning what little strength he had left, Claudius grabbed a piece of hemp rope from a broken barrel and tied it around Shiki's waist. Then, with a swift kick, he sent Shiki's body into the sea, leaving most of it submerged. It wasn't as effective as Seastone, but it was better than nothing.

After doing all that, Claudius finally allowed himself a moment to relax. He leaned against the remains of the mast, breathing heavily. Time passed slowly. Claudius had no idea what fate had in store for them—whether another storm would come and finish them off, or if, by some miracle, they'd drift to an island and survive.

As for everyone else, he didn't care much. He only knew that Crocodile had been lucky enough to crash near him and hadn't died. He'd passed out after falling into the cabin. Probably overexerted himself, as usual.

"If I make it back to Mariejois alive, I'll buy you a whole box of tonics," Claudius muttered with a weak smile.

The sea eventually calmed down, and a few survivors both Marines and pirates could be seen clinging to floating debris, just hoping to stay alive. At this point, it didn't matter who was who. Everyone was just trying to survive.

Just when Claudius thought he might actually bleed out, a figure leapt from the broken half of the ship in the distance, landing with impressive power.

"Bunny girl?" Claudius managed a faint, blood-stained smile.

Gion froze for a moment, stunned by the sight before her.

She, Vice Admiral Tsuru, and the others had been relatively lucky. They hadn't suffered as much damage, and once the storm subsided, they immediately began searching for Claudius. After all, losing a Celestial Dragon of his status was unacceptable, and they were friends.

Now, seeing Claudius in such a miserable state, Gion didn't know what to say.

Snapping out of it, she tore a strip of cloth from her tattered justice cloak and hurried over to Claudius.

As she approached, her eyes fell on the knife stuck in his side. "Looks like your highness was rather unlucky, running straight into a blade. But don't worry it doesn't seem to have hit any vital organs. I'll stop the bleeding for you."

"Ran into a blade?" Claudius paused. "I'm a Logia user, remember?" Then he gave a weak, bitter laugh. "If only that were the worst of it... you have no idea what I've just been through."

Gion blinked, confused, and asked, "What exactly did you go through, your highness?"

Just as Claudius was about to brag that he'd taken down the legendary Golden Lion, a sharp pain shot through his waist, cutting him off. Gion, by accident, had yanked the knife from his side.

"Uh... maybe be a little more gentle next time?" Claudius gasped, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.

Ignoring his comment, Gion quickly bandaged him up, then studied the knife more closely. "This knife... I feel like I've seen it before."

As one of the top swordswomen of the Marine, Gion was familiar with many famous blades. This one seemed oddly familiar, but she couldn't quite place where she'd seen it.

Claudius weakly pointed toward the nearby hemp rope and said, "The owner of that knife is tied up over there. If it feels familiar, why not take a look?"

Gion turned to where Claudius was pointing, and her eyes widened in shock. "Golden Lion? Is that... Shiki?! No wonder—this is Yubashiri!"

In a flash, Gion rushed over to Shiki's limp body. A knife was lodged in his abdomen probably Claudius' work and there was a rudder embedded in his head. Half of his body was submerged in the sea, with a rope tied around his waist. He looked completely pathetic.

Realizing that Claudius had managed to subdue and restrain the infamous pirate, Gion felt a wave of disbelief. "Wait, we were just on the same warship, and somehow during all this chaos... you took down the Golden Lion?"

"Your highness! You actually captured Shiki, the Golden Lion? But how... how did this even happen?" Gion hurried back to Claudius, completely flustered, unsure of what to say.

Claudius coughed up two mouthfuls of blood, then smiled weakly. "Just lucky, I guess. Shiki must've gotten caught in the same storm. You know, his abilities are pretty much useless in these conditions. Especially with that rudder stuck in his head, he couldn't even use Haki properly. He was practically powerless…"

Seeing Claudius trying to keep talking, Gion gently interrupted him, "Your highness, maybe you should save your strength and stop talking."

"Did you find everyone else? What about Enel?" Claudius asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Although capturing Shiki was a huge success, Enel was the main reason for this mission. If Enel had been lost in the storm, it would've been a major setback.

Gion quickly reassured him, "Enel's fine. He passed out, but Vice Admiral Tsuru has him. We haven't found Crocodile yet, though. He might've..."

Her voice trailed off, sadness filling her eyes. After all, if not for Crocodile, they might not have survived the storm. He'd overexerted himself, and now he was missing. Since Crocodile was a Devil Fruit user, if they couldn't find him soon, it was very likely he had already drowned.

Claudius let out a sigh of relief when he heard Enel was safe. Then he gestured toward the broken cabin. "As for Crocodile, I tossed that bastard into the cabin earlier. He's probably still unconscious. Go check on him."

Gion's eyes brightened. She nodded and quickly disappeared into the cabin. Moments later, she emerged, dragging the unconscious Crocodile behind her. "He's fine just passed out."

After ensuring Crocodile was safe, Gion took out a flare gun from her belt and fired it into the air. The bright flare signaled to the other Marines and confirmed to Vice Admiral Tsuru that the important individuals, Claudius and Crocodile, were still alive.

As for the pirates? Well, saving them wasn't a priority. They were left to their own fate.

"Do you think we'll make it back alive?" Claudius asked weakly, slumped against the mast.

Gion glanced at him, and for a moment, it seemed like the usual strength and pride in Claudius' eyes had been replaced by a hint of vulnerability. Her heart unexpectedly skipped a beat.

Without thinking, she reached out and smoothed Claudius' messy, wet blonde hair. A gentle smile appeared on her lips as she said softly, "We'll definitely make it back alive, so don't worry. Vice Admiral Tsuru has a distress signal transmitter. Once it's activated, any nearby World Government ships or allied forces will come to rescue us as quickly as possible."

"Really? I guess I'll live to fight another day..." Claudius murmured, a faint smile on his lips.

Exhausted, his body finally gave in to fatigue. After fighting Shiki and surviving the storm, his adrenaline was wearing off. As he whispered a few more words, he slowly closed his eyes and drifted off into a deep sleep.

Listening to the soft sound of his breathing, Gion glanced down at him. Claudius was curled up against the broken mast, his body battered and bruised, his once-pristine appearance contrasting sharply with the wreckage around him. There was something oddly beautiful about the scene a kind of fragile strength.

Gion's heart stirred once more. For a brief moment, she felt her heartbeat skip again.

After collecting herself, Gion gently stroked Claudius' wet hair and whispered, "Sleep well, your highness. I'll protect you."

This time, it had nothing to do with her duties as a Marine or her mission. Gion simply wanted to protect this unique Celestial Dragon—this proud, strong, yet unexpectedly vulnerable Claudius.

Hours passed, and as night began to fall, a large sailing ship finally appeared on the horizon. It was from a nearby nation that had received the distress signal and hurried to the rescue.

Still unconscious, Claudius was carried aboard the ship by Gion, who cradled him in her arms like a princess. They had survived the ordeal, but at great cost.

Nearly half of the Marine soldiers had been lost in the shipwreck. Their bodies hadn't been recovered, so they were presumed dead. Yet despite the heavy losses, they'd gained something monumental.

Tsuru Vice Admiral looked at the unconscious Golden Lion, Shiki, lying on the deck, feeling as though she were living in a dream. Somehow, amidst all the chaos, Shiki had fallen from the skies, been caught in a storm, and ended up as their prisoner. The infamous Golden Lion, captured alive? It seemed unbelievable.

"His highness Claudius... I can't tell if he's the luckiest or the unluckiest man alive. But thanks to him, the whole world is about to be shaken. The Golden Lion, Shiki, who once ruled the seas, has been captured. And in the strangest way possible," Tsuru muttered to herself with a helpless smile.

She quickly relayed all the details of their encounter and the capture to Marine Headquarters. When Marine's Fleet Admiral Kong received the news, he was left in utter disbelief.

"What? Sengoku and the others just set sail for the New World, and now you're telling me Claudius has already captured the Golden Lion? Are you kidding me?"

As the photos and reports reached Marineford, shockwaves spread through the ranks. The entire Marine force was buzzing with disbelief and amazement. The legendary pirate, Golden Lion Shiki, had been captured alive?!

Chapter 60: Shiki Became Brain-dead?

In the New World waters, aboard the flagship of a fleet of five massive warships, Vice Admiral Garp, Admiral Sengoku, Rear Admiral Kuzan, Rear Admiral Borsalino, and others were gathered around Gion and Vice Admiral Tsuru, bombarding them with questions. They were all eager to know the details of how the Golden Lion, Shiki, had been captured.

"A storm? You mean to tell me you guys got lucky and just crashed into Shiki's damn ship?" Vice Admiral Garp asked, his expression incredulous.

"Lucky? Garp, we almost died. If you think that's luck, why don't you pick a nice day and try jumping off Sky Island yourself!" Vice Admiral Tsuru shot Garp a sharp glare, clearly annoyed by his casual attitude.

"You know I didn't mean it like that, Tsuru..." Garp quickly backpedaled.

Admiral Sengoku, more serious than Garp, pressed for specifics, "What exactly happened? All I know is that His Highness Claudius took down Shiki, but what was the process?"

"We don't know the full details ourselves. We were separated during the impact. Only Crocodile was with His Highness at the time, but he was so exhausted that he passed out. He doesn't remember anything either," Gion explained, shaking her head.

"By the way, you mentioned that Shiki had started a naval battle in the waters of Edd War?" Vice Admiral Tsuru asked.

"Yes," Gion confirmed. "He was trying to ambush the Roger Pirates, but it seems fate wasn't on his side. He ran straight into the storm, and the Roger Pirates disappeared. What's even worse for him was that we ended up capturing him."

Sengoku chuckled, shaking his head, "Shiki sure had rotten luck."

Three days had passed since the Battle of Edd War. Sengoku and the others had rushed to the scene, gathering Tsuru and the rest of the survivors aboard their warships. Crocodile and Enel had regained consciousness, but Claudius was still out cold.

Thankfully, his injuries had stabilized, and the medical team assured them he'd wake up once his body had fully recovered. Shiki, on the other hand... things didn't look so promising.

The military doctors suspected Shiki's brain had been damaged during his battle with Claudius. So far, there had been no response from him.

"The doctors say Shiki might've become brain dead," Tsuru said with a heavy sigh.

No one knew if or when Shiki would ever wake up. With both Claudius and Shiki out of commission, Sengoku and the others were still in the dark about the finer details of the battle.

"We're lucky His Highness is recovering well. Even though we caught Shiki, if something had happened to Claudius, we'd all be in for a world of trouble," Vice Admiral Tsuru noted.

"I hope he wakes up soon. Those Five Elders seem pretty pleased with him. Not even half a year after injuring Shiki, and now he's captured him alive? Claudius might end up creating a powerful new division within the World Government," Sengoku said with a smile.

Garp, who had been more or less ignoring the political talk, asked, "What new division? And what exactly did Claudius promise those Five Elders?"

Sengoku shot Garp a stern look. "Show some respect, Garp. Claudius isn't like the other Celestial Dragons you've dealt with. Haven't I told you that a thousand times?"

Garp blinked, then chuckled, "Alright, alright, Saint Claudius. So what's the deal?"

"Over half a year ago, the Five Elders summoned His Highness Claudius and, after a lengthy discussion, authorized him to form a new organization: CP-X. At the time, we all thought it was nothing more than an empty title, something symbolic. No one took it seriously," Sengoku explained.

"Yeah, I remember that. His Highness said CP-X was supposed to handle problems neither the Marines nor the CP agencies could solve," Garp remarked.

"Exactly. Back then, we all thought Claudius was just being a bit overconfident. After all, he's a Celestial Dragon, so he's got a certain pride and youthful arrogance. But, even if this was just a coincidence, we have to admit, he managed to solve a problem both the Marines and the CP couldn't: the Golden Lion, Shiki," Sengoku said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Luck is a kind of strength too," Garp mused. "If Roger wasn't so damn lucky, I'd have caught him long ago."

As Garp and Sengoku noted, no matter how many coincidences played into the capture, the fact remained that Shiki had been caught. Even the most powerful people could be brought down by a stroke of bad luck. The world was full of such unpredictable forces.

"Shiki's fall really marks the end of an era," Tsuru added.

"When we return to Mariejois, CP-X's name will probably start making waves. Who knows? It might actually become an organization on par with the Marine Headquarters, just like His Highness envisioned," Sengoku said thoughtfully.

"That won't be easy. But if Claudius keeps being this lucky, well, maybe I'll take back my doubts," Garp joked.

Just as they were talking, a Marine Colonel rushed into the room and reported, "Sir! Saint Claudius has woken up!"

Before anyone else could react, Gion shot up from her seat, her long legs carrying her out of the room in a flash.

The others were left blinking in surprise. Rear Admiral Kuzan chuckled, "Ara ra, it seems His Highness Claudius has gained more than just Shiki from this mission."

"Poor guy. If he knew what was waiting for him, he'd probably freak out," Rear Admiral Borsalino quipped in his usual laid-back tone.

"I thought Gion had her sights set too high to ever settle down. Guess I was wrong," Garp said with a grin.

Before he could say anything more, Tsuru hurled a teacup at his head, smacking him squarely on the forehead. Garp, not wanting to anger her further, simply laughed awkwardly.

Sengoku stepped in to defuse the situation, "Alright, enough fooling around. Let's go check on His Highness and see how he's doing."

By the time they reached Claudius' room, he was already sitting up in bed, looking around. The young Enel sat beside him, having stayed by his side the entire time, which warmed Claudius' heart.

"How long have I been out? And where are we? This looks like a warship," Claudius asked groggily.

Enel, visibly excited, responded, "You've been asleep for three days, Your Highness. We're on a Marine warship. I don't really get all the details, but I heard Admiral Sengoku came to escort us. We're heading back to... uh, what's it called again? Marie-something."

"Mariejois," Claudius corrected, smiling slightly. "That's where my home is."

Just then, the door opened, and Gion entered in a rush. But as she stepped inside, she seemed to realize how hasty she'd been and froze for a moment. Claudius noticed a slight flush on her face but didn't comment on it.

Gion collected herself and stepped forward, asking, "Your Highness, how are you feeling? Any pain or discomfort?"

Claudius winced, "Well, I got stabbed, so yeah, it hurts. But I don't think it's anything too serious. I just hope Shiki didn't mess up my kidney... that's about where he stabbed me, right?"

Gion's expression shifted, a mix of embarrassment and amusement flashing across her face. Her eyes darted away for a moment, and Claudius panicked slightly, clutching his side, "Wait, don't tell me... did that bastard actually ruin my kidney?"

Shiki's capture was one thing, but losing an organ over it? That would be an insult Claudius couldn't bear.

Seeing his panic, Gion laughed, "Relax, Your Highness. I'm just teasing you. You're fine. The blade missed all your vital organs."

Claudius sighed in relief but shot her a disapproving look, "Don't scare me like that!"

"It's just too fun teasing you, Your Highness," Gion said with a playful smile.

At that moment, Sengoku and the rest of the group entered the room.

Sengoku approached first, shaking Claudius' hand with genuine relief, "It's good to see you awake, Your Highness. We were worried."

As Claudius shook hands with the old admiral, he couldn't help but think, "Why's this old man so enthusiastic? Can't he let Gion handle this? What's he doing holding my hand like this?"

After exchanging pleasantries, they got down to business. Claudius didn't hold anything back and recounted the events that led to Shiki's capture. As he finished, Admiral Sengoku and the others sat in stunned silence, processing the chain of coincidences and pure luck that had led to Shiki's downfall.

"So in the end, it really was just luck. That rudder did half the work before you even fought him," Sengoku finished, shaking his head in disbelief. "I didn't expect Shiki to be half-defeated before you even laid a hand on him."

"Yeah, it was a lucky break, but luck's still a kind of strength, right?" Claudius grinned, trying to downplay the severity of the fight. "I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. But if I'm being honest, I didn't expect it to turn out like this either."

"Regardless, Your Highness, this is a huge achievement," Sengoku said seriously. "However, we've kept the news contained for now. Something this important needs careful handling. Once word gets out that Shiki has been captured, the whole world will react. We need to be prepared for the fallout."

Claudius nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. It's better to wait until everything is in place. We don't want Shiki's allies or the other pirates in the New World making any sudden moves while we're still recovering."

"Exactly," Sengoku agreed. "We're planning to use this opportunity to strengthen our position in the New World. This could give us the leverage we need to establish a solid foothold there."

Claudius chuckled. "Well, when you Marines start carving up the New World, don't forget to throw CP-X a bone. We're all part of the same team, after all."

Garp suddenly burst out laughing, "UhaHaHahaha! Don't worry, kid! We'll save you a nice piece of the action!"

The room fell silent, and everyone turned to Garp with exasperated expressions. His loud and carefree attitude never failed to break the mood.

Claudius laughed along, not minding the remark. "Thanks, Garp. I'll hold you to that."

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 61: To Be the King’s Vanguard – The Seven Warlords of the Sea!

Holy Land—Mariejois. It had been over six months since Claudius captured the Golden Lion, Shiki, and the year had now reached Sea Circle Calendar 1498.

Claudius couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about the New World. He knew that going head-to-head with the likes of Whitebeard wouldn't result in the same luck he had with Shiki. Jokingly, Claudius even sought out a few fortune-tellers to try and crack his "fate," but their vague predictions only flattered his status as a Celestial Dragon, leaving him bored and disinterested in their abilities.

During this period, much had changed across the seas.

First and foremost, Claudius' name had spread far and wide, becoming renowned across the world. He was now regarded as the "leader" of the younger generation. His reputation soared, and even the likes of Dracule Mihawk, who had been making waves as a swordsman, couldn't overshadow Claudius' achievements.

The reason for his meteoric rise was simple: the entire world now knew that a formidable figure had emerged from the ranks of the Celestial Dragons, someone who had captured the legendary Golden Lion, Shiki a feat that had shaken the world.

However, the story of Shiki's capture, as told by the World Government, had been heavily "refined" before it reached the public. The truth about Claudius and his crew stumbling upon Shiki by chance during a storm was conveniently omitted. Instead, the narrative highlighted Claudius as the mastermind behind a secretive and powerful new organization, CP-X, which was formed with the express purpose of neutralizing threats to the World Government.

The official reports portrayed CP-X as an elite unit, equal in status to the Marine Headquarters and the Cipher Pol organizations, but operating independently, answering only to the Five Elders. While the exact details remained a mystery, it was known that CP-X had been established over a year ago with the mission of taking down the world's most dangerous pirate factions, starting with the Flying Pirates.

Under this narrative, Shiki's capture was painted as a premeditated strike, led by CP-X, with support from the Marines. This version of events gave the impression that Shiki's downfall was the result of meticulous planning and strategic brilliance, rather than a lucky coincidence.

As a result, CP-X's reputation skyrocketed. Within just a few months, the organization became shrouded in mystery. People across the seas speculated about this shadowy group that seemed even more enigmatic and powerful than the notorious CP-9 or the Celestial Dragon guard unit, CP-0.

For a while, fear gripped the sea's most prominent factions. If CP-X could take down someone as powerful as the Golden Lion, then no one was safe. This fear caused many pirate crews to scale back their activities, uncertain if they were being watched by CP-X operatives lurking in the shadows.

The Marines took full advantage of this fear. With CP-X's looming presence backing them, they expanded their influence in the New World. Admiral Sengoku spearheaded the establishment of several key Marine bases, including the G-1 and G-5 branches. These bases planted the first seeds of Marine authority in the New World, making it easier for the Navy to enter and patrol the chaotic seas in the future.

While the Marines fortified their positions, the pirate world was in disarray. Shiki's arrest had left a power vacuum, and rival factions quickly moved in to claim his remaining territory. The Beasts Pirates, led by Kaido, and the Big Mom Pirates, under Charlotte Linlin, were the two biggest beneficiaries. They had devoured most of Shiki's resources and were now considered the dominant forces in the New World, second only to Whitebeard's crew.

Meanwhile, the Roger Pirates had been causing their own brand of chaos. While the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates were busy fighting over Shiki's legacy, Roger's crew managed to sneak into Big Mom's territory and steal the Road Poneglyph, a move that infuriated Charlotte Linlin to the point of near insanity. Now, the Big Mom Pirates were hunting the Roger Pirates across the seas, determined to recover the stolen artifact.

Claudius suspected that Roger had already copied the Poneglyph and would eventually toss the original to shake off Big Mom's pursuit. Either way, the New World had become a hotbed of chaos and power struggles, and Roger, ever the wild card, was stirring up even more trouble.

In the courtyard of his palace, Claudius lay in a sun-soaked rocking chair, leisurely flipping through a report from Stussy. It detailed the various upheavals in the New World, Charlotte Linlin eating one of her own children in a fit of madness, Beasts Pirates' quiet alliance with the closed-off country of Wano, and their silent consolidation of Shiki's former territories.

Claudius chuckled at the absurdity of it all. Stussy, who was from CP-0 and now ran the intelligence network known as Happy Street, had proven herself invaluable. Despite its name, Happy Street had become a powerful player in the underworld, and with Claudius' backing, it had secured a solid foothold in the dark world.

Meanwhile, Doflamingo, Claudius distant cousin, was making his own waves in North Blue. He had struck up an alliance with Germa 66, a military force specializing in war and advanced technology. With one hand selling war and the other selling arms, Doflamingo was profiting from both sides, growing his influence and enjoying his rise in power.

While CP-X was making waves and causing unease among the sea's most powerful figures, Claudius knew that the organization still lacked true substance. It seemed formidable on the surface, but it was still in its infancy, relying heavily on the momentum gained from Shiki's capture.

Still, the Five Elders were increasingly supportive of Claudius, seeing potential in him. They had even increased their financial support for CP-X, providing a stable flow of resources for its continued growth. Claudius knew it wasn't much, but every little bit helped.

Shiki, still in a coma, hadn't been sent to Impel Down, as many had expected. Instead, he was held in a special prison at Marineford, reserved for the most dangerous criminals. Though his hands and feet were bound with Seastone, the Marines were still attempting to "humanely" treat his injuries, as if there were any hope of reviving him.

"Your Highness, lunch is ready," came the soft voice of Nia approached Claudius with a polite smile.

Claudius snapped out of his thoughts and smiled back. "Alright."

Not far away, Enel was sparring with Crocodile under the hot sun. Over the past six months, Enel had grown noticeably stronger. His once-skinny frame had filled out, and his obsession with covering his body in strange things had only grown. He had embedded taiko drums into his back, giving him a distinctive and rather bizarre look.

He also had a strange fondness for gold, adorning himself with thick gold wristbands, chains, and wielding a gold staff that made him look like a gaudy, over-the-top noble. Despite his extravagant appearance, Enel proudly bore the emblem of the "Celestial Dragon's Hoof," the symbol of Claudius, engraved on his back.

Unlike Crocodile, who was indifferent to such displays, Enel embraced it with pride. To him, the emblem represented Claudius' trust and acknowledgment. In his eyes, that was all that mattered, being Claudius' loyal confidant.

"Hey, you two! Take a break and come have lunch," Claudius called out with a laugh.

Crocodile and Enel paused their sparring and joined Claudius for lunch. Meals like these, where there were no outsiders, had a relaxed and familial atmosphere. Over the past couple of years, Crocodile had come to understand Claudius' nature. Despite being technically labeled a "slave," Claudius never treated him that way. Instead, he was regarded as a trusted subordinate, someone worth investing in and developing.

Looking back at his time under Captain John, Crocodile couldn't help but scoff. That had been a miserable existence compared to what he had now.

Originally, Crocodile had planned to repay Claudius' kindness by defeating him, breaking free of his slave status, and resuming his life as a pirate. But over time, that plan had shifted. While he still wanted to prove himself by beating Claudius, he no longer intended to leave. Instead, he saw CP-X as a viable path for his future. Once he bested Claudius, he would formally join as a subordinate, shedding the slave label once and for all.

Claudius, for his part, noticed this change in Crocodile's attitude. Seeing that it was a positive development, he didn't press the issue.

As they enjoyed a lavish lunch together, Claudius suddenly remembered something. "Crocodile, in a year or two, when we reach the 1500s, I'm planning to let you loose."

Crocodile raised an eyebrow, frowning slightly. "What? Have you finally acknowledged my strength?"

Claudius smirked. "Not exactly. But you can't improve by staying cooped up here forever. You need to go out into the world, test yourself in real combat."

Crocodile nodded, but there was still a question lingering in his mind. "So, what's the catch? What do you want me to do?"

Claudius leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I want you to be a pirate," he said with a wicked smile. "Go out there and sail the seas."

Crocodile stared at him, puzzled. "Be a pirate? What kind of game are you playing, Claudius? Do you want me to cause trouble for the Marines?"

Claudius chuckled softly. "No, no. I'm not sending you out to create chaos… not immediately, at least. I want you to operate under the radar. You'll be an 'undercover pirate,' infiltrating the ranks of the pirate world. This will make it easier for you to gather intelligence and act when the time comes."

Crocodile narrowed his eyes, still not fully understanding Claudius' larger plan. "Infiltrate the pirates? And then what?"

Claudius leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I have a big plan in the works. Something that will take years, maybe even a decade or two to fully unfold. But if it succeeds, it will shatter the very foundation of pirate power in the world. Every major pirate force, now and in the future, will be reduced to nothing more than scattered dust."

Crocodile's interest was piqued. "What kind of plan are we talking about?"

Claudius' eyes gleamed with ambition. "For now, let's call it the 'Seven Warlords of the Sea' project. A system where we handpick the most powerful pirates and turn them into our pawns. They'll work under the banner of the World Government, keeping the rest of the seas in check. And you, Crocodile, will be the vanguard of that system a king among pirates, a pioneer for this new world order."

Chapter 62: Roger Dominates the Grand Line!

In the year 1499 of the Sea Circle Calendar, an event occurred that would shake the entire world. The Grand Line, which had remained unconquered for 800 years, was finally claimed by the Roger Pirates.

After gathering the four Road Poneglyphs, Roger, with the assistance of Kozuki Oden, successfully reached the fabled island of Raftel, the true final destination!

At first, this news spread as mere rumor across the seas. However, as time passed, and more evidence surfaced, the World Government was forced to acknowledge that the Roger Pirates had indeed achieved this near-impossible feat.

The world at large may have been unaware, but the World Government knew all too well that Raftel held a massive secret, one so dangerous that it could never be revealed to the public. Fearing that the Roger Pirates had discovered this secret, the World Government launched an all-out effort to locate them, determined to eliminate the crew before they could reveal what they had learned.

"A bounty of 5.5648 billion berries… the highest in history. I've never heard of a bounty that high. Even Whitebeard's is only half that," Claudius muttered as he glanced through the newspaper in his hands, his tone filled with astonishment.

In its desperation to capture Roger, the World Government was pulling out all the stops. The massive bounty wasn't just for show, anyone who could contribute to Roger's downfall was encouraged to try.

The bounty had been raised from just over two billion to more than five billion in one fell swoop, with the sole goal being Roger's death, no matter the cost.

"Your Highness, didn't the Five Elders order CP-X to get involved too? We're supposed to capture Roger and bring him to justice," Stussy said with a playful smile as she stood beside Claudius.

In recent days, Stussy had been focusing on managing her business in Happy Street, which had reached a point of self-sufficiency. But now, not wanting to be "forgotten" by Claudius, she had hurried back to reassert her presence.

Claudius knew exactly what she was up to, but didn't mind her actions. After all, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

He chuckled at her comment. "Yeah, the Five Elders want us to act. Even though CP-X may not be as powerful or mysterious as the legends suggest, we still have to follow orders. But what does that tell you?"

"What does it tell me?" Stussy asked.

"It tells me that they're out of options. Roger is slippery like a damn eel. The Marines have been chasing him for over twenty years, and they still couldn't catch him. Now he's conquered Raftel. Honestly, if he decided to hide out there, who could ever find him?"

Claudius laughed as he spoke.

Stussy paused for a moment, considering his words, before asking, "So… are you saying it's impossible to capture the Roger Pirates?"

"Well, it's almost impossible. But Roger? Maybe. This could still be a defining moment for CP-X," Claudius mused with a thoughtful smile.

Catching the entire Roger Pirates crew might be a tall order. After all, by now they could have scattered across the seas, with each powerful crewmember hiding in various corners of the world. Claudius had some ideas about where a few of them might go, Rayleigh, for example, or Dr. Crocus. But the rest? He wasn't sure.

Crocus wasn't a threat, though. He had only joined to treat Roger's illness and had no interest in the pirate life. Claudius wasn't planning to go after him. As for Rayleigh, well… it wasn't worth the trouble right now, and there was no pressing need.

But Roger? He was the key target. Claudius's memories told him that soon Roger would travel to South Blue, to the island of Baterilla, where he would marry his lover, Rouge, and leave behind his bloodline. Then, before his illness could claim him, Roger would surrender himself to the Marines.

This would provide some relief to the World Government. They would be able to announce his capture, setting the stage for his execution in his hometown, the future legendary site of Loguetown in East Blue.

Of course, this entire narrative could be manipulated. Roger's self-surrender could easily be spun as CP-X's success in capturing him.

With this in mind, Claudius began plotting his next move. CP-X was developing well, but it needed more influence. And Roger could be the stepping stone to even greater power.

"If I play my cards right, I might even secure a position among the highest ranks of the Celestial Dragons," Claudius murmured to himself.

"What was that?" Stussy asked, having not quite caught what he'd said.

"Nothing. Just thinking out loud. There's a lot of potential here," Claudius replied with a smile.

Among the nineteen Celestial Dragon families, the Donquixote family headed by Lancelot held significant power. Claudius, however, operated mostly independently, with little connection to his family. In the past, Lancelot had never viewed Claudius as a threat. But by the time he realized Claudius had become a prominent figure in the eyes of the Five Elders, it was too late for him to do anything about it.

Claudius hadn't originally intended to oppose Lancelot, but now that their interests were once again colliding, they had become rivals. Claudius knew that in order to keep advancing, he would need to wrest control of the Donquixote family's power from Lancelot.

"I didn't think I'd have to waste time on such trivial matters," Claudius thought to himself, "but maybe I can use the momentum of current events to crush Lancelot entirely."

As he pondered this Nia entered the room holding a special edition of the newspaper. "Your Highness, you should take a look at this. Today's World News has just released a special issue. The World Government is officially calling Roger the 'Pirate King!'"

Claudius froze for a moment, then took the paper.

The World Government had already admitted that Roger had reached Raftel, but the title of "Pirate King" hadn't been used until now.

It seemed the World Government was growing desperate.

They were gearing up to "crown" Roger… and then destroy him.

Pirates were a proud and competitive bunch, especially the powerful ones. Now that a "Pirate King" had been declared, many of them would likely be itching to challenge Roger. If anyone could find him, they'd surely want to take him down.

"So, 'Pirate King—Gold Roger.' They've completely hidden the 'D' from his name," Claudius muttered quietly.

Roger's real name was Gol D. Roger. When he had first made a name for himself, the World Government had referred to him by his full name. But as his fame grew, they slowly began to obscure the "D," rebranding him as "Gold Roger" to hide his ties to the infamous "D" lineage. Now, as they pushed the narrative of him being the Pirate King, it was clear that they were doing everything they could to erase his real identity from the public's mind.

Over time, the world would likely forget the name "Gol D. Roger" entirely.

Chapter 63: Farewell, Roger!

On an unnamed island in the New World a peaceful spring island with a mild climate that never changes, two of the most legendary pirates in the world were sitting under a sakura tree.

One of them was Gol D. Roger, recently crowned the Pirate King by the World Government. The other was none other than Edward "Whitebeard" Newgate, the man known as the world's strongest.

Newgate, a towering figure who looked almost like a giant as he sat beneath the tree, drank from a massive bowl of sake. By comparison, Roger appeared far more ordinary, his stature nothing remarkable. But the air around the two men buzzed with history, rivalry, and mutual respect.

They sat opposite one another, sipping from their bowls, chatting like old friends.

Roger and Newgate had a unique bond—rivals on the seas, but with deep mutual respect. This meeting wasn't for battle or business. Roger had come to say his final farewell.

"As for Oden," Roger began with a smile, "I'm pretty sure he's already back in Wano. He seemed to have some urgent matters to take care of. It looks like his father isn't going to return him to you. If you still want him aboard, you'll have to go to Wano and get him yourself."

Newgate drained his bowl in one gulp and grimaced. "What kind of booze is this? It's terrible!"

"Terrible?!" Roger looked offended. "This is from my hometown! I brought it with me all the way from East Blue. It's been aging for over 20 years. I saved it just for this occasion, to share it with you! And you call it terrible?"

Roger took another swig and smacked his lips. "Man, this taste really takes me back."

Newgate, despite his complaints, poured himself another bowl of the East Blue sake. He wasn't one to waste good liquor.

"How are Oden and the boy doing?" Newgate asked, his tone softening a little.

"They're doing well," Roger replied with a warm smile.

Newgate chuckled, a rare smile flashing across his face. "Good. Oden's not really cut out to be a pirate. It's best for him to stay in Wano. His journey ended with you, didn't it?"

Roger looked at him, then laughed. "Family's the most important thing, huh?"

"You got that right," Newgate nodded. "Oden's found his treasure. He doesn't need to keep searching for anything else."

Roger took another sip, smiling. "Well, I've told you what I came to say. You'll figure the rest out on your own."

The two pirates shared a few more drinks before Newgate finally shot Roger a look and asked, "So why'd you call me out here, anyway? Just to show off that shiny new title of yours? If you're here to rub 'Pirate King' in my face, I'll sink you to the bottom of the sea."

"Ahahahaha! You think you can manage that? My bounty is more than double yours now!" Roger laughed heartily.

Newgate scowled, not pleased. "You wanna test that out?"

Although Whitebeard didn't care much for titles, having Roger wear the crown of "Pirate King" irked him a little. If Roger kept bragging, he'd have no choice but to teach him a lesson.

But before Newgate could say anything more, Roger grinned and said softly, "I came to say farewell."

"Huh?" Newgate's grin faded, replaced by confusion. "What are you talking about? Are you afraid of something? Since when do you talk like this?"

"I don't have much time left," Roger said, his smile unwavering. "I'm not going to waste what little time I have left fighting with you over meaningless things."

Newgate's frown deepened as he tried to make sense of Roger's words.

"I'm terminally ill," Roger explained calmly. "It's been years since it started, and now I can't stop it anymore."

"That's why you were in such a hurry to find Raftel," Newgate said after a long pause.

"Exactly," Roger nodded. "You remember my real name, don't you?"

"Gold Roger?" Newgate raised an eyebrow.

"No, you idiot. It's Gol D. Roger. Don't you remember?" Roger laughed, but there was an intensity in his voice.

Newgate smirked. "The newspapers don't print it that way."

"That's because the World Government has been hiding it," Roger explained. "It's connected to Raftel. There's a massive secret there. But we were too early. The world's not ready for what we found. Maybe in 20 years, everything will change."

Newgate stared at Roger, his expression unreadable. "What are you getting at?"

Roger's eyes twinkled mischievously. "You want to know the secret of Raftel? I could tell you. Want to hear it?"

Newgate looked like he was ready to punch Roger in the face. But instead, he shook his head. "If I want to know, I'll find Raftel myself. I don't need a dying man to tell me."

"Still so proud," Roger chuckled. "But that's why I like you. We all have our treasures to find on the sea, don't we? Yours is your family. You've already found it, haven't you?"

Newgate ignored the question, taking another sip from his bowl.

After a moment of silence, Roger spoke again. "But I'll tell you one thing—it's no secret, but the name 'D' is special. You should pay attention to it."

"D?" Newgate frowned. "I've got a guy on my crew with that name. Teach."

"Maybe someone like him will find the treasure I've left behind. I'm waiting for that person," Roger said with a soft smile.

"Waiting, huh?" Newgate muttered, not asking any more questions.

After a few more words exchanged between them, Roger downed the last of his sake, and Newgate knew what that meant. Roger was about to leave, and this would be the last time they would ever meet.

"Ahahahaha! So, how was it? The sake from my hometown wasn't so bad, right?" Roger asked with a laugh.

Newgate finished his drink as well, smiling. "Just like you—unforgettable."

"That's good to hear. I've told you enough, and I've had my fun. Now, it's time for me to go. The Roger Pirates… we're disbanding. This sea belongs to you now."

"Get the hell out of here," Newgate grinned. "You trying to piss me off with that line?"

Roger didn't respond. He simply stood up, and with his trademark carefree swagger, walked away. When he was almost out of sight, he waved, not looking back. That was his goodbye.

"Farewell, Roger," Newgate whispered softly, watching his old friend disappear from view.

Chapter 64: Shameless Garp

At the port of Marine Headquarters, Marineford, Claudius had just disembarked from a warship. Walking beside him was Vice Admiral Garp, who had been chattering non-stop since they'd set foot on land.

Holding his forehead in frustration, Claudius sighed. "Garp, I've told you countless times, I don't know where the Roger Pirates are. Why do you keep bothering me?"

"It's not about the Roger Pirates as a group. They've already disbanded. Everyone knows that," Garp said, waving his hand dismissively. "Breaking up has its advantages, sure, but it also means news will leak more easily. Aren't you CP-X guys supposed to be good at gathering intel? Just tell me if you hear anything especially about that b*****d Roger."

"I'm as anxious as you are. The Five Elders have been breathing down my neck about this. Why do you think I came to Marine Headquarters in the first place? I'm here looking for information too," Claudius replied.

"Pfft, information? More like you're just here to visit Gion," Garp teased, waving him off.

In truth, while Claudius had good relationships with figures like Sengoku and Zephyr, there was always a sense of formality and distance in their conversations. They respected him but treated him differently because of his Celestial Dragon status. Garp, on the other hand, couldn't care less about Claudius's noble blood. He spoke to him like he would anyone else, without any regard for rank or title. Oddly enough, this made Claudius feel more comfortable.

Initially, Claudius and Garp weren't particularly close. Before the capture of Shiki, they were barely acquaintances, just two people who knew of each other without much interaction. But after Shiki's arrest, they found themselves working together more frequently. Over time, Garp came to realize that Claudius wasn't your typical Celestial Dragon. The man didn't act like one at all. In fact, in many ways, they got along quite well. Their relationship grew quickly, as if they had been friends for years.

Now, Garp treated Claudius like an old buddy, completely informal. He would casually slap Claudius on the shoulder or pull him by the arm, behavior that would have been unthinkable for others when dealing with a Celestial Dragon.

"I'm serious, I really am just here for information…" Claudius repeated, a bit exasperated.

"You sure? You're not lying to me?" Garp asked, staring at him with narrowed eyes.

"What would I lie to you about?" Claudius responded, rubbing his temples.

Scratching his chin, Garp muttered, "Strange… Gion's beautiful, capable, and has a bright future in the Marines. Plenty of people want to chase after her, so why are you not showing any interest?"

"Maybe because I'm not in the Marines?" Claudius shot back, feeling a little annoyed.

Garp grinned and mumbled to himself, "Maybe I should tell Gion not to waste her time on you…"

"What was that?" Claudius asked, not catching what Garp had said.

"Ahahahaha, nothing! Forget it! Let's go, let's go. I'll show you what you want to see," Garp laughed awkwardly, changing the subject and pulling Claudius along by the arm.

Once they were inside Garp's office, Claudius sat down and sipped some tea while Garp looked at him with confusion. "What's this about? You seemed like you were in a rush back at the port. Weren't you looking for some information? Now you're acting all casual."

Claudius chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "Well, I was just trying to strengthen my position, you know. Anyway, don't change the subject do you have what I'm looking for or not?"

Garp paused, his expression serious for a moment. "You're talking about that new scientific unit Marine established, right? It's supposed to be top secret. How did you find out about it?"

Claudius smiled slyly. "Come on, Garp. Did you forget who I am? I might not be able to gather intel like we do for the public, but I have access to a lot of information within the World Government. My authority lets me know more than you think."

Garp shook his head in resignation. "I swear, Claudius, you've got all these skills, but you never use them for anything productive. You've got your eye on Marine all the time. Why don't you focus on finding Roger instead of digging into our stuff?"

"I'm working on it! Maybe I'll have Roger in chains in a few days," Claudius muttered, his patience wearing thin. It felt like everywhere he went, someone brought up Roger.

Garp's expression grew serious again. "Claudius, let me remind you, don't get too cocky just because you helped capture Shiki. Roger is a different beast. He's incredibly dangerous. If you find any leads on him, cooperate with Marine Headquarters. You've got talent in your CP-X team, but you're still growing. You don't want to end up on the wrong side of Roger."

After a pause, Garp added, "Of course, if you don't want to involve too many people or risk losing credit, you can always come to me directly. I'll help you, and you can take all the glory for capturing him."

Claudius gave Garp a withering look. "Do you really think I'm that shameless?"

Before Garp could respond, Claudius quickly changed the subject. "Forget about Roger. Let's get back to what we were talking about the scientific unit."

"Well, it does exist, but even with your authority, you're not allowed to visit. You'd need authorization directly from Fleet Admiral Kong. If you get that, I'll help you out. Until then, no dice," Garp said, waving his hand dismissively.

"If I had the authorization, I wouldn't be here asking you about it," Claudius muttered under his breath. "Anyway, I'm not asking to visit. I just heard that you guys are working on something related to Devil Fruits, turning them into equipment."

Garp's eyes widened in shock. "How do you know about that? Do we have a spy inside?"

"No, no, calm down. I heard it from the Five Elders," Claudius said casually, using the Elders as a convenient excuse after all, no one would dare question that.

Garp let out a sigh of relief. "You scared me for a second there."

Claudius then reached into his coat and pulled out a Devil Fruit, placing it on the table. Garp eyed it curiously. "What's this?"

"This," Claudius said with a grin, "is the Logia Swamp-Swamp Fruit. I need a favor. I want your scientific unit to help me turn it into something like a wallet or a backpack. You know what I mean."

Garp blinked, then scratched his head. "Turning a swamp into storage equipment? Huh, that's actually pretty clever…"

Claudius smirked. "Just don't try to use it as an excuse to steal it or anything."

Garp chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "What kind of person do you think I am? Am I really that shameless?"

Claudius rolled his eyes. "The way you're laughing says it all."

"Haha, well… fine. I'll take care of it. Just leave it to me. You'll get your swampy wallet or whatever," Garp said with a laugh.

Chapter 65: The Wind Today Is a Bit Noisy

It had been some time since Roger declared himself the Pirate King on the Grand Line. Since the disbandment of the Roger Pirates, the World Government had been scrambling to track him down. They had no idea that Roger was nearing the end of his life.

In their eyes, Roger's disappearance was the prelude to some grand conspiracy, a ticking time bomb. They believed he was hiding, biding his time for something massive, so every second counted. They couldn't afford to give him any breathing room.

As a result, Marine Headquarters was in overdrive. Admirals and officers were constantly on the move, being deployed to investigate any disturbance, no matter how small.

The CP agencies weren't any different. They, too, were spread thin, tasked with hunting down rogue scholars and other potential threats. Ironically, their workload was so heavy that they had eased up on certain operations, giving some of these scholars more time to escape unnoticed.

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, in front of the towering World Government headquarters, Stussy stood quietly, waiting for someone. The soft wind rustled through her hair, brushing against her face as she gazed down the long road leading to the building.

As officials passed by, many of them greeted Stussy warmly. It wasn't just because of her striking beauty though that certainly helped, but also because of who she represented. Stussy was known to be Claudius' right-hand woman, and Claudius himself was a rising star in the eyes of the Five Elders.

The more perceptive officials had already started to treat Stussy as if she were more than just an aide. They whispered that she might be Claudius' lover, not just his subordinate. After all, how could someone as charming and influential as Stussy be just a colleague to someone like Claudius?

Stussy was well aware of the rumors, but she didn't bother correcting them. She knew the power of perception and how dangerous it could be, especially among the Celestial Dragons. Being misinterpreted as Claudius' woman was far safer than drawing the unwanted attention of other ambitious or lecherous nobles.

Still, there were moments like this where she couldn't help but notice the way the world seemed to shift around her. The wind picked up, tangling the strands of her hair slightly. Stussy murmured to herself, "The wind today is a bit noisy…"

No sooner had the words left her lips than Claudius' voice called out behind her.

"Since when did you start waxing poetic?" Claudius asked with an amused expression, walking up to her.

Startled, Stussy turned around, embarrassed that she hadn't noticed him approach. She smiled awkwardly, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Your Highness, you've been getting quieter. I didn't even hear you coming…"

Claudius let out a booming laugh. "Hahahaha! Well, I've had to get stronger. In this era, those who can't protect themselves will get swept aside."

"Surely Your Highness has no need to worry about that," Stussy teased lightly. "You've already got more than enough strength to protect yourself."

Claudius shook his head, a serious look crossing his face. "It's not enough, Stussy. My goal isn't just to protect myself. I want to lead this era."

Stussy smiled knowingly. "That sounds more like the Claudius I know."

Claudius gave a satisfied nod and motioned for her to follow. "Come on, the meeting's done. Time to head out."

As they walked, Stussy glanced at him. "What did the Five Elders have to say?"

Claudius grinned, his tone brimming with pride. "What could they say? When someone like me makes a move, they have no choice but to agree. As long as I can bring in Roger, they've promised to promote me to the rank of Upper Celestial Dragon."

"The Five Elders must be very nervous about Roger if they're offering you that," Stussy remarked thoughtfully.

"Of course they are," Claudius said, nodding. "They've heard rumors that Roger knows some dangerous secrets. That only makes this better for me. The more of a threat he is, the more valuable it is when I capture him. A promotion to Upper Celestial Dragon isn't just a symbolic title it's a huge step forward in power."

Stussy's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Who would've thought? Just a few years ago, you were one of the lowest-ranking Celestial Dragons, and now you're on the verge of joining the elites."

"And this is just the beginning," Claudius said with confidence. "There are still plenty more surprises to come."

The two shared a few more casual remarks as they approached the port. There, a large ship bearing the World Government flag awaited them. On its deck stood Crocodile and Enel, both looking expectant.

At the bottom of the boarding ramp, the ever-loyal butler Nia waited patiently, ready to assist her master.

As Claudius approached, Nia held out a thick mink coat with a respectful bow. She used to help Claudius put it on herself, but now that he had grown, it was a task she could no longer easily manage due to her height.

"Your Highness, the sea breeze is quite cold once we set sail. Please, wear this," Nia said softly.

Claudius smiled and draped the coat over his shoulders. "Thank you, Nia. Let's board, then. It's time to set sail."

As the ship began to pull away from the dock, Crocodile, leaning against the railing, glanced over at Claudius. "So, are you going to tell us where we're headed now?"

Claudius chuckled. "What's the rush? We're headed to South Blue this time. There's plenty of fun to be had there."

"South Blue?" Crocodile raised an eyebrow. "I thought we were going after Roger. Doesn't that mean going to the New World?"

Claudius shrugged dismissively. "Who says Roger has to be in the New World? He could be anywhere. Even South Blue."

"But for pirates, the New World is the safest place to hide. It makes more sense for him to be there," Crocodile replied, sounding exasperated.

Claudius waved his hand, clearly not concerned. "Relax. We're just taking a little detour. What could possibly go wrong in South Blue? Besides, Nia, you checked the almanac, right?"

Nia, always prepared, nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. It's an auspicious day for travel."

Claudius laughed heartily. "See? No need to worry. All is well. Set sail, men! South Blue awaits! Let's call this a 'mission vacation!'"

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 66: Let Sengoku Find a Celestial Dragon Wife?

At Naval Headquarters in Marineford, in Admiral Sengoku's office, a small group had gathered: Garp, Tsuru, Zephyr, Gion, Kuzan, and a few others. This wasn't an official meeting, just a casual get-together during a rare break in their busy schedules.

For almost a year now, they had been relentlessly chasing leads all over the world, trying to find Roger. As a result, they hadn't seen much of each other lately. So, now that everyone happened to be in the same place, they decided to gather in Sengoku's office to catch up and share any new information.

"There were rumors that Scopper Gaban was in West Blue," Kuzan said lazily. "I went there, checked it out, but found nothing. It was a complete waste of time."

Gion teased, "If you had found him, maybe you would've been defeated."

"Hey now, I'm pretty strong, okay?" Kuzan shot back with a grin. "You're looking at an Admiral candidate here. Speaking of which, we've got two open Admiral slots, why not just give me one?"

Sengoku rolled his eyes. "You're still too green, Kuzan. Sure, you've got the strength, but you lack experience and the other qualifications. Be patient and wait your turn."

"See? You guys keep saying you want to fill all three Admiral positions, but here I am, offering myself up, and still no takers," Kuzan said, waving his hand dramatically.

Of course, he was joking. Kuzan knew perfectly well that he still had a lot to learn before taking on the mantle of Admiral.

"I ran into Douglas Bullet in the New World," Garp said between bites of senbei. "But since he's been away from Roger's crew for a long time now, I didn't bother with him. The priority is still finding Roger."

"There have been rumors about Pluton and sightings of Silvers Rayleigh in the Sabaody Archipelago. I spent a long time staking it out, but I couldn't find him. Still, I have a feeling something's off," Tsuru said, frowning slightly.

"Sabaody Archipelago?" Sengoku blinked in surprise. "If that's true, Rayleigh's got some nerve. Showing up right under our noses?"

"Maybe he thinks the most dangerous place is the safest," Tsuru said with a sly smile.

"Then he's got some serious guts, hiding out in Sabaody," Zephyr added with a laugh. Zephyr had been staying at Headquarters lately, training new officers and bringing fresh blood into the Marines now that he'd stepped down as an Admiral.

As they continued talking, it became clear that no one had made any significant progress in their search for Roger. Sengoku sighed and asked, "So, what about the CP agencies? Any word from them?"

"I wouldn't count on it. We don't have the best relationship with them," Garp said carelessly. "Even if they have found something, they're probably keeping it to themselves, worried that we'll steal the credit."

The others nodded in agreement. It was an open secret that the CP agencies were always playing their own games, even in times like these.

"Typical. We're all trying to catch Roger, and they're still worried about their own glory," Sengoku grumbled.

At that moment, Gion seemed hesitant, but eventually spoke up. "What about CP-X? Do they have any news?"

Garp burst out laughing. "Ahahahaha! Gion, are you asking about Roger or about Claudius?"

Gion shot him an annoyed glare. "Why are you so irritating, Garp?"

Garp just laughed it off, unbothered, as always. The two of them had a good relationship, so she knew he was just teasing.

Gion composed herself and said, "What's wrong with asking about both? I heard that before His Highness Claudius left Mariejois, he had a conversation with the Five Elders. I'm curious if he discovered anything, and if it might be related to Roger."

No one else teased her like Garp did. Sengoku smiled and said, "Actually, I do have some news about that."

"Huh?" Gion looked at him with interest.

"Before leaving Mariejois, Claudius asked the Five Elders if, by capturing Roger, he could become one of the upper Celestial Dragons. And the Five Elders agreed," Sengoku said with a smirk.

"The upper Celestial Dragons?" Tsuru raised an eyebrow. "That's ambitious. There are only four upper Celestial Dragons in all of Mariejois. Most of the Celestial Dragon families don't even get close to that kind of power."

"Keep this under wraps, though," Sengoku warned. "It's still a secret. Claudius might be preparing to make a move against the Donquixote family."

"Don't worry. We Marines have no interest in getting involved in Celestial Dragon politics," Zephyr said, waving his hand dismissively.

After a moment, Zephyr remembered something. "Oh, Tsuru, I heard you're about to be promoted to Chief of Staff?"

"Yes, but that'll have to wait until Roger is dealt with… if we can even manage that," Tsuru replied calmly.

"Hold on, weren't we talking about CP-X?" Gion interrupted, trying to steer the conversation back on track.

"Hahaha, you're really interested in Claudius, aren't you?" Sengoku teased with a smile.

Before Gion could respond, Sengoku continued, "Unfortunately, there hasn't been much progress on Claudius's end. It's been three months, and he doesn't seem to be making any serious efforts. I've even fed him some rumors about Roger, but he hasn't shown any interest in following up. For the past few months, he's been hopping from island to island in South Blue. Honestly, it looks more like he's on vacation than anything else."

"Vacation?" Tsuru added dryly.

"Yeah, vacation," Sengoku nodded. "I heard he lost more than two billion berries gambling while rolling dice in South Blue…"

Gion sighed, exasperated. While they were all working hard, Claudius seemed to be taking it easy. An unbalanced feeling crept into her chest. "So he's just living it up while we're out here sweating? Must be nice, being a CP agent under the Celestial Dragons."

Garp, never one to miss an opportunity for mischief, grinned and said, "Sengoku, you're pretty handsome yourself. Why don't you head over to Mariejois and find yourself a Celestial Dragon wife? Then when you become Fleet Admiral, we can all take it easy like Claudius."

The moment Garp said this, Sengoku shot him a deadly glare. He then subtly glanced at Tsuru, as if hoping she hadn't heard Garp's ridiculous comment. But Tsuru didn't even acknowledge it, much to Sengoku's silent relief.

After a bit more chatter, Garp pulled out a sleek black wallet from his coat and said, "Since things have been quiet lately, and we're all kind of at a standstill, I think I'll head down to South Blue. I've got some business to take care of with Claudius anyway."

Chapter 67: Encountering Bartholomew Kuma

In the South Blue, a small cruise ship drifted leisurely across the vast sea.

Though the ship was small, it had all the comforts of a luxury yacht. On the deck, Claudius lay back on a sun lounger, a glass of freshly squeezed juice in one hand and a book in the other. His entire demeanor radiated laziness as he soaked up the sun.

Not far from him, Crocodile and Enel sat at the edge of the deck, each holding a fishing rod, seemingly focused on catching something. Both of them were far more relaxed than usual.

Stussy and Nia were nearby, both dressed in bikinis, exuding elegance and beauty. Nia was busy cutting fruit, while Stussy leaned casually against a cannon, holding a Den Den Mushi, presumably giving instructions to her subordinates on Happy Street.

The whole atmosphere on the ship was incredibly laid-back, no one would guess they were supposedly on a mission to track down Roger. It looked more like a vacation than anything else, and no one could argue otherwise.

"Lift the rod, you idiot!" Crocodile barked, knocking Enel on the head before raising his own fishing rod.

A massive fish dangled from the end of Crocodile's line. Enel's eyes lit up with excitement. "I did it! Lunch is here!"

"Hmph, if I hadn't helped you, that fish would've gotten away," Crocodile scoffed, grinning slightly.

Enel glared at him. "I could've caught it on my own without your help!"

The two started bickering, as they often did, and Claudius chuckled at the sight. He closed his book and looked up just in time to see Nia place a plate of freshly cut fruit on the small table beside him.

"Your Highness," Niya asked softly, "are those two fools interrupting your reading? I can make them quiet down if you'd like."

Claudius waved his hand, still smiling. "No, no, let them be. It's all in good fun."

He gazed out at the seemingly endless expanse of the ocean and sighed contentedly. "What a beautiful view. No matter how many times I see it, I never get tired of it. There really is something magical about the sea."

Stussy, having finished her conversation on the Den Den Mushi, walked over with a smile. "Maybe it's because your heart is as vast as the sea, Your Highness?"

Claudius chuckled. "Stussy, your flattery is getting better and better."

He paused before adding, "But I have to admit, I like it! Hahaha!"

As they laughed and chatted, Stussy's eyes narrowed slightly, focusing on the horizon. "Your Highness, it seems we have a visitor."

Claudius, noticing the distant silhouette of a small boat approaching, grinned. "Well, well… I didn't expect to run into *him* here. It's been years."

A small sampan was making its way toward their ship, carrying two figures, one ordinary in size, the other towering and imposing.

As the boat drew closer, a familiar voice called out. "An old friend's come to visit. Won't you let down the ladder and invite us up, Your Highness?"

Claudius remained in his lounger, his smile widening. "You've gotten cheekier since you revealed your true identity."

In a flash, one of the figures appeared beside Claudius, it was Dragon, the man Claudius hadn't seen in years.

"It's a bit surprising to hear someone like you talk about 'cheekiness,' Claudius," Dragon said with a smirk.

A moment later, the other figure landed heavily on the deck, his presence imposing Bartholomew Kuma. Claudius recognized him immediately. Kuma, the future revolutionary and infiltrator of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, known to many as "Tyrant Kuma."

Dragon, now fully relaxed, smiled as he spoke. "I just came to South Blue for some business and got wind that you were hanging around here. I decided to swing by, and lucky me, here you are."

Nia hurried over, placing another sun lounger beside Claudius. Dragon, without any hesitation, plopped down into it.

"I have to say, Claudius, you Celestial Dragons really know how to live. Meanwhile, I've been busting my ass trying to build something from scratch these past few years. It's rough out there."

Dragon leaned back, looking at the clear blue sky. "What about you? What are you doing in South Blue? Are you on vacation? Because it sure looks like you're on vacation."

Claudius couldn't help but laugh. "Which one of your eyes thinks I'm on vacation?"

"Both," Dragon shot back with a grin.

"You're seeing things," Claudius replied. "I'm actually on a very important mission."

Dragon raised an eyebrow. "A mission? Is this that so-called 'amazing CP-X' I've been hearing about? Come on, how did you manage to catch Shiki? Did the Marines give you credit for something they did?"

Claudius sat up and looked at him seriously. "Do you really think I'd take credit for something I didn't do? No, I caught Shiki with my own hands. As for CP-X, it's still pretty new, nothing impressive yet. Honestly, it's like your revolutionary army at the moment, just a bunch of rookies trying to find their footing."

Dragon laughed. "Hey, don't lump us in with that! Our revolutionary army is coming along nicely. By the way, do you know who this is?"

Dragon gestured toward Bartholomew Kuma, who had been silently observing the interaction from a distance.

Claudius chuckled. "Do you take me for a fool? Of course, I know who he is. Bartholomew Kuma, former king of the Sorbet Kingdom. After offending the World Government, he was overthrown, and now he's known as 'Tyrant Kuma.'"

Dragon was taken aback. "You really are well-informed, Claudius."

"Who do you think I am? I'm the head of CP-X," Claudius said smugly.

Kuma, who had remained silent until now, eyed Claudius with a hint of suspicion. Claudius noticed the cautious look in his eyes, Kuma clearly wasn't thrilled to see a Celestial Dragon, and he seemed puzzled as to why Dragon would associate with someone like Claudius.

"Dragon, aren't you going to introduce me to Mr. Kuma?" Claudius asked with a smirk.

Dragon grinned back. "I was just talking to Kuma about a few things. He's recently joined our revolutionary army. I hadn't mentioned much about you yet, but now's as good a time as any. Better to clear up any misunderstandings."

He turned to Kuma and pointed at Claudius. "Kuma, this is someone you need to know. Let me introduce you properly."

Kuma's eyes narrowed, his voice low but steady. "I already know who he is—Donquixote Claudius, the man who's made waves across the seas these past two years. Leader of the mysterious CP-X."

Dragon nodded. "Yes, that's true. But there's more to him than just the titles you've heard. Let me explain…"

Chapter 68: Dragon: Help Me Take Care of Kuma

After a long conversation, Bartholomew Kuma looked at Claudius with a mixture of surprise and disbelief. He finally asked, "Mr. Dragon, are you telling me that the books authored by the 'Sage Claudius' were actually written by him?"

Dragon nodded. "That's right. Well, to be precise, the first two were entirely his work. The last three were a collaboration between the two of us. It was an exchange of ideas, though we do have some significant differences. He advocates for reform from the top down, while I push for a revolution from the bottom up. In that sense, we don't really see eye to eye."

Dragon smiled and continued, "In fact, before I learned his true identity, I was planning to recruit him as a mentor for the revolutionary army."

Claudius laughed heartily. "You trust me that much? Aren't you afraid I'll betray you? Hahaha!"

Dragon waved dismissively. "Ideas can't be betrayed."

Claudius smiled at Dragon's remark, knowing that Dragon's words were more polite than sincere. Sure, Dragon said Claudius was "trustworthy," but Claudius knew that deep down, Dragon wasn't naive enough to put all his faith in him. Dragon undoubtedly had contingency plans and safeguards in place, as any smart leader would.

Claudius was certain that if Dragon didn't have such precautions in place, he'd consider Dragon a fool, unfit to lead. But this was the natural way of things between them, each watched the other carefully, slowly building a fragile trust while remaining cautious.

For now, they were friendly, and who knew? Maybe their relationship would deepen in the future. But for now, there was no need to pick apart every unspoken detail. Both men understood the game they were playing.

After a bit more conversation, Kuma had a clearer understanding of Claudius. Like many, Kuma had heard of Claudius by name: the Celestial Dragon who captured Shiki, helped take down John, and became the leader of CP-X. Based on these achievements, Kuma had assumed Claudius was just another powerful figure serving the World Government.

But after meeting him in person, Kuma found his assumptions challenged. Claudius was different. If it weren't for the fact that he knew Claudius was a Celestial Dragon, Kuma might've mistaken him for a revolutionary thinker himself.

The three of them continued to chat, with Claudius and Kuma establishing a friendly rapport. After a while, Dragon seemed to remember something and shifted the conversation.

"By the way, you never did tell me why you're here in South Blue. You're not on vacation?"

"I told you, I'm on a mission," Claudius replied nonchalantly. "I'm here to catch Roger, the Pirate King."

Dragon blinked, then looked at Claudius as if he were insane. "You? Catch Roger? In South Blue?"

Claudius frowned, a little annoyed. "Why is that so unbelievable?"

Dragon gave him a skeptical look. "Well, for starters, Roger's likely hiding out in the New World right now. And even if he weren't, you think you can catch Roger? The Pirate King? My father's been chasing him for years and has fought him countless times. Roger's no joke, Claudius. He's on another level."

"Are you looking down on me?" Claudius replied, clearly displeased.

"I'm just being realistic," Dragon said. "I don't know how you managed to catch Shiki, but don't let that go to your head. Roger's a different beast entirely. And, as your friend, I'm advising you, if you plan to take him down, you'd better have more than just your little crew here. You're going to need serious firepower."

Claudius sighed. He understood that Dragon was offering genuine advice, out of concern. But what Dragon didn't know was that Claudius wasn't planning to rely on brute force to capture Roger. He had an ace up his sleeve: Vice Admiral Garp, one of the few men capable of standing toe-to-toe with Roger.

Still, Claudius wasn't about to explain that to Dragon. "Yeah, yeah," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "I hear you. Don't worry, I won't be reckless."

Dragon eyed him suspiciously but didn't press the issue. Instead, he changed the topic. "Actually, since we've run into each other, there is something I could use your help with."

"I figured as much," Claudius said with a smirk. "So what is it? You didn't just come all the way to South Blue for no reason, right? What's the favor?"

Dragon took a sip of his drink before speaking. "It's about Kuma. He's no longer a king, he's become a pirate, but that's not really what he wants. He's been using his time fighting off pirate forces in South Blue, which is how he earned the nickname 'Tyrant Kuma.'"

"Okay, go on," Claudius nodded.

"Well," Dragon continued, "I'm just letting you know he's on our side. He's working with the revolutionary army now. If you can, I'd appreciate it if you'd keep an eye out for him. Make sure he doesn't get into any trouble with Marine or the World Government."

Claudius chuckled. "You're really dumping this on me? Why not just ask Garp? He's the Marine hero."

Dragon smiled but shook his head. "Positions matter, Claudius. Kuma's officially a pirate, which makes him an enemy in the eyes of the Marines."

"I see," Claudius murmured, nodding. "Alright, I get it. I'll do what I can to keep Kuma safe."

"Thanks," Dragon said sincerely. "The plan is for Kuma to continue playing the role of a pirate for now. It's a good cover, and if there's anything we, the revolutionary army, need done that's too risky, we can use him to handle it."

Claudius raised an eyebrow, catching Dragon's meaning. Dragon was subtly hinting that if Claudius needed any discreet favors in the future, Kuma could help out, no strings attached. It was an offer to deepen their alliance.

Claudius smiled to himself. Dragon might not fully realize how strong Kuma was, but Claudius did. He had just been offered the assistance of one of the most powerful figures in the revolutionary army, and it was clear this "favor" could prove very useful in the future.

Their conversation didn't last much longer. After a bit more chatting, Dragon and Kuma prepared to leave. As Dragon climbed back into the small boat, he called out with a grin, "Good luck catching the Pirate King, Claudius."

With that, Dragon and Kuma sailed off, as swiftly as they had appeared.

After they were gone, Claudius smiled to himself and stretched lazily on his sun lounger. "Alright, it's time to move. Anchor up. Let's head to Baterilla Island. I've heard the scenery there is stunning, and who knows? Maybe something interesting will happen."

Chapter 69: Bet

Baterilla Island, located on the outskirts of the South Blue, was a small, peaceful place. The island had a single small town with few residents. The climate was perfect, the scenery picturesque, and the pace of life was unhurried. It was the kind of place where people lived simply, with everything self-sustained, and there was little need for outside trade or tourism.

As Claudius's small cruise ship slowly docked at the island's port, it became clear just how quiet this place was. The only other boats around were small fishing sampans. No large ships or merchant vessels, no tourists bustling about. This was a place that time seemed to have forgotten.

"What's so special about this place? It's just some backwater island," Crocodile grumbled as he stepped off the boat, taking in the surroundings with an unimpressed scowl.

"You need to clear your head, Crocodile," Claudius snapped, shooting him an irritated glance. "Don't forget, you lost over two billion to me in that dice game back on Ricklandy Island. Consider this a chance to cleanse your filthy, gambling-addicted soul before you throw it all away in another casino."

That's right. Crocodile had a bad gambling habit, the kind of person who just couldn't stop once they got started. Back on Ricklandy Island, he had gotten carried away, losing over two billion berries to Claudius in a single night. Claudius had nearly lost his mind right then and there.

Rubbing his eyes sheepishly, Crocodile mumbled, "It's just two billion. Once I get back to sea, I'll pay you back in no time. Don't be so stingy, Claudius. You're a Celestial Dragon, after all…"

"Oh? Really?" Claudius smirked. "I can't wait to see you fulfill that promise. In the meantime, let me give you some advice, stay out of the casinos until you've paid me back. You might just lose whatever little you have left."

"You're so uptight!" Crocodile growled, clearly annoyed. "One day, I'll just open my own casino, and then it won't matter how much I lose, it'll all come back to me, right?"

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? And I suppose that's your grand plan?"

In truth, Crocodile wasn't far off. Later in life, he did open a massive casino in the rain-battered region of Alabasta. That casino, named Rain Dinners, became the largest in the first half of the Grand Line, raking in more money than most could dream of.

As they strolled into Baterilla Island, Claudius surveyed the area, glancing left and right as if he were looking for something specific. Stussy, walking beside him, noticed and asked, "Your Highness, what exactly are you searching for?"

"Huh? Didn't I tell you before we came here?" Claudius asked, genuinely surprised.

"Tell us what?" Stussy responded, tilting her head in curiosity.

"I'm here to find Roger, of course," Claudius said casually. "Didn't I say I came here to catch him?"

At that, Stussy burst out laughing. She wasn't the only one. Crocodile snickered, and even Nia couldn't help but smile as she tried to hide her amusement. Enel, not quite understanding what was going on but sensing the mood, also grinned awkwardly.

"What's so funny?" Claudius demanded, clearly annoyed. "What's wrong with what I said?"

"Oh, nothing," Stussy said, trying to suppress her giggles. "But, Your Highness, why do you think Roger would be on this tiny island? He's the Pirate King! It seems a little far-fetched, doesn't it?"

"Yeah," Crocodile chimed in. "Are you really suggesting that the Pirate King, Roger, would be hiding out on some tiny island like this? What, did he decide to retire here and live the simple life as a farmer?"

"I mean, come on, if you really want to find Roger, we should be heading to the New World," Nia added, her voice gentle but clearly unconvinced by Claudius's logic.

Claudius waved them off. "Forget the New World. I've got a bad feeling about that place, nothing but trouble there. Look at me: I've been in South Blue for months, and it's been smooth sailing, not even a storm. What does that tell you? It means South Blue is my lucky spot. I'm staying put."

He then crossed his arms confidently. "And as for Roger, everyone thinks he's in the New World. But he's too clever for that. He'd never hide where people expect him to. So, I bet he's here, on this quiet little island, living a peaceful life. Maybe he even found a woman, got married, and settled down."

Nia gave a small, indulgent smile, not bothering to argue further. She knew Claudius had his whims, and there was no point in trying to change his mind once he'd set his sights on something.

Stussy, however, wasn't going to let it go that easily. With her hands on her hips, she challenged him, "Your Highness, no offense, but there's no way Roger's here. I'd bet my life on it."

"Oh?" Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting a bet?"

Stussy grinned. "Yes, a bet! If I win, you owe me a favor, one condition that I can ask for at any time, no questions asked."

Crocodile immediately jumped in. "Count me in! If I win, I don't owe you that two billion anymore."

Claudius looked at them both, then turned to Nia and Enel, raising his eyebrows. "What about you two? Care to join the bet?"

Enel shook his head, saying, "I trust Your Highness."

Nia smiled politely. "Everything I have is already yours, so I'll sit this one out."

Claudius laughed. "You two are smart. Alright then, it's a bet! Crocodile, if you lose, you'll owe me another four hundred million berries. And Stussy…" He trailed off, his eyes glancing over Stussy's figure with a mischievous grin. "If you lose, you'll owe me a little favor. Something… personal."

Stussy felt a shiver run down her spine at his suggestive tone, but she was confident in her victory. With a smirk, she accepted the terms. "Deal!"

Crocodile nodded in agreement, grinning. "Let's find out where Roger's hiding."

Claudius stood tall and stretched. "Alright then. Let's go find Roger, shall we? Hahaha!"

Chapter 70: Roger

Crocodile was in an excellent mood. He felt like he was about to wipe out his two billion berry debt. If Claudius kept betting with him like this, maybe after a few rounds, he'd even have Claudius owing him money.

"Sigh," Crocodile let out a contented sigh, lost in thought.

Claudius glanced at him, his expression curious. "What are you sighing about? Feeling good, huh?"

"I was just thinking," Crocodile began with a smug grin, "if I'd been betting with you from the start, I wouldn't be in debt at all. You'd be the one owing me money by now."

"Oh? Is that so?" Claudius chuckled. "Well, Crocodile, let me give you some advice, don't get too happy just yet."

"Hahahaha, what are you talking about?" Crocodile laughed, feeling even more confident. "I'm about to win back more than two billion berries!"

"Or maybe you're about to lose 400 million more," Claudius said, his voice laced with amusement as he gave Crocodile a mischievous smile.

"You really think so?" Crocodile scoffed. "No way. Stussy agrees with me, right?"

However, when Crocodile turned to his "comrade-in-arms" for confirmation, he noticed something strange. Stussy wasn't laughing or smiling; instead, her eyes were fixed on a distant fruit stand, her expression frozen. Confused by her silence, Crocodile followed her gaze.

And then he saw it.

His face paled, his heart skipped a beat, and his lips quivered as he whispered, "No way… Is that really him?"

Stussy looked at Claudius with wide, astonished eyes, as if seeking confirmation. Claudius patted her gently on the shoulder and said with a satisfied grin, "See? When have I ever been wrong? Trying to sneak one by me never ends well."

Stussy, still shaken, asked, "Your Highness, you've been with us the entire time. You didn't gather any intelligence or do anything out of the ordinary. So how in the world did you know Roger would be on this remote island?"

Claudius simply smiled, offering no real explanation. "Ah, who knows?"

That mysterious smile sent a shiver down both Stussy and Crocodile's spines. Over the years, they'd spent a lot of time with Claudius, thinking they had a good grasp of his capabilities. But in this moment, they realized how little they truly understood about him.

"For someone in charge, it's important not to show all your cards," Claudius said with a chuckle. "Keep your subordinates guessing."

Whether it was their imagination or not, both Stussy and Crocodile found themselves feeling a new level of respect, or perhaps fear toward Claudius.

At a humble fruit stand nearby, a scruffy-looking man sat with his legs propped up and a cheap bottle of wine in hand. He wore an old vest, his hair long and unkempt, and his whole appearance screamed "sloppy drunk." Yet, despite his disheveled look, the woman sitting beside him was a stark contrast—beautiful, graceful, and with a gentle smile.

The scene looked odd, almost surreal. The woman, with her beauty and calm demeanor, seemed entirely out of place next to such a scruffy man. It was like seeing a beauty and a beast together.

Claudius recognized her instantly, Portgas D. Rouge, the woman who would one day be known as the mother of Ace. And the man sitting beside her, despite his ragged appearance, was none other than the most wanted man in the world: Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King.

Roger's once-legendary presence was now buried under layers of grime and weariness. His face was thinner, his beard much longer, and his aura once so commanding was now subdued. Yet, even with his unkempt appearance, Claudius could still make out the unmistakable features of the Pirate King.

It seemed that no one else on the island had recognized Roger. He was hiding in plain sight, blending into the peaceful life of the island. But Claudius, who had come specifically to find him, saw through the disguise immediately.

Roger, too, noticed Claudius's group staring at him. His carefree expression tensed as he recognized the Celestial Dragon. He had seen Claudius before, back on the Sabaody Archipelago. And with Claudius's reputation growing in recent years, there was no mistaking him.

Roger wasn't worried for himself, he had faced countless dangers before. But now, for the first time in a long while, he felt anxiety. Not for his own sake, but for Rouge. His family.

His fingers tightened around the neck of the cheap wine bottle, and his piercing eyes locked onto Claudius as the distance between them closed.

Claudius approached the fruit stand, grabbed two oranges from the table, and casually said, "Two oranges, please."

Rouge, still smiling warmly, reached out to take payment. But just as she extended her hand, Claudius glanced up and said, "I didn't expect to find you here, Roger."

At those words, Rouge froze mid-movement, her hand hanging in the air. Before Roger could say anything, she quickly tried to recover. "You must be mistaken. My husband's name isn't Roger. He's just a simple man."

But Roger interrupted her, his voice calm. "No, Rouge, it's no use."

He turned to Claudius, offering a faint smile. "Long time no see, Claudius. Or should I say, Your Highness?"

"Call me whatever you like," Claudius replied with a grin as he began peeling one of the oranges. He popped a slice into his mouth, his eyes lighting up. "Mmm, not bad! The perfect balance of sweet and sour. I like it."

Roger laughed heartily. "Ahahaha, my wife grew those herself. Impressive, isn't she?"

Claudius nodded appreciatively. "Very impressive. I have to say, I'm a little envious. A scruffy guy like you managed to find such a beautiful wife."

Roger, now fifty-three years old, looked every bit his age, while Rouge appeared no older than twenty-four or twenty-five. The age gap was almost comical. Claudius couldn't help but be amazed that Roger, in his later years, had managed to win over someone so much younger.

It was clear that Roger, the "old cow," had found himself some "tender grass," and Claudius couldn't help but feel a little envious.

Roger rubbed his scruffy beard, grinning cheekily. "Maybe it's because I'm handsome."

Claudius gave him a look of disdain. "Is that why they call you the Pirate King? Because of your thick skin?"

Roger laughed even harder. After taking a swig from his bottle, he stretched his neck and asked, "So, what's the plan, Claudius? Are you here to catch me?"

Claudius tossed the orange peel into a nearby trash can, his expression casual but his intent clear. He didn't try to hide anything.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 71: I Should Have Taken You on My Ship!

Roger was caught off guard by Claudius's words. Before he could speak, Claudius casually shook the orange in his hand and asked, "These oranges are delicious. Mind packing a few for me? And how about we find a place to sit down and have a drink? I don't have much money on me, but I'll treat you."

Roger wasn't sure what Claudius was up to, but he didn't want to escalate things. He knew that Claudius, having appeared here and discovered his family, meant there were now dangerous variables in play. Sure, Roger could probably kill Claudius and his entire group right here, but there was no guarantee that Claudius hadn't left behind some kind of contingency plan.

After all, Roger knew his days were numbered, he couldn't protect Rouge forever, especially with her being pregnant. That only increased his worries. So, instead of being overly aggressive, he decided it was best to hear Claudius out.

With a smile, Roger said, "I've never shared a drink with a Celestial Dragon before. Since you're offering, I won't refuse."

Claudius smiled back. "It's my first time on this island, so you'd know the best spot. Why don't you lead the way?"

Roger stood, turning to Rouge. "I'm going to have a drink with this friend of mine. If you're tired, go ahead and close up the stall and get some rest."

Rouge gave him a worried glance but eventually nodded. "Just take care of yourself. Don't drink too much, okay?"

Roger smiled softly, his eyes full of warmth. "Don't worry. I know my limits."

Claudius, already standing, glanced over to his group. "You all stay here and help out. If this beautiful stall owner wants to pack up, give her a hand. After all, I did eat two oranges for free."

Though Stussy was concerned about Claudius going off with Roger, she kept quiet. His confidence reassured her, and if things went south, she had no problem with taking matters into her own hands, Roger's wife could make a good hostage if needed.

"Understood, Your Highness. We'll take care of Miss Rouge," Nia responded promptly.

Roger gave a quick look around, recognizing the unspoken arrangement. Claudius was leaving Rouge in the care of his people as a form of leverage, but Roger didn't comment on it. He simply nodded to Rouge before heading off with Claudius.

The tavern they found was small and shabby, with rickety tables and chairs that looked as old as the town itself. The owner, an elderly man, was sitting half-asleep behind the counter. When he saw them enter, he lazily pointed to the bottles on the wall and mumbled, "Help yourselves. Just pay before you leave."

Roger, accustomed to the laid-back vibe of the island, grabbed two bottles of wine, placed them on the table, and invited Claudius to sit. "So, how did you know I was here? I didn't tell anyone about this place. Not even Rayleigh knows where I am."

Claudius uncorked the bottles, pouring a glass for each of them. "Who do you think I am? I'm the head of CP-X. Do you really think it's that hard for me to find you?"

Roger raised an eyebrow as he took a sip of his drink, listening carefully.

"I've actually known where you were for a while now," Claudius continued. "I've been hanging around South Blue for months, but I didn't come to you immediately. I wanted to give you some time to be with your family."

Roger's eyes softened for a moment, but then he chuckled. "Well, I guess I should thank you for that, then. It seems you really are the one who caught Shiki after all. I wasn't sure if I believed it before."

Claudius feigned surprise. "You didn't believe it?"

"Of course not," Roger replied bluntly. "CP-X just pops up out of nowhere? You don't expect people to be suspicious?"

Claudius laughed heartily. "Fair point. If you hadn't run so fast that day, I might've caught you too."

Roger grinned. "I suppose I should count myself lucky."

The two men, who by all appearances should have been enemies, sat together drinking as if they were old friends. They chatted freely, and for a while, it seemed like they were just two regular men reminiscing over past adventures.

Eventually, after one of the bottles had been emptied, Roger leaned back and asked, "Earlier, you said, 'It's almost time.' What did you mean by that? You didn't come all this way just to have a drink with me, did you?"

Claudius poured another round and looked at Roger seriously. "I meant exactly that. I will eventually arrest you. I just don't think the time is right yet."

Roger was momentarily stunned. "You'll arrest me? When?"

Claudius took a sip from his glass, glancing over at Roger. "Whenever you're ready. After all, I can see you're not in the best shape these days. You've lost a lot of weight since I last saw you. Not to mention, your wife's warning not to drink too much."

Roger's face tensed for a moment before he let out a heavy sigh. "Yeah, you're right. I don't have much time left. I'm terminally ill."

"Figured as much," Claudius said calmly.

Roger looked at him with surprise. "You're not shocked?"

"What's there to be shocked about? Birth, aging, sickness, death—it's all part of life. Just because you're the Pirate King doesn't mean you can escape it. You're still just a man, Roger," Claudius said, waving it off as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Roger let out a deep, booming laugh. "Hahahaha! You're right, after all. I'm still just a man."

After sharing a few more drinks in silence, Claudius asked softly, "How much time do you need?"

Roger studied Claudius for a long moment, then spoke, his voice tinged with emotion. "You're really something else, you know that? Back in the day, I thought there was something different about you, even though you're a Celestial Dragon. Looking back now, I regret not taking you on my ship. We could've been great friends. Imagine the adventures we'd have had."

Claudius nodded as Roger spoke, listening quietly without interrupting.

After a few more moments of reflection, Roger shook his head and sighed. "I don't know how much longer I have left, but it won't be long. When the time comes, I'll come to you. I'll surrender."

Roger had already decided this was his fate. Since Claudius had shown him this level of respect, Roger would reciprocate by turning himself in to him when the time was right.

"Really?" Claudius replied with a grin. "You're the one calling the shots here. I couldn't beat you in a fight anyway, so whatever you say goes. I'm not in a rush."

They drank in silence for a little while longer until Roger's expression grew heavy again. "Rouge is innocent, you know that, right?"

Claudius set his glass down and looked at Roger. "She's married to the Pirate King, isn't she? From what I can tell, she's pregnant too, isn't she? It doesn't matter if she's innocent or guilty. The world won't see her that way."

Roger's face darkened. He knew Claudius was right.

Chapter 72: The Unexpected Arrival of Vice Admiral Garp!

As Claudius finished speaking, Roger's expression turned somewhat resigned. He took two more sips from his glass, sighed deeply, and said, "By your reasoning, of course, she's guilty. In fact, it's a serious crime, a capital offense."

Claudius nodded, not denying anything. Just the fact that Rouge had hidden Roger here was already enough to warrant a death sentence, let alone marrying him.

"You're right. Rouge is pregnant. I've been holding on, hoping to meet my child, but I'm starting to think I won't make it in time. My body just doesn't have much left to give," Roger said softly, a hint of sadness in his voice.

Claudius nodded again, saying nothing.

Roger took another drink, then smiled at Claudius. "But at least... the child is innocent, right?"

"If you weren't the Pirate King, then maybe. But now? He carries the blood of Gol D. Roger. It doesn't matter if he's innocent. Do you really think the World Government would let him live?" Claudius sighed, shaking his head.

Roger's hand tightened around his glass, and in a moment of suppressed anger, he crushed it in his grip. Shards of glass cut into his palm, and blood mixed with the wine on the table. His fury was clear, but he didn't lash out. As a pirate, he might have done so, but now he was more than just a pirate. He was a husband, and soon to be a father.

"Is there really no way around this?" Roger asked, his voice low, his eyes locked on Claudius.

Claudius picked up another glass from the table, filled it with wine, and set it down in front of Roger. Then, rubbing his temples, he replied, "What exactly do you want me to do?"

"If it hadn't been for you finding us, I was planning to leave my family in Garp's hands. Even though we're on opposite sides, I've always believed Garp's someone I can trust. He would've protected my child," Roger said quietly.

"Are you sure you'll get the chance to meet Garp?" Claudius asked with a slight smile.

"Of course. As soon as I'm arrested, Garp will come. I'm certain of that," Roger said confidently.

"It seems like you've got Garp wrapped around your finger," Claudius chuckled, shaking his head. He couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for Garp, knowing Roger would drag him into this mess.

Neither of them could have known that Garp was already in the South Blue, supposedly taking a vacation. And at this very moment, his small boat had docked at Baterilla Island. In typical Garp fashion, he was traveling alone, piloting nothing but a small boat through the vast seas.

Roger didn't respond to Claudius' remark, instead continuing, "But now that CP-X has discovered us, my previous plan is full of holes. If you're involved, even Garp won't be able to protect my family."

"That's true," Claudius admitted. "So, what do you want me to do?"

"Are you really willing to help me? We're not exactly friends," Roger said, though there was a glimmer of hope in his voice.

"I did eat two of your oranges," Claudius replied with a casual wave. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "And you're right, at least the child is innocent."

Roger's face lit up. "I knew I wasn't wrong about you, hahahaha!" He laughed heartily, taking a long drink from his glass. "You're one of the Celestial Dragons, right? No one would question you. That makes things much safer. I was hoping you could help protect my wife and unborn child—"

"Hold on," Claudius interrupted him without hesitation. "I only said the child is innocent. As for Rouge, I can promise I won't report her, but I'm not offering her any protection. If you want someone to protect her, go find Garp."

Claudius knew he was treading carefully here. While he was willing to take care of the child maybe even raise him as his own and steer him away from the path of piracy, Rouge was a different matter. She was a liability. She knew too much about Roger and his secrets, and harboring her could easily backfire.

Even if no one knew her identity now, there was always the chance that something from her past could surface. If the World Government caught wind of her, Claudius would be dragged into the mess, and that was a risk he wasn't willing to take.

And besides, Claudius didn't need Rouge. She was just a civilian, a weak woman. What benefit could she possibly bring him? None. In fact, keeping her around would only cause problems. He wasn't a fool, and he wasn't about to complicate things unnecessarily.

Roger, hearing Claudius' blunt refusal, fell silent. He knew this was likely Claudius' bottom line. After all, they weren't friends; they were enemies. The fact that Claudius was willing to look after his child was already an unexpected kindness. Asking for more was likely too much.

"Not reporting Rouge... maybe that's enough. If she's lucky, she could live a peaceful life," Roger said quietly.

"If that's the case, I'll make sure your child gets to see her regularly," Claudius replied.

"Thank you. I never imagined that in the end, the one I could rely on would be a Celestial Dragon," Roger said with a rueful laugh. "Life's full of surprises, isn't it?"

Claudius was about to respond when the door to the pub suddenly swung open. A large, muscular man walked in, dressed in a loud, colorful beach shirt, shorts, and flip-flops. His entrance was as boisterous as his outfit, and he greeted the half-asleep tavern owner with a booming laugh.

"Hey, old man! I just got to this island and I'm looking for someone. Have you seen a tall, blond guy? He's probably with two lovely ladies. I've got something to deliver to him."

The tavern owner lazily pointed to the bottles on the wall and mumbled, "Help yourself. As for your friend, look around."

Roger and Claudius both froze in place. Neither of them had expected to run into Vice Admiral Garp here, of all places!

The man standing at the door was none other than Garp himself. He had heard Claudius was on this island but hadn't managed to find him. He thought he'd stop by the pub to gather information and grab a drink. But instead, he stumbled upon a scene he never could have imagined: Claudius, a Celestial Dragon, sitting at a table with Roger, the Pirate King, sharing drinks like old friends.

For a moment, even Garp was speechless. What in the world was happening here?

Chapter 73: I Regret It, I Regret Being a Pirate

"Roger!!!" Garp bellowed as soon as he snapped out of his shock, preparing to charge at him.

At that moment, Claudius quickly intervened, "Garp, why don't you join us for a drink instead?"

Hearing Claudius's calm words, Garp hesitated. Then Roger chimed in, "It's been a long time, Garp. Won't you sit and have a drink with me?"

Although Garp was still reeling from the sight of a Celestial Dragon sharing drinks with the Pirate King, he ultimately held back his instinct to fight. He took a deep breath, grabbed a bottle of wine from the wall, and, with a frown, plopped down beside Claudius.

"What are you even doing here in this remote backwater?" Claudius asked curiously.

Garp scratched his head, then slapped a worn, black wallet onto the table. "Isn't this what you asked for? It's your fault. That Marsh Fruit of yours? It was in here. Take it, and don't lose it again."

Claudius's eyes lit up. He grabbed the wallet, gave it a brief look, and pocketed it without further inspection.

Still grumbling, Garp added, "Back in Marineford, I told you, if you got any news about Roger, let me know immediately. But no, you CP-X guys tracked him down without a word. And now, here you are, drinking with him? Do you even know who he is?"

Claudius chuckled awkwardly. Being caught like this was more than a little embarrassing. "I came here to arrest him," he said with a smile. "Figured it wouldn't be necessary to trouble you."

"Arrest him? Look at him. He's sitting here drinking with you. What kind of plan is that? You didn't spike the wine, did you?" Garp eyed the glasses suspiciously.

"I've decided to surrender to Claudius, Garp," Roger said suddenly.

Garp froze, staring at Roger in disbelief before turning to Claudius. "What did you put in his drink? He must be drunk, talking about surrendering like that."

Claudius sighed, irritated by Garp's bluntness. "Roger's terminally ill. He doesn't have much time left."

Garp's expression shifted. He looked at Roger, his disbelief giving way to sadness. "So, you're really dying?"

Roger waved off Garp's sympathy. "If I get captured, I'll die either way. Why the sudden concern? You're making me sick with all this sentiment."

Garp shrugged, shaking off his momentary sadness. "Yeah, you're right. You're a despicable bastard. The world'll be better off without you. Why should I feel sorry?"

The conversation between the two old rivals took a lighter turn as they continued to talk. Once Garp understood that Roger truly intended to surrender, he seemed to relax. Just as Roger had trusted Garp, Garp trusted Roger enough to believe him. There was no need to rush the arrest.

Claudius, leaning back in his chair, puffed on a cigar as he watched these two lifelong enemies drink and chat like old friends. He couldn't help but marvel at the surrealness of it all. If he hadn't been here, he might never have believed that such a scene could even exist.

The three of them sat there from dawn until dusk. Finally, they stepped out of the shabby tavern together. Roger waved to Garp and Claudius before heading home.

Claudius, meanwhile, was preparing to take Garp back to his ship for the night. After all, the man had gone out of his way to deliver something for him; it was only polite to show some gratitude.

As they walked side by side along the quiet country road, Garp suddenly chuckled to himself. "Who'd have thought that scoundrel Roger would settle down on some forgotten island, fall in love, and even have a kid?"

Claudius smirked. "Don't you regret coming here now?" he asked.

Garp didn't answer right away. He'd already been roped into Roger's plans, agreeing to look after Rouge until the baby was born. Once the child was born, Garp would hand the child over to Claudius for safekeeping. The World Government's investigations would be thorough, and perhaps one day, after things had settled, the mother and child might be allowed to reunite. But deep down, Claudius knew it was unlikely. The world was harsh, and Rouge would likely meet a tragic end trying to protect her unborn child, just as the stories had foretold.

After a long silence, Garp finally spoke. "That guy Roger... He's something else, isn't he?"

Claudius raised an eyebrow, then nodded. "Yeah, he's a pirate, but I can't help but like him. He's the kind of person you'd want as a friend. Imagine that."

"Yeah, I've spent half my life fighting him," Garp muttered. "Back during the God Valley Incident, I ended up owing him a favor. He's about to die now, so I guess if I don't repay it soon, I never will. That's why I promised to help him."

Claudius glanced at Garp, then shook his head with a wry smile. "You're a fool."

But somehow, this kind of fool was exactly the kind of person you could trust. Claudius didn't mind it.

For the next month or so, Claudius and Garp stayed on the island, wandering around, fishing, and occasionally dealing with small-time pirates. They never saw Roger again, and both sides kept a respectful distance. Roger and Rouge spent their days quietly, cherishing their time together, while Claudius and Garp enjoyed a peaceful, if unusual, break from their duties.

One morning, as Rouge prepared breakfast, Roger sat at the table, coughing violently into a handkerchief. When he pulled it away, the white cloth was stained with blood.

"Rouge, I regret it," Roger said softly, his voice weary. "What if... what if I hadn't become a pirate? I could've married you sooner, and we could've had our child by now."

In the kitchen, Rouge froze. She understood what his words meant. A tear slipped down her cheek, and with a trembling voice, she replied, "But I fell in love with the big, heroic pirate you were, didn't I?"

Roger smiled faintly. "Yeah. If I hadn't been a pirate, a beautiful girl like you probably wouldn't have even looked my way. After all, Claudius said I'm just a scruffy old man."

Rouge chuckled, though it was bittersweet. "Well, he wasn't entirely wrong."

They ate their breakfast quietly, the atmosphere warm but tinged with sadness. When Rouge noticed Roger had cleaned his plate, she forced a smile. "You ate so much today. You're not leaving anything behind?"

Roger gave a weak smile in return, but his eyes were filled with unspoken emotions love, regret, and a heavy sense of finality.

Rouge didn't say anything for a while, but then she softly asked, "Are you leaving?"

Roger nodded slowly. "It's time, Rouge. I have to go."

Chapter 74: Is CP-X Really That Good?

In the Holy Land, Mariejois, within the headquarters of the World Government, the Five Elders were gathered. Representing the highest authority, the five of them sat quietly, listening to the voice of a Den Den Mushi. Their expressions were a mix of disbelief and intrigue.

"We're currently on our way back to Mariejois," Claudius's voice came through the phone. "And as luck would have it, I ran into Garp while he was on vacation in South Blue. So, rest assured, security won't be an issue. The news is confidential, and no one is likely to stir up trouble."

The bald Elder leaned forward, his tone incredulous. "Claudius, this isn't something to joke about lightly. Are you seriously saying you've captured Roger?"

"Of course, I'm not joking," Claudius replied with a chuckle. "How could I face the five of you if I dared to lie about something like this?"

The Elder with the beard spoke up, his voice sharp. "You didn't just find someone who looks like Roger, did you? Roger's been a ghost for years, neither the Navy nor the CP agencies could catch him."

Claudius sighed in mock exasperation. "I'm not an idiot. I can tell the difference. And even if I somehow got it wrong, do you think Garp would make the same mistake?"

After a pause, Claudius continued, "Didn't I tell you before? CP-X was created to handle what the Navy and the CP agencies can't. It wasn't impossible to catch Roger, it was just a matter of time. Oh, and speaking of impossible, I've been to the sky too."

The bald Elder couldn't help but laugh. "You really are proud of yourself, aren't you? But if this is true, then you've certainly given us a monumental surprise. CP-X didn't disappoint. When you return, we'll increase our support for your organization. And as promised, your ascension to the highest rank among the Celestial Dragons won't be overlooked."

"Thank you, Your Excellencies," Claudius responded, his voice smooth with satisfaction.

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters in Marineford, Fleet Admiral Kong sat stunned, listening to Garp's report through a Den Den Mushi. Around him, high-ranking officers like Sengoku were gathered, all wearing expressions of disbelief. They had spent so much time hunting for Roger without success, and now, Garp who was supposed to be on vacation was telling them that Claudius had captured him?

"So, you're saying Roger has been captured and you're on your way back?" Admiral Kong asked, still trying to process the information.

"I already told you, I didn't catch him. Claudius did. I went to South Blue to deliver something to him, and by sheer luck, I stumbled into him capturing Roger. He actually pulled it off," Garp said, sounding both amused and frustrated.

Sengoku raised an eyebrow, his voice filled with suspicion. "Garp, don't tell me you knew Claudius was onto something, and that's why you went to South Blue?"

"Are you kidding me?" Garp barked into the Den Den Mushi. "Would I ever do something like that?"

Of course, Garp conveniently forgot the conversation he'd had with Claudius not long before, where they'd discussed keeping Roger's whereabouts between them. For now, Garp played the part of the innocent vacationer who just happened upon a great event.

After a few more words, Garp confirmed that they would return to Mariejois as quickly as possible and then ended the call.

Sengoku and the other high-ranking officers stood in silence for a moment, struggling to wrap their heads around the situation.

Fleet Admiral Kong, still staring at the now-silent Den Den Mushi, finally muttered, "Is CP-X really that capable?"

Sengoku stroked his chin, clearly puzzled. "As far as I know, they weren't supposed to be that powerful. On paper, they've developed a bit, but I thought they were mostly a shell organization. This whole thing with Roger, it doesn't make any sense."

Chief Staff Officer Tsuru, who had recently been promoted, glanced at Sengoku thoughtfully. "Perhaps we've underestimated them. After all, the operations within Mariejois have always been somewhat… unconventional. CP-X isn't under our command, nor are they subordinates. We really don't know how capable they might be."

Sengoku frowned, processing her words. "Are you suggesting there might be unknown powers or assets under Claudius's control?"

"Who's to say?" Tsuru replied cryptically.

At that moment, Zephyr, now serving as the Marines' chief instructor, smiled and chimed in. "Come on now, is it really so strange that CP-X might have capabilities we don't know about? Think about it after all these years, has anyone ever fully understood the scope of the CP agencies? It's pointless to overthink this. And besides, Claudius isn't our enemy. If CP-X is stronger than we thought, that's a good thing for us."

Fleet Admiral Kong nodded and knocked on the table with his knuckles. "Zephyr's right. Claudius and CP-X aren't like the rest of the CP agencies. He has a solid relationship with the Navy, and if they're stronger than we thought, that only benefits us. There's no need to pry into it any further."

Sengoku took a deep breath and nodded in agreement. "You're both right. The fact remains, this is a good thing for us."

After a moment of silence, Sengoku spoke again. "We need to start preparing. Fleet Admiral, you'll need to contact the higher-ups. We have to decide what to do with Roger. Are we taking him to Impel Down, or are we moving straight to execution?"

"Roger's not just any pirate," Tsuru interjected. "Since he became the Pirate King, the number of pirates in the world has skyrocketed. I think it's highly likely they'll want to make an example of him. An execution seems more probable."

"No need to discuss that further," Fleet Admiral Kong said, waving a hand. "The decision's already been made. Roger must die. Start making preparations for his execution."

Sengoku nodded. "Understood. I'll order the recall of all our forces currently searching for Roger. We need to focus our efforts on his execution. There can't be any slip-ups, especially with the threat of a prison break or a public rescue attempt."

"Agreed," Fleet Admiral Kong said. "I'll confirm the location of the execution with the higher-ups as soon as possible. Once we have the details, I'll let you know. In the meantime, make sure everything else is in order."

Sengoku nodded and began making plans. He couldn't help but smile as he said, "In the last few years, we've managed to take down some of the biggest names Ochoku, John, Golden Lion, and now Roger. Once Roger's executed, things should calm down. Maybe those big players in the New World will finally settle down."

Zephyr chuckled, joining the conversation. "Yeah, after this, we might finally be able to catch our breath."

Little did they know, an unprecedented storm was quietly building. The execution of Roger, the Pirate King, wouldn't calm the seas, it would ignite them, setting the stage for the most chaotic era the world had ever seen. The Marines' battle was far from over. In fact, it was just beginning.

Chapter 75: The Big News That Shook the World!

As Claudius and Garp returned to Mariejois with Roger in tow, the World Government officially confirmed the arrest of the Pirate King. Roger had been captured. This news, unprecedented and world-shaking, quickly spread across every corner of the globe. Newspapers immediately printed special editions, with bold headlines proclaiming: "CP-X Revealed: Pirate King Gold Roger Captured in South Blue!"

In the Sabaody Archipelago, within Shakky's Rip-off Bar, Rayleigh, the once-first mate of the Roger Pirates, leaned against the counter. His blond hair fell over his shoulders as he casually flipped through the special edition of the newspaper. The headline, "CP-X Arrests Gold Roger in South Blue," stared back at him.

"They're planning to execute Roger in Loguetown, East Blue, two months from now," Rayleigh murmured to himself, his voice calm but his eyes reflecting a deep understanding.

Shakky, holding a glass of wine, placed it next to Rayleigh. "Roger's been caught, huh? Is that CP-X group really that powerful?" she asked, her tone filled with a hint of concern.

Rayleigh set the newspaper aside and took a sip from his glass, smiling slightly. "Maybe they are, or maybe Roger just let himself be caught. It wouldn't surprise me if he surrendered once they found him."

"Surrendered?" Shakky echoed, her surprise evident.

"Yeah," Rayleigh replied, "he had this plan for a while. Perhaps he wanted to make a statement with his death. You know how Roger is, he'd enjoy watching the World Government think they've won, only for something unexpected to happen later."

There was a brief silence as Rayleigh's words hung in the air, his casual tone making it seem like he didn't care about Roger's fate. But knowing him, Shakky wondered what emotions really stirred beneath that calm facade.

"So, the rest of the Roger Pirates... you're not planning to save him?" Shakky asked, raising an eyebrow.

Rayleigh shook his head. "No. This was Roger's choice. Besides, he wouldn't have lived much longer anyway."

Shakky smiled, taking a sip from her own glass. "Well, I thought you'd be running off for a while. Guess not."

---

In the New World, aboard the massive Moby Dick, Whitebeard, Edward Newgate, sat silently on his throne-like chair. A sake flask dangled from his large hand, his expression unreadable.

Suddenly, Marco, one of Whitebeard's closest commanders, came rushing across the deck, newspaper in hand and shock written all over his face. "Pops! Big news!" he shouted, breathless.

Whitebeard raised an eyebrow, his deep voice rumbling. "What is it, Marco? What's got you so worked up?"

"Roger... Roger's been captured! By that same CP-X group that captured Shiki!" Marco exclaimed, thrusting the newspaper toward Whitebeard.

Whitebeard's eyes widened in surprise as he took the paper and carefully read the headline. After a long silence, he finally spoke, his tone low. "It seems we've underestimated this Claudius... that Celestial Dragon is becoming quite a force to be reckoned with."

Marco frowned. "Do you think it's true? Could CP-X really have captured Roger?"

Whitebeard took a deep sip from his flask before nodding. "If Roger's been captured, it's likely true. As for this CP-X... we might've thought too little of them before. They've already proven themselves by capturing Shiki."

Marco looked concerned but didn't dwell on that. Instead, he asked, "The paper says they're planning to execute Roger in two months in East Blue. Shouldn't we go and save him?"

"No," Whitebeard responded without hesitation.

Marco's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why not? Shouldn't we at least go and see him off? He's going to die, Pops."

Whitebeard looked at Marco, his eyes softening for a moment. "I've already said my goodbye to Roger. There's no need to go."

---

Elsewhere, on a ship sailing through the first half of the Grand Line, Dragon, leader of the Revolutionary Army, was staring at the same newspaper in disbelief. Less than two months ago, he had mocked Claudius when they met in South Blue, teasing him for thinking he could casually catch Roger. And now, here was the undeniable proof that Claudius had done just that.

"How is this even possible?" Dragon muttered, rubbing his chin in thought. "Roger, caught by just a few men? What in the world happened?"

Ivankov, the flamboyant Revolutionary and Dragon's close ally, leaned over Dragon's shoulder, glancing at the headline. "Maybe Roger surrendered? Could be that Claudius just got lucky."

Dragon chuckled softly. "If that's the case, Claudius has got to be the luckiest man alive. To stumble upon Roger at the perfect moment in South Blue? It's hard to believe."

Bartholomew Kuma, the large, silent figure standing nearby, finally spoke. "Roger's choice, perhaps. But even so, Claudius managed to pull it off."

Dragon nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. Whatever the reason, Claudius has proven himself capable. CP-X isn't the 'stuffed shell' he made it out to be. If they were able to catch Roger, then what does that say about the Navy and the CP agencies that have failed all these years?"

Dragon's eyes narrowed. He knew Claudius had more power and influence than he let on. "There's no way he's shown all his cards yet."

Ivankov adjusted the ship's rudder, turning them towards a new course. "So, Boss, what now? Weren't we headed to Water 7?"

Dragon smiled faintly. "There's still time. Roger's execution is two months away. We'll head to East Blue."

Ivankov looked puzzled. "Why? Roger's death doesn't really concern the Revolutionary Army. What's the point of watching his execution?"

Dragon's smile grew slightly. "I have a feeling it won't be that simple. I'm expecting some... unexpected developments."

Ivankov laughed, "Fine, fine. You're the boss, after all. East Blue it is."

---

Dragon wasn't the only one curious about Roger's impending execution. Across the seas, other major players began shifting their attention to East Blue. In North Blue, Donquixote Doflamingo grinned as he read the news, already plotting to be present at Roger's final moments. Elsewhere, Dracule Mihawk, in the midst of challenging swordsmen across the world, also decided that he needed to witness the execution of the Pirate King firsthand.

The sea was alive with movement as countless figures—pirates, revolutionaries, and swordsmen alike began making their way toward East Blue. The looming execution of Gol D. Roger had sparked a massive surge in activity, setting the stage for an event that would change the world forever.

Back at Marine Headquarters, Sengoku stood in silence for a moment, holding the latest report in his hands. He turned to the gathered officers and said, "His Highness Claudius stayed in South Blue for nearly four months. We all thought he was taking a vacation, but now... it seems like he was laying the groundwork for something far bigger."

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 76: The Prologue of Loguetown

East Blue's Loguetown, once an unremarkable place, had now become the center of attention. East Blue, often called the "weakest sea," rarely saw any notable figures pass through. But things had changed. This small, quiet town was now filled with big names from all over the world. The reason? The impending execution of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.

A massive Marine warship was docking in the harbor, and among its passengers stood Claudius. Garp, Sengoku, and several other high-ranking Marines were also present. Kuzan and a few others had already gone ahead to organize the security arrangements within Loguetown.

"It's quite the spectacle here today," Claudius remarked with a smile, gazing out at the crowded harbor.

Garp, born in East Blue's Kingdom of Goa, frequently returned to his home sea and had visited Loguetown many times due to its convenient position near the entrance to the Grand Line. Nodding at Claudius's comment, he replied, "Yeah, it's way busier than usual. Looks like a lot of people want to witness Roger's execution."

Claudius then pointed to a nearby ship, which had recently docked. "Speaking of which... aren't you Marines going to do something about that?" he asked, grinning slightly. The ship wasn't particularly remarkable, but the pirate flag fluttering from its mast was impossible to ignore.

It was a rare sight, a pirate ship casually moored not far from a Marine warship. The audacity of these pirates was something to behold.

Sengoku sighed heavily, his expression troubled. "If we go after these pirates now, it'll stir up chaos among the others who've come to Loguetown. The town would descend into complete disorder. Today isn't about catching pirates, it's about executing Roger. For now, we'll turn a blind eye."

"Fair enough," Claudius shrugged, unconcerned. "I'm not the one in charge of catching pirates. That's your Marine business."

"You don't seem bothered by much," Sengoku said with a faint smile.

There was a brief moment of silence before Sengoku pulled out a Den Den Mushi and made a call. Kuzan's voice quickly came through.

"Everything set?" Sengoku asked.

"All prepared. The execution platform is built and secured. We're just waiting for you," Kuzan replied, his tone lighthearted.

"Good. We're heading over now," Sengoku confirmed before hanging up.

He then turned to a nearby Marine Rear Admiral and gave orders, "Move into the town. Organize the crowd in the square and make sure the path to the execution platform is secure. We can't afford any mistakes."

"Yes, Admiral Sengoku!" the Rear Admiral responded, quickly organizing a group of Marine soldiers. They disembarked and began forming ranks, moving efficiently into Loguetown to establish order.

Sengoku, satisfied with the preparations, turned to Claudius. "Let's head into town."

Claudius waved him off with a smile. "You go ahead. I don't want to draw too much attention. People know about CP-X now, but not many are familiar with my face. I haven't exactly let my image circulate. If I walk into town alongside the top brass of the Marines, I'll blow my cover. CP-X thrives on its discretion, after all."

Sengoku hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Fair point. Do as you wish, then."

With that, Sengoku, Garp, and the other Marines disembarked, leaving Claudius on the ship. There were still a few hours before Roger's execution at noon, so Claudius wasn't in any rush. He strolled off the ship, blending into the crowd.

This time, Claudius hadn't brought his usual entourage. Nia was still in Mariejois, while Stussy had already infiltrated Loguetown in advance. Crocodile, who was eagerly awaiting Roger's execution to gain his "freedom" from Claudius's watch, had also gone ahead to explore the town. With so many pirates gathering in one place, Crocodile couldn't resist scoping out the scene.

The only person accompanying Claudius was Enel. The young man looked around in awe, wide-eyed and curious about everything. As they walked through the crowded streets, Claudius enjoyed the anonymity of the moment.

Loguetown wasn't large, but with so many people flooding in from all over the world, it felt cramped. As Claudius wandered with Enel at his side, his eyes caught a familiar figure in the distance, one that was both recognizable and outlandish.

Donquixote Doflamingo, his cousin, was as flamboyant as ever. Today, the future "Joker" of the underworld looked like a walking spectacle. Draped in his iconic pink feathered coat, wearing lace-trimmed orange sunglasses, and dressed in checkered pants with peasy shoes, Doflamingo didn't look like a pirate at all. If anything, he resembled a pop idol more than anything.

Around Doflamingo, a group of lackeys helped clear a path for him, keeping the crowd at bay. Claudius smiled and, with Enel in tow, made his way over.

As they neared, one of Doflamingo's men Vergo, as serious as ever—stepped forward, blocking Claudius's path. "Stop," he said coldly, his face still stained with remnants of a doughnut he'd recently eaten.

But before Vergo could say more, Doflamingo's familiar laugh rang out. "Furufurufurufu! Cousin, it's been too long! I figured you'd show up here, so I saved you a spot. Come, join me!" Doflamingo greeted Claudius warmly, a wide grin on his face.

Vergo froze for a moment, realizing who stood before him. "My apologies, Saint Claudius," he said quickly, bowing with respect. Vergo understood that there was only one person Doflamingo would call cousin, a Celestial Dragon, and more specifically, Claudius, the leader of CP-X.

Claudius waved the apology away. "It's fine," he said, before walking over to Doflamingo.

"Doffy, it's been a while. You've grown, haven't you? Almost catching up to me," Claudius said with a grin.

Doflamingo laughed. "I couldn't let you leave me behind, cousin. But you... you've outdone yourself. First, you capture the Golden Lion, and now, you've even managed to get your hands on the Pirate King himself! How did you pull that off? I'm dying to hear the story."

Claudius chuckled. "It's a long tale, and it starts with me being on vacation in South Blue..."

As Claudius began recounting his adventures to Doflamingo, the square around them continued to fill with notable figures. Hawkeye Mihawk, carrying his massive cross-shaped sword on his back, stood nearby, his hawk-like eyes scanning the area. He, too, was here to witness the execution of the Pirate King.

In another corner of the crowd, two familiar figures, Shanks and Buggy, squeezed through the throngs of people. Their expressions were a mixture of sadness and anxiety, knowing what fate awaited their captain.

Chapter 77: Prisoner on the Throne!

In addition to the growing number of familiar faces in the crowd, Crocodile had also blended into the sea of onlookers. His once straightforward demeanor had started to evolve, as he leaned more and more into the image of a pirate. Standing not far from him was a man with an imposing and ominous figure, Moria. His sharp, ghastly appearance made him stand out, and like everyone else, he seemed eager to witness the execution of Gol D. Roger.

Above them all, perched on the roof of a nearby building, stood a man in a kabuto cap and a long cloak. It was none other than the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Dragon, watching everything unfold with quiet intensity.

Claudius, unaware of Dragon's presence, was engaged in conversation with his cousin, Doflamingo. However, Dragon's sharp eyes had already spotted Claudius among the crowd. His gaze shifted to Doflamingo, and a slight frown crossed his face.

"So, he's connected to the Donquixote family of North Blue," Dragon muttered to himself. "Could Doflamingo be the hidden power backing Claudius? But from what I remember, the Donquixote family wasn't supposed to be particularly influential anymore…"

Since Roger's capture, Dragon had been suspicious that Claudius possessed some secret force that allowed him to achieve what no one else had. Now, seeing Doflamingo and his entourage, Dragon's suspicions only deepened. Still, even with this realization, he couldn't quite figure out how Claudius had managed to capture Roger.

Meanwhile, Claudius and Doflamingo continued their conversation.

"Cousin," Doflamingo began with a grin, "after Roger's execution, I plan to enter the Grand Line as a pirate."

"Oh? You're leaving North Blue behind?" Claudius asked with an amused smile.

"North Blue is too small," Doflamingo replied, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "I've stirred things up enough there. It's time to head to the Grand Line—and eventually, New World. Once I've built up enough power, I'll return to claim what the Donquixote family once owned."

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Ah, I see. You mean Dressrosa—the kingdom that was once ours, back in the day?"

"Exactly," Doflamingo said, a dangerous light flickering in his eyes. "Eight hundred years ago, we ruled Dressrosa. If I can't return to Mariejois, then I'll take back what rightfully belongs to us. It's time."

Claudius chuckled, impressed by his cousin's boldness. "You've got a point. If you manage to seize Dressrosa, I'll make sure the paperwork goes through properly. I'll see to it that you're recognized as the rightful king."

Doflamingo laughed, his trademark grin widening. "Furafurufurufu! Then I'll owe you one, cousin. It seems you've solidified your standing in Mariejois. Has that rat Lancelot been giving you any trouble?"

At the mention of Lancelot, Claudius's expression darkened for a moment, before he waved it off with a smirk. "Give me trouble? Do you think I'm still the same as I was back then? I'm an upper Celestial Dragon now. Lancelot should count himself lucky if I leave him alone. He's in no position to give me trouble."

Doflamingo's eyes widened in surprise. "Upper Celestial Dragon? Already?"

Claudius nodded, looking satisfied. "I made a deal with the Five Elders. If CP-X could capture Roger, they'd promote me to the upper ranks. They've fulfilled their end of the bargain."

Doflamingo's grin returned, sharper than ever. "So, cousin, does that mean you'll finally deal with Lancelot? After all, he caused you quite a bit of trouble back in the day."

Claudius's eyes gleamed dangerously. "I've moved past what happened back then. But if Lancelot crosses my path or gets in my way… well, accidents happen, don't they? Especially with things about to get chaotic."

Doflamingo smirked knowingly. "It sounds like you've already got something planned."

Claudius chuckled darkly. "I wouldn't call it a plan just yet, but let's just say the idea is taking shape. Why? Were you thinking of handling him yourself?"

"Is there an opportunity?" Doflamingo asked, his ambition barely hidden.

"There will be," Claudius replied, his voice low. "When the time comes, I'll let you know."

Doflamingo's grin grew even wider. "I'll be ready, cousin. Thank you for keeping me in mind."

Their conversation continued for a few more minutes, until Claudius casually asked, "How's Rosinante doing these days? I haven't seen the kid in a while."

Doflamingo's cheerful expression faltered for a brief moment. He sighed, shaking his head. "He's still the same. We… don't see eye to eye on many things."

Claudius nodded, sensing there was more to the story but deciding not to press further.

Just then, a commotion rippled through the crowd, and both Claudius and Doflamingo turned their attention toward the square.

Marine soldiers had formed a path through the throngs of people, separating the square in half. The road they had cleared led directly to the execution platform, where Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, Gion, Kuzan, and other Marine officers stood at the ready. Although a rescue attempt was unlikely, the Marines weren't taking any chances. Their presence was meant to discourage anyone from trying to disrupt the execution.

Soon, the square grew quiet, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Claudius and Doflamingo, both standing tall, could see over the heads of the crowd, their eyes locked on the far end of the street.

"It's time," Claudius murmured.

Doflamingo nodded silently. The sound of clanking chains echoed through the air as the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, finally appeared.

Roger's wrists and ankles were shackled, the chains jangling with each step he took. Despite the restraints, he moved with an air of confidence, his burgundy captain's coat trailing behind him. He didn't look like a man walking to his death—he looked like a king ascending to his throne.

Doflamingo's eyes widened in awe. "So that's the Pirate King… what presence."

Claudius nodded. "Yes, that's Roger. An extraordinary man. It's a shame."

"What's a shame?" Doflamingo asked curiously.

"It's a shame that he's about to die," Claudius said softly. "The world will be a little less interesting without him."

Doflamingo glanced at Claudius, surprised by the hint of sadness in his cousin's voice. He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but for a moment, it seemed like Claudius truly lamented Roger's fate.

The crowd watched in silence as Roger walked down the road, his eyes fixed ahead, his expression calm. Even in chains, the Pirate King exuded a power and charisma that left everyone in awe.

Chapter 78: The Great Era of Pirates Begins!!!

Roger's footsteps were steady, unhurried, with a faint smile lingering on his face. He seemed at peace, as if life and death had already ceased to matter to him. Each step he took reverberated through the square, his presence pressing on the hearts of everyone watching.

As he passed by Claudius, Roger turned his head slightly and glanced his way, a playful smirk appearing on his face as if sharing a private joke. Claudius returned the look, rolling his eyes and mirroring Roger's smile with one of his own.

This brief, subtle interaction went unnoticed by the crowd. Finally, Roger reached the foot of the execution platform.

The eyes of Sengoku, Garp, and the other Marines were fixed on him, but Roger didn't pay them any attention. Just before ascending the steps, he murmured softly, "Farewell, Garp."

Sengoku, overhearing this, looked at Garp, but Garp simply closed his eyes, a flicker of melancholy crossing his face.

Sengoku opened his mouth as if to speak, but Garp cut him off in a low, firm voice. "Shut up, Sengoku. Don't say a word."

Sengoku, taken aback, decided to remain silent, watching Roger continue his ascent.

Roger climbed the stairs to the platform, where two executioners with long blades waited for him. Standing tall, he cast his gaze across the massive crowd, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. "So many people came just to watch me die? I'm honored."

Without any sign of fear or regret, Roger crossed his legs and sat down on the platform, settling himself comfortably. He placed his shackled wrists on his knees, relaxed, as if he was merely a spectator at his own execution.

Looking out across the square, Roger took in the sights of Logue Town, his birthplace. The sun was shining brightly, and he squinted slightly, remarking, "Still feels the same… this heat. It hasn't changed since I left all those years ago."

He thought back to his journey, the adventures, and ultimately, his decision to end it all here. "Starting and ending here… maybe that's how it was meant to be," he whispered to himself.

For a fleeting moment, Roger's mind drifted south, across the vast ocean, to a small island in South Blue. There, he imagined Rouge, his beloved, watching toward the east, her gaze reaching across the sea to meet his in spirit. He closed his eyes and whispered, "Farewell."

The moment passed, and Roger refocused on the present. One of the executioners stepped forward and asked, "Do you have any last words, Roger?"

Roger grinned, rattling the shackles on his wrists. "Mind taking these off? My wrists are itchy."

The executioner scowled, clearly irritated. "What nonsense are you talking about? That's impossible!"

Roger sighed, smiling. "Relax. Do you really think I'd run now?"

"If you have nothing to say, then savor these last few minutes in silence," the executioner replied curtly.

Sitting on the platform, Roger glanced out into the crowd. His eyes landed on two familiar faces hidden within, a young man wearing a straw hat and a red-nosed clown by his side.

"Oh, Shanks and Buggy… they came all this way to see me off?" he thought, a fond smile playing on his lips.

Both Shanks and Buggy noticed Roger's gaze, and a wave of grief washed over them. This simple, heartfelt smile from their captain was almost unbearable.

"Captain Roger…" Buggy whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

Shanks clutched his straw hat, tears welling up in his eyes.

Elsewhere in the crowd, a white-haired boy watched Roger intently. Despite his youth, he was struck by the calm, smiling man on the platform. He couldn't understand why a man about to die would smile like that, but the sight etched itself deeply into his memory.

"Smoker! I told you not to run off!" a man's voice called from behind the boy.

The white-haired boy, Smoker, reluctantly stepped back, casting one last look at Roger.

The square remained silent, the entire crowd holding its breath as the clock tower's minute hand crept toward noon. Then, in the final seconds before the execution, a voice broke the silence.

"Roger! You're about to die! Tell us—where did you hide all your treasure?! The One Piece!!!" someone shouted.

The square erupted with murmurs, as others echoed the question. Sengoku's face darkened. "Prepare to execute him! Don't let him say another word!" he commanded.

But Roger, as if he had been waiting for this question all along, threw his head back and laughed. "You want my treasure? If you want it, you can have it! Go and find it! I left everything this world has to offer there!"

"Execute him! Now!" Sengoku roared, his voice filled with urgency.

But it was too late. Roger's words had already pierced the hearts of everyone present.

The executioners brought their blades down, crossing them into Roger's chest. The sun was at its zenith, and at that precise moment, the bell in the clock tower rang out. The Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, was dead.

Yet with his death, he had planted a seed that would change the world. His final words ignited a flame in countless hearts. Men across the seas set their sights on the treasure he left behind, dreaming of adventure, glory, and wealth. This was the dawn of a new age, an age known as the "Great Pirate Era."

In the square, pandemonium erupted as the realization set in. Men who had merely come to witness an execution now felt a surge of ambition and hope.

Laughter broke through the crowd as Claudius watched the chaos unfold. "Ahahahahahaaha! You really knew how to go out with a bang, Roger!"

Beside him, Doflamingo chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming. "It seems the World Government's attempt to quash the pirate spirit has backfired spectacularly. This sea is going to be thrown into chaos! Ahahaha! I think I made the right choice in becoming a pirate."

Claudius smirked, the thrill of the new era lighting a fire within him. "You're right, Doflamingo. With all these changes, how could we not play our part?"

Doflamingo turned to him with a grin. "What's this, cousin? Are you planning to sail under a pirate flag too? A Celestial Dragon pirate? Now that's a sight."

Claudius laughed, shaking his head. "No, not quite. I just meant… now is the perfect time to put my plans into motion."

Chapter 79: Is There Any Reason to Stop a Man from Running to the Sea?

Amidst the bustling crowd, Stussy was concealed, observing the people around her with a slight smile. She couldn't help but feel a bit impressed as she murmured to herself, "As expected, His Highness called it right. Things have already spiraled out of control."

Before coming to Logue Town, Claudius had warned his companions that something unexpected and monumental was likely to happen. And sure enough, Roger's final words had set off a chain reaction that none of them could contain.

In another part of the crowd, Crocodile was chuckling to himself, now fully understanding why Claudius had encouraged him to go to sea at this exact time. He admired Claudius's foresight even more now. Following him had been the right decision. This was the dawn of a new era!

On a nearby rooftop, Dragon stood watching the scene unfold, a rare smile on his face. "So it's happening... just as I hoped. With the seas thrown into chaos, our Revolutionary Army will be able to grow and strengthen."

After bidding farewell to the eager Doflamingo, who was brimming with excitement to begin his own pirate journey, Claudius turned to Enel. Together, they began to make their way back to the harbor. The spectacle was over, and Claudius was ready to head back to the warship for some rest.

"Your Highness, did you really expect all of this to happen?" Enel asked, glancing up at him curiously.

Claudius smirked, still visibly amused. "More or less. I knew that Roger wasn't going to go quietly. Hahaha, the man sacrificed himself to set the seas ablaze, launching a whole new era of chaos. By now, Mariejois and Marine Headquarters must be in absolute turmoil."

And he was right. With Roger's execution broadcast live and news spreading like wildfire, the World Government had no way of stopping it. The Five Elders, who had hoped this would be a display of power, were likely in a state of shock. Instead of deterring pirates, Roger's final declaration had ignited a worldwide frenzy.

"Do you think Crocodile is really not coming back?" Enel asked again.

"No, he's out there for good now. He wants to carve his own path on the sea, just like everyone else. I can't help but envy him a little... he's got freedom," Claudius admitted with a wistful smile.

"If you had the choice, would you go too?" Enel asked, his eyes alight with curiosity.

Claudius laughed, nodding. "Maybe. If I weren't a Celestial Dragon, I might have taken my own ship out there. Set sail to see what the world has to offer."

Enel looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding with understanding. "Yeah… I'd want to go too."

Claudius chuckled at his sincerity. "Well, then, you have something to look forward to. But you're still young. I'd say… wait until you're sixteen. Six more years."

"Six years, huh?" Enel calculated in his head, already eager for the day.

"Six years isn't long," Claudius replied with a smile.

Just then, a familiar figure appeared beside them, blending into the crowd with surprising ease. Dragon gave Claudius a knowing grin. "Everything going according to plan, Your Highness?"

"Here to gloat?" Claudius snorted, though he was clearly amused.

"I half-expected to see you pulling your hair out," Dragon teased. "But judging by that smirk, it seems you saw this coming?"

"More or less. What about you? Here to enjoy the chaos?" Claudius asked with a raised brow.

Dragon chuckled. "Chaos is good for us. The Revolutionary Army will use this time to expand quickly."

"Ah, so even you're heading out onto the seas," Claudius remarked, a slight grin playing on his lips. "The call of adventure got to you too, huh?"

Dragon looked out toward the horizon, his gaze serious yet filled with purpose. "Is there any reason to stop a man from running to the sea?"

With those words, Dragon turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Claudius to chuckle at his friend's dramatic exit.

Enel looked up, clearly intrigued. "Your Highness… is there really no reason to stop a man from running to the sea?"

Claudius stopped, considering the question before bursting into laughter. "Hahaha! No, there's no reason at all! In this world, there's nothing that can stop a man from chasing his dreams and seeking his treasure on the open sea. That's the beauty of it… the romance of it!"

Enel seemed to absorb those words, and then asked, "What about you, Your Highness? Don't you want to go to sea? Like Crocodile?"

Claudius paused, a hint of reflection in his gaze. "Me? I am already at sea, Enel."

Enel looked down, a bit puzzled by his answer. They were standing on solid ground, after all. But Claudius didn't explain further, leaving the thought lingering in the air as he continued to lead them toward the port.

Back at the harbor, they were met by Gion, who looked visibly anxious. "You're just wandering around? Don't you realize what's happening? Things are going out of control!"

Claudius grinned nonchalantly. "Of course, I know. The whole world's turning upside down, thanks to Roger."

"This is serious, Claudius!" Gion said, almost scolding him.

"I never said it wasn't serious," Claudius replied calmly, holding back a laugh.

Gion shot him a frustrated look, hands on her hips. "Then what are you going to do about it?"

Claudius gave her a patient look, shrugging his shoulders. "What can I do? I'm not a miracle worker. I can't stop the tides from turning. No one can."

"But… but you're a Celestial Dragon!" Gion protested.

"And that means I'm supposed to have control over the world?" Claudius chuckled. "Look, calm down. Let's wait for Sengoku and the others to return. I'm sure they'll have a plan."

Gion took a deep breath, trying to gather herself. "Fine… maybe you're right. But… it's unsettling. This era is out of control."

Claudius gave her a reassuring smile, placing a hand on her shoulder. "No one can stop the winds of change, Gion. But if you can't stop it, you can at least ride it. There's always a way forward."

As they stood there, they could see the streams of people leaving Logue Town, filled with newfound purpose. Claudius watched them go, knowing that this was only the beginning. Soon, the sea would be teeming with pirates, adventurers, and dreamers, each one chasing the legacy that Roger had left behind.

Chapter 80: Big Boss Meeting!

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, inside a vast conference room within the headquarters of the World Government, the most powerful figures were gathered. It had been about half a year since Roger's execution, yet the world was still reeling from the aftermath.

The Marines and CP agencies had been working tirelessly to handle the resulting surge of pirate activity. But despite their best efforts, the increase in pirates had been explosive, far outpacing what they could contain. This sudden shift had left the World Government scrambling, and now, they were meeting for the fourth time in six months to discuss strategies for controlling this turbulent new era.

Sitting around the round table, Marine Admiral Sengoku wore a deep frown, a look mirrored by his colleagues Tsuru, the Chief Staff Officer, and Vice Admiral Sakazuki, who were also present as representatives of Marine. Across from them were members of the CP agency, men with featureless masks and pristine white suits, giving them an air of eerie, silent authority.

On the opposite side of the table sat Claudius, a cigar dangling lazily from his lips. He looked completely at ease, exuding a calm confidence that seemed almost out of place in such a high-stakes meeting. Behind him stood Stussy, holding a stack of documents, her demeanor that of a loyal and observant secretary.

They didn't have to wait long before the doors opened, and the bald elder of the Five Elders, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, known as one of the highest authorities in the world, entered. He scanned the room, noting with satisfaction that everyone was present, then took his seat at the head of the table. Drawing a cigar from his coat, he cut and lit it, exhaling a slow plume of smoke before addressing the room.

"Alright, let's get started," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Let's begin with reports from the Naval Headquarters and the CP agencies. What's the current situation?"

Sengoku exchanged a glance with the head of the CP agency, then took the lead. "Our Marine branches worldwide have ramped up recruitment efforts. However, it takes time to train and equip new soldiers. From the initial recruitment to becoming battle-ready, it requires at least a year. Building up enough strength to tackle this new wave of piracy… it's going to take a while. This isn't going to be a short fight. We're looking at a prolonged struggle on the seas."

Nusjuro nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging the challenge but withholding any criticism. He knew that these kinds of things couldn't be rushed.

The CP agency representative, a man referred to as "Gis," took over. "We've made some progress. First, we've focused on targeting potential threats early on, dealing with smaller but promising pirate crews before they can grow. We've managed to eliminate many of these 'saplings' before they could take root and expand."

Gis hesitated slightly before adding, "Additionally, we've come across a group we believe warrants attention. They call themselves the 'Revolutionary Army.' Although they haven't done anything overtly hostile yet, their ideology is… concerning."

Claudius raised an eyebrow, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. The CP agency was already aware of Dragon's activities. Impressive, he thought, given how new and low-profile the Revolutionary Army still was. For now, they hadn't been deemed a true threat, but the seeds of future tension were already planted.

Nusjuro took this information in stride. "Understood. Sengoku, continue expanding Marine's ranks as quickly as possible. We'll increase the military budget this year to support these efforts."

"Yes, sir. It's all in the name of justice," Sengoku replied, a subtle gleam of satisfaction in his eyes.

The elder then turned to Gis. "Keep up the pressure. Eliminate these up-and-coming pirates as soon as possible. We may not be able to cut down their numbers significantly, but if we can prevent the strongest from rising, it's still a victory."

"Yes, my lord," Gis responded promptly, his tone filled with deference.

Claudius remained silent throughout these exchanges, calmly taking drags from his cigar and watching the others speak. His relaxed demeanor contrasted sharply with the urgency of the discussion, almost as if he were detached from their concerns.

Finally, Nusjuro's gaze landed on Claudius, and his stern expression softened slightly. As a member of the Celestial Dragons, Claudius was family to him, so to speak, and beyond that, Claudius had proven himself capable by capturing both Golden Lion Shiki and, ultimately, the infamous Pirate King, Roger. Even if the latter event had set off an unintended tidal wave, the elder still admired Claudius's results.

"Claudius, what about you? Do you have anything to report on CP-X's recent activities? Any suggestions on how we might handle the escalating crisis at sea?" the elder asked, a faint smile on his lips.

Claudius straightened up, setting his cigar aside as he reached for a document that Stussy quickly handed him. With a casual smile, he opened the folder and spread it out on the table in front of him. "Actually, Your Excellency, I do have something I'd like to propose. I've been preparing a plan, and I'd like to hear your thoughts on it."

As he spoke, Stussy efficiently handed out copies of the document to each person around the table. Sengoku opened his copy, and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. The file contained profiles on two pirates: Crocodile and Doflamingo.

Crocodile was a relatively new but rising figure on the Grand Line. Sengoku already knew that Crocodile had once been a subordinate of Claudius, which had puzzled him before. Why would Claudius, a high-ranking Celestial Dragon, sponsor a pirate? And now, here was Doflamingo, Claudius's cousin, also active as a pirate under the name "Donquixote." What was Claudius's angle in all this?

As Sengoku flipped through the file, a murmur of interest spread around the table. Even the bald elder looked intrigued as he reviewed the information.

The elder finally looked up, his curiosity evident. "So, Claudius, what's the purpose of showing us this? What are you proposing?"

Claudius chuckled and said, "These two, Crocodile and Doflamingo, are some of the most promising young pirates in the current era, wouldn't you say?"

Gis nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Your Highness. They've both established themselves quickly."

"Then, using them as an example, let me introduce a concept I call 'The Seven Warlords of the Sea Plan,'" Claudius said, an almost wicked glint in his eyes.

Everyone was silent, watching him intently.

Claudius continued, "To put it simply, this plan is about 'ruling Pirates with Pirates.' Instead of fighting the rising tide of piracy head-on, we endorse certain pirates, ones we can control and use them to manage the chaos in our favor."

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 81: The Seven Warlords of the Sea Plan!!!

Listening to Claudius's explanation, Sengoku, Gis, and the others all looked visibly confused.

Even Nusjuro seemed puzzled. He frowned slightly and asked, "Using thieves to catch thieves? What do you mean by that? Explain it clearly."

Claudius smiled, took another puff from his cigar, and said, "Ever since Roger's death, the seas have not become quieter as we had hoped. Instead, thanks to his last words, the number of pirates has skyrocketed—at least tenfold."

He paused for a moment to let the point sink in, then continued, "It's only been half a year, and while the number of pirates has increased dramatically, they haven't yet reached the level of true threat. However, I'd like to make a bold prediction: within five to ten years, that could very well change."

Sengoku thought over Claudius's words in silence. Claudius was absolutely right.

While the number of pirates on the seas had multiplied, none of them had yet achieved the same terrifying reputation and strength as established forces like Whitebeard or Kaido. For now, as long as Marine had enough manpower, they could still keep things under control.

But there was a problem: Marine did not have enough manpower, and the rate at which they could recruit and train new soldiers was far slower than the rate at which new pirates were appearing.

If things continued this way, the question was no longer if, but when this quantitative growth of pirates would lead to a qualitative leap—a situation where dozens, if not hundreds, of powerful new pirates would emerge. Pirates who could eventually stand toe-to-toe with legends like Whitebeard.

After a long pause, Sengoku nodded solemnly. "Your Highness is right. Our problem isn't just the sheer number of pirates. We're inevitably going to see a new generation of elite pirates rising up. This could become a serious threat."

Nusjuro and Gis also nodded, the gravity of the situation clear to them.

Claudius, noting their agreement, smiled. "Exactly. This is something we can't afford to ignore. And so, I propose a solution: a plan to 'use pirates to fight pirates'—to put it simply, we create our own pirate forces, ones loyal to the World Government, who can combat the uncontrolled chaos on the seas."

As soon as he finished speaking, Sengoku's expression shifted. Though he trusted Claudius, the idea still seemed radical. However, Nusjuro's eyes flashed with intrigue, showing a glimmer of interest in the proposal.

"Oh? That's an interesting idea," Nusjuro said. "Explain it in more detail."

Claudius nodded, exhaled a stream of smoke, and replied, "Let's call this the 'Seven Warlords of the Sea' plan for now."

He reached for a stack of files on the table, gesturing for them to take a look. "Take these two pirates, for instance. They're actually part of our CP-X organization. Crocodile is someone even Sengoku Admiral is familiar with; he was previously one of my subordinates and has now gone undercover as a pirate. As for Doflamingo, I don't think I need to introduce him—he's my cousin, a Donquixote by blood and another member of CP-X. Like Crocodile, he's taken orders from me to become a pirate."

Sengoku nodded, confirming Claudius's words. "That's right."

Nusjuro and the others had no further questions, and indicated for Claudius to continue.

"Now," Claudius continued, "pirates are different from the Marines. Building up Marine forces requires rigorous recruitment, training, and a host of other measures. But a pirate crew? As long as a leader has the strength and reputation to command loyalty, followers will naturally flock to them."

He smiled. "Pirates can grow their forces far more quickly than we ever could with the Marines, and that's exactly the advantage I want to exploit."

Sengoku's interest was piqued. "Your Highness, can you elaborate?"

Claudius leaned forward, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Before I explain, let me ask you a question, Sengoku. What are the two main ways a pirate grows in strength?"

Sengoku thought for a moment before replying, "In general, there are two ways. First, by committing enough crimes to be recognized as a threat by the World Government. As they grow more dangerous, their power and reputation also grow. If we can't deal with them in time, they eventually become feared across the seas—just like Roger did."

"Correct. And the second way?" Claudius asked.

"The second," Sengoku continued, "is through infighting and dominance within the pirate community itself. Pirates fight each other constantly, and those who emerge victorious build their own prestige, eventually growing into powerful figures by stepping over the bodies of the defeated."

A wicked grin crossed Claudius's face. He clapped his hands together and said, "Exactly. In other words, it's through constant internal conflict, mergers, and conquests that a pirate can rise to greatness. Now, here's the question: if we wanted to cultivate our own pirate lords, which path would we choose?"

Sengoku didn't hesitate. "Naturally, we wouldn't condone any evil deeds. The second method is the only choice."

But as he spoke, realization dawned on him. His initial skepticism began to crumble as Claudius's plan took root in his mind.

Nusjuro laughed, pointing at Claudius with an approving grin. "Impressive. Very impressive. No wonder we put our trust in you. This is such a simple yet brilliant idea; why didn't we think of it sooner?"

There was no denying it. By creating their own pirate lords, the World Government could harness the same rapid force expansion that pirates enjoyed, turning uncontrollable pirate forces into allies. These sanctioned pirates, operating under the government's control, could combat those pirates who refused to obey. This would weaken the pirate community as a whole, and the power of these allied pirates would only grow with time.

Once these controlled pirates gained enough reputation, they would indeed become formidable pirate lords. And with several powerful pirate captains working under the World Government's thumb, in alliance with the Marines, they could finally establish some measure of stability across the seas.

"As you can see," Claudius continued, "the ultimate goal of the Seven Warlords of the Sea plan is to weaken the pirate forces from within. By turning pirates against pirates, we can gradually break their unity and reduce them to scattered, disorganized factions, making it easier for the Marines to keep order."

Claudius's smile was full of confidence as he explained. "In the end, these government-sanctioned pirates will be strong enough to challenge uncontrollable pirates like Whitebeard. When the time is right, we can use this advantage to dismantle the pirate threat piece by piece, turning them into nothing more than isolated bands."

Sengoku was visibly impressed, murmuring to himself, "To have pirates launch a civil war among themselves, leaving the World Government and Marines to simply clean up the aftermath… it's ingenious."

Chapter 82: Authorizing CP-X to Oversee the Seven Warlords of the Sea Project

Claudius nodded and said, "Yes, it's pretty much what Sengoku laid out."

Without waiting for any responses, he tapped the ash from his cigarette and continued, "The reason I'm calling this the 'Seven Warlords of the Sea' project is that I want CP-X to gain control over seven powerful pirates. Think of them as knights under a king—warriors who clear the path for their liege. That's the role I envision for the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

This time, Nusjuro was the first to react, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "The theory sounds reasonable. What exactly do you have in mind?"

Claudius grinned. "Well, what I've just described is the concept. The actual plan is much more complex. I estimate that it will take at least ten, perhaps even twenty years to see it fully realized. But despite the long timeline, if we succeed, it will have a massive impact. I believe it's worth the investment."

"Alright then," Nusjuro said with a nod, indicating a measure of approval. "If the end result is worthwhile, let's hear the details."

His words set the tone for the meeting, signaling that the Five Elders were tentatively in favor of the idea. After all, even if Claudius hadn't proposed it now, the World Government would eventually come up with its own version of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. However, that approach would likely result in a situation where the warlords were only "controllable" in name, while in reality, they remained self-serving pirates. Claudius's method, on the other hand, seemed far more promising.

"The first point," Claudius began, "is that we can't reveal their affiliation just yet. For now, they should continue to operate as pirates. Take Crocodile and Doflamingo, for example. What we need to do is provide them with some breathing room. CP should immediately halt any assassination plans against them, and the Marines should ease up on their efforts to hunt them down."

There was no hesitation in Claudius's voice. Gis, despite his high rank, was ultimately a servant to the Celestial Dragons. He bowed respectfully and replied, "As you command."

After a moment of silence, Sengoku gave a reluctant nod. "The Marines will loosen their pursuit."

Claudius's smile widened as he continued, "Next, we need to expand our roster of candidates. Currently, I only have two promising options—Crocodile and my cousin. But I plan to scout for more candidates over time. For instance, there's a young talent named Enel under my care. He possesses the Thunder Fruit and shows great potential. I'll send him out to sea to start building his reputation as a pirate, as a preliminary step towards becoming one of the Seven Warlords."

Nusjuro nodded. "Indeed, selecting the right individuals is crucial. In just half a year, you've already cultivated two prospects. The era of the great pirates could last for quite some time, so you've got plenty of time to get this right. Don't rush."

Even Nusjuro, with all his influence, understood that such things couldn't be rushed.

Claudius agreed. "The third point is that both the CP agency and the Marines should offer these prospects some 'support.' By backing them discreetly, we can not only eliminate less desirable, uncontrollable pirates but also help our chosen candidates establish a reputation. It's a win-win."

Sengoku considered Claudius's suggestion and, after a brief hesitation, nodded. "If done correctly, we could make it work."

In fact, Sengoku was already thinking ahead, considering whether the Marines should also cultivate their own pirates as spies. For example, Whitebeard had a penchant for adopting sons. If they could place a couple of agents in his crew, they might be able to deliver a critical blow or gather crucial information when the time was right. It was a tactic Sengoku would indeed pursue in the future—like with Drake, who was trained as a Marine spy and later infiltrated Kaido's ranks.

"That's the general framework of the plan," Claudius said, wrapping up his proposal. "If there are no objections, I'll submit a formal report to you five shortly."

There was no need to rush into legalizing piracy just yet. Once the Seven Warlords were fully established, they could solidify their roles as 'allies' of the World Government all at once.

Nusjuro exhaled a cloud of smoke, a contemplative look on his face. "Your CP-X certainly knows how to deliver unexpected strategies. First, there was Golden Lion and Roger, and now, you're presenting a practical response to the age of piracy."

He paused, then nodded approvingly. "I'm inclined to authorize this project in principle, pending the others' agreement. Soon, CP-X will have the mandate to take charge of the Seven Warlords of the Sea initiative."

Claudius's face lit up with a broad smile. "I'm grateful, my lords!"

Nusjuro glanced around the room. "Does anyone else have anything to add?"

Seeing no further objections, he concluded, "Very well. Let's all get back to our respective duties and proceed according to the decisions reached in this meeting."

With that, he stood and left the room. Sengoku nodded at Claudius before departing, his mind already busy with the implications of this "pirate management" strategy.

Claudius wasn't bothered by Sengoku's silence. He simply acknowledged the Admiral with a smile, then turned to the CP agents and asked, "Is Spandine here?"

A man standing at the back of the CP group quickly stepped forward, removing his mask. "Yes, Your Highness Claudius, I'm here!"

"Good. Stay behind for a moment; I have a few words for you," Claudius instructed.

Spandine's superior, Gis, chimed in, "Spandine, don't let His Highness down."

Once everyone else had filed out, Claudius grinned at the subservient Spandine. "I hear you've recently gotten your hands on some promising recruits in CP-9?"

Spandine, bent at the waist in a humble bow, responded enthusiastically, "Well, our CP-9 can't compare to the caliber of candidates Your Highness is raising. Enel is truly an exceptional talent, put him in the Marines, and he could be an Admiral someday!"

Claudius chuckled. "Your flattery skills are improving."

"I live to please, Your Highness," Spandine replied with a broad smile.

Claudius's expression turned thoughtful. "There's someone named Rob Lucci, right?"

Spandine paused before quickly replying, "Yes, we have a young recruit by that name who's still in training."

"Good. Keep training him for now. I'm interested in this kid. Once his training is complete, send him to me. No problem with that, is there?" Claudius said, patting Spandine on the shoulder.

"No problem at all, Your Highness! If you're interested, we'd be honored to send him to you. Even if you wanted all of CP-9, it would be our privilege," Spandine answered eagerly.

Claudius chuckled again. "You've got a good attitude, I'll give you that. If you ever need a favor, let Stussy know. As long as it's nothing too outrageous, I'll see what I can do."

With that, he left the meeting room, still smiling.

Spandine remained behind, bowing repeatedly. "Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you, Your Highness!"

Chapter 83: Ship

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, within the palatial quarters of Claudius, a certain quietness had settled in. With Crocodile off on his own adventures, the palace felt emptier, and Enel, left without his usual companion, seemed a bit lonely. To fill his time, he threw himself into intense training.

Meanwhile, Claudius sat leisurely by the pond, enjoying a chat with two beautiful mermaid sisters who had been gifted to him by his cousin, Doflamingo. They had become quite the conversation partners in the otherwise grand but quiet palace.

"So, is Fish-Man Island really as amazing as you say?" Claudius asked, a smile on his face. "One day, I'll have to visit. Maybe I'll bring you two along for the trip."

The two mermaids were eagerly sharing tales of the island's enchanting beauty, the unique underwater scenery, and the vibrant, colorful coral reefs. It was clear they missed their homeland, and they painted a picture of Fish-Man Island as a true paradise under the sea.

Yet, as Claudius mentioned taking them back someday, he noticed a mix of excitement and hesitation in their expressions. Seeing this, Claudius chuckled softly.

"When the time comes, you'll be free to return home," he said warmly.

One of the mermaids, named Mero, looked at him in surprise. "Truly, Your Highness? You would let us go?"

"Of course. When have I ever broken my word?" Claudius replied, a genuine smile playing on his lips.

The other sister, Lenny, slapped her tail against the water in excitement, her face lighting up. "Your Highness, you are truly kind!"

After their initial excitement, the sisters exchanged looks, and Mero added with a touch of sadness, "But… after all this time, it would feel strange to leave. You've treated us well, Your Highness. Unlike others, you never saw us as mere 'fish' or slaves. Life here, though different, has been comfortable. It's hard to imagine leaving."

"Are you saying you'd miss me?" Claudius teased.

Both mermaids blushed slightly, and Mero admitted, "Perhaps a little. We'd worry you'd be lonely without us here."

Claudius glanced around his grand yet mostly empty palace. Unlike most Celestial Dragons, he kept few servants, only Nia and a small group of maids to manage his affairs. He wasn't exactly surrounded by throngs of people.

"Lonely, huh?" Claudius murmured, as if considering it for the first time. Then he laughed and reassured them, "Well, if I do start missing you two, I'll just come and drag you back. How does that sound?"

The sisters laughed, and Lenny replied, "We'd gladly come back if Your Highness called for us. We could never forget our time here."

"But don't get too excited," Claudius said with a grin. "It'll probably be a year or two before I actually make the trip. Until then, you'll just have to make do with Mariejois."

The sisters pouted in mock disappointment, splashing the water playfully. "Your Highness, you're so wicked! Telling us now only to make us wait."

"Hey, I'm a Celestial Dragon. Being a little wicked is practically my job," Claudius said, laughing along with them.

As they enjoyed their light-hearted banter, Stussy walked into the courtyard, a smile on her face. She greeted the mermaids politely before turning to Claudius. "Your Highness, Vice Admiral Garp sent a message. He's inviting you to join him for a 'vacation' in South Blue."

"A vacation?" Claudius scoffed, seeing right through the proposal. "That old dog Garp just wants to drag me into his schemes. I'm sure this 'vacation' has less to do with relaxing and more to do with his… side mission in South Blue. Marine and CP have been crawling all over that region, trying to snuff out any traces of Roger's legacy."

Claudius was certain Garp's true intentions lay with Rouge, Roger's lover, who was rumored to be hiding out in South Blue. Although Claudius respected Rouge as the mother of Roger's child, he knew any involvement on his part could invite a world of trouble. If he were seen aiding her, it could undermine the trust Five Elders had placed in him, complicating his standing within the World Government.

"No, I won't be going," Claudius said, shaking his head. "Let Garp handle his own business. I'm not about to risk my position for his whims."

"Understood. I'll politely decline on your behalf," Stussy said. "Do you need me to come up with an excuse?"

Claudius waved his hand dismissively. "No need. He'll figure it out."

After a moment, Claudius's eyes brightened with an idea. "Stussy, don't you think it's about time we had our own ship?"

Stussy looked at him, slightly surprised. "Our own ship, Your Highness?"

"Yes. I'm tired of grabbing whatever vessel happens to be available in Mariejois's port. It's about time I had something custom-built to my own tastes," Claudius said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "A powerful ship, designed exactly how I want it. We could travel comfortably, without relying on the standard issue Marine ships."

Stussy chuckled. "If you want a ship, Your Highness, I'm sure there are plenty of shipwrights who'd be eager to build one for you. In fact, you'd probably have a fleet of luxury vessels gifted to you if you asked."

Claudius shook his head. "No, this has to be different. I want one of the best ships in the world… or at least one that rivals them," he said, clearly envisioning something grand.

Seeing his enthusiasm, Stussy asked, "And do you have a particular shipbuilder in mind?"

Claudius grinned. "Yes, the best. I'm thinking we should head to Water 7. Roger's ship, the Oro Jackson, was built by a shipwright there a man named Tom. I want him to build our ship."

"Should I make the arrangements?" Stussy asked.

Claudius nodded. "Yes. Let's leave as soon as possible. Knowing Garp, he might decide to drop by here if he doesn't hear from me soon. I'd rather avoid getting roped into whatever he's planning."

"Understood, Your Highness. I'll start the preparations immediately," Stussy said, already turning to handle the details.

After Stussy left, Claudius turned back to the mermaid sisters, who had been listening intently. "Would you two like to come along? I imagine you get pretty bored stuck here all the time."

"Really, Your Highness? You'd take us with you?" Mero asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Of course," Claudius said with a reassuring smile. "It's a small thing. Consider it a change of scenery."

The sisters looked at each other, grinning, and Lenny beamed, "We'd love to go, Your Highness!"

Claudius laughed. "Good! Then get ready. We're off to Water 7 to commission the grandest ship the seas have ever seen!"

Chapter 84: Current Status of the Grand Line!

As soon as Claudius decided to set sail, his team moved with impressive speed. Several strong servants pushed a large fish tank through the halls of Mariejois, in which swam the mermaid sisters, Mero and Lenny. Claudius and Stussy led the way, while Nia, the head butler, walked beside them, holding little Enel's hand. They made their way across Mariejois toward the port, drawing the attention of passersby.

Many people looked on with envy, including several other Celestial Dragons. After all, mermaids were a rare and prized sight in Mariejois, and Claudius was in possession of not one, but two. When they realized it was Claudius the rising star among Celestial Dragons walking ahead, any thoughts of jealousy quickly shifted to respect.

Once they departed, Claudius's luck with the sea remained as unpredictable as ever. It had been over two weeks since they left Mariejois, and while they hadn't been in a hurry, leisurely passing a few islands here and there, they didn't stay long in any one place. However, one thing was clear: the sea was teeming with pirates.

On almost every island they visited, pirate flags flew high at the ports. If there was an island where they didn't see at least one or two pirate ships docked, it felt strange. Islands with strong defensive forces or stationed Marines were somewhat safer, but on others, piracy was rampant. Many islands were raided three or even four times a day, with different pirate crews clashing in chaotic fights for territory and plunder.

Claudius knew this pandemonium was part of the initial madness sparked by Roger's declaration, marking the dawn of the Great Pirate Era. As time passed, both the Marines and local islands would adapt, managing the chaos better. For now, though, the sea was a frenzied mess.

As Claudius's ship approached the waters near Water 7—a hub of shipbuilding on the Grand Line the capital city of shipwrights looked bustling as ever. The constant traffic and trade kept the place alive and thriving, unlike other islands that struggled amidst the surge in piracy.

But the commotion on land had little to do with Claudius, who was lounging comfortably on a sun chair on the deck, reading the daily news. Most recent headlines were dominated by reports of new rising pirate stars, including his "associates" Crocodile and Doflamingo, along with other names like Mihawk and Moria.

On the other side of the deck, Stussy and Nia were enjoying a game of badminton, dressed in bikinis that showed off their athletic and toned figures. The game wasn't easy, though, as the sea breeze often disrupted their shots, adding an extra challenge.

Meanwhile, Enel had found his own way to relax he sat by the railing, fishing rod in hand, patiently waiting for a catch. He seemed to have developed a fondness for the tranquility of fishing, despite his usual impatience.

In the water below, two graceful mermaid figures swam in joy, diving and surfacing like dolphins, occasionally leaping out of the water in elegant arcs before splashing back down. It was Mero and Lenny, clearly ecstatic to be back in the ocean after so long in captivity. Claudius had allowed them to swim freely, only asking that they return to the ship when they were tired. For the most part, they stayed in the water, only climbing aboard to rest before diving back in.

Claudius was amused by their loyalty. If they wanted to escape, they could have done so easily by disappearing into the vast ocean. But they stayed, perhaps out of genuine attachment to their Celestial Dragon master, or perhaps out of a sense of gratitude. Either way, Claudius felt a touch of pride.

As he lounged, Stussy suddenly paused in the middle of her game, looking out to sea. She was so distracted that Nia's badminton shot bounced off her head, but she ignored it, calling out, "Your Highness, looks like we've got another group of… visitors."

Claudius didn't even glance up. "Enel," he said calmly.

Enel sighed, setting down his fishing rod. "Are they really coming at us again? These pirates are so annoying. Your Highness, I don't think I want to be a pirate anymore."

Claudius laughed. "Then maybe you should be the kind of pirate who cleans up the trash! Take control, keep them in line, and take out those who don't obey!"

Enel's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Right! When I'm the boss of the pirates, I'll make sure they listen, and anyone who doesn't… I'll wipe them out!"

Rising to his feet, Enel spotted the pirate ship closing in on them, clearly aiming to launch an attack. With a focused look, he raised his arm, lightning crackling around him.

"Divine Judgment!" Enel shouted, sending a massive bolt of lightning into the sky. Moments later, a powerful thunderbolt descended, striking the pirate ship with terrifying accuracy. The ship was obliterated in a flash, shattered to pieces, with nothing left but debris floating on the water.

Satisfied, Enel returned to his spot by the railing, picking up his fishing rod as if nothing had happened. Claudius glanced over, chuckling, "Good work, Enel. I don't think they'll be bothering us again."

Stussy laughed as well, leaning over to Enel. "Divine Judgment, hmm? That's a grand title. Do you plan on becoming a god someday, Enel?"

Enel, who had been puffed up with pride just moments ago, suddenly looked sheepish. "No, no, of course not. But His Highness here, he's like a god on Earth, right? So, as his follower, that makes me something like a divine messenger! Isn't that right, Your Highness? That's why my punishment is Divine Judgment!"

Claudius chuckled from his spot on the lounge chair. "Sure, Enel, we'll go with that. Just keep at it."

Nia smirked, arching an eyebrow at Enel. "A god's envoy, is it? Quite the grand ambition for a young fisherman."

Claudius, amused, intervened, "Alright, alright, don't tease the kid too much." He glanced at the small device on the table next to him—a Log Pose, its needle shifting back and forth.

"We must be getting close to Water 7. The needle's movements are becoming more frequent," Claudius noted with a smile.

For someone who had taken several trips across the Grand Line, he'd picked up a few tricks of navigation. The Log Pose needle tended to stabilize when an island was far off, but as they drew nearer, it would oscillate and adjust rapidly, indicating the proximity of their destination.

Satisfied, Claudius reclined once more, his gaze shifting to Enel. "You're doing great, Enel. Thunder Fruit is indeed one of the strongest Logia fruits out there. Keep honing your skills."

Enel gave a proud nod but stayed silent, focusing once more on his fishing.

Chapter 85: Too Convenient!

The Capital of Water 7 was a massive shipbuilding island, unique in its layout, with a complex system of waterways weaving through it. Over time, the island had slowly been sinking into the sea, prompting the islanders to continuously build upward, layer upon layer, creating a landscape where much of the original "Old City" lay submerged beneath the water.

As Claudius's grand ship docked at the port, it was clear that the City of Water 7 was no longer in its golden age. The shipbuilding industry had started to decline, though the bustling atmosphere from its prosperous days still lingered in the air. Yet, beneath this facade, there were countless unemployed shipwrights struggling to find work. Claudius observed this mix of vitality and hardship as he arrived.

The city, composed of winding canals rather than roads, made it easy for the two mermaid sisters, Lenny and Mero, to get around they could simply swim along the waterways. Claudius and his entourage rented a small boat, attaching a pair of "Bull" sea creatures, iconic to the city, at the front. These Bulls functioned like horses pulling a carriage, albeit in water, propelling them smoothly through the canals.

"Such a fascinating island," Claudius mused, admiring the city's unique culture as they glided through the water. "They rely solely on the shipbuilding industry to sustain their economy. But with a place like this, it's a shame to ignore its other strengths. If I were running things, I'd make this a tourist destination. Imagine building around their distinct traditions the Bulls, the Mask Carnival, and the grand 'Aqua Laguna' tidal wave. A little vision could turn this into a world-renowned resort!"

Stussy, sitting beside him, smiled. "Your Highness, you really do have a knack for seeing opportunity. Who knew you'd come up with such a profound observation so quickly?"

Claudius laughed, clearly enjoying the flattery. "Hah! You're just feeding my ego now. Still, who knows? Maybe I'll buy this place someday," he joked, though a glimmer in his eyes suggested he might actually consider it.

"So, where to, Your Highness?" Nia asked, steering their conversation back on track.

"We're looking for Tom's Workers, the shipyard run by a merman named Tom. Roger mentioned he's one of the best shipwrights out there. Let's ask for directions," Claudius replied.

As they made their way through the waterways, they soon encountered a boatman coming the opposite way, also using Bulls to pull his boat. Claudius raised a hand in greeting, and the man waved back.

"Hey, friend! Could you tell us how to get to Tom's Shipbuilding Company? I'm looking for Tom," Claudius called out.

The boatman paused, scratching his head as he processed the request. "You're here to see Tom? You mean, to build a ship?"

"That's right. A friend recommended him, said his craftsmanship is the best on the island," Claudius confirmed with a nod.

The boatman seemed to hesitate. "Your friend's not wrong. Tom is indeed the best shipwright in Water 7," he said, nodding in agreement. "But… well, let me give you some advice. Tom's in serious trouble with the World Government. Getting involved with him now might bring more problems than it's worth."

"Trouble with the government?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, feigning mild surprise, though he had some inkling from Roger's past tales.

The boatman glanced around before speaking in a lower tone, "Yeah, Tom's been under scrutiny ever since it came out that he built a ship for the Pirate King, Roger. The World Government considers him an accomplice, and he's being treated like a criminal. Because of him, business in Water 7 has taken a hit, and the locals aren't standing up for him. If you associate with him, it could be bad news."

Claudius nodded, mulling over this. "Well, it's a good thing I have a bit of pull with the World Government," he said with a smirk. "If Tom is willing to build my ship, I might just be able to help him out of this little predicament."

The boatman's eyes widened. "You're serious about seeing him?"

"Absolutely," Claudius replied with confidence.

"Alright then. Follow this canal, take a left at the second intersection, and you'll reach the scrapyard. But you'd better hurry, some World Government agents are already there. They might be taking him away soon."

Claudius thanked the man, and they quickly continued down the canal. True to the directions, they soon arrived at a large scrapyard piled with discarded and scrapped ships, remnants from people who had upgraded to newer vessels. Just beyond the scrap heap was a small dock swarming with men in black suits, agents of the government.

"It looks like Tom really is in trouble," Stussy whispered, noting the cluster of officials.

Claudius stretched his neck, rolling his shoulders as he prepared to step in. "Looks like some CP agents. Let's go see what they're up to."

At the dock, Tom, a stout merman with a hammer slung over his shoulder, was standing alongside his two apprentices as they were questioned by a slimy-looking government agent—Spandine, the head of CP5. Spandine was here to arrest Tom on charges of aiding the Pirate King by building him the infamous Oro Jackson.

"You admit to building a ship for Roger, don't you?" Spandine sneered, barely hiding his contempt.

Tom didn't flinch. "Aye, that ship was my work," he said proudly. "The Oro Jackson was one of the finest ships ever built, and I won't deny it."

Spandine's eyes glinted with satisfaction. "Good. That makes you an accomplice to the Pirate King. You're coming with me to Enies Lobby for trial," he declared, waving a hand for his agents to advance.

But just then, a calm yet commanding voice called out, "Hold it right there."

Spandine turned, annoyed at the interruption, until he saw who it was. His face instantly went through a series of expressions: shock, panic, and then forced respect. He bent his spine in a deep bow, plastering on an obsequious smile. "Your Highness Claudius! What brings you here?"

Claudius approached casually, hands in his pockets and a small smirk on his face. "Oh, Spandine, I came to see Tom. I heard he's the best shipwright in these waters, and I want him to build a ship for me. Now, is that a problem?"

Spandine stammered, immediately dropping any mention of Tom's supposed crimes. "No, no, not at all, Your Highness! It's… it's absolutely convenient. Too convenient!"

Claudius raised an eyebrow, barely containing his amusement at Spandine's groveling. "Good to hear. So, Tom, what do you say? Care to build a ship for me?"

Tom looked at Claudius, surprise flickering in his eyes. He hadn't expected a Celestial Dragon to intervene, let alone request his services. "Aye, Your Highness, I'd be honored to build a ship for you," he replied, his voice steady despite the strange turn of events.

Claudius smiled warmly. "Perfect. Then it's settled. Spandine, you wouldn't want to interfere with such an arrangement, would you?"

Spandine shook his head frantically, forcing another grin. "No, no interference at all, Your Highness. In fact, we'll clear out immediately. Don't want to inconvenience you."

"Excellent," Claudius replied, his tone both a dismissal and a subtle reminder of his authority.

"Now that that's handled, let's talk about this ship I want. I hear you're the best, so I'll leave the details in your hands. But I want it to be something… exceptional."

Tom grinned, his pride as a shipwright reignited. "Aye, Your Highness. Exceptional, you say? Then you've come to the right man."

Claudius chuckled, pleased. "Good. Let's get started, then."

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 86: I, Spandine, Am the King of Flattering!

Claudius took a good look around the small, rundown dock. The place was practically falling apart, showing none of the prestige one would expect from a "master shipwright." It looked like the kind of place barely able to produce a fishing boat, let alone a vessel worthy of royalty. "Tom, the so-called 'best shipwright,' living in conditions like this?" Claudius thought.

Turning to Spandine with a sly smile, Claudius said, "By the way, aren't you supposed to be tracking down those scholars researching taboo history alongside the Marines? What brings you here to Water 7? Don't tell me you're here to commission a ship as well?"

Spandine's face twitched, visibly uncomfortable with the question. He struggled to respond, shifting uneasily. Just as he opened his mouth to explain, a young voice cut through the tension.

"They're not here to order a ship! They're here to drag Master Tom to Enies Lobby and convict him!" The young man, known as Cutty Flam, but later famous as Franky, blurted out angrily.

"Flam!" Tom shouted, trying to silence his apprentice. He glanced at Claudius, the realization dawning that this young man was someone important, someone who could make a World Government official like Spandine grovel. He didn't want to escalate matters without fully understanding Claudius's intentions.

Feigning ignorance, Claudius frowned at Spandine, who now looked like he wanted to melt into the ground. "Convict him? On what grounds?" Claudius asked, feigning genuine curiosity. "What did Tom do?"

Spandine stammered, unable to come up with a smooth response, but ultimately surrendered to the situation. "Well, Your Highness, it's... complicated. Tom here... he built a ship for the Roger Pirates. The Oro Jackson. Given the recent... uhm... scrutiny around anything related to Roger, we were instructed to investigate anyone associated with him. Shipwright or not, building a ship for the Pirate King could make one an accomplice."

"He's just a shipwright!" Cutty Flam interjected angrily. "He didn't team up with Roger. He just made him a ship!"

Claudius chuckled and clapped Spandine on the shoulder. "So, you're just looking to climb the ranks by bringing in someone like Master Tom, huh? Trying to show off to the higher-ups?"

Spandine laughed awkwardly, not daring to deny it. "Uh… well, Your Highness, it's... it's not exactly like that..."

"Relax, Spandine. Don't make such a big deal out of this," Claudius said smoothly. "The man's a shipwright. Shipwrights build ships, don't they? Do you expect him to open a newsstand instead?"

"Yes, yes! Exactly, Your Highness! I was overthinking things," Spandine quickly agreed, nodding vigorously.

Indeed, Claudius was right. The situation with Tom was hardly worth all this fuss. If you branded every person who provided Roger with services as an accomplice, you'd have to start arresting cooks who fed him, tailors who clothed him, and shopkeepers who sold him supplies. The Five Elders wouldn't want to waste their time on such trivial matters.

The truth was, Spandine had just wanted to make himself look good. His efforts in finding the elusive scholars were going nowhere, and he needed something to show the Five Elders he was still working hard. So, he'd thought targeting Tom would make for a nice bit of "progress."

"Well, if Tom is talented enough to build a ship for the Pirate King, he must be skilled indeed. And I just happen to need someone with his expertise," Claudius said with a pleased nod. He then turned to Tom, who was watching with both confusion and hope in his eyes. "Tom, would you consider building a ship for me? Of course, you'll be well-compensated."

Tom hesitated, taken aback by the sudden shift. Wasn't this man here to arrest him? How had this turned into a business proposition? "Well… I..."

Sensing an opportunity to ingratiate himself, Spandine jumped in before Tom could finish his thought. "Tom! You should consider it an honor to build a ship for His Highness! You built one for Roger, but building one for His Highness Claudius? That's a blessing in itself! Your Highness is one of the most esteemed Celestial Dragons, far more important than any pirate! If you do a good job, he might even put in a good word for you. No one would dare trouble you after that!"

For all his faults, Spandine was a master of flattery, and Claudius couldn't help but smirk in amusement. Spandine's words, while exaggerated, were well-timed. Claudius wasn't above enjoying a bit of well-delivered praise.

"Alright, alright, Spandine, enough," Claudius said with a laugh. "Let's not bully the man. I'm here to do business, not coerce him. If Tom isn't happy, he won't put his best work into the ship. And I don't want a second-rate vessel."

Spandine bobbed his head vigorously. "Yes, Your Highness. Such wisdom! Your insight and patience are truly unmatched. I could never hope to compare."

Tom finally understood the situation. This was an opportunity, one that might just save him from the trouble looming over his head. If he could win the favor of a Celestial Dragon, particularly one as influential as Claudius, he could finish his sea train project without fear of the World Government's interference.

"Your Highness," Tom said, finally making up his mind. "I'd be honored to build a ship for you. I promise it'll be one of my finest works."

Claudius's face broke into a satisfied grin. "Excellent! That's what I wanted to hear."

He turned back to Spandine and said, "Now, Spandine, since I've found a talented shipwright here, there's no need to cause trouble, is there? After all, the World Government should be nurturing talent, not stifling it. This way, Tom can put his skills to good use, benefiting us all."

"Yes, yes, Your Highness! You're absolutely correct. How could I have been so shortsighted?" Spandine agreed eagerly, eager to stay in Claudius's good graces.

"Good. Then go focus on your actual assignment, those scholars, was it?" Claudius continued, waving a dismissive hand. "When I report to the Five Elders, I'll let them know you were the one who helped me find such an excellent shipwright. They'll be pleased to hear you're fostering talent for the government."

Spandine's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness! Your generosity knows no bounds. Assisting you is the greatest honor of my life."

Claudius chuckled, amused by Spandine's endless flattery. "Alright, enough. Go on now."

Spandine quickly took his leave, bowing and scraping as he departed with his agents, clearly relieved to escape the situation without any repercussions. Once the government agents were gone, Claudius turned back to Tom with a relaxed smile.

Chapter 87: Acquired

Tom and his apprentices didn't dare respond too freely; they simply stood quietly, watching Claudius with cautious expressions.

Claudius chuckled, then brushed off some debris from an old chair nearby and took a seat. "So, in your current situation," he asked, "are you even able to build a ship right now?"

Tom hesitated. "Well... that depends on the type of ship Your Highness wants. If it's just a regular ship, we can start anytime. But if you're looking for something truly remarkable, we may need more resources. Perhaps an advance payment would help us get started."

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "If I wanted an ordinary ship, why would I come to you, Tom?" he replied with a smirk. "No, I want the best ship in the world. Can you handle that?"

Tom straightened up with a confident gleam in his eye. "Your Highness, I've built some of the finest ships to ever sail the seas. If you give us the right resources and freedom, I assure you, I can build the best."

Claudius laughed, clearly pleased with the man's spirit. "That's what I like to hear. Alright, let me lay out my expectations: First, the ship must be big and impressive, something that commands attention. Second, it should be comfortable and luxurious, fit for a royal. Third, I want it fully functional with no major flaws or weak points. And finally, it should be strong in combat. Understand?"

Tom pondered for a moment, then scratched his head. "Your Highness, building a ship with all those qualities is fine... but when it comes to luxurious interiors, I might need some assistance. I'm a shipbuilder, not an interior designer."

Claudius nodded thoughtfully. "Fair enough. I can arrange for someone to handle the finer details of the interiors. But still, this environment you're working in... it doesn't quite feel right for building a ship worthy of Celestial Dragons."

Tom's face turned a bit red as he looked around the rundown dock. Before he could respond, Claudius casually mentioned, "Oh, I should probably introduce myself properly. My name is Donquixote Claudius, and yes, I'm one of the Celestial Dragons. No need to be nervous, though—I'm not big on formalities. As long as you do the job well, we'll get along just fine."

Tom's eyes widened in shock as the name sank in. Donquixote Claudius, the Celestial Dragon responsible for capturing both Golden Lion Shiki and Pirate King Roger. The mysterious power within the World Government everyone whispered about. Realizing he was in the presence of such a high-ranking figure, Tom quickly pulled his apprentices to their knees out of respect.

"Alright, that's enough," Claudius waved his hand, signaling for them to stand. "Now, I hear your company has been struggling lately. How about this, I'll buy Tom's Workers outright and invest heavily to restore it. In exchange, you'll be responsible for building my ship. After that, once you've proven yourself, CP-X will be a steady source of work for you. Marine also needs more suppliers for their warships, so you could have plenty of business coming your way. Sound good?"

Tom seemed taken aback. This was an incredible opportunity. But he hesitated, not because of any dislike for the proposal, but because of his longstanding dream of building the sea train. Would he be able to pursue that if he agreed to Claudius' offer?

Seeing Tom's hesitation, Claudius narrowed his eyes slightly. "Something wrong with my offer, Tom?"

Quickly, Tom shook his head. "No, Your Highness, it's just... well, I have a project I've been dreaming of for years, a sea train that could connect the islands of this region. I'd hoped to dedicate my life to making it a reality."

Claudius's interest was piqued, though he kept his expression neutral. Of course, he was already aware of Tom's sea train project from his own knowledge. It was a revolutionary technology that would not only benefit the people but could also become a strategic asset for the World Government, allowing faster troop deployment across the islands. And it was sure to be profitable as well.

With a supportive smile, Claudius replied, "The sea train, huh? That's an ambitious project. But I'm a fair man, Tom. If you build me a ship that meets my expectations, I'll support your research on the sea train. With the resources of the World Government backing you, think how much faster you'll be able to bring your dream to life."

Tom was stunned. This deal was far better than he could have ever imagined. With the backing of a Celestial Dragon, not only would he be able to achieve his dream, but he'd also gain protection and resources beyond anything he'd hoped for.

Claudius continued, "And once Tom's Workers is up and running with my investment, you'll be free from financial concerns. No more worrying about who will pay the bills or buy materials. All I ask is that you build me a ship that truly stands out."

Tom couldn't believe his luck. Bowing deeply, he said, "Thank you, Your Highness! I'll make sure we craft a ship that lives up to your expectations."

Chapter 88: Deal With Sengoku

The City of Water 7 has pleasant scenery and a beautiful environment. Other than a weak economy, there's hardly anything to complain about here. After Claudius discussed his plans with Tom, he decided to settle in and wait to see his new ship take shape.

Over the past two months, thanks to Claudius' massive investment, Tom's Shipbuilding Company had a resurgence. With the backing of a Celestial Dragon, who in Water 7 would dare to disrespect Tom? And with his unmatched craftsmanship, there was no one who could look down on him. Once on the verge of ruin, Tom had transformed into a prominent figure in Water 7 again.

The ship Claudius had commissioned was enormous, practically the size of a small island. Unlike Gecko Moria's Thriller Bark or Gild Tesoro's Gran Tesoro, which were built around the foundations of islands or giant island turtles with minimal technical innovation, Claudius' ship was a completely orthodox ship structure, designed and built from the keel up.

The timber used was none other than the famous Treasure Tree Adam. Back in this era, its price wasn't as astronomical as it would later become, since pirate bounties hadn't yet reached the crazy levels of the future. This allowed Claudius to use Treasure Tree Adam as the primary material for the ship's frame without breaking the bank. He even incorporated new technologies into the design, including elements of ironclad construction.

The ship was to have every possible luxury, even including an aquarium and a swimming pool. Claudius, an avid reader, had also designed a vast library onboard. He had a unique vision for the vessel, by this time next year, it would be the year 1502 in the Sea Circle Calendar, and O'Hara's fate would be sealed. If nothing changed, the World Government would eventually send Fleet Admiral Sengoku to lead a Buster Call and annihilate O'Hara.

The Tree of Knowledge on O'Hara held an immense archive of rare documents, a treasure trove for humanity. Claudius had already made up his mind: once the O'Hara Incident broke out, he would sail his ship there, empty out all the books from the Tree of Knowledge, and enrich his library with the spoils. It would solidify his family's cultural legacy, ensuring this knowledge would endure into the future.

"Oh, I'm such a good guy, even I can't help but admire myself," Claudius said, shamelessly praising himself as he sat at the top floor of Tom's Shipbuilding Company headquarters, gazing over Water 7 and daydreaming about his plans.

This building was now owned by him and had become the headquarters of Tom's Shipbuilding. Claudius was staying here and didn't plan to leave anytime soon. Tom, a fish-man, was joined by his long-time friend, the mermaid Kokoro. Claudius also brought two other mermaids with him, Mero and Lenny. The four of them were delighted to be reunited and seemed to be treating Water 7 as a second home.

The young Enel was also having a great time, exploring the city with Franky and Iceburg day in and day out, even learning the basics of shipbuilding. His Thunder-Thunder Fruit abilities also had surprisingly useful applications in ship construction. Claudius mused that the boy seemed to have a knack for this kind of work. After all, Enel had later managed to build a spaceship on Sky Island all by himself. The so-called Ark Maxim had technology nearly on par with what Shiki could achieve with his Float-Float Fruit. While Claudius wasn't particularly impressed by the Golden Lion Fruit, he encouraged Enel to push his limits in engineering and see if he could develop this technology for his own ship.

Meanwhile, Nia stayed close to Claudius, ready to assist at any moment. As for Stussy, she was busy setting up a base of operations for Happy Street in Water 7, mobilizing personnel and arranging various resources.

Whenever he had some downtime, Claudius would pull out his Den Den Mushi and make a call. Today, he decided to dial Fleet Admiral Sengoku. After a few rings, Sengoku answered, asking, "Your Highness? Calling me at this hour—do you have orders for me?"

"Hahaha, no orders! Come on, Sengoku, we're equals here. CP-X and the Marines are just cooperating agencies. I wouldn't presume to order you around," Claudius replied with a laugh.

"Hahaha, CP-X might be on equal footing, but you're a Celestial Dragon, Your Highness. The Marines do answer to the Celestial Dragons," Sengoku replied, chuckling.

"All right, enough joking around. Are you busy these days?" Claudius asked.

"Busy? I barely have time to catch my breath!" Sengoku grumbled. "The sea's a mess, thanks to that bastard Roger. He's stirred up every scoundrel out there. Your Highness, you wouldn't believe it, New World is chaos. Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom are all at each other's throats. Every silver-ranked pirate thinks they've got a shot at the top now, so they're all jumping into the fray."

Sengoku sighed, clearly exasperated, but Claudius just listened, amused.

"And those damn scholars, who knows where they're crawling out from? They ignore every warning we send, obsessing over those damn Poneglyphs. We've even had to start hunting down any remnants of Roger's bloodline. The situation is so chaotic, I feel like I need three of me to handle it all!" Sengoku complained.

Claudius chuckled, enjoying Sengoku's rant. The Admiral truly had a tough job, especially with his two former comrades-in-arms either refusing promotions or retiring early. Now, he bore the weight of what had once been three roles all by himself.

"I can only imagine how hard it is to be an Admiral. Just think, Sengoku if you become Fleet Admiral one day, won't you be even busier?" Claudius joked.

Sengoku let out a helpless laugh. "What choice do I have? This is all for the sake of justice, after all. Say, Your Highness, why don't you lend me some capable help? I hear that Miss Stussy is rather talented…"

"Oh, please, Sengoku. The Marines have plenty of people. Do you really need to poach talent from my little organization?" Claudius laughed.

After a short pause, he continued, "Actually, I do have something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Oh? What is it, Your Highness?" Sengoku replied, his tone more serious.

"Are the Marines short on warships?" Claudius asked.

"That's right. We're increasing troop numbers, but without ships, what's the point? We might as well station everyone on the Red Line and call it an army instead of a navy. But building ships takes time, and with the sea being as tense as it is, our losses are way up compared to previous years," Sengoku said, laughing at his own misfortune.

"Well, I might be able to help with that. I've recently acquired a shipbuilding company here in Water 7, and I'm working on consolidating other struggling companies in the area. Their issues are more environmental than skill-based; the craftsmanship is top-notch. But as much as I'd like to invest, I also need to bring some money in to balance the books," Claudius explained with a smile.

Sengoku paused, sensing where this was going. "Are you suggesting…?"

"How about we partner up? Given our relationship, I'll even give you a 20% discount. Think you can send some Marine shipbuilding contracts my way?" Claudius asked, grinning.

"Of course, Your Highness. I trust your integrity, and I know the shipbuilding skills in Water 7 are top-notch. Since you've offered, I have no reason to refuse. I'll make the arrangements," Sengoku replied, not hesitating for a moment.

"Hahahaha, excellent! I look forward to a successful partnership. And if you ever need CP-X's help, Sengoku, don't hesitate to reach out," Claudius said, clearly pleased.

"I'll hold you to that, hahaha," Sengoku replied, laughing as well.

Chapter 89: Ace

Originally, Claudius planned to stay in Water 7 until his ship was completed, then set off on his next venture. But, as always, plans couldn't keep up with the changes life threw at him.

By the time the new year rolled around, he had been in Water 7 for nearly three months. Then, one morning, he received a call from Vice Admiral Garp through the Den Den Mushi.

"What's the matter, Garp?" Claudius asked, a hint of a smile on his face.

For a moment, there was silence on the other end. Just as Claudius started wondering if the signal was bad, he finally heard Garp's voice—hoarse, and laced with an uncharacteristic sadness.

"Claudius… Rouge is dead," Garp said quietly.

Claudius froze, processing the words. Slowly, he picked up a cigar from his desk, lit it, and took a long drag. Exhaling the smoke, he felt a wave of melancholy wash over him. It wasn't that he had any personal connection to Rouge—after all, she was the wife of Gol D. Roger. Claudius wasn't that shameless. They'd only met a handful of times. But still… despite everything, she hadn't been able to escape her fate.

As his thoughts grew tangled, a sense of regret crept in. For a fleeting moment, he wondered if he could have done more to help. But just as quickly, he dismissed the thought. He wasn't under any obligation to help her, after all. Why burden himself with guilt? He didn't want to end up like Rosinante, another tragic soul who couldn't leave well enough alone.

"She was… truly something. How long did she last?" Claudius asked, voice softened with respect.

"Twenty months. Twenty damn months. Can you even imagine the kind of courage and endurance that takes?" Garp's voice trembled, and for once, the irrepressible Vice Admiral sounded genuinely vulnerable. "I don't admire many people, Claudius… but Rouge is one of them."

It was a staggering feat. To keep her unborn child hidden from the world, from the relentless search by the Marines and the World Government, she had held on for twenty long months, enduring unimaginable strain. All for the sake of her child, with the constant fear that she could be discovered at any moment.

"Yeah… she was a great mother," Claudius said softly. "What about the child? Is it a boy or a girl?"

With everything in flux, Claudius couldn't be sure if things had turned out exactly as he remembered.

"A boy. A real cutie," Garp replied, his tone finally lifting a bit.

"Really? What's his name?" Claudius asked.

"Ace. Good name, isn't it? Roger came up with it. Rouge wanted to honor his wishes, so she named him Portgas D. Ace," Garp said, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Ace, huh? That is a strong name—like 'the best,' right?" Claudius remarked with a smile.

"Yeah… the best," Garp said, chuckling softly.

After a brief pause, Garp continued, "Anyway, I've been held up long enough. That bastard Sengoku has been sending me three messages a day, urging me to get back to Marineford. I'll be passing by Mariejois on my way. Are you there?"

"Uh… no, I'm still in Water 7," Claudius replied, a bit taken aback.

"Water 7? What are you doing all the way out there?" Garp asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Getting a ship built, doing some business on the side. You know, keeping busy," Claudius replied, giving a vague answer to avoid too many questions.

Garp didn't press further, but instead asked, "Well, can you make it back to Mariejois? We're about the same distance from there right now, maybe we could meet?"

Claudius hesitated. He was quite comfortable in Water 7, enjoying the leisurely pace of things, and really didn't feel like making the trip to Mariejois.

Sensing his reluctance, Garp the stubborn old marine that he was, didn't hesitate to turn up the pressure. "Claudius, don't be a damn coward! You remember our deal, right? I'd look after Rouge, and you'd take responsibility for the kid. Or are you backing out now that Roger's gone?"

Claudius felt his temper flare. "Look after her? You call that 'looking after her'? She died on your watch, Garp! You think you did such a great job?"

"You think I wanted her to die?" Garp shot back, voice rising. "Do you have any idea how hard it was to keep her hidden from the government's hunters? I did everything I could!"

"Yeah, yeah… fine, whatever. I can't win an argument with you," Claudius said, sighing in defeat.

He knew Garp was probably taking Rouge's death harder than anyone. After all, he'd been the one protecting her, watching her struggle until the very end. Claudius didn't want to push him any further.

"So, what's the plan now?" Garp asked, his voice back to a low rumble. "Do you want me to bring the kid to Marineford?"

Claudius rubbed his temples and sighed. "Fine, fine. I'll head back to Mariejois. We'll meet there, and you can hand the kid over to me. Then you can go back to playing marine hero."

"That works. But I'm warning you, Claudius, just because I'm handing him over to you doesn't mean I'm out of his life. I've already decided to raise this kid as my own grandson," Garp said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Claudius was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Only you, Garp… you're really something else. So, Roger's gone, and now you're stepping in as the 'grandfather'? You've just gone and made yourself family! Poor Roger—if he knew, he'd be rolling in his grave. You're making yourself sound like you're his father!"

With Garp claiming to be the 'grandfather,' that technically made him a generation above Whitebeard in Ace's life. In some twisted way, this old man had managed to leapfrog Whitebeard's title of "Dad."

But before Claudius could continue ribbing him, a sudden realization hit him, Garp had totally roped him into this.

"Damn it, Garp! You tricked me, didn't you?" Claudius cursed, only half-joking.

"Hahaha, tricked you? What're you talking about? Look, I'm not getting any younger, Claudius. If I suddenly showed up with a 'son,' how would that look? Dragon would think I'd lost faith in him and was trying to raise a replacement!" Garp laughed heartily, clearly amused at Claudius' exasperation.

Claudius muttered in a serious tone, "Honestly, I think Dragon could use some company. Maybe if you gave him a brother, it'd make for a good story in twenty years."

"Enough with the nonsense! I'll see you in Mariejois!" Garp growled, realizing he wouldn't win this banter. With that, he abruptly ended the call.

Claudius glared at the now silent Den Den Mushi, muttering to himself, "Damn you, Garp…" Then he let out a sigh, taking a long drag on his cigar. "So… Ace, huh?"

He found himself lost in thought. He already had his hands full taking care of Enel, who was still a kid himself, and now he was about to take in another child?

Luckily, he didn't intend to get too involved personally. Mariejois had no shortage of skilled nannies; he'd find a few to handle the day-to-day care.

"Guess when the kid grows up, I'll see if he can be molded into something useful. Maybe a Warlord of the Sea one day… yeah, that could work," Claudius thought, smirking to himself.

Chapter 90: Your Highness Has an Illegitimate Child Outside!?

At the Holy Land of Mariejois, down by the port, Garp was standing there holding a baby, looking as if he was waiting for someone.

A ship flying the flag of the World Government was slowly docking. As soon as the gangway was lowered, Garp couldn't wait and strode forward.

Soon enough, Claudius disembarked, accompanied by Nia and Enel.

Stussy, however, had stayed back in the City of Water 7, busy establishing her new organization, Happy Street. Incidentally, she was also waiting for a ship to be built, planning to return directly to Mariejois once it was ready. The two mermaid girls had remained in Water 7 temporarily.

The moment Garp saw Claudius, he hurried over and asked, "What took you so long? Weren't we traveling the same distance?"

Claudius looked at Garp, who was holding a baby, and couldn't help but chuckle. "You were traveling through the South Blue, while I was coming along the Grand Line. Not quite the same thing. Naturally, it's a bit slower."

Traveling along the Grand Line involved a unique set of challenges. Fortunately, Mariejois was well-connected to the world. After all, it would be ridiculous if the World Government and the Marines had to make detours every time they traveled just because they had to stick to the Grand Line. They'd be late to everything.

"Fair enough." Garp nodded in agreement. However, he quickly handed the baby over to Claudius, despite a reluctant expression on his face.

"This is Ace. From today, he's your responsibility," Garp said, his tone serious. "Remember, not a word to anyone about who he really is. From now on, this kid isn't Roger's son. If anyone finds out, we're both in deep trouble."

Claudius took Ace from Garp, raising an eyebrow as he replied, "You really have to spell it out? If the Five Elders found out I was raising the son of the Pirate King, you think I'd still be standing here in Mariejois?"

He still wasn't sure how Fleet Admiral Sengoku had pieced together Ace's identity in the original story, but this time around, with all his efforts to cover things up, Claudius felt like he'd done a pretty thorough job.

With Rouge gone, theoretically, Garp was the only person left who knew the truth. As long as Garp kept quiet, and Claudius didn't let anything slip, there should be no reason for the secret to ever come out.

Besides, as long as Ace didn't choose a path that would pit him directly against the World Government, even someone as astute as Sengoku might see any clues as mere coincidences rather than the truth. After all, this was one issue where turning a blind eye was simpler for everyone involved, especially considering the potential fallout with Garp and Claudius, both respected figures within the ranks of the Marines and the Celestial Dragons.

"Good. As long as you understand," Garp said with a nod, sounding a bit relieved. "Alright, I've gotta get going. That bastard Sengoku has been bugging me nonstop."

"In such a hurry? What's got the Marines so worked up now? Didn't you just deal with an attack from Roger's crew a month ago?" Claudius asked.

"Yeah, that's right," Garp replied, nodding. "But this time, it's about historians."

"Historians?" Claudius repeated, frowning slightly. "So, the Marines have tracked down some scholars researching forbidden history and ancient texts?"

"Pretty much." Garp scratched his head. "There's a giant Vice Admiral under me named Saul. He's been tracking a group of scholars causing trouble on the first half of the Grand Line. Recently, he managed to catch one of them alive, along with some undestroyed documents we think may reveal their origins. The Marines are working with CP-9 to interrogate the survivor and analyze the evidence. They're hoping for a breakthrough soon."

Claudius fell silent, a thoughtful look crossing his face. He had a pretty good idea of what was going on. Jaguar D. Saul—the Marine Giant Vice Admiral under Garp, known for his strength was also a close friend of Kuzan, and was indeed responsible for hunting down scholars who studied Poneglyphs and forbidden history. If things followed the course he remembered, Saul had likely captured a key figure in the Ohara incident, possibly even Nicole Olvia, Robin's mother.

Sooner or later, trouble was bound to erupt within the Marines. In a few months, Saul would likely end up swayed by Olvia's ideals, awakening the "Will of D," and ultimately throwing away his future in the Marines by helping her escape from Naval Headquarters. That, in turn, would lead Olvia back to Ohara and set in motion the events that would bring about its destruction. Eventually, Saul would be frozen by Kuzan, resulting in his imprisonment.

A Marine Vice Admiral defecting would certainly stir things up, but in Claudius's view, it wasn't his concern.

He gave Garp a skeptical look and asked, "But what does any of this have to do with you? You're not an interrogator. Since when did you have those skills?"

"Saul's my subordinate, isn't he? So, officially, I'm supposed to be involved, at least on paper," Garp grumbled.

"I didn't expect the Marines to care so much about formalities," Claudius remarked with a laugh.

"The bigger the organization, the more formalities you're stuck with," Garp replied, nodding in agreement.

With that, Garp seemed eager to be on his way. After waving goodbye to Claudius, he quickly boarded a merchant ship bound for the Marine residential quarters at Marineford, disappearing as quickly as he'd come.

Only after Garp had left did Claudius turn his attention to the little bundle in his arms. The baby was truly adorable, with a face so innocent that it was hard to believe he would one day grow up to be one of the world's most feared pirates, known as a dangerous criminal and the son of the Pirate King.

"Ace…" Claudius murmured softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. He gently pinched the baby's nose and added, "Grow up fast, kid. The world stage is waiting for you."

Not exactly a child-rearing expert, Claudius played with the baby for a while before handing him over to Nia who held Ace securely as they all headed back towards the palace.

"Your Highness, how would you like to handle this?" Nia asked, smiling as he cradled Ace.

"Hmm… go to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and have them assign me two experienced nannies to take care of Ace. We don't have that kind of free time. Best to leave things to the professionals," Claudius replied with a smile.

Nija nodded in understanding. However, Claudius had no idea that by selecting two nannies from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and bringing a baby into his household, he'd inadvertently set off a storm of gossip among the Celestial Dragons of Mariejois.

In no time, rumors spread across the Holy Land: the notorious romantic, Claudius, had fathered a child with some unknown woman outside and was now bringing his "bastard" son home.

That's right, before Claudius even had a chance to arrange a proper identity for Ace, such as an adopted son or ward, the bored Celestial Dragons had already spun an elaborate backstory for him.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 91: Subtle Hint

Claudius had been living in Mariejois with little Ace for two months.

During this time, his frustrations had been building up, not because of Ace, but because of the gossip that seemed to follow him everywhere. Every time he stepped outside, there would be whispers among the other Celestial Dragons, snide remarks and fingers pointing behind his back. People claimed that he'd been off galivanting around the world, and Ace was the result of some "illegitimate affair."

It was the kind of rumor that was impossible to squash, so Claudius could only bottle up his irritation and stew about it in private.

In his quiet study, a thick, luxurious carpet covered the floor, and little Ace was happily crawling around on it, bursting with energy far beyond that of a typical baby. Incense burned faintly on the desk, releasing a delicate fragrance meant to calm the mind, but today it seemed to be having little effect on Claudius. With an exasperated sigh, he threw his book onto the desk and rubbed his temples.

Just then Nia, entered the room with a glass of milk. "Your Highness, perhaps a glass of milk to help settle your nerves?" he suggested gently.

Claudius nodded and took the glass, while Nia glanced at Ace, who was busily crawling across the floor. With a smile, Nia remarked, "The young master certainly has a lot of energy."

"This kid's a real handful," Claudius muttered, shaking his head in frustration.

As if on cue, Ace let out a mischievous giggle and, to Claudius's horror, proceeded to relieve himself right there on the carpet.

Claudius nearly spat out his milk in shock. "You little brat!" he cursed, glaring down at Ace.

Nia chuckled, unfazed. "I'll get someone to replace the carpet," he said calmly, as if it were a minor inconvenience.

"Is raising a child always this much trouble?" Claudius groaned. "And that's with an army of staff to help out. I don't know how people manage it."

Meanwhile, at the World Government headquarters, not too far from Claudius's residence, the Five Elders had gathered for a meeting of their own. The bearded elder held a map, with an island circled in the New World, not far from the Red Line.

"Is the information reliable?" asked the blond elder.

"Yes, the agents from CP-0 verified it. That man is indeed on this island," the bearded elder replied.

"A man like that, roaming free, is a serious threat. We can't let this opportunity slip by," murmured the bald elder.

"Patrick Redfield," added the elder with the sword, his tone somber. "To stand shoulder-to-shoulder with monsters like Roger, Whitebeard, and Shiki all on his own it's no small feat."

"True. But it's also because he operates alone that he might be easier to deal with," the elder with curly hair remarked thoughtfully.

"He's notoriously slippery. Every time the Marines have tried to corner him, he seems to know in advance and escapes without a trace. There's something… unusual going on," said the bearded elder.

"You think he has informants within the Marines?" asked the bald elder.

"It's possible," the bearded elder replied, "though it could also be his Observation Haki. He's rumored to be able to 'hear' people's hearts."

"A dangerous ability indeed. Which is all the more reason he must be captured and locked away," said the bald elder, frowning.

"Then let's take a different approach this time. We'll send Marshal Kong himself and keep the entire operation secret within the Marines," the bearded elder suggested.

The Five Elders had come to realize that tracking down the so-called "Red Count," Patrick Redfield, would require an unconventional strategy. If Redfield truly had a source within the Marines or was using his extraordinary Haki to anticipate their moves, then only a surprise maneuver would have any chance of success. Having the Marine Marshal personally take command would be an unexpected move; after all, Kong almost never left Marineford.

"Using Kong makes sense, but I don't think the Marines alone will be enough. We should involve the Cipher Pol forces as well…" The bald elder paused, then suggested, "Why not call in CP-X for this operation?"

The other elders exchanged glances before the bearded one finally cracked a small smile. "Claudius? I've heard he's been the center of attention here in Mariejois lately."

"Haha, enjoying the 'passions of youth,' is he?" said the blond elder with a chuckle.

"Ah, yes, the rumors," the bearded elder laughed. "They say he left a 'little legacy' out there and has now brought it back with him."

"These are his personal affairs; we don't need to concern ourselves with such trivial matters. The boy's… spirited, I'll give him that," the bald elder said, shaking his head with a bemused smile.

The blond elder nodded. "Yes, young people are bound to make a few mistakes here and there. It's only natural."

"Still, CP-X has proven capable, and Claudius himself is quite reliable. Let's have CP-X collaborate with the Marines on this one," the bearded elder said thoughtfully.

"Capturing both Shiki and Roger was no small feat. Let's see if Claudius can pull off another miracle and bring down the elusive Redfield," the bald elder said with a grin.

"If he succeeds, how should we reward him?" the bearded elder asked, smiling faintly. After a moment's pause, he continued, "This boy has almost everything already—power, fame, status, wealth. What could we possibly give him?"

The bald elder chuckled and quipped, "Why don't you retire and let him take your seat?"

The bearded elder laughed, firing back, "I think you're the one who should consider retirement!"

"All right, enough with the jokes," the blond elder interrupted. "We don't even know if this mission will succeed yet. But if we're talking about rewards… what about the title of Donquixote family patriarch?"

The room fell silent. After a moment, the bearded elder frowned slightly. "What about Lancelot?"

The blond elder sneered, "Lancelot? Don't forget, he and Claudius have… history. Though it's curious, Claudius hasn't made a move against him. Perhaps he's been waiting, biding his time so as not to upset the balance with us?"

When Claudius had come under their notice, the Five Elders had, of course, reviewed his background. They knew of his complex family dynamics, how he'd once clashed with his own bloodline to secure his position. Some of the Elders found it distasteful, especially as their admiration for Claudius grew. His unwillingness to take action against Lancelot had initially been perplexing, but now, the elders saw an opportunity.

In the grand scheme, figures like Lancelot were hardly significant to them. Dealing with him was a trivial matter, should they choose to allow it.

"Then it's settled. If Claudius succeeds in this mission, we'll give him a subtle hint. Let him know that we won't interfere in his dealings with Lancelot… he's free to handle it as he sees fit," said the bald elder, his tone firm as he leaned back, crossing his arms with a satisfied nod.

Chapter 92: The Arrest of the Red Count!

In the waters of the New World, a massive sailing ship quietly cut through the waves, flying the insignia of an official World Government caravan. It looked like an ordinary merchant vessel, nothing that would attract undue attention.

But standing on its deck were some of the mightiest figures in the world: Marine Headquarters' Fleet Admiral Kong, Vice Admiral Garp, renowned as the Marine Hero, and Claudius, the young Celestial Dragon. Their target was none other than Patrick Redfield, also known as the "Red Count," and their destination—Bat Island.

Claudius hadn't had many opportunities to meet Fleet Admiral Kong before, and the two didn't share any particular friendship. In fact, he didn't know much about him at all. But in the days they'd spent together, Claudius had come to appreciate that Kong was a straightforward, stubborn man, but not inflexible. The Fleet Admiral had a strong personality yet remained approachable, and they'd quickly found a mutual respect.

"It should be close now, right?" Claudius asked, watching the record pointer in his hand as it swayed in the direction of their destination.

Garp, an old sea dog with years of experience, didn't even bother with the pointer. After a moment of thought, he said, "Another half a day, give or take."

"This mission is as covert as it gets. I didn't even bring any Marine soldiers along. Just the three of us know about it. I doubt that Redfield would ever expect such a small force," Fleet Admiral Kong remarked with a smile.

Claudius looked at him, curious. "Is he really as arrogant as they say? Always working alone, never trusting anyone?"

Kong nodded. "Exactly. That's why he's earned the nickname 'Lonely Red.' He refuses to rely on anyone."

"Well, this time we'll shatter that pride of his and send him straight to Impel Down," Garp said, clenching his fists with a dangerous grin.

Kong nodded in agreement. "Garp, once we reach Bat Island, you'll station yourself at the port. That place has a peculiar geography, there's only one port for getting in or out, and the rest of the island is surrounded by cliffs. As long as you hold the port, he won't be able to escape. I'll handle him myself."

"Huh? You're planning to take that bastard on solo, Kong?" Garp asked, clearly surprised.

"Yes," Kong replied. "As long as the port's secured, it'll be like trapping a fox in a cage. I'll deal with him personally."

Claudius raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit uneasy. He wanted to tell Kong that, as strong as he was, he might not fare so well in a one-on-one with Redfield. If his memory served, Kong had indeed gone toe-to-toe with the Red Count on Bat Island once before… and lost due to exhaustion. Redfield, however, didn't get far afterward, as Garp had jumped in and pummeled him into submission, sealing his fate in Impel Down.

Looking at Kong, who was older than Garp by a decade and well into his seventies, Claudius couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and concern. This man had been fighting for the World Government his entire life. Even when Sengoku, his younger colleague, would later retire, Kong would continue to serve well into his nineties. A lifetime of loyalty and sacrifice, it was something Claudius couldn't help but respect.

With this in mind, Claudius asked, "And what about me, Fleet Admiral Kong? Where do you need me?"

Kong, fully aware of Redfield's strength, didn't want to put Claudius at unnecessary risk. Despite Claudius's impressive abilities, he was no match for someone of Redfield's caliber just yet. And with Claudius's high status as a Celestial Dragon, Kong felt an added responsibility to ensure his safety.

After a moment, Kong said, "Why don't you observe from a safe distance? You can see everything unfold, but without getting too close to the action."

In other words, they wanted him to watch from the sidelines. But Claudius didn't take offense. He understood that Kong's intention was to keep him safe, not to belittle him. Besides, he suspected there would be other ways for him to contribute. So, with a relaxed smile, he replied, "Understood. My experience is nowhere near as extensive as yours, Fleet Admiral. CP-X will gladly learn from you on this mission, haha."

"Glad to hear it," Kong said with a smile of his own, appreciating Claudius's lack of arrogance. He'd met too many young talents who, brimming with pride, threw themselves recklessly into danger. But Claudius showed a rare combination of strength and humility, which Kong respected.

Thinking back, he'd seen many promising Marines fall to their own hubris. Even the Whitebeard Pirates had eventually met disaster because Ace had been too headstrong to heed Whitebeard's warnings. Arrogance was a killer.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Kong asked, "I heard you have people on Bat Island already?"

Claudius nodded. "My cousin is stationed there. But don't worry, Fleet Admiral, his cover won't raise any alarms for Redfield."

"Oh, you mean that candidate for the 'Seven Warlords of the Sea' project that Sengoku mentioned? His Highness Doflamingo, right?" Kong asked, recalling their conversation.

"That's right, though please don't call him 'Your Highness' around him. He's sensitive about it. He was stripped of his Celestial Dragon status when his father took him to North Blue," Claudius replied with a chuckle.

"Got it," Kong replied, slightly embarrassed by his mistake.

As they closed in on Bat Island, Doflamingo himself was preparing on the shore, waiting for Claudius's arrival.

"So I'm supposed to face off against the infamous 'Lonely Red,' Patrick Redfield? I barely got my feet wet in the New World, and I'm already dealing with a legend?" Doflamingo muttered to himself, a cold gleam in his eyes. A wicked grin spread across his face. "Fufufufu… cousin, I see you're making me prove my worth."

"If you can't endure this, you'll never reach the top," he recalled Claudius saying over the Den Den Mushi before this mission. "This is a chance to show the World Government your value. Make a good impression, and we'll both benefit in the future."

Doflamingo hadn't reached the level of patience he'd have in the future, but under Claudius's guidance, he'd learned to control his impulses. This mission was just another step in his ascent, a necessary sacrifice for a greater reward.

Meanwhile, deep within Bat Island's dense forests, Redfield examined a worn scrap of parchment he had just uncovered. The markings on it hinted at a place called "The Sleeping Ancient Town," and he frowned, unfamiliar with the name.

"The Sleeping Ancient Town… never heard of it," Redfield murmured. His latest quest had brought him here, searching for a rare Zoan Mythical Devil Fruit he'd heard rumors about. He intended to find it and harness its power, thinking it might prove useful in his future endeavors.

Little did he know, however, that the World Government had already set a trap for him—a net that had taken months to weave and was about to be sprung.

If he truly wanted that fruit, it would have to wait. It would be over twenty years before Blackbeard would one day come to free him from his cell in Impel Down…

Chapter 93: Garp – We’re All Men Here

Bat Island wasn't large, just a modest piece of land with a single port, a small town, and a scattering of mountains further inland. It was sparsely populated, with most of the interior overrun by wilderness. There were rumors of ancient ruins hidden in the mountains, and that's where Patrick Redfield had gone searching.

As soon as they docked, Garp exchanged a few words with Kong, then took up his position at the port. Meanwhile, Kong turned to Claudius, who simply smiled and said, "I'll head in to meet up with my cousin. No need to worry about me, Fleet Admiral."

"Alright. I'm off to deal with Redfield," Kong replied without fuss. He gave Claudius a quick nod, then set off toward the heart of the island, ready for the confrontation.

Once Kong had disappeared into the dense forest, Claudius turned to Garp with a smirk. "You look like you've been holding something in this whole trip."

"Humph!" Garp grunted, looking annoyed, before quickly asking, "How's Ace?"

"With the kind of life I live, do you think he could be anything but fine? He's well-fed, sleeps soundly, and he's got enough energy to tire out anyone. Only downside is, he's ruined my reputation." Claudius sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.

"Ahahahaha! I heard about that! Word around Mariejois is that you've got yourself an illegitimate child," Garp laughed, clearly amused. "Honestly, it's not such a bad thing. That rumor covers up the truth pretty well. Now nobody will be poking their noses into Ace's business."

As strange as it sounded, Garp was right. If people believed Ace was Claudius's illegitimate son, then any curiosity would be dismissed as a private matter of the Celestial Dragons. No one, not even the agents of the CP organizations, would dare investigate too closely, given that they were under the Celestial Dragons' authority. As long as Claudius and Garp kept quiet, Ace's existence was secure.

Claudius sighed, shaking his head again. "There goes my perfect image. My spotless reputation, dragged through the mud because of this kid."

"Oh, please! No one cares about a Celestial Dragon's private life anyway. But seriously… you're telling me you don't have any women on the side?" Garp asked, looking at Claudius with disbelief.

Claudius shot Garp a disgusted look. "You think I'm as shameless as you?"

Garp just shrugged, clearly unbothered by the insult. Claudius didn't know much about Garp's personal life, but he had his suspicions. He didn't know who Dragon's mother was, but it wouldn't have surprised him if Garp had a fling somewhere along the line. And considering how Ace's father was Roger, yet Garp had decided to treat Ace as family… well, the old man certainly didn't follow a conventional life path.

"Come on, we're all men here, hahaha!" Garp laughed heartily, slinging an arm around Claudius's shoulders like they were old drinking buddies.

Before Claudius could pull away, Garp added, "Oh, by the way, last time we talked, I didn't get the chance to ask you. I heard that Zephyr got himself a pass that lets him into the Celestial Dragon's mansion areas. Mind getting me one too?"

Claudius frowned. "What do you need that for? You don't even like coming to Mariejois, and you've never had much respect for the other Celestial Dragons. Don't go stirring up trouble there and dragging me down with you."

"It's different now," Garp replied, shrugging casually. "Ace is there with you, isn't he? I'm just a Vice Admiral; I've got plenty of free time. Mariejois and Marineford aren't that far apart. I figured I could drop by and see him now and then."

Claudius smirked, amused. For someone who openly mocked the nobility, Garp sure was willing to swallow his pride for Ace's sake. The old man was even shamelessly asking for a pass to the Celestial Dragon estates, all just so he could visit the boy.

"Fine, but let's get one thing clear," Claudius said, exasperated but smiling. "When it comes to raising Ace, keep out of it. I'll handle his upbringing myself, understood?"

Garp frowned, clearly displeased. "What? I'm his grandfather! Can't I help shape him into a fine Marine?"

"Oh, please. With your record? Just look at how Dragon turned out," Claudius shot back without mercy.

Garp didn't look the least bit ashamed. He just waved his hand dismissively. "Well, that's exactly why I'm more experienced now. I know what mistakes not to make!"

Seeing that Claudius wasn't buying it, Garp finally relented with a sigh. "Alright, alright. I promise not to interfere with Ace's training. Satisfied?"

Claudius gave him a nod. "That's more like it. Once I'm back, I'll have someone deliver a pass to you."

With that settled, the two men shared a few more words before Claudius bid Garp goodbye and headed off into the port town.

Doflamingo had already reserved every tavern in the small town. His men, Trebol and the others, were stationed at the entrance. Spotting Claudius, they quickly ushered him inside.

Claudius walked in to find Doflamingo sitting at a table, a wine glass in hand. At his feet lay a man unconscious or dead, it was hard to tell with blood pooling around his head. Doflamingo looked up, smirking as he poured Claudius a drink.

"What's with the mess?" Claudius asked, taking a seat across from him.

Doflamingo handed him the glass. "Oh, nothing. Just a little stress relief. This idiot tried to pick a fight with me, so I gave him what he asked for. I feel a lot better now," he replied, his grin widening.

"You're really getting into the pirate lifestyle, huh?" Claudius remarked with a laugh.

Doflamingo chuckled. "Fufufufu… cousin, I am a pirate."

"Fair enough," Claudius acknowledged with a smile. "How's everything going?"

"Not bad. We're making progress. But the New World… the water's deep here," Doflamingo replied, his gaze sharpening.

"It is. Be careful, Doffy. If things ever get too heavy, remember you've got me to back you up. You're my brother, after all. If I don't look out for you, who will?" Claudius said with genuine warmth.

Doflamingo's usually guarded expression softened for a moment, but he quickly composed himself, grinning. "I know, cousin. But enough of that. What's the plan for today?"

"Simple," Claudius said, waving a hand. "The World Government wants to save face after the fiasco with Roger. They're hoping capturing Redfield will restore some of their reputation."

"So, when's the action?" Doflamingo asked, raising an eyebrow. "We're not just going to sit here and drink all day, are we?"

Just as he finished speaking, an intense surge of Conqueror's Haki flooded the island. The sheer pressure was overwhelming, sending a ripple of force through the town. The innkeeper behind the bar collapsed instantly, eyes rolling back as he hit the floor.

Claudius and Doflamingo were unaffected. With a calm smile, Claudius picked up the bottle, poured them both another drink, and said, "No need to worry. It's already begun."

Chapter 94: Death is Like the Wind, Always By My Side!

Claudius finished pouring his wine. Doflamingo took a sip, then murmured, "Conqueror's Haki… you think Kong has it too?"

"What, is that surprising?" Claudius replied with a grin.

"Well," Doflamingo began, "I've always thought of Marines as subservient to the World Government, especially the higher-ups like the Fleet Admiral. How could someone who 'follows orders' have the spirit of a conqueror?"

Claudius chuckled. "Conqueror's Haki isn't some mystical power that's only reserved for kings and tyrants. It's about having an unbreakable will, a refusal to bend, even if you work within a hierarchy. Conqueror's Haki is about ruling yourself, being the king of your own heart."

He took a thoughtful sip, "Think about it Sengoku, the future Marine Fleet Admiral, has Conqueror's Haki. Ace, who was once just a son under Whitebeard, had it too. Rayleigh was Roger's right-hand man, yet he possessed it. Even Katakuri, who never led the Big Mom Pirates, has it. Conqueror's Haki isn't about rank. It's about your heart's refusal to submit."

Doflamingo looked at him with genuine surprise. "Cousin, you've clearly put a lot of thought into this. Do you… have it too?"

Claudius's face went a bit red, and he waved a dismissive hand. "Who, me? No, I just understand it a bit. Conqueror's Haki… yeah, that's one thing I haven't awakened."

Doflamingo burst into laughter. "Fufufufufu! After all these years, I finally have something over you, cousin!"

Claudius shot him an irritated look. "You smug bastard! Of all the things you could bring up, you had to pick my one weakness?"

Doflamingo just grinned, then added with a mischievous glint in his eye, "Don't worry, cousin. I'm sure you'll awaken it eventually. I believe in you."

"Sure you do," Claudius replied, rolling his eyes. They both shared a laugh, the tension between them easing.

Doflamingo's expression then shifted to curiosity. "So, what's the plan? Are we really just here to 'get some experience,' like you said? Are we really just going to sit back and watch the show as the Fleet Admiral delivers justice to the infamous Red Earl?"

"That's the idea. But…" Claudius took a slow sip from his glass. "My gut tells me things won't go that smoothly."

Doflamingo raised an eyebrow. "You think Kong might… lose?"

Claudius smirked, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "Exactly."

A wicked smile spread across Doflamingo's face. "Now that's something I'd like to see, the 'justice' of the Marines crushed by 'evil.'"

Claudius gave him a pat on the shoulder. "But remember, justice always wins in the end."

Doflamingo studied him thoughtfully. "So, you're saying you're waiting for Kong to falter… so you can jump in and finish the job?"

"Pretty much," Claudius replied, swirling his drink. "But keep in mind, he's still the Fleet Admiral. If he fails, it'll be a blow to the World Government. I can't just sit by and let him lose face completely. When the moment's right, I'll step in. And that's where you come in, too."

Doflamingo nodded, taking his cousin's words to heart. "Understood. I'll be ready."

The battle between Kong and Redfield was brutal, shaking the entire island. The town was devastated by the shockwaves of their clash. Buildings crumbled, and residents lay unconscious in the streets, felled by the sheer force of Conqueror's Haki that radiated from both combatants. Garp, stationed at the port, was busy pulling civilians out of the rubble, while Claudius and Doflamingo's tavern remained standing, thanks to Trebol and the others shielding it from the worst of the aftermath.

As the day turned to dusk, Claudius glanced out the window, noting the darkening sky. "It's about time for him to show signs of wear. He's almost seventy, after all," he murmured.

Doflamingo's eyes narrowed. "So… should we make our move now?"

Claudius grinned, his voice low and menacing. "The night is perfect."

The two of them stepped out of the tavern together. The once lively port town lay in ruins, debris scattered everywhere. Claudius rolled his shoulders, looking toward the mountain where the clash was taking place. The ground shook as powerful waves of energy rippled through the air.

"Doffy, help seal off the island. There may only be one port, but we can't risk Redfield escaping by any means. We need to cut off all exits," Claudius instructed.

Doflamingo's lips curled into a smirk. "Perfect timing. I've just developed a new technique I call the Birdcage."

Without another word, Doflamingo raised his hand, his Devil Fruit powers stirring. Thin, nearly invisible threads spread out from his fingers, weaving together in the sky to create an immense cage that began to descend over the island, trapping everyone within its razor-sharp walls.

Claudius watched for a moment, nodding approvingly. "Impressive," he said. "I'm heading in."

Before Doflamingo could reply, Claudius unleashed a burst of wind, propelling himself forward. His figure blurred, disappearing into the shadows as he soared toward the mountain.

Watching his cousin vanish, Doflamingo muttered to himself, "Looks like I'm not the only one who can fly. Maybe I should work on that, too."

As Claudius approached the battlefield, he took in the scene. Fleet Admiral Kong was clearly struggling, his chest bore a deep slash, blood seeping from the wound. His left eye was swollen shut, blood dripping down his face from a particularly brutal cut. Meanwhile, Redfield was also injured; his chest was visibly dented, likely from one of Kong's powerful punches, and his once-neat hair was now disheveled. Still, he appeared to be holding up better than Kong.

"Invisible…" Claudius whispered, activating one of his newest abilities.

In an instant, his body began to blend with the air around him, becoming completely invisible. It was a technique he'd developed from his Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit abilities, using nitrogen's colorless properties to mask his presence entirely.

"Move with the wind…" Claudius murmured as he drifted forward, blending seamlessly into the night air.

He knew Redfield's Observation Haki was exceptional, and that it wouldn't take long before the Red Count sensed his presence. But he needed to get as close as possible before making his move.

On the battlefield, Redfield smirked at his wounded opponent. "Kong, you should've known better than to come here alone. Today, I'll add the head of a Marine Fleet Admiral to my legacy!"

Kong ignored the taunt, gritting his teeth as he steadied himself. With a powerful stomp, he launched himself forward, muscles bulging, his fist crackling with Armament Haki. "Justice will never fall to the likes of you, Redfield!"

He threw a massive punch, the air itself splitting under its force. "Fist of Justice!"

Redfield's eyes narrowed, and he raised his sword, prepared to counter. "Your justice ends here!" He swung his blade, unleashing a slicing wave of energy aimed directly at Kong's chest.

But suddenly, Redfield's expression shifted. Sensing a new presence closing in fast, he tried to pull his sword back to defend himself, but it was too late.

Claudius materialized in midair, his sword Shindō drawn and ready. With a fierce cry, he unleashed his attack. "Death is like the wind, always by my side! One-Sword Style—Secret Art: Blizzard!"

A blinding white slash burst from Claudius's blade, a concentrated line of compressed air that shot straight toward Redfield.

Redfield, acting on instinct, managed to raise his sword horizontally, preparing to intercept the strike. The two attacks collided in a storm of raw energy, sending shockwaves rippling across the mountainside.

Chapter 95: Tough Redfield

Redfield's speed was exceptional, and just as Claudius's slash was about to hit him, he raised his sword to block the attack. But before he could relax, a chill swept over him, the white air current that accompanied Claudius's slash had coated his blade with frost.

In an instant, the sturdy sword in Redfield's hand started to crack, becoming brittle under the intense cold. With a sharp snap, the blade shattered, and the remaining energy from the slash tore a small wound into Redfield's chest. The cut immediately turned white, frost spreading across the skin, freezing his flesh on contact.

Redfield's expression darkened as he dropped the remains of his sword, watching in horror as the frost crept toward his hand. He quickly released the hilt, letting it fall to the ground like a chunk of ice.

"What a terrifying frost power…" Redfield muttered, stumbling back. He placed a hand on his chest, feeling the numbed flesh around the wound. As he pinched the frostbitten tissue between his fingers, it crumbled into powder. The wound was necrotic—completely frozen.

"How about it? Impressed by my technique?" Claudius taunted, a wry smile on his face.

Fleet Admiral Kong glanced at Claudius, not saying a word, but his expression showed a hint of respect. He didn't chastise Claudius for interfering. In truth, Kong had underestimated Redfield, and as the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, he couldn't afford to lose here. Claudius's intervention had pulled him back from the edge of defeat.

"Who the hell are you?" Redfield growled, glaring at Claudius with suspicion.

Despite Claudius's growing reputation especially after capturing Shiki and assisting in Roger's capture he was still somewhat of an enigma to most on the seas. Few knew what he looked like, and even fewer had actually seen him in action. Redfield, for all his experience, had no idea who this newcomer was.

With a cocky smile, Claudius replied, "Heh, don't worry, I don't change my name. You're looking at—Donquixote Claudius."

"Donquixote?" Redfield echoed, momentarily confused.

Then, as the name sank in, Redfield's expression darkened. "So you're Celestial Dragon Claudius, that infamous CP-X operative?"

Claudius grinned. "Ah, so you've heard of me."

Redfield sneered, glancing between Claudius and Kong. "The legendary CP-X is real, then. And the World Government thinks so highly of me that they've sent both a Marine Fleet Admiral and a Celestial Dragon to capture me? I should be flattered."

"You're worth the trouble, Redfield," Claudius replied coldly.

Without wasting any more words, Claudius raised his sword and unleashed another slash. This time, he didn't add his liquid nitrogen power, but the sharp edge of the attack cut through the air with lethal intent.

Redfield braced himself, coating his arms with Armament Haki as he raised them to deflect the slash. "What exactly is your ability?" he demanded, frustration lacing his voice as he blocked the strike.

Claudius simply smirked, refusing to answer. There was no way he'd reveal the nature of his powers to an opponent, especially someone as dangerous as Redfield.

On the other side of the battlefield, Fleet Admiral Kong seized the opportunity, launching himself toward Redfield. With a powerful stomp, he appeared at Redfield's side, throwing a heavy punch at his shoulder. The impact sent Redfield hurtling through the air.

Claudius had joined the battle at the perfect moment. While Kong was still a formidable opponent, his age had started to show, and Redfield had been gaining the upper hand. Claudius's intervention helped tip the scales back in the Marines' favor, giving them a renewed advantage.

As Redfield was knocked back, Claudius was already preparing his next move.

"Storm!" he shouted, swinging his demon blade Shindō. Several slashes flew forward, each wrapped in a fierce wind current. As they traveled, the air and sword energy combined, forming a twisting whirlwind of razor-sharp gales.

The cyclone tore through the terrain, ripping apart trees and rocks as it barreled toward Redfield, who had barely regained his balance. Redfield gritted his teeth and braced himself, covering his entire body with Armament Haki, turning his skin as black as obsidian. The whirlwind slammed into him, pushing him back and tearing his clothes to shreds, leaving small cuts across his body.

"Red Fury!" Redfield roared, his eyes flashing with anger. In a blur of red, he transformed into a streak of blood-colored energy, closing the distance between him and Claudius in an instant.

Kong barely had time to react, and Claudius felt his heart skip a beat as Redfield's terrifying speed brought him face-to-face with danger. A wave of dread washed over him, and he instinctively fortified his chest with Armament Haki, kicking off the ground to backpedal.

But even with his quick response, Redfield's claws slashed across Claudius's chest. His Armament Haki barely managed to hold up against the attack, but it was clear that Redfield's power was in a league of its own. Claudius's Haki shattered under the pressure, and five deep gashes appeared across his chest, flesh and blood flying from the wounds. If he hadn't managed to pull back in time, Redfield's claws might have pierced his heart.

Ignoring any semblance of pride, Claudius dropped to the ground, rolling away from Redfield's follow-up strike. He might have looked undignified, but survival was more important than appearances. As he rolled, Kong rushed in, aiming a massive punch at Redfield's head, forcing him to turn his attention away from Claudius.

Redfield hesitated. He wanted to finish off Claudius, but the Fleet Admiral's fist, crackling with deadly intent, was too dangerous to ignore. With a grimace, he shifted his stance and intercepted Kong's punch with his own, their fists clashing mid-air in a brutal collision of Haki.

The shockwave from their clash sent Claudius tumbling further back, giving him a chance to catch his breath. Blood trickled down his chest, but he managed a defiant grin as he wiped the blood from his wounds. "Not bad, Redfield. But you're not the only one who can give as good as you get."

A rhythmic, powerful heartbeat began to emanate from Claudius, like the pounding of war drums. His aura surged, brimming with renewed strength.

"King Engine… on," Claudius murmured, focusing his energy.

He tightened his grip on Shindō, the muscles in his arm flexing as he readied his next attack. "One-Sword Style—Secret Art: Winter's Fury!"

With a powerful swing, Claudius unleashed a massive slash coated in a frigid, white air current. As the attack traveled forward, it left a trail of frost in its wake, freezing the ground, trees, and rocks it touched. The very air around it seemed to crystallize, and everything in its path became brittle, covered in a delicate layer of ice.

Fleet Admiral Kong's eyes widened as the freezing slash approached, realizing that he, too, was within its range. Without hesitation, both he and Redfield pulled back, evading the icy path of destruction.

Claudius's lips curled into a triumphant smirk. Just as the two combatants dodged his slash, he revealed a Short Sword in his other hand, which he'd been hiding up until now.

"Gotcha," he whispered. "Shoot to kill—Shinsō!"

With a sudden thrust, the short blade extended, stretching toward Redfield with blinding speed. The silver glint of the blade cut through the darkness, and Redfield's eyes widened as he twisted mid-air, sensing the danger. But he wasn't fast enough.

The tip of Shinsō pierced his shoulder, drawing blood as it punched through armor and flesh alike.

Redfield let out a hiss of pain, adjusting his posture in mid-air to prevent further damage. He clamped a hand over his injured shoulder, gritting his teeth as he glared at Claudius.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 96: Take My Embrace of Death!

Shinsō was originally a powerful weapon, but Claudius had turned it into something even more devious—a tool for surprise attacks. Golden Lion Shiki had fallen for it, twice, resulting in a deep cut across his face. Claudius had exploited that moment to incapacitate Shiki, turning him into a permanent resident of the infirmary at Marineford.

And now, Patrick Redfield was facing the same predicament. He'd never encountered a weapon like Shinsō, a sword that could extend and retract at will. The unexpected sting in his shoulder threw him off balance, just enough to hinder his dodge. Unlike Kong, who had managed to avoid Claudius's Winter's Fury, Redfield wasn't as lucky.

The cold slash caught his left foot, instantly freezing his shoe and reducing it to ice shards. His flesh wasn't spared either; frost spread across his foot, seizing up his muscles and restricting his movement. Though he managed to shake off some of the damaged tissue, his mobility was now compromised.

As he shifted back, Redfield's mind was reeling. "What kind of abilities does this guy have?" he thought. One moment, Claudius was wielding frost power, and the next, he was invisible. Then, there was that bizarre sword technique, changing length as if it had a mind of its own. On their own, each power was strange, but together, they were almost incomprehensible.

Meanwhile, Kong had stepped back to avoid Claudius's Winter's Fury, and that gave Redfield a brief reprieve. Claudius, however, wasn't one to waste an opportunity. As soon as Shinsō retracted, Claudius pointed a finger at Redfield.

"Finger Pistol!" Claudius whispered.

With his injured foot slowing him down, Redfield had no time to dodge. He crossed his arms over his chest, coating them in Armament Haki to block the blow. A sharp sting shot through his arms as Claudius's Finger Pistol technique hit home.

Realizing he couldn't afford to let Claudius keep pressuring him from a distance, Redfield decided to close the gap. With a savage expression, he ignored the pain in his foot and charged forward, prepared to endure whatever Kong threw at him if it meant silencing Claudius for good.

But just as he took his first steps, something pulled him back—thin, nearly invisible threads wrapped around his limbs, restraining his movement. Redfield's eyes darted around, and he spotted the source: Doflamingo standing off in the distance, his fingers twitching as he manipulated the threads.

"So, there's another one?" Redfield muttered, his instincts kicking in just as a whip-like thread lashed out, smashing through a frost-covered tree nearby.

"Fufufufu… sharp reflexes," Doflamingo sneered, stepping out of the shadows.

Redfield's eyes narrowed. He felt like he'd seen this man before, but he couldn't place where. His immediate assumption was that Doflamingo was another government operative. Little did he know that his captor was a pirate who'd once crossed into the New World.

In that moment, Kong made his move. Using Soru, he appeared beside Redfield, throwing a powerful punch toward his head. Redfield, wrapped in Doflamingo's threads, was a split second too slow, and though he managed to meet Kong's punch, he couldn't evade it entirely. The two exchanged brutal blows, both staggering back from the force.

Kong was knocked to the ground, while Redfield took a powerful hit to his injured chest, coughing up blood and even fragments of his organs. Enraged, Redfield grabbed the threads binding him and yanked, pulling Doflamingo off balance.

Doflamingo, whether from surprise or arrogance, held onto the threads, and he was pulled toward Redfield with shocking speed.

"Die!" Redfield roared, his hand transforming into a claw, Armament Haki coating his fingers as he aimed for Doflamingo's heart.

But as Redfield's claw closed in, Doflamingo twisted, wrapping himself around Redfield's body like an octopus. His face twisted into a wicked grin. "Cousin, now!" he shouted.

"Clone String…" Claudius realized. In an instant, he used Soru to appear behind Redfield. Without hesitation, he drove his demon sword Shindō straight through both Redfield and Doflamingo.

Redfield spat out blood as the blade pierced him, and he tried to retaliate. But Doflamingo's body began to unravel into countless white strings, binding Redfield tightly and restricting his movement. It wasn't Doflamingo at all—just his string clone, an elaborate ruse.

For the real Doflamingo was a safe distance away, manipulating the strings with a grin on his face.

Realizing he only had a few seconds, Claudius tightened his grip on Redfield from behind, his muscles bulging with strain. "Embrace of Death!" Claudius growled, his arms flexing as he pinned Redfield in place.

Redfield's struggles grew weaker as an invisible force began to emanate from Claudius's body, his nitrogen powers sapping the air around them, creating a localized vacuum. It was as if all the oxygen had been drained, leaving Redfield gasping, yet unable to draw a single breath.

"What… what is this…?" Redfield choked, his voice barely audible. Panic and disbelief filled his eyes as he felt the life draining out of him.

Claudius's face was set in grim determination. He could feel Redfield's strength waning, his movements growing sluggish. They had almost won. Just a bit longer.

In mere moments, from the time Kong had been knocked back, the tide had shifted dramatically. Kong staggered to his feet, steadying himself, and quickly closed the distance to where Claudius had Redfield pinned. Together, he and Claudius exerted their combined strength, ensuring that Redfield's last reserves were crushed.

With Redfield's resistance fading, Claudius finally released his hold, stepping back to catch his breath. Blood was still dripping from his chest, but he managed a smile as he looked at Kong.

"Redfield has been captured, Fleet Admiral Kong. I'd say that's a job well done."

Kong grabbed Redfield by the neck, ensuring he was fully subdued. He looked over at Claudius, a weary but grateful smile crossing his face. "If it weren't for you and CP-X, this old man might've been outmatched. Thank you, Claudius."

"What are you talking about? This was a joint mission between CP-X and Naval Headquarters. I just wanted to make sure you didn't take down Redfield so fast that I'd have no chance to show off," Claudius joked, his tone light but respectful, acknowledging Kong's role without taking too much credit.

Kong chuckled, appreciating the gesture. "Either way, I owe you one, Your Highness. You saved me from a serious embarrassment."

Chapter 97: Rayleigh – The Man Destined to Be the King of Freeloaders!

In the Sabaody Archipelago, inside Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, Silvers Rayleigh sat reading the latest newspaper with a thoughtful expression on his face. For a moment, his face was tense, but it soon relaxed, and he let out a carefree laugh.

"What's with that strange look?" Shakky asked, eyeing him curiously.

"Ah, it's nothing," Rayleigh replied with a smile. "Just thinking that the World Government seems to be getting stronger these days. But then I realized… that doesn't really concern me, does it? Hahaha!"

"Did something happen?" Shakky asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, something big. Two days ago on Bat Island in the New World, they managed to capture Patrick Redfield," Rayleigh said, nodding.

"Redfield?" Shakky repeated, startled. "You mean Redfield, the 'Red Count'? The 'Lonely Red'?"

"Yep, that's the one," Rayleigh confirmed with a grin.

"If I remember correctly, he's supposed to be really powerful, isn't he?" Shakky asked, intrigued. "Rumor has it he could stand toe-to-toe with the likes of the Roger Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates, all on his own. Even Shiki didn't want to mess with him."

Rayleigh chuckled. "Well, he's strong, no doubt about that. But it's not like he's invincible. He has his strengths, sure, but he's also got his weaknesses. And sometimes, going it alone isn't all it's cracked up to be. After all… look where it got him." He handed the newspaper over to Shakky.

Shakky took the paper and scanned the article, her eyes widening in surprise. "Looks like the World Government got lucky."

"Maybe," Rayleigh replied, nodding thoughtfully.

The story in the newspaper was, indeed, interesting. It mentioned nothing about CP-X or Claudius. Instead, it highlighted a new rising pirate—Doflamingo. According to the article, Doflamingo's Donquixote Pirates had been on Bat Island when they encountered Redfield, leading to a fierce battle between the two. While the two were locked in combat, Fleet Admiral Kong supposedly arrived, taking advantage of the situation to capture Redfield. In the end, Redfield was captured, while Doflamingo managed to escape the island, slipping out before Kong could apprehend him.

The whole story painted a picture of the Marines catching Redfield at the perfect moment, making it seem as if they'd simply taken advantage of his clash with Doflamingo. And Doflamingo, now recognized as a fierce new power in the New World, saw his reputation soar.

Shakky frowned slightly as she looked over the paper. "Something feels… off about this story. I can't put my finger on it, but it doesn't quite add up."

Rayleigh nodded, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Yeah, I had the same thought."

"Guess you can't always rely on the newspapers, can you?" Shakky mused, setting the paper down. "Sabaody Archipelago is a melting pot of information and people. It'd make a great place for the intelligence business. I've thought about it before… and I think I'm finally going to make it happen."

Rayleigh raised an eyebrow, looking at her with mild surprise. "Congratulations."

"But you," she said, giving him a pointed look. "You're the freeloader here, eating and drinking on my tab all day. Aren't you even a little ashamed? How's that freeloading life treating you, Rayleigh?"

Ever since the disbanding of the Roger Pirates, Rayleigh had returned to Sabaody, reconnecting with Shakky, who he'd met during his travels. The two had struck up a relationship, and Rayleigh had settled into life on the archipelago with her. At first, he'd had a decent stash of treasure from his days with the Roger Pirates, but his love for gambling had drained his funds over time. Now, he was entirely dependent on Shakky and seemed quite content with his freeloading lifestyle.

Shakky had put up with it for a while, but as time passed, she started to realize that Rayleigh was getting too comfortable. If he didn't find something productive to do, she feared he'd end up wasting away.

Rayleigh suddenly put on a serious face. "Actually, I went to see the doctor a couple of days ago."

Shakky's expression shifted, genuine worry crossing her face. "What? Are you sick? Did you catch Roger's illness or something?"

"No, no, nothing like that," Rayleigh replied, his serious look dissolving into a mischievous smile. "The doctor just said my mouth isn't suited for eating anything too tough. He recommended I stick to softer foods. Guess I'll be sticking to 'soft rice' from now on."

In the next second, a bottle flew across the room, smacking Rayleigh squarely on the head and knocking him to the floor. Shakky stood over him, fuming. "You old bastard! Are you trying to make me die from anger? Let me tell you, if you don't find yourself a job within the next three days, I'll skin you alive!"

And so, it was with that "gentle" encouragement from Shakky that Rayleigh eventually found his way into the coating business, earning his moniker as the "Coater." Though he'd later joke that he also had a side gig as a "slave trader"—offering his services, but only to help others.

---

Meanwhile, in the Holy Land of Mariejois, Five Elders, Claudius, and Fleet Admiral Kong were walking down a grand hallway, making their way to the main office. Both Claudius and Kong were covered in bandages, visible reminders of the fierce battle with Redfield. Bloodstains still peeked through Claudius's bandages, and Kong was no less bruised. They wore the marks of their fight with a strange sort of pride—scars left by the Red Count himself.

"You know, I wouldn't be surprised if the next step for you, Fleet Admiral, is a promotion to Commander-in-Chief," Claudius joked, grinning at Kong. "And if that happens, you'd better keep an eye out for us over at CP-X."

Kong chuckled, waving him off. "Oh, Your Highness, you're just being polite. I don't think I've done nearly enough to warrant that. Besides, CP-X isn't under the Commander-in-Chief's jurisdiction anyway. If anything, I should be asking you to look after me."

They laughed, exchanging a few more good-natured jabs as they reached the office doors. Kong knocked, and a voice from inside called for them to enter. The two stepped into the room, greeted by the Five Elders.

The Elders, for once, were all smiles, their expressions a rare sight of approval. The bald elder, his face crinkling with a grin, spoke up first. "Yes, very good. The two of you performed exceptionally. You've done us proud!"

Claudius and Kong both inclined their heads respectfully, replying in unison, "Just doing our duty."

Chapter 98: Celestial Dragons, the Most Important Thing is to Stick Together!

As usual, the Five Elders started off by speaking with Kong, reviewing the details of the recent mission. Claudius, who had been through this process several times before, was completely at ease. As a Celestial Dragon, he was well-aware of the high level of trust these Elders had in him. They appreciated those who were competent and obedient, rewarding them with privileges and resources that few others could imagine.

Meanwhile, Claudius had wandered over to the wine cabinet against the wall, rubbing his chin as he carefully inspected the selection without a word to the Five Elders. His casual, almost mischievous attitude didn't seem to bother the Elders one bit—in fact, they seemed to tolerate it with amused smiles.

Claudius eventually picked out a bottle from the bottom shelf, his eyes lighting up. "Sfindax 1450, a true classic… out-of-print, aged over fifty years," he murmured. Not bothering to ask permission, he uncorked the bottle, poured himself a glass, and leaned back against the wall, savoring the taste.

The Five Elders glanced at each other, their smiles turning wry as they watched him. Claudius's easy-going style and confidence only seemed to make them like him more.

After some time, Kong finished his report, and the Five Elders took a moment to reflect on the information.

"So… Doflamingo?" one of the Elders murmured.

Claudius took a sip from his glass, swallowed, and then spoke up. "That's right. Doffy has always wanted to return to Mariejois, but I know that doesn't align with protocol, so I convinced him to be patient. I told him that as long as he serves the World Government well, the five of you would surely recognize his efforts. And maybe, when the time is right, he could return."

The bearded Elder chuckled. "Yes, we recall the matter from back then. Returning to Mariejois isn't something to be taken lightly, but… rules are made by people, after all. If Doflamingo can truly prove his value, we'd be open to having another capable Celestial Dragon among our ranks."

"I'll pass that along to Doffy," Claudius said with a slight smile. "I'm sure he'll be even more motivated to serve."

With that settled, the topic shifted back to the recent mission. The bald Elder spoke up. "Redfield… has he been secured?"

"Yes," Kong replied, nodding. "Garp has personally escorted him to Impel Down, where he'll be placed in Eternal Hell. Given the timing, he should be safely locked away by now."

"Good. You did an excellent job," the bald Elder said approvingly. Then, after a brief pause, he turned to Kong and asked, "What do you think of the position of Commander-in-Chief? Are you interested?"

Kong was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly nodded. "Of course. As a soldier, there's no greater honor than reaching that rank."

"Hahaha, well said," the Elder chuckled.

Before Kong could continue, the Elder went on, "We do consider you the ideal candidate for the position. After all these years of service to the Marines and the World Government, your achievements certainly qualify you. But… the timing isn't right."

Kong nodded thoughtfully, understanding the unspoken context.

"It seems you're already aware," the Elder continued, "but Marine Headquarters isn't in the best position right now. If you were to leave, it would throw the organization into a leadership vacuum. Sengoku is ready to take over as Fleet Admiral, but the Admirals' positions would be left unfilled. Kuzan, Borsalino, and Sakazuki may be strong, but they still lack some of the experience and maturity required for the role. They'll need a few more years to grow into their potential."

"Exactly," Kong agreed. "For now, I have no intention of leaving the Marines."

"Good. We're glad you understand the importance of this. But know that when the time is right, the role of Commander-in-Chief will be yours. Until then, we'll hold the position open for you," the bald Elder said calmly.

Kong smiled, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you, honored Elders."

With Kong's future settled, the Elders gave him some additional instructions before dismissing him. Understanding that a more private conversation was about to begin, Kong wisely excused himself, leaving Claudius alone with the Five Elders.

The bearded Elder turned to Claudius, grinning. "How's the wine?"

"It's fantastic. Probably the best I've had in years," Claudius replied with a grin, holding up his half-empty glass. "I might just take the rest of this bottle home with me."

"You're getting more and more comfortable around here, aren't you?" the bald Elder chuckled. "But it's fine. We appreciate your… unique style."

The bald Elder, his smile turning thoughtful, continued, "You handled this mission well. I'll admit, Kong was nearly at his limit. You really saved us from a close call."

"Just doing my job," Claudius replied with a modest shrug. "After all, CP-X was created to handle the world's more… complicated issues."

"Well said," the curly-haired Elder remarked, nodding approvingly. "You've earned quite a reputation, along with power, status, and wealth. We almost don't know what to offer you as a reward. So, tell us—what do you want this time?"

Claudius rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then shook his head. "Honestly, I don't need anything at the moment."

The bald Elder chuckled, as if he'd expected that answer. Then he leaned forward slightly, his tone turning casual but probing. "By the way, Claudius, I heard you've had a bit of trouble with Lancelot in the past?"

Claudius raised an eyebrow, then replied calmly, "It wasn't much. He tried to start something with me, but I'm not particularly interested in him."

"Good, good. It's important that Celestial Dragons look out for one another," the blond Elder said with a smile. "If any of us were to cause trouble within our own ranks, well… that wouldn't be tolerated."

Claudius nodded, though he sensed a subtle implication in their words. Were they telling him not to bother with Lancelot? Or was there an underlying message of support?

As he pondered this, the bald Elder cleared his throat and continued, "On the third day of next month, we'll be sending the head of the Donquixote family to Dressrosa to pay a diplomatic visit to the Riku royal family. I believe Lancelot will be traveling to the New World around that time… but of course, this isn't of any concern to you, right?"

A slow, wicked smile spread across Claudius's face. The message was clear: the Elders were giving him free rein to handle Lancelot as he saw fit, even in New World territory.

"Yes, of course. I'm not interested in that at all," Claudius replied, his eyes glinting with a scarlet light.

Chapter 99: Prometheus, the Prophet Guiding the Light of the World

Inside the Holy Land of Mariejois, within the grand halls of Claudius's palace, little Ace was crawling around at his feet. Nia was trying to capture Ace's attention with a soft toy, waving it in front of him. But the young child seemed entirely uninterested, determined to explore on his own.

Claudius watched this scene with amusement while holding a phone in his hand. He chuckled and called out, "Nia, maybe if you tried a toy musket, he'd be more interested."

Nia looked up at him, slightly disapproving. "Your Highness, that's hardly an appropriate toy for the young master."

Claudius laughed, but before he could reply, the Den Den Mushi in his hand crackled to life. His attention shifted as the familiar voice on the other end spoke up.

"Cousin? Don't tell me there's another mission already? Furfurfur…" Doflamingo laughed over the phone.

"What? Busy already?" Claudius teased, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Busy? Absolutely," Doflamingo replied, his tone laced with satisfaction. "Since the rumor spread that I defeated Redfield, I've got a flood of new recruits begging to join the Donquixote Pirates. We've grown a lot recently." He paused, and his voice turned playful. "But you know, no matter how busy I am, if there's a task from you, I'll make time."

"You're acting like big-name pirates grow on trees," Claudius joked.

Doflamingo laughed again. "True enough, cousin. So, what's the big news this time?"

"It's that thing you've been waiting for," Claudius replied in a quieter tone.

Doflamingo went silent for a moment before asking, "Lancelot?"

"That's right. The Five Elders gave me a little heads-up to show how much they value me," Claudius said, his voice carrying a faint edge. "On the third day of next month, Lancelot will be traveling to Dressrosa."

"Hah… so they're really giving you the green light on this?" Doflamingo sounded impressed. "I knew you'd take him out eventually, but I never thought the Five Elders would practically serve him up on a silver platter for you."

Claudius smirked. "I'll send you the travel documents for Lancelot's trip. Make sure to handle it cleanly. When the news breaks, it should look like Lancelot's ship encountered an unfortunate accident in the New World… with no survivors."

Doflamingo's laughter crackled over the line. "Furfurfur… No problem. The sea doesn't care who you are—even Celestial Dragons aren't exempt from its dangers. Isn't that right, cousin?"

Claudius chuckled. "Are you poking fun at me now, Doffy?"

"Why would you think that?" Doflamingo replied, his voice feigning innocence.

Claudius let out a hearty laugh. "I'll be sure to keep my guard up when I'm in the New World next time."

With that, they shared a few more lighthearted exchanges before saying their farewells and ending the call.

As Claudius set the Den Den Mushi down, he glanced over at the Nia who was still trying to entertain Ace nearby. His thoughts drifted.

The fact that the Five Elders would give him such a clear green light was telling. They were practically inviting him to take out Lancelot. But as Claudius thought about it more, he realized this "gift" from the Five Elders likely came with strings attached. If he did go through with it, no matter how perfectly he covered his tracks, he'd still be holding a dirty secret, something the Five Elders could leverage if they ever needed to.

"But so what?" Claudius muttered to himself. "I'm not one to be squeamish about a little dirt."

Whatever the Five Elders' true intentions, the benefits were clear. With Lancelot out of the picture, Claudius could solidify his position as the head of the Donquixote family, removing any lingering threat from within his own clan. It would grant him greater freedom and influence, without a meddling patriarch trying to keep him in check.

Satisfied with the decision, Claudius set aside his concerns and turned his focus back to the present. A few days passed, and he found himself restless, thinking of his ship in the City of Seven Waters. It had been almost five months since he'd placed the order, and he was eager to see if it was finally completed.

Just as he was making plans to leave, the phone worm buzzed again. This time, it was Stussy calling.

At that moment, Claudius was in the middle of "experiencing fatherhood," attempting to change Ace's diaper with a kind of fumbling clumsiness. Nia and two professional nannies hovered nearby, watching with wary eyes as if they expected some grand disaster.

Ace wriggled and squirmed, while Claudius struggled to keep the little boy still. With a mischievous grin, Claudius reached out, lightly poking Ace's belly. Just as he was about to continue, the den den mushi's ringing snapped him out of it.

Nia quickly handed over the Den Den Mushi. "It's Stussy," she informed him.

Claudius balanced the snail and the diaper in one hand. "Stussy! What's going on?"

"Hello, Your Highness," Stussy replied, her voice calm and smooth. "I've wrapped up business here in Water 7. Also, our ship has been completed. Tom was asking if you had a name in mind for it?"

"A name, huh…" Claudius murmured, pausing his diaper-changing efforts as he pondered the question.

Taking the hint, Nia signaled for the nannies to step in. They swiftly took over the diaper duty, gently ushering Claudius aside. He picked up the den den mushi with both hands, turning his full attention to Stussy's question.

After a moment's thought, he asked, "Do you have any suggestions?"

Stussy's voice turned playful. "How about 'The Most Handsome Celestial Dragon in History'?"

Claudius laughed. "Oh, yeah, that wouldn't look arrogant at all sailing into port."

"Personally, I think it's fitting," Stussy replied with a chuckle.

Claudius smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Thinking for another moment, he finally said, "How about 'Prometheus'?"

"Prometheus?" Stussy echoed thoughtfully. "The prophet who brings light to the world… I think it suits you perfectly, Your Highness."

"Then it's settled. The ship will be called Prometheus, the prophet guiding the world's light," Claudius said, a trace of pride in his voice as he envisioned the vessel.

Chapter 100: Ohara’s Sin!

As Claudius walked through the bustling streets of Mariejois, he held a Den Den Mushi to his ear, engaged in a conversation. Behind him, Nia carried little Ace in his arms, following respectfully.

"I'm heading to the port of Mariejois," Claudius said casually. "Didn't I mention it before? I commissioned a ship in Water 7, and Stussy just sailed it back here. I'm on my way to take a look at it. Why, did something urgent come up? Is this about the joint mission with Marine Headquarters?"

On the other end of the line, Sengoku's voice sounded serious. "Yes, it's a request for assistance. We need to resolve this matter quickly. If we don't, it could turn into a major scandal."

Claudius paused, a bit taken aback. "That serious? What's going on?"

"Vice Admiral Jaguar D. Saul has gone rogue," Sengoku replied, voice filled with tension. "He broke protocol and released a highly dangerous prisoner from Headquarters. Both of them are on the run, and Marine forces are doing everything they can to capture them. Given the circumstances..." Sengoku hesitated here.

Claudius chuckled and said, "Spit it out, Sengoku. You know I'm no stranger to these kinds of secrets."

With a sigh, Sengoku continued, "You're right, Your Highness. There's no point hiding it from you. You may have heard before that we, along with the Cipher Pol agencies, have been tasked with apprehending scholars who have been sailing around the seas, studying certain… forbidden topics."

"Ah, right," Claudius responded. "Now that you mention it, I remember hearing something about that. Isn't that Vice Admiral Saul one of Garp's men? Garp mentioned to me once that they'd captured a scholar."

"Correct," Sengoku said gravely. "The scholar in question is from Ohara. We have irrefutable evidence that Ohara has been secretly researching forbidden history and ancient languages. While their intent might not be malicious, the study of these subjects has long been classified as a major offense by the World Government, given the potential consequences."

Claudius nodded thoughtfully. "So, it's that serious, huh? Just studying history and languages… it almost sounds absurd."

"It may seem so on the surface," Sengoku replied, "but these subjects hold the key to awakening the Ancient Weapons. The scholars of Ohara may not intend to do harm, but they lack the power to keep such knowledge secure. Imagine if someone with darker ambitions like Kaido or Big Mom learned about the Ancient Weapons through them."

Claudius considered this, his tone turning somber. "That could be catastrophic. The entire balance of power in the world would be thrown off, and countless lives could be at risk."

"Exactly. That's the danger of Ohara's actions," Sengoku said. "Their thirst for knowledge, however noble, has created a massive liability. The World Government can't risk letting this knowledge fall into the wrong hands. We, the Marines, cannot just turn a blind eye."

"I understand," Claudius replied. "But what does this have to do with your giant Vice Admiral? What happened with Saul?"

Sengoku fell silent for a moment, then admitted, "It appears that Saul was influenced by one of the Ohara scholars, leading him to question the government's stance. He ended up helping her escape from detention. Two weeks ago, a decision was made to initiate a Buster Call on Ohara. Saul was initially assigned as one of the mission's Vice Admirals. But now that he's defected, Ohara might receive advance warning, and if the scholars manage to scatter and spread this forbidden knowledge..."

"The consequences could be dire," Claudius murmured.

"Exactly," Sengoku said gravely. "The fallout would be beyond imagination. So, we at Marine Headquarters are dedicating every available resource to capturing Saul. I'd also like to request assistance from your CP-X in the search. We've already mobilized the Buster Call fleet, and we'll soon be heading to Ohara."

Claudius thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Is there any chance I could reach Ohara first and salvage the books in the Tree of Knowledge?"

Sengoku was caught off guard, blinking in confusion at the unexpected shift. "Wait, what did you just say?"

Claudius cleared his throat, sounding slightly embarrassed but also determined. "I've had a massive library installed on my new ship. I thought it would be a good idea to fill it with as many rare books as I can get my hands on. The idea of the Tree of Knowledge being destroyed feels… wasteful. I mean, it's one of humanity's great treasures. I'm just saying, I could make an effort to save that cultural heritage."

Sengoku couldn't help but sigh. "If you can reach it in time, I won't stop you."

"Perfect!" Claudius laughed. "My new ship is the fastest in the world; I'll be there in no time!"

"And about Saul?" Sengoku asked.

"Leave it to us at CP-X," Claudius replied. "I'll instruct my agents to assist in the search. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get moving. Can't let you Marines hog all the glory or destroy all the valuable knowledge, for that matter."

The two exchanged farewells, and Claudius ended the call. Turning to his butler, Nia, he instructed, "Nia, head back and prepare our travel gear. We're heading to the West Blue. Also, meet me at the port after you've stocked up on supplies."

Nia nodded, bowing slightly. "Yes, Your Highness."

Once Nia had left, Claudius continued walking, his thoughts lingering on the events unfolding in Ohara. The revered island of scholars, the center of humanity's cultural heritage, would soon be wiped out by a Buster Call.

Thinking about it, Claudius couldn't deny that Ohara's situation was the result of its own actions. Sengoku's words rang true—Ohara had bitten off more than it could chew by delving into forbidden history and languages. As scholars, they might have felt righteous in their pursuit of knowledge, but their inability to protect such dangerous secrets was the problem.

If their findings fell into the wrong hands, how many lives would be lost as a result? The risk wasn't hypothetical. Even Robin, the sole survivor of Ohara in the future, nearly brought about a calamity in the hands of Crocodile. If a scholar with knowledge of the Ancient Weapons fell into the clutches of someone like Kaido or Big Mom, the world would be plunged into chaos.

It was no wonder Sengoku and the World Government felt compelled to act. They couldn't afford to let Ohara's recklessness endanger the entire world. If they refused to heed warnings and persisted in dangerous pursuits, then, sadly, the only option left was to silence them.

"Ohara's real sin wasn't curiosity, it was a lack of strength," Claudius muttered to himself. "In the end, power dictates truth. Ohara was a beacon of culture, but they failed to grasp something so basic."

...
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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."

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 106: Naval Headquarters Request for Assistance?

"Hahahaha, don't get so worked up. If you end up dead, this world would be a lot less interesting," Claudius laughed as he spoke.

Dragon muttered a few curses on the other end before saying, "Alright, enough. Can we get back to the main point now? Where exactly are you?"

"Prehistoric island, Little Garden. I'm almost there," Claudius said, smiling.

"Little Garden?" Dragon's voice carried a hint of surprise. "What are you going there for? There's nothing there but giant beasts."

"I told you, it's a vacation. Why do you care so much? Is it so strange that I'd want to catch a couple of dinosaurs as pets?" Claudius replied, feigning annoyance.

"The last time you said you were on 'vacation,' you ended up capturing Gol D. Roger. I'm not buying it!" Dragon retorted without hesitation.

"This time, I swear it's just a vacation," Claudius said, slightly embarrassed.

"Alright, whatever you say. I'm not too far from there myself, so I'll send someone your way soon," Dragon said after a brief pause.

"If there's nothing else, I'm going to hang up now. I'm trying to read, you know. Books are the ladder to human progress. Are you deliberately trying to hold me back? Is my being too powerful troubling you?" Claudius teased.

Dragon sighed, as if resisting the urge to snap back. Finally, he said, "Actually, there's one more thing I need your help with."

"Oh?" Claudius raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Ahem, well, let me start with some good news. I have a son," Dragon said, his tone revealing a rare hint of joy.

Claudius paused for a moment, doing the mental math. It did seem about the right time. "Congratulations," he said dryly. "But what does that have to do with me?"

"Hahaha, well, I'm quite busy with my duties, and I don't have time to look after him. I thought that if you, my dear brother, could spare the time, you could help take care of him. Maybe even be his godfather?" Dragon said, chuckling.

"No way. I'm not interested. Goodbye," Claudius said flatly, hanging up the phone without hesitation.

On the deck of his ship, Dragon stared at the Den Den Mushi in disbelief. "Is he serious? Is babysitting that much trouble?" he muttered, venting his frustration at Claudius. After a moment of silent deliberation, he sighed, resigned, and picked up the phone again. This time, he dialed a number that stirred up memories and emotions.

The voice on the other end was as gruff as ever. "Dragon? You scoundrel! Do you know what you're doing? Starting a Revolutionary Army? That's treason!"

Dragon pulled the phone away slightly, sighing. "I have news, old man. You have a grandson."

"What did you just say?" Garp's voice lost all its usual bluster. "Repeat that!"

"I said, you have a grandson," Dragon replied, this time with a smile.

Meanwhile, back on the Prometheus, Claudius put down the phone and muttered a few choice words. "Do they both think I'm running a daycare or something?" It was almost comical how similar Garp and Dragon were in that regard—both thinking Claudius would drop everything to play caretaker.

"Monkey D. Luffy," Claudius murmured, shaking his head with a half-smile. Taking care of Ace was already enough of a challenge; he didn't need to add Luffy to the mix, especially considering Luffy's future. The kid was a walking magnet for chaos, and Claudius didn't want to deal with that.

If he got involved now, what would happen when Luffy inevitably became a pirate? How would Claudius handle that situation? The thought alone made his head ache. It was better to stay detached, so that if the time came, he could act decisively. He'd spare him for Garp's and Dragon's sake, maybe even lock him up in Impel Down to keep him out of trouble. But for now, he'd rather not get involved.

With his reading interrupted by Dragon, Claudius's interest in his book waned. Looking around, his eyes fell on the little girl sitting on the steps of the library.

It was Nico Robin. In the three years since the fall of Ohara, Robin had begun to heal, at least outwardly. She wasn't as haunted by sadness as she had been when she first came aboard. Now, she sat leaning on the handrail, engrossed in a book.

During these years, Robin had rarely left the Prometheus, even when they docked at Mariejois. She preferred the solace of the ship's grand library. It was so well-stocked that one could spend a lifetime reading without running out of material.

"What are you reading, Robin?" Claudius asked with a smile.

Robin looked up at him, her dark eyes calm. "The history of Alabasta," she replied.

"Really? Looks like we're on the same page," Claudius said, surprised.

"You have the first volume, right? I finished that one a few days ago. I'm reading the second volume now," Robin said softly.

In these years, Robin had essentially become a walking index for the Prometheus library. If Claudius ever needed a specific book, she could locate it in no time.

Robin didn't hate Claudius, per se. She understood that he hadn't been responsible for Ohara's destruction; he had only sought to preserve its knowledge. But she held a deep-seated resentment for the World Government, which inevitably colored her feelings toward him.

Claudius could sense her conflicted emotions, but he never tried to explain himself. What would be the point? Telling her he was a reformer at heart would sound hollow. Time would be the ultimate judge of his intentions.

Before Claudius could continue the conversation, his personal Den Den Mushi rang again. Glancing at it, he saw it was from Spandane.

"Odd timing," Claudius muttered before answering.

"Your Highness Claudius," Spandine's voice came through, dripping with his usual obsequiousness.

Claudius chuckled. "What's the matter, Spandine?"

"We've located Douglas Bullet, Your Highness. CP-X agents and Marine intelligence have pinpointed his position. It seems Marine is preparing to make a move as well. Should we join in?" Spandine asked.

Before Claudius could answer, Nia entered holding the World Government's official phone. "Your Highness, Marine Fleet Admiral Kong is on the line. They're requesting CP-X's assistance in a covert operation, with authorization from the Five Elders."

Claudius sighed, realizing he couldn't avoid this one. "Looks like I don't have a choice, Spandine. Get ready."

"Yes, Your Highness!" Spandine replied eagerly.

With a smile, Claudius put down the phone. "Just when I thought I'd have a quiet day."

Chapter 107: Mariejois Under Siege? Has the World Gone Insane?

After ending the call with Spandine, Claudius took another Den Den Mushi from Nia.

"It's been a while, Fleet Admiral Kong," Claudius greeted with a lighthearted smile.

Kong mirrored his smile. "Your Highness Claudius, how have you been?"

"Quite well, actually. I'm out near Prehistoric Island, planning to capture some dinosaurs for pets," Claudius responded, amused.

"It seems I've interrupted your leisure, Your Highness. My apologies, but I have some regrettable news to share," Kong replied with a grin.

"My vacation is officially over, isn't it?" Claudius guessed, the smile not leaving his face.

"Haha, exactly," Kong chuckled.

"So, what is it this time? Douglas Bullet?" Claudius asked calmly.

"As expected, Your Highness. You're already aware?" Kong sounded surprised but impressed.

"One of my subordinates reported spotting him not too long ago, and I noticed that the Navy was deploying forces nearby, so I figured it must be related," Claudius said, nodding.

"That's right. What you may not know, Your Highness, is that Douglas Bullet is a particularly elusive lone wolf. Ever since he parted ways with the Roger Pirates, tracking his movements has been nearly impossible. He's been sighted before, sure, but with everything we've had on our plate, we never launched an operation against him. This time, though, it's different," Fleet Admiral Kong said gravely.

"Does that mean the Navy actually has the time for it now?" Claudius joked lightly.

"It's more than that. We've discovered that he's planning something severe," Kong's voice dropped to a serious tone.

"Severe? Just how bad are we talking?" Claudius's brows furrowed slightly.

"If I told you he's planning an assault on the Holy Land—Mariejois itself—would that be severe enough?" Kong said, pausing to let the weight of the statement sink in.

"Ahem, Kong, that's not exactly a joke one should make," Claudius said, clearing his throat. This was unexpected. In all he knew about Douglas Bullet, attacking Mariejois was never part of the picture.

"Trust me, I'm not joking. This is the intelligence we've gathered," Kong continued.

Before Claudius could respond, Kong elaborated, "This situation developed from a stroke of chance. Two weeks ago, Naval Headquarters and CP agencies were preparing to capture the World Destroyer, Byrnndi World. We'd gathered a significant amount of intel and even managed to turn some of his subordinates. According to our initial plan, he should have been on his way to Impel Down by now, with the newspapers already writing about his capture."

Claudius's eyes widened at that. In his memory, Byrnndi World had been captured around thirty years before the main storyline. Yet, here he was, still causing havoc at sea. But then again, Claudius reflected, hadn't his arrival already skewed the timeline? A deviation like World still roaming free wasn't out of place anymore.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Claudius asked, "And how does this relate to Douglas Bullet?"

"They weren't connected at first, but they are now. Our intel suggests that they're planning something massive together," Kong replied gravely.

"Mariejois as their target?" Claudius pressed.

"Exactly. Byrnndi World has been keeping a low profile for years, leading us to believe he'd lost his ambition. But we recently discovered he's been constructing a massive battleship tailored to his Devil Fruit powers. The ship's firepower is unparalleled, and combined with his ability, it poses a legitimate threat to Mariejois. It could even be capable of destroying it outright," Kong said, the seriousness in his voice unmistakable.

"And Douglas Bullet?" Claudius questioned.

"It seems he's bent on defying the World Government, wanting to prove that his strength surpasses even Roger's. How they found each other, I don't know, but these two have joined forces with plans to attack Mariejois, each with their own motives," Kong explained.

Claudius felt a twinge of disbelief. What kind of world was he living in where pirates entertained such audacious schemes? Just recently, Dragon had been talking about something similar. It seemed like insanity was becoming the norm.

"Even my palace is still up there," Claudius muttered under his breath.

Kong heard and chuckled, "Exactly, Your Highness. All the more reason for you to step in. You wouldn't want your home blown to bits, would you?"

"Haha, imagine just sitting somewhere only to find your home destroyed out of nowhere! Worse, not even being there when it happens!" Claudius joked, but there was an edge of seriousness beneath his words.

After a pause, he added, "So, what's the Navy's plan? How do you need CP-X to assist?"

"We're looking at a divide-and-conquer strategy with focused containment. Right now, Douglas Bullet is separated from Byrnndi World, although they aren't too far apart. We plan to launch a Buster Call against Bullet. There's a chance Byrnndi World will show up, either to intervene or create chaos, and we're prepared for that as well. Your Highness, we'd appreciate your support. With CP-X's involvement, our odds of success would be even higher," Kong said with conviction.

Claudius fell silent, contemplating. It wasn't just the ambitions of Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World that were on display here; even Kong was being bold. Taking on two formidable pirates in one coordinated operation wasn't an easy task.

Douglas Bullet was undeniably powerful, a figure on par with the likes of Silvers Rayleigh in his prime, an elite pirate by any standard. The only thing that kept him from being even more dangerous was his stubborn reliance on his own strength and his refusal to lead a crew. Otherwise, he could have formed a pirate fleet that rivaled even Kaido's or Big Mom's.

As for Byrnndi World, he had managed to stay under the radar for years, so much so that Claudius hadn't even given him a thought. But in his heyday, World was a force to be reckoned with, fighting battles against the Roger Pirates, clashing with Whitebeard's crew, and even sparring with the Golden Lion, Shiki. He'd managed to earn the ire of many top pirate crews and still roam the seas, a testament to his power. His ruthlessness and readiness to eliminate anyone in his way earned him the moniker "World Destroyer," perfectly encapsulating his chaotic nature.

After weighing the situation, Claudius finally spoke. "Alright. I'll head back to Mariejois immediately and join your operation into the New World."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Kong said, clearly pleased. Having previously captured the Red Count together, Kong had full confidence in Claudius's capabilities. With Claudius's agreement, the odds of success were looking significantly better.

Chapter 108: Seven Admirals? The Marines’ Elite Lineup!

Claudius had initially planned to visit Prehistoric Island to catch some pets, but unforeseen circumstances forced him to abandon that plan. While on the edge of Prehistoric Island, he made a call to Dragon via a Den Den Mushi, arranging to meet up later.

He instructed Dragon to contact him once he was done with his matters.

Dragon didn't push back on this. While it was an urgent matter, it wasn't immediate. The delay wasn't significant, and, as Claudius mentioned, he knew Dragon wanted to learn ancient scripts from the books.

It was almost absurd, but there was no alternative; even if it seemed foolish, one had to give it their best shot. Better that than doing nothing at all, right? Who knows, maybe there'd be a miracle?

Although Claudius didn't share the details of what had happened, Dragon could guess that whatever it was that caused him to miss the meeting must have been significant. He'd just have to wait for the latest papers to find out more.

The Prometheus, once at full speed, was incredibly fast. The ship was self-sufficient, with enough provisions to last a year without needing to resupply.

With the vessel running at maximum power, Claudius quickly made his way back to Mariejois.

Vice Admiral Garp seemed to have been waiting for Claudius at the harbor. When he saw the Prometheus docking, he stepped forward to greet them.

Claudius and his crew disembarked quickly. Stussy stood beside him, while Nia held little Ace. Enel, carrying his fishing rod, already looked like part of the group.

According to their arrangement, Claudius would let Enel set out on his own in a year's time, similar to how he had let Crocodile go off on his own.

The young girl Robin showed no intention of disembarking, still holed up in the library. Nothing much to add there.

The moment Garp laid eyes on Ace, his face lit up. Without a word, he grabbed Ace and rubbed the boy's cheeks with his bearded face.

"Grandpa, that tickles! You're so annoying," Ace complained, trying to push Garp away with a look of mock disgust.

"Hahahaha! Ace, it's been a while. Did you miss Grandpa?" Garp asked with a hearty laugh.

"No, not at all," Ace replied mercilessly.

Garp's grin faltered slightly, and he shot a disapproving look at Claudius. "What kind of upbringing is this? Haven't you taught him to respect his elders?"

Claudius returned the look, somewhat exasperated. "What does that have to do with me? Ace is a bright and well-mannered kid. If there's an issue, it's on you."

True enough, Claudius had trained Ace well. The boy had received an excellent education and inherited Claudius's love for reading. Though his personality remained a bit "untamed," likely due to Roger's adventurous blood running through him, he exuded a natural aura of adventure.

Still, he was far better behaved than his original wild-child self. Now that he was growing older, Claudius had even started developing his strength.

Garp knew better than to argue with Claudius, so he just let out a grumble, showing a hint of dissatisfaction. "Alright, time's ticking. Let's not waste any more time. Are you ready to go?" he said.

Claudius nodded and turned to Stussy. "You have your own business to handle here, right? Go take care of it."

"Of course, Your Highness. I wish you success in your endeavors," Stussy said with a smile.

Claudius acknowledged her and then turned to the head steward, Nia. "Nia, stay in Mariejois and take care of Ace until we return."

"Yes, Your Highness. I'll look after the young master," Nia said with a nod.

Next, Claudius looked at Enel and smiled. "A year from now, you'll set off on your own. Think of this as an opportunity to prove yourself."

Enel grinned, his eyes filled with excitement. "Your Highness, the standards you set for me are really high. But don't worry, I won't let you down."

With that settled, Claudius and Enel departed with Garp.

They didn't take the Prometheus this time. With time being short, taking the Prometheus, which would have to pass through Fish-Man Island, would take at least a week for preparation and transit. By then, they might as well be laying flowers on Douglas Bullet's grave.

Crossing Mariejois, they arrived at the port on the New World side, where a Marine warship was already waiting.

Wasting no time, Claudius and Garp boarded the ship together, a peculiar vessel with a dog-head design. Claudius could never quite figure out where Garp's strange sense of humor came from.

Once on board, Garp, in a ceremonious fashion, took a dog-head cap from an aide and placed it on his head, leaving Claudius momentarily stunned.

"What're you looking at? Jealous? I've got extras if you want one," Garp said, adjusting his hat.

Claudius quickly waved his hands. "No thanks. I'm just... surprised at your unique taste."

"You just don't get it. This is called personality. Do you even know what fashion is? Marines shouldn't be so dull," Garp said, pulling out a bag of senbei and munching on it.

Soon, the dog-headed warship set sail toward the New World.

After a few bites, Garp spoke up again. "Sengoku and the others set off two days ago. But my ship's been modified; we should be able to catch up."

"Yeah, I can tell. This thing looks like it's got the speed of a racing hound," Claudius joked, eyeing the dog-head bow.

"Is that a hint of sarcasm I'm hearing?" Garp asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You're imagining things. I'm genuinely complimenting your ship," Claudius replied, not entirely sincerely.

Garp scratched his neck but didn't press the issue. Claudius then asked, "I heard from Fleet Admiral Kong that you're using a Buster Call for this mission. Seems like you've been triggering those more often these past few years."

Garp nodded, letting out a sigh. "Yeah, the increase in Buster Calls just shows one thing, the threats out at sea are getting worse."

"So what's the lineup for this one? I'm guessing Kong wants to make sure everything goes smoothly. He's not coming along, is he?" Claudius asked.

"No, Kong is staying back at Mariejois. Sengoku and I are leading the operation, with CP units participating as well. And of course, you've got your CP-X involved. On the Marine side, we've got me, Sengoku, Tsuru, Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, Gion, plus the likes of Vice Admirals like the Momonga and Doberman."

Claudius's eyes widened at this. "A lineup like that? What do you even need CP-X for? With that kind of force, you could take on the Whitebeard Pirates!"

He mentally tallied the power: while Sengoku was the only official Admiral, Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, and Gion were all Admiral-level in strength. Not to mention, Tsuru's strategic brilliance and Garp's unmatched battle prowess were also part of the mix.

More than half of the Marine's high command was deployed. Seven Admiral-level powers in one mission, it seemed overkill for handling Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World.

"Well, better safe than sorry. This is a big deal, and we can't afford any slip-ups. If even one of them gets away, it'll be chaos later on," Garp said matter-of-factly.

Chapter 109: The Oldest Kingdom of Mankind—Alabasta!

In a certain part of the New World, a massive pirate ship was making its way across the waters. Its figurehead was shaped like a crocodile, and the pirate flag it flew bore the image of a skull with two crossed blades and purple wings.

This was the flagship of the infamous Sand Crocodile—Crocodile himself. Known as one of the more prominent pirates of the New World, Crocodile had been sailing the seas ever since the dawn of the Great Pirate Era.

Unlike Doflamingo and others who kept their pasts shrouded in mystery, Crocodile's history was more transparent. As his reputation grew, so did the uncovering of his earlier life.

While the presence of Claudius behind the scenes remained unknown, it was widely accepted that Crocodile had once been a member of Captain John's crew. Captain John, famous for being the "Treasure Pirate," was said to have hidden countless riches, leaving many on the seas clamoring to claim his fabled legacy.

Crocodile had used this connection to his advantage after setting out on his own. With Claudius providing financial backing in secret, Crocodile became one of the wealthiest pirates around, bolstering his reputation by claiming he knew the location of Captain John's treasure. This claim attracted many strong and ambitious followers.

At this moment, Crocodile stood on the deck of his ship, holding a Den Den Mushi, having just ended a call.

The call had been from Claudius, instructing him to cooperate in taking down Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World.

"This feels a bit like dealing with Doflamingo back in the day," Crocodile muttered quietly.

Just then, a young man approached him from behind. With a stern expression and shaven head, he exuded an air of quiet strength. This was Daz Bones, Crocodile's first and most trusted recruit, now one of his most valued subordinates.

"Boss, should we pull out of the New World for the time being? The investigation into Alabasta has wrapped up, and it's exactly what we were looking for," Daz Bones said in a low voice.

"Not just yet. My old 'master' has assigned me a new task," Crocodile said with a wry smile.

Daz Bones frowned at that. He'd long suspected that Crocodile had someone powerful backing him, and now the suspicion was confirmed.

After a brief pause, Daz Bones asked, "Boss, with our current strength, we don't need to answer to anyone. Are you planning something else?"

Crocodile took the cigar from his mouth, exhaled a thin stream of smoke, and smirked. "Bones, you're right. With the power we have now, there's no need to bend the knee to anyone. The world is wide open to us."

"Then—" Daz Bones said, eyes filled with anticipation.

"But," Crocodile interrupted, "I owe that man my life. An agreement is an agreement. Until the day I can best him, I'll work for him, with diligence and without complaint. And when that day comes…"

"Will we break free then?" Daz Bones asked immediately.

"No, it's actually quite enjoyable working under him. Once I defeat him, that's enough for me. It's more about proving a point," Crocodile said with a chuckle.

Daz Bones was taken aback. His boss was fiercely proud, so hearing him speak like this about someone else was unexpected. It seemed Crocodile had a degree of respect for the man who stood above him.

But that revelation didn't bother Daz Bones. Knowing his boss wasn't being forced into anything changed everything.

"Forget about Alabasta for now. Set the course for Cyborila Island. There's going to be a major event there soon, and we're going to be part of it," Crocodile said calmly.

"Understood, boss," Daz Bones replied, heading off to relay the command without another word.

Crocodile's interest in Alabasta had been piqued not by the Ancient Weapon, Pluton, but rather by a task Claudius had assigned him.

Alabasta was one of the original kingdoms that had founded the World Government 800 years ago, similar to Dressrosa. However, unlike the Donquixote family, which had moved to Mariejois to become Celestial Dragons, the Nefertari royal family had chosen to stay behind, remaining in Alabasta.

This gave Alabasta a unique status. While it was one of the World Government's member nations, it held a higher standing compared to others. The Nefertari family was known for their sense of justice and fairness. They often clashed with the World Government at the Reverie, much to the frustration of the Five Elders. But because of their special status, dealing with them directly was a complicated matter.

In 1504, during the last Reverie, Alabasta had stirred up more trouble than usual by pushing for policy changes that included a reduction in the tribute known as the "Heavenly Gold." The Five Elders, of course, rejected this outright, as making such a concession could set a precedent. If the tribute was reduced today, who's to say someone wouldn't push for its total abolition at the next meeting?

The Heavenly Gold wasn't just a tribute; it symbolized the divine status of the Celestial Dragons, cementing their legitimacy. It was a cornerstone of the World Government's system, and under no circumstances could it be compromised.

The Five Elders' irritation with the Nefertari family grew, so they tasked Claudius with finding a way to ensure Alabasta's compliance. It wasn't an urgent mission, but a long-term one. The Five Elders weren't extreme enough to ask for the destruction of the Nefertari family; they just wanted them to fall in line.

But Claudius had his own thoughts. Alabasta was an impressive nation. Its long history, culture, and deep-rooted heritage made it the oldest kingdom known to mankind.

The Tree of Knowledge in Ohara had only been around for 3,500 years, but Alabasta's capital had already been standing during that time. Claudius had been studying Alabasta's history and found records proving that the kingdom had been established at least 4,000 years ago.

The Nefertari royal family hadn't ruled Alabasta since the dawn of its history. By Claudius's research, King Cobra Nefertari was the 12th generation of his line, aligning perfectly with the events of 800 years ago.

Claudius speculated that the Nefertari family might have seized power in Alabasta around that time, subsequently becoming part of the alliance of twenty kings that formed the World Government.

Still, these historical musings were just a side interest. What truly captivated Claudius was Alabasta's immense military strength.

Alabasta was situated on the massive island known as "Sandstone Isle," so large that calling it an island felt like an understatement. Despite its desert climate, the nation had a sizable population and numerous cities and towns. The capital city, Alubarna, alone boasted a standing army of 600,000 troops. At its peak, Alabasta could muster a million soldiers—an impressive force by any standard.

Chapter 110: Sengoku: Sorry, Our Marine is Too Strong!

Although the Five Elders only wanted Claudius to ensure that the Nefertari royal family in Alabasta would be more cooperative, Claudius's ambitions went further. He aimed to eventually bring Alabasta entirely under his control. As for the Nefertari royals, they would just have to step aside. If he was feeling particularly magnanimous, Claudius might even escort them to Mariejois and compel them to join the Celestial Dragons.

However, for the past 800 years, the Nefertari family had ruled Alabasta with fairness and dignity. Their reputation was deeply rooted among the people, so Claudius knew that taking over couldn't be done with sheer force. It required a subtler approach—a "boil the frog slowly" strategy that would gradually weaken their influence and allow him to assume control without sparking rebellion.

If Claudius succeeded in taking over Alabasta, he would gain significant military power, which would undoubtedly prove advantageous in the future.

To execute this plan, Claudius decided to place Crocodile in charge. In the original story, Crocodile had orchestrated a masterful scheme that brought the Nefertari family to the brink of collapse. If not for the sudden appearance of the Straw Hat Pirates disrupting everything, Crocodile might have become like Doflamingo, a pirate ruler of a kingdom affiliated with the World Government.

As for the "unexpected factor" of the Straw Hat Pirates, Claudius was not concerned. As long as Crocodile maintained his focus and determination, defeating that fledgling crew should be easy. And if Luffy did indeed make a move on Alabasta, Claudius wouldn't hesitate to stop him. Alabasta could very well be the end of Luffy's pirate journey, with Impel Down as his next destination.

Before Crocodile could make his move, preparations were being set in motion on all fronts. Claudius was finalizing plans for the Seven Warlords of the Sea, a strategy that was nearly complete. The first candidate he intended to recommend was Crocodile.

Only two steps remained.

The first step was for the World Government to officially announce the implementation of the Seven Warlords of the Sea system. It would be presented as a strategy to control piracy by recruiting formidable pirates, granting them the right to plunder under the condition that they would curb the activities of other pirates and, when needed, respond to the government's summons to assist in various operations.

The World Government had already agreed to Claudius's plan years ago, but the conditions hadn't been right for its execution until now. The world's growing unrest had reached a level where even solutions that resembled "drinking poison to quench thirst" were acceptable. The criteria set for the Seven Warlords of the Sea plan had finally been met.

The second step required Crocodile to make a bold move to shake the seas. This would not only demonstrate his loyalty to the World Government but would also prove his power and influence.

Originally, Crocodile had proposed challenging the Whitebeard Pirates. Claudius had considered the idea and, while he knew Crocodile would almost certainly lose, he saw the potential benefits. If Crocodile could survive the encounter, his reputation would skyrocket, making his promotion to Warlord justifiable.

Of course, the risk was high. If Whitebeard's temper flared and Crocodile was killed, Claudius's plans would be in ruins. But since it was Crocodile's choice, Claudius chose to respect it.

However, the situation had changed. With Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World making their moves, Claudius persuaded Crocodile to delay his challenge to Whitebeard. There would be opportunities later, once Crocodile's strength grew.

Crocodile ultimately agreed with Claudius. He knew he wasn't yet a match for Whitebeard, let alone for Claudius himself. But as the "Strongest Man in the World," Whitebeard was a target everyone wanted to test themselves against. Even Claudius felt the urge from time to time.

For now, the plan was for Crocodile to join Claudius and the Marine forces on Cyborila Island, take down Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World, and use their defeat as a stepping stone. The World Government would then spread word of Crocodile's triumph, elevating his reputation and positioning him as the first Warlord.

With Crocodile established as one of the Seven Warlords, he would have the legitimacy to infiltrate Alabasta. Once his plan succeeded, Claudius would have completed his mission. Officially, the World Government would have control over Alabasta, but in reality, the power would be in Claudius's hands, benefiting both sides.

True to Garp's words, his modified warship moved like an unleashed beast, cutting through the sea at breakneck speed.

Claudius knew the story behind it. Garp had originally modified this ship to hunt down the Roger Pirates, but by the time it was completed, the age of Roger had already ended, and the ship's intended purpose had never been realized.

On the sixth day, Garp and Claudius caught up with Sengoku's fleet.

Sengoku's warship was a scene of high activity, with notable figures gathered to finalize battle plans.

"If we're going to catch them both, we need to split our forces into two groups. But the team handling Douglas Bullet shouldn't be overwhelmingly powerful," Sengoku said, pausing before adding with a smile, "although that's easier said than done."

As the dominant force at sea, Sengoku had complete faith in the strength of the Marines.

Just as Claudius had thought their lineup was impressive, Sengoku shared the sentiment. If they truly threw their full strength at Douglas Bullet, the battle could be over in half a day, with little left but dust and echoes. Such overwhelming force could crush Bullet's fighting spirit entirely.

But to lure Byrnndi World into the trap, they needed to create the illusion of a protracted fight—a stalemate.

Sengoku continued, "So for the team handling Douglas Bullet, it'll be me, Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Gion."

He paused, feeling that the lineup might still be too strong. If they weren't careful, they'd overpower the enemy too quickly. "On second thought, Sakazuki should stay on standby," Sengoku decided.

Claudius couldn't help but chuckle at that. "A problem of being too strong, huh?"

The room erupted in laughter. Yes, it was true. Being too powerful really was a unique kind of problem.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 111: Garp: Do You Have Any Comments on My Wise Plan?

Standing aboard Vice Admiral Garp's warship, Claudius kept his eyes on the vast expanse of sea in front of them. They had already separated from Admiral Sengoku's fleet. Garp and Claudius were tasked with dealing with Byrnndi World, while the rest of the fleet focused on executing the Buster Call to take down Douglas Bullet.

According to Sengoku's strategy, some units had landed on the island for combat, while others were positioned to stay hidden and provide support. The goal was to drive Byrnndi World onto the island and then encircle both him and Douglas Bullet in one decisive strike.

"It's probably started over there by now?" Claudius asked, a cigar clenched between his teeth as he glanced at Garp.

Garp pulled out a pocket watch from his coat pocket, checked the time, and said, "Yeah, it should have begun by now."

"What if Byrnndi World hasn't gotten the news?" Claudius suddenly questioned. If World didn't receive word of the attack on Douglas Bullet and failed to show up, wouldn't that make their efforts here pointless?

Garp paused for a moment before shaking his head. "Impossible. Don't forget, this operation involves not just the Marines and your CP-X, but the regular CP agencies too. We've planted spies on Byrnndi World's ship, so he'll get the news. He'll come."

Claudius exhaled a plume of smoke, nodding. "Alright, here's hoping the plan goes smoothly."

Despite Garp's confident assurance, Claudius couldn't ignore the fact that they'd been waiting in this sector for nearly two days now, and there was still no sign of Byrnndi World.

Sipping from his teacup as the sea breeze swept across the deck, Claudius remarked, "Could it be that this plan's gone sideways? If we don't act soon, Douglas Bullet's grave will be dug before World even shows up."

Garp, who had been starting to look a bit agitated himself, scoffed at Claudius's comment. "The CP agency better not have botched this. We had a solid plan laid out, but if this falls apart, just taking down Douglas Bullet isn't going to cut it."

Up to this point, Douglas Bullet hadn't managed to escape, there were enough powerhouses on that island to ensure that wouldn't happen. The real issue was that Byrnndi World still hadn't appeared, making Claudius feel like they were just waiting around for nothing.

As Claudius contemplated this, the watchman atop the mast suddenly shouted, "Sighting confirmed! The flag of Byrnndi World has appeared!"

Claudius raised an eyebrow and handed his teacup to a nearby Marine. "Finally, the old bastard shows up. Took him long enough. Is this the day he meets his end?"

Garp's face lit up with excitement. He tore off the cloak of justice from his back and tossed it to another Marine, flexing his muscular frame as he prepared for battle. "It's been a while since we've had a proper warm-up, huh?" he said, eyes glinting with a competitive spark.

Claudius chuckled, an evil grin crossing his face. "Take a good look at me, Garp. Do I look like the kind who rushes into a beating?"

"Anyone who 'won't rush in' shouldn't take reckless risks just to win a sparring match," Garp muttered, rolling his eyes.

Truth be told, Claudius was in excellent physical condition. He could hold his own in a fight, but with someone like Garp eager to take the brunt of the action, Claudius wasn't about to volunteer as a punching bag. He might be tough, but it still hurt to get hit.

"I'll support you from the sidelines. Every battle needs a strategist, right?" Claudius said, smirking.

Garp didn't bother to argue, just nodded and said, "Alright. We'll rough him up enough to remind him he's out of his league at sea, but we need to block his escape route. Any ideas on how to force him toward the island?"

Claudius grinned, "That's my specialty."

"Then it's all yours!" Garp said firmly.

With that, Garp's dog-headed warship surged forward, racing toward Byrnndi World's ship.

As the ship gained speed, Claudius suddenly thought of something and asked, "Just to confirm, the main objective here is to drive Byrnndi World to Cyborila Island, right?"

"Exactly, didn't I mention that earlier?" Garp said, giving Claudius a surprised look.

"Who came up with this plan?" Claudius asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course, I did! Why, got a problem with my brilliant strategy?" Garp shot back, frowning.

"No, no complaints," Claudius said, his expression turning slightly amused. "I just realized that if Byrnndi World is heading to support Douglas Bullet, wouldn't his destination already be Cyborila Island? Doesn't that mean we don't need to do anything to force him there? This chase feels a bit unnecessary."

Claudius glanced at Garp, wondering if there was a deeper layer he hadn't considered. Garp was an experienced Marine, after all.

But Garp's face flushed slightly, and he scratched the back of his head, realizing the oversight. With a sheepish grin, he said, "The sea's unpredictable. You can't rely on perfect conditions. You've got to keep control of the situation, Claudius. You're still too young. Don't ask too many irrelevant questions, just keep up."

"Hey, you old dog, you really were bluffing me! You didn't think of that, did you?" Claudius snapped irritably.

Garp ignored him. They were still a fair distance from Byrnndi World's ship, but Garp bellowed, "Open fire! Let's go!"

The Marine cannons roared to life, sending a barrage of shells flying toward World's ship. The distance was too great for accuracy, but the sheer display of firepower was impressive.

On the opposite side, Byrnndi World's ship returned fire. The two vessels exchanged volleys as they drew closer.

Suddenly, one of World's cannonballs swelled in mid-air, expanding to a hundred times its original size. If that thing hit the warship, it would shatter it in an instant.

But Garp was ready. With a powerful stomp that cracked the deck, he launched himself toward the massive projectile. "Fist of Destruction!" Garp roared, landing a direct punch on the giant cannonball.

The shell exploded in mid-air, sending shockwaves that tilted the ship and churned the water. Claudius squinted through the smoke, half-wondering if Garp had survived that impact. Moments later, Garp emerged unscathed, charging straight toward World's ship.

As Garp was about to land, a blur shot out from World's ship to intercept him. It was Byrnndi World himself, and without a word, he aimed a punch directly at Garp's chest.

"World!" Garp shouted, Armament Haki covering his body like armor. He swung his own fist, meeting World's punch head-on.

Claudius watched the exchange with awe. If it had been Fleet Admiral Kong, he might have chosen a more tactical approach, but not Garp. His response was simple: if you hit him, he'd hit back twice as hard, with no hesitation.

"As expected of the toughest man in the Marines," Claudius muttered, admiring Garp's indomitable spirit.

Chapter 112: Lightning Walks with Me, Storm Listens to My Orders!!!

Byrnndi World's punch collided with Garp's chest, but Garp's Armament Haki was as solid as iron, and he didn't seem fazed by the blow. At the same time, Garp's own punch slammed into World's chest. World, who also had his Armament Haki activated, managed to withstand the impact, but both men were sent flying. Garp's figure blasted through the dark smoke and crashed back onto the warship deck, skidding a few steps before stopping and cracking the wood beneath him. He patted his chest and cursed, "What a solid punch."

Claudius ignored Garp's remark and instead focused on World, noticing a thin line of blood trailing from the corner of his mouth. Clearly, World wasn't as sturdy as Garp. It confirmed Claudius's suspicion, while World was indeed strong, he was not quite at Garp's level. In terms of sheer strength, World fell just short of that peak tier.

With that in mind, Claudius wondered why they needed to push him to the island at all. Why not just take him down right here and now?

"Seriously, Marines and their elaborate plans. If it were up to me, I'd just split into two teams and crush them head-on," Claudius thought to himself.

But he understood why things were this way. The Marines always erred on the side of caution. Pushing World onto the island would almost guarantee his capture or defeat. Claudius, on the other hand, preferred more straightforward approaches—direct and effective. If a problem could be solved with sheer power, why complicate things?

As Claudius mulled over these thoughts, Garp was already on the move, charging back into the fray. Collecting his focus, Claudius knew what needed to be done.

No matter the approach, whether taking down World here or forcing him to the island, World's escape had to be blocked first.

"Enel!" Claudius called out.

"Yes!" Enel, who was standing nearby, responded promptly.

"Time for one of our combos!" Claudius said, a grin stretching across his face.

A similar look of excitement flashed across Enel's features. He raised his hands, and an immense surge of electricity crackled from his fingertips, shooting into the sky. Within moments, the clear skies turned heavy and dark, clouds shifting from white to ominous black as lightning bolts crackled across the sky.

Claudius lifted his arms as well. They twisted and transformed into swirling currents of air. As he added more power, fierce winds roared across the sea, stirring up the waves and making the once-calm ocean an unstable battlefield.

"Lightning walks with me!" Enel murmured, his voice low but commanding.

"And the storm listens to my orders!" Claudius shouted, a fierce energy in his voice.

As the two of them combined their powers, the weather around them shifted dramatically. A storm burst forth, and bolts of lightning shot through the darkened sky, encircling the entire sea area. The only clear path left was the one leading straight to Cyborila Island.

In the heat of battle, World, who was trading blows with Garp, noticed the sudden change. His eyes narrowed, bewildered. What in the world was happening? Why was the weather turning against him?

Garp laughed heartily. "Claudius, you really do have a bag full of tricks. Using the weather itself to box him in, huh?"

Realizing that he might be walking into a trap, World decided to switch tactics. He dodged Garp's next punch, grabbed a nearby cannonball from his ship's deck, and shouted, "Moa moa—ten times the speed!"

With that, he propelled himself at incredible speed toward Garp's dog-headed warship, leaving Garp's punch striking empty air.

World's plan was simple: if he was in a trap, he needed to break it. Destroying Garp's warship would disrupt their strategy and put the advantage back in his hands. If needed, he could make his escape.

Flying mid-air, he hurled the cannonball with a sneer. "Moa moa—hundred times the cannon!"

The moment the cannonball left his hand, it swelled to a massive size. If it hit the warship, it would obliterate it.

But just as he thought victory was in his grasp, Claudius sprang into action. He unsheathed the sword at his waist, the demon blade Shindō, and slashed at the oncoming cannonball. A cloud of white mist enveloped his blade as he swung with immense force.

"One Sword Style—White Frost Dance!" Claudius whispered.

The instant the blade met the cannonball, the blackened metal turned a frosty white. The slash didn't just cut it in half; it shattered it mid-air into a shower of icy fragments, scattering harmlessly across the deck.

World's eyes widened in disbelief. What kind of power was this?

Before he could process what had happened, he saw Claudius make another move. Claudius raised his sword and launched a powerful air slash.

"Storm!" Claudius yelled.

The blade of air shot forward, twisting into a cyclone mixed with the sharpness of the slash and hurtling straight toward World.

"Moa moa—thirty times the speed!" World muttered, launching himself into the air to evade the attack. The cyclone missed him by a hair, and he reappeared on the deck of the warship, ready for more.

Without hesitation, World lunged at Claudius, aiming a punch directly at his head.

Claudius stood firm, making no move to dodge. The demon blade Shindō blurred as he spun it in his hand and aimed for World's chest.

"White Lotus!" Claudius said under his breath.

World was momentarily caught off-guard. This man was really willing to trade blows? But he wasn't intimidated. His chest darkened as Armament Haki spread across it, reinforcing his defenses. He calculated that while he might take a hit, it wouldn't be fatal. His fist, however, would crush Claudius's head, allowing him to gain control of the battle before Garp could react and destroy the warship.

But in that moment, his calculations failed him.

Just as his fist was about to make contact, a bolt of lightning flashed, and a long golden staff, coated with Armament Haki, appeared. The tip of the staff connected with World's fist, not enough to block it entirely but enough to push it off course.

The redirected punch grazed past Claudius's head, sending his hair flying from the force of the wind, but missing its mark. Claudius grinned. Enel had come through.

In the next instant, Shindō slashed across World's chest. The blade's frost-coated edge clashed with his Haki but managed to freeze a thin layer of skin and armor on contact. The impact of the slash sent World flying, smashing him into the bow of Garp's warship.

World hit the deck hard, feeling a numbing cold spread across his chest. Part of his skin had gone completely numb, deprived of sensation by the freezing slash.

Rolling to the side without even glancing at his wound, World used a quick maneuver to put some distance between himself and his previous position.

And not a moment too soon. Garp's massive frame landed where World had just been, his fist smashing into the deck with such force that it punched a hole straight through.

Chapter 113: Garp: Don’t Hit My Dog Head!!!

Garp pulled his fist out of the deck and laughed. "Nicely done, Claudius!"

"Claudius?" Byrnndi World's eyes narrowed as he pieced together the identity of the blond man. The legendary leader of CP-X? The infamous Celestial Dragon with a reputation unlike any other?

"I'd say this guy isn't as tough as expected, Garp. Maybe we should forget about pushing him to the island and just take him down here?" Claudius said with a grin, shaking the demon blade Shinsō in his hand.

Garp, the unorthodox and unpredictable Marine hero, found himself agreeing. "You know what? You're right. Sengoku's plan feels a bit overblown anyway. Let's just finish him here!"

Of course, Garp hadn't considered that if he hadn't made his move earlier, World might have already reached Cyborila Island on his own.

"Are you underestimating me?" World roared, a mix of rage and humiliation on his face.

Enel, wielding his golden staff, gave a smirk of pure arrogance. "No doubt about it. We absolutely are."

"Die!" World bellowed as he launched himself forward, vanishing in a burst of speed. He reappeared in front of Enel, aiming a powerful punch at his head.

But Enel barely flinched. His body dissolved into a burst of lightning, evading the strike and leaving World punching empty air.

"Thunder Fruit, huh?" World muttered as realization set in.

"Thunder Metallurgy—Snake Bind!" Enel reappeared at World's side, and with a twist of his staff, it softened and coiled around World's body like a constricting serpent. The staff, reinforced with Armament Haki, tightened its hold, binding World in place.

Claudius seized the opportunity and lunged forward, Shindō ready for another strike. He couldn't help but feel that he was straying deeper into the path of a swordsman with each battle.

"Frost Burial!" Claudius whispered, his voice cold and steady.

World's eyes blazed with fury, and in a sudden burst of strength, his body surged with raw power. The golden staff wrapped around him shattered, fragments spinning away as he roared, "Moa moa—ten times the power!"

Without hesitation, World met Claudius's blade head-on, fist cloaked in Haki. The impact shattered his armored gloves into frost-covered shards, and the skin beneath turned pale and lifeless from the cold. Claudius felt the irresistible force slam into Shindō, knocking the weapon from his grasp and sending him skidding across the deck before he tumbled overboard.

"What is this? Can his ability enhance strength too?" Claudius thought as he stabilized himself, floating in mid-air thanks to his Logia powers.

Moments later, he noticed that Enel, under the pressure of World's Moa moa—fifty times speed, had failed to dodge the next blow and was sent crashing into the Marine cabin with a loud impact.

"Moa moa—thirty times impact!" World roared, pivoting to deliver a crushing blow to Garp. Even Garp, with all his experience and strength, was sent flying by the attack.

Claudius watched the scene intently, narrowing his eyes as he noted the blood trickling from World's mouth and the sudden flush of his face. "So that's it. Using that much power must take a toll on his body," Claudius realized.

World stood on unsteady legs, his body trembling from the self-inflicted strain. Yet, he gathered enough force to punch the deck beneath him, splintering it and sinking the ship's bow.

"My dog head!!!" Garp shouted in anguish as he righted himself mid-air, using Moonwalk to hover. His eyes widened with grief as he saw the figurehead of his beloved warship sink into the sea.

"It's just a figurehead," Claudius muttered, unable to resist a chuckle at Garp's reaction.

He tightened his grip on Shinsō and aimed it at World. "Shoot him, Shinsō!" he commanded.

Sensing imminent danger, World activated his ability once more, vanishing at thirty times the speed just as Shinsō's blade sliced past, barely grazing his arm and embedding itself in the shattered deck of the warship.

"Claudius! You're going to owe me a new ship!" Garp yelled, his voice tinged with frustration.

World reappeared on his own ship, clutching the wound on his arm as blood trickled between his fingers. Relief washed over him as he caught his breath. "Barely made it... but at least I have the upper hand now. Their warship's damaged beyond use. Let's see them chase me without it."

Raising his voice, World shouted, "Garp! Claudius! Remember this day, because I'll make sure you regret it. Don't let me catch you off-guard again!"

Garp's eyes widened with realization. Was World about to make a break for it through the storm? Before he could react, Claudius's expression shifted to one of amused confidence. "Running, are we? A little late for that, don't you think? Crocodile!"

As if on cue, a swirl of yellow sand swept across the sea, cutting through the waves and slicing World's ship clean in half.

"Desert Spada!" Crocodile's voice called out as he materialized on the mast of World's ship. A cigar dangled from his mouth, and he wore the brown coat Claudius had gifted him long ago. His eyes narrowed, clearly displeased. "If it weren't for your storm and lightning, I'd have been here sooner."

Crocodile had been lying in wait, watching the commotion from a distance. But with no movement from the battlefield and the storm clearing, he decided to intervene. His sand-based powers allowed him to fly short distances, so he arrived just in time to see World preparing to flee.

World's eyes blazed with rage as he locked onto the new arrival. "Sand Crocodile?! You're a pirate! Why are you siding with these Marine dogs?!"

"Pirate?" Crocodile smirked, exhaling smoke from his cigar. "Don't mistake me for trash like you. I'm not just any pirate, I'm a Warlord of the Sea."

"Warlord of the Sea? What in the world is that?" World asked, bewildered.

Crocodile had no intention of explaining. With a flick of his wrist, he sent another blade of sand hurtling toward World.

Chapter 114: Sorry, There Was a Little Accident in the Plan?

Around the waters of Cyborila Island, several massive Marine warships had formed a blockade. The small island itself was engulfed in flames, turning it into a vision of hell on earth. Amidst the burning landscape, remnants of what appeared to be an enormous construct lay in ruins, likely the work of Douglas Bullet's devil fruit abilities. The battle sounds echoed across the island, clashes of Armament Haki, bursts of Conqueror's Haki, and powerful energy explosions made it seem as though fireworks were being set off.

On one of the warships encircling the island, Vice Admiral Kuzan stood with a pensive expression as he gazed out at the distant sea. Behind him stood Chief Staff Officer Tsuru, her sharp eyes scanning the scene.

"Chief of Staff, if we're counting the time, Byrnndi World should have arrived by now, right? What's the holdup? Do you think something happened to Garp?" Kuzan asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Tsuru's usually composed expression was tinged with worry. They'd received a report from Garp's ship earlier confirming that Byrnndi World had appeared in the designated area. By all calculations, he should have been here by now.

"Garp isn't always the most dependable, but when it comes to missions like this, he won't be careless," Tsuru said quietly.

"If World doesn't show up soon, this whole act will be for nothing. It's been nearly three days already, and I'd bet Admiral Sengoku's patience is wearing thin," Kuzan muttered.

At that moment, Sengoku, Borsalino, and Gion were locked in a prolonged battle with Douglas Bullet on the island. The trio could have finished Bullet off, but they were playing their roles to lure in Byrnndi World. Borsalino, with his nonchalant attitude, was content to drag this out, claiming he could keep it up for another ten days. But Sengoku and Gion were nearing their limit, and frustration was starting to show.

As Kuzan and Tsuru discussed the situation, the lookout on the mast shouted down, "There's movement! But it's not Garp's ship or Byrnndi World's vessel—it's a pirate ship... wait, I can see it clearly now! It's Sand Crocodile's ship! Vice Admiral Kuzan, should we intercept it?"

Both Kuzan and Tsuru looked momentarily taken aback. Crocodile? What was he doing here?

"Stand down. Let them come," Kuzan instructed.

"But—" the lookout hesitated. Crocodile was a notorious New World pirate, after all.

"It's fine; it's part of the plan," Kuzan said firmly.

Moments later, Crocodile's ship drew up beside Kuzan's warship. The Marine vessel towered over the pirate ship, and from the deck, Kuzan and Tsuru looked down to see a surprising sight: Garp and Claudius were standing aboard the pirate ship.

Kuzan's and Tsuru's eyes widened in shock. Garp's dog-headed warship was nowhere in sight, suggesting something had gone seriously wrong. Had they been defeated by World? Had he managed to escape?

"Garp!" Tsuru called out, her tone sharp and questioning.

Garp waved up at her with a broad smile. "Hey, Tsuru! Haven't wrapped up with Bullet yet? Hahahaha."

Tsuru's brow furrowed. "You didn't bring Byrnndi World here as planned, so of course, we haven't moved in yet. Where is he? And where is your ship? Did the operation fail?"

"Fail? Are you kidding me?" Garp scoffed, crossing his arms. "It's just Byrnndi World. Do you really think we'd fail against him?"

Tsuru's eyes narrowed. "Then where is he? And what happened to your warship?"

Claudius stepped forward, an amused smile on his face. "Relax, Chief Tsuru. The plan hit a few... unexpected bumps, but we've essentially completed our task. Now, we can put our full attention on taking down Bullet."

"'Unexpected bumps'?" Kuzan echoed, raising an eyebrow.

Claudius cleared his throat, a little embarrassed. "Well, let's just say Byrnndi World wasn't as tough as we anticipated. Things got a bit heated, and, well... we ended up subduing him on the spot. He's locked up on this ship now."

Kuzan's jaw clenched, trying to process the absurdity of it all. They'd been waiting here for days, only to find out that the enemy they were trying to lure had already been captured?

Tsuru, however, quickly understood and took control of the situation. Trusting Garp and Claudius's word, she pulled out a Den Den Mushi and spoke into it. "Attention all units: the plan has changed. Byrnndi World has been captured. Proceed with the operation to capture Douglas Bullet immediately."

As soon as Tsuru's command was issued, a warship in the distance fired a massive volcanic shell toward the island. Kuzan recognized the attack instantly and muttered, "Sakazuki... looks like he's been holding back too long and finally snapped."

On Cyborila Island, Sengoku in his golden Buddha form was exchanging fierce blows with Douglas Bullet. The larger construct Bullet had initially formed was now reduced to rubble, but he had managed to create a smaller, but still formidable, machine to match Sengoku's size.

Borsalino stood on the sidelines, lazily firing occasional laser beams with a relaxed expression. Meanwhile, Gion, gripping her blade Konpira, seemed on the edge of losing her patience. Just as she was preparing to strike again, her Den Den Mushi rang, and she picked it up.

The voice of Tsuru came through, delivering the long-awaited news. As the message sank in, Gion's eyes lit up, and she shouted, "Byrnndi World is down! Admiral Sengoku, we can go all out now!"

Sengoku blinked in surprise as Gion suddenly transformed into a pink blur, moving faster than she had throughout the entire fight. Even Douglas Bullet was caught off guard, not expecting such a sudden shift in the battle.

The next moment, Gion appeared in front of Bullet, her eyes fierce and determined. Without giving him a chance to react, she delivered a powerful kick to his chest.

"Soru!" she cried out as her attack connected.

Having fought for three days and nights, even a powerhouse like Bullet was exhausted. He couldn't respond in time to Gion's sudden burst of strength. Her kick shattered the machine he was controlling and sent his muscular frame crashing backward.

Chapter 115: Bullet: My Body Is the Strongest, My Heart Unyielding, I Will Never Back Down!

Before Douglas Bullet's figure could even hit the ground, Sengoku in his golden Buddha form unleashed a full-powered shockwave, sending it hurtling through the air and colliding directly with Bullet. Realizing there was no way to dodge, Bullet's battle-hardened instincts kicked in. His eyes sharpened as he enveloped his entire body in a thick layer of Armament Haki, transforming himself into a human fortress of dark iron.

The shockwave crashed into Bullet, sending him smashing into the earth below. Shards of rock and debris erupted around him, scattering like shrapnel. Despite the searing pain, Bullet braced himself, pushing off the ground and propelling his battered form upward. Just as he regained his footing, a bright beam of light shot toward him, detonating the spot he'd just vacated in a fiery explosion. The attack came from none other than Borsalino.

Landing in a crouch, Bullet supported himself with one hand on the ground while wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with the other. His chest heaved as he caught his breath, the earlier impact having taken its toll.

Before he could counterattack, a voice boomed from above. "Dog Biting Red Lotus!!!"

Sakazuki descended from the sky, one arm transformed into molten magma shaped like the snarling head of a vicious dog. The intense heat radiated in waves as the Admiral aimed his attack straight at Bullet.

Bullet's eyes glinted with rage, and his already massive frame seemed to expand even more. Without hesitation, he clenched his fist, layered in Armament Haki, and met Sakazuki's attack head-on. The fiery dog's head shattered under the impact, revealing Sakazuki's clenched fist, which collided directly with Bullet's own.

The force of Bullet's punch drove his feet into the cracked ground, anchoring him as he absorbed the blow. Sakazuki, unable to brace himself in mid-air, was forced back as Bullet shouted, "Out of my way!" With a twist of his waist and a burst of energy, Bullet hurled Sakazuki to the side with a powerful punch.

"So Byrnndi World was taken down, huh? You were using me as bait all along? I couldn't figure out why you lot were pulling your punches and missing your chances. Turns out, this whole thing was a ruse," Bullet said, his voice low and dangerous.

His tone dripped with fury, but it wasn't because World had been captured, it was the realization that the Marines had been holding back, treating him as an afterthought. To Bullet, that was an insult worse than defeat.

"Now there's nothing left to hold back for, right? Let's see what you've really got!" Bullet roared, his battle aura flaring violently.

The ground beneath him cracked and shattered as he lunged forward, charging at Sengoku's golden form like a human tank.

"Oni-Take Fist!" Bullet bellowed, slamming his fist into Sengoku's midsection.

The massive Golden Buddha skidded backward from the impact, while Borsalino appeared next to Bullet, his leg raised high.

"Light-Speed Kick!" Borsalino whispered, bringing his leg down at blinding speed.

Bullet didn't flinch. He folded his arms over his head just as Borsalino's kick made contact, absorbing the blow. The force sent him sliding back, his feet carving deep trenches into the ground, but he held his ground.

"Rabbit Strike!" Gion appeared next, transformed by her Zoan powers. Her hands, shaped into powerful claws, pressed against Bullet's chest before releasing a burst of energy.

The force made Bullet stagger, blood trickling from his mouth, but he remained unyielding. Before Gion could react, Bullet's foot shot upward, catching her square in the chest and sending her flying backward.

Airborne, Gion coughed up blood, her chest throbbing with pain. Thankfully, as a user of a Zoan-type Mythical Beast, her durability was higher than it appeared. Just as she stabilized herself mid-air, a pair of strong arms caught her.

"Bullet really has no idea how to treat a lady, does he? Are you okay, Gion? Want me to take a look at that injury?" Claudius's teasing voice met her ears.

Gion's eyes narrowed, even as she struggled to catch her breath. "He's not the only one. Didn't you stab me once? And don't treat me like some damsel, I'm fine."

As if I'd let you of all people check me over, she thought. Typical men, trying to take advantage even in a situation like this.

"Strong-willed women never seem to attract the right kind of men. You'll scare them off," Claudius quipped as he gently set her down.

"And any man who's scared off by me isn't worth my time," Gion shot back, pulling away from his arms as she regained her footing.

Claudius's grin widened, but he let her go, focusing his gaze on Bullet, who was now locked in combat with Sakazuki again.

"That guy dared to lay a hand on our Marine treasure, huh? He should know by now that only I have that privilege," Claudius joked as he prepared to launch himself into the fight.

Before Gion could comprehend his strange comment about "Marine's treasure," Claudius had already become a blur, transforming into a gust of wind that surged forward.

"Breath of the Storm!" Claudius's figure appeared between Sakazuki and Bullet. As the two fighters separated momentarily, Claudius delivered a swift punch to Bullet's chest.

It looked like a light hit, but Bullet felt as if an invisible force had slammed into him with tremendous power. His feet left the ground as he was thrown backward.

"Frozen Time Capsule!" Kuzan's voice rang out, and an icy beam shot through the air, encasing Bullet in a thick layer of ice as he landed.

But the ice only held for a moment. With a roar, Bullet shattered it, sending shards flying in all directions. Before he could regain his balance, a flash of golden light appeared before him, and a crushing impact hit the bridge of his nose.

Bullet's body was sent reeling again, this time courtesy of Borsalino, who landed softly on the ground, brushing off his sleeves and adjusting his sunglasses with an infuriatingly casual air.

Despite Bullet's formidable power, the assembled warriors were relentless, their combined might pushing him to his limits. The injuries piled up, his breathing became labored, and the gleam in his eyes grew ever more frenzied. Even cornered, Bullet's resolve did not waver.

Claudius watched with a newfound respect. As much as he despised Bullet's arrogance, the man's sheer tenacity and indomitable will were worthy of admiration.

"My body is the strongest. Where my heart stands, I will never back down!" Bullet roared, launching another punch that sent Sakazuki sprawling.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 116: Marine’s Gradual Freezing Plan?

Despite putting up a fierce fight, Bullet was unable to turn the tide on his own. The coordinated attacks from Claudius and the others became increasingly overwhelming, leaving Bullet struggling just to defend and dodge. Eventually, exhaustion and the weight of his injuries caught up to him. With one final punch from Sakazuki, the mighty Bullet was struck on the head, his blonde hair singed and turned to ashes. He collapsed to the ground and did not rise again.

On the flagship of Admiral Sengoku, anchored near Cyborila Island, Claudius and the senior Marines gathered for a debriefing.

"Even though the results of this mission were perfect, the plan was indeed disrupted, not due to any force majeure, but because some individuals took it upon themselves to change the course of action. Yes, it worked out this time, but that doesn't make it acceptable. If it had failed, who would take responsibility?" Sengoku said, his tone tinged with disapproval as he sat at the round table in the conference room.

Claudius, always quick on his feet, put on an innocent expression and said, "Well, I sensed that something felt off at the time. The plan didn't seem necessary as originally outlined, but Garp told me not to dwell on such details and to just follow his lead. Considering his experience, I figured he knew best, so I went along with it..."

Garp, who had been sipping tea, almost spat it out. Sure, his plan was shaky, but he hadn't intended to skip the original goal of luring Byrnndi World to the island, it was Claudius who had suddenly suggested capturing World directly.

"Hey, Claudius, you—" Garp began, but Sengoku cut him off with a sharp reprimand.

"Garp! You were the one in command, not His Highness Claudius. Isn't that right?" Sengoku's voice echoed through the room, silencing Garp immediately.

Caught off guard by Sengoku's outburst, Garp shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, but—"

"No 'buts'!" Sengoku snapped.

Sengoku knew well enough that both Garp and Claudius had likely made that decision together. But Claudius was a Celestial Dragon, placing him out of Sengoku's reach for reprimands. Besides, Claudius wasn't technically part of the Marine chain of command; his status as a member of CP-X and his rank in the World Government hierarchy made him administratively higher than Sengoku himself. As an Admiral, Sengoku had no real authority to chastise Claudius, so he focused his frustrations on Garp, who, despite being a Marine hero, still held the rank of Vice Admiral and thus was under Sengoku's purview.

However, Sengoku's expression softened a moment later. "That said, you did achieve the mission objectives. Well done."

"Hahahaha! I knew it was the right call to change things up," Garp said, immediately rebounding with a grin.

Sengoku rolled his eyes at Garp's casual demeanor. "Next, we return to Mariejois. While Bullet is no longer a threat, Byrnndi World's devil fruit power is too dangerous. We need to make some preparations for that."

The room grew thoughtful at Sengoku's words, but Claudius looked puzzled. "Preparations? What kind of preparations?" he asked directly.

Chief Staff Officer Tsuru's eyes softened as she explained, "The Marine Science Unit has recently developed a device that can freeze a person's body and keep them alive indefinitely."

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "So, you're planning to freeze Byrnndi World? Just... store him away?"

Sengoku met Claudius's gaze and nodded. "Precisely. The Marine Science Unit has made significant progress over the past two years, especially in studying Devil Fruit abilities. We have reason to believe that, within the next few decades, we might be able to control the rebirth of Devil Fruit powers."

"The Moa Moa no Mi is indeed a dangerous ability. If Byrnndi World were to die, that fruit would reincarnate somewhere in the world, potentially causing untold chaos," Tsuru added.

"So your plan is to freeze Byrnndi World, keeping him alive and thereby keeping the fruit's power contained until such a time when the World Government can control Devil Fruit rebirths and harvest the Moa Moa no Mi for itself. This would prevent its power from falling into the wrong hands?" Claudius summarized thoughtfully.

Sengoku nodded. "Exactly. We may also use this process for other high-risk individuals, such as Golden Lion Shiki. His Fuwa Fuwa no Mi is another Devil Fruit with considerable destructive potential."

Claudius couldn't help but smirk. Shiki, once a fierce rival and the greatest challenge of his early exploits, had been reduced to a vegetative state after being captured. Now, the plan was to freeze him as well. The idea that Shiki might remain indefinitely trapped, unable to escape, was almost comical.

Sengoku looked around the room. "If there are no objections, we'll move forward with these arrangements. Now, let's discuss how we're going to announce the results of this mission—the capture of Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World."

Claudius leaned forward. "CP-X has plans for this announcement and would like Marine's cooperation."

"Oh? What kind of plans?" Sengoku raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"We intend to use this event to promote the implementation of the Seven Warlords of the Sea program. The first candidate we've selected is Crocodile, so we'd like Marine to emphasize his involvement in this mission," Claudius explained.

At the mention of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the room's atmosphere shifted. Sengoku and the other senior officers remained composed, while Garp said nothing, perhaps remembering the favor he owed Crocodile. Sakazuki, however, visibly stiffened, his face set in a disapproving frown. As a hardliner, the idea of "fighting pirates with pirates" grated against his principles. But at this moment, he was only a Vice Admiral. His objections, for now, carried little weight, so he sat in silence with a scowl.

Sengoku sighed, nodding. "Given what we've seen, including Doflamingo's involvement in capturing the Red Count and Crocodile's role in this mission, we can't deny that the Seven Warlords of the Sea plan holds some merit. If it benefits Marine operations, we'll cooperate with CP-X's initiative."

Claudius noted the slight unease in the room but pressed on. Unlike the original Seven Warlords of the Sea concept, which felt like a reluctant compromise, this iteration had been carefully crafted. It was more akin to embedding trusted operatives within the ranks of pirates, shifting the nature of the arrangement and making it more palatable for some of the senior officers.

With the major players on board, the plan was ready to move forward.

Chapter 117: The Seven Warlords of the Sea Announce Themselves to the World!

In the New World, at the base of the Whitebeard Pirates, Newgate was sitting in a pub, a newspaper in his hand, his expression shifting as he took in the latest news.

"Both the World Destroyer and that Bullet taken down by the Marines? Now that's quite the headline," Newgate muttered.

"First the Red Count, and now this? The Marines seem to be making moves again, and they're still cooperating with pirates?" Marco said, surprise lacing his voice.

"The last time could've been a one-off, but this time, there's more to it. Look at this here, what do you make of this 'Seven Warlords of the Sea' title?" Newgate pointed to the name Crocodile in the newspaper and asked.

"Father, isn't it obvious? That sand crocodile's just sold out to the government. The Seven Warlords of the Sea, huh? Recruiting pirates now… It looks like the World Government's running out of options," Marco said, a hint of disdain in his tone.

"Gurararara," Newgate's deep laughter filled the room before he spoke again. "It does seem desperate, but I can't shake the feeling that there's more going on beneath the surface."

"Definitely a ploy. See here? The Seven Warlords will answer the World Government's summons, working for them and hunting down other pirates. No matter how you look at it, it spells trouble," Marco nodded.

Meanwhile, on the Sabaody Archipelago, Rayleigh pushed open the door to Shakky's bar, a small box under his arm.

As he entered, he found Shakky mid-interrogation, holding a rough-looking thug by his collar, while several more battered bodies lay crumpled at her feet.

Catching sight of Rayleigh, Shakky let go of the thug, who slumped to the ground, unconscious. "Done with your work already?" she asked.

Rayleigh grinned. "Just some ship-coating. The job was quick."

"No complications?" Shakky smiled knowingly.

"Not a one," Rayleigh chuckled.

"Great. Now, would you mind tossing these troublemakers out for me? I'm just a frail woman, you know, no strength to spare," Shakky said, gesturing to the unconscious thugs.

Rayleigh didn't bat an eye at Shakky's claim of being a 'frail woman' and instead asked, "You got their money, right? Can't let them leave without paying up."

Shakky pointed to a pile of wallets sitting on the bar, undoubtedly collected from her recent 'customers.'

Satisfied, Rayleigh tossed the thugs out of the bar, then sat at the counter and took a sip from his hip flask, feeling at ease.

"Have you seen today's paper?" Shakky asked after a moment.

"No, I haven't had the time. Something big happen?" Rayleigh's curiosity was piqued.

"Pretty significant. The Marines took down both the World Destroyer and the Demon Heir," Shakky said.

Rayleigh's eyes widened in surprise. "Douglas Bullet?"

"Yeah, wasn't he one of your old crew? Quite the powerhouse, wasn't he?" Shakky asked, leaning forward.

"Indeed. The kid had an incredible talent for combat. Back in the day, I wouldn't have bet on winning against him. It's hard to believe he's been captured by the Marines," Rayleigh said, a touch of nostalgia in his voice.

"That's just the start. The real shocker comes after that. The World Government has rolled out a new initiative called the 'Seven Warlords of the Sea.' Here's the gist…" Shakky explained, laying out the details.

Rayleigh shook his head slowly as he absorbed the information. "The World Government's getting more daring. This strategy splits the pirate world in two, plain and simple."

"Exactly. Pirates who work for the government and pirates who oppose it. It's quite a scheme," Shakky nodded.

"And the first of these Warlords?" Rayleigh pressed.

"A guy called 'Sand Crocodile,' named Crocodile. According to the paper, he helped the Marines capture both World and Bullet and earned himself the title of Warlord for it," Shakky said.

"The first, huh? So they're not rolling out all Seven Warlords at once?" Rayleigh asked.

"No, it'll probably take some time. The government's openly inviting capable pirates to 'sign up' for this new position," Shakky said with a slight smirk.

"The times are changing. The world's becoming even more chaotic," Rayleigh said softly.

At the same time, within the Holy Land of Mariejois, Claudius was walking alongside the Nia heading toward the hall where slaves were bought and sold.

"Why the sudden interest in buying slaves?" Claudius asked, giving Nia a curious look.

Nia replied, "Your Highness, isn't it too lonely for young Master Ace to be in the palace by himself? I thought it'd be good to find him a couple of playmates. I heard there'll be some young slaves at the market today."

"Playmates?" Claudius repeated thoughtfully.

Over the past couple of years, Ace had indeed spent most of his time alone in the palace. Claudius rarely had time to entertain him, and while Nia tried, she couldn't always be around, and the age gap didn't help.

"You're quite considerate," Claudius said with a smile.

The slave market in Mariejois was unlike the auctions held elsewhere. Only the Celestial Dragons were permitted to purchase here, making it a more exclusive and tightly controlled environment.

Claudius hadn't often visited the place before, as he'd never found much interest in owning slaves.

As they walked in, they passed rows of iron cages containing various individuals, newly captured and only partially trained. Many still retained their will, their rebellious spirits not yet broken.

This, in itself, was a selling point, as some Celestial Dragons preferred slaves with some fight left in them, enjoying the 'challenge' of breaking them in themselves.

There were also Celestial Dragons looking to offload slaves they had grown bored of, not for profit but for the sheer entertainment of participating in commerce.

Claudius and Nia made their way through the hall, observing the scene. Claudius stopped suddenly in front of one particular cage and smirked as he looked inside.

"Fisher Tiger, huh? Interesting," Claudius muttered.

Indeed, the figure inside the cage was none other than Fisher Tiger, a powerful merman with striking red skin. He sat in the corner, his expression dark, eyes burning with defiance and seething hatred.

Claudius glanced at him briefly before turning away and moving on.

As they walked further, they heard the voice of a female Celestial Dragon nearby. She was holding three chains, each attached to a scrawny figure on the other end. Her voice rang out with irritation.

"Get rid of these three. They're no fun anymore. I even fed them Devil Fruits, and all it got me was two of them turning into snakes. Boring!"

Chapter 118: Hancock!

When Claudius heard the words and looked at the three figures, he paused for a moment, a slight smile forming at the corners of his mouth.

The three figures were young girls, appearing to be around twelve years old. One had bright emerald green hair, and another had reddish-brown hair. There wasn't much to say about those two; they were plain in appearance, nothing particularly striking.

But the last girl, slender with flowing black hair, stood out. Even at a glance, it was clear, she would grow up to be a stunning beauty.

And from what the female Celestial Dragon had just said, all three girls had consumed Devil Fruits, and two of them could transform into snakes. Claudius quickly pieced it together: the third girl must have eaten the Paramecia-type Love-Love Fruit.

These three, without a doubt, were the Boa sisters from Amazon Lily—Boa Hancock, Boa Sandersonia, and Boa Marigold.

"So, I've stumbled upon three Devil Fruits right here—what a stroke of luck," Claudius thought, a smile playing on his lips.

He had to admit, these three sisters were quite promising, especially Hancock.

While Sandersonia and Marigold might not have seemed exceptional at first glance, Claudius knew they were skilled fighters, having seen how they were overshadowed by Luffy's wild escapades, much like Crocodile. Back then, they were seasoned Haki users and top lieutenants under a Warlord of the Sea. They couldn't have been that weak, right?

"If I train them properly, even if they don't reach the top tier, they should still become formidable warriors," Claudius mused.

As for Hancock's Paramecia-type Love-Love Fruit, Claudius considered it to be one of the most broken abilities out there. Among Paramecia Fruits, it ranked highly in his opinion, though it came with significant drawbacks.

The Love-Love Fruit fell under what he called "rule-type" abilities, similar to the Heat-Heat Fruit or the Gravity Fruit. However, unlike the straightforward nature of those powers, the Love-Love Fruit had a peculiar condition: if an opponent felt even a hint of desire or fascination toward the user, they would be affected and potentially petrified.

This power essentially bypassed brute strength; as long as the opponent's will wasn't strong enough, they would fall prey to it.

The catch was that it required the user to be highly charismatic. If someone unattractive ate the fruit, it would be almost useless unless they underwent some kind of transformation. But if the user was charming, the fruit's power could be nearly unstoppable.

Claudius figured there were only two people in the world who could maximize the potential of this fruit. The first was Hancock herself, and the second, theoretically, was Cavendish.

Hancock was already a given.

As for Cavendish, known as the most handsome man in the world, Claudius found it ironic. He didn't see himself as particularly charming, not even a bit. But Cavendish, with his unnaturally striking looks, had inadvertently caused chaos in his homeland. Women were so infatuated with him that the kingdom's marriage and birth rates plummeted because no one wanted to marry anyone else. In the end, his own father had to exile him on the grounds of being "too handsome."

Claudius chuckled to himself, "Imagine being charged with that. I'd take that accusation any day. Come on, give me that problem—I'll take one for the team."

But that was neither here nor there. In the end, Hancock would use her ability to become a Warlord of the Sea and earn the title of "Pirate Empress," rivaling even Charlotte Linlin in status.

Claudius had always thought that while Hancock's beauty was unparalleled, her combat skills had always seemed underwhelming.

Yes, she was powerful, but she never quite exuded the full force of being a "Pirate Empress." Even during the Marineford War, Sengoku, the then-Fleet Admiral, specifically mentioned that Hancock's involvement would increase their chances of victory. And yet, Hancock's actual performance was lackluster, more focused on her own agenda and distracted by her obsession with Luffy. It was as if she was merely going through the motions.

Until the chaos surrounding Douglas Bullet, that is. When Luffy, Sabo, Crocodile, Lucci, Smoker, Usopp, Buggy, and the other Supernovas were struggling against Bullet's monstrous combined form, Hancock was the one who delivered a decisive kick that disrupted Bullet's synthesis. It proved she was a "thinking" fighter, not just someone going through the motions.

Her previous mediocre performances hadn't been due to a lack of skill but a lack of focus.

With such a prime candidate, not to mention the two other decent options, how could Claudius pass this up?

Plus, he knew that one day, Hancock would grow to become the world's most beautiful woman.

As a man, how could he not be interested? Even if he had no ulterior motives now, having the world's most beautiful woman as an ally or subordinate would be a serious flex.

"I have a soft heart; I can't stand to see others suffer. These poor girls need rescuing, and as the wise and benevolent Claudius, it's my duty to pull them from the depths," Claudius thought, finding solace in his own justification.

After a pause, he turned to Nia. "Let's take a look at those three slaves who ate the Devil Fruits. I have a feeling it'll be worthwhile."

Nia, the ever-loyal butler, was taken aback. Claudius had never shown any interest in slaves before. Why the sudden change?

But Nia had one unwavering trait, she never questioned Claudius. No matter how unusual the decision, she supported it fully.

"Yes, Your Highness," Nia replied with a nod.

They approached the female Celestial Dragon from behind. She was wearing an air of superiority, but when she turned and saw Claudius, her eyes widened, and her expression shifted to excitement.

"Saint Claudius! What an unexpected pleasure to see you here. It's an honor," she said eagerly.

"Um…" Claudius was momentarily caught off guard. He didn't know her name and felt a bit awkward being greeted so warmly without knowing how to respond.

"Your Highness, she is Lady Corinnelu," Nia whispered helpfully.

Claudius's eyebrows raised in realization, and he offered a polite smile. "Ah, Lady Corinnelu, I didn't expect to see you here. You're looking as radiant as ever."

Corinnelu's face lit up at his words. "Thank you, Claudius. You're too kind."

It was true that among the Celestial Dragons, the upper middle class was generally well-kept and presentable. They didn't carry the lethargic air of indulgence that some of the lower-tier nobles did. This held especially true for the women, who took great care with their appearance. At the very least, they weren't unpleasant to look at.

Perhaps it was just natural for women to care about beauty, and the Celestial Dragons were no exception.

Plus, there was the matter of their lineage.

Celestial Dragons only accepted the best, generation after generation, which meant the gene pool stayed strong.

Look at Claudius himself. He'd gone from an overweight child to a strikingly handsome man.

Chapter 119: Claudius—The Most Eligible Celestial Dragon Bachelor!

After a brief conversation with Corinnelu, Claudius had her both charmed and somewhat confused, but she smiled with obvious delight.

Claudius's current status was well-known. No longer the disgrace he once was, he had become one of the most brilliant figures among the Celestial Dragons in recent years. As the head of the esteemed Donquixote family, he wielded considerable power and influence.

And unlike many of his peers, Claudius was noted for his striking looks, which only amplified his reputation among the female Celestial Dragons. He was, in fact, quite the sensation, embodying everything one might want in a perfect match.

With his status and charm, it wasn't surprising that many noblewomen dreamed of becoming Claudius's wife.

Yes, among the Celestial Dragons, Claudius was now seen as the golden bachelor, an ideal "son-in-law."

The rumors swirling around Mariejois about him having an illegitimate child? Hardly an issue for the Celestial Dragons. Nearly everyone had a skeleton or two in their closet. Claudius's case just happened to be more visible, making it a frequent topic of teasing.

But in the world of Celestial Dragons, where lineage and legal recognition mattered most, an illegitimate child without formal acknowledgment posed no threat whatsoever.

After a few pleasant exchanges with Claudius, Corinnelu felt she'd moved a little closer to her dream of possibly becoming his wife someday.

Not that Claudius gave it much thought.

He soon shifted the conversation, his eyes turning to the trio of young girls standing behind Corinnelu. A smile spread across his face. "I overheard you saying you're looking to offload these three slaves. As it happens, I'm here today looking for potential acquisitions myself. You mentioned they've all consumed Devil Fruits? That piqued my interest. If you're selling, why not sell them to me?"

Claudius's interest in Devil Fruits was well-known among the Celestial Dragons. Years ago, he'd been tricked into eating one himself, and it had been a source of amusement for many. While no one dared to mock him now, it was common knowledge, so his statement raised no eyebrows.

Corinnelu smiled easily. "If Claudius wants them, how could I refuse? And as for selling, there's no need for you to pay me. I'm happy to gift them to you."

She wasn't here to make a profit; this was just entertainment for her, a whimsical way to pass the time. If it had been a slave trader making the request, she would've charged without hesitation. But Claudius? She couldn't bring herself to ask for payment.

Claudius chuckled and patted Corinnelu's smooth, platinum-blonde hair. "I couldn't possibly accept without paying. I wouldn't want to diminish the wealth of someone as lovely as you."

The truth was, Claudius wasn't particularly smitten with her looks but preferred not to owe favors, which could lead to future complications. A simple business transaction was cleaner and less binding.

Corinnelu blushed at his words and, flustered, quoted a price of 500 million berries.

It wasn't cheap. Devil Fruits alone rarely started below 100 million berries for even the most basic types. With three Devil Fruit users, the combined value easily exceeded 600 million berries. Zoan-type Fruits typically fetched at least 200 million.

If Claudius had to estimate the true value of Hancock's Paramecia-type Love-Love Fruit, it would be priceless. In his mind, the deal was a steal.

Nia ever efficient promptly handed a check for 500 million berries to Corinnelu. Business concluded, Claudius made his exit without further conversation. He did, however, extend a gentlemanly invitation for afternoon tea in the future, which made Corinnelu positively beam.

At that moment, Nia held the three iron chains connected to the Boa sisters, who followed silently behind her. Claudius didn't spare them a glance, signaling their insignificance to him at that moment.

After walking a short distance, Nia asked, "Your Highness, shall we continue searching?"

Claudius glanced at her and replied, "Of course. These three girls aren't going to be Ace's playmates."

"Understood," Nia said, nodding.

Hancock, walking behind them, had a glimmer of wariness in her eyes. Whatever thoughts were swirling in her mind, she kept them to herself.

Hancock was twelve, while Ace was only about three. The idea of the two playing together was laughable. Claudius needed children closer to Ace's age.

They reached a section where the slaves were notably younger. Taking a few steps further, they came across rows of cages housing children no older than five or six.

"This is just despicable," Claudius muttered to himself.

He could understand enslaving pirates or criminals and might even have applauded it. But capturing innocent children for slavery? That was something Claudius found repugnant.

Each child represented a broken family, another casualty of the world's injustices. This slave market was steeped in hidden crimes.

And yet, Claudius knew he was complicit.

Though he felt a pang of guilt, he knew better than to let it show. There was nothing he could change at the moment, and indulging in guilt served no purpose.

Stopping in front of a cage that housed four or five young children, Claudius gave them a once-over. None of them particularly stood out to him, but it wasn't an important matter.

"These kids will do. Buy them all," Claudius instructed.

Nia nodded and moved to negotiate with the slave merchant.

Just then, a commotion erupted from another section of the market. Voices shouted, and it sounded like someone was desperately calling out.

"Stella!!!"

"Stella!!! I'm here! Don't worry! I'll save you, I promise!"

A young man, imprisoned in a cage, reached out and waved frantically toward the source of the disturbance. The direction he was shouting in led to a Celestial Dragon who held a beautiful woman by the arm—a fellow slave, it seemed.

"So, a slave hoping to rescue another? Must be lovers. How tragic," Claudius thought with a touch of melancholy.

Celestial Dragons were notorious for their excesses. Taking beautiful women by force was almost routine, and Claudius could easily piece together the story. This man had been lucky to survive at all.

After a moment's pause, Claudius looked away. Nia had completed the transaction and was making her way back toward him.

Suddenly, Claudius Froze.

Chapter 120: Do You Take Off Your Shoes in Public?

Seeing Claudius suddenly freeze in place, Nia tilted her head slightly in confusion and asked softly, "Your Highness, is something wrong?"

"Wait a moment. I'm thinking," Claudius replied, his brows furrowed as he waved her off.

Nia nodded silently and stepped back, allowing Claudius the space he needed.

"Why does the name Stella sound so familiar?" Claudius muttered to himself.

After a few seconds, his eyes lit up, as if he'd stumbled upon something valuable. "If I remember correctly, isn't Stella the 'goddess' in Gild Tesoro's life?" Claudius thought, piecing the memories together.

The memories took a moment to resurface. Stella hadn't played a significant role in the stories he knew, but the details were there. A stunning girl with golden hair and a warm smile who had once brought light into Tesoro's dark world.

Before Tesoro became the notorious "Golden Emperor," he'd lived a life marked by suffering and misfortune. Born into a broken home, with a father who gambled their wealth away and died penniless, Tesoro's mother was left deranged and abusive, taking out her anger on her son.

Eventually, she, too, passed away, leaving Tesoro to fend for himself. He survived through petty thefts and scams, scraping by in the underworld just to live another day. That was until he met Stella at the Sabaody Archipelago, where she was imprisoned as a slave, on display like merchandise. Tesoro, with a passion for singing, would visit her and sing by her cage, bringing her moments of happiness amidst her captivity.

Their interactions grew into something deeper, and for the first time in his life, Tesoro found a reason to be better. He worked hard, enduring grueling jobs, all to save up enough money to buy Stella's freedom. He dreamed of building a life where they could be together.

But fate, always cruel, had other plans. On the day Tesoro finally amassed the funds to free Stella, she was purchased by a Celestial Dragon, someone who could easily outbid any commoner without a second thought. Tesoro arrived just in time to see her being dragged away.

In a rage, blinded by despair, he tried to fight back against the Celestial Dragon. But it was a fight he couldn't win. The guards made short work of him, and Tesoro was beaten down and captured, becoming a slave himself.

During his years of servitude in Mariejois, Tesoro's spirit was shattered piece by piece. The day he learned of Stella's death, something in him broke beyond repair. He blamed himself, convinced that if he had only been wealthier, he could have bought her freedom and led a happy life with her. Instead, she died, and he was left a slave.

From that moment, Tesoro swore an oath—poverty was the original sin. He resolved to become the richest man in the world so that he would never be powerless again.

Tesoro's escape came in the chaos when Fisher Tiger led the attack on Mariejois, liberating slaves and setting the city aflame. Tesoro, among the freed captives, took this as his second chance at life. In the years that followed, he clawed his way up from nothing, becoming the Golden Emperor and achieving his dream of wealth. Yet, the hole in his heart, left by Stella, could never be filled. That void, masked by riches and power, would ultimately lead to his downfall.

Claudius admired Tesoro. The man was talented and relentless, driven by a tragedy that shaped him. And while Tesoro eventually became a symbol of greed, his journey was born out of pain and loss. Claudius had always wanted someone like Tesoro on his side, someone who understood money and power. He'd thought about seeking him out in the future, but hadn't made it a priority.

But now that fate had placed Stella right in front of him, Claudius knew he couldn't let this opportunity slip by.

"Nia, organize the children and wait here for me," Claudius instructed.

Nia nodded briskly and set about her task. Meanwhile, Claudius turned on his heel and strode purposefully towards Stella.

If he wanted Tesoro's loyalty, he'd need to offer something in return. Helping reunite him with Stella seemed the perfect way to do that. Claudius didn't just see it as a strategic move; he found himself genuinely drawn to the idea of giving them the chance fate had cruelly stolen.

At that moment, Stella was chained by the neck, held by none other than Charlos, the future imbecile of the Celestial Dragons. The younger Charlos hadn't yet become the balding, middle-aged degenerate of later years, but the vacant, entitled look in his eyes was already the same.

He was known for snatching up beautiful women to serve as his "wives," only to discard or kill them when he tired of them. The scene Claudius stumbled upon perfectly fit that pattern.

Charlos stood in front of Tesoro's cage, holding Stella's chain tightly. His eyes sparkled with sadistic excitement.

"Take off my shoe and lick my toes in front of this man, or I'll kill him," Charlos sneered, lifting one grimy foot.

"No! Stella, don't do it!" Tesoro shouted, his hands gripping the cage bars so hard that his knuckles turned white. His eyes were wild with desperation.

Stella's face was filled with sorrow as she glanced at Tesoro. Just as he had once tried to save her, she would now do anything to keep him alive. Resigned to the humiliation, she knelt, reaching to remove Charlos's shoe. A pungent odor hit her as she worked, making her stomach turn.

As she bent lower, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"What the hell? You're taking off your shoes in public? And they reek too? You're polluting the whole place! Who do you think you are? I'll teach you a lesson!"

Before Stella could process what was happening, Charlos's foot suddenly lifted off the ground, and she watched as he was sent flying, the chain slipping from his grasp. She felt the collar around her neck tighten momentarily before going slack and dropping to the ground. When she looked up, Charlos was sprawled on the ground near Tesoro's cage, his nose bent at an awkward angle, a distinct footprint imprinted on his face.

He groaned in pain, writhing helplessly.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 121: Saint Claudius Has Beaten Celestial Dragons Again!

Charlos writhed on the ground in pain, his nose broken and blood mingling with the tears streaming down his face. His privileged, pampered body had never experienced such pain before, and he screamed and flailed in front of the cage, unable to comprehend the situation.

Through his agony, Charlos struggled to grasp what had just happened. He was a Celestial Dragon—untouchable! Yet someone had dared to lay a hand on him. He couldn't believe it; not even his father had ever hit him.

Overwhelmed by the sudden violence, he hadn't even seen who had kicked him. Still clutching his broken nose, he screamed in a shrill voice, "Who dares hit me? I'm a Celestial Dragon! Kill him! Kill him now!"

But despite his orders, none of his servants moved a muscle. They exchanged wary glances, their gazes shifting to the figure standing before them. While Charros might not have recognized who attacked him, his servants certainly did. They were all too aware of who Donquixote Claudius was—a Celestial Dragon unlike any other, with status and power that made him untouchable even among his kind.

Claudius was not just any Celestial Dragon; he was an upper-rank member of the Donquixote family, one of the most powerful in Mariejois. Anyone foolish enough to challenge him would be digging their own grave.

Claudius, hearing Charlos's pitiful demands for retaliation, chuckled coldly as he picked up an iron bar from the broken cage. He flexed his shoulders and called out with a sardonic smile, "You want to kill me, huh? Who do you think you are? You, a lower-ranked Celestial Dragon, dare to threaten me, Donquixote Claudius, head of the Donquixote family? You must be out of your mind!"

Claudius's voice turned harder as he continued, "If I don't teach you a lesson today, you'll think you can get away with anything. Maybe tomorrow, you'll even try pulling stunts in front of the Five Elders. Someone has to set you straight."

With that, he strode toward Charlos, dragging the iron rod across the stone floor with a screech that sent shivers down the spines of everyone present. Even Tesoro, who was watching from the now-broken cage, was stunned. The scene was surreal. Moments ago, he had been on the brink of despair, and now, here was someone who seemed to be a powerful Celestial Dragon, coming to his rescue and attacking another.

Claudius's approach snapped Tesoro out of his daze. He wasted no time in scrambling out of the cage and pulling Stella into a protective embrace. "Are you okay, Stella?" he asked urgently, his voice shaking.

"I'm fine, Tesoro," Stella said, clinging to him as tears of relief streamed down her face. The nightmare they had endured was shifting, though neither of them could quite believe what was happening.

Meanwhile, Charlos, who now recognized Claudius, was stricken with terror. The stories about Claudius were infamous in Mariejois. Years ago, he had slapped another Celestial Dragon in public at the Sabaody Archipelago and faced no consequences. To make matters worse, Charlos remembered mocking that incident at the time. He never thought he would be at the receiving end of this notorious man's fury.

Desperate and panicking, Charros babbled, "Claudius, don't come any closer! I'm a Celestial Dragon too!"

"Celestial Dragon, my foot!" Claudius scoffed. "I'm ashamed to even share that title with trash like you!" He lifted the iron rod and brought it down with a resounding thud.

A chorus of gasps erupted from the onlookers as Charros's pained screams echoed throughout the area. The gathered crowd included many servants and even some fellow Celestial Dragons, among them Corinne, who had only just parted ways with Claudius earlier.

Fights among Celestial Dragons were rare but not unheard of, usually occurring once or twice a year. Most disputes were limited to shouting matches or, at most, pulling hair. But this? This was brutal. Blood had been drawn, and one of their own was being beaten like a criminal.

"Unbelievable... is this really happening?" whispered one of the bystanders.

"Is this what a real man looks like?" Corinnelu's eyes shone as she watched Claudius wield the iron rod, dispatching his version of justice. Compared to the disheveled, foul-smelling mess that was Charlos, Claudius looked like a hero—a striking, charismatic figure who was now even more dazzling in her eyes.

Some of the other Celestial Dragons started cheering Claudius on, their disgust for Charlos outweighing any sympathy they might have had. His antics, especially involving his notorious lack of hygiene, had long made him a nuisance.

"Good job, Claudius! Teach him a lesson!" one of them called out.

"Yeah, make him pay for sullying our dignity!" another jeered.

Claudius paused his beating for a moment, smirking at the encouragement from his peers. He raised a hand in acknowledgment and called back, "Don't worry! I'll make sure he learns that hygiene and basic decency are mandatory for Celestial Dragons!"

The crowd erupted into laughter and applause, except for those too terrified to react.

Charlos could barely move now, his body bruised and swollen, his face an unrecognizable mask of pain. His cries had dwindled to weak whimpers. Claudius knew when to stop; he wasn't interested in killing Charlos. That would bring complications, even if the Five Elders were inclined to protect him. Murdering another Celestial Dragon would carry consequences that even Claudius preferred to avoid.

After one final strike, Claudius let the iron rod fall to the ground with a clang. He looked down at the pitiful form of Charlos and addressed the stunned servants. "Well? What are you standing around for? Take your master and get him out of here. He's polluting the atmosphere."

The servants rushed forward, trembling as they carefully lifted Charlos, who whimpered pitifully. A few of them made tentative moves toward Stella, intending to retrieve the property of their master.

"Touch her and you'll regret it," Claudius warned, his voice icy. "You think I'd go through the trouble of beating your boss just to let you take her back? She's mine now."

The servants looked between each other, fear in their eyes. No one dared challenge Claudius. Reluctantly, they backed away.

Claudius then turned to Tesoro, who was holding Stella tightly. He caught sight of the slave merchant nearby, who was watching the scene with wide, terrified eyes. "And this man," Claudius said, gesturing to Tesoro, "is mine too. Name your price."

The merchant, still shaking, stammered, "N-no, Your Highness. I wouldn't dream of asking for payment. Consider it a humble gift to Your Highness."

A small smile touched Claudius's lips. "Good answer." He pulled a jade bracelet from his wrist and tossed it to the merchant. "Take this as a token of my appreciation."

The merchant scrambled to catch the bracelet, bowing repeatedly. "Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you for your generosity!" He knelt, forehead touching the ground, unable to contain his gratitude.

Chapter 122: Huh?

Inside Claudius' palace in Mariejois, Claudius was staring at the little girl standing before him with an expression of surprise.

After dealing with the mess involving Charros, Claudius had decided he'd had enough of the slave market and returned directly to his palace, accompanied by his "trophies" and the newly purchased Hancock and her sisters.

As for Charlos, the expected retaliation never came. It seemed even his father, Saint Rosward, had accepted the reality of the situation. Facing Claudius' wrath again was not worth the trouble, and the last thing Rosward wanted was for Claudius to go on another rampage.

Claudius hadn't given it much thought. What was a Celestial Dragon anyway? Just another obstacle to kick out of his way.

After returning, he had instructed Nia to have the newly acquired subordinates cleaned up. They were filthy after their ordeal and needed fresh clothes and care. The four young children he had picked up were the first to be attended to, as they required less time and attention. Most of them were simply regular kids, but one of them stood out to Claudius.

The little girl standing in front of him was unexpectedly familiar. At first, Claudius hadn't noticed anything unusual; she looked just like an ordinary, albeit unusually cute, little girl. But as he questioned her, Claudius began to realize why she was different.

This girl's name was Koala. It might not have meant much by itself—names repeated often enough across the world but the fact that she was captured and sold from an island called Foolshout Island made Claudius take a closer look.

"What's with today? It's like the slave market is full of hidden treasures," Claudius thought, mildly amused.

First, he had stumbled upon Fisher Tiger, locked up in a cage, then the Boa sisters. Not long after, he had encountered the tragic couple, Tesoro and Stella. Now, while looking for a few playmates for Ace, he had unintentionally discovered Koala.

If Claudius' memory was correct, this Koala would grow up to be an important figure in the Revolutionary Army, known affectionately as "The Second Sister."

Koala, at this moment, didn't bear the same hardened, resolute demeanor she would come to have after being rescued by Fisher Tiger in the future. But she was visibly nervous, which was hardly surprising given her situation. Claudius could only imagine the darkness she must have endured to end up here.

"I really have found another gem," Claudius thought, a smile playing on his lips.

In the future, Koala would be known for her incredible skills, even learning fish-man karate, which spoke to her talent and adaptability. Claudius figured that if she could master that, then with the right training, she would pick up other forms of martial arts, like the Rokushiki, with ease. She might not be far behind Rob Lucci, another talented young protégé of Claudius' who was currently training under Spandine.

Returning his attention to Koala, Claudius considered her future potential. She wasn't just skilled in combat; she had an impeccable knack for organization and reliability. In the Revolutionary Army, she was known for her uncanny ability to manage tasks so efficiently that Sabo would often joke about having nothing left to order her to do because she had already done it.

This made Claudius smile inwardly. Ace, although young, was showing signs of being highly capable, but there was still that spark of "wildness" in him. Even as a baby, Ace had shown a rambunctious side. He wasn't one to play quietly with plush toys but had an immediate interest in toy swords and guns.

Ace was now three or four years old and was polite and well-mannered, but Claudius could still see the fire in his eyes. He had always thought about finding someone to complement Ace's strengths and cover his weaknesses, someone who could be a trusted ally. Until now, no one had seemed suitable. But Koala might be the answer.

"If they grow up and develop feelings for each other, and end up as a pair, that would be perfect," Claudius mused, smiling to himself. Then he paused as the thought took root, realizing the implication. If Koala ended up with Ace, that would mean the "Second Sister" would become the "Sister-in-law."

Claudius burst out laughing at the thought.

Startled, Koala took a nervous step back before realizing what she had done and hurriedly stepped forward again, eyes fixed on the floor.

"Koala, isn't it?" Claudius said, his voice softening. "There's no need to be afraid. I'm not going to hurt you. This place is your home now, so relax. From today onward, you're no longer a slave. Let's see... you can think of me as your godfather."

Of course, Claudius meant this in a strictly paternal sense, not in any dubious way. From this day forward, Koala would be under his protection. As for the Revolutionary Army and whatever influence Dragon might have, Claudius didn't care. If Dragon couldn't grow the Revolutionary Army without Koala, that was on him.

As for Sabo, well, if he found himself without a partner because of this twist of fate, it was just as well that Ace gained a valuable companion. Claudius felt no guilt over it.

Koala stayed silent, the nervousness still etched on her face despite Claudius's attempts to reassure her. After a few more moments of comforting words, he dismissed her to rest.

With that taken care of, Claudius stepped into the courtyard for a walk. Nia followed closely behind, ready for whatever task might be needed.

"It's customary to mark them, isn't it?" Claudius remarked.

"Yes, Your Highness," Nia replied. "The three sisters, Tesoro, and Stella already bear the mark of the Celestial Dragon's hoof. It's the common branding, of course."

Claudius touched his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... Koala will have to bear a mark as well. But branding is too cruel. Let's use a tattoo instead. Something elegant that symbolizes she's under my protection."

Nia's lips curved in a small smile. "She might not understand the significance now, but when she grows up, she'll know what an honor it is."

Claudius nodded. "And as for the others, have the hoof of the Celestial Dragon covered with the crest of the Donquixote family. It's time they bore my name instead of that symbol of oppression."

"Yes, Your Highness," Nia replied, already mentally arranging the task ahead.

Chapter 123: Let’s Take a Bath, Hancock!

The bathhouse in Claudius's palace was enormous. Just how enormous? It could easily fit a hundred people bathing at the same time and still feel spacious—it was practically a personal water park. The interior was magnificent, complete with fountains, multiple pools for different types of baths, including medicinal baths, floral baths, milk baths, and even red wine baths. Each section was set at different temperatures to suit any preference. The sheer opulence of the place could meet anyone's wildest bathing dreams.

At this moment, the three Boa sisters were bathing in one of the pools, joined by Stella. Tesoro had to make do with a sink; Claudius's bathroom was exclusive to women and children when it came to guests, with men permitted only under certain conditions. Enel occasionally managed to squeeze in, and little Ace had no restrictions due to his age.

Also present in the bathhouse were Lenny and Mero the two mermaid girls. Lenny was soaking in the milk bath, while Mero relaxed in the red wine pool. Though mermaids were creatures of the sea, they too enjoyed the luxury of a good bath.

Claudius wouldn't have them lounging in an open-air pond all day; that would be beneath them. So, the two often found themselves in the bathhouse, sometimes without even announcing their presence. Claudius himself had walked in on them more than once when he planned to bathe, only to be greeted with a surprise.

"You're quite fortunate His Highness brought you here," Mero said with a smile as she splashed water lightly in the milk bath, looking over at Stella and the Boa sisters.

"Absolutely. His Highness rarely brings anyone back. It's been years since I've seen him bring a slave to the palace. You must be special," Lenny added with a warm smile. "Congratulations on escaping that life."

Stella still looked a bit lost, taking it all in. At their words, she asked curiously, "He's a powerful Celestial Dragon, isn't he? Are you two... slaves as well?"

Lenny chuckled. "His Highness Claudius is indeed a powerful Celestial Dragon. Just how powerful? Well, let's just say it's beyond what you can imagine. Just the other day, I heard from Nia that he had a run-in with Charlos. You've seen that guy, right? Even after Claudius beat him, Charlos wouldn't dare utter a word of complaint. That's the kind of power he holds."

"As for us," Mero said, leaning back in the water, "we're technically his slaves, mermaids he keeps in the palace. But it's not what you think."

Hancock, who had been mostly silent, suddenly asked, "But if you're slaves, why do you seem... content? Shouldn't you be sad or angry?"

The three sisters had been slaves for half a year now, previously owned by Corrinnelu. Although Corrinnelu hadn't been excessively cruel, she had forced them to eat the foul-tasting Devil Fruits and treated them with indifference, no different than any other trinket or object she possessed. The sisters bore the mark of the Celestial Dragon's hoof, a permanent reminder of their suffering. Hancock, especially, resented Celestial Dragons and Mariejois deeply. So, she was baffled at the apparent cheerfulness of Lenny and Mero. Why did they seem so carefree, even friendly with the palace staff like Nia?

"Sad and angry?" Lenny murmured, trailing her fingers over the scales of her tail. "We were at first. Before, we weren't under His Highness Claudius but his cousin's care. He was... let's just say, not the kindest person. Thankfully, we didn't stay there for long before we were gifted to His Highness."

"His Highness Claudius isn't like other Celestial Dragons. He doesn't treat us as slaves, not really. If anything, we're more like friends," Mero said with a soft laugh. "He's often lonely, you know. His heart longs for the freedom of the sea, but his status keeps him here, in Mariejois. We help him forget that loneliness."

"That's true," Lenny added. "He treats us so well. We're free to move around the palace, and though Mariejois itself is dangerous and full of people who aren't like him, we're safe here. And even though he's never said it outright, he promised that when he makes a trip to Fish-Man Island, he'll set us free."

Hancock's eyes narrowed. "He's lying to you. How could he let you go? You're his slaves!"

"No, it's true. If we wanted to leave, we could have many times," Lenny said. "When he takes us on his trips, we don't have any collars or chains. We're free to swim in the sea. If we really wanted to escape, no one could catch us."

Hancock was taken aback, disbelief clouding her eyes. "Then why didn't you? This place is hell. If I had the chance, I'd be gone in a heartbeat."

Mero laughed lightly. "So, we'll have to keep an eye on you, won't we?"

Realizing she had spoken too freely, Hancock stiffened, casting wary looks at the two mermaids.

"Relax," Lenny said with a smile. "Mero's just joking. As for why we stay... maybe we don't want him to feel abandoned. Betrayal hurts, you know? His Highness has been so kind to us; we wouldn't want to make him lose trust in everyone."

Hancock frowned. "Kind? You're still prisoners here. You don't have freedom!"

"Freedom will come," Mero replied, unwavering. "His Highness might be a bit mischievous, and he might have his peculiarities, but he never breaks a promise."

"Until then, we have everything we need here. Sometimes I even feel like we are the Celestial Dragons!" Lenny said, giggling.

Hancock didn't know how to respond. Frustrated, she sank deeper into the water until half her face was submerged, blowing bubbles as she brooded. Still, a small part of her wondered: could there really be a Celestial Dragon who was different from the rest?

"Donquixote Claudius" she whispered, the name lingering in her thoughts.

Chapter 124: I, Hancock, Will Never Be Fooled by You!

The courtyard of Claudius's palace basked in the warmth of the sun. Claudius was lounging on a sunbed, a glass of juice in his hand, and a phone snail perched on the table beside him. The scene exuded an atmosphere of casual comfort, with laughter and conversation filling the air.

Hancock and her sisters had been freed from their slave collars, but Claudius wasn't in a rush to brand them. They still looked frail and undernourished. In the meantime, a lavish dining table had been set up in the courtyard, and Hancock and the others were seated, savoring their meal.

While eating, Hancock occasionally glanced at Claudius, who was sitting a short distance away. They had been in his palace for more than two days, yet he hadn't shown much interest in them. It was strange; she expected harsh orders or demeaning treatment, but there was none of that. He simply let them be, as though their presence was insignificant.

But, as Lenny and Mero had said, life here was unlike the nightmare of other slaves. The only restriction was that they couldn't leave the palace without permission, but otherwise, there were no harsh commands or punishments. Hancock didn't mind staying inside. She knew how terrifying the world outside these walls could be, how it teemed with threats. What if another Celestial Dragon saw them and took them away? That would be a disaster.

Nia treated them with kindness, far from the cold, stern figure Hancock had known under Corrinnelu. Nia made sure they were comfortable, assigned them luxurious rooms that resembled royal suites rather than cells, and provided meals fit for royalty. The harsh metal chains that once bound them like animals were nowhere in sight.

Despite still being technically enslaved, everything in Claudius's palace screamed luxury and comfort. Hancock, who grew up as a royal on Amazon Lily, wasn't used to such extravagance. Even on Snake Island, resources were scarce, and they survived through piracy. Even the queen's meals weren't as opulent as what Claudius seemed to consider everyday dining. Here, fragrant incense burned at night to soothe their nerves and help them sleep, and Hancock assumed it must be something rare and valuable.

As she nibbled on a donut, its sweet and tangy flavor made her pause in delight. It was so good that she felt a pang of guilt for enjoying it. The taste seemed to linger with hints of citrus—perhaps lemon or orange? She took another bite, savoring the burst of flavor before she mentally chastised herself.

"No, Hancock, don't be fooled by the kindness here. This is how he wants to break your will, make you soft and complacent!" she reminded herself. But then, a small voice in her mind whispered, "But it would be a waste not to enjoy the food, right? Besides, eating more means more expense for him. I'm not being greedy—I'm fighting back! Yes, this is revenge for what he and the other Celestial Dragons did to us. I'll eat him out of house and home!"

Her resolve set, Hancock bit into the donut with newfound determination. She decided that she would light three incense sticks in her room tonight, no, six—two for each of her sisters. That would really show Claudius!

Looking over at her sisters, she noticed Marigold and Sandersonia eating with wide smiles, stuffing their faces without a care in the world.

Marigold noticed Hancock's gaze and, with a mouth full of food, said cheerfully, "Sister, the food here is even better than on Snake Island!"

Hancock couldn't help but smile, reaching over to ruffle Marigold's hair. "If it tastes good, eat as much as you want. We don't need to hold back."

She picked up a glass of freshly squeezed juice and took a sip. It was as if a garden of fruits had blossomed in her mouth. The flavor was rich and refreshing, and Hancock's mind wandered. Just how wealthy was this Claudius? What if he decided to share some of this wealth with Amazon Lily?

Her eyes drifted back to Claudius, who was still deep in conversation with the person on the phone snail. She couldn't shake the thought that he looked different from the Celestial Dragons she despised. There was something about him that was... intriguing?

"No, this is nonsense. I won't let myself be taken in by him," she assured herself, shaking her head. But the fear she felt when she first arrived seemed to be slipping away.

"What fear? I refuse to fear those vile Celestial Dragons!" Hancock told herself. Yet, the curiosity lingered. Who was this Claudius, really? And why did he act so differently?

Elsewhere at the table, Tesoro was cutting a tender piece of steak for Stella, who sat next to him. The flavor was so rich that Tesoro felt as if he'd never truly tasted steak before. Each bite was an explosion of taste, and he felt a pang of disbelief at his current circumstances.

His gratitude for Claudius was immense. When Claudius had taken them away, Tesoro feared he would separate him from Stella, treating her like the other Celestial Dragons had. But Claudius hadn't done that. He hadn't even shown interest in her, despite her beauty. Tesoro didn't know whether to feel relief or confusion, but he was grateful nonetheless.

More than that, Claudius had assigned them a room together. It was almost too much to believe.

"Your Highness, Claudius... as long as Stella can live like this, I don't care what happens to me. I'll follow you to the ends of the earth," Tesoro vowed silently.

He placed the steak on Stella's plate and said softly, "Here, try this. It's really good."

Koala, sitting quietly, glanced at Ace, who was playing on the grass with a milk bottle. She hesitated for a moment before whispering, "Brother... Brother?"

Today, under the gentle warmth of the sun in Mariejois, everything seemed oddly peaceful, almost as if the harsh realities of the world were nothing more than a distant memory.

Chapter 125: The Sadness of Doflamingo

Hancock and her sisters were enjoying their meal.

Claudius, however, had already finished eating earlier. Originally, he had planned to dine with them to build rapport, but he realized that rushing things might not be the best approach. It was better to let them get used to the place on their own for a bit, so he had been giving them space for the past couple of days.

The morning had been a whirlwind for Claudius. The phone calls from the transponder snail seemed endless.

First, there was a call from Dragon. The revolutionary leader reminded Claudius about the promise of lending him an old tome. Claudius had casually agreed to this a while back, and now he felt a bit embarrassed for not following through sooner. Despite thinking that Dragon's endeavors were bound to fail, Claudius appreciated that the man was persistent. Thus, they arranged a time for Dragon to come by and borrow the book.

Not long after, Doflamingo reached out. The flamboyant pirate had seen Crocodile become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and was clearly eager to claim such a title for himself. His voice over the transponder snail was animated as he inquired, "Hey, cousin, what's the plan? When do I get my turn as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"

Claudius could hear the impatience in Doflamingo's tone. He knew his cousin had vested interests in the underworld and needed that legitimacy to keep the World Government off his back. Despite wearing the uniform of a CP agent, Doflamingo was heavily involved in arms dealing and other illicit trades. This made the title of Warlord even more valuable.

"Don't rush, Doffy," Claudius said, sipping his juice. "Are you really planning to head to Dressrosa this early?"

Doflamingo chuckled. "I hadn't intended to go so soon, but securing the Warlord title earlier would speed up my plans and expand the influence of the Donquixote pirates. So, cousin, can you make it happen?"

Claudius smiled, understanding the urgency. "It'll happen soon enough. But we need to let the world process the recent changes. Be patient."

There was a brief silence on the line before Doflamingo spoke again. "If anyone else told me to wait, I'd demand an explanation. But since it's you, cousin, I'll trust you. I can wait."

"Hahaha, good. It won't be too long," Claudius assured him.

"By the way…" Doflamingo's voice trailed off, as though he was hesitating.

"What is it?" Claudius asked, intrigued.

"Rosinante has come back," Doflamingo said, his voice wavering. "He's joined up with me. I've made him a senior officer of the Donquixote family."

"Rosinante?" Claudius was surprised. "And what about Uncle Homing?"

"The old man's dream was always to wander the world and experience life. He's been doing just that, sending us the occasional letter. Rosinante and I send him money when we can, so there's no need to worry about him," Doflamingo replied, his tone growing softer.

Claudius listened carefully. He knew that Doflamingo once harbored deep resentment toward their father, who had cast them out from the privilege of the Celestial Dragons' world into the harsh reality of ordinary life. But it seemed time had eroded some of that bitterness, leaving behind only a trace of nostalgia.

Claudius chose not to comment on their father. It was better to leave some things unsaid.

"So, how's Rosinante?" Claudius asked, trying to steer the conversation to safer ground.

Doflamingo sighed, the sound heavy and regretful. "Even though he's my brother, I'm starting to doubt him. I think he might not be as trustworthy as he once was…"

"What do you mean?" Claudius asked, an uneasy suspicion forming in his mind.

"I've found traces of information he tried to hide from me. If my hunch is correct, Rosinante has become a Marine at some point. Now, he's rejoined me as a pirate. You understand what that implies, right, cousin?" Doflamingo's voice had a bitter edge.

Claudius's eyes narrowed. "A Marine, huh?"

"Claudius's tone grew colder as the pieces fell into place. He had a cordial relationship with Sengoku and shared mutual respect with Marshal Kong, so the notion that they'd send an agent to infiltrate Doflamingo's ranks felt off. They wouldn't take such a risk unless their hands were forced.

The only ones who could override their judgment were the Five Elders.

"Five Elders," Claudius whispered, his voice filled with realization.

"So you think the same, cousin?" Doflamingo said, letting out a hollow laugh. "The Five Elders must have pushed for this. I can't see Sengoku or Kong taking such a step willingly. They wouldn't want to jeopardize their standing with you."

Claudius agreed. "Yes, if Rosinante is indeed working for the Marines, it's likely that Sengoku and Kong were pressured into it. If it were purely up to them, they'd never risk damaging our relationship. They'd have no way to explain it if I found out."

Their theory was accurate. Sengoku and Kong hadn't wanted any part in sending Rosinante as an undercover operative. But the Five Elders had insisted, forcing them to comply. The choice had been between disobeying the highest authority or risking Claudius's wrath. In the end, they'd chosen the path with the least immediate consequence.

"I've been careful and low-profile," Doflamingo said with a hint of sarcasm. "But the Five Elders are still wary of me, even though I'm a Celestial Dragon. They must think I'm plotting something against them."

Claudius gave a thoughtful hum. "If I were in their shoes, I might be cautious too."

"Still, they bypassed you, cousin. They didn't want you to know. They're probably afraid you'd be deceived by me," Doflamingo said with a wry smile.

"But they don't know that we've always been on the same side," Claudius said, his voice carrying a note of amusement.

The Five Elders' suspicion of Doflamingo made sense, but they hadn't anticipated Claudius being involved. After all, as an upper-ranked Celestial Dragon, it seemed inconceivable that he would align himself so closely with Doflamingo's ambitions. This operation was meant to protect Claudius, not to undermine him.

"This will need some patience," Claudius finally said.

"Understood," Doflamingo replied, the tension easing from his voice.

Claudius knew it wasn't his place to suggest Doflamingo take drastic measures against his own brother, no matter the circumstances. For now, it was enough for Doflamingo to keep an eye on Rosinante and not take any public action against the World Government.

Besides, Claudius was confident that while Rosinante might be the perfect spy to infiltrate the Donquixote family, he was also too compassionate. The World Government might find that their clever plan would backfire one day.

And when that day came, Claudius would be waiting, ready to watch the Five Elders grapple with their miscalculated scheme.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 126: Cunning Crocodile

After finishing his conversation with Doflamingo, which involved some lighthearted banter between brothers, Claudius hung up the Den Den Mushi and was just about to get up. He intended to check on Hancock and the others, to establish more familiarity and build connections. However, before he could take a step, the phone rang again.

"What's with today? It never ends," Claudius muttered, half-amused and half-exasperated.

A quick glance revealed that it was Crocodile on the line. Setting aside his plans, Claudius settled back down on the sun lounger, picked up the receiver, and said, "Well, well, if it isn't the illustrious Warlord of the Sea. What can I do for you?"

"What's up with your phone, Claudius? I've been trying to reach you forever, but it just kept going unanswered. You need a new one?" Crocodile's annoyed voice grumbled through the speaker.

Claudius chuckled. "Ahahaha, there's nothing wrong with the phone, my friend. I've just been tied up with calls. You're not the only one trying to reach me, you know."

"Is that so? Busy man, are you?" Crocodile's tone carried a touch of sarcasm.

"Naturally. When you're at my level, where hundreds of thousands of Berries change hands with every passing moment, life tends to stay busy," Claudius responded with a grin.

"Perhaps," Crocodile said dismissively, as if humoring him.

"So, to what do I owe this call?" Claudius inquired.

There was a pause before Crocodile spoke again. "It's been a year."

Claudius raised an eyebrow, then let out a laugh. "Oh? Are we talking about our little agreement? So, you're planning to challenge me again this year?"

Claudius and Crocodile had a standing arrangement: once a year, Crocodile could challenge Claudius to a duel. If he won, he would regain his freedom. He hadn't taken up the challenge the previous year, so Claudius found this sudden announcement intriguing.

"Of course. Unlike you, Claudius, I spend my time navigating the dangers of the sea, growing stronger with each passing day. By now, both my experience and my strength should surpass yours. What do you say? Are you willing to face me, or will you admit defeat? I promise not to gloat," Crocodile's voice carried a biting edge.

"Fair point. I may not be out there risking my life every day like you, but if you really think you've caught up to me, you're sorely mistaken," Claudius said with confidence.

"Come to Alabasta, then. I'll be waiting," Crocodile challenged.

Claudius paused, then let out a hearty laugh. "Ahahaha, so that's your game. You've gotten a bit more cunning, haven't you, Crocodile? You want to fight me on your turf, the deserts of Alabasta. Trying to use the environment to your advantage, are we? And all that talk before was that just to bait me into accepting?"

Crocodile remained silent for a moment, but when he spoke again, there was no trace of embarrassment. "Our agreement never specified neutral ground, did it? There was no clause saying we couldn't use any resources at our disposal. What's the matter, Claudius? Are you scared?"

"Scared? Hardly. If I beat you in Alabasta, I assume that'll make you feel even more defeated?" Claudius smirked.

Crocodile let out a dry laugh. "Exactly. Who knows, maybe in another year or two, I won't be calling to challenge you at all."

"Well, now that's a delightful thought," Claudius said, his tone amused. After a short pause, he continued, "So, was this the only reason you called?"

Crocodile glanced around the room of his new residence in Alabasta and replied, "Not quite. I wanted to inform you that the plan is already underway. Just today, I secured a noble title here in Alabasta."

"Ahahaha, is that so? Congratulations, Crocodile," Claudius said, genuinely pleased.

"But…" Crocodile hesitated, the mirth in his voice replaced by a serious tone.

"But what?" Claudius asked, curiosity piqued.

"I initially estimated it would take about five years to seize control of Alabasta. But now, after getting a better sense of the place, I've realized the influence of the Nefertari royal family is deeper than I anticipated. I'm revising my estimate, it might take ten years or even more to achieve full control," Crocodile admitted.

Claudius went silent for a moment, processing the new information. Then, he responded, "That's fine. As long as we achieve our objective before the 'big change' I've envisioned, I'm not worried. A decade is nothing to me; I have all the time in the world."

Crocodile was taken aback, though he didn't show it. Claudius' immediate acceptance of his new timeline, without a single question or reprimand, spoke volumes. It was trust, plain and simple. Crocodile realized that Claudius, with his ability to command loyalty and confidence, was indeed a master at managing people.

It was strange. In some ways, Crocodile felt almost proud to be associated with him. Not that he'd ever admit it out loud, of course. He composed himself and said, "I have a few strategies in mind, but I might need your input now and then. Make your way to Alabasta soon."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure to beat you soundly," Claudius said with a grin. "But first, I have to finish my little errand at Little Garden. I'm close by anyway, and there's a certain dinosaur I'd like to catch."

"One more thing," Crocodile interjected. "I need your assistance with acquiring certain… contraband. I could handle it myself, but why go through the trouble when I have you as a resource? I need a substantial amount of Dance Powder."

Dance Powder was banned for good reason; it was an artificial rain stimulant that could siphon precipitation from surrounding regions, leading to droughts and potentially catastrophic conflicts. While the World Government had officially outlawed it, the black market still thrived with the trade of such dangerous substances.

"Ah, for the sake of stirring up trouble in Alabasta, I see. I'll point you to Doflamingo. If it's illegal, he's your guy. I have a feeling you two will get along just fine," Claudius said with a chuckle.

"We'll see," Crocodile replied, his tone as cool as ever.

Chapter 127 Go to the Oldest Kingdom of Mankind!

Standing on the deck of the Prometheus, even though the ship had been sailing for several days now, Hancock still couldn't contain her excitement and anticipation.

Amazon Lily, located in the Calm Belt, had powerful warriors, but the nation's resources were limited, making it difficult to build many ships. Even though Hancock and her sisters were members of the royal family, they had never ventured out to sea.

On Amazon Lily, only the most powerful warriors could join the Kuja Pirates and sail under the command of the Empress. While Hancock and her sisters were undeniably talented, they still needed more time to grow into such powerful figures.

The reason the three sisters had been captured by slavers and ended up as slaves was due to their intense curiosity about the outside world. They often ventured to the coast, waving excitedly whenever they spotted a ship brave enough to traverse the Calm Belt.

In retrospect, who would dare cross the Calm Belt without reason? Only those with significant power or individuals fearless enough to risk their lives on dangerous ventures like the slave trade. It was during one of those risky moments that Hancock and her sisters encountered a slaver crew, sealing their fate as captives and taking them to the cruel world of Mariejois.

While they technically did sail on that dark journey, it was nothing like now. They were trapped in a dank, suffocating cell below deck, consumed by fear and darkness. The splendor and adventure of the sea were replaced by dread. From there, their world only worsened as they found themselves in the hellish conditions of slavery. It was only by some miracle that the three sisters survived.

Everything changed when Claudius appeared. His intervention turned their bleak fate upside down.

"Lenny and Mero were right; he really is different," Hancock thought as she glanced at the ocean where Lenny and Mero, the mermaid sisters, were frolicking without a care.

The two mermaids wore no collars, nor were they restricted in any way. They could leap into the sea and vanish to freedom at any time, yet they stayed close, playing by the ship. When they were tired of swimming, they would climb back aboard and rest, enjoy some refreshments, or lounge in the large pool on the deck.

They weren't treated like slaves at all. It seemed more like they were guests aboard this luxury ship, free to enjoy themselves.

Hancock realized that her situation wasn't so different. Other than being unable to swim due to her Devil Fruit powers, she and her sisters were free to roam the ship, just as they had back home. Claudius even mentioned they were bound for the desert nation of Alabasta, and it didn't seem like he planned to confine them to the ship. That meant she and her sisters could set foot on Alabasta and experience the desert for the first time.

"If we're allowed to wander Alabasta freely, maybe there will be an opportunity to take Mary and Sonia and escape," Hancock considered.

But her expression shifted as she muttered, "No, it's too dangerous. Staying with Claudius is safer. If we escape and get caught again, what then?"

Claudius had mentioned that soon they would receive training to become stronger. Hancock knew he was referring to Haki training. On Amazon Lily, all warriors possessed Haki, but she and her sisters had never trained seriously. Now that they understood the harsh reality of the world, they figured it was wise to take advantage of Claudius' resources. He was willing to train them, so why not use this chance to become stronger?

"Once we're stronger, we'll find a better opportunity to leave," Hancock thought, not realizing she was once again compromising with her situation.

Hancock and her sisters weren't the only ones enjoying the deck. Stella was standing beside Nia keenly learning the art of service and refining her skills.

Meanwhile, Tesoro was being drilled by three elderly scholars on economics, finance, and the intricacies of wealth management. It was exhausting, but the thought of creating a better life for himself and Stella fueled him. He absorbed every piece of wisdom from the old men with unwavering focus.

"The more I learn now, the more valuable I'll become to His Highness. If I can prove my worth, Stella's future will be secure and happy," Tesoro thought, encouraging himself to push through.

On the third floor of the ship, in the expansive library, Claudius sat with a thick history book on Alabasta. Little Robin, who had been aboard the Prometheus for weeks, hadn't stepped foot off the ship. In fact, she'd taken it upon herself to organize and categorize the entire library during her free time.

At this moment, Robin sat on the steps, leaning against the railing with a book in her hands and a cup of warm milk by her side. It was clear that she was content with this routine.

From where he sat, Claudius could see the two youngest members, Ace and Koala, poring over a picture book. He'd left most of the other children at home this time, not wanting the ship to be overcrowded. Teachers had been arranged to take care of them and oversee their studies.

But Koala was an exception. She was always a little different.

"Robin..." Claudius called out, breaking the quiet atmosphere.

Robin, who had been casually observing Ace and Koala, looked up, surprised. Her large eyes met Claudius' with a hint of curiosity.

"Would you like to join us on our visit to Alabasta?" Claudius asked with a smile.

Robin didn't hesitate. She shook her head and replied, "No, I'm not interested."

Claudius chuckled. "You'll end up as a recluse like this," he teased.

"What's a recluse?" Robin's brows furrowed slightly as she questioned.

"Ah, nothing good, that's for sure. As the saying goes, 'Reading a thousand books is only half the journey; walking a thousand miles completes it.' Books alone won't teach you everything, Robin. Sometimes, you need to see the world to truly understand it. So, why don't you come with me to Alabasta? It's the oldest known human kingdom. I'm sure it's rich in culture and history," Claudius said, his tone persuasive.

Robin's eyes softened. The idea of Alabasta did hold some allure. A kingdom with over four thousand years of history, what historian could resist such an opportunity?

"Who knows, maybe you'll even find ancient ruins," Claudius added enticingly.

That was all it took. Robin couldn't hide her intrigue any longer. She nodded in agreement.

"Hahahaha, that's the spirit," Claudius said with a laugh.

Chapter 128 A Certain Scientific Devil Fruit

In the vast expanse of Alabasta's desert, Claudius and Crocodile were locked in a fierce clash.

There was no denying it, Crocodile's power in the desert was formidable, amplified by the surrounding sands that played directly into his abilities. It made him a fearsome opponent.

On a small sand dune at a safe distance Nia and the others watched the battle unfold. Tesoro and Stella had stayed behind on the ship, with Tesoro deep in his studies and Stella choosing to keep him company. Likewise, Koala and Ace had remained on the vessel, engrossed in their own games.

Mero and Lenny, the two mermaid sisters, had insisted on seeing the desert despite knowing the sweltering heat would be a challenge for them. They claimed that they might never have another chance to witness a desert again. Now, having fulfilled that curiosity, they regretted it. Both sisters were sprawled out in a large glass tank filled with water on the sand boat, looking as though they were on the verge of being boiled alive under the scorching sun.

Hancock looked over at the mermaids, shaking her head with a touch of exasperation. "I told you it would be unbearably hot. Now, the water tank is practically steaming," she said, a trace of concern in her voice.

"Please, Hancock, I have one final wish: send me back to the ship," Mero whimpered, extending a hand out of the water feebly.

Nia chuckled at the sight and reassured them, "Hold on just a little longer. Once His Highness finishes up, we'll head to town. The oases in Alabasta's towns are quite refreshing."

Enel, who had been standing by holding his golden staff, glanced at the struggling mermaids and sighed. A small current of electricity crackled at his fingertips, and in moments, his golden staff morphed into a thin parasol. He placed it over the water tank to shield them from the sun.

Mero perked up slightly. "Enel, you really are a good guy. I've decided to forgive you for electrocuting me in the water the other day," she said with a playful smirk.

A look of embarrassment crossed Enel's face. "That was an accident," he muttered.

He paused, then added, "We're leaving Alabasta after this, and it will be some time before we return to Mariejois. His Highness might visit Fish-Man Island soon. If so, you'll finally be free. This could be the last time we see each other."

"What do you mean 'the last time'?" Lenny chimed in.

"Exactly! When you enter the New World, be sure to stop by Fish-Man Island. We'll welcome you properly," Mero added, her voice more lively now.

Enel smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting in rare cheer. "I'll hold you to that," he said, genuinely touched.

On the other side, Marigold pointed toward the battle in awe. "Sister, look! His Highness Claudius is so powerful!"

Hancock followed her gaze, watching Claudius face off against Crocodile. She nodded in agreement. "Yes, he's even stronger than the Empress."

In the distance, Claudius wielded his demon blade, Shindō, with expert precision. "One-Sword Style—Frost Flower Burial!" he called out as a frosty slash cut through the air toward Crocodile.

With a swift movement of his arm, Crocodile commanded the desert to rise. A wall of sand appeared in an instant, blocking the icy attack. The wall froze on contact, its surface glistening with frost, but Crocodile shattered it effortlessly, sending the now-loose sand surging toward Claudius.

"Desert Spada!" Crocodile shouted, his arm slicing through the air as a deadly sand blade hurtled toward Claudius.

"Your power is truly troublesome in this environment," Claudius said as he dissolved into an invisible gust of wind, letting the attack pass harmlessly through him.

Crocodile's eyes narrowed. "Your power is bizarre as ever. Just what kind of Devil Fruit is this so-called 'Nitrogen Fruit'?"

It wasn't the first time Claudius's abilities left someone baffled. His power was strange and unpredictable, even to those who fought him.

"It's just science; nothing too complicated," Claudius replied nonchalantly, unwilling to go into detail.

Before Crocodile could question him further, Claudius posed his own question. "One last thing—my frost technique hasn't been affecting you much, has it?"

Crocodile's eyes flickered with a hint of curiosity. "It has an effect, but not enough to be a concern. Why do you ask?"

Claudius's lips curled into a smile. "Just making sure. I've been wanting to try out a new move, a bit of a trump card, if you will."

Crocodile raised an eyebrow. "Go ahead and show me."

"Are you sure? I might actually defeat you with this one," Claudius said, smirking.

Crocodile scoffed, his patience waning. "In the desert, I won't lose. And even if I do, I'll accept it."

"Well then, as you wish," Claudius whispered, his voice taking on a more serious tone.

His heartbeat quickened, a signal Crocodile recognized as Claudius activating his unique power. The shift was subtle at first, but soon Crocodile felt an inexplicable tension. Claudius's skin began to flush red, as though he were holding his breath or straining under intense pressure. From his seven orifices, wisps of white vapor began to seep out, covering him in a shroud of smoke.

Crocodile noticed the sand beneath Claudius's feet crystallizing with frost. The air felt different, almost thinner, as if it had become lighter. Crocodile's brows furrowed in confusion.

In the next moment, Claudius pressed his hands together at his chest and spoke, "Uranus—Death of Winter."

A transparent liquid spread rapidly from under Claudius's feet, rippling out like a small tide that consumed the desert around him. Crocodile's instincts kicked in, and he turned to sand, lifting himself into the air. From above, he could see the liquid envelop the ground below.

He felt relieved for a moment, believing he had escaped the attack. But then, the liquid began to evaporate rapidly, turning into thick white mist that rose around him. The sand below was now covered in a layer of frost, an impossible sight in the heart of the desert.

"Was that it? Impressive, but too slow. Easy to dodge," Crocodile thought, a hint of smugness seeping into his mind. He was ready to counter when an odd sensation washed over him. His head felt light, and his vision wavered as if he were intoxicated.

"What's going on?" Crocodile's thoughts turned sluggish as Claudius's voice reached his ears.

"The true power of this move lies in its most subtle effect. Ever heard of 'nitrogen narcosis'?" Claudius said, stepping forward with a grin.

Crocodile's eyes widened in sudden realization, but it was too late. His consciousness slipped away, and he fell from the sky, landing unceremoniously in the frost-covered sand below.

Chapter 129 It’s Terrible That You Have No Culture

Rainbase, an oasis city in Alabasta, is part of a land where every city is centered around an oasis. Building a city in the desert without such a water source would mean certain death.

In Claudius's memory, Rainbase would later be transformed by Crocodile into one of the most prosperous cities in Alabasta. It would become famous, in particular, for hosting the most impressive casino in the first half of the Grand Line. But right now, Rainbase was still just a modest town with a small population.

Crocodile, as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, had entered Alabasta and swiftly dealt with some of the pirate threats. His power and decisive actions earned him the status of a noble—a knight—bestowed upon him by King Nefertari Cobra. The fief he was granted was none other than the city of Rainbase.

Although Alabasta's civilization was advanced in many respects, its governance still held onto some archaic traditions. Nobles here, even new ones like Crocodile, wielded significant power within their domains.

At this time, Claudius and his group were guests in Crocodile's newly acquired mansion in Rainbase. Crocodile had recovered from the effects of Claudius's "Death of Winter" technique, but he was still trying to understand how he had been caught off-guard. What kind of ability was that?

He wasn't the only one curious. The rest of Claudius's party looked just as puzzled.

"Why are you all staring at me like that? Do I look strange?" Claudius asked, lounging on a sofa with a glass of wine in hand.

After a pause, Crocodile frowned and said, "I may not know a lot about your abilities, but I have to ask, what exactly happened back there?"

"Yeah, what was that? Did you make Crocodile drunk with some kind of drink?" Enel added, his curiosity piqued.

Even little Robin, who had been quietly holding a book, was now eyeing Claudius with interest.

Claudius chuckled. "Ah, this is the power of science. You see, 'Death of Winter' is all about deception. It looks imposing and dramatic, but the real trick is in the 'intoxication.'"

Crocodile had suspected that the move was all show, but it still left him baffled. How could something that looked so grand fail to touch him physically yet still take him down?

"A large amount of liquid nitrogen rapidly vaporizes, increasing the nitrogen concentration in the surrounding area. This process is nearly imperceptible. You don't feel any difficulty breathing, and for a few seconds, there are no adverse reactions. But by the time you notice it, it's too late. You're already in a state of what I like to call 'nitrogen intoxication,' much stronger than any alcohol. Once that kicks in, any effective response is pretty much impossible," Claudius explained with a grin.

The room fell silent as everyone tried to digest what he had just said. Though the words made sense individually, they seemed foreign when strung together in this context.

Crocodile and the others looked utterly perplexed.

Claudius sighed and waved his hand dismissively. "Ah, it's terrible when there's a lack of culture. Forget it. Just think of it as a really powerful move."

Not wanting to seem ignorant, Crocodile took a sip from his glass, choosing not to press further. He then shifted his gaze to Enel. "I heard you won't be heading back to Mariejois after this?"

"That's right. I'm planning to roam the seas as a pirate and aim to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, like you," Enel replied confidently.

"With your Thunder Fruit powers, that should be achievable. I'll admit, I'm a bit envious of such a powerful ability," Crocodile said, his tone genuine.

After exchanging a few more words with Enel, Crocodile turned back to Claudius. "I've already finalized an arrangement with Doflamingo. He'll be providing the contraband—Dance powder."

Claudius nodded approvingly. "Good. So, what's your plan for Alabasta?"

"The Nefertari family holds significant influence in Alabasta. They are revered and trusted by the people. The first step is to erode that trust, to sow the seeds of doubt and internal strife," Crocodile said calmly, as if he were discussing the weather.

"So, you'll be aiding the rebels to undermine the royal family?" Claudius inquired, a slight smirk on his lips.

"Not exactly. That approach is too blunt. I aim to position myself as the hero of this nation. Once the rebels topple the royal family, I'll step in to quell the rebellion and restore order. With that move, I'll be seen as the savior of Alabasta and gain control of the country," Crocodile explained.

"Sounds like a solid plan, but building that kind of reputation will take time," Claudius said.

Crocodile nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Accumulating that level of prestige is a gradual process."

Claudius took a thoughtful sip from his glass. "Stick to your plan. I won't interfere."

Crocodile seemed satisfied with that response. After a moment's pause, he added, "There are rumors of Poneglyphs in Alabasta. Are you interested in those? Should I obtain one for you?"

At this, Robin's eyes lit up with sudden interest. She stared at both men, anticipation flickering in her gaze.

Claudius chuckled. "The Poneglyphs, huh? They're just icing on the cake. I'm not particularly concerned about them."

There was a time when Claudius would have been intrigued by the mysteries of the Void Century and the secrets hidden in the Poneglyphs. But he had since realized something: historical revelations might shake the world, but they were only catalysts. True change was brought about by power.

An ordinary man could uncover the greatest of secrets and broadcast them to the world, but what would that achieve? He would remain a nobody, easily swept away by the tides of history. The real players the ones who stood to gain would always be those in power.

So Claudius didn't care much about the Poneglyphs anymore. Whether someone exposed their secrets or not, he was more focused on consolidating his strength. That was what really mattered.

"Just icing on the cake, huh?" Crocodile echoed, a smile playing on his lips. "You might be right."

Chapter 130 Dragon: I Brought You a Great Gift!

In the Alabasta desert, a camel caravan was slowly making its way through the dunes, heading toward Rainbase. Among the riders was a figure who seemed entirely out of place, not because of his presence, but because of his sheer size. While the rest of the caravan sat comfortably atop camels, this towering man could only walk alongside the group. It wasn't an act of discrimination but sheer practicality the camels simply weren't tall enough to accommodate his massive frame.

Wearing a Madara bear-eared cap and tinted glasses that obscured his eyes, the figure carried a Bible in one hand. His face remained stoic and unreadable. This was none other than the infamous "Tyrant," Bartholomew Kuma—a notorious pirate on the surface, but secretly an essential cadre of the Revolutionary Army.

Next to him rode another man, his face concealed beneath the traditional desert garb of Alabasta. Despite his attempts to blend in, his sharp, commanding gaze and the prominent blood-red tattoo over his left eye made his identity unmistakable. This was Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army and one of the most wanted men in the world. With a bounty of 2 billion berries on his head, he was a constant thorn in the side of the World Government, a man whose name sent ripples through even the highest echelons of power.

Dragon stared out at the endless dunes, deep in thought. "Crocodile has settled here as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea…" he muttered to himself.

"What's the problem, Dragon?" asked Ivankov, riding beside him on a camel.

"There's definitely a problem," Dragon replied, his tone quiet but firm, his piercing gaze cutting across the landscape. "I'm worried about Claudius and what he might be planning for Alabasta."

Ivankov raised a curious brow. "Why would you think that?"

Dragon exhaled slowly, gathering his thoughts. "The Nefertari royal family of Alabasta is… unique. By bloodline, they could have been part of the Celestial Dragons, but they gave up that privilege long ago. They refused to move to Mariejois and chose to stay with their people instead. Their actions have made them an outlier, a potential problem for the World Government. At the last World Summit, King Cobra even proposed reducing the Heavenly Tribute. It wouldn't surprise me if Claudius were ordered to deal with them quietly."

Ivankov fell silent for a moment, digesting this. "But I thought you admired the Nefertari royal family? Didn't you say they were different from the rest of the oppressive nobility?"

"They are different," Dragon admitted, his voice tinged with both respect and frustration. "The Nefertari family governs with compassion. They care for their people, despise exploitation, and even consult public opinion in their decisions. They're one of the few royal families in this world that could serve as a model for others. That's exactly why they're a threat to the current system."

Ivankov's frown deepened. "So… what do we do? Do we intervene if Claudius is really planning something?"

Dragon hesitated, then sighed. "For now, this is just speculation. I can't predict Claudius's moves entirely, he's an enigma. He's a Celestial Dragon, yes, but he doesn't operate like the rest of them."

"You still trust him?" Ivankov asked, raising an eyebrow.

Dragon smiled faintly. "Trust is a strong word, but I don't think Claudius has deceived me yet. He's not a traditionalist. His vision aligns with ours in certain ways. A top-down change complementing our bottom-up revolution… it's not impossible."

"Maybe, but don't forget—he is a Celestial Dragon. And people can change, Dragon," Ivankov warned.

"True," Dragon admitted, "but at least for now, I don't believe he poses an immediate threat to us. If things change, we'll act accordingly."

The caravan eventually arrived at Rainbase, stopping just outside the city. Dragon decided to visit Claudius in person. Kuma and Ivankov, however, chose to remain outside, setting up camp in the dunes. Their identities were far too recognizable, and their presence in the city would draw unnecessary attention.

---

By the time Dragon met Claudius, night had fallen. Alabasta's desert sky was clear, untainted by clouds, and the stars twinkled brightly above, a breathtaking view that seemed almost otherworldly.

"You actually came in person?" Claudius asked, stepping out into the courtyard to greet him. He looked Dragon up and down, noting the dust clinging to his clothes. "You could've just sent someone to collect the books. Was this really necessary?"

Dragon removed his desert veil, revealing his sharp features and the unmistakable tattoo over his eye. He smirked lightly. "Can't a guest visit for a drink and a chat?"

Claudius laughed and gestured for him to come inside. "Fair enough. My apologies for the lack of hospitality. Come on in."

The two sat in the courtyard, sipping tea under the starlit sky. After a moment of silence, Dragon spoke. "See? Doesn't this show I'm sincere?"

Claudius chuckled. "What's the point of sincerity between us? You, of all people, should know there's no such thing as pure altruism in this world."

Dragon smiled faintly, not disagreeing. "Fair enough. But I do have a gift for you."

"A gift, huh?" Claudius asked, raising an eyebrow. "What's the occasion?"

Dragon leaned back, his tone light but deliberate. "The World Government's been hunting us relentlessly. I thought I'd make your job easier by giving you something you can use."

"Generous of you," Claudius said, his voice laced with amusement. "But aren't you worried I'll use this 'gift' to hurt you?"

Dragon shook his head. "It doesn't matter. There's a group of people within the Revolutionary Army who have… questionable loyalties. Consider this my way of taking out the trash while giving you something to appease the Five Elders."

Claudius's expression didn't shift, but he understood the subtext. These "traitors" were likely being served up to the World Government intentionally, Dragon's way of controlling the narrative and diverting attention. Still, Claudius saw no need to point this out. Why ruin the game?

"Very well," Claudius said, taking a sip of tea. "And what's the catch? You didn't come all this way just to clean house, did you?"

Dragon smiled, leaning forward slightly. "I heard about your Seven Warlords of the Sea initiative. I think we should talk about it…"

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 131 Claudius: I Can’t Help Myself

"I think the concept of the Seven Warlords of the Sea is fascinating. Legal pirates? That's certainly a unique approach," Dragon said with a slight smile.

If one were unaware of Claudius' deeper intentions, they might think this was just the World Government's attempt to divide pirate forces, creating a schism between allies and enemies.

But Dragon knew Claudius too well. To him, the Seven Warlords of the Sea represented something far more significant. It was a calculated move by Claudius, a strategy to build his personal powerbase under the very banner of the World Government itself.

Normally, the Seven Warlords of the Sea were tools wielded by the World Government. But in Claudius' hands, this system had the potential to become a blade aimed back at the heart of the government itself, a force that could betray them from within if necessary.

"Well, yes, I do work for the World Government. Naturally, I should be doing my part to ease their burdens. In this age of rampant piracy, one has to find ways to patch the leaks in the ship, don't you think?" Claudius said with a casual smile, his tone so genuine that it seemed as though he had no hidden agenda.

Dragon smiled too but made no effort to expose Claudius' "mask."

"So, do you think we can place one of our people within the Seven Warlords of the Sea?" Dragon asked, his tone light but purposeful.

"You mean Bartholomew Kuma?" Claudius raised an eyebrow.

"Exactly. Considering his reputation and strength, he seems to fit the criteria for the Seven Warlords of the Sea, doesn't he?" Dragon nodded.

"Oh, he certainly fits the profile," Claudius acknowledged. "But let me make one thing clear, Dragon. By pushing Kuma into this position, you're essentially slipping a piece of your puzzle into my hand. And while that's a tempting offer, it's not enough compensation for what you're asking."

Bartholomew Kuma, or "The Tyrant," was infamous across the seas. Though ruthless toward other pirates, he rarely targeted civilians or caused unnecessary destruction. His calculated approach had earned him fear and respect, making him a prime candidate for the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

However, Kuma wasn't one of Claudius' people. While Claudius didn't need all the Warlords to be under his control, he certainly intended for most of them to be. He even had plans to include Dracule Mihawk in the group, not because Mihawk was someone Claudius could manipulate, but because Mihawk's apolitical and solitary nature would reassure the World Government that the Seven Warlords weren't entirely Claudius' pawns. Mihawk was a perfect "mascot" for the organization an unassuming, neutral figure.

As for the rest of the Seven Warlords, Claudius already had his own list in mind. Crocodile was a guaranteed choice, as was his own cousin, Donquixote Doflamingo—two seats filled.

Other candidates like Gecko Moria didn't interest him, and Jinbe, though notable, had no immediate relevance since he was still loyal to Ryugu Kingdom. The remaining slots were tentatively assigned to Hancock, Enel, and Ace. That left one final position, which Kuma could potentially fill, but only if Dragon made it worth Claudius' while.

"Don't you think you're being a bit greedy? 'Not enough compensation,' really?" Dragon frowned.

"Greedy? You must be joking," Claudius retorted. "Do you think Seven Warlords of the Sea positions are like cabbages sold on the street? That there's an endless supply? I'm holding onto a limited resource here, Dragon."

Dragon rubbed his temples, clearly annoyed but unwilling to argue further. After a moment's thought, he sighed. "Fine. What do you want? How much is it going to cost me?"

Claudius smirked. "Simple. After Kuma joins the Seven Warlords of the Sea, I get a share of whatever benefits your Revolutionary Army reaps from his position."

"You're not even trying to hide your greed, are you?" Dragon raised an eyebrow. "Do you even know what we intend to use Kuma for?"

"I don't know, and frankly, I don't need to. But whatever it is, I'm sure it'll pay off handsomely for you, won't it?" Claudius replied, still smiling.

Dragon didn't deny it. Although Claudius didn't have all the details, he had a general idea. Dragon intended to use Kuma to infiltrate the Marines' scientific division and exploit its resources. That was likely just one piece of Dragon's larger scheme, but it was enough to justify Claudius' terms.

Claudius himself had some influence over the Marines' scientific division, but directly utilizing it would draw too much attention from the World Government. If he wanted to keep certain gains hidden, he needed a proxy like Kuma.

After a long pause, Dragon finally nodded. "Fine. Let's do it."

"What, no counteroffer?" Claudius asked, genuinely surprised.

"Would it make a difference if I tried?" Dragon replied, giving Claudius a sharp look.

"Not at all," Claudius said with a grin. "Business is business, after all. Mixing it with personal relationships only complicates things."

Dragon snorted. "I figured as much. Still, don't think you've won here. The next time you need a favor, don't blame me if I make you pay dearly for it."

"Hahaha! I'll take my chances," Claudius laughed heartily.

The two continued to discuss the arrangement briefly. Claudius assured Dragon that Kuma's position in the Seven Warlords of the Sea would be reserved, but reminded him that the plan was long-term. Dragon would need to be patient and allow Claudius to move at his own pace.

Dragon had no choice but to agree. He could only urge Claudius to expedite the process as much as possible.

Changing the subject, Dragon casually poured himself a cup of tea and asked, "What's the deal with Crocodile going to Alabasta? What are you plotting?"

Claudius raised an eyebrow as he sipped his tea. "What do you mean, 'what am I plotting'? Crocodile went there on his own. Why are you poking your nose into this?"

Dragon set the teapot down and, after a brief silence, said, "Let's not beat around the bush. The Nefertari royal family in Alabasta, they're good people. Are you planning to target them?"

Claudius was quiet for a moment before placing his teacup on the table. Meeting Dragon's gaze, he replied, "And if I said yes?"

A glint of understanding flickered in Dragon's eyes, and he asked, "Is there no way to avoid this?"

Claudius sighed, feigning helplessness. "It's not entirely up to me, you know. I am still a servant of the World Government, after all. And the Nefertari family… well, let's just say their refusal to fully cooperate with the Government has made them a target. They've been talking about reducing their Heavenly Tribute payments. You can imagine how well that went over."

In truth, the Five Elders hadn't explicitly ordered an attack on Alabasta. But Claudius didn't hesitate to use them as a scapegoat, framing his own plans as mere obedience to higher orders.

Now, it wasn't about what he wanted to do to the Nefertari family. It was about following the will of the World Government. Surely, Dragon could understand that Claudius had no choice in the matter… or so Claudius wanted him to believe.

Chapter 132: Dragon Is Heading to East Blue to Stir Things Up?

Dragon took another sip of tea, his expression seeming somewhat conflicted.

Claudius noticed Dragon's hesitation and stayed silent. The atmosphere between the two grew heavy as neither spoke for a while.

After a long pause, Dragon finally asked, "So, what exactly are you planning to do in Alabasta?"

Claudius glanced at Dragon with a somewhat amused expression, saying nothing, which only made Dragon feel a little awkward.

After a moment, Claudius spoke. "Is it really appropriate to ask?"

Dragon shook his head with a faint smile. "No, it's not. I guess it's as inappropriate as you prying into how our Revolutionary Army handles its affairs."

"Hahahaha! At least you understand that much, Dragon. Tell me, do you have any personal connection to the Nefertari royal family?" Claudius asked with a chuckle.

Dragon shook his head. "Not really. Back when I was with the Marines, I met them once or twice, but we didn't have much interaction."

"Exactly. Since there's no personal connection, why are you so interested in involving yourself in this muddy water?" Claudius asked casually, lifting his teacup to take a sip.

"It's not really about them. It's more… regret, I suppose. There aren't many royal families like the Nefertari clan left in the world. You know that as well as I do," Dragon replied after some thought.

Claudius nodded slowly, acknowledging the point. From an outsider's perspective, the Nefertari family truly was an exceptional royal family. They ruled Alabasta with fairness and maintained their kingdom's prestige. If they hadn't governed so well, they likely would've been overthrown long ago.

But from Claudius' perspective, their excellence was precisely the problem. In this world, "a piece of unblemished jade invites trouble." If the Nefertari family had been an ordinary royal family from a small and insignificant kingdom, Claudius might have even protected them.

However, as rulers of the powerful kingdom of Alabasta, with significant military strength at their disposal, they became a strategic target. For Claudius, building his power meant he couldn't afford to let such a potential threat stand.

"I understand where you're coming from, Dragon, but I have my own burdens to carry," Claudius said softly. "You don't tell me the Revolutionary Army doesn't shed blood for its cause, do you?"

Dragon fell silent, not responding to Claudius' rhetorical question.

"Whether it's your bottom-up revolution or my top-down approach, blood will be spilled. If you flinch today, you'll end up paying the price tomorrow. Don't underestimate this world, Dragon," Claudius said seriously.

Dragon suddenly smiled. "Are you lecturing me now?"

"Of course," Claudius replied with a laugh.

Dragon knew there was no changing Claudius' mind. He also recognized that he was unnecessarily meddling in something unrelated to him. Deep down, he understood Claudius was right—this wasn't his fight, so why wade into it?

After some quiet reflection, Dragon decided to back off. As Claudius had said, there was no point in stirring up unnecessary trouble.

"You've made your point. What else can I say? If I keep pushing, I'll just look unreasonable," Dragon said, shrugging his shoulders.

"Good, good. Let's not dwell on unpleasant topics. Besides meeting me, do you have any other plans while you're in Alabasta?" Claudius asked.

Dragon shook his head. "I'm just passing through. My next stop is East Blue."

"East Blue? Ah, right, that's your homeland, isn't it?" Claudius remarked with a grin.

"Yeah. The Goa Kingdom. It's said to be the most beautiful country in East Blue, though… well…" Dragon's tone softened for a moment, as if reminiscing, but a flicker of disgust soon crossed his face.

Claudius knew about the Goa Kingdom. It was indeed renowned as the most beautiful country in East Blue, with its polished image of wealth and prosperity. However, it achieved this reputation by ruthlessly discarding anything deemed undesirable. The nobles lived in luxury, while the poor barely survived in the squalor of the kingdom's infamous Gray Terminal.

"It sounds like East Blue is in for some trouble," Claudius said with a chuckle.

Dragon waved his hand dismissively. "You're reading too much into it. Nothing major. I'm just visiting a friend and taking care of some business while I'm there."

"Care to share the details?" Claudius asked curiously.

"Tequila Wolf," Dragon replied nonchalantly. "I think it's a place with fertile ground for sowing the seeds of revolution."

The Tequila Wolf country was a peculiar place. Technically, it wasn't even a proper nation since it had no king or centralized government. But its history spanned more than 700 years, making it one of the most unique regions in East Blue.

Over seven centuries ago, the Celestial Dragons had conceived an ambitious plan to connect the world's islands through an extensive network of bridges. While it sounded grandiose at the time, the sheer scale of the project made it utterly unrealistic. From a modern perspective, it was nothing short of absurd.

However, viewed through the lens of history, the idea wasn't entirely without merit. It was a colossal undertaking meant to benefit future generations, even if it was impractical in its own time.

When the Celestial Dragons proposed the project, the World Government had taken it seriously. But the labor requirements were astronomical, so vast that not even the wealth of the World Government could sustain it. To address this, they came up with a "brilliant" solution: instead of hiring workers, they would use slaves.

At first, the slaves were primarily pirates and criminals captured by the World Government. But as time went on and the government's morality eroded, they began enslaving innocent people as well. Generations of slaves and their descendants toiled on these bridges, and over centuries, their numbers grew into what could be described as a nation in itself, a nation built on suffering.

The Tequila Wolf Country's resentment toward the World Government had festered for centuries. And yet, despite their hardships, they had managed to achieve remarkable feats. Over 700 years, they successfully connected many of East Blue's islands through their bridges. This had significantly boosted the region's prosperity, as the bridges became vital trade routes linking various countries.

Claudius had once studied the history of the Tequila Wolf Country and its cultural significance. He even speculated that its existence might explain why East Blue had earned its reputation as the "weakest sea."

The bridges not only enhanced the World Government's control over the region but also improved the standard of living for the people. Pirates who ventured into East Blue often found themselves captured and sent to the Tequila Wolf Country as laborers. Over time, the harsh consequences deterred many would-be pirates from even attempting a career in piracy, giving East Blue its reputation as the most peaceful sea.

Perhaps this was why the World Government promoted East Blue as a shining example of stability—a sea untouched by chaos, serving as a symbol of their governance.

And now, Dragon intended to use the Tequila Wolf Country as a foothold to plant the seeds of revolution. In a few decades, this region, which had contributed so much to East Blue's prosperity, would likely see drastic changes. By then, the bridges might no longer serve their original purpose.

But history always marched forward. Even if the bridges were abandoned, perhaps new technologies like the sea train would emerge to take their place. The world was ever-changing, after all.

Chapter 133: Thinking of a Way to Take in Little Kuina?

Dragon left Alabasta shortly after, wasting no time lingering. It seemed he truly had no intention of involving himself in Claudius' affairs.

As for his mention of heading to East Blue to meet a friend, Claudius could only speculate. If his guess was correct, it was most likely Koshiro from Isshin Dojo in Shimotsuki Village.

After all, in Claudius' memory, Koshiro seemed to have subtle ties to the Revolutionary Army, often supplying them with essentials like food and other resources. His dojo could even be considered an unofficial safe house for the Revolutionary Army in East Blue.

Speaking of Koshiro, Claudius couldn't help but muse over the man's origins. There was something distinct about him that hinted he might hail from Wano Country. The clues were numerous: his name was uniquely Wano-esque, his village bore the name Shimotsuki, and he possessed the sword Wado Ichimonji one of the most famous blades crafted by Shimotsuki Kozaburo, a legendary swordsmith who had fled Wano decades ago.

Kozaburo, renowned for forging both Wado Ichimonji and Enma, was a pivotal figure in Wano's history. The latter blade had belonged to Kozuki Oden, while Wado Ichimonji now rested with Koshiro. Everything about Koshiro from his name to his sword to the name of his village hinted strongly at his Wano heritage.

"Koshiro… Kuina should've been born by now, right? I wonder if Roronoa Zoro, that directionally challenged fool, has stumbled his way to that village yet. No… it's probably still too early for that," Claudius muttered to himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Zoro was undeniably a rare talent one destined to ascend to the pinnacle of swordsmanship. Claudius wouldn't deny being interested in him, but raising a child from scratch wasn't something he had any patience for. He was content to let Koshiro handle Zoro's training and perhaps revisit the matter once Zoro had fully matured as a swordsman.

Kuina, on the other hand, intrigued Claudius even more. In his eyes, her talent may have surpassed Zoro's, but her only perceived "flaw" was that she was a girl.

Koshiro, being from Wano, likely carried some of its deeply ingrained patriarchal values. In Wano, samurai were almost exclusively male, and the idea of a powerful female swordsman was nearly unheard of. It was no surprise that Koshiro doubted Kuina could ever reach the summit of swordsmanship.

But Claudius didn't share that belief.

The world had no shortage of women who stood at its apex. From Charlotte Linlin to Boa Hancock, to Admiral candidate Gion and Chief Staff Officer Tsuru, and even Stussy, one of the underworld's queens, all of them were powerful figures who had carved out their place in the world. If these women could dominate in their respective fields, why couldn't a female swordsman stand at the pinnacle of kendo?

Especially Gion her abilities as a top-tier swordsman were unquestionable, even without relying on her "Bunny Knight" combat style.

Claudius didn't buy into Koshiro's belief that women couldn't excel in swordsmanship.

The real tragedy of Kuina's story, in his opinion, was her untimely death a vivid reminder of how fragile humans truly were. Despite her relentless efforts and immense potential, a single accident had claimed her life.

"Maybe when the time is right, I should make a trip to East Blue myself," Claudius murmured.

He firmly believed that Kuina was destined to become a great swordsman. If he could intervene and save her from her fate, she might one day grow into the world's strongest female swordsman. Such a figure would undoubtedly be a valuable asset. If the opportunity arose, he wouldn't mind recruiting her into CP-X as one of his trump cards.

After Dragon's departure, Claudius spent a few more days discussing plans with Crocodile. Their conversations revolved around the core strategy for taking control of Alabasta. While the broader outline was set, Crocodile would need to fine-tune the details over time.

Once everything was settled, Claudius saw no reason to linger in Alabasta any longer. Robin, however, seemed especially curious about the kingdom after hearing its rich history and ties to the Void Century.

Before leaving, Claudius asked Robin if she wanted to stay in Alabasta. He assured her that if she chose to stay, Crocodile could look after her temporarily.

Though tempted, Robin ultimately shook her head. "No, I'll stay with you for now," she said.

Her decision wasn't based on logic but rather a lingering sense of insecurity. For Robin, the Prometheus felt like a piece of Ohara a living remnant of her home and Claudius, who had been entrusted to protect her by her mother and Professor Clover, was her anchor of trust. As long as she remained on the ship or by his side, she felt safe.

The thought of staying in Alabasta, even temporarily, filled her with anxiety.

"I'll come back and explore Alabasta when I'm older," Robin added softly.

Claudius didn't press the issue. He had no desire to leave his "librarian" behind in the desert anyway.

After bidding farewell to Crocodile, Claudius set sail from the Port. His next destination was Little Garden, where he hoped to capture a dinosaur as a pet.

The voyage to Little Garden was long, and midway through the journey, Claudius received a call from Stussy.

"Stussy! It's been a while. Where are you now? Have you missed me?" Claudius asked with a grin.

Stussy's lips curled into a smile as she replied, "Of course I miss you, Your Highness. But I know you're not a fan of pretty ornaments without value, so I've been working hard to stay useful. Otherwise, what if you decide to throw me away one day?"

"Throw you away? Do I seem like such a heartless man?" Claudius said with mock indignation.

"All men are the same," Stussy quipped before continuing in a more serious tone. "By the way, Your Highness, something big has happened on my end recently."

"Oh? Where are you right now?" Claudius asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm in the New World, near the seas around Wano," Stussy replied.

Before Claudius could respond, Stussy added, "Gecko Moria and his crew have been wiped out."

Claudius paused, momentarily taken aback. Then, with a hint of amusement, he scratched his head and asked, "Let me guess he went to Wano to pick a fight with Kaido?"

"Pretty much," Stussy said with a laugh. "I think he got inspired by all the commotion lately. Doflamingo clashing with the Red Count, Crocodile creating waves with Bullet and making a name for himself, it must've lit a fire under Moria. So, he decided to take his shot at Kaido. Well… it didn't end well. His entire crew was annihilated."

"And Moria himself? Is he dead?" Claudius asked, still smiling.

"No confirmed reports of his death, but it seems he managed to escape. His abilities are quite impressive, after all," Stussy noted.

"True, the Shadow-Shadow Fruit is a powerful ability," Claudius admitted.

He had always thought Moria's fruit was incredibly versatile, especially its "Shadow Clone" ability, which created a duplicate nearly equal to the original in strength. The ability to control someone's life and death by stealing their shadow was also immensely dangerous.

Unfortunately, Moria had squandered such potential. Instead of maximizing its power, he had turned it into a tool for cheap tricks, hiding behind hordes of zombies while cackling in the shadows. What a waste.

Chapter 134: Claudius: Here We Go Again?

Although it was a pity that the Shadow-Shadow Fruit was wasted on someone like Moria, Claudius didn't really care. Whether Moria lived or died wasn't his problem.

Stussy also understood that Moria wasn't exactly a pressing issue. She had simply missed Claudius over the last couple of days and used the topic to start a conversation.

After chatting a bit more about Moria, Stussy changed the subject. "By the way, Your Highness, are you aware of something that's been going around in the New World recently?"

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What is it?"

"There's a term that's started making waves in the New World," Stussy said softly. She paused for a moment, seemingly choosing her words carefully, before continuing, "They're calling it the 'Pirate Emperor.'"

Hearing this, Claudius' eyes lit up, as if something had clicked in his mind.

The term "Pirate Emperor" was new, but it wasn't hard to see where it was heading, it was likely the precursor to what would later become the "Four Emperors." In the past, there had been no such terminology, only vague categorizations of pirate power levels.

Even during the time of Rocks D. Xebec, one of the most formidable pirates in history, the term "Pirate Emperor" wasn't used. Xebec had been called the "Pirate Overlord," and that was the extent of it.

Later, Golden Lion Shiki became the most powerful pirate after Xebec's era. At his peak, even Whitebeard—Edward Newgate—was slightly overshadowed by him. Pirates like Kaido and Charlotte Linlin, who were still climbing the ranks, were no match for Shiki back then. Yet, even Shiki had only inherited the title of "Pirate Overlord," not "Pirate Emperor."

"What exactly are you trying to say?" Claudius asked quietly, his tone thoughtful.

"The current structure of the New World's pirate factions is becoming increasingly clear," Stussy explained. "And without a doubt, the most dominant force is Whitebeard's crew. The Whitebeard Pirates hold countless territories in the New World. Just their flag alone is enough to ensure the safety of an entire country.

"Take Fish-Man Island, for example. Two years ago, it was devastated by the chaos of the Great Pirate Era. But now, under the protection of Whitebeard's banner, while it hasn't fully recovered, things have improved significantly. That should give you an idea of how much influence Whitebeard has."

Claudius nodded in agreement. Stussy's observations were accurate. Although there were many pirates in the seas, the only one who could truly be called a "Emperor" was Edward Newgate—Whitebeard.

Kaido was strong, yes, but his recklessness and lack of a cohesive strategy meant he hadn't yet established dominance. Charlotte Linlin's development was more organized than Kaido's, but her territory, Totto Land, wasn't yet the impregnable fortress it would become. Moreover, her children hadn't matured into the powerful force they would eventually be, leaving her empire somewhat incomplete for now.

Meanwhile, among the rest of the prominent pirates, the standouts were "pretenders" like Doflamingo and Crocodile, individuals whose reputations often exceeded their actual strength. They were from the same tier as Moria, yet had managed to elevate their standing through cunning and ambition.

It was as if the current pirate landscape was a case of "in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king." This situation was largely due to the efforts of the Marines and the World Government, who had systematically eliminated many of the true heavyweights of the previous generation.

From Ochoku to Captain John, from the Golden Lion Shiki to the Red Count, and finally to powerhouses like Byrnndi World and Douglas Bullet, the World Government had dismantled one major pirate after another.

This left a vacuum, where newer pirates like Doflamingo, Crocodile, and Moria were able to rise to prominence, despite being far from the level of someone like Newgate.

This created an interesting dynamic: while the pirate forces were somewhat depleted, the Marines remained at the peak of their strength, maintaining their position as the dominant force in the seas, even in the midst of the Great Pirate Era.

As for Shanks? He was still a "salted fish," as Claudius liked to put it—a late bloomer, to say the least.

At the moment, Shanks and his Red-Haired Pirates were likely still a small-time crew with minimal influence. He had yet to gain the fame or status of figures like Doflamingo or Crocodile. His only real claim to fame was being a former crewmember of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, which gave him some level of credibility among the major players.

And yet, within a few years of entering the New World, Shanks would skyrocket in prominence. Six years before the main story began, he would ascend to the position of "Emperor of the Sea."

His meteoric rise was proof that the Four Emperors weren't established all at once but gradually, much like the system of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

Returning to the topic, Claudius nodded and said, "When Roger was alive, it was undeniably his era. But now that Roger is gone, and others like Shiki have fallen, this is without a doubt Newgate's time.

"I don't see that changing for at least another decade or two. Unless someone like Bullet or World manages to emerge again, Newgate's position as the dominant force in the seas is secure. But I doubt the World Government will make any aggressive moves against him for the sake of stability."

Stussy nodded. "Even the World Government has its limits…" she trailed off, not finishing her thought.

Claudius smirked. "So what's the point of this whole 'Pirate Emperor' thing? Is it just people hyping up Newgate?"

"More or less," Stussy replied. "In the eyes of the pirates, Newgate is already being called the 'Pirate King' in everything but name. Many believe that if there's ever going to be another Pirate King, it has to be him."

Claudius paused for a moment, then said, "That's true—if he wanted it."

Newgate was a peculiar figure. Despite his immense power, he had no interest in claiming the title of Pirate King. Yet his sheer strength allowed him to dominate the pirate world, suppressing any challengers.

As long as Newgate stood unshaken, no one else could claim the throne. This had left the title of Pirate King vacant for over two decades since Roger's death.

This was undeniably Whitebeard's era.

"This is just the beginning. It wouldn't surprise me if, in the future, we see a second, third, or even fourth 'Pirate Emperor,'" Claudius remarked with a smile.

"Perhaps. But compared to the situation with Moria, this is undoubtedly a much bigger issue. Even if you think the World Government won't take action, I believe they'll have to respond in some way. Doing nothing would damage their authority," Stussy said softly.

Claudius stroked his chin, considering her words. Just as he was about to respond, the butler Nia entered the room, holding a Den Den Mushi.

For a moment, Claudius felt a sense of déjà vu. The same waters, the same scenario…

"Your Highness, there's an urgent summons from Mariejois. You're required to return immediately for an important meeting," Nia said quietly.

Claudius groaned, covering his face with one hand. Was it really so difficult to catch a dinosaur in Little Garden? Once again, his plans were being derailed.

"Well, that was fast," Claudius muttered helplessly. "I barely finished saying the World Government wouldn't act, and now this happens. Stussy, it seems you've jinxed me."

Stussy chuckled mischievously. "Hehehe, I'll be heading back to Mariejois as well. I can't wait to see you there."

Chapter 135: Sengoku: What Else Can I Do? Pretend to Be Humble?

Claudius sighed in frustration. As much as he wanted to visit Little Garden to capture some dinosaurs, an urgent summons from Mariejois left him no choice but to abandon his plans. Occasionally, he couldn't help but think about how easy life would be if he were just a typical, pampered Celestial Dragon, living idly without a care in the world.

But, of course, that was just a fleeting thought. He couldn't help but chuckle at the ridiculousness of it. The reality was that an order was an order, and he had no intention of testing the limits of the higher-ups' patience.

Rushing back to Mariejois, Claudius didn't want to risk arriving late. After all, many influential figures would be present. It wouldn't do to appear disrespectful by showing up last, as though he thought himself above everyone else.

When the ship docked at the port, Hancock, still pouting, voiced her displeasure. "I thought we'd have more time to enjoy ourselves. We didn't even get to see any dinosaurs! And now we're heading back to the cage?"

Claudius glanced at the young Hancock, her face still carrying traces of childhood innocence despite her growing beauty. Amused, he replied, "In this world, once you step into the fray, you don't get to make all your own choices. Work hard and grow strong, and maybe one day you'll be able to live as freely as Enel."

That's right Enel had stayed behind in Alabasta, eager to learn from Crocodile. His goal? To understand what it meant to be a great pirate.

The thought made Claudius laugh to himself. Was there really a need to seek guidance on how to become a pirate? Still, it wasn't entirely surprising. Crocodile had played something of a mentor role for Enel, even teaching him the finer points of fishing. So, for now, Enel intended to study under Crocodile before setting out on his own.

As for Hancock, her relationship with Claudius had improved during this trip. Though she was still somewhat guarded, she had grown to acknowledge that Claudius wasn't like the other Celestial Dragons she had encountered.

However, her defiance hadn't entirely faded. Hearing Claudius' words, Hancock scoffed, "I won't let myself become one of your pawns like Enel."

"'Pawn'?" Claudius echoed, knocking lightly on her head with his knuckles. "Don't talk about him like that. Enel isn't a pawn, he's one of my precious subordinates. And who knows? Maybe you will be, too, one day."

Hancock swatted Claudius' hand away. "Don't count on it. I'm the heir to Amazon Lily's throne. I'll become the empress of the Kuja Tribe. I'm not one of your subordinates."

"Is that so?" Claudius teased with a grin. "I thought I was quite generous to my subordinates. If you joined me, perhaps Amazon Lily would thrive like never before. But, never mind you can't force these things, can you?"

Hancock froze for a moment, then glanced at Claudius. She wanted to retort but hesitated, feeling trapped by her own earlier defiance.

She couldn't deny the truth in his words. Claudius wielded wealth, influence, and connections that could undoubtedly benefit Amazon Lily. If she were willing to lower her pride a little, she could potentially secure immense advantages for her people.

"Should I really lower my head for the sake of Amazon Lily?" Hancock wondered silently, conflicted.

But Claudius paid her no further attention. As the ship docked, he disembarked quickly. Not far away, he spotted a warship, and to his surprise, Sengoku was stepping off it.

Claudius decided to put the Hancock situation aside for now. After all, the duck was already in his grasp. It wouldn't fly away so easily.

As Sengoku approached, Claudius waited, greeting him with a smile.

"Your Highness, what a coincidence! I didn't expect to run into you here at the port," Sengoku said, his tone warm and cordial.

"Indeed," Claudius replied with a smile. "I rushed back as quickly as I could and managed not to be late."

Despite the fact that Sengoku had planted an undercover agent in Doflamingo's operation, Claudius bore him no personal grudge. He understood that Sengoku had been forced into a difficult position. There was no need to hold it against him.

The two exchanged casual pleasantries as they walked. Soon, a few other Marine officials joined them, and the group headed to the World Government's headquarters in Mariejois.

Without even stopping by his residence, Claudius went straight to the familiar conference room. The room was already filled with figures from both the Marine and CP agencies. Claudius took his seat, with Sengoku sitting next to him.

Looking around, Claudius noticed that the Five Elders had yet to arrive. Figuring it would take some time before the meeting began, he turned to Sengoku and asked, "So, what's the rush this time? Why the urgent summons?"

"What else could it be?" Sengoku said with a bitter smile. "Your Highness, you must have heard about it. Whitebeard—Edward Newgate—has more influence in the New World than our World Government. His flag alone offers more security than the franchise agreements of the World Government."

Claudius chuckled lightly. "Isn't that old news? Everyone knows the World Government's control over the New World is weak. It's no secret."

"It's true that this has always been the case," Sengoku admitted. "But until recently, it was a quieter reality, hidden from the public eye. Now, with the rumors about a so-called 'Pirate Emperor,' Whitebeard's dominance has been thrust into the spotlight. It's becoming a matter of public perception, and that's bad for the World Government's image."

Claudius smirked and teased, "Well, it sounds like the Marines are about to take the brunt of the criticism for this. Pirates are your jurisdiction, after all. I'm sure the CP agents will have a field day mocking you."

Sengoku sighed, his expression bitter. "As if I don't already know that. Your Highness, you'll need to speak up for us later."

Claudius burst out laughing. "Oh, no, no—I wouldn't dare cross those five old men. You'll have to fend for yourself, Sengoku. Good luck."

Shaking his head, Sengoku sighed again. He knew Claudius was only teasing. Regardless, he couldn't escape the inevitable scolding from the Five Elders.

After a moment, Claudius raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do you have any concrete countermeasures in mind?"

"Against the World Government or against Whitebeard?" Sengoku replied with a wry smile.

Before Claudius could answer, Sengoku continued, "For the World Government? The only 'countermeasure' we have is to keep pretending to be humble. What else can we do? Refuse their funding?"

Claudius laughed again, finding Sengoku's honesty amusing. Beneath his serious exterior, Sengoku clearly had a sharp sense of humor.

"We're used to being scolded, beaten down, and then being the ones to clean up the mess. It's just how it is," Sengoku said. "As for Whitebeard…" He trailed off, his expression growing serious.

After a brief pause, he shook his head. "There's not much we can do. The tide has already turned. If we're being honest, this all traces back to Roger and his parting words before his execution. That bastard…"

Claudius nodded in agreement. Without Roger, there would have been no Great Pirate Era. The Marines' carefully laid plans to suppress piracy had been thrown into chaos, and now they were struggling just to maintain balance.

The original Marine strategy had been straightforward: eliminate Roger and his contemporaries to strike fear into the hearts of pirates everywhere. With that fear, they'd clean up the remaining major figures like Newgate, Kaido, and Linlin.

But Roger's declaration of the One Piece had turned the seas into a chaotic free-for-all, rendering those plans irrelevant. Now, the Marines were just trying to hold the line.

"It really is a tough situation for you," Claudius said sympathetically, shaking his head.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 136: Claudius: I Came Prepared!

Claudius chatted a little longer with the visibly frustrated Sengoku. Soon after, the arrival of one of the Five Elders was announced.

As usual, not all five appeared. Presiding over this meeting was Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, commonly referred to as the Bald Elder. From the moment he entered the room, his foul mood was palpable. His expression was grim, and his heavy footsteps filled the air with tension as he approached the table.

With a sharp motion, Nusjuro threw a folder onto the table, the slap of paper echoing in the room. He sat down heavily and snorted coldly, "The 'Pirate Emperor,' huh? How very impressive. Why haven't I heard that there's another 'great noble' in this world holding court over us?"

Claudius suppressed a laugh, carefully glancing at Sengoku, who looked as though he had been hit by a bus. The Admiral's expression was filled with aggrieved resignation, as if mentally preparing himself for the verbal lashing to come.

"Thank goodness I'm not Marine," Claudius thought with amusement. "Kong probably saw this coming and sent Sengoku in his place to take the heat. What a clever move. Hahaha!"

As expected, Nusjuro's attention quickly focused on Sengoku. His sharp gaze bore down on the Admiral as he said, "Well, Sengoku, what's with that look? Feeling wronged, are we? Is it not Marine's responsibility that the pirates have grown so out of hand?"

Sengoku, clearly holding back a sigh, bowed his head slightly and replied, "It's Marine's unshirkable responsibility."

"Then why do you look so aggrieved?!" Nusjuro barked, leaning forward.

What do you want from me? Sengoku thought bitterly. But outwardly, he quickly adjusted his posture, straightened his back, and said, "I don't feel wronged at all."

"Now you're sitting up like nothing matters! Do you think this isn't a big deal?!" Nusjuro snapped again, his tone growing even harsher.

Sengoku nearly choked. Seriously, what am I supposed to do here?

Meanwhile, members of the CP agency sitting across from Sengoku were barely containing their smirks. Seeing the Marines and especially Sengoku being dressed down was a rare treat. The rivalry between Marine and CP was no secret, and watching Marine get scolded was a small victory in their long-standing feud.

Even Gis, the leader of the CP delegation, couldn't help but show his amusement. Though he tried to suppress his laughter, his shoulders trembled slightly, betraying his glee.

Sengoku shot him a glare that could have melted steel, but Claudius was thoroughly enjoying the scene. Watching Sengoku get chewed out while the CP agents gloated made for an entertaining show.

But Nusjuro wasn't blind to Gis's amusement. His sharp gaze turned toward the CP leader, and his tone grew icy. "Gis, don't think you're in the clear."

"You've had every resource you could possibly ask for—funding, manpower, intelligence and yet, what do we have to show for it? You promised to dismantle the Revolutionary Army within three years, yet they've only grown stronger. Care to explain that?"

Gis's smirk vanished instantly. His shoulders straightened, and he looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. Wasn't this meeting supposed to be about the pirates? How did we end up talking about the Revolutionary Army?!

Meanwhile, Sengoku felt a wave of relief wash over him. Thank you, Gis. I owe you for taking the spotlight off me. Truly.

But Nusjuro wasn't done with Marine just yet. "And don't think this Revolutionary Army issue doesn't concern you, Sengoku. One of your people, Monkey D. Garp, is directly tied to this mess. Or have you forgotten that the leader of the Revolutionary Army is his son?!"

Sengoku froze, a shiver running down his spine. He remained silent, knowing there was nothing he could say to deflect this particular accusation.

Having vented his frustrations on Marine and CP, Nusjuro finally turned his attention to Claudius. His sharp eyes bore into him, and Claudius instinctively straightened in his seat. Why is he looking at me? Surely, I'm not in trouble… am I?

"Claudius," Nusjuro began, his tone pointed. "I've heard you've been quite 'busy' recently. Is CP-X running out of things to do?"

Claudius felt a pang of dread but maintained a calm facade. He replied in a steady voice, "Sir, you've misunderstood. CP-X has been operating at full capacity. In fact, I just returned from Alabasta after handling the task assigned to me."

Nusjuro raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Alabasta? That doesn't seem like a high-priority matter. Sounds more like you took a little vacation."

Claudius inwardly cursed his luck. Why did he have to call me out on that? But outwardly, he shook his head and replied firmly, "On the contrary, Sir. While in Alabasta, I also gathered intelligence on the Revolutionary Army."

This seemed to catch Nusjuro off guard. "Oh? The Revolutionary Army, you say? And what did you find?"

Claudius silently praised his good fortune. Thank you, Dragon, for providing me with an excuse. Without that little gift, I'd have been cornered here.

"Yes, Sir," Claudius said with a confident nod. "We identified the location of a Revolutionary Army cell. Spandine is currently leading an operation to apprehend them. Initial reports suggest there are high-ranking cadres among their ranks. Once they're captured, I'll hand them over to CP for interrogation. I believe this could lead to a significant breakthrough."

Just as Claudius finished speaking, his Den Den Mushi began ringing. The sudden sound drew everyone's attention, and the room fell silent.

Claudius glanced at the device, his eyes lighting up when he saw the caller. Spandine, you really are my lucky star today.

"Seems like Spandine has an update," Claudius said aloud.

Nusjuro nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Let's hear it."

Claudius answered the call, and Spandine's voice came through, brimming with excitement. "Your Highness! I have excellent news!"

"Spandine," Claudius replied smoothly. "I'm currently in a meeting with the elders. Go ahead and report."

"Yes, of course!" Spandine's tone turned more formal as he continued, "I'm pleased to report that the operation was a success. We captured a group of Revolutionary Army operatives, including two high-ranking cadres. Even better, all were taken alive!"

Claudius couldn't help but grin. "Well done, Spandine. You've exceeded expectations. Bring them back to Mariejois immediately. Rewards will be waiting for you."

Spandine, practically giddy with gratitude, thanked Claudius profusely before ending the call.

When Claudius turned back to the room, he noticed that Nusjuro's expression had softened considerably.

"Excellent work, Claudius," Nusjuro said, his tone genuinely approving. "Once again, you've proven yourself reliable."

Claudius offered a modest smile, though inwardly he sighed in relief. Crisis averted. For now, at least.

Chapter 137: Let’s Shake the Pot Together?

At this moment Nusjuro was visibly in a much better mood. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Now this is what it means to have capable people on your side. Claudius' ability to deliver results at critical moments clearly set him apart. He was shaping up to be the most reliable Celestial Dragon of his generation, a rarity that Nusjuro couldn't help but appreciate.

Without even needing direct orders, Claudius had taken the initiative to address the Revolutionary Army issue. Unlike the CP agencies, who had spent years only managing to capture small-time players, Claudius' CP-X had managed to grab two cadres in a single operation. To Nusjuro, this demonstrated that CP-X was proving to be an extremely useful organization.

Meanwhile, Claudius was breathing a quiet sigh of relief. The operation had gone better than he could have hoped, and now he could take the credit while passing off the risks. Putting on a confident front, he said, "I've always kept the guidance of the Five Elders in mind, never daring to slack off. It's my responsibility to contribute to the World Government, and it's the very purpose of CP-X to solve problems for our cause."

Hearing this, Nusjuro's satisfaction grew even further. He nodded approvingly and said, "It's good to hear you think that way. Excellent work, Claudius."

Claudius nodded humbly and added, "Once Spandine escorts the captured Revolutionary Army operatives back to Mariejois, CP-X will transfer them to the CP agency for interrogation. I trust they'll yield results soon enough."

This was Claudius' way of skillfully passing the responsibility along. He knew very well that the operatives Dragon had handed over were likely expendable pawns. Even if they were cadres, Dragon would have thoroughly prepared them to give false leads or useless information. Anything gleaned from interrogating them would likely turn into traps for the World Government.

Claudius wasn't about to step on those landmines. His role was done, he had captured them and earned the credit. What happened next was someone else's problem.

Gis, however, wasn't privy to this subtext. Hearing Claudius' gesture, he was genuinely touched. "Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness. Our CP agency will spare no effort in interrogating these operatives and securing actionable intelligence. We'll strive to neutralize the Revolutionary Army as soon as possible."

Claudius waved his hand in an almost magnanimous fashion and said, "Of course, of course. We're all part of the same family. It's only right to support one another."

The sense of satisfaction he felt at passing the responsibility while being thanked for it was almost addictive. Not bad. Not bad at all. Maybe I should 'help' like this more often, Claudius mused.

Unaware of Claudius' real intentions, both Gis and Nusjuro continued to regard him with approval. Nusjuro, in particular, was especially pleased with how Claudius had shared the credit so generously. "Look at Claudius' mindset and awareness," Nusjuro said, casting a critical glance at both Sengoku and Gis. "Now compare it to your agencies. Don't you feel ashamed? Both of you represent vital branches of the World Government, yet you can't cooperate sincerely. Why can't you work together more like this?"

After a few more words of reprimand, Nusjuro took a sip of tea to calm himself. Then, in a slightly more relaxed tone, he said, "In the end, I just want you all to focus on the bigger picture. Do your jobs, cooperate, and take a page from Claudius' book."

Setting down his teacup, Nusjuro turned back to Claudius. "Speaking of which, you've always shown a knack for flexibility and results. What's your take on this 'Pirate Emperor' situation? Any ideas on how we should handle it?"

Claudius froze for a moment. Is this what they call shooting yourself in the foot? I really was on vacation, I didn't give this matter a second thought!

Scratching his head in mild embarrassment, Claudius replied, "Well, regarding this 'Pirate Emperor' situation—specifically Whitebeard, I must admit that CP-X hasn't had the bandwidth to focus on it yet. My knowledge on the matter is limited, and I'd prefer not to speak out of turn. Perhaps I could learn from the perspectives of others here before offering my own thoughts?"

Nusjuro considered this for a moment. He nodded thoughtfully, reasoning that Claudius had indeed been occupied with Alabasta and the Revolutionary Army. While CP-X was proving to be an effective organization, it was still relatively new and lacked the resources and legacy of the older CP agencies. It was only natural that Claudius couldn't tackle everything at once.

"I see. That's understandable," Nusjuro said.

Claudius, sensing Nusjuro's leniency, quickly added, "However, once this meeting concludes, CP-X will begin looking into the matter. I assure you, we'll do everything we can to support the World Government on this issue."

"Heh, when you say that, Claudius, it really puts me at ease," Nusjuro said with a smile.

Satisfied for now, Nusjuro turned his attention to Sengoku. "Alright, Sengoku, what about Marine? Do you have any strategies or countermeasures?"

Sengoku resisted the urge to sigh. Can I say we have nothing? Keeping his expression composed, he answered, "From what I can see, the situation in the New World is relatively stable at the moment. While Marine has managed to plant a few footholds in the region, they're still new. Expanding Marine's influence in the New World to create an effective deterrent will take considerable time.

"As for the Whitebeard Pirates specifically, if it comes to a direct confrontation, Marine Headquarters is confident we can defeat them."

Nusjuro frowned slightly. Sengoku's response felt like empty words. If Marine can't even handle a single pirate crew, what good are they? But at the same time, Nusjuro knew the reality, mobilizing enough forces to take on Whitebeard directly would destabilize the entire region. It wasn't a question of whether Marine could win, it was a question of whether they could afford the consequences of such a fight.

I asked for ideas beyond brute force, Nusjuro thought with irritation. Instead, all I get is this pretense of readiness. Do they think I don't understand the stakes?

Still, Nusjuro chose not to escalate things further with Sengoku. He turned to Gis instead. "What about the CP agency? Any ideas?"

Gis hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. After a moment of thought, he said, "Our CP agency is exploring options to destabilize the Whitebeard Pirates from within. If we can sow discord and create internal divisions, that would be ideal."

Hearing this, Claudius nearly laughed out loud. Internal divisions? You're talking about Whitebeard's crew here, one of the most famously united groups in the New World! Their entire ethos is built around loyalty and family. Unless you somehow have the Dark-Dark Fruit and a line to Teach himself, good luck with that nonsense!

Chapter 138: Claudius: Sengoku, Are You Pitting Me?

During the meeting, Claudius came to a deeper realization about the inner workings of the World Government. It wasn't just the external forces pressing against them, their internal rot and stagnation were all too apparent, and the worst part was, they were aware of it.

Nusjuro glanced unhappily between Sengoku and Gis, his displeasure clear. He wasn't blind to the underlying challenges of the situation. He knew full well that Whitebeard's influence was an almost insurmountable problem. But doing nothing? That was out of the question.

His expression darkened as he said in a low voice, "I don't care how complicated the situation is. We must come up with a plan today. That plan will be implemented, regardless of whether it works or not. We cannot sit idle. If we do nothing, where is the majesty of the World Government?"

At those words, the room fell silent. Everyone present knew how difficult it was to deal with Whitebeard, and no one wanted to be the first to speak.

Claudius leaned back in his chair, his thoughts churning. Dealing with Newgate was no simple matter, but if someone could figure out a way to eliminate him, it would be beneficial, even for Claudius. Whitebeard was a giant of an era, suppressing chaos and maintaining a delicate balance. If he were to fall, the sea would plunge into further turmoil.

From Claudius' perspective, a chaotic sea would serve his larger plans. A more unstable world would give him greater opportunities to strengthen CP-X and extend his influence. Whitebeard, on the other hand, was a symbol of stability in his own way, even if it wasn't the kind of stability the World Government liked.

But after a moment's thought, Claudius frowned. If Whitebeard were so easy to deal with, someone would've taken him out long ago. The only scenario I can think of where he'd fall would be something on the scale of the Summit War years down the line. Even then, it wasn't like Whitebeard would go down easily.

As these thoughts ran through his mind, Sengoku suddenly broke the silence. "It's not entirely hopeless. There may be a possible breakthrough."

The room's attention shifted to him immediately. Claudius, surprised, thought, You don't get called The Resourceful Admiral for nothing, do you?

Gis and even Nusjuro turned their focus to Sengoku, waiting for him to elaborate.

After a brief pause, Sengoku continued, "That said, it won't be easy."

"Speak your mind," Nusjuro said, his tone slightly more even.

Sengoku nodded and said, "Currently, Whitebeard's banner flies over Fish-Man Island. Fish-Man Island, as you all know, is a legitimate member of the World Government. If we could remove Whitebeard's pirate flag from Ryugu Palace, it would deal a serious blow to his prestige and influence."

Nusjuro frowned at this suggestion. His initial frustration with Whitebeard's influence stemmed from the exact issue Sengoku had pointed out: a World Government member state, Fish-Man Island, sought security under Whitebeard's flag rather than the Government's. The mere sight of that flag spoke volumes about the World Government's failure to protect its own.

But the problem wasn't as simple as Sengoku made it sound. Fish-Man Island's unique history made it a deeply complicated matter.

Nusjuro sighed and said, "Sengoku, you're aware of the... factors that have driven Fish-Man Island to this point, aren't you?"

Sengoku was silent for a moment before nodding. "I am."

"Then do you think your suggestion is feasible?" Nusjuro pressed.

Sengoku hesitated before replying, "It won't be easy, but we have to start somewhere. We'd need to create an opening, a shift in their trust."

Nusjuro shook his head slightly, his tone carrying a note of resignation. "It's not just difficult, it's near impossible."

The situation with Fish-Man Island was far from straightforward. While it had long been a member of the World Government, its relationship with Mariejois was strained due to the enduring issue of slavery.

Officially, slavery had been outlawed by the World Government decades ago, yet the practice persisted openly in Mariejois, especially among the Celestial Dragons. Fish-Men and Merfolk were particularly valued as slaves, which only exacerbated the racism and exploitation faced by Fish-Man Island's people.

This historical mistreatment had left the island's rulers deeply distrustful of the World Government. Turning to Whitebeard for protection wasn't a choice they made lightly, it was one born of desperation.

If the World Government wanted to replace Whitebeard's flag with their own, they would need to rebuild trust with Fish-Man Island. But that would require addressing the root of the problem: the institution of slavery in Mariejois.

And that was no small task. Even the Five Elders, who personally disliked the slave trade, knew how entrenched the practice was among the Celestial Dragons. Changing that would be akin to trying to uproot a mountain.

The room grew tense as the implications of Sengoku's suggestion sank in. It wasn't just about removing a flag, it was about confronting a deeply ingrained system.

Just as Claudius was considering how to stay out of this mess, Sengoku's next words sent a chill down his spine.

"But," Sengoku continued, his tone shifting, "if there's anyone who could take the first step, it might be His Highness Claudius."

Claudius froze. What the hell, Sengoku? Why are you dragging me into this?

Hearing Sengoku's suggestion, Nusjuro turned his attention to Claudius. His expression was one of intrigue, as if he were seriously considering the idea.

Claudius, suppressing the urge to glare at Sengoku, forced a polite smile and said, "What do you mean by that, Sengoku? Are you suggesting I take responsibility for the slavery issue in Mariejois?"

"Not all of it," Sengoku replied with an awkward smile. "Just the issue of slaves from Fish-Man Island. It's a more contained problem, and if addressed, it could serve as a gesture of goodwill toward Ryugu Palace. That, in turn, might lead to progress on the flag issue."

Claudius narrowed his eyes slightly, realizing Sengoku was deliberately throwing him under the bus. But Sengoku wasn't entirely wrong, compared to dismantling the entire slave system, focusing on Fish-Man Island's specific grievances was more manageable. Still, it wasn't a task Claudius wanted to take on lightly.

Before Claudius could respond, Nusjuro leaned forward slightly, his interest clearly piqued. "Claudius, this might actually work. You've always been bold and unorthodox, traits that could make a difference here. After all, your reputation in Mariejois is... unique. You have room to maneuver in ways others don't."

Claudius sighed inwardly. By 'unique,' you mean I'm seen as a troublemaker, don't you? But he knew better than to argue with Nusjuro in this setting.

Leaning toward Sengoku, Claudius whispered in a low, irritated voice, "Sengoku, are you trying to set me up?"

Sengoku, trying to look as innocent as possible, replied just as quietly, "Help me out here, Your Highness, or they'll tear into me even harder."

Claudius sighed again, this time more audibly. "After this meeting, you'd better give me a damn good explanation."

"I promise, Your Highness, you won't be disappointed," Sengoku said quickly.

Chapter 139: Calm Belt

Coming out of the World Government headquarters, Claudius walked side by side with Sengoku seemingly deep in conversation.

"Let me get this straight: the mess was caused by the Marines, but somehow it all landed on me. Sengoku, you're really something. You found the perfect job for me," Claudius said, his tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction.

Sengoku looked slightly embarrassed but managed a wry smile. "Your Highness, isn't the CP-X division specifically there to handle issues that both the Marines and the CP agencies struggle with? I'll admit it, there are some things that even the Marines just can't manage."

Claudius raised an eyebrow in surprise and remarked, "I didn't expect this."

"Didn't expect what?" Sengoku asked with a curious smile.

"I didn't expect you, Sengoku to have such a thick skin. You're really something else," Claudius said with a tone of disdain.

"Hahahaha!" Sengoku laughed heartily but then shook his head and said, "Ah, sometimes, there's no choice but to adapt."

"Fine, I'll let it slide this time, but your Marines owe me one," Claudius said, arching an eyebrow.

"And what exactly do you have in mind?" Sengoku asked, nodding with a polite smile.

"The Scientific Department," Claudius replied without hesitation.

"This..." Sengoku hesitated for a moment, clearly finding the request somewhat tricky. After all, the Marine Scientific Department was a highly sensitive unit, handling crucial technology and research.

"Don't worry. I'm not asking to take over or command them," Claudius clarified, waving his hand dismissively. "I just mean that if there's something interesting or useful that I know you guys have, you won't keep it hidden from me."

Sengoku considered it for a moment. That request wasn't too unreasonable. After all, they all worked under the World Government, and Claudius held a prestigious position. Refusing him outright wouldn't look good.

In truth, Claudius had been fairly accommodating to the Marines overall. He didn't make a habit of demanding favors or causing unnecessary trouble for them.

And from Claudius' perspective, maintaining a good relationship with the Marines made sense. Their combat strength and unique system of "justice" could prove useful in the future. Helping them clean up their current mess was part of a larger picture.

"Since Your Highness has made this request, the Marines certainly won't keep anything good from you," Sengoku said with a smile.

Claudius nodded in satisfaction. Just recently, he'd struck a deal with Dragon over Bartholomew Kuma, and now, he'd secured an arrangement with the Marines as well. With all these connections, the Scientific Department's resources should be within his grasp soon.

As they continued walking, Sengoku suddenly said, "By the way, Your Highness, about the matter of the warships you promised to help push along..."

"Warships? I don't recall owing you anything about warships," Claudius replied, puzzled.

"Ahem, it's not that you owe us. It's just that we Marines discovered that the warships produced by Water 7 are of exceptional quality. We want to increase our orders, but their production seems to have reached its limit. They're avoiding taking on too many orders from us, so I was hoping you could put in a good word for us."

Sengoku's tone was amiable, almost pleading, as he added, "We're all part of the same family, after all."

Now Claudius understood. Smirking, he said, "So now you're impressed with the shipbuilding skills of Water 7? Fine, I'll help you out. But what's with the sudden rush to produce so many new warships? You're not exactly expanding recruitment right now, are you?"

Sengoku hesitated briefly but decided to explain. "It's partly related to the Scientific Department. We've recently developed a technology that allows Seastone to be applied to warships. Ships equipped with this can essentially blend in with the sea."

"Blend in with the sea?" Claudius asked, intrigued.

"Exactly. With this technology, the warships emit a unique signal that makes them undetectable to sea beasts and Sea Kings. This significantly reduces the chances of warships being attacked by marine creatures," Sengoku explained.

"Don't underestimate this," Sengoku continued. "Every year, at least 20% of our warships are damaged by attacks from sea creatures. While the issue is minor in most standard waters, in the New World, it's a completely different story. The seas there are full of dangerous monsters, and our warships frequently come under attack. This new technology could save us an enormous amount of resources and, more importantly, the lives of countless soldiers."

"And I assume this would also let you navigate the Calm Belt safely?" Claudius asked, raising an eyebrow.

"In theory, yes," Sengoku admitted. "But the Calm Belt is still a high-risk area, and the technology isn't fully tested yet. We haven't officially implemented it."

Claudius rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Interesting. And because of this, you need more new warships? I assume it's because retrofitting old ones with Seastone is too costly?"

"Exactly," Sengoku replied. "Seastone is incredibly valuable. Retrofitting old ships feels like a waste, so we're hoping to produce a new fleet specifically designed for this technology. That's why we need your help to speed up production."

Claudius smiled faintly. "So, once you have a fleet of these ships, the Calm Belt becomes open for exploration?"

"Potentially, yes. This hasn't been officially reported to the higher-ups yet. In fact, Your Highness, you're one of the first to know about this outside of the Marines," Sengoku said with a sly grin.

Claudius' interest was piqued. Smiling, he replied, "I see. Looks like you've been saving this little secret to win me over, huh, Sengoku?"

"Heh, sometimes you have to give a little to get a little," Sengoku said with a chuckle.

After a moment of contemplation, Claudius said, "Do you need me to cover for you?"

"Ahem, well... given that this technology hasn't been fully tested in the Calm Belt, it's still a theoretical application. The Calm Belt is dangerous, after all. Personally, I think it'll take another three to five years of experimentation before it's ready for full deployment. What do you think?" Sengoku said cautiously, testing the waters.

Claudius nodded knowingly. "You're right. Rushing something like this would be reckless. If certain nosy Celestial Dragons got wind of it and decided to demand a test run through the Calm Belt for fun, only to meet with disaster, who'd take the blame? It's better to wait until the technology is completely mature and proven before anyone hears about it."

Sengoku was relieved to see Claudius on the same page. "Exactly! Rushing things could lead to unnecessary problems. It's always better to proceed carefully."

Claudius added with a sly grin, "Of course, CP-X operates on the same principle, helping the World Government solve problems. Perhaps we could collaborate on this? It might speed things up, don't you think?"

Sengoku laughed and nodded. "Your Highness, that's an excellent suggestion. The Marines would be happy to cooperate with you."

Despite their cautious words about the dangers of the Calm Belt, both men were clearly aware of the enormous potential profits and resources waiting to be exploited there. For centuries, the Calm Belt had remained untouched, its natural treasures and opportunities beyond reach.

Now, with this new technology, the possibility of free passage through the Calm Belt was within sight. Though dangerous, the benefits were undeniable.

For the Marines, assembling a large fleet was entirely feasible. And for Claudius, with Water 7 under his control, the opportunities were just as promising.

Between them, the allure of the Calm Belt was becoming hard to ignore.

Chapter 140: Sengoku: Saint Claudius is My Patron!

At the end of the day, everyone has some degree of selfishness, and Sengoku was no exception.

In a different situation if Sengoku didn't have the backing he now enjoyed. he wouldn't dare to overreach. If a major breakthrough like the new Seastone technology appeared, his only option would have been to report it directly to the World Government and hope for some recognition in return.

But things were different now. For years, Marine's relationship with Claudius had been exceptionally close. Claudius wasn't just some random Celestial Dragon sitting idly in Mariejois; he was a true power player, a heavyweight within the Holy Land's inner circle. His authority rivaled anyone below the Five Elders themselves.

And Claudius had a natural advantage. As long as the Marines didn't pull something outrageous like declaring independence, Claudius could shield them from almost anything.

So naturally, Sengoku saw an opportunity. But this wasn't just about taking advantage of Claudius. He knew better than to let someone like Claudius do all the heavy lifting without giving anything in return. That wasn't how partnerships worked.

As someone destined to become Marine Fleet Admiral in the future, Sengoku understood the rules of the game. Friendship alone wasn't enough to bind two parties together. True alliances were built on mutual interests.

Claudius cultivated his ties with Marine because it benefited his own ambitions. Likewise, Sengoku sought to strengthen the Marines by nurturing his connection with Claudius. It wasn't a one-sided relationship but a give-and-take dynamic.

And now, the fruits of this long-standing partnership were starting to show. With Claudius' support, Marine would soon gain the capability to access the Calm Belt, a game-changer in every sense.

Through Claudius, Sengoku could position this innovation under the guise of "experimental testing." With this classification, Claudius' influence could shield the project from scrutiny by the World Government.

In truth, Sengoku's move wasn't just about technology, it was about the bigger picture. The age of pirates was snowballing out of control. Whitebeard's rise as a "Pirate Emperor" was a reality, and Sengoku had every reason to believe he wouldn't be the last. Soon, there might be a second emperor. A third. Even a fourth or fifth.

How would Marine respond to such a crisis? To truly hold their ground, the Marines needed overwhelming strength, enough to dominate the seas with absolute authority.

If Marine were three or five times stronger than they were now, wiping out the Whitebeard Pirates would be just another day's work. They could restore order to the world without breaking a sweat. But the unfortunate reality was that, while Marine was strong, they weren't invincible. Their resources were limited, their forces spread thin.

And this led to an even bigger problem: Marine's reliance on the World Government for funding.

Marine's budget, its military strength, was entirely dependent on how much funding the World Government allocated each year. Even with the best intentions, Marine couldn't expand its forces beyond the limits of its budget. Justice, while noble, couldn't fill empty stomachs. And no matter how passionate the soldiers were, they couldn't fight for justice on an empty stomach forever.

If the World Government reduced Marine's funding, even by a little, it would be enough to spark internal chaos. There would be no need for pirates to intervene, Marine would collapse under its own weight.

So for years, Marine's growth had followed a step-by-step plan dictated by the World Government's financial constraints. This slow and steady pace ensured stability, but it wasn't nearly enough to meet the challenges of the escalating pirate era.

While the World Government had been generous with funding recently, Sengoku knew this couldn't last forever. The system itself was flawed. The World Government was an enormous bureaucracy, and Marine wasn't its only concern.

In fact, Sengoku understood that the CP agencies were the World Government's true favorites, receiving preferential treatment in both resources and attention.

Although Sengoku didn't have access to the full details, he could guess the situation. The World Government was likely stuck in a vicious financial cycle. Marine's recent budgets may have been generous, but that generosity came at a cost.

The truth was, the World Government had been running at a deficit for years. It was a carefully guarded secret, one that even Claudius was unaware of. But for those paying attention, the signs were clear.

The massive structure of the World Government meant that only a fraction of the taxes collected worldwide actually made it to the central authority. Of the hundreds of billions in taxes collected, only seven or eight billion reached the World Government's coffers.

The rising tide of piracy had further worsened the situation, disrupting trade routes and strangling maritime commerce. Merchants struggled, and as their profits declined, so did the wealth of the nations they operated in. A weakened economy meant lower taxes, and the World Government's revenue continued to shrink.

In response, the World Government had been forced to increase its spending, pouring more money into Marine's military budget and other initiatives to combat piracy.

But even amidst this financial crisis, the Celestial Dragons lived in their own world, oblivious to reality. They spent extravagantly, their opulent lifestyles draining the treasury with no regard for the consequences.

The gap between the World Government's income and expenses had grown unsustainable.

Sengoku could see the writing on the wall. The military budgets of today wouldn't last forever. Two years from now, Marine might find itself facing serious cutbacks.

If there were no other options, Sengoku would accept this fate. But now, there was an alternative, a chance to break free from the World Government's tight grip.

The new Seastone technology for ships had opened a door. With the ability to access the Calm Belt, Marine could tap into untold natural resources. And while Marine wasn't allowed to engage in independent business operations explicitly forbidden by the World Government—Claudius could.

As a Celestial Dragon and head of CP-X, Claudius operated outside the usual restrictions. His pedigree and privileges made him a perfect shield.

Marine could work with Claudius to exploit the Calm Belt's resources, turning them into a new source of revenue. It wouldn't just be about survival, it would allow Marine to grow on its own terms, free from the limits of the World Government's budget.

Of course, Sengoku had no intention of reporting this development to the higher-ups. Instead, he labeled the Seastone technology as "still in testing," ensuring that no one could interfere for the time being. Claudius' support would cover any minor infractions, smoothing over potential complications.

And Sengoku had no doubt that Claudius was just as eager to see this succeed. The prospect of vast wealth and influence in the Calm Belt was too enticing to ignore.

By working together, Claudius could serve as Marine's "umbrella," shielding them from bureaucratic scrutiny while they developed the Calm Belt's resources. With this new revenue stream, Marine could finally break free from its financial shackles.

If the plan succeeded, Sengoku was confident Marine could enter a new era of rapid development. With increased power and resources, they could suppress pirate forces worldwide with ease.

It wasn't a perfect plan there were risks and potential pitfalls but with Claudius covering their tracks, Sengoku believed the partnership was rock-solid.

"Having a backer is a wonderful thing," Sengoku thought to himself with a satisfied smile.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 141: Claudius: I’m a Celestial Dragon, What Do I Have to Fear?

Sengoku had his plans, but Claudius wasn't without his own.

The Calm Belt, an untapped reservoir of immense natural resources, was a place Claudius had been eyeing for a long time. However, for the longest time, he hadn't found a practical way to exploit it. His original idea was to wait until Amazon Lily came into play specifically, to see if their unique "sea serpent biotechnology" could be of any use.

He'd also considered the Seastone-coated ship technology used by the Marines to navigate the Calm Belt. Yet, he wasn't sure when exactly this technology had been developed. From his memory, this innovation came into play during the Summit War, when Vice Admiral Momonga used it to summon Boa Hancock to fulfill her Warlord obligations.

As of now, Claudius wasn't sure if Marine had already perfected the technology. This uncertainty was part of the reason why he had always wanted to probe deeper into Marine's mysterious Scientific Division. Technology, after all, was the primary driver of progress. Even something seemingly simple could lead to massive breakthroughs and unimaginable profits.

Now, however, Claudius didn't need to chase after the technology himself, Sengoku had delivered it right to his doorstep. Only an idiot would refuse such an opportunity.

Why had Claudius spent so much effort maintaining close ties with Marine's upper echelons over the years? Was it purely out of nostalgia for Zephyr's kindness? Perhaps a little, but not nearly enough to justify his actions.

The real reason was far more practical: Claudius wanted to influence Marine Headquarters in the long term. He aimed to make his personal presence felt within the Marine hierarchy.

While direct control over Marine similar to how the World Government wielded authority was ideal, Claudius knew it wasn't realistic. Marine's structure was too insulated, its systems too rigid. It wasn't a power easily infiltrated or controlled. So, he settled for a different approach: gradually accumulating influence within Marine, waiting for the right opportunity to leverage the banner of "justice" to his advantage.

And this opportunity had finally arrived. Sengoku's proposal to use Claudius as a shield for broadening Marine's financial resources wasn't just about tapping into the Calm Belt. It was about opening a door, one that allowed Claudius to embed himself in Marine's operations.

Once this door was opened, Marine, having tasted the benefits, wouldn't be able to close it again.

For Claudius, the profits of the Calm Belt were secondary. The real prize was the influence and leverage this arrangement gave him over Marine. After all, wealth was just money, but power was the ability to shape events.

The World Government kept Marine under control by holding their purse strings. The threat of cutting military expenditures was enough to force even someone like Akainu to compromise. No matter how fiery his "absolute justice" burned, even Akainu had no choice but to bow to reality when the World Government controlled the funding.

But now, thanks to Sengoku, Claudius was planting a seed of independence within Marine. With this new financial channel, Marine wouldn't be as constrained by the World Government's budgetary whims.

From Sengoku's perspective, this deal was a minor gray area, barely a violation. With Claudius covering for them, it was a negligible risk. Claudius was a Celestial Dragon, the very embodiment of the World Government's legitimacy. So long as the money was technically coming from Claudius, it was just an extension of the system itself.

But from Claudius' perspective, this was much more significant. He was laying the groundwork to influence the World Government's strongest force, making it easier to sway Marine's actions in the future.

As for the immense profits of the Calm Belt, Claudius felt that with his identity and Marine's partnership, those profits were already as good as his. Even if this arrangement lasted for seven, eight, or ten years before the World Government caught wind of it, Claudius wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

If they did catch on, what could they even say? Claudius could easily argue that all the money had gone toward strengthening the World Government's forces, specifically Marine and CP-X. It wasn't as if he were embezzling funds or using the money for personal gain.

After all, both Marine and CP-X were officially part of the World Government. Claudius could even frame it as a move to reduce the World Government's financial burden, sparing them from the need to provide annual funding.

Although Sengoku himself lacked the authority to formalize such a deal, Claudius was confident in his own ability to convince the Five Elders if necessary.

He could present the Calm Belt's development as a win-win. If the World Government attempted to control it directly, at least half the resources would be lost to corruption before reaching their hands. Claudius, however, had no need for such underhanded tactics. As a Celestial Dragon, the World Government's wealth was already his wealth, there was no reason to siphon funds.

By placing himself in charge, Claudius could ensure all resources were collected efficiently and allocated transparently. And with this newfound wealth, Marine and CP-X could strengthen their forces, stabilizing the seas and securing the World Government's rule.

It was a proposal that ticked every box.

Of course, all of this hinged on Claudius remaining loyal and not overstepping his bounds. But as a Celestial Dragon especially one as high-ranking as he was, Claudius had a natural advantage in earning trust.

After carefully weighing the pros and cons, Claudius decided that Sengoku's plan was not only feasible but highly advantageous for everyone involved.

Sharing a knowing look, Claudius and Sengoku both broke into laughter. The understanding between them had deepened, and without others to intrude, their alliance now felt solidified.

Placing a hand on Sengoku's shoulder, Claudius said with a grin, "Sengoku, I'll make sure Water 7 prioritizes this project. We'll push aside any unimportant orders and focus all our efforts on your Marine and CP-X ships. Let's make sure we complete these experimental results as soon as possible to serve the World Government."

"Hahahaha, much appreciated, Your Highness," Sengoku replied with a smile.

"There's no need to stand on ceremony," Claudius said grandly. "Up until now, perhaps there's been a bit of distance between us. But starting today, we're truly on the same side. Don't worry, Sengoku I'll never shortchange your Marines. How about a fifty-fifty split? I won't take advantage of you."

Sengoku's eyes widened slightly at the offer. He had been prepared to settle for a three-to-seven or even a four-to-six split, given the weight of Claudius' involvement and his role as a protective shield. To hear Claudius suggest an even fifty-fifty split without hesitation was beyond generous.

Claudius, a Celestial Dragon, had no need to make such an offer, but the fact that he did was enough to leave Sengoku thoroughly impressed.

Chapter 142: Ready to Clean Mariejois!

As the two continued walking and chatting, Claudius eventually said, "Sengoku, once I've taken care of the mess in Mariejois, how about we meet at Sabaody Archipelago?"

Sengoku nodded. "I'll leave it to your arrangements."

During the earlier meeting, Sengoku had successfully passed the responsibility for dealing with Fish-Man Island onto Claudius. Nusjuro had also agreed that Fish-Man Island was a logical starting point to make progress, an opening to begin "tearing a hole," as Sengoku had put it.

The reasoning was straightforward: while Whitebeard's flag could be seen flying in various territories, there was no justification for it to be raised over a member nation of the World Government. That had to be addressed. Fish-Man Island was such a place, and it had to be resolved.

The meeting concluded with Nusjuro deciding to reevaluate and reorganize the World Government's relationship with Fish-Man Island.

In the original timeline, there was no such effort. Princess Otohime's plans were disrupted when she was captured by a Celestial Dragon an event that should still be two years away. That incident strained the relationship between Fish-Man Island and the World Government even further, leaving it unresolved for years.

Even later, at the World Summit, Fish-Man Island still operated under the protection of pirates, with Whitebeard's flag being replaced first by Big Mom's and later by Luffy's. The island's allegiance was dictated by strength, with one pirate group after another acting as its "guardian."

Although the Five Elders had attempted to improve relations with Fish-Man Island, appointing Jinbei as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea was merely a symbolic gesture with limited impact.

But this time, things were different. Claudius, as Sengoku described, was an anomaly among the Celestial Dragons, much like how Garp was a disruptive force within Marine. Claudius could do things that the Five Elders couldn't or wouldn't, and he felt no qualms about breaking convention.

The preliminary plan was for the World Government to free one-third of Mariejois' Fish-Man Island slaves, focusing primarily on the merfolk. It was a gesture of goodwill designed to show sincerity toward Fish-Man Island.

This wasn't about morality or fairness, merely pragmatism. It would give the Celestial Dragons time to process the changes while demonstrating to Fish-Man Island that the World Government was serious about improving their relationship. The message was simple: "We're showing you good faith. Now it's your turn to meet us halfway, take down Whitebeard's flag, and we'll provide the protection you need."

Of course, this plan applied only to slaves from Fish-Man Island. It wasn't a blanket liberation effort, nor was it meant to address other types of slavery. This was just one part of a larger strategy.

The reason Claudius and Sengoku planned to meet at Sabaody Archipelago was that the area had been designated for cleanup as well. Unlike Mariejois, where freeing slaves meant dealing with the Celestial Dragons directly, Sabaody was less complicated. The merfolk and fish-men there were mostly held by slave traders, who lacked the untouchable status of the Celestial Dragons.

The decision was clear: crush them completely. Nusjuro and Claudius agreed to a no-tolerance policy, wipe out the slave trade in Sabaody related to Fish-Man Island. Any merchant caught trafficking merfolk or fish-men would face absolute consequences. If they dared to repeat their crimes, they'd pay with their lives.

Sabaody Archipelago also held symbolic importance. Part of the plan was to establish a special zone on Sabaody where Fish-Man Island residents could come freely, providing them with a safe haven. This gesture was another way of demonstrating the World Government's commitment to change.

After parting ways in front of the Social Square, Sengoku headed to the port to return to Marineford and make the necessary preparations, while Claudius returned to his palace to set things in motion.

As soon as Claudius stepped inside, he saw Nia waiting for him.

"Nia, I need you to contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs and find out how many slaves in Mariejois are from Fish-Man Island. They have three days to compile the information and send me a full list," Claudius instructed with a smile.

Though curious about the sudden request, Nia refrained from asking questions and simply nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. I'll handle it immediately."

Once Nia left, Claudius made his way to the courtyard. There, he spotted Lenny and Mero chatting with the three Boa sisters by the pool.

"Your Highness, you're back!" Lenny said cheerfully as she noticed him approaching.

"Yeah, I'm back," Claudius replied with a nod and a smile. However, there was a hint of melancholy in his voice as he continued, "Lenny, Mero, it's time for you two to pack your things."

The two mermaid sisters froze, clearly confused.

"Are you sending us away, Your Highness? Are you giving us to someone else?" Lenny asked nervously.

Claudius chuckled and patted her head gently. "Of course not. What kind of person do you think I am? I promised you a long time ago that I'd set you free. In a few days, I'm heading to Fish-Man Island, and that's where you'll finally be able to go home."

The moment Claudius finished speaking, Lenny and Mero's faces lit up with joy.

Watching from the side, Hancock looked at Claudius in surprise. Though she had overheard this promise before, she had always thought he was simply placating the two mermaids. She never imagined he'd actually follow through especially so soon.

Lenny, however, noticed the slight sadness in Claudius' expression. Feeling a pang of guilt, she hesitated before saying, "If we leave, Your Highness will be lonely, won't you? Why don't we stay a little longer? You'll have another chance to visit Fish-Man Island in the future."

Claudius smiled warmly at her words, his mood visibly lifting. "No need. Every journey has its end, Lenny."

After a brief pause, he added with a playful grin, "Besides, I've worked hard for you merfolk this time. I just persuaded the Five Elders to implement some changes in Mariejois. Three days from now, we'll be freeing one-third of the Fish-Man Island slaves in Mariejois. For Sabaody Archipelago, the World Government will prioritize cleaning up the mermaid slave trade there as well. And that's not all, new legislation will be put in place to protect the personal safety of Fish-Man Island residents. From now on, anyone who harms or enslaves merfolk will face severe punishment. It's no longer just empty formalities. How does that sound?"

Though Claudius exaggerated slightly by taking full credit for these reforms, he didn't feel too bad about it. After all, he was spearheading the effort, so why not claim a bit of the glory?

Lenny and Mero were ecstatic, their gratitude and excitement evident in their expressions.

"My doors will always be open to you," Claudius added with a smile. "If you ever feel like visiting, you're always welcome."

At this moment, Hancock spoke up, her voice tinged with anticipation. "What about us?"

"What about you?" Claudius asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Can we be free too?" Hancock asked eagerly.

Claudius burst into laughter. "Free? Hahaha! Don't even dream about it! You three will never escape my grasp!"

Chapter 143: I Was Ordered to Raid Their Homes!

Mariejois was unusually noisy today, especially within the Celestial Dragons' residential district commonly referred to as the "House of the Gods."

The source of the commotion? None other than Claudius himself.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs didn't dare keep a Celestial Dragon like Claudius waiting for the three days he had allotted. In just a day and a half, they delivered a comprehensive list of all slaves in Mariejois originating from Fish-Man Island to Claudius' palace.

With the list in hand, Claudius gathered a large entourage and began his self-proclaimed mission to "clean up" Mariejois.

Walking down one of the grand avenues of the Domain of the Gods, Claudius held the list in one hand, a pen in the other. Having just left a Celestial Dragon's estate, he crossed a name off the list with a flick of his pen.

Trailing behind him was a frail fish-woman, her body scarred and her spirit broken, moving like a lifeless puppet. She followed Claudius' group in silence, a stark reminder of the system he was now challenging.

"Who's next on the list?" Claudius muttered, scanning the names. Then, with a slight smirk, he said, "Well, well, well, Rosward. Let's see what you've been hiding."

The list showed that Saint Rosward's household held four fish-women as slaves.

"Tch, unbelievable. I only have two mermaids in my house, and that bastard dares to keep four? Disgusting." Claudius clicked his tongue in irritation.

Without looking back, he waved his hand and declared, "Turn around. We're heading to Rosward's place."

As the words left his mouth, a familiar voice called out behind him.

"Your Highness, what's all this commotion about? Making such a scene?"

Claudius turned, and his expression brightened as he recognized the speaker. "Well, if it isn't Stussy. Long time no see."

It was indeed Stussy. She looked as youthful and radiant as ever, her appearance unchanged despite the years.

"You haven't aged a day," Claudius said with a grin. "Still as stunning as always."

A faint blush crept onto Stussy's face as she rolled her eyes. "Oh, stop it. I'm barely over twenty, what's supposed to change?"

Claudius chuckled but didn't press the topic further. For all the years they'd known each other, Stussy had never revealed her real age. It didn't matter to him, she was beautiful, and that was enough. (T/N: Once again don't forget that this fic was written back in 2020)

Thanks to Stussy's influence, even Nia, his ever-efficient butler, had maintained a near-ageless appearance over the years. What sort of tricks these two women used to maintain their looks was a mystery to Claudius, but he wasn't particularly concerned. If he ever stumbled upon a way to prolong his own life, whether through "pure gold" or the Ope-Ope Fruit—he'd gladly seize the opportunity.

"Hahaha, just got back today?" Claudius asked, changing the subject.

Stussy nodded. "That's right. I only just returned to Mariejois and thought I'd come see what you were up to. As soon as I entered the Domain of the Gods, I could tell something was off, the atmosphere was strange. I asked around and found out you're on some kind of mission. Care to explain?"

"Hah, it's simple enough," Claudius replied with a laugh. "I'm raiding houses."

Stussy blinked in disbelief. "Raiding houses? You're raiding Celestial Dragons' homes?"

"Why not?" Claudius shrugged as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Your Highness, isn't that going a bit too far? What if this backfires? Can you handle the consequences?" Stussy asked, her tone laced with concern.

Her worries weren't unfounded. Even though Claudius held a special status and was valued by the Five Elders, openly antagonizing other Celestial Dragons could create enormous pressure, pressure that even he might struggle to withstand.

Claudius understood her concerns perfectly. His reputation as a "wild card" among the Celestial Dragons allowed him to act freely in many ways, but it wasn't without its risks. This entire "clean-up" operation was bound to offend the majority of Mariejois' elite families.

And once it was over, Claudius would have no choice but to lean even harder on the Five Elders for protection. Without their support, the backlash could be overwhelming.

But Claudius didn't care.

Outside of his own Donquixote family, the rest of the Celestial Dragons meant nothing to him. In his eyes, they were just parasites. This world wasn't big enough for all of them to coexist forever. Eventually, there would be only one family standing at the top, and he intended for it to be the Donquixote family.

Even the Five Elders posed a dilemma for Claudius. Initially, he'd viewed them as the root of the World Government's problems. But over time, as he interacted with them more, he began to see them in a different light.

Unlike most Celestial Dragons, the Five Elders genuinely seemed to care about the world's stability and development. They understood that a strong, orderly world would make the World Government stronger. They worked tirelessly to suppress piracy and maintain peace, and they fought back against the Revolutionary Army because it threatened the established order.

Of course, they had their flaws, power-hungry and self-serving as they were but who didn't? Claudius hadn't yet uncovered any deep, unforgivable secrets about them. For now, he could only speculate about their darker side.

What troubled him more was how well the Five Elders treated him. Despite occasionally setting him up to take the fall for various schemes, they had otherwise supported him wholeheartedly, even going so far as to groom him for greater responsibilities.

Sometimes, Claudius couldn't help but wonder: were they preparing him to succeed them one day?

This thought made him hesitate. If the Five Elders continued treating him with such generosity, would he even have the heart to eliminate them when the time came?

For now, though, these were questions for the future. As long as they maintained this mutually beneficial relationship, there was no harm in letting things play out. If they could accept his leadership down the line, Claudius might even consider sparing them.

But as for the rest of the Celestial Dragons? They were irrelevant to him. He wasn't afraid to offend them, if anything, they'd likely hate him even more after today's events. And if they wanted to complain, they could take it up with the Five Elders.

"Don't worry, Stussy," Claudius said confidently. "If this operation creates any trouble, there are people above me who can handle it. If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up."

With that, Claudius handed Stussy a royal order from the Five Elders, granting him full authority over the operation.

Stussy skimmed the document, her eyes widening slightly. She couldn't help but smile. "I see. You're carrying out the higher-ups' orders. Well, I suppose that makes things easier."

As they talked, Claudius' group reached the gates of Saint Rosward's estate. The gates were shut tight, as if to ward off Claudius' intrusion.

Looking at the grand, ornate palace, Claudius smirked. "Ah, how welcoming. Locking me out, are they? Well, no matter."

Without hesitation, he turned to his men and ordered, "Break the door down. Let's see what treasures they're hiding inside."

Chapter 144: Being a Bandit is Fun, Especially When Stealing from Celestial Dragons!

Hearing the relentless pounding on his courtyard gates, Saint Rosward was both nervous and furious.

"What the hell is Claudius trying to do? I've shut the gates and stayed out of his way, and now he's banging on my door?" Rosward fumed, pacing back and forth in his courtyard, his face red with anger.

Surrounding him was a group of slaves, along with his mentally deficient son, Saint Charlos, who was sitting on a chair being carried by attendants.

Charlos, still recovering from the beating he'd received from Claudius some time ago, flinched at the noise outside. His injuries had yet to fully heal, and every movement reminded him of the pain. Hearing the commotion, Charlos looked panicked.

"Father! That guy is here for trouble again! Let's run away!" Charlos blurted, his voice trembling with fear.

He didn't dare provoke Claudius anymore. The last time, he'd only taken his shoes off, and yet Claudius nearly beat him to death. He still couldn't take care of himself not that he ever really could. Just the thought of Claudius storming in made him shudder.

Suddenly, a thought crossed Charlos' mind, and he twisted his bloated body in a panic. "Quick! Someone bring me water to wash my feet! If my feet are clean, maybe Claudius won't hit me!"

Rosward's eye twitched as he watched his son. He nearly spat blood in anger.

"What kind of idiot are you?!" Rosward roared, slapping Charlos across the face. "Calm down! I'm here! Let's see if Claudius really has the guts to lay a finger on you while I'm standing! If he tries anything, I'll take this straight to the Five Elders and demand justice! We're Celestial Dragons! How dare we endure this kind of persecution?!"

Charlos froze in shock, holding his cheek where his father had slapped him. "Father… you hit me?" he stammered in disbelief.

Rosward's anger flared again, and he looked like he was about to kick his son, but a young Celestial Dragon girl tugged at his arm.

"Father, don't be mad at Brother. He's just scared," said the girl gently.

Rosward sighed and patted her on the head. "Shalria, stay behind me. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you."

From their conversation, one might think Claudius was some notorious villain terrorizing the innocent. Well, given the current circumstances, perhaps that wasn't entirely wrong.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash. The ornate gates of Rosward's estate fell to the ground with a thunderous bang, crushing the manicured flower beds below.

Through the settling dust, Claudius strode in with his usual carefree demeanor. He looked around the courtyard, rubbing his chin as if inspecting the place.

"Not bad, not bad. The landscaping here is pretty unique," he mused aloud.

"Claudius! What is the meaning of this?!" Rosward roared, stepping forward in fury.

"What's the meaning of this?" Claudius replied casually. "I was just passing by and noticed your door seemed broken wouldn't open no matter how hard I knocked. So I did you a favor and opened it for you. Don't worry, I'll send someone to install a brand-new one later. I'm very considerate like that."

Rosward's face turned crimson with rage. His hand trembled as he pointed at Claudius. "Get out of here! You're not welcome in my home!"

Claudius didn't bother responding. He stepped forward, brushed aside Rosward's hand with ease, and leaned down slightly. Using his height advantage, he tapped Rosward on the forehead with his finger and said, "Listen here, Rosward. Don't stand here pointing at me like you're somebody important. Don't forget your place. We may both be Celestial Dragons, but there's a hierarchy even among us. You're just a mid-level Celestial Dragon, while I'm from the Donquixote family. Don't get too full of yourself."

The tap on the forehead made Rosward stagger back a few steps. He clenched his fists, swallowing his humiliation as he stared at Claudius with a mix of anger and fear.

"Don't be too arrogant, Claudius!" Rosward finally snapped. "I haven't even settled accounts with you over what you did to Charlos last time. Now you come storming into my home? If you don't give me an explanation, I'll take this straight to the Five Elders!"

"Oh? Are you threatening me?" Claudius asked, his voice dripping with mockery. Then, with a smirk, he added, "Let me give you a little advice, Rosward: don't push your luck. Resisting the law is a serious offense, you know?"

Rosward felt like his brain had short-circuited. Resisting the law? He was sitting at home minding his own business, and now Claudius was accusing him of breaking the law? What law? What nonsense was this?

Ignoring Rosward's dumbfounded expression, Claudius shifted his gaze to Charlos. The moment Charlos caught Claudius' eye, he flinched as though he'd been struck, trembling in his seat. Claudius, however, didn't bother with him. Picking on Charlos was hardly satisfying, it was like bullying a puppy.

Behind Rosward, Claudius noticed a young girl peeking out nervously. Shalria, if he remembered correctly. She was pretty, but he had no time to concern himself with her.

"I hear you've got four mermaid slaves in your house," Claudius said, his tone turning cold. "Hand them over now. If even one is missing, you'll find out why the flowers are red."

"Preposterous!" Rosward roared. "Even if you're a high-ranking Celestial Dragon, you can't just waltz in here and rob us! Those mermaids are my property, my slaves!"

Claudius waved dismissively at one of his attendants and said, "Write this down. Rosward obstructed justice, resisted law enforcement, and refused to surrender illegal slaves. Record this as an act of defiance against the World Government."

Behind him, one of his clerks dutifully scribbled the words into a notebook.

Rosward was livid. "What law did I break? What nonsense are you spewing, Claudius?!"

Instead of answering, Claudius slapped Rosward across the face, sending him sprawling to the ground. He then turned to his entourage and ordered, "Go inside, find those four mermaids, and bring them out. Take anything else that looks interesting while you're at it, we can't visit a place like this and leave empty-handed."

Rosward writhed on the ground, his voice trembling with rage. "Claudius, you're nothing but a bandit! This isn't over, I'll make sure you pay for this!"

Claudius casually dusted off his hands, ignoring the outburst. "Bandit? Me? Nah, I'm just following orders from the Five Elders. See for yourself."

He tossed the royal edict onto Rosward's chest, then leaned down with a grin. "This is official business, sanctioned by the highest authority. If you've got a problem, go ahead and take it up with them. But let me give you some advice, don't waste your breath. I've got more houses to raid today, and as long as you stay out of my way, I couldn't care less about you."

Without waiting for a response, Claudius strode deeper into the estate, his entourage following close behind.

Chapter 145: Let the Blood Flow Like a River!

For three full days, Claudius stirred up chaos across Mariejois, leaving no stone unturned. Nearly every Celestial Dragon family had been "visited" by him, their homes ransacked under the guise of enforcement.

Like at Saint Rosward's estate, wherever Claudius went, he left with something valuable, whether it was slaves or treasures. By the end of it, Claudius had accumulated a small fortune.

He wasted no time. All 300+ freed mermaid slaves were loaded onto his ship, and with Mero and Lenny accompanying him, Claudius set sail for Sabaody Archipelago. Once there, he planned to have his massive flagship, the Prometheus, coated, a task that would take at least a week given its size.

But Claudius wasn't one to sit idle. During that week, he intended to get a few things done. First, he'd send word to Fish-Man Island, letting them know to prepare for his arrival. Second, he would oversee a joint operation between CP-X and Marine Headquarters to clean up Sabaody Archipelago. The normally chaotic island was about to become a war zone.

Back in Mariejois, inside the grand offices of the Five Elders, a pile of complaints sat on their table, and none of them were laughing.

The pile was made up entirely of letters from furious Celestial Dragons, all directed at Claudius. The grievances were identical: accusing Claudius of raiding their homes, stealing their slaves, and even taking their rare treasures.

Of course, Claudius denied everything. "What nonsense," he'd say. "As an upper-tier Celestial Dragon, I have more wealth than any of you. Why would I stoop so low as to covet your measly possessions?"

The Bald Elder picked up one of the letters and shook his head. "Apparently, Claudius did agree to replace the gate at Rosward's estate, but what he installed instead was a giant iron wall that sealed them inside completely. They can't even leave their own house because he didn't bother leaving a keyhole."

"Hahahaha!" The Sword-Wielding Elder chuckled, tapping his sword's hilt. "That kid has really caused a stir. Mariejois has been in an uproar for days now. He's become the embodiment of chaos like a plague god come to life."

"And he refuses to admit he's taken anything from them," added the Blond Elder, shaking his head in exasperation.

The initial edict to free the mermaid slaves had been a relatively straightforward order, but Claudius had turned it into a full-blown spectacle, stirring up all of Mariejois. Now, not only the Celestial Dragons, but nearly everyone in Mariejois knew what he'd done.

News had spread that Saint Claudius had stormed through the Domain of the Gods, liberated over 300 mermaid slaves, and was now escorting them to Fish-Man Island.

Even the major slave traders in Mariejois, sensing which way the wind was blowing, had sent their remaining mermaid slaves to Claudius without waiting for him to demand them. They couldn't afford to provoke someone who dared to disrespect even other Celestial Dragons.

In the past, Claudius had a decent reputation in Mariejois. While he was known to be eccentric, people didn't see him as a threat. But now? His actions had cemented him as someone no one wanted to cross.

By the time he left for Sabaody Archipelago, his new reputation as "Mariejois' Demon King" was solidified. Even the Five Elders, sitting amidst piles of complaints, couldn't deny that Claudius had lived up to his title.

"How should we handle this?" asked the Bearded Elder with a small grin.

"Well," the Bald Elder began, "it's not like Claudius is doing this for himself. He's carrying out an important task for us. No matter how messy this has become, he acted without hesitation showing us his loyalty in the process. We can't let him feel abandoned now."

The Bald Elder's tone was protective, and his fondness for Claudius was evident. Truthfully, the more he watched Claudius, the more he appreciated him. In fact, he'd even started entertaining the thought of arranging a marriage between Claudius and his granddaughter. After all, Claudius wasn't just competent he was reliable, resourceful, and carried himself like a leader.

But for now, those musings were set aside.

The Curly-Haired Elder frowned and rubbed his chin. "Still, he's a bit too arrogant. If this continues, the grievances in Mariejois will grow too large to ignore. We need to rein him in just a little."

The Bald Elder nodded thoughtfully. "That's fair. We need to address the optics. Perhaps something symbolic to appease the others."

"Let's fine him," the Blond Elder suggested after a moment. "Five hundred million berries."

The Bald Elder considered the figure and then nodded. "Alright, five hundred million it is."

On the surface, it sounded like a significant punishment, but in reality, it was little more than a slap on the wrist. The annual funds allocated to Claudius by the World Government were well beyond that amount, not to mention the wealth he'd accumulated through other ventures.

And after ransacking the Celestial Dragons' estates during his "operation," Claudius had likely pocketed a sum well exceeding two billion berries. Losing five hundred million would hardly faze him.

With the matter settled, the conversation shifted.

"So, what's he up to on Sabaody Archipelago?" asked the Blond Elder.

"Causing even more trouble than he did in Mariejois," the Bald Elder replied, pulling out two files from the stack of reports. He opened them and placed them on the table for the others to see.

The top report was accompanied by a gruesome photograph: a pyramid of severed human heads. In the underworld, such displays were referred to as skull towers, used to terrify and suppress opposition.

"Killing," murmured the Blond Elder, raising an eyebrow.

"Indeed," the Bald Elder confirmed. "Claudius cleaned out the slave trade on Sabaody Archipelago. Every slave trader there has been executed, their heads piled up in the lawless zone as a warning. Even a number of pirates got caught up in the purge. The message is clear, and the results have been effective."

"Violent, but efficient," the Sword-Wielding Elder noted, leaning back in his chair. "It seems Claudius' methods are already producing results."

"Ultimately, it's just some scum getting what they deserve," the Bald Elder said. "And beyond eliminating the slave trade, this sends a strong message. Whether it's Mariejois or Sabaody Archipelago, the World Government's sincerity toward Fish-Man Island is on full display. Claudius' actions speak for themselves."

Indeed, Claudius' over-the-top antics weren't just about theatrics they were calculated. By raising such a commotion, he demonstrated the World Government's commitment to improving relations with Fish-Man Island. The more chaos he caused, the more weight his negotiations would carry.

For the Five Elders, this was all part of the plan.

"Think about it," the Bald Elder said. "For Fish-Man Island, Claudius went as far as offending the entire Celestial Dragon community in Mariejois. He left Sabaody Archipelago soaked in blood with over two thousand heads on display. If that's not sincerity, what is?

"If they still hesitate or try to push back, they're only making things harder for Claudius. And do you think someone with the title of 'Mariejois' Demon King' will let himself be embarrassed on Fish-Man Island? I'd love to see them try."

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 146: Raiden Karmapa—Enel!

Early in the morning, at the Marine station on Sabaody Archipelago, Sengoku was busy handling the aftermath of the recent chaos.

In the past few days, Claudius had turned the entire Sabaody Archipelago upside down. True to his nature, though, Claudius was the type to throw everything into disarray and then walk away, leaving others to deal with the fallout. Naturally, Sengoku found himself left to clean up the mess.

"Admiral Sengoku, the coating on the Prometheus is complete!" a Marine colonel reported as he entered the office.

Hearing this, Sengoku looked up from the pile of documents cluttering his desk. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Where is Saint Claudius?"

"We're not sure, sir. He didn't return last night. Shall we begin searching for him?" the colonel asked hesitantly.

Sengoku waved off the suggestion. "No need. His Highness knows exactly when the coating would be finished. With his strength and identity, there's nothing on Sabaody Archipelago that could pose a real danger to him," he said, though there was a faint edge of exasperation in his tone.

As if on cue, Claudius strolled into the office, his expression lighthearted as usual. "A Celestial Dragon goes missing overnight, and Admiral Sengoku isn't the least bit worried? That's truly disappointing. I'm hurt, Sengoku," Claudius teased with a smile.

Sengoku chuckled as he gestured to the mountain of paperwork on his desk. "Worried? About you? If it were anyone else, I'd have mobilized an entire fleet. But you, Your Highness? I only need to worry about the bloodbath you've caused. Who would dare provoke you when they know the kind of chaos you bring with you?"

He pointed to the stacks of reports on his desk, most of them related to Claudius' actions over the past few days.

"Ahahahaha, fair point," Claudius laughed, completely unbothered.

"It's not trouble, just...time-consuming," Sengoku said dryly. "These could be handled by subordinates, but since you're back, let's get moving. The Prometheus is ready, and I've got plenty of other work waiting for me in Marineford. I can't afford to sit around here forever."

Claudius nodded, unbothered by Sengoku's impatience. "No problem, let's head out."

---

The enormous Prometheus was now fully coated in a shimmering bubble and ready to dive into the depths of the sea. This was Claudius' first time experiencing the process of descending beneath the ocean, and he couldn't help but marvel at the breathtaking scenery that unfolded before him. Schools of vibrant fish swam past the bubble coating, their movements graceful and hypnotic.

Even Robin, who rarely left her library, had emerged onto the deck. With wide, curious eyes, she leaned against the railing, taking in the sights of the underwater world.

Sengoku, holding a glass of juice and leaning casually against the mast, took a rare moment to relax. "So, Your Highness, you've been missing for the past two days. Care to share what you've been up to?" he asked with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.

Claudius didn't look away from the fish swimming just outside the ship's protective bubble. "I heard there was an interesting guy on Sabaody, so I went looking for him. Spent two days searching but only found his partner. So, I had a couple of drinks with her. That's about it."

Sengoku blinked, momentarily stunned. "So...you went looking for a man, didn't find him, and just decided to hang out with his partner instead? Your Highness, the way you Celestial Dragons operate never ceases to amaze me."

In truth, Claudius had been searching for Silvers Rayleigh, the legendary "Dark King." They had crossed paths years ago and shared a certain camaraderie. Claudius had been curious to see him again.

But Rayleigh, likely aware that both Claudius and Sengoku were on the island, had chosen to lay low. As someone who preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble, Rayleigh likely concluded that the simultaneous presence of a Celestial Dragon and a Marine Admiral spelled potential disaster.

So, in true Rayleigh fashion, he had likely taken to the sea, vanishing before Claudius could catch sight of him.

Meanwhile, Claudius had spent those two days at Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, enjoying drinks and lively conversation with Shakky, the proprietress.

Sengoku, however, had no idea who Claudius had been looking for, nor did Claudius plan to tell him. After all, it wasn't like Rayleigh needed to appear on Marine's radar.

Still, Sengoku found the situation absurd. Shaking his head, he decided not to press the matter further. As Marine Admiral, he felt it was beneath him to pry into such frivolous gossip. Clearing his throat, he changed the subject. "Speaking of interesting things, Your Highness, I almost forgot to show you something."

Claudius turned away from the mesmerizing underwater view and looked at Sengoku. "Oh? What is it?"

Reaching into his coat, Sengoku pulled out a slightly wrinkled bounty poster and handed it to Claudius.

"Take a look at this," Sengoku said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Claudius unfolded the poster and read the name printed across it: Enel. His brow furrowed in mild surprise.

"Huh, Enel? Haven't checked on him recently," Claudius murmured, scratching his chin. He had assumed Enel was still following Crocodile around, learning the ropes of piracy.

It turned out he was wrong.

"Thirty million berries," Claudius remarked with a hint of amusement. "Not a huge bounty, but for a newcomer, it's respectable. How long has it been since he set out? Two months?"

"Not even two months," Sengoku replied, shaking his head. "But he's made a name for himself already. He's destroyed five pirate crews in such a short span. Oddly enough, he hasn't harmed any civilians or merchant ships. His actions are...unusual, to say the least. People are starting to call him the 'Raiden Karmapa'. A pirate who enforces his own brand of justice on the seas. It's almost embarrassing for us Marines, but at least we know he's on our side."

Hearing this, Claudius almost choked on his laughter. "'Raiden Karmapa?' Really? What, is he some kind of vigilante now?"

The name was a bit over-the-top, but Claudius knew such titles often evolved. Even legends like Silvers Rayleigh and Gol D. Roger hadn't started out with their iconic epithets. Rayleigh had once been known as "Silver Rayleigh," while Roger was simply referred to as "Gold Roger." Compared to those humble beginnings, Enel's title wasn't too bad, though Claudius suspected it would eventually shift to something like "God of Thunder."

Chapter 147: Claudius: I Feel Like I Missed Out on Hundreds of Billions!

The name "Fish-Man Island" conjured images of a distant paradise located deep beneath the ocean, isolated and serene. But in reality, it wasn't nearly as remote as it seemed.

Geographically, Fish-Man Island was astonishingly close to Mariejois, Sabaody Archipelago, and Marine Headquarters at Marineford. If one was adequately prepared and faced no interruptions, the journey from Sabaody Archipelago to Fish-Man Island could be completed in half a day, a stark contrast to the weeks or even months it took to travel between islands above the sea.

After all, Fish-Man Island was simply located 10,000 meters below the ocean's surface. In practical terms, it was only 10 kilometers straight down, not far at all in the grand scheme of things.

As Claudius was chatting with Sengoku, he barely noticed the passage of time before Lenny, the excitable mermaid, shouted, "Your Highness, we're here! We've reached Fish-Man Island!"

Claudius blinked in mild surprise. "Already? That was quick."

He walked to the edge of the ship and peered out. In the distance, he saw a massive bubble enveloping the island. While the island itself didn't look particularly large at first glance, what stood out most prominently was the enormous tree that seemed to grow straight out of the sea, towering over everything else. It was the largest tree Claudius had ever seen, far more massive than the mangroves of the Sabaody Archipelago.

"What a tree…" Claudius murmured, awestruck.

"Your Highness, that's the Sunlight Tree Eve," Mero said excitedly. "It's the mother tree of our Fish-Man Island. Thanks to it, even though we're 10,000 meters under the sea, we can still see sunlight and blue skies. Without it, this place would be shrouded in darkness."

The enthusiasm in Mero's voice was evident. Both she and Lenny were practically glowing with excitement now that they were so close to their home.

Claudius nodded, but his thoughts briefly wandered. The Sunlight Tree Eve was indeed a marvel, one said to rival the Treasure Tree Adam in legend. Unlike the Eve, however, the Adam had suffered greatly over the years, its wood harvested for shipbuilding after being damaged by war. Claudius' own flagship, the Prometheus, used materials from the Treasure Tree Adam.

Staring at the colossal Eve tree, a peculiar thought crossed Claudius' mind: What kind of battleship could I build if I chopped that tree down?

Of course, he quickly dismissed the idea. Attempting such a thing would undoubtedly turn Fish-Man Island's population against him, and he had no intention of creating such chaos.

As the Prometheus sailed closer to the island, it entered a vast coral forest on the seafloor. The towering coral formations were so massive that they resembled a sprawling jungle.

Among the corals, Claudius noticed countless treasures scattered about, black pearls the size of fists lay strewn like ordinary pebbles. It was a mesmerizing sight, one that spoke to the wealth hidden beneath the waves.

"This place is a treasure trove," Claudius muttered, his voice low and contemplative.

"What are you thinking, Your Highness?" Sengoku asked, noticing Claudius' expression.

"I'm thinking about how much the World Government has overlooked in the past few centuries," Claudius replied with a hint of bitterness. "All this untapped wealth, all these treasures, and we've barely scratched the surface. I feel like I've missed out on hundreds of billions of berries just in my lifetime!"

Sengoku raised an eyebrow, confused by Claudius' lament. As a Marine Admiral, his mind didn't work like a businessman's. While he understood large-scale strategies like the Calm Belt project, the smaller, more practical ideas often eluded him. To him, the pearls and treasures scattered around the coral forest were just part of the local scenery, beautiful but not particularly significant.

Claudius, on the other hand, saw opportunities everywhere. His mind raced with possibilities: establishing trade routes between Fish-Man Island and the surface world could be immensely profitable. Exotic items from the surface could be sold to Fish-Man Island at exorbitant prices, while treasures like pearls and coral from Fish-Man Island could fetch astronomical sums on the surface, especially among the nobles.

And that wasn't all. The untapped wealth of the ocean floor minerals, rare materials, and other resources represented an opportunity so vast it was almost overwhelming.

"If I manage to secure a monopoly on trade with Fish-Man Island," Claudius thought, his excitement building, "I could become the richest man alive."

His gaze shifted to Lenny and Mero, the two mermaids who had been with him for over a decade. He trusted them completely, knowing they would never betray him, even with the freedom to return to the sea. If he needed reliable agents to manage his business interests on Fish-Man Island, they were the perfect candidates.

"Good deeds really do pay off," Claudius mused, feeling rather pleased with himself. "All these years of treating Lenny and Mero well, turns out I was investing in my future."

Lenny's excited voice broke his train of thought. "Your Highness, this is Coral Hill, the most prosperous port on Fish-Man Island! All major fleets arrive here first. Once we dock at Coral Hill, we can disembark."

Claudius smiled as he took in the sight of the bustling port. Coral Hill was indeed vibrant, its bright coral structures contrasting beautifully against the deep blue of the surrounding ocean.

"This is my hometown," Lenny continued, her voice tinged with both excitement and nostalgia. "Mero and I used to live here before...before we were captured by slavers. It's hard to believe how far we've come since then."

The two sisters glanced at each other, their eyes filled with gratitude. Though their journey had been harrowing, meeting Claudius had changed everything.

Sengoku, observing the port ahead, remarked, "It looks like King Neptune is prepared to welcome us."

Before leaving Sabaody Archipelago, Sengoku had sent word to King Neptune, informing him of Claudius' arrival and emphasizing the importance of the visit. As a ruler, Neptune was obliged to extend the utmost respect to someone of Claudius' status, even if he did so with some trepidation.

At the port, the Fish-Man Island honor guard had cleared the area, forming a grand welcoming procession. Standing at the forefront were King Neptune and his wife, Princess Otohime. As the Prometheus approached, the two exchanged uneasy glances.

Neptune's towering frame seemed tense, his expression filled with uncertainty. Watching the enormous ship draw closer, he couldn't help but wonder: Is the arrival of Saint Donquixote-Claudius a blessing for Fish-Man Island or a curse?

Sensing her husband's anxiety, Otohime placed a gentle hand on Neptune's tail. Her bright, hopeful smile seemed to dispel some of his worries. "Don't fret, my king," she said softly. "Didn't Admiral Sengoku assure us that Saint Claudius comes with goodwill?"

Neptune frowned. "Marine officers like Sengoku may be honorable, but they would never dare speak ill of a Celestial Dragon. How can we trust their words entirely?"

Despite his doubts, Neptune could only hope that this meeting would bring his people closer to a brighter future and not plunge them into deeper despair.

Chapter 148: Princess Otohime, I Have a Hundred-Million-Berry Deal to Discuss with You!?

The Prometheus docked smoothly at Coral Hill, and the ship's gangway extended automatically, connecting the deck to the stable ground of the port.

Though Fish-Man Island was located 10,000 meters below the surface of the sea, it wasn't entirely submerged in water. Enclosed within a massive protective bubble, much of the island resembled dry land. Of course, places like Ryugu Palace remained underwater, but the water could be drained when necessary to accommodate surface dwellers.

The island had already been prepared for Claudius' arrival, sparing him the indignity of needing to wear cumbersome bubble suits like other visitors.

The first to disembark were Claudius' attendants, who immediately laid out a luxurious gold-threaded red carpet. The carpet stretched from the ship's gangway all the way to where King Neptune and Princess Otohime were waiting. Claudius' honor guard then lined up on either side of the carpet in perfect formation.

Seeing such an extravagant display, both Neptune and Otohime were a bit taken aback. The sheer formality and grandeur were overwhelming, this was the unmistakable presence of a Celestial Dragon.

Sengoku descended the gangway first, seemingly clearing the way for Claudius. Then, slowly, Claudius himself appeared.

With his short, dazzling blond hair, a handsome face, and a tall, athletic build, Claudius cut an impressive figure. His well-toned physique, combined with his naturally commanding presence, made him undeniably charismatic.

He wore a pristine white suit, tailored from fabrics so fine they practically radiated luxury. Draped over his shoulders was a dark brown coat, creating a striking contrast that enhanced his noble aura. Every step he took down the gangway was measured and deliberate, exuding both confidence and control.

As a Celestial Dragon, Claudius knew when to lean into his high-status demeanor. His calm, unhurried steps, paired with the faint smile on his face, gave him an approachable air, but beneath it was a subtle but unmistakable sense of authority, a noble detachment that reminded everyone of his exalted position.

Behind him followed the ever-dutiful Nia, who was dressed in a classic maid's uniform, her hands clasped demurely at her abdomen. Beside her walked Stussy, clad in an elegant white ensemble that perfectly blended business-like refinement with feminine grace. She carried a small, sophisticated handbag and wore a tiny top hat adorned with a single flower. Together, these two women flanked Claudius like delicate yet regal ornaments, further amplifying his commanding presence.

Despite the serious tone of the scene, Claudius' lips moved slightly as he whispered to Stussy, "Don't you think I'm missing something? Maybe a low-key yet luxurious cane would really complete the look."

Stussy stifled a laugh, her eyes glinting with amusement as she whispered back, "Your Highness, are you sure you can maintain this demeanor throughout the entire event?"

Claudius smirked but resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Do you think I enjoy this charade? This level of posturing is more exhausting than fighting the Red Count. I have to maintain appearances for now this is my first time here, after all. I need to establish my authority as a high-ranking Celestial Dragon. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother with any of this nonsense."

Stussy covered her mouth with her hand to hide her grin. "And the cane, Your Highness?"

"I thought it would make me seem more mature and dependable," Claudius replied, his tone mock-serious.

Stussy chuckled. "Mature and dependable? You? Let's not forget your title—'The Demon King of Mariejois.' Mature and dependable people don't earn nicknames like that."

Claudius raised an eyebrow and shot her a sidelong glance. "You're getting bolder, Stussy. Are you mocking me now?"

Her smile widened, her voice teasing. "Will you punish me for it, Your Highness?"

Claudius leaned in slightly, his tone playful yet mischievous. "Once we're done here, I've got a hundred-million-berry deal to discuss with you."

Though her experience as the Queen of Happy Street had left her largely unflappable, Stussy couldn't help but blush faintly at Claudius' words. She averted her gaze with a quiet scoff, choosing not to respond further.

As Claudius continued walking, Neptune and Otohime stepped forward to meet him. They couldn't very well wait for him to come to them, it was only proper to greet a Celestial Dragon halfway.

"Neptune of Fish-Man Island humbly welcomes Saint Claudius," Neptune said as he bowed deeply. Despite his towering stature, he bent his massive frame respectfully, his voice polite but tinged with nervousness.

Claudius smiled warmly, his gaze meeting Neptune's. The contrast between Neptune's imposing height and his deferential posture was almost amusing. "The name of Neptune, the Great Knight of the Sea, is one I've heard often during my time on the surface. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. You truly live up to your reputation."

Neptune felt a small sense of relief at Claudius' words. The Celestial Dragon seemed approachable so far, not as overbearing or arrogant as he'd feared. Perhaps this meeting wouldn't be as difficult as he'd anticipated.

Claudius then turned his attention to Princess Otohime. Compared to Neptune, Otohime was petite, practically doll-like. Claudius couldn't help but marvel internally at how the two could have made their relationship work. The logistics must be something else, he thought, quickly dismissing the curiosity before it showed on his face.

Extending his hand to Otohime, Claudius smiled and said, "You must be Princess Otohime. I've long admired your tireless efforts to bridge the gap between our two races. Your dedication is truly remarkable."

A little flustered, Otohime quickly reached out and took his hand. "Your Highness, the work you've done for Fish-Man Island humbles me. It is I who admires you."

Claudius chuckled lightly. "Well, while it may sound boastful, I assure you, Princess, I am not like the typical Celestial Dragon. I've come here today with genuine sincerity."

He gestured to Nia, who promptly stepped forward with a neatly prepared document. Taking it from her, Claudius handed it directly to Otohime.

"This," he explained, "is the first token of goodwill I bring on behalf of the World Government. It contains the names of merfolk and fishmen who were taken from your island and enslaved. Arrangements have already been made for their safe return. I thought it best to resolve this matter first surely, those who have been separated from their home for so long must be eager to return."

As Otohime flipped through the file, her eyes filled with tears. Each page listed names and photos of Fish-Man Island citizens who had been captured and sold into slavery. For years, Otohime had fought tirelessly to protect her people, and now, at last, there was real progress.

"On behalf of Fish-Man Island, we deeply thank you for your kindness, Your Highness," Neptune said earnestly.

Claudius nodded casually, accepting the gratitude as if it were his due. "Nia," he said, turning to his butler, "work with Lenny and Mero to ensure everyone onboard is handed over to Princess Otohime and her people."

"Yes, Your Highness," Nia responded promptly.

Claudius then turned his attention back to Otohime, a bright smile on his face. He took her hand again, this time with an added touch of excitement. "Princess Otohime, beyond the goodwill and friendship I bring today, I also have a rather...lucrative proposal. I'd like to discuss a business opportunity worth hundreds of millions of berries with you."

Hearing this, Stussy nearly stumbled, her face turning red as her mind jumped to the wrong conclusion. Even Sengoku looked momentarily stunned. Was Claudius really that shameless? Was he flirting with Princess Otohime right in front of Neptune?

Thankfully, neither Neptune nor Otohime seemed to share their thoughts. As pure-hearted individuals, they took Claudius' words at face value.

Otohime's eyes sparkled with hope. "Your Highness, we on Fish-Man Island will respond to your sincerity with our own. We are eager to hear your proposal."

Chapter 149: Neptune is Dumbfounded!?

The Ryugu Palace on Fish-Man Island was vast and magnificent, rivaling even the opulence of Claudius' own palace.

Although Fish-Man Island was somewhat isolated from the rest of the world, it was clear they were far from destitute. In fact, the grandeur of the palace showcased the island's wealth and affluence.

Claudius, alongside his entourage, followed King Neptune into the palace. Walking behind Neptune was a burly blue-skinned man who caught Claudius' attention. The man's presence felt familiar, and after a moment of recognition, Claudius realized who he was looking at none other than the future Warlord of the Sea, Jinbei.

Jinbei, still relatively young at this time, carried himself with a calm dignity and exuded strength. Yet, there was something faintly endearing about him, a certain unpolished charm that seemed out of place given his imposing stature.

Noticing Claudius' lingering gaze, Neptune smiled and introduced him. "This is my most trusted subordinate, Jinbei, the captain of the Ryugu Palace Guard."

"So it really is him," Claudius thought to himself. Then, with a polite smile, he said aloud, "You certainly look the part, impressive and commanding."

"Thank you for your kind words, Saint Claudius," Jinbei replied, his deep voice resonating through the hall.

Claudius returned the smile but didn't continue to focus on Jinbei. While Jinbei was undoubtedly strong and loyal to Fish-Man Island, Claudius had no particular ambitions concerning him at the moment. For now, Claudius had no intention of trying to sway Jinbei's allegiance. After all, his heart belonged to Fish-Man Island, and while the Celestial Dragons held no ill will toward him, earning his loyalty would be no simple feat.

Still, Claudius mused that in the future, as he built stronger ties with Fish-Man Island, perhaps their relationship might evolve. But that was a matter for another time.

For now, Claudius followed Neptune and his party into the Ryugu Palace. The palace's interior was just as impressive as its exterior, a masterpiece of underwater architecture. Neptune had prepared a grand banquet in honor of Claudius' visit, and Claudius graciously accepted the hospitality.

The banquet was lavish and enjoyable, a display of Fish-Man Island's rich culture and culinary delights. After the feast concluded, the room was cleared, leaving only a small group: Sengoku, Stussy, Neptune, Princess Otohime, and Claudius himself. It was time to get down to business.

Seated with a glass of deep-sea wine in hand, Claudius took a sip and marveled at its unique flavor. "This wine is remarkable. The taste is unlike anything on the surface. I wonder what ingredients were used to make it."

Neptune chuckled at Claudius' praise, and Claudius turned his attention back to him with a smile. "Fish-Man Island truly is a remarkable place. Lenny and Mero weren't lying to me about how beautiful it is."

At the mention of the two names, Neptune raised an eyebrow. "Lenny? Mero? I believe I heard those names at the harbor earlier. Are they part of your esteemed entourage, Your Highness?"

Claudius paused, his expression briefly thoughtful. "You could say that, though it's a bit complicated. Lenny and Mero are mermaid girls from Fish-Man Island. They were... previously slaves in Mariejois, and by law, they belonged to me."

At these words, Neptune and Otohime's expressions darkened. Despite Claudius' otherwise cordial demeanor, hearing him speak of their people as slaves was a painful reminder of the injustices Fish-Man Island had endured for centuries.

Noticing the shift in the atmosphere, Sengoku quickly intervened. "There's been a misunderstanding! Please don't take this the wrong way."

"Yes, exactly," Stussy added, her tone calm and reassuring. "His Highness Claudius is not like the other Celestial Dragons. Over the years, he has done nothing but protect Lenny and Mero. They are not merely his subordinates, they are his friends. His Highness has never restricted their freedom."

Claudius nodded, his expression softening. "That's true. Lenny and Mero are my dear friends. Their return to Fish-Man Island is something I struggle with, as I'll certainly miss them. But at least we're not far apart. Mariejois and Fish-Man Island aren't so distant, we'll always be able to see each other again."

Hearing this, Neptune and Otohime visibly relaxed. It was unlikely Claudius would lie so openly about such matters, especially when the truth could be easily uncovered.

"I see. It seems we misunderstood you, Your Highness. Please forgive us," Neptune said, bowing slightly.

Claudius waved it off with a smile. "No offense taken. Let's move on to the reason for my visit."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone turning more serious. "As you both may know, I'm not just a Celestial Dragon. I also oversee CP-X, an organization under the World Government. Our goal is to improve the world, to address its flaws and weaknesses. And, as you are undoubtedly aware, one of the most glaring issues within the World Government is its treatment of Fish-Man Island."

As Claudius finished, Sengoku chimed in, his voice steady. "Exactly. We won't deny the faults within the World Government. That's why we're here today, to address these issues and work toward a solution that benefits both sides."

Neptune's expression grew heavy, his tone laced with doubt. "I'm grateful that Your Highness is willing to acknowledge these problems, but... I must be honest. We of Fish-Man Island have little faith in humans from the surface."

Otohime looked at her husband with concern, but she remained silent, letting him speak.

Claudius nodded thoughtfully. "I understand completely. Centuries of mistreatment and oppression cannot be undone with words alone. Trust must be earned through actions, not promises."

After a brief pause, Claudius continued. "That's why I've come here with sincerity. I'm sure you've already heard about what transpired in Mariejois and Sabaody Archipelago. I imagine news travels quickly to Fish-Man Island."

Otohime glanced at Neptune before nodding. "Yes, we've heard of it. Despite our isolation, Fish-Man Island often receives visitors from the surface. We are not entirely disconnected, and we know of your efforts on behalf of our people."

Claudius smiled. "Good. Then you understand that the measures I've taken are only the beginning. The World Government is determined to demonstrate its commitment to Fish-Man Island, and I'm here to make that clear. However, there is one matter we must address directly."

Neptune's expression tightened, a hint of apprehension crossing his face.

Claudius leaned back slightly, his tone measured. "It's no secret that Fish-Man Island has sought protection under the flag of Edward Newgate—Whitebeard. The Pirate Flag is a public declaration, one that cannot be ignored. Am I correct in saying this?"

Neptune hesitated, unsure how to respond. Before Claudius and Sengoku's arrival, the island had temporarily removed Whitebeard's flag, but the implications of Claudius' words left him uneasy.

Claudius smiled, waving a hand dismissively. "Don't worry. I'm not here to reprimand you. I see that the flags have already been removed, which demonstrates your understanding of the matter. That's all that needs to be said."

Neptune nodded reluctantly. "Yes, we... we took them down."

"Good," Claudius said with a nod. "Recognizing and correcting a mistake is the mark of a wise leader. With this step, we can move forward without issue."

Chapter 150: Change Is Inevitable!

Seeing Neptune's bewildered expression, Claudius smirked internally. Without giving the king a chance to interject, he continued, "Of course, the safety of Fish-Man Island is a top priority for the World Government. This is something we must address with utmost seriousness. A place as vital as Fish-Man Island should never have to rely on a pirate's flag for protection. Such a thing would be unacceptable."

Sengoku couldn't help but admire Claudius in this moment. His Highness was truly a masterful speaker. Without needing prior discussion or preparation, Claudius had subtly reframed the narrative. Neptune's removal of Whitebeard's flag, even if temporary, was now being portrayed as a conscientious act of cooperation.

Sengoku couldn't help but think, your Highness, you're incredible. Without breaking a sweat, you've turned the tables and forced Neptune's hand.

Claudius, seemingly oblivious to Sengoku's thoughts, turned to him and said, "Sengoku, this situation does point to some serious negligence on Marine's part, doesn't it? Isn't it Marine's duty to ensure the safety of World Government territories? Shouldn't we protect member nations from pirates without forcing them to rely on paying tribute to lawless criminals? Isn't this your failure as Admiral?"

Sengoku nodded solemnly, playing along perfectly. "You are absolutely correct, Your Highness. This is our failing, and it's a point of deep shame for me."

Claudius nodded approvingly, as if Sengoku's admission of guilt had satisfied him. "Good. At least you understand the weight of your shortcomings. Recognizing your mistakes is the first step toward improvement. Just like King Neptune here, he has seen the error of his ways and acted promptly to address it. That's something to be commended."

Turning back to Sengoku, Claudius added, "Well then, let's rectify this situation immediately. I want you to make a public commitment to the safety of Fish-Man Island right now. What's your plan, Admiral Sengoku? How do you intend to make up for this gross oversight?"

Sengoku's eyes gleamed with understanding. He knew exactly where Claudius was steering this conversation. "Your Highness, we in Marine fully acknowledge our failings. I propose that we establish a Marine base directly on Fish-Man Island. This base will be staffed with capable personnel, dedicated solely to protecting the island from any external threats. What do you think?"

Claudius clapped his hands together, a pleased smile spreading across his face. "Now that is a solid plan. Fish-Man Island pays taxes to the World Government every year, not to mention the heavenly tribute paid to the Celestial Dragons. They deserve proper protection in return. I'll approve this initiative. In fact..."

He paused for a moment, as if struck by a sudden idea, and then continued, "I'll personally allocate two billion berries to assist Marine in constructing this branch. Once you return to Naval Headquarters, Admiral Sengoku, visit CP-X to collect the funds. I'll have the authorization papers ready for you."

Sengoku bowed his head slightly. "Thank you for your support, Your Highness. We are deeply grateful."

While Sengoku played his role perfectly, Neptune was silently fuming. He felt completely sidelined. Claudius and Sengoku were casually discussing the establishment of a Marine base on his island as if it were already decided, without even consulting him properly.

What's worse, Neptune knew Whitebeard's protection had cost him nothing, he and the pirate shared a personal friendship. Building a Marine base here wasn't just unnecessary; it felt invasive.

Summoning his courage, Neptune cleared his throat, ready to voice his objections. But before he could get a word out, Claudius waved him off dismissively. "No need to thank me, King Neptune. This is simply the duty of the World Government. It's our responsibility to care for our member nations. Any negligence in the past will be corrected starting now."

Before Neptune could protest further, Claudius pressed on. "I understand that placing a Marine base here might not be enough to ease all your concerns. After all, this era of piracy is more chaotic than ever, and Fish-Man Island sits on a crucial route to the New World. That's why I propose we go one step further. CP-X will also establish a station here to assist Marine in ensuring the island's safety. With the combined forces of Marine and CP-X, you can rest easy knowing that Fish-Man Island will be thoroughly protected."

At this point, Neptune felt completely helpless. His thoughts were in turmoil. Marine and CP-X? What is this? Are they planning to turn Fish-Man Island into some kind of military outpost?

Claudius wasn't done. He smiled reassuringly at Neptune and said, "You don't need to worry about the financial burden either. I know building such a base usually involves contributions from the host nation, but given the unique circumstances here, I promise not a single berry will come from the Dragon Palace treasury. Everything will be funded by Marine and CP-X."

Neptune felt like crying. He didn't need their money. He didn't even want the base in the first place! But how could he say that aloud without offending Claudius?

While Neptune struggled to find the right words, Claudius leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming more commanding. "So, King Neptune, what do you think of the World Government's sincerity? Everything I've proposed here is not mere talk, it will be done. And I assure you, I never go back on my word."

The weight of Claudius' words, combined with the intensity of his gaze, left Neptune speechless. The king felt trapped. On the surface, Claudius' proposals sounded reasonable, even beneficial. But beneath that polished veneer, there was an undeniable sense of pressure, an unspoken threat that rejecting these plans might have dire consequences.

Is this what they call "sincerity"? Neptune thought bitterly. It feels more like an ultimatum.

At that moment, Claudius' expression softened, and he smiled as if to dispel the oppressive atmosphere. "After all, King Neptune, isn't it better for Fish-Man Island to stand under the protection of the World Government rather than a pirate's flag? Surely you see the wisdom in that."

He raised his wine glass, taking a leisurely sip, as if he had already secured Neptune's agreement. For Neptune, the message was clear: whether he liked it or not, change was coming to Fish-Man Island.

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Chapter Text

Chapter 151: Sengoku: Wonderful!

In the end, Neptune finally "succumbed." He didn't dare to confront Claudius head-on. After all, the imposing demeanor of the Celestial Dragon left him little room for argument.

Neptune nodded and said, "Your Highness' kindness is something we, the Fish-Man Island, will remember in our hearts. We will rely on you and Admiral Sengoku moving forward."

Claudius withdrew his gaze from the scenery outside, placing his wine glass on the table with a smile. "There's no need to thank me. In truth, it is the World Government and I who owe your people an apology. This is simply us trying to correct a mistake."

Standing to the side, Sengoku adjusted his glasses, a glint of admiration in his eyes. Claudius' ability to lead conversations and create resolutions without causing conflict was nothing short of extraordinary. His methods were subtle yet forceful, making it hard for others to resist or refute.

Before they had arrived at Fish-Man Island, Sengoku had prepared himself for lengthy discussions and possible pushbacks. He imagined days of back-and-forth negotiations, or worse, weeks of tension and mistrust before reaching any agreement. But in the span of a single conversation, Claudius had neatly wrapped up the matter of Whitebeard's flag without even directly demanding its removal. Instead, he'd framed it as if King Neptune himself had "eagerly" removed it for the sake of diplomacy.

From a World Government standpoint, this was a masterstroke. It not only reclaimed their authority but also made Fish-Man Island appear cooperative an invaluable gesture of respect that Claudius had cleverly maneuvered them into.

Sengoku couldn't help but feel a little giddy. I thought this mission would drag on for days, maybe even weeks, and now I might be able to head back to Marineford tomorrow? Truly a miracle!

But before Sengoku could fully indulge in his relief, Claudius' voice rang out again.

"With the security issue resolved for now, and with any future adjustments to be addressed as needed, I believe it's time we move on to a different topic. Let's discuss the development of Fish-Man Island," Claudius said with a smile.

Sengoku's fleeting happiness disappeared as quickly as it had arrived. He groaned internally. Development? Wasn't our job here just to deal with the pirate flag issue?

But as the thought settled, Sengoku reconsidered. Perhaps Claudius had been tasked with broader responsibilities by the Five Elders. CP-X, after all, was a jack-of-all-trades department, capable of meddling in everything from politics to economics.

Neptune was visibly stunned, unsure how to respond. He had assumed Claudius' only purpose here was to address the presence of Whitebeard's flag, but now the discussion had shifted into unfamiliar territory.

"The development of Fish-Man Island?" Neptune repeated, his tone uncertain.

Princess Otohime, however, looked intrigued. She remembered how Claudius had mentioned "a business worth hundreds of millions" when they first met at the port. Unlike Neptune, who had grown resigned to the island's isolation, Otohime had always dreamed of bridging the gap between their people and the surface world.

"Your Highness, what exactly do you mean?" Otohime asked eagerly. "We of Fish-Man Island have long yearned to integrate with the sea above us. It's been eight hundred years since that promise was first made."

Claudius nodded knowingly. He had done his homework. Eight centuries ago, Joy Boy had made an unfulfilled promise to bring the people of Fish-Man Island to the surface. Though that promise had been broken, the longing for coexistence with the surface world had been deeply ingrained in the hearts of Fish-Man Island's residents ever since.

However, Claudius knew that such a monumental goal couldn't be achieved overnight. For now, building trust and fostering cooperation between the two sides would be crucial steps. Fear and misunderstanding had created an invisible wall between the Fish-Man Island and the rest of the world, and tearing it down would require time and effort.

"I understand this dream of yours, Princess Otohime," Claudius said sincerely. "I've taken it into consideration, but we must take this process one step at a time. Trust must first be built between our peoples before we can make any large strides."

He glanced at Neptune, then back at Otohime, and continued, "The best way to eliminate fear is through understanding, and understanding comes through interaction. Both sides need to face their fears and work to dissolve them."

Claudius paused for a moment, then smiled. "This is why I believe that trade and cooperation should be the foundation of our efforts. It will allow both sides to engage with one another gradually and in a controlled manner. For that to happen, Marine and CP-X are more than willing to serve as the bridge that connects Fish-Man Island to the surface world."

Princess Otohime nodded thoughtfully, feeling that Claudius' words carried merit. She admired his logical approach, even if the path forward wouldn't be easy.

Sengoku, on the other hand, had no idea what Claudius was doing. He glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, his mind racing. Marine as the bridge? Couldn't you have at least briefed me on this plan, Your Highness?

Despite his confusion, Sengoku trusted Claudius' judgment. If this was the plan, he would support it fully. Without missing a beat, he nodded firmly and said, "Yes, we in Marine are ready and willing to shoulder this responsibility."

Princess Otohime smiled, clearly reassured by the Admiral's support. "Then, Your Highness, what specifically do you have in mind?"

Claudius leaned back slightly in his seat, the picture of ease. "The first step is employment," he said.

"Employment?" Otohime asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

"Exactly. I've learned that one of the root causes of the unrest on Fish-Man Island stems from poverty. Many of your residents, especially those from Fish-Man Street, lack stable opportunities. This has led to desperation and, in turn, crime. The solution, then, lies in providing them with dignified work," Claudius explained.

Otohime looked thoughtful, nodding as Claudius spoke. "Yes, that's something we've always believed, but we've struggled to find the right avenues."

Claudius smiled. "Then allow me to propose one. As I understand it, the Fish-Men are naturally gifted in shipbuilding, and their strength and skills make them ideal for heavy labor. As it happens, both Marine and CP-X are in dire need of skilled workers and laborers. Why not employ them? With fair wages and proper training, this could be a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Hearing this, Sengoku's eyes lit up as if a lightbulb had gone off in his head. He hadn't considered this before, but it made perfect sense. The mermen and Fish-Men could be invaluable assets, especially in Marine's current efforts to expand and develop. Their expertise in shipbuilding alone could help bolster Marine's fleet.

"Brilliant! Your Highness, this is an excellent idea," Sengoku said with enthusiasm. "If we can hire Fish-Men to assist with projects like constructing ships or developing routes in the Calm Belt, it would benefit everyone. Why didn't I think of this sooner?"

Chapter 152: Uranus: The Secret of Uranus

The meeting with Otohime didn't last long. After all, this was a monumental undertaking, so massive that even Claudius himself couldn't estimate how much profit or benefit could be drawn from it.

A few basic agreements were tentatively reached, such as hiring the tens of thousands of idle fish-men from Fish-Man Street to work as laborers, addressing issues with merchant fleets, and ironing out smaller details. However, the full scope of their discussions was left for future talks.

After concluding the meeting, Claudius decided to take some time to explore Fish-Man Island.

King Neptune and Princess Otohime graciously invited Claudius to stay in Ryugu Palace, and after giving it some thought, he accepted. He had heard that not too long ago, Princess Otohime had given birth to a little princess named Shirahoshi. Naturally, Claudius was curious about her.

But, of course, not in the way one might assume. Claudius had no inappropriate thoughts about Shirahoshi; rather, his interest lay in her unique status. After all, Shirahoshi wasn't just any princess, she was the legendary Ancient Weapon, Poseidon, a living entity said to possess world-shattering power.

That being said, Claudius couldn't help but feel a little perplexed about one thing: how had Princess Otohime, with her petite frame, managed to give birth to someone as massive as Shirahoshi?

He had done some research before arriving on the island and knew that the inhabitants of Fish-Man Island reproduced as mammals do, through pregnancy and live birth. But no matter how much he thought about it, the logistics of Shirahoshi's birth baffled him. Naturally, Claudius wasn't about to ask Princess Otohime directly. Some curiosities were best left unspoken.

Shirahoshi's special status as Poseidon tied into the legend of the Ancient Weapons, three legendary powers that could change the course of history. The first of these was Pluton, said to be a massive warship with firepower capable of obliterating entire islands with a single strike.

Claudius already had some knowledge about Pluton. For one, he knew that Master Tom, the legendary shipwright, had inherited the blueprints for building it. Those blueprints had been passed down through the generations in the shipbuilding hub of Water 7.

However, Claudius wasn't particularly interested in Pluton at the moment. Even if he were to acquire it, it wasn't something he could use freely. In all likelihood, it would have to be handed over to the World Government anyway.

In addition to Tom, there were rumors that the actual Pluton warship itself was hidden somewhere in the vast deserts of Alabasta. The Nefertari royal family, who ruled the kingdom, were said to possess records of its location in the form of an ancient Poneglyph.

Claudius believed this was likely true. After all, why else would Alabasta frequently find itself at odds with the World Government? It couldn't merely be because they had declined to ascend to the Celestial Dragon class 800 years ago. There had to be more to the story.

Claudius suspected that the World Government's lingering concerns about Alabasta stemmed from their supposed ownership of Pluton. While the Nefertari family might never use such a weapon recklessly certainly not against their own people during a civil conflict like Crocodile's coup, Claudius reasoned that in a dire enough situation, they might unveil it as a trump card in a war against an external threat.

Moreover, Claudius had always wondered why the Nefertari family had refused to join the other 19 royal families in moving to Mariejois and becoming Celestial Dragons. Was it simply a matter of pride, or did it have something to do with safeguarding Pluton?

Whatever the case, Claudius was certain that there was a deeper story hidden in Alabasta's history.

The second Ancient Weapon, Poseidon, was much simpler in nature compared to Pluton. It wasn't a man-made object but rather an ability passed down through the royal bloodline of Fish-Man Island. Every few generations, a member of the royal family would awaken the power to communicate with and command Sea Kings, the massive creatures that ruled the ocean depths. These Sea Kings were capable of immense destruction, earning the title of "kings" of the sea.

This generation's Poseidon was none other than Shirahoshi.

Claudius mused on how easily people underestimated the power of Sea Kings. While ordinary Sea Kings were formidable, the true leviathans of the deep, those colossal creatures larger than entire islands were an entirely different matter. Their numbers were unknown, but their presence was enough to strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest sailors.

He chuckled at the thought. "The people of Fish-Man Island really don't know the cards they're holding, do they? With a power like Poseidon, they could dominate the seas, yet they've allowed themselves to be bullied and oppressed for centuries. Truly baffling," Claudius muttered to himself.

But his train of thought didn't stop there. The final Ancient Weapon, Uranus, was arguably the most mysterious of the three. Unlike Pluton and Poseidon, which had clear origins and functions, Uranus was shrouded in secrecy.

Claudius had managed to piece together some details about Uranus during his years in Mariejois. According to his research, Uranus was in the hands of the World Government. In fact, it was one of the primary reasons they had been able to maintain control over the world for 800 years.

From what Claudius had gathered, Uranus was not a ship in the traditional sense but rather a massive aerial weapon a sort of flying fortress. It was said to have the ability to unleash devastating attacks from the sky, living up to its name as the "King of the Heavens."

Based on various records and his own speculations, Claudius believed that Uranus was likely a relic left behind by the moon people, an ancient race known for their advanced technology. Thousands of years ago, these moon people had descended to Earth, leaving behind their knowledge and bloodlines, which eventually became the inhabitants of Sky Island.

Even the enigmatic Enel had stumbled upon their ruins when he ventured to the moon.

As for Uranus' current location, Claudius had no solid evidence, but he had his suspicions. He believed it might be hidden beneath Mariejois itself.

The reasoning was simple: Uranus was too large and too valuable to store anywhere else. Mariejois, as the seat of power for the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, was the safest and most logical hiding place. It would explain why the holy city held such significance beyond its geographic position.

"Why else would they call it the Holy Land?" Claudius mused. "Could it be because Uranus itself is buried beneath their feet?"

The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. Mariejois wasn't just a political and symbolic center; it could very well be the resting place of one of the greatest weapons in the world.

Still, Claudius kept these thoughts to himself. Without concrete evidence, he had no intention of prying into matters he wasn't yet ready to confront.

As he wandered through Fish-Man Island, Claudius found himself shaking his head in disbelief. The islanders truly didn't realize the potential of the power they held. With Poseidon in their hands, they could have ruled the seas and turned the tides against any oppression.

"Just one Poseidon is enough to rewrite the balance of the entire world," Claudius thought with a wry smile. "And yet, here they are, struggling to find their place on the surface."

He chuckled softly, the irony of it all not lost on him. If only they had recognized their strength earlier, perhaps history would have taken a very different course.

Chapter 153: Shyarly?

While Claudius and his group were meeting with King Neptune at Ryugu Palace, the transfer of the freed mermaid slaves from the Prometheus was successfully completed.

At that moment Nia had just exited the palace and was standing near Jinbei, the stout, blue-skinned merman who was also King Neptune's trusted subordinate. The two seemed to be engaged in some light conversation, and Claudius happened to notice them as he stepped out of the palace.

Upon seeing Claudius, Nia quickly approached to give her report. After hearing that the handover had been completed without issue, Claudius nodded in satisfaction. The rest, he figured, was up to Fish-Man Island to handle. There was no need for him to concern himself further with such minor details.

As they made their way back to Coral Hill, Claudius took in the sights of the island with a growing sense of admiration.

Although he couldn't help but criticize Fish-Man Island's "submissiveness" over the past 800 years, he had to admit that the island itself was breathtakingly beautiful. The dreamy, otherworldly scenery, with its glowing coral and shimmering waters, felt like something out of a fairy tale.

"What a wonderful place," Claudius murmured to himself, clearly impressed.

Hearing this Nia smiled and suggested, "Your Highness, if you like it so much, why don't we establish some property here? After all, it's not far from Mariejois, a trip would only take a day at most. If Your Highness enjoys this place, you could come here to relax whenever you please."

Claudius chuckled and asked, "Property? You mean like real estate? A manor?"

Nia nodded matter-of-factly and said, "Yes. I've heard there's an area called Euphory Hills, considered the most prestigious residential district on Fish-Man Island. It has several beautiful estates available for purchase. While the manors there are said to be expensive, it's hardly an issue for us."

Nia's confidence was apparent, her tone brimming with the self-assurance of someone who knew their wealth could solve any problem. To her, buying a luxurious villa seemed no more difficult than picking out a new coat.

And, truthfully, she wasn't wrong.

Claudius had built up an impressive fortune over the years. In his younger days, he had been far more restrained with his spending, carefully managing his limited funds. But now? Now he was wealthy beyond imagination.

Whether it was the "tributes" he regularly received from underworld figures like Umit, the generous annual allowances from the World Government, the vast sums of heavenly tribute owed to the upper-echelon Celestial Dragons, the profits generated by Happy Street under Stussy's management, or the earnings funneled through his alliances with pirates like Crocodile and Doflamingo, money was something Claudius no longer needed to worry about.

Hearing Nia's suggestion, Claudius stroked his chin thoughtfully before smirking. "You've grown quite attached to Mero and Lenny, haven't you? Is that why you want to buy a property here?"

Nia's cheeks turned slightly red, and she looked away, embarrassed. "Well, Lenny and Mero are leaving, but…"

"But you've become good friends with them over the years," Claudius said, his tone teasing yet kind. "You've spent so much time together that you're like family. Now that they've returned to Fish-Man Island, you'll want to visit them from time to time, and for that, you'd need a place to stay. Am I right?"

Caught off guard by how easily Claudius had guessed her thoughts, Nia lowered her head in bashful silence.

Claudius chuckled at her reaction, amused but also touched. "Nia, you're the person I trust most. You don't need to ask for my approval for something as trivial as this. If you want to buy property here, go ahead. And if it's what you want, we'll purchase all of Euphory Hills!"

Nia's eyes widened in shock, and she quickly waved her hands. "No, no, Your Highness! There's no need to go that far! A small manor would be more than enough."

Claudius laughed. "If you say so, but make sure it's one of the best manors on the island. No need to settle for second-best. Take your time and pick one you really like."

Seeing the sincerity in his words, Nia's initial embarrassment was replaced by warmth and gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness. I'll take care of it."

As the group continued walking, Stussy, who had been quietly observing their conversation, smiled. She and Nia shared a close bond, so she wasn't surprised by how easily Claudius indulged her.

Meanwhile, Sengoku, who had been walking a short distance away, couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. "Celestial Dragons really live on a completely different level," he thought with a sigh. "They can just casually decide to buy the best property on an entire island, as if it's nothing."

Still, Sengoku quickly consoled himself. "It's fine. Marine will soon be flush with resources after all these new developments. Maybe I'll propose building a nice Marine base with comfortable accommodations. Surely an Admiral deserves a decent place to stay…"

Had Claudius been aware of Sengoku's musings, he would've likely laughed and remarked on the creeping "corruption" in the Admiral's thoughts. But all of this was just playful banter in his mind. Sengoku, despite his occasional complaints, remained an upright and disciplined leader.

Eventually, Claudius and Nia arrived at Coral Hill, where they spotted Lenny and Mero walking around with a young mermaid girl. The girl was noticeably larger than Lenny and Mero, and her shark-like features hinted at her being a rare shark mermaid.

When Lenny spotted Claudius, she immediately waved and called out, "Your Highness!"

Claudius smiled and waved back as the group approached him. "You seem happy. Is it because you're back home?" he asked.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Mero introduced the young shark mermaid. "Your Highness, this is Shyarly. She's the daughter of a dear friend of ours… well, her mother isn't with us anymore. She's only fifteen, so Lenny and I thought we'd take care of her together. Is that alright?"

Claudius blinked in surprise. "Shyarly? A shark mermaid?" He couldn't help but feel that the name and her appearance were familiar, though he couldn't immediately place why.

Still, he smiled warmly and said, "You don't need my permission for something like that. You're free now, aren't you?"

Hearing this, Lenny touched the mark on her arm, a combination of the Celestial Dragon's Hoof and the Donquixote family crest. Originally, the mark had been branded onto her when she was enslaved, but the addition of the family crest had come later, symbolizing her bond with Claudius.

"Even though we're free, this crest means we'll always belong to you, Your Highness," Lenny said with a grin.

"Wise words, little one," Claudius replied, stroking his chin with mock seriousness.

"We're not little!" Mero chimed in indignantly. "We're older than you by a few years!"

As the group laughed and chatted, Lenny suddenly perked up and said, "Oh! Your Highness, Shyarly has an amazing ability, she can predict the future! Why don't you let her try it for you?"

Chapter 154: Shyarly: Will You Become Marine Fleet Admiral in the Future?

As Claudius listened to Lenny's suggestion, he studied Shyarly for a moment. This time, he was certain, this young mermaid was indeed the future owner of the Mermaid Café. If memory served, wasn't she somehow related to Arlong? Perhaps his older or younger sister?

Before Claudius could say anything, Stussy's curiosity got the better of her. With a gleam of interest in her eyes, she said, "You can predict the future? I love divinations like this. Why don't you give me a try first?"

It had to be said regardless of age or maturity, women seemed to have a natural fondness for fortune-telling and mysterious predictions.

"Are you interested Stussy? Great! Let's find a nice spot to sit and do this together," Lenny said enthusiastically.

Seeing their excitement, Claudius smiled and glanced at Sengoku Admiral, who appeared both exasperated and amused. With little else to do, both men decided to join the group.

Under Lenny's guidance, they soon arrived at a cozy café. As they stepped inside, Shyarly's eyes lit up with admiration, her gaze darting around the establishment with evident fascination.

"My dream is to open a café here in Coral Hill," Shyarly whispered to Mero, her tone shy yet full of longing.

Mero paused, touching her chin thoughtfully before nodding. "Since we're back now, and after all these years so much has changed including our homes being gone, why don't we help you make that dream come true? Let's open one together."

Lenny clapped her hands in agreement but then blinked mischievously and said, "That sounds like a great idea, but we're broke. If we want to open a café, we're going to need a generous investor, right?"

Mero caught on quickly and nodded with a sly smile. "You're right. But where would we find such a kind, handsome, and wealthy benefactor willing to invest in three poor little mermaids?"

Hearing their playful banter, Claudius chuckled and shook his head. "You two... Handsome and kind? Are you fishing for compliments or trying to guilt-trip me?"

"We're talking about a benefactor, Your Highness," Lenny teased with a grin.

"Let's be real," Claudius replied with mock seriousness. "Who else but me—this kind, handsome man would be foolish enough to indulge you two schemers?"

Mero didn't even hesitate. "So, it's settled then? You'll help us, Your Highness?"

Claudius couldn't help but laugh at her shamelessness. Not that he minded—after all, he'd long planned to establish some influence on Fish-Man Island. Mero and Lenny would play key roles in his plans, and the friendship they had built over the years only cemented his desire to support them.

"Fine, fine," Claudius relented with a wave of his hand. "But remember, this isn't without a price. Someday, I might need the two of you to lend me a hand."

Lenny immediately raised her arm, pointing to the mark of the Celestial Dragon's Hoof on her shoulder, now tattooed with the Donquixote family crest in its center. "Don't worry, Your Highness. Whatever you need, leave it to us!"

Once they settled into a corner of the café, the conversation shifted to Shyarly's abilities. Stussy, ever curious, leaned forward eagerly. "So, how does this work? Do you need my hair? My palm?"

Claudius raised an eyebrow, surprised by Stussy's enthusiasm. Judging by her eagerness, she must have had her fortune told more than once before.

Shyarly, a little shy, shook her head and replied, "No, I just need my crystal ball."

From her bag, Shyarly retrieved a clear crystal ball and set it gently on the table. "What would you like me to predict, Sister Stussy?"

Stussy's excitement faltered for a moment, and she glanced at Claudius with a suspicious look, as if worried he might overhear. Then, lowering her voice, she leaned close to Shyarly and whispered something in her ear.

Whatever Stussy said made Shyarly's cheeks flush pink, but she nodded in understanding. Placing her hands on the crystal ball, Shyarly closed her eyes, and the ball began to emit a soft, ethereal glow.

Claudius and Sengoku both leaned forward slightly, intrigued by the sight.

"Can she really see the future?" Sengoku muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "If this ability is real, its strategic value could be enormous."

Claudius shared his curiosity but was also cautious. "Does this ability have limitations?" he asked.

Before Shyarly could respond, Lenny eagerly chimed in, "Of course, there are limits! Shyarly's predictions are very accurate, but they don't work every time. The bigger the event, the harder it is for her to see clearly. Sometimes even she doesn't know why her visions succeed or fail, it's all up to fate! But she did predict the start of the Great Pirate Era, and that came true!"

"Seriously?" Claudius said, genuinely impressed.

Sengoku's expression became more serious. For a moment, he even considered whether Shyarly should be brought into Marine's fold as a strategic resource. But then, his gaze softened. "It's an incredible ability," he murmured, "but also a painful one. Predicting the future... isn't that an unbearable burden? People strive toward the future because they can't see it. If you already know what's coming, what's left to hope for?"

Claudius nodded in agreement. "True. Even if you could glimpse the future, would it be worth it? The future isn't set in stone. I'd rather face it head-on and shape it with my own hands."

Hearing this, Sengoku abandoned any thoughts of recruiting Shyarly. As admirable as her gift was, it seemed like a heavy cross to bear—one he had no desire to exploit.

Meanwhile, Shyarly finished her prediction and looked at Stussy. "Sister Stussy, you and—"

Before Shyarly could finish her sentence, Stussy let out a shriek and leapt to her feet, clapping a hand over the young mermaid's mouth. "Privacy! This is private! Shyarly, don't say it out loud!"

The scene was so over-the-top that Claudius couldn't help but laugh. "What's with all the mystery?" he teased.

Ignoring him, Stussy whispered something to Shyarly, who then shared the rest of the prediction in a hushed voice. Whatever Shyarly said caused Stussy's face to flush crimson, and she returned to her seat, clearly flustered. For the rest of the time, she sat in silence, occasionally breaking into a dreamy, silly smile.

Claudius couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "What could she possibly have told you to make you, the unshakable Queen Stussy act like that?"

After Stussy, Sengoku decided to try his luck. With a grin, he said, "Why don't you show me, too? Let this old man see what the future holds."

Shyarly smiled and nodded. "What would you like to know, Grandpa?"

"Anything is fine. Just surprise me," Sengoku said good-naturedly, ignoring the "Grandpa" label.

Shyarly once again placed her hands on the crystal ball, and it began to glow. After a few moments, she opened her eyes, startled, and exclaimed, "Grandpa, you're going to become Marine's Fleet Admiral soon!"

Chapter 155: Claudius, Who Devours All Futures

As soon as Shyarly's voice fell, Claudius laughed and said, "See? It seems Little Sister Shyarly's ability is quite powerful and very accurate, Sengoku."

Sengoku chuckled modestly, waving his hand as he replied, "Your Highness, don't tease me. It's just a coincidence."

Although Sengoku spoke with humility, the subtle joy written across his face betrayed his true feelings.

In reality, this wasn't much of a secret, at least not among senior figures in the World Government like Claudius and Sengoku. Whether it was Kong or the Five Elders, everyone had long been grooming Sengoku to ascend to the position of Fleet Admiral.

Currently, Sengoku was the only Admiral who fulfilled the conditions for promotion. To qualify as a Marine Fleet Admiral, one must first serve as an Admiral, and Sengoku was the sole active Admiral at the moment.

Zephyr, the former Admiral, had retired years ago to head the Marine Officer Training Camp, where he now trained the next generation of Marines. Meanwhile, the position of Admiral that was meant for Garp remained vacant since the man stubbornly refused the role. Garp's rejection was so absolute that the idea of him becoming Fleet Admiral was entirely out of the question.

Tsuru, while highly capable, had no interest in becoming Marine Fleet Admiral either. Among those most qualified, Sengoku was the only one both eligible and willing. He was also the most suitable candidate in terms of temperament and experience.

This is why Claudius, after hearing Shyarly predict Sengoku's promotion in the "near future," praised her ability—it was essentially a confirmation of what everyone already expected.

The mention of the "near future" meant Sengoku's promotion was imminent.

As Claudius thought about this, he couldn't help but reflect on how Sengoku's rise would soon bring major changes to Marine. The vacant Admiral positions would need to be filled quickly, and the candidates for those roles were already established.

There were five contenders: Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, Gion, and Tokikake.

Among them, Sakazuki had openly expressed his ambition to become an Admiral. He was driven and confident in his abilities.

Borsalino, on the other hand, took a much more relaxed approach. His attitude could be summed up as: If they offer me the position, I'll take it. If not, I'll just continue being Vice Admiral.

Kuzan, while not as eager as Sakazuki, also quietly hoped to be promoted.

As for Gion, she showed little interest in becoming Admiral. Despite her qualifications, her lack of enthusiasm for the role was evident. She seldom participated in Admiral-related training and clearly had no intention of competing for the title.

Lastly, Tokikake, while skilled, shared a certain carefree attitude with Garp. He wasn't motivated by ambition and seemed indifferent to the prospect of becoming an Admiral.

Based on what Claudius remembered from the original timeline and the current developments, he was confident the new Admirals would be Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan. These three were poised to lead Marine into a new era of strength and authority.

With this lineup, Marine would undoubtedly experience significant growth and development in the next five to ten years.

After Sengoku's reading was complete, the group shifted back to lighthearted conversation. Stussy, Mero, and the others were soon urging Claudius to give Shyarly's ability a try. Despite some initial reluctance, Claudius eventually agreed.

Shyarly began her usual process, placing her hands on the crystal ball. However, to everyone's surprise, nothing happened. The crystal ball remained dim, showing none of the glowing light from earlier readings.

Confused, Shyarly tried again and again, but the results were the same. Finally, she spoke, her tone puzzled. "It's strange… there's no response at all. I can't see Big Brother Claudius's future."

Lenny stepped in quickly to reassure her. "You've been using your ability a lot today, Shyarly. Maybe you're just tired. It's okay if it doesn't work, don't blame yourself."

Claudius nodded with a gentle smile. "Exactly. It's no big deal. Honestly, I've already seen enough of my own future."

His words were meant to comfort, but deep down, Claudius was genuinely curious. Shyarly's explanation soon gave him something to think about.

"It's not a failure," Shyarly insisted, shaking her head. "This is… different. It's not like the times when my ability simply fails. It feels like… there's nothing there. Like something is actively blocking me from seeing you. It's as if your future doesn't exist, it's being devoured."

Her words made Claudius pause. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Was this because he wasn't truly a part of this world? After all, his soul came from another place entirely. If he was, in a sense, a "dead man," it would make sense that his future was obscured.

In any case, he saw this as a good thing. If some unseen force was protecting him from being spied on, it was better than the alternative.

Still, Claudius didn't dwell on it for long. With a casual wave of his hand, he laughed it off. "Maybe it's because I'm too handsome for the future to handle. Hahaha! Let's not overthink it."

The group quickly moved on from the topic, treating the failed reading as little more than a minor oddity. They continued to enjoy their coffee and conversation, and even Sengoku had fully relaxed into the atmosphere.

Sengoku couldn't help but marvel at how much he had changed recently. The more time he spent with Claudius, the more he felt his perspective shifting.

There was something about Claudius, an ineffable quality that seemed to influence everyone around him. People who stayed in his orbit inevitably changed, though whether for better or worse was up for debate.

For Sengoku, the change felt positive. He found himself feeling younger in spirit, less rigid in his thinking. In the past, he would have approached someone like Shyarly with purely strategic intent, seeing her as an asset for Marine. Yet now, he felt no desire to exploit her gift.

Sengoku didn't know if this newfound mindset was entirely a good thing, but for the moment, he was content to let it be.

In the days that followed, Claudius held several more discussions with Princess Otohime and King Neptune, solidifying a number of agreements.

One of the most significant deals involved the liberation of the remaining Fish-Man slaves in Mariejois. Claudius assured Neptune that these individuals would be gradually freed until the number of enslaved Fish-Men reached "zero."

Once this task was complete, Claudius anticipated earning a great deal of goodwill from the people of Fish-Man Island. With this trust established, he planned to move forward with CP-X and Marine's efforts to reform the lawless Fish-Man District.

However, one key obstacle remained: the unruly leaders of Fish-Man District. To bring them under control, Claudius would need someone capable of commanding their respect.

Fortunately, he already had someone in mind—Fisher Tiger.

Currently imprisoned in Mariejois, Fisher Tiger was a wildcard. Claudius had initially debated killing him outright to prevent the infamous Mariejois fire that would threaten his own home. But now, he saw a better opportunity.

"Come work for me, Fisher Tiger," Claudius thought with a sly smile. "Let's see if we can rewrite your story."

***
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Chapter Text

Chapter 156: Robin—On a Whim, I Stole the Poneglyph

After spending several days on Fish-Man Island, Claudius and his party successfully concluded their mission for the World Government. Whitebeard's flag could no longer be raised, and Neptune and the others understood the stakes.

If the Fish-Man Island royals dared to defy this arrangement, the consequences would be catastrophic. Not only would the Five Elders lose their patience, but Claudius himself would not tolerate being made a fool of.

If such a situation arose again, Claudius jokingly thought to himself that he might destroy the entire Fish-Man Island in retaliation. He could even uproot Eve itself to use its wood for shipbuilding.

Of course, this was just an exaggerated thought. Neptune and Princess Otohime were certainly not foolish enough to push things that far.

During their stay, Claudius finally saw Shirahoshi. Though she was just a newborn, her immense size was astonishing. Shirahoshi was absolutely adorable, to the point of being overwhelmingly charming.

In the future, two individuals would be widely regarded as the most beautiful women in the world. One of them was Boa Hancock, whose beauty captivated countless hearts. However, despite her fame, Hancock's beauty would only be acknowledged unofficially, revered among pirates and civilians alike but never formally recognized.

The other was Shirahoshi, who was considered the world's most beautiful woman with official recognition.

When comparing the two, Claudius leaned toward Hancock. While Shirahoshi was indeed stunning, her appeal leaned more toward innocence and cuteness, with her status as the Mermaid Princess adding significant weight to her reputation.

Hancock, on the other hand, relied solely on her extraordinary looks to command attention. If beauty alone could determine rank, Hancock's presence was on par with that of a Marine Fleet Admiral.

As the Prometheus descended from Fish-Man Island back to the sea's surface, Claudius found himself marveling at the beauty of the deep-sea landscape. Unlike the trip down, which had been occupied with conversations with Sengoku, this time Claudius took the opportunity to appreciate the underwater world.

Both Lenny and Mero remained behind on Fish-Man Island. Claudius ensured they were well-funded, leaving behind significant resources to support their new life. He even spoke with Neptune, requesting the king to look after the two women.

For Neptune, this was an opportunity to gather more insight into Claudius. Were the rumors of his goodwill genuine? Was this Celestial Dragon someone they could trust? With these questions in mind, Neptune readily agreed to Claudius's request.

On Sengoku's side, plans were already underway. Upon his return to Marineford, he would begin preparations to station Marines on Fish-Man Island, further cementing the new arrangement.

As the Prometheus moved through the depths, Hancock leaned against the railing, her eyes wide with excitement as she spotted a massive, glowing anglerfish in the distance. "What is that? It's so big!" she exclaimed.

Claudius smiled at her enthusiasm. "That's a lantern fish. They're huge, and I've heard they even prey on Sea Kings. But… well, they are pretty ugly, aren't they?"

Hancock nodded quickly. "Yes, it's so ugly! It looks like it's from some horror story!"

Robin, standing quietly nearby, commented in a calm tone, "I think it's kind of… charming."

Claudius turned toward her, amused. Over time, he'd realized that Robin's unusual aesthetic preferences weren't born from trauma or hardship but were simply an intrinsic part of her personality.

It was the same Robin who had adopted Saul's odd "chuck-he-he" laugh back when she was a child. Even as Claudius reflected on her quirks, he couldn't help but wonder about Saul. The giant Vice Admiral with such a promising future—wasn't he locked away in Impel Down?

Shaking the thought from his mind, Claudius asked Robin, "Did you find anything interesting on Fish-Man Island? Something that caught your attention?"

Robin turned to him, her gaze thoughtful. "Yes, I found it fascinating. The culture there is so distinct from the surface world. I also bought a lot of books."

Hearing this, Claudius smiled warmly. "Books, huh? That sounds like you, Robin. Did you spend a fortune?"

Robin hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I might have gone a little overboard… It cost quite a bit."

Claudius chuckled. "How much could books possibly cost? Don't worry about it. How much did you spend?"

Robin hesitated again before sheepishly responding, "About… a billion berries."

Claudius froze, nearly falling over the railing. "What?! A billion berries? You spent that much on books? Did you buy a library or something? Or was it… was it the Poneglyph?!"

Robin flinched at his outburst, her face filled with embarrassment. "Many of the books were original manuscripts, some of them centuries old. Others were rare editions thought to have been lost to time. Knowledge is priceless, isn't it? You always say that, Your Highness. Books are the ladder of human progress, and knowledge is the most valuable treasure."

Hearing her justification, Claudius laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. I suppose I did say that."

Robin sighed in relief, her tension easing as she smiled. "I've already placed them in the ship's library, but it still feels so empty. Your library is too big."

Claudius nodded, a spark of pride lighting his eyes. "One day, Robin, we'll fill that library together. Every book will represent a journey, an adventure. The Prometheus will truly live up to its name—the ship of wisdom."

Robin didn't reply right away. Instead, she gazed at him for a moment before asking, "The ship of wisdom?"

"Yes," Claudius replied confidently. "The Prometheus isn't just a ship; it's a vessel of knowledge, discovery, and understanding."

Robin hesitated, then added, "While we were on Fish-Man Island… I visited the Sea Forest."

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "The Sea Forest? That's the place with the Poneglyph, isn't it?"

Robin nodded, her expression suddenly uncertain. "I had someone move the Poneglyph to the ship's library."

"What?!" Claudius nearly choked on his words. "You moved the Poneglyph?! The Fish-Men didn't try to stop you?"

Robin frowned thoughtfully before replying, "No, I don't think they saw it as anything important. It was just lying there in the Sea Forest, like an abandoned relic. No one seemed to care."

Claudius groaned and rubbed his forehead, but he couldn't find it in himself to be angry. Ultimately, it was a Poneglyph, a priceless artifact that couldn't be read by just anyone. Its presence aboard the Prometheus was both a risk and an opportunity.

"Well, what's done is done," Claudius said with a shrug. "No one can read it anyway, so I doubt it'll cause much trouble."

Robin glanced at him, conflicted. She had considered revealing her ability to read the Poneglyphs but decided against it. "Not yet," she thought to herself. "I'll tell him when the time is right.

Chapter 157: Enel’s Big Adventure—Got Rich, Your Highness!

The Prometheus continued to glide smoothly through the deep sea as Claudius chatted casually with the girls around him. At that moment Nia approached with a Den Den Mushi in hand, saying, "Your Highness, it's Enel."

"Oh? The Thunder Lord?" Claudius asked with a chuckle.

Nia smiled as well, handing him the Den Den Mushi. "Yes, it's our very own Thunder Lord."

Taking the receiver, Claudius smiled as he greeted, "Enel, is that you? How are things lately? I hear you're going by the name 'Thunder Lord' now."

The voice on the other end of the line practically buzzed with excitement. "Your Highness! Are you paying attention to me? I'm so happy!"

Claudius couldn't help but laugh at Enel's enthusiasm. The guy really was like a loyal little puppy—eager to please, ecstatic at even the smallest bit of praise. Compared to Crocodile, who always acted like a stubborn, arrogant tsundere, Enel was oddly refreshing.

"Hahaha, of course, I'm paying attention. You're my favorite subordinate, after all," Claudius said, lying through his teeth without the slightest hesitation.

Truthfully, he hadn't been keeping track of Enel's pirate activities until Sengoku Admiral had casually mentioned them a few days ago. But hearing the excitement in Enel's voice, Claudius resolved to give him a bit more attention in the future.

"Your Highness, guess where I am right now!" Enel said, his excitement mounting.

Claudius tilted his head, trying to piece it together. Based on his earlier conversations with Sengoku, he had a rough idea of where Enel might be. "Let me guess… You're near Water 7? Or maybe you've taken one of the other routes?"

"Wrong, Your Highness! You'll never guess it! Hahaha!" Enel replied gleefully.

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Alright then, where are you?"

"I'm in the White Sea!" Enel declared.

For a moment, Claudius was stunned. The White Sea? How in the world had Enel ended up back in the sky?

"The White Sea? How did you end up there?" Claudius asked, now genuinely curious.

"Well, it's like this—I was originally heading toward Water 7 along the Alabasta route. But then I stopped at Jaya Island. Have you heard of Jaya Island, Your Highness?" Enel asked, his voice brimming with excitement.

"Of course. That's the starting point for the Sky Island route, with the infamous Knock-Up Stream. Did you… Did you take the ocean current to get back into the sky?" Claudius asked, his tone a mixture of surprise and amusement.

"That's exactly what happened!" Enel said proudly.

Claudius couldn't help but laugh in disbelief. Only someone like Enel would casually take such a dangerous and unpredictable route as the Knock-Up Stream and live to tell the tale.

"Well, considering you're talking to me right now, I assume you survived the trip unscathed. You've got some luck, I'll give you that," Claudius said, shaking his head with a wry smile.

"It was amazing! The Knock-Up Stream shot us straight into the sky! Your Highness, it's incredible up here," Enel said.

"So, what brought you to the White Sea? Feeling nostalgic for your old home?" Claudius teased.

"Not at all! The place where Your Highness is, that's my home now," Enel replied with surprising sincerity. "Didn't you always say, 'This peace of mind is my hometown'?"

Claudius raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. He had indeed quoted that phrase from Su Shi, a poet from his previous world. It seemed that his random musings had left an impression on Enel.

"Well, I didn't expect you to remember that," Claudius said with a laugh. "Alright, then—what are you up to in the White Sea?"

"Your Highness, I've made a huge discovery!" Enel said, his voice dropping to an excited whisper. "I think I've found a great treasure!"

Claudius's curiosity was piqued. "A treasure? Tell me more."

Excitedly, Enel launched into the story of his latest adventure. As it turned out, Enel had stopped at Jaya Island on his way to Water 7. He had heard rumors about the fabled City of Gold—Shandora—and became intrigued.

Apparently, Enel recalled stories from his time on Birka about a mysterious "land" in the White Sea. Piecing everything together, he theorized that the City of Gold had been launched into the sky by the Knock-Up Stream centuries ago.

Unable to resist the allure of such a grand treasure, Enel had used the soaring current to reach the White Sea. Once there, he began exploring and soon confirmed the existence of the Golden City near Angel Island.

"I knew it, Your Highness! The Golden City is real! There's gold everywhere, but it seems like it's been in the middle of some war for centuries. But I'm sure we can take it all!" Enel said excitedly.

Claudius was equal parts amused and impressed. He had considered searching for the City of Gold years ago during his visit to Sky Island but had ultimately been too busy to follow through. Yet here was Enel, stumbling upon the treasure almost by accident.

"Well, well. It seems you've had quite the adventure, Enel. I'll figure out how to send some people up to help you," Claudius said with a smile.

After a bit more conversation, the call ended, and Claudius leaned back, deep in thought. The Golden City, Shandora… This could turn out to be a massive haul.

Enel might have stumbled into something extraordinary, but now Claudius had to figure out how to capitalize on it. With a smirk, he began planning his next move.

Chapter 158: Sengoku: Is Your CP-X Really This Good?

For centuries, three legendary treasures have been whispered about across the seas. And now, with the addition of Roger's "One Piece," there are four ultimate treasures in existence.

Unlike the mystery surrounding Roger's legendary treasure, the other three—Golden City, Emerald City, and the Sea of Gems are ancient legends passed down since time immemorial. Each one is cloaked in mystery, with a history stretching back hundreds of years.

The Sea of Gems is rumored to exist somewhere within the Grand Line. The entire sea is said to glitter with precious gems, but no one knows exactly where it is. There are no clear records, and Claudius himself isn't sure whether it's real or just a fanciful tale.

The Emerald City is said to have been a city built entirely from priceless jade. The legend dates back more than 800 years, long before the World Government came into existence. Like the Sea of Gems, its existence remains unproven, though that hasn't stopped countless treasure hunters from seeking it.

Compared to these two enigmatic legends, the Golden City feels more grounded in reality, though its origin is still shrouded in the past. It all began more than 400 years ago with an expedition launched by the North Blue kingdom of Lvneel.

Though it was described as an "expedition," it was actually a treasure-hunting mission led by the infamous "Liar" Mont Blanc Noland. According to the story, Noland discovered the ancient civilization of Shandora on what is now known as Jaya Island. The people of Shandora were said to be prosperous, building their city with gold and living in unimaginable wealth.

Upon returning to the Lvneel Kingdom, Noland shared his discovery with the king, who was so enticed by the thought of golden riches that he sent a fleet back to Jaya to claim it. However, when Noland returned, the civilization of Shandora had mysteriously disappeared.

Branded as a fraud and traitor for leading the king on a fruitless expedition, Noland was executed in disgrace. His name became a mockery, and the legend of the Golden City was written off as nothing more than a fanciful tale.

However, not everyone on the seas dismissed the legend. Over the last four centuries, countless adventurers and treasure hunters have searched for the Golden City, though none have succeeded. Even Noland's descendants have dedicated their lives to clearing his name, hoping to find the elusive city of gold.

Unlike those countless failures, Claudius now knew the truth. Thanks to Enel, he was certain the Golden City existed hidden high above in the sky on Skypiea. The sheer wealth contained within the city was incalculable. At a conservative estimate, it was worth at least tens of billions of Berries. And at its peak? Who knew where the numbers would stop?

Even just scratching the surface of that wealth had netted Luffy's crew hundreds of millions of Berries in gold. How much would it amount to if Claudius managed to bring down the entire city?

But there was a problem. Claudius knew he couldn't claim all that gold for himself, it was simply too vast. Even with his connections, manpower, and resources, moving that much gold alone would be impossible.

When he had visited Skypiea years ago, Claudius had briefly considered searching for the Golden City but ultimately abandoned the idea. At the time, his fleet was small, and transporting the gold was a logistical nightmare. Now, however, he had more options at his disposal, especially with Enel on his side.

Still, the operation would require careful planning. For one, transporting the treasure would require a massive fleet. Claudius had the fleet, but there was another challenge, getting the fleet to Skypiea.

There were two known ways to reach Skypiea.

The first was the Knock-Up Stream, a natural phenomenon that shoots ships into the sky. While it was possible for a single ship to survive the stream, sending an entire fleet through would be impossible. Not only was the stream unpredictable, but there was no guarantee the ships wouldn't be destroyed mid-ascent.

The second route was the "High West Path," the route Claudius had taken on his initial trip to Skypiea. While safer, this route required experienced navigators to guide the fleet through treacherous waters and up the sky currents. Unfortunately, Claudius didn't have anyone in his crew with that expertise.

However, he knew someone who did, Marine Headquarters. Specifically, Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had decades of experience navigating tricky waters. If Claudius wanted to pull this off, he would need to partner with the Marines.

Sharing the profits with Marine might sting, but the potential payout was worth it. Besides, forming a deeper alliance with Sengoku and the Marines would benefit Claudius's long-term plans, especially with his Calm Belt projects underway.

With this plan in mind, Claudius made his way to Sengoku, who was currently occupying himself in the Prometheus library.

"Your Highness, Admiral Sengoku is in the library," the butler Nia informed him.

Claudius chuckled. "Hahaha, The Resourceful General indulging in some light reading? Let's go see what he's up to."

When Claudius arrived, he found Sengoku seated on one of the library steps, engrossed in a book. His glasses reflected the warm library light as he carefully flipped through the pages, clearly immersed in his study.

Hearing footsteps, Sengoku glanced up and smiled. "Your collection here is incredible, Your Highness. I must admit I'm a little envious."

Claudius laughed. "Well, a good chunk of it is thanks to you. Without Ohara, I wouldn't have been able to gather such a collection."

Sengoku sighed, a trace of regret crossing his features. "I didn't want that outcome either. Ohara was a cultural treasure. But as Marine Admiral, I had to make tough choices. It wasn't a decision I made lightly."

Claudius nodded but didn't push the conversation further. Instead, he gestured to a nearby slab of stone—the Poneglyph Robin had brought aboard.

"Ah, so you've noticed the historical text? I thought it would pique your interest," Claudius said.

Sengoku adjusted his glasses. "I was curious. Collecting something like this… Your Highness truly has a unique sense of curiosity."

"Haha, it's indestructible, isn't it? Fire, water, blades, it survives them all. I thought it was fascinating, so I brought it aboard to study."

Sengoku didn't press further. As a Celestial Dragon, Claudius's actions were beyond reproach. Instead, the two chatted for a bit before Claudius finally broached the topic of his grand plan.

"Sengoku," Claudius began with a sly smile, "I've got a business proposal for you. Something big. Are you interested?"

Sengoku raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A business proposal? How big are we talking, Your Highness?"

Claudius grinned. "Let's just say… hundreds of millions, at the very least."

Sengoku leaned back, crossing his arms. "Alright, you've got my attention. What exactly is this proposal?"

Claudius's eyes gleamed as he leaned forward. "Golden City, Admiral. What would Marine think if CP-X found the legendary Golden City?"

Sengoku's expression shifted, his gaze sharpening. "Are you saying… you've found it?"

Claudius's grin widened. "I'm saying we might have a very profitable opportunity on our hands, Admiral. But to make it work, we'll need Marine's help."

Chapter 159: Sengoku: I’m Dealing in Billions of Berries, Who Has Time for Whitebeard?

Claudius didn't hold back and laid everything Enel had told him out for Sengoku.

Sengoku was genuinely surprised. After listening carefully, he let out a sigh and muttered, "To think... yes, it all makes sense now. Why didn't we think of this sooner? Then again, who would've guessed the answer was in the sky? Most people would naturally assume such treasures lie hidden on the seabed."

"Exactly," Claudius nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "That's why Golden City has remained hidden for so long. Hardly anyone would suspect it's above the clouds. Now that we know, we're sitting on first-hand information. But here's the thing—CP-X can't handle this alone. The scale of this operation is beyond us."

Sengoku perked up at the mention of CP-X's limitations, his curiosity piqued.

Claudius continued, "That's why I want Marine to join forces with us. Together, we can tackle this. But..." He paused deliberately, letting his words sink in. "If Marine doesn't want to get involved, I can always report this to the World Government. I'm sure they'd be more than willing to help. Of course, if that happens, I'd have to split the spoils with them, and you know how that goes. They'll take the lion's share, and we'll be left with scraps. That's why I'm offering this to you first split it fifty-fifty."

Sengoku's eyes lit up at the mention of splitting the spoils. He quickly interrupted, "Don't even think about reporting this to the World Government! Why wouldn't Marine be interested? Eat? Of course, we'll eat! Forget the Golden City, if you found the Sea of Gems or Emerald City along with it, we'd find a way to swallow that whole too!"

The usually composed Sengoku spoke with uncharacteristic fervor. The Golden City wasn't just any treasure; it was potentially worth tens of billions of Berries. Even if Marine only got half, that would still mean 25 billion, enough to cover a significant chunk of Marine's annual budget. And that was just Sengoku's conservative estimate. If Golden City's wealth reached higher—say, 100 or even 200 billion the payoff would be astronomical.

Marine's military expenses were no small matter. With an active force numbering in the millions, maintaining their vast operations across the globe required a staggering amount of resources. Between warships, weapons, ammunition, and salaries, Marine burned through hundreds of billions of Berries annually.

Sengoku, ever the tactician, immediately saw the value in this operation. A windfall like this could fund new warships, strengthen bases, and bolster their forces all without eating into their regular budget. The potential was immense.

After a moment's thought, Sengoku spoke decisively. "Your Highness, Marine will absolutely participate in this. You've already done us a great favor by bringing this to our attention. There's no way we'll let you shoulder the burden alone. We'll assemble a fleet—no, a large fleet and take care of the logistics. We've got plenty of warships nearing the end of their service life. They may not be ideal for combat anymore, but they're more than capable of hauling gold. Consider it done."

Claudius chuckled to himself. Hook, line, and sinker. He could tell Sengoku was fully invested now. The Admiral's initial reservations about working closely with CP-X had evaporated. Ever since the Calm Belt initiative, Marine had grown increasingly comfortable with these joint ventures. And now, Sengoku didn't even hesitate to dive into this new partnership.

"Excellent!" Claudius said, his tone lighthearted. "If Marine already has the ships, that'll make things much easier. Shall we finalize the agreement then?"

Sengoku nodded firmly. "Leave the fleet to us, Your Highness. We'll handle the logistics and manpower. I'll make sure Marine carries out this operation smoothly. And don't worry, we won't touch a single Berry of your share. I swear on my position as Marine Admiral."

Claudius smirked. "I wasn't worried about that. Marine wouldn't risk damaging its reputation over something so petty. Besides, we both know this is just the appetizer. The Calm Belt project is the real feast, and that's a long-term venture. Neither of us can afford to burn bridges here."

Sengoku agreed wholeheartedly. Golden City was a massive prize, but it paled in comparison to the sustained financial benefits that could come from properly exploiting the Calm Belt. As tempting as it might be to take a larger cut now, Marine's leadership wasn't short-sighted enough to jeopardize their future gains.

"Exactly," Sengoku said. "We're on the same page then. Let's proceed carefully and keep this operation under wraps. The fewer people who know about it, the better. We don't want the World Government getting wind of this prematurely."

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "And how do you propose we keep this quiet? Moving that much gold isn't exactly subtle."

Sengoku thought for a moment before replying, "We'll use older warships for transport. They won't draw as much attention, and if anyone does notice, we can pass it off as a routine operation. As for manpower, let's keep it small and trusted. Marine will provide a select group of loyal officers. Your CP-X can supplement them with your own agents. That way, we maintain control and secrecy."

Claudius nodded. "That sounds reasonable. I'll arrange for some of my people to assist, perhaps Crocodile or Doflamingo can spare a few hands. But we'll need absolute discretion. The fewer loose ends, the better."

"Agreed," Sengoku said. "Let's aim for perfection on this one. I'll contact Marineford as soon as we reach Sabaody and begin preparations immediately. The sooner we execute this, the better."

Claudius raised an eyebrow, amused. "Wait, what about Whitebeard? Weren't you just saying how urgent it was to deal with him back on Fish-Man Island? Something about needing to move quickly?"

Sengoku froze for a split second before waving his hand dismissively. "Whitebeard? Bah, how much is that old man worth? What, three billion Berries? I'm dealing in billions every second now. Who has time for some pirate squabble?"

Claudius burst into laughter, genuinely amused by Sengoku's response. Watching the Admiral usually so serious and duty-bound brush off Whitebeard with such nonchalance was a rare sight indeed.

"I never thought I'd see the day," Claudius said, shaking his head. "Sengoku, you've changed."

Sengoku didn't respond, too busy hurrying out of the library to begin making arrangements. As Claudius watched him leave, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"Looks like the lure of gold really does bring out the best—or worst—in people," Claudius muttered. "I never thought I'd see Sengoku so fired up over treasure. What a sight."

Chapter 160: Another Logia Devil Fruit?

On the docks of Sabaody Archipelago, Claudius stood watching Sengoku as he hurriedly boarded a warship bound for Marineford. With a smirk, Claudius called out, "Sengoku aren't you supposed to report back to Mariejois first?"

Sengoku, halfway up the gangway, paused and turned. "No need for that. I'm just an errand runner on this mission, after all. The real responsibility lies with you, Your Highness. CP-X is spearheading this operation now. As for me, I've got urgent matters back at Marineford that require my attention."

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Urgent matters, huh?" he muttered under his breath. This guy spent all of Fish-Man Island talking about Whitebeard being his top priority. Now that he smells money, Whitebeard's nothing more than a minor distraction. Typical.

Still, Claudius decided not to tease him about it further. He waved a hand in casual farewell and said, "Alright then. I'll handle Mariejois. Good luck with your, ah... important matters."

Sengoku nodded but couldn't help throwing in a subtle reminder. "And Your Highness, please keep this operation discreet. You know what I mean."

"Don't worry, it's all under control," Claudius replied with a reassuring smile.

"Very well. By the way, what about you? Heading back to Mariejois as well?" Sengoku asked.

Claudius shook his head and stroked his chin in thought. "Not just yet. I'll check on the changes here at Sabaody Archipelago first. Maybe drop by for a drink with a certain someone's wife."

Sengoku froze, staring at Claudius with a peculiar expression. After a moment, he chuckled awkwardly and muttered, "Your Highness, you make me grateful I don't have a wife." With that, he waved goodbye, adding, "Take care, Your Highness. May fortune favor you... or whatever it is you're seeking."

Claudius stood there, scratching his head as Sengoku's warship departed. "Fortune favor me? What the hell does that mean?" He shrugged, dismissing the odd comment, and turned toward the illegal zone of the Archipelago.

This time, he was determined to pay a visit to Rayleigh. The man had evaded him the last time, and Claudius couldn't help but feel intrigued. It wasn't about hunting him down or squeezing information about Laugh Tale—it was simple curiosity.

Stussy, Nia, and the others had chosen to stay behind, busying themselves with shopping and sightseeing around the Archipelago. Alone, Claudius wandered into the illegal zone. He noticed the changes immediately.

The once-chaotic streets were far quieter. Slave merchants were nowhere to be seen, and pirates, who used to roam freely, now seemed reluctant to leave their ships docked in the illegal harbors. The atmosphere was tense, and Claudius could guess why. The fallout from the head-on pikes, no doubt. It's amazing what a little display of brutality can accomplish.

After a leisurely stroll, Claudius arrived at the infamous Shakky's Rip-Off Bar. As always, the place stood isolated on a hill, with no activity around it. He walked up, knocked on the door, and then, without waiting for a response, pushed it open and stepped inside.

The bar was as empty as ever. Behind the counter, Shakky stood lazily leaning against the shelves, cigarette in one hand and a glass in the other. She glanced at Claudius and smiled wryly.

"No customers, huh?" Claudius remarked, glancing around the room.

Shakky chuckled and replied, "Thanks to your efforts, my business is practically dead."

Claudius grinned and shrugged. "Who knew pirates could be so timid these days?"

He approached the bar and took a seat. Shakky poured him a drink without needing to ask, sliding the glass over to him. "I get the feeling that was a bit of a double entendre," she said with a smirk.

"Hahaha, sharp as ever, Shakky. Is Rayleigh around? Or is he still in hiding?" Claudius asked, taking a sip of his drink.

Shakky exhaled a puff of smoke and shook her head. "If you're on the island, you can bet Rayleigh won't show his face. Seems like he's determined to stay out of your way."

"That's a shame," Claudius said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I was hoping to run into him. Nothing serious, just curiosity."

Shakky raised an eyebrow. "Curiosity? That's a dangerous word coming from someone in CP-X. Don't tell me you're planning to use him to find Laugh Tale or something?"

Claudius laughed and shook his head. "Laugh Tale? Don't be absurd. I'm not a pirate, Shakky. I have no interest in the One Piece or any of that nonsense. I just think Rayleigh is an interesting guy. That's all."

Shakky studied him for a moment before shrugging. "Suit yourself. But I doubt you'll catch him. Rayleigh knows how to keep a low profile."

After finishing his drink, Claudius asked, "How much do I owe you? I wouldn't want to leave without contributing to your struggling business."

Shakky smiled playfully. "200,000 Berries."

"Still charging outrageous prices, I see," Claudius said, shaking his head with a grin.

"I charge based on the customer," Shakky replied with a wink.

Claudius handed her the money without complaint. As she counted the bills, she added, "Since you're my first customer in two days, I'll give you some free intel. Consider it a token of appreciation."

"Oh? And what intel would that be?" Claudius asked, intrigued.

"There are rumors of a Logia Devil Fruit appearing on Spring Island. Thought it might interest you," Shakky said casually.

"Logia, huh?" Claudius raised an eyebrow. Logia fruits were rare and powerful, so naturally, he was curious. "What kind of ability?"

"They're saying it's the Smoke-Smoke Fruit. Hasn't been seen in years. If the rumors are true, it's probably legit," Shakky replied.

Claudius's initial interest faded instantly. "Smoke-Smoke Fruit? Really? Thanks for the tip, but I think I'll pass."

Shakky looked at him, surprised. "No interest? It's still a Logia."

Claudius waved her off as he stood up to leave. "Logia or not, it doesn't appeal to me. Thanks for the drink, Shakky. Take care."

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 161: Spandine: Help, Your Highness, I’m in Big Trouble!

From a scientific standpoint, the Smoke-Smoke Fruit is quite useful, offering plenty of applications and potential. If developed thoroughly, it could even become a formidable power. However, Claudius had no real interest in this particular Devil Fruit. Spring Island was too far away to bother with, and based on what Shakky had told him, he was certain Marine would have already moved in to secure it.

Marine Headquarters, after all, was currently obsessed with Logia Devil Fruits. Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino had set an incredible precedent for Logia users, demonstrating just how powerful and versatile such abilities could be. On top of that, Claudius himself, along with Enel and Crocodile, were high-profile Logia users aligned with the World Government. Together, the six of them seemed to confirm the reputation of Logia users as overwhelmingly strong.

As expected, Claudius was right. Marine had already dispatched forces to Spring Island, aiming to retrieve the Smoke-Smoke Fruit. Their plan was to cultivate a new, powerful Logia user from the officer training camp.

In this year's camp, two standout candidates had caught attention. The first was a girl named Hina, a user of the Cage-Cage Fruit from the Paramecia class. However, since Hina already had a Devil Fruit ability, she wasn't in the running. The second candidate was Smoker, a young Marine who had witnessed Gol D. Roger's execution in Loguetown as a child.

Rather than turning to piracy after seeing Roger's execution, as many might have expected, Smoker took the opposite path. Inspired in some way, he joined Marine, rising quickly through the ranks. His performance earned him a place in the officer training camp, where he became one of the brightest prospects, impressing both Zephyr and other Marine leaders.

If everything went according to plan, Smoker had a bright future ahead of him, likely destined to reach Vice Admiral rank at the very least. With the Smoke-Smoke Fruit in his possession, Marine intended to groom him further, possibly as a future Admiral candidate.

But Claudius knew Smoker's personality well. The man was as stubborn as they came, deeply driven by his own sense of justice, to the point of being almost unyielding. Smoker wasn't one to compromise or bend, even when it would have been strategically wise.

This refusal to conform would eventually leave him marginalized within Marine. Struggling to navigate Marine's bureaucratic and political complexities, Smoker would ultimately be sent to East Blue, effectively exiled. The intention behind this move was to temper his personality and teach him humility, but instead, Smoker ended up spending nearly a decade in relative obscurity, stationed in Loguetown.

While his time there allowed him to maintain peace in East Blue, Smoker's skills stagnated during this period, leaving him unprepared for the Grand Line's brutal challenges when he returned. Even with the Smoke-Smoke Fruit, his combat effectiveness fell short of expectations, though later events in the New World would force him to rebuild himself.

In any case, Claudius had no interest in getting involved with the Smoke-Smoke Fruit. He didn't have any suitable candidates under his command to give it to, and he was confident Marine would secure it without issue.

Initially, Claudius had considered giving Rob Lucci a Devil Fruit to boost his capabilities, only to later realize that Lucci had already consumed the Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: Leopard, when he was younger. At first, Claudius had dismissed Zoan fruits like Lucci's as ordinary, assuming their potential was limited compared to Logia or Paramecia abilities. However, after learning more from seasoned veterans like Sengoku, Garp, and Zephyr, Claudius came to understand Zoan fruits in a new light.

Sengoku, as a user of the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Buddha, had a particularly deep understanding of Zoan abilities. According to him, Zoan fruits, whether Mythical or Ancient, primarily excelled in boosting the user's physical capabilities. While Mythical Zoan fruits offered unique, high-end powers, regular Zoan fruits were far from weak. With proper training and physical specialization, even ordinary Zoan users could reach incredible heights.

Hearing this, Claudius stopped underestimating Lucci's Leopard Model. The fruit was an excellent match for Lucci, whose talent and aptitude were already exceptional. In fact, Lucci's reputation as the strongest CP9 member in 800 years wasn't unfounded—it was his immense potential that earned him that title.

However, Lucci's full potential had yet to be realized, partly because his work as a spy often limited his ability to train. His undercover mission in Water 7, for instance, had him masquerading as a shipwright for five years. While he became an exceptional craftsman during that time, his combat training undoubtedly suffered. Claudius couldn't help but wonder how strong Lucci might have become with uninterrupted focus on honing his abilities.

As these thoughts drifted through his mind, Claudius wandered the streets of Sabaody Archipelago, heading toward the shopping district to find Stussy and the others. But just as he left the illegal zone, a familiar figure caught his eye.

It was Spandine.

Claudius hadn't seen Spandine in person for some time, though the two communicated regularly through phone calls. Under Spandine's leadership, CP-X's covert operations had seen rapid development, earning Claudius's approval.

However, the man before him now didn't look like a competent leader. Instead, Spandine's face was pale, his expression frantic. The moment he spotted Claudius, he bolted toward him, collapsing to his knees and grabbing Claudius's leg.

"Your Highness! Oh, Your Highness! Please, you have to save me! I've made a terrible mistake!" Spandine wailed, tears streaming down his face as he clung to Claudius's leg like his life depended on it.

Startled, Claudius instinctively pulled his leg back, glaring at Spandine in annoyance. "For heaven's sake, get up! Do you have to rub your tears and snot on my trousers? Do you have any idea how much these cost?"

Spandine stumbled back, sitting on the ground as he wiped his face, his eyes still red and watery. "I—I'm sorry, Your Highness. But I'm in a real catastrophe! This time, it's all Lucci's fault!"

Claudius's eyebrow twitched as he looked down at the pathetic sight before him. "What did Lucci do?" he asked, his voice laced with exasperation.

Spandine took a deep, shuddering breath before blurting out, "It was supposed to be a simple mission, but Lucci... he went too far! And now we're in deep trouble!"

Chapter 162: I Am Also an Actor!

Hearing this, Claudius raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "Lucci? By the way, where's the kid? Isn't he always with you? Why don't I see him around?"

For the past few years, Lucci had been under Spandine's care. Spandine knew how important Lucci was to Saint Claudius, so he didn't dare mistreat him. Occasionally, he even let Lucci go on missions to train him as a potential successor.

Originally, Spandine had intended to groom his own son, Spandam, as his successor. But Spandam was, frankly, hopeless. If they were still in CP-9, it wouldn't have mattered as much, Spandine was the top figure there and could manipulate things however he wanted.

But now, under Saint Claudius, his position was significantly higher, and his influence much greater. Former colleagues in the CP organization, who once stood on equal footing with him, now bowed their heads and called him "sir" at every turn. Spandine relished this newfound status.

The key to his success was that Saint Claudius trusted him immensely and gave him plenty of autonomy. Claudius left the handling of most small- and medium-sized matters within CP-X to Spandine, who so far had not disappointed him.

In terms of actual competence, Spandine was a bit mediocre, but his political instincts were exceptional.

The more time Spandine spent under Saint Claudius, the clearer one thing became: loyalty and utility were all that mattered.

Claudius appreciated capable subordinates, but what he valued most was loyalty. Spandine had come to realize that, at this point, he cared less about the World Government's interests and more about what benefited Saint Claudius.

Spandine also understood that if he pushed his incompetent son into his position and Spandam ended up making some catastrophic blunder that angered Claudius, there would be hell to pay. He couldn't risk it.

So, Spandine stopped entertaining the idea. He had tested his son thoroughly, only to conclude that Spandam was utterly useless.

Spandam had only two "strengths": he was blindly loyal to Claudius, thanks to Spandine's influence, and he excelled at flattery.

Spandine, ever resourceful, decided to lean into these "strengths." If his son couldn't excel in other areas, he could at least be an errand-running lackey for Saint Claudius. With Claudius's magnanimous character, he would ensure that even a loyal dog like Spandam would live a comfortable life.

As long as their family maintained Claudius's favor, their future seemed secure. And who knew? Maybe a more competent heir would emerge in the next generation.

Setting those thoughts aside, Spandine quickly responded to Claudius's question. "Your Highness, Lucci is currently locked up in Mariejois's prison..."

Claudius was momentarily surprised. "What? Mariejois? Who in Mariejois dares to imprison one of my men?"

"What happened? Explain clearly," Claudius demanded, his brow furrowing.

Spandine quickly launched into an explanation. "Your Highness, not long ago, in the first half of the Grand Line, a country was attacked and taken over by pirates."

Hearing this, Claudius sighed. The Age of Pirates was rife with chaos. It wasn't unheard of for a group of powerful pirates to overthrow a nation's capital.

"The higher-ups assigned CP-X to handle the situation, so I sent Lucci," Spandine continued, carefully recounting the events without beating around the bush. Soon enough, Claudius grasped the full context.

"So that's what happened? And this is considered a big deal?" Claudius said with a wry smile.

To summarize, a group of pirates had captured the capital of a nation. The king had fled early on, leaving behind many hostages, including a young prince who had failed to escape.

This prince, to his credit, had concealed his identity and blended in with the other hostages.

When the king learned that his son was among the captured, he panicked. Lacking the resources to pay the pirates' ransom, he turned to the World Government for help.

As a member of the World Government's allied nations, the situation couldn't be ignored. The task of resolving the matter fell to CP-X, and Claudius, busy with other affairs, left it to Spandine to handle.

Spandine, in turn, delegated the mission to Lucci.

Lucci, however, had a temper and a sense of pride. As a member of CP-X and a subordinate of Saint Claudius, a Celestial Dragon, he had no intention of bowing to pirates or negotiating with them.

Instead, he launched a direct assault, killing all the pirates along with the hostages they had taken, including the unfortunate prince.

When news reached the old king, he completely lost it. His son had died, and more than 500 hostages were slaughtered in the process. He accused Lucci of reckless slaughter and demanded justice from the World Government.

As a result, Lucci was arrested and imprisoned in Mariejois. Spandine, meanwhile, was reprimanded. Since Claudius had been occupied with matters on Fish-Man Island, he was unaware of the situation until now.

"It's no big deal," Claudius said casually. "It's just a minor issue. They can put on a show, act like they're punishing someone, but in the end, it'll all blow over."

"But, Your Highness," Spandine interjected nervously, "the atmosphere in Mariejois hasn't been great lately. After the noise you made there earlier, it seems the Five Elders are looking for an excuse to punish CP-X. Now with this incident, I'm worried it might cause trouble for you."

Claudius immediately saw through Spandine's words. The man was trying to play the victim, hoping to shift the blame while seeking reassurance.

Claudius smirked, kicking Spandine lightly. "You think I don't see through your little act? Cut it out. As long as you don't disappoint me, I won't treat you badly."

Hearing this, Spandine relaxed. Smiling ingratiatingly, he got up and asked, "Your Highness, how should we handle this? There's also the matter of the 500 million Berries fine. What should we do about that?"

"Ah, that's just a face-saving move," Claudius replied dismissively. "The Five Elders need something to show for it after all the ruckus I caused in Mariejois. Five hundred million? That's nothing. I could pull two billion out of thin air if I wanted to. Just go ahead and pay it. Once that's done, the matter will be over.

"As for Lucci, it's no big deal. When this is all settled, bring him out to see me," Claudius instructed.

Spandine let out a sigh of relief. While he didn't know the full details of the situation, Claudius's confident tone assured him that there was no real danger.

"Understood, Your Highness. Your wisdom never fails. I was overthinking things," Spandine said, quickly following up with flattery.

Chapter 163: Rosward: Life Is Too Hard!

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, outside the World Government headquarters, Stussy stood as usual, waiting for Claudius.

Before long, Claudius emerged from the building, looking relaxed. It seemed that his report to the Five Elders had gone smoothly.

As for Lucci's incident, Claudius hadn't brought it up, and neither had the Five Elders. Clearly, it was being treated as a trivial, face-saving matter.

Which made sense, why would the World Government offend a powerful and competent Celestial Dragon like Claudius over a minor king from some pirate-plagued allied nation?

As soon as Claudius stepped out, Stussy greeted him with a smile. She wrapped her arms around his and pressed her lithe figure close to him.

"Hey, careful! You're going to hit me with those," Claudius teased with a chuckle, enjoying the soft sensation against his arm.

Stussy rolled her eyes playfully and said with a smirk, "What? You don't like it?"

"Ahahaha, who in their right mind wouldn't like this? I feel like the luckiest guy in the world right now," Claudius replied, laughing.

Ever since the little escapade with Shyarly on Fish-Man Island, Stussy had been noticeably more confident and enthusiastic in her interactions with Claudius.

Not that Claudius minded. After years of working together, there was genuine affection between them. Stussy's boldness wasn't unwelcome, and Claudius, who wasn't exactly shy about such things, had no reason to refuse her advances. If anything, he appreciated her attentiveness.

Still, Claudius had his boundaries. He never forced anything, though he certainly wasn't above letting things happen naturally.

The bustling activity in front of the World Government headquarters meant that many people saw the two of them together. Observers couldn't help but feel awed, Mariejois's own flower, Miss Stussy, was clearly on intimate terms with Saint Claudius. From that moment, anyone who interacted with Stussy would have to tread carefully and show her even more respect.

Stussy, still holding Claudius's arm, smiled and asked, "So, Your Highness, what's the plan now? Shall we head back for some rest?"

Claudius flicked her delicate nose and teased, "Resting during the day? Do you think I'm the type to waste daylight? Or are you suggesting we go applaud for love right now?"

"Your Highness! You weren't this much of a rogue before. You're getting worse by the day," Stussy said, pretending to pout as she pressed against his arm again.

Claudius felt his resolve waver for a moment but quickly regained composure. With a light flick to her forehead, he said, "Focus. We've got things to do. How about we leave the fun for later tonight?"

Stussy, seeing that her playful attempts hadn't swayed him, nodded in agreement. At least she'd secured a promise for an evening together. "So, what's on the agenda now, Your Highness?"

"I promised the people of Fish-Man Island that I'd free every Fish-Man and Mermaid enslaved here in Mariejois. That's something I can't let slide," Claudius said with a faint smile. "Besides, from what I've heard, one of the slaves in particular is someone worth keeping an eye on. Even if he doesn't work for me directly, he could still be useful in the future."

Instead of returning to his palace, Claudius led Stussy toward the "House of the Gods," stopping in front of one of the Celestial Dragons' estates.

Stussy glanced at the residence, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes, and then looked back at Claudius. "Your Highness, are you planning to pick on someone again? You're too much."

Claudius rubbed his chin, as if pondering her words, before smirking. "It's not my fault—it's fate!"

The estate before them was all too familiar. The gates had clearly been replaced, and for good reason. This was the residence of Rosward, a Celestial Dragon Claudius had "visited" before.

As fate would have it, Fisher Tiger, the Fish-Man who would one day become infamous, had somehow ended up enslaved in Rosward's household.

Thinking about it, Claudius couldn't help but sigh. "No wonder Fisher Tiger hates humans and the World Government so much. With someone like Rosward owning him, it all makes sense."

Without hesitation, Claudius walked up to the gates and knocked loudly. "Open the door!"

Rosward Saint, who had been relaxing in the courtyard with his foolish son, Charlos froze when he heard Claudius's voice.

"Father, that demon is here again!" Charlos cried out, his voice trembling with fear.

"Shut up! Don't make a sound. Pretend we're not home!" Rosward hissed, equally panicked.

As he said this, Rosward felt a pang of despair. How had it come to this? A noble Celestial Dragon, reduced to hiding in his own home, afraid of another Celestial Dragon? Life was truly too hard.

"That damned Claudius is back... Maybe I should take a trip somewhere, get out of Mariejois for a while," Rosward muttered. "At least outside, I'm untouchable as a Celestial Dragon. Claudius might bully me here, but no one would dare outside."

Meanwhile, outside the gates, Claudius chuckled to himself. Do you think my Observation Haki is useless? I can "see" both of you basking in the sun.

"Open up, Rosward! I know you're in there! You've got the guts to enslave people, but not to open the door?" Claudius called out, smirking as he banged on the gates.

"We're a civilized organization here at CP-X. Don't make me break down the door again!"

"Your express delivery is here!"

"Time to pay the water bill!"

Claudius tried a few more lines, but the house remained silent. Inside, Rosward Saint had resolved to stay quiet, no matter what.

Growing impatient, Claudius finally shouted, "Rosward, I'm giving you some face here, but don't push it. I'm counting to three. If this door isn't open, I'll have it sealed up permanently! You'll turn your house into a prison, complete with 24-hour guards. Let's see if you can live like that for the rest of your life!"

Hearing this, Rosward trembled. If anyone else had made such threats, he would've laughed it off. But with Claudius, he had no doubt it could happen.

When Claudius began counting, Rosward panicked and quickly ordered his servants to open the door.

As the gates opened, Rosward stayed far away, glaring at Claudius from a safe distance. "What do you want, Claudius? I haven't provoked you! Isn't it enough that you've already caused me so much trouble?"

Claudius smirked. "Didn't provoke me? You replaced the door I so kindly gave you. I'm telling you now, you've got three days to put that iron door back up. Are you looking down on my gift? Do you not respect me?"

Rosward nearly spat blood. You smashed that door! It wasn't even functional—it was practically a wall!

"What do you want, really?" Rosward asked, his voice laced with desperation.

Waving a hand dismissively, Claudius said, "Relax. I'm not here to torment you. Look at you, acting like a victim. I almost feel bad for you."

You're going to drive me to an early grave! Rosward cursed internally.

"Do you have a red-skinned Fish-Man here? Bring him out. I need him for something," Claudius said firmly.

Rosward's resolve wavered. Knowing Claudius's personality, there was no point in resisting. The man was relentless.

"Go, bring him here," Rosward ordered one of his servants, resigned to his fate.

Claudius grinned and said, "See? That wasn't so hard. If you'd just talked to me like this earlier, we might even be friends by now."

Chapter 164: The World Government’s Vicious Dog?

Inside Claudius's palace, he sat in his study, a calm and refined atmosphere enveloping the room. Two teacups were placed on the table, and an expensive incense burned steadily, its soothing fragrance aiding concentration and tranquility.

In his hand, Claudius held a book he had brought back from Fish-Man Island. It detailed the customs and culture of the island, and at the moment, his attention was fixed on a section describing Fish-Man Street.

Fish-Man Street's history was neither too long nor too short. Years ago, it had already been the largest and most chaotic area on Fish-Man Island, a place crawling with troublemakers. At that time, it was barely under control.

A few years back, the royal palace of Ryugu Kingdom attempted reforms, transforming Fish-Man Street into the largest orphanage on the island, hoping to bring order to the chaos.

But corruption, as always, found its way. It wasn't unique to the World Government—every organization and nation was vulnerable. Even the Revolutionary Army wasn't exempt from traitors.

Due to mismanagement and a lack of oversight, the original chaos of Fish-Man Street returned. However, this time, the situation worsened.

When the orphans were relocated there, they became fresh recruits for the existing gangs and criminals, adding fuel to the fire. As a result, Fish-Man Street devolved into the most dangerous and anarchic place on Fish-Man Island. Previously, it had been somewhat manageable; now, even the royal palace was powerless against it.

"Failed reforms often lead to greater chaos. I guess that principle holds true no matter the world," Claudius murmured as he flipped through the book.

Combining what he read with what he had observed firsthand, he came to a conclusion. "The root of Fish-Man Island's problems is the absence of a strong leader. Without decisive leadership, situations like this are inevitable." He smiled faintly, his thoughts wandering.

While King Neptune of Ryugu Palace was a good ruler who genuinely cared about his people, he lacked the iron will necessary to deal with chaos. In such turbulent times, a strong hand was essential.

Claudius thought about Hody Jones, a figure who would rise in the future. Though Hody's goals were undeniably malicious, his methods were brutally effective. He captured pirates who dared to wreak havoc on Fish-Man Island and turned them into slaves, asserting a twisted form of order.

When Claudius compared Neptune to someone like Hody, he couldn't help but shake his head. Neptune, despite being born into royalty, almost had his reign ended by someone like Hody. If Neptune had adopted even half of Hody's ruthlessness, Fish-Man Island wouldn't have suffered so much under the pirates' exploitation.

But in the grand scheme of things, Claudius saw Neptune's weakness as an advantage for his own plans. A weaker king made it easier for Claudius to maneuver. "I have no intention of educating Neptune. As long as he follows my arrangements and helps me achieve my goals, that's enough. All I need is for Fish-Man Island to work under me."

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, there was a knock at the study door. Claudius's butler, Nia, entered and bowed slightly. "Your Highness, Fisher Tiger has been cleaned up. Should I bring him in to see you?"

Claudius nodded casually. "Let him in."

Nia nodded, stepped back, and moments later, Fisher Tiger walked into the room.

The towering Fish-Man, his red skin covered in whip scars, looked physically strong despite his weary expression. On his chest, the hateful symbol of a Celestial Dragon's hoof had been burned into his flesh. His eyes, filled with a mix of wariness and suppressed hatred, fixed on Claudius.

Despite the hatred gleaming in his gaze, Tiger stopped just inside the room, bent his knees slightly, and prepared to kneel. He had been a slave long enough to know the rituals necessary to survive in the presence of a Celestial Dragon.

Fisher Tiger was a man who could endure humiliation when it served his purposes. If kneeling to Claudius could give him a chance, he wouldn't hesitate. But in his heart, he swore: If I get the chance, I'll burn Mariejois to the ground.

Before his knees touched the ground, he felt an invisible force stop him mid-motion. Surprised, he hesitated as Claudius spoke, his tone calm and composed.

"There's no need for unnecessary gestures," Claudius said. "From the hatred in your eyes, I can tell you're not someone who's willing to bow to me. Kneeling would be meaningless. Take a seat."

If not for their opposing positions, Claudius would have admired Fisher Tiger. The man had the courage to set Mariejois ablaze and free countless slaves, showing extraordinary bravery and a sense of responsibility. That, in itself, was worthy of respect.

However, Claudius was still a Celestial Dragon, and someone like Tiger, who sought to destroy his "hometown," was ultimately a threat to his interests. Allowing Tiger's rebellion to flourish would disgrace the Celestial Dragons and the World Government, something Claudius would never tolerate.

Even so, Claudius believed in giving respect where it was due. There was no need to humiliate a man like Tiger by forcing him to kneel.

Fisher Tiger remained silent, his eyes now tinged with confusion. He studied Claudius for a moment before stepping forward and taking the seat across from him.

On the table before him was a cup of tea. Without waiting for Claudius to say anything, Tiger picked it up and drank.

"Although I don't know your intentions, I'll thank you for removing my slave collar," Fisher Tiger said after setting the cup down.

Claudius closed the book in his hands and smiled faintly. "I don't have a habit of putting collars on people unless it's absolutely necessary."

"That means, like the others, you keep slaves," Fisher Tiger said quietly.

Claudius didn't deny it. Although he rarely relied on slaves, it was true that he owned some. However, unlike others who enslaved innocents, Claudius only kept criminals pirates and other scum under his control.

"Yes, I do. But not many. And those I keep are hardly innocent," Claudius replied honestly.

Fisher Tiger was silent for a moment before nodding slightly. "Thank you for your honesty."

"Nothing to thank me for," Claudius said with a faint smile. After a brief pause, he added, "I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Donquixote Claudius, a Celestial Dragon here in Mariejois.

"I don't know how long you've been a slave, but if it hasn't been too long, you might have heard of me."

A sharp glint appeared in Fisher Tiger's eyes. Although he'd been given a bath and some clean clothes, this was the first time he learned the name of the man before him.

He had heard of Donquixote Claudius, a Celestial Dragon unlike any other. Claudius's reputation had reached even the darkest corners of the sea. He was the mysterious leader of CP-X, a man whose name alone inspired fear and awe.

"Donquixote Claudius," Fisher Tiger said softly, his tone heavy with meaning. "The legendary and elusive leader of CP-X. Your name is known across the seas, but your face… No one ever sees it."

Claudius smiled, pleased by the recognition. "So, it seems my reputation precedes me?"

"In our eyes," Fisher Tiger replied, his voice calm but cutting, "you're the World Government's most vicious dog. Now that I know you're a Celestial Dragon, the title suits you even more."

Chapter 165: Your Highness Alone is Unique!

"Hahahaha! So that's how you people see me?" Claudius laughed, his voice hearty and unbothered. "Well, I can't say I'm surprised, but vicious dog? I suppose it fits in its own way."

Fisher Tiger watched Claudius, his sharp eyes flashing with curiosity. This man truly was unlike any other. Fisher Tiger had essentially insulted him, yet Claudius laughed it off as if it were nothing. It was clear that this Celestial Dragon operated on a completely different wavelength from the others.

After his laughter subsided, Claudius shifted his gaze back to Fisher Tiger and said, "Alright, enough with the idle talk. You must be wondering why I've brought you here."

Fisher Tiger was, indeed, puzzled. He didn't see himself as someone important. Sure, he was the leader of Fish-Man Street, but in the grand scheme of things, that title was meaningless. Claudius was a Celestial Dragon, and not just any Celestial Dragon—he was a powerful one. Why would someone of Claudius's stature bother with someone like him?

"Yes, I am quite curious," Fisher Tiger admitted, his tone calm but wary.

"Good." Claudius took a sip from his teacup, his demeanor casual yet deliberate. "Fisher Tiger, adventurer of some renown. Born in the chaos of Fish-Man Street, now its unofficial leader. And recently, you were captured and made a slave. Not many people know about that, do they? After all, you've been away from Fish-Man Island for years, off exploring the world."

Fisher Tiger frowned slightly, his confusion deepening. Claudius's knowledge of him was unsettlingly precise, as though he'd been keeping tabs on him.

Claudius smiled. "Tiger—can I call you that?"

Fisher Tiger didn't respond, simply waiting to see where this conversation was going.

"What do you think of Mariejois?" Claudius asked, his tone light, as though they were discussing the weather.

This time, Fisher Tiger didn't hesitate. "It's hell on earth. A cesspool of filth and cruelty."

Claudius nodded, seemingly unsurprised by the response. "You're right. For someone like you, it is a dark and evil place."

"And for someone like you, a Celestial Dragon, it's not, is it?" Fisher Tiger said, his tone bitter.

"Naturally," Claudius replied, his smile faint. "But you hate this place, don't you? You hate it so much you'd burn it to the ground if you could."

Fisher Tiger was silent for a moment before deciding there was no point in lying. "Yes. I'd burn it all to ash if I had the chance."

"Of course you would," Claudius said, nodding again. "But your hatred doesn't matter, Tiger. The world won't change just because one person hates something. After all, you're just… a small man, aren't you?"

Fisher Tiger had yet to escape from Mariejois. He had no way of knowing that one day he would succeed, that he would lead a rebellion, free countless slaves, and inspire a generation of revolutionaries. At this moment, Claudius's words stung because they rang true. He was just a single man, and his hatred alone couldn't shake the world.

"That's right," Fisher Tiger admitted softly, though there was a hint of defiance in his voice.

"But I'm different," Claudius said, his tone calm but firm.

The words were simple, but they carried a weight that Fisher Tiger couldn't ignore. Claudius wasn't wrong. Unlike him, Claudius had the power to effect real change. Even if that power wasn't absolute yet, it was undeniable.

Still, Fisher Tiger didn't understand what Claudius was getting at. Was this some philosophical discussion? A veiled threat?

Claudius reached for a stack of documents on the table and slid them across to Fisher Tiger. "I am working to change the world, Tiger. These are the results of my efforts so far. Take a look."

Frowning, Fisher Tiger picked up the documents and began reading.

What he saw left him stunned.

The papers detailed Claudius's initiatives: CP-X's crackdown on illegal slave traders targeting Fish-Man Island, the World Government's plan to establish a Marine base on the island to ensure its security, and even a program to liberate mermaid slaves from Mariejois.

There were also letters of cooperation signed by King Neptune and Princess Otohime, as well as a personal letter of thanks from Princess Otohime herself.

Fisher Tiger's mind reeled. He had noticed some changes during his time as a slave in Mariejois, but as a prisoner, he hadn't been able to piece together what was happening. Now, it all made sense. The curses and complaints he'd heard other Celestial Dragons muttering about Claudius were because of these reforms.

When he came across a section discussing plans to revitalize and develop Fish-Man Street, Fisher Tiger's eyes narrowed. He was beginning to understand why Claudius had sought him out.

After reading through the documents several times, Fisher Tiger placed them back on the table and looked at Claudius. This time, his tone was sincere. "Thank you, Your Highness Claudius. Thank you for everything you're doing for Fish-Man Island."

For the first time, Fisher Tiger used honorifics when addressing Claudius, a gesture that wasn't lost on the Celestial Dragon. Claudius smiled, clearly pleased.

With a wave of his hand, Claudius replied, "There's no need to thank me. It's just mutual benefit, after all."

"Many people have 'interests' in Fish-Man Island," Fisher Tiger said quietly. "But you're the only one who has approached it this way."

Indeed, over the years, many pirates, smugglers, and slavers had exploited the island for their own gain. But Claudius was the first to use a cooperative and relatively gentle approach, a stark contrast to the usual cruelty.

Claudius chuckled softly. "Well, I'm glad you noticed."

He leaned back slightly and asked, "Now that you've seen all this, do you understand why I brought you here?"

"I think I have an idea," Fisher Tiger said after a moment. "I don't know exactly what you stand to gain from developing Fish-Man Street, but it must be significant. Otherwise, you wouldn't waste your time on a slave like me."

Claudius nodded, acknowledging the truth in Tiger's words. "You're correct. There's a lot at stake here. I can't afford to fail."

According to Claudius's research, there were at least 100,000 people living in Fish-Man Street, with more orphans arriving each year. It was a chaotic and untapped resource. Fisher Tiger, as its de facto leader, was a key figure. A leader of 100,000 people, he might be a "small man" in the grand scheme of things, but in this context, he was indispensable.

These 100,000 residents represented an incredible labor force. With their natural physical strength, far greater than that of humans, they were ideal for Claudius's plans, which included developing the Calm Belt and establishing a foundation of trust between himself and Fish-Man Island.

Faced with the massive potential benefits, Claudius had no intention of taking shortcuts. He was determined to see this through properly.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 166: What Kind of Sadness and Despair Make You Lower Your Head?

Fisher Tiger remained silent, listening intently as Claudius spoke.

"Your hatred can't change the past, and perhaps it can't change the future either. But I can," Claudius said with a calm smile. "So, Fisher Tiger, would you be willing to help me?"

Fisher Tiger was quiet for a long moment before finally asking, "Your Highness, are you asking me to help you manage the chaos of Fish-Man Street? To work for you?"

Claudius touched his chin thoughtfully before responding. "Yes, it's for me. But it's also for Fish-Man Island, and for yourself. Honestly, I'm not particularly interested in the people of Fish-Man Street. I don't intend to control you as subordinates in the strict sense. Think of it more as… a labor contract, or employment."

Tiger didn't care much about the terms Claudius used, such as "labor contract" or "employment." What struck a chord with him was the mention of working for Fish-Man Island and for himself.

In the past, Fisher Tiger had been the leader of Fish-Man Street in name, but he hadn't thought much about Fish-Man Island's overall future. His focus had been on his personal journey—he wanted to see the wider world, driven by a desire to explore and perhaps even a faint echo of Fish-Man Island's age-old dream of freedom.

But becoming a slave in Mariejois had changed him. Seeing the cruelty of humans and the suffering of his fellow Fish-Men and Merfolk had sparked a transformation in his soul. For the first time, Tiger truly understood what he wanted, to free his people and make Fish-Man Island a better, safer place, free from oppression.

And yet, for all his resolve, he didn't know where to start. He couldn't even protect himself, let alone others.

"You don't want to see Fish-Man Street continue as the cancer of Fish-Man Island, do you? Watching your fellow Fish-Men harm their own kind and drag the island down with them?" Claudius asked with a knowing smile.

Tiger nodded slowly. "If Fish-Man Island is to change its fate and escape its current humiliation, it must first unite its people and grow stronger. Cleaning up Fish-Man Street wouldn't just restore order to the island, it would also reduce internal conflicts and allow us to focus on external threats. It would be a great benefit to both Fish-Man Island and Fish-Man Street."

Claudius smiled approvingly. "I'm glad you understand that."

Fisher Tiger hesitated before continuing. "Although I hate the World Government, I have to admit objectively speaking that Fish-Man Island has no future without it. At least for now."

"Correct," Claudius replied, nodding.

"Meeting someone like you, a reasonable Celestial Dragon… perhaps this is the best opportunity Fish-Man Island has had in centuries," Tiger said softly.

Claudius raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more Tiger wanted to say.

After a pause, Tiger continued, his voice firm. "But it's not enough, Your Highness. What you've done so far… it's not enough."

Claudius raised his teacup, took a small sip, and asked evenly, "What's missing?"

"Above Mariejois, there are thousands of my people still enslaved. Fish-Men and Merfolk alike are native to Fish-Man Island. If you, Your Highness Claudius, truly wish to unite the power of Fish-Man Street, then you must also extend your protection to them," Tiger said, his gaze locked onto Claudius.

Claudius set his teacup down slowly, meeting Tiger's eyes. "And what is it you want me to do?"

"As you've done before, liberate my people. When there are no more Fish-Man or Merfolk slaves in Mariejois, I, Fisher Tiger, will pledge myself to you—to work for you, for Fish-Man Island, and for our future.

"But if you can't do this, then even if it costs me my life, I will never let go of my hatred for humanity. I can't afford to trust anyone anymore… but this is the only time I'm willing to put my trust in someone. This is your one and only chance," Tiger said, his voice deep with conviction.

Claudius stroked his chin thoughtfully, his expression unreadable as silence filled the room. The atmosphere grew heavier with each passing second.

Just as Tiger began to wonder if he'd pushed too far, Claudius finally spoke. "Are you threatening me?"

Tiger shook his head, his eyes filled with sincerity. "As I said, I am deeply grateful for everything you've done so far. This is not a threat.

"If anything, think of it as a reminder. If you refuse, I'll use my death to make sure you remember this moment. Perhaps one day, in some quiet afternoon, you'll think of me, and that memory might soften your heart enough to act. That's all I can hope for."

Claudius gazed out the window, lost in thought. The sunlight streaming into the room was warm but not harsh, illuminating his contemplative face. He had always understood that Fisher Tiger was a man of integrity and courage, but in this moment, he felt something deeper.

The idea of using one's own death to make a statement was easy to talk about, but how many people could actually do it? Tiger wasn't asking for immediate change; he was gambling on the faint hope that Claudius might one day recall this conversation and honor his wish. The despair and determination behind such a gamble struck a chord in Claudius's heart.

"If you don't understand someone's pain, can you ever truly empathize with them?" Claudius wondered to himself.

Up until now, everything Claudius had done had been driven by practicality by interests and goals. Even his actions on Fish-Man Island were calculated, aimed at building alliances and securing influence. But in this moment, he could feel the weight of Tiger's despair, a despair so profound it had driven the man to risk everything for even a glimmer of hope.

He now understood why Tiger would one day scale the Red Line with his bare hands and burn Mariejois to the ground. It wasn't mere anger; it was a desperate cry for justice.

"I have to admit, I'm impressed, Tiger… Fisher Tiger," Claudius murmured, still staring out the window.

The sound of movement behind him caught his attention. When he turned, he saw Fisher Tiger kneeling on the floor, his forehead pressed to the ground.

"Thank you for your kindness!" Tiger choked out, his voice thick with emotion as he repeatedly bowed his head.

Claudius sighed softly as he watched the man before him. After a moment, he spoke with quiet resolve. "In the name of Donquixote Claudius, I promise you, Fisher Tiger—I will do everything in my power to ensure there are no more Fish-Man slaves in Mariejois."

Tiger's eyes turned red, his restrained emotions bursting forth. His choking sobs became full-blown cries of anguish. Tears and mucus flowed freely as he pressed his head against the floor, repeating over and over, "Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you for your kindness."

Claudius observed Tiger's raw, unfiltered display of emotion and couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart.

"What kind of sorrow and despair must a man endure to reach such a breaking point?" Claudius thought to himself. "To be reduced to this… it only shows how deeply the world is broken. And seeing this… it only strengthens my resolve to change it."

Chapter 167: Noble, Is the Epitaph of the Noble?

After receiving Claudius's promise, Fisher Tiger accepted his offer. He agreed to work for Claudius, help restore order to Fish-Man Street, and assist in his plans. In essence, he would act as a "labor leader," or more commonly, a contractor.

Following this, Fisher Tiger was escorted by Nya, Claudius's butler, to rest. Once Claudius finished handling affairs in Mariejois, he would return to Fish-Man Island, accompanied by countless freed compatriots of Tiger.

By all rights, Claudius could have taken a darker route. He could have entirely subjugated Fisher Tiger, branded him with the Donquixote family's Celestial Dragon hoof, and ensured his obedience through force.

But Claudius didn't.

"Despicable is the pass of the despicable; noble is the epitaph of the noble," Claudius murmured to himself as he sipped his tea, gazing out the window. A self-deprecating laugh followed.

He never considered himself noble. In truth, "despicable" might have suited him better, and he wasn't ashamed to admit it. But in the presence of someone like Fisher Tiger, a man of unshakable principles and a noble soul, he couldn't help but feel a bit unworthy. Perhaps that was why he held back.

Although Claudius had already planned to liberate the Fish-Man slaves in Mariejois, that had been driven by practical interests. But this time, when he promised Fisher Tiger, there was no ulterior motive. He had been moved, and even if there was no benefit to be gained, he would still honor his word.

For all his pragmatism, Claudius didn't want to appear petty in the presence of someone like Fisher Tiger. In that brief moment of self-reflection, he found himself striving, if only slightly, to rise above his baser instincts.

As he stared out the window, deep in thought, the door to the study opened quietly. Stussy entered, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. She observed Claudius's back for a moment, noting the unusual stillness in his demeanor.

"Your Highness," Stussy said gently, breaking the silence. "Spandine is here with Rob Lucci. They're waiting in the living room. Do you wish to see them?"

Claudius turned, his usual warm smile back on his face. "Yes, let's go."

He followed Stussy toward the living room, but after taking a few steps, he suddenly paused. Stussy stopped as well, turning to him with a puzzled expression.

"Stussy," Claudius began, his tone lighter than before, "if you had to choose one word to describe me—'vile' or 'noble'—which would it be?"

Stussy blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. After a brief pause, she scratched her head awkwardly. "Your Highness… that's a difficult question."

"Hahahaha! You wound me, Stussy!" Claudius laughed, though his tone carried a teasing edge. "I thought you'd call me noble without a second thought."

Stussy smiled, stepping closer and taking his arm in hers. "Perhaps I can't speak for everyone, Your Highness. But to me, you are noble. And I believe Nia would say the same. Crocodile, Enel, even Doflamingo—they might all agree."

Claudius's expression softened as he listened to her words. "Really?" he murmured.

For a brief moment, he allowed himself to bask in the warmth of her affirmation. This is enough, he thought silently. This is enough.

Claudius had asked the question on a whim, perhaps seeking a small measure of reassurance. But as the thought passed, he pushed the matter aside. Noble or despicable, he was Claudius, and he had no need to justify his actions to anyone. The noble is me, and the despicable is me.

When they arrived in the living room, Claudius saw Spandine and a young Rob Lucci seated on the sofa.

The moment Spandine noticed Claudius, he shot up from his seat, his face eager and respectful. "Greetings, Your Highness!" he said, his tone dripping with reverence.

Lucci quickly followed suit, standing and bowing deeply. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he looked at Claudius.

Lucci had been an orphan, recruited into the CP organization by the World Government and trained as a CP-9 operative. While the Marine Corps preached the value of justice, often resulting in ideological divides and factions, the CP organization was different.

The CP operatives were brainwashed from the start to be utterly loyal to the World Government—and, by extension, the Celestial Dragons. For them, obedience wasn't just expected; it was ingrained.

Lucci, however, had been pulled out of CP-9 midway through his training and placed under Spandane's wing in CP-X. There, he'd met Claudius several times, and Spandine had begun grooming him to be loyal to Claudius specifically.

Spandine himself was perhaps the most devoted subordinate Claudius had. His loyalty surpassed even that of Crocodile, whose pride often led him to challenge Claudius in subtle ways. Spandine, on the other hand, had fully committed himself to Claudius, prioritizing him above even the World Government. Under such guidance, it was no surprise that Lucci had been molded into another staunch follower of Claudius.

Claudius smiled as he approached the pair, taking a seat on the sofa. "They didn't give you too much trouble, did they?" he asked casually.

Spandine immediately leapt to pour tea for Claudius, his ingratiating manner almost comical. "Not at all, Your Highness! Just as you predicted, they treated Lucci like royalty once I brought your approval letter. It was like a vacation for him! This is all thanks to your unmatched prestige."

"Really?" Claudius chuckled, turning his attention to Lucci. "Good. I would have been upset if they'd made things difficult."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness!" Spandine said, never missing an opportunity to flatter.

Claudius nodded, then leaned back slightly. "It's good that you've returned. I have an important task for you two. It requires absolute loyalty and discretion."

"Your Highness, it's an honor to serve you. Isn't that right, Lucci?" Spandine said, nudging the boy.

Lucci, who looked no older than thirteen or fourteen, nodded earnestly. "Yes, Your Highness. It is our honor to serve you."

Unlike Spandane, Lucci wasn't particularly skilled in flattery. His loyalty was straightforward and unembellished, which Claudius didn't mind. In fact, he found it refreshing.

"Very good," Claudius said with a small smile. "This mission is highly classified. I need you both to handle it with care."

"What would you have us do, Your Highness?" Spandine asked eagerly.

Claudius's smile widened slightly. "We're working in cooperation with Naval Headquarters on this one. The mission will take you to Skypiea."

"Skypiea?" Spandine's eyes widened, and he visibly swallowed. The idea of traveling to the Sky Island clearly unsettled him. "Your Highness… what business could we possibly have up there? It's just a place filled with poor, stubborn people!"

Claudius chuckled. "Enel has found the legendary City of Gold. Your task will be to go there with the Marines, secure the gold, and ensure the operation remains completely confidential."

Chapter 168: Claudius: Go and Grab the Gold From the Sky!

The meeting with Lucci and Spandine didn't last long. Claudius outlined the mission to Sky Island, explained their cooperation with the Marines, and provided clear instructions. After that, there was little else to discuss.

Before they left, Claudius encouraged Lucci, telling the boy to work hard, keep honing his skills, and never settle for mediocrity. As motivation, he handed them rewards—not ordinary Berries, but treasures collected from other Celestial Dragons' homes.

These treasures, though once simply decorative items in his residence, were now repurposed by Claudius. He had kept a few pieces he fancied for his personal collection and intended to use the rest as rewards for his subordinates. After all, handing out treasures like these carried far more prestige than simply giving money.

Overjoyed with the gifts, Spandine left with Lucci to begin preparations for the Sky Island mission. As for the dangers of heading to such an unpredictable place, Spandine didn't dare complain. With Claudius backing the operation and Marine forces leading the charge, all he could do was grit his teeth and rise to the occasion.

Sitting by the pool in his courtyard, Claudius found himself staring into the still water, his thoughts drifting. The absence of the mermaid sisters, who had once graced this pool, left a subtle pang of loneliness in his heart. He used to chat with them here, but now, all that remained was the empty water.

"Cousin? Cousin? Why aren't you saying anything?" Doflamingo's voice cut through his thoughts, snapping Claudius back to the present.

Claudius chuckled softly, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Ah, sorry about that. I got lost in thought for a moment. You know, age catches up to all of us."

"Furufurufuru, age? Cousin, you're what—still in your twenties?" Doflamingo teased with a laugh.

"Barely holding onto my twenties," Claudius replied with a grin. "I'm almost hitting my thirties. Unlike you young people, I'm getting up there."

After exchanging some lighthearted banter, Claudius returned to the matter at hand. "By the way, what were you saying earlier?"

"Figures you weren't listening. Furufuru," Doflamingo said, his tone amused. "I was saying I planted a 'nail' in the Marines. Since they're not exactly friendly toward us, I thought it was only fair to play a little dirty in return."

"Oh? And what's the situation?" Claudius asked with genuine curiosity.

"Vergo," Doflamingo answered, his tone smug. "I placed him in the Marines as an undercover agent. If something happens with Rosinante or if the Marines try anything funny, Vergo will keep me informed. It's always good to have a backup plan."

Claudius chuckled. "You've got things well thought out, I see. But speaking of the Marines, I've managed to make some pretty big gains with them myself this time."

He proceeded to explain the details of his recent cooperation with the Marines. Doflamingo, quick-witted as always, immediately grasped the significance.

"Furufurufuru! You're on a whole different level, cousin. I was over here patting myself on the back for planting a spy, and you've gone and shaken down the Marines for funding. Impressive!"

"Well, it's not every day the opportunity presents itself," Claudius said, smiling. "Speaking of which, I need your help with something connected to all this."

"Let me guess," Doflamingo interrupted with a smirk. "Sky Island. The golden land."

Claudius raised an eyebrow, impressed. "That's exactly it. Your abilities will be invaluable for the Sky Island mission. With you there, it'll be much safer, and we'll avoid unnecessary losses."

Doflamingo's Devil Fruit powers, particularly his ability to manipulate strings, made him an ideal candidate for the perilous journey to Sky Island. He had no objections, as his own curiosity about the legendary land of gold piqued his interest.

"According to my intel, there's a Poneglyph and a golden bell up there. Leave those to me," Claudius added.

Doflamingo chuckled awkwardly. "What's that supposed to mean? Like I'd try to pocket the gold?"

"Hahahaha! Wouldn't you?" Claudius teased.

"Yes," Doflamingo replied without hesitation, prompting both men to burst into laughter.

Claudius didn't mind. He trusted Doflamingo enough to let him take a cut of the loot, it was only fair to compensate him for his efforts. "Just don't touch the Marines' 50%, alright?"

"Of course, cousin. I wouldn't do anything to ruin your plans. You can count on me," Doflamingo said, nodding.

Satisfied, Claudius continued, "You'll rendezvous with Spandine and the Marines at the top of the West Sky Peak. It's important that we use people we can trust for this mission."

After wrapping up the details of the Sky Island operation, Doflamingo brought up another matter. "Cousin, any updates on the Seven Warlords of the Sea? I've been waiting impatiently."

Claudius sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm swamped right now. With the World Summit just around the corner, Mariejois is in chaos. But don't worry; we'll create the perfect opportunity when the time comes."

The year was 1508 of the Sea Circle Calendar, and the World Summit—a gathering of the world's leaders held every four years was fast approaching. This event was one of the reasons the World Government was so eager to resolve issues with Whitebeard and Fish-Man Island. It was also why Sengoku was currently overburdened, as the Marines had to escort royalty from various nations to the summit.

"When's the timing?" Doflamingo asked, his voice laced with impatience.

"Right before the World Summit begins," Claudius explained. "When this year's Heavenly Tribute is being delivered, I'll tip you off. You'll rob the shipment, and we'll use the incident as leverage to get you into the Seven Warlords of the Sea. The World Government won't be able to refuse, and it'll all look perfectly natural."

Doflamingo grinned. "Heh, robbing the Heavenly Tribute? That's a pretty bold move, cousin. It'll definitely make waves."

"Exactly. The bolder the move, the less anyone will suspect it was orchestrated. The Five Elders are already on board, so there's nothing to worry about," Claudius assured him.

"Since you've given the green light, I'll handle it," Doflamingo replied confidently.

The two exchanged a few more words before ending the call.

"World Summit…" Claudius murmured, leaning back in his chair.

This year's summit was significant for Claudius. For the first time, he would participate, as Fish-Man Island was expected to send representatives. While he wasn't overly concerned about the event itself, he recognized the importance of being prepared.

"There are some key points I'll need to raise carefully," Claudius thought to himself, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I may not have the luxury of acting recklessly."

Chapter 169: Marine Executives Are Shocked!?

After ending his call with Doflamingo, Claudius picked up his phone snail again, this time dialing a line to Water 7.

Water 7 had flourished in recent years, thanks in no small part to the dominance of Tom's Shipbuilding Company. Without any anti-monopoly laws in this world, Tom's company had effectively monopolized the city's shipbuilding industry. Backed by Claudius, a Celestial Dragon, Tom's company grew wealthy and powerful.

During the economic downturn that had gripped Water 7, Tom aggressively acquired smaller shipbuilding firms on the island. With Marine and CP-X providing a steady stream of orders, business was booming. The city itself had become practically synonymous with Tom's Shipbuilding Company.

When Tom answered the call, his voice was brimming with gratitude. He first thanked Claudius sincerely for everything he had done for Fish-Man Island and for liberating the Fish-Man slaves in Mariejois.

Claudius accepted the thanks without reservation, then listened as Tom reported the company's latest financial figures. The company was raking in massive profits, and Tom detailed every aspect of their growth.

Claudius listened politely, though not too attentively. Once Tom had finished his report, Claudius offered a few words of praise before cutting to the main topic.

"Tom, the World Summit is just a few months away," Claudius began.

Tom, momentarily puzzled, asked, "Your Highness, what does that have to do with us? Is Water 7 expected to participate? As you know, while our city is under the banner of the World Government, we're not part of the system of franchise countries. We're classified as a municipality and don't meet the qualifications to attend, right?"

Tom was correct. Water 7 was under the World Government's protection but was not considered a franchise country. Unlike the 170 franchise nations, municipalities like Water 7 operated independently, electing their own leaders and governing themselves. Currently, Tom was the de facto leader of the city, as the shipbuilding industry was its lifeblood.

Claudius chuckled. "You're right, Master Tom. Under normal circumstances, Water 7 wouldn't qualify to attend the World Summit. However, you're one of my people now, and CP-X does have the authority to participate."

Tom's shipbuilding company had been fully acquired by Claudius and integrated into CP-X's operations. While Tom himself hadn't officially joined CP-X, he was essentially an employee of Claudius, serving as his chief shipwright.

Tom didn't argue, though he remained curious. "So, what does Your Highness need from us? Is there something specific you'd like us to do at the summit?"

"Exactly," Claudius replied with a nod. "We're going to make some money and expand our business. I've heard the sea train technology has been successfully tested?"

Tom's eyes lit up at the mention of the sea train. "Yes, it's in the trial stage. There are still some minor details that need adjustment, but overall, it's functioning well."

"In terms of safety and speed, the technology is reliable?" Claudius asked.

"Absolutely," Tom said confidently. "The system is both fast and safe. Just a few tweaks, and it'll be perfect."

"Good. In that case, I'm placing an order on behalf of the World Government," Claudius declared. "I want you to use the sea train technology to connect Water 7 to Enies Lobby as quickly as possible. From there, the tracks should extend to Marine Headquarters at Marinford, with the final stop being Mariejois. Can you handle this?"

As Claudius spoke, his tone was decisive. He didn't hesitate to exercise CP-X's authority, which allowed him to act on behalf of the World Government without seeking further approval.

Tom was stunned for a moment before replying enthusiastically. "Of course, Your Highness! We've already built the first-generation trains. All that remains is to lay the tracks. Construction should move quickly, I guarantee everything will be ready before the World Summit begins!"

"Excellent," Claudius said. "Once the tracks are finished, we'll present sea train technology at the World Summit and sell it to other countries. I have no doubt it'll bring us a lot of business."

This project served multiple purposes for Claudius. On one hand, it was a lucrative opportunity. On the other, it was a practical advancement that could change the world's infrastructure. And finally, it gave him a chance to showcase his achievements at the World Summit, proving to the Five Elders that he was a capable and effective leader.

---

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters in Marinford, a private meeting was underway in the office of Fleet Admiral Kong. The room was filled with Marine top brass, all gathered to discuss upcoming operations.

"The World Summit is fast approaching. The escort list for this year's attendees will be finalized in a few days," Kong said, addressing the group. "Sengoku, I trust you'll handle the arrangements?"

Sengoku, who was busy scribbling in a notebook, replied without looking up, "Understood."

Kong glanced curiously at Sengoku, wondering what had him so absorbed, but decided to let it go for the moment. He continued assigning tasks to the other officers in the room.

Turning to Zephyr, Kong asked, "What's the status of the Smoke-Smoke Fruit?"

Zephyr smiled. "The candidate hasn't been finalized yet, but I expect it'll go to the top recruit from this year's training camp. There's a young Marine named Smoker who shows a lot of promise. I'm keeping an eye on him."

"Good," Kong replied. "If he can develop into someone like Sakazuki or Kuzan, it'll be a great addition to our ranks."

The conversation continued for a while, with Kong delegating responsibilities and finalizing plans. However, his curiosity eventually got the better of him. He turned back to Sengoku and asked, "Sengoku, what are you working on so seriously?"

Without looking up, Sengoku replied, "I'm drafting plans to add 200 new warships to the fleet over the next three years. I also want to establish seven new Marine branches and repair sixteen existing ones. I'm just finalizing the numbers."

The room fell silent.

Kong nearly spat out the tea he'd been drinking. "Two hundred warships!?"

Marine warships weren't just ordinary ships. They were massive, heavily fortified vessels equipped with advanced weaponry and coated with seastone. Each ship cost approximately 200 million Berries, according to the current rates from Water 7.

Sengoku's request for 200 new warships alone amounted to 40 billion Berries. Adding seven new Marine branches and repairing sixteen others would push the total cost well past 100 billion Berries. Combined, Sengoku was effectively proposing nearly 200 billion Berries in additional expenses.

Even Kong, a seasoned leader, was left speechless. Around the room, the other officers were equally stunned. Garp, always one to break the tension, burst into laughter.

"Pfft! Sengoku, have you lost your mind? Do you think we've got a mountain of gold lying around? Where are we supposed to find that kind of money? Did someone promise you a massive budget increase or something?" Garp teased, slapping the table as he laughed.

Sakazuki, Kuzan, Borsalino, and even Gion were visibly shocked. Only Tsuru remained calm, clearly aware of the underlying details.

Chapter 170: Sakazuki: Collect Black Money? I Fully Support This Kind of Good Thing!

Sengoku paused and continued, his tone growing more serious. "We all know that the World Government cannot allocate more financial resources to support Marine Headquarters. It's not that they don't want to—it's that they can't."

Fleet Admiral Kong nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Sengoku. Since you know that the World Government is stretched thin, and our military budget is far from sufficient, then what's with these grand plans of yours?"

Sengoku met Kong's gaze and replied confidently, "The World Government can't provide the funding—but someone else can."

The room fell silent. Every Marine officer present, from Garp to Sakazuki, stared at Sengoku with puzzled and wary expressions. Only Tsuru, ever composed, calmly took a sip of tea, clearly already aware of where this was going.

The idea of anyone else funding the Marines was unheard of. While some of the World Government's franchise countries might occasionally offer additional resources for their protection, the Marines had never formally accepted such contributions. Opening this door was unprecedented.

"Sengoku!" Kong's voice boomed with uncharacteristic sharpness.

But then, softening slightly, he added, "I understand the urgency. We're all struggling in this chaotic era, but we can't cross certain lines. The Marines stand for justice—how can we accept what is essentially black money?"

Hearing this, Sengoku sighed in exasperation. "Black money? Do you really think I'd suggest something that undermines our integrity? I've walked the path of justice my entire career. Don't insult me, Kong."

Before Sengoku could continue, Garp picked at his nose and chimed in, "Black money or not, as long as it's used to build warships and bases, what's the big deal? If it were up to me, I'd have taken it already and spared us the debate."

Kuzan glanced at Garp, clearly conflicted. He wanted to argue but found himself reluctantly agreeing with Garp's pragmatism.

On the other hand, Sakazuki spoke without hesitation. "I fully agree with Garp. If it's for the sake of justice and to strengthen our power, we should do whatever it takes. Justice must prevail at all costs."

Sakazuki's view of justice was uncompromising, even extreme. He didn't care about optics or reputation; as long as the results aligned with his vision of justice, the methods were irrelevant. His unwavering belief in his cause often set him apart from more conflicted figures like Kuzan.

Borsalino, as usual, shrugged indifferently. "Well, if it means my paycheck gets a little fatter or my pension gets a boost, I won't complain. You big shots can figure out the rest."

Gion, meanwhile, glanced at her mentor, Tsuru. Seeing Tsuru's calm demeanor, she decided it was best to stay silent and let the senior officers hash things out.

Kong frowned deeply, clearly torn. While he wanted to see the Marines grow stronger, he also understood the potential risks of stepping into such murky territory.

After a long silence, he finally spoke. "No. This crosses a line. If the World Government finds out, there will be consequences. You know how strict they are when it comes to the Marines' autonomy. And if the CP agencies catch wind of this, we'll be the ones in hot water."

Sengoku, unfazed, smiled faintly and said, "Kong, let me ask you something. CP-X's administrative level—it's technically higher than Marine Headquarters, correct?"

Kong looked at Sengoku, puzzled by the sudden change in topic. "In theory, yes. CP-X operates directly under the Five Elders and doesn't answer to the Commander of the Army. So their administrative rank is, in a way, above ours. Why do you ask?"

Sengoku nodded, his smile widening. "And the Marines? We're tasked with protecting the Celestial Dragons and ensuring their security, correct?"

Kong's confusion deepened, but he nodded again. "That's correct. We're bound to protect the Celestial Dragons as part of our duties."

"Then, if we receive resources from a Celestial Dragon as part of a collaborative effort with CP-X, it's perfectly legitimate, isn't it?" Sengoku asked casually, his tone almost innocent. "After all, we're just following orders from a higher authority. It's not black money, it's funding for research, development, and justice itself."

Kong blinked, struggling to follow Sengoku's logic. "What are you trying to say?"

Instead of answering directly, Sengoku closed his notebook and pulled out a stack of documents. He handed copies to everyone in the room.

"Take a look," Sengoku said simply.

The room fell silent as the officers read through the documents. Kong's expression shifted from confusion to shock, while Garp—normally carefree—frowned deeply, as if trying to process what he was seeing. Even the usually unflappable Borsalino raised an eyebrow.

When the room finally settled, Kong placed the documents back on the table and looked at Sengoku. "So… you've been working with Saint Claudius on this all along?"

Sengoku nodded. "Yes. And in my opinion, this initiative is far more important than the World Summit or even dealing with Whitebeard. Don't you agree?"

The room remained quiet for a moment before Zephyr broke the silence. "Compared to this, everything else feels trivial," he said with a smile.

Kong stroked his chin thoughtfully, replaying Sengoku's earlier words in his mind. It was true—the Marines would merely be cooperating with a higher authority, fully within their jurisdiction. From a procedural standpoint, everything was airtight.

Finally, Kong asked, "What do the rest of you think? Is this feasible?"

Sakazuki was the first to respond, his voice firm. "Absolutely. I support it 100%."

Garp leaned back with a grin. "For once, I agree with Sakazuki. Count me in."

Zephyr chuckled. "As long as His Highness has our backs, I see no reason not to move forward."

Sengoku's smile widened. "Trust me. Saint Claudius will make sure we're covered."

Seeing the growing consensus, Kong couldn't help but feel tempted. The proposal promised hundreds of billions of Berries—a sum that could transform the Marines.

After a long pause, Kong finally relented. "Alright. If this funding is coming from a higher-level agency and is in line with our duties, there's no reason to object. However, there will be no written records of this arrangement. Keep everything discreet. Understand?"

Sengoku nodded confidently. "Of course. I'll handle everything personally. You can count on me."

With that, the Marine leadership reached a unanimous decision, they would proceed with the plan in collaboration with Claudius.

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 171: Think of a Way to Find the Mera-Mera Fruit?

After the senior officers of Marine Headquarters approved Sengoku's proposal and decided to collaborate with Claudius, Tsuru quickly mobilized a fleet of retired warships and set sail for the West Blue.

According to the plan, the Marine fleet would rendezvous with Claudius and his CP-X team in the West Blue before traveling together to the summit. From there, they would ascend to Sky Island, meet with Enel, and transport the treasures of the Golden Land back to Mariejois.

With the World Summit fast approaching, the World Government's various branches were operating at full capacity. Mariejois, in particular, was abuzz with activity. Once again, Claudius spearheaded a slave liberation movement, directing CP-X to free Fish-Man slaves from households across the Holy Land. Fisher Tiger personally oversaw these efforts and witnessed Claudius keeping his promise.

In Claudius's palace, he sat in his study holding a document while speaking to one of his subordinates through a phone snail.

"The first phase isn't enough. After this, we'll move into the second and third phases. Before the World Summit begins, all the Fish-Man slaves in Mariejois must be freed. This summit is the first time Fish-Man Island will participate officially. We need to make a good impression, understood?" Claudius said, his tone firm.

"Yes, Your Highness!" came the prompt reply through the Den Den Mushi.

From his position within the World Government, Claudius could see that the advent of the Great Pirate Era had forced even the most rigid institutions to adapt. Slowly but surely, changes were being made to counter the escalating chaos of the times.

For Claudius, the liberation of the Fish-Man slaves was just the beginning. He could already foresee more significant reforms coming in the future.

After ending the call, Claudius leaned back, but Nia immediately approached, handing him a new document.

"Your Highness, Stussy sent over some information regarding the CP agency," Nia said.

Claudius smiled wryly as he accepted the document. "It feels like I've been busier than ever lately."

Opening the file, Claudius scanned through its contents, his lips curling into a smirk. "Oh, this isn't good news for them."

"A colossal failure, it seems," Nia said with a slight chuckle.

According to the report, the CP agency had initiated a large-scale operation in the New World, aiming to crush the Revolutionary Army in a decisive blow. However, the plan had somehow been leaked or derailed, resulting in the Revolutionary Army setting a trap. The CP agency suffered significant losses, both in manpower and elite operatives.

Claudius couldn't help but laugh. "I'd bet anything that it was Dragon who orchestrated this. That guy has a knack for turning the tables."

Of course, there was no concrete evidence to back this up, and Claudius didn't particularly care to verify it.

"It seems the World Government was hoping to deliver a major blow to the Revolutionary Army before the summit, maybe even as a show of strength. Instead, it's backfired spectacularly. What a mess," Claudius said, shaking his head.

Nia chuckled lightly. "Your Highness, perhaps you shouldn't enjoy their misfortune too much."

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you suggesting this mess will somehow involve us? Don't worry. Even if someone tries to pin it on me, I've been kept completely out of the loop on this one."

"That's not what I meant," Nia said, her smile widening. "But isn't CP-X often called in to clean up after the CP agency's failures? If the higher-ups decide the CP agency isn't up to the task, they might hand the Revolutionary Army situation over to you. How would you handle it then?"

Claudius paused, momentarily caught off guard. Then he laughed. "Do they think CP-X is some kind of glorified janitorial service? Relax. Dismantling the Revolutionary Army is a long-term mission for the CP agency. They might stumble now and then, but they've also caused Dragon plenty of headaches. As long as they don't completely lose the trust of the Five Elders, we won't have to step in."

"And if they do lose that trust?" Nia asked curiously.

Claudius's grin turned mischievous. "Haven't you ever heard the saying, 'The thief cries thief'?"

Before Nia could respond, Claudius leaned back in his chair, his tone playful yet calculating. "If it ever comes to that, I might just masquerade as the Revolutionary Army myself. Imagine it—me taking down their organization under the guise of being one of them. Wouldn't that be poetic justice?"

Though Claudius was clearly joking, the glint in his eyes suggested he wasn't entirely dismissing the idea. Still, he doubted such a scenario would arise anytime soon.

After a few more lighthearted exchanges, Claudius shifted the topic. "By the way, where's Ace? What's he up to?"

"He's training in the Six Styles with Koala," Nia replied. "The young master has a remarkable aptitude for it, but surprisingly, Koala's performance isn't far behind."

Claudius burst into laughter. "Is that so?"

He wasn't entirely surprised. Claudius had suspected for some time that Koala was an exceptional talent. The fact that she could master Fish-Man Karate as a human had already proven her potential.

"Speaking of which, I asked you to find out if they were interested in eating Devil Fruits. What did they say?" Claudius asked.

Nia chuckled. "Koala declined. She didn't like the idea of losing the ability to swim. But the young master? He's very interested—on one condition. He wants a Logia-type Devil Fruit, just like yours."

Claudius nodded thoughtfully. "I see… looks like I'll have to keep an eye out for something suitable."

Of course, there were several powerful Logia fruits that Claudius could pursue, but when it came to Ace, one fruit immediately came to mind: the Mera-Mera no Mi.

In Claudius's opinion, Ace was practically born to wield the Mera-Mera Fruit. Though all Devil Fruits had their strengths and weaknesses, the flame-based Mera-Mera Fruit was undeniably formidable. While it was theoretically countered by Sakazuki's Magma-Magma Fruit, Claudius wasn't particularly worried.

After all, if Ace was under his protection, not even someone as ruthless as Sakazuki would dare harm him. Furthermore, as long as Ace wasn't a pirate or in direct conflict with the Marines, there would be no reason for confrontation.

Beyond its theoretical weaknesses, the Mera-Mera Fruit was immensely powerful. In terms of destructive capability, it could rival even Kuzan's Ice-Ice Fruit.

The key, of course, was matching the fruit's potential with the user's own strength and creativity. As Claudius thought about it, he grew increasingly convinced that finding the Mera-Mera Fruit for Ace wasn't just a good idea—it was the right idea.

"Alright then," Claudius said, his voice resolute. "It's settled. I'll start looking for the Mera-Mera Fruit. It's time to set Ace on the path he was meant for."

Chapter 172: Sengoku: Your Highness, Are You Doing This on Purpose?

Finding a Devil Fruit, especially targeting a specific one, is not an easy task. While the World Government has vast resources and a large inventory of Devil Fruits, it is still a challenging endeavor. For example, CP9 in the future can provide several Devil Fruits to its agents, and even the Marines have their stockpile. However, when it comes to the coveted Logia Devil Fruits, they remain highly sought after.

But having an inventory is one thing; finding the right fruit is another challenge entirely. First, you need access to a Devil Fruit Encyclopedia.

The Devil Fruit Encyclopedia is an incredibly rare and valuable resource. Only a handful of long-standing and powerful organizations across the seas possess it. This alone rules out most individuals and groups.

In this regard, Claudius holds a natural advantage. Not only does he possess a Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, but it's also the most comprehensive one available.

On top of this, he has another edge—he has professionals working for him. One such person is his cousin, Doflamingo.

Doflamingo has deep connections within the dark underworld and an uncanny talent for acquiring rare and powerful Devil Fruits.

His track record speaks for itself. His subordinates, whom he trained personally, are all exceptional in their abilities, with not a single one being considered weak.

Doflamingo's skills in locating Devil Fruits are well-proven. For instance, he was responsible for finding the Gold Gold Fruit, though it was later stolen by Tesoro. In the original story, he also managed to acquire the Mera-Mera Fruit following Ace's death, even though it was eventually lost again.

By that point, Doflamingo had gone beyond merely finding Devil Fruits, he had begun "creating" them, elevating himself to another level altogether.

With the most complete Devil Fruit Encyclopedia in hand, a resourceful ally like Doflamingo, and plenty of manpower at his disposal, Claudius was confident it wouldn't be too difficult to locate the Mera-Mera Fruit for Ace ahead of time.

"Once the World Summit is over, I'll start making arrangements for this," Claudius murmured, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Before he could discuss the matter further with Nia, the phone snail in Claudius's hand rang again.

Seeing the caller, Claudius smiled. "It's Sengoku."

Understanding the need for privacy, Nia tactfully stepped aside and quietly poured tea for Claudius while he answered the call.

"Sengoku, how's our little project coming along?" Claudius asked casually, his tone carrying a hint of humor.

"Hahaha, don't worry, Your Highness," Sengoku replied with a laugh. "The Marine fleet has already set sail. Tsuru is leading the operation with fifty warships. That should be sufficient, right?"

Fifty warships sounded like a lot, but Claudius wasn't entirely sure. After all, he had no idea just how much gold was hidden in the Golden Land. Still, it seemed sufficient, especially considering that warships were quite large, even the older ones in the fleet could carry a significant load.

"It should be enough," Claudius replied with a smile. "And if it's not, that's good news for us—it means there's even more gold than we expected."

"Exactly! If needed, we Marines don't mind making a second trip," Sengoku said, chuckling.

"So, I take it you managed to convince everyone?" Claudius asked, his tone turning curious.

"Of course. Who would say no to such a lucrative opportunity?" Sengoku replied confidently.

After exchanging a few more words, Sengoku changed the topic. "The list of participating nations for the World Summit has been finalized. As usual, fifty countries will be attending. Your Highness, are you interested in participating? Think of it as a publicly funded vacation."

Although the World Government has over 170 allied nations, not all of them attend the World Summit. Each summit rotates the participating nations. For example, during the last summit, Alabasta was among the attendees, and they had proposed reducing the Heavenly Tribute—a motion that was swiftly rejected.

This time, however, Alabasta wouldn't be attending. From the remaining nations, fifty new representatives had been selected to participate.

Claudius stroked his chin thoughtfully but eventually smiled. "I'll pass on this so-called vacation. I've got too much on my plate. You enjoy it on my behalf, Sengoku."

Sengoku laughed on the other end of the line. "Sounds like you're quite busy over there."

"Of course I am," Claudius replied with a grin.

"That's a shame. I was thinking of visiting Dressrosa afterward. It's your family's ancestral homeland, after all. If you're interested, you should come with me," Sengoku said, sounding a bit regretful.

These days, Sengoku found himself enjoying Claudius's company more and more. Claudius had a way of noticing opportunities others overlooked, and these insights often led to significant gains. Even though the Marines were already benefiting from their ventures into the Golden Land and the Calm Belt, Sengoku believed there was always room for more.

Claudius chuckled. "So Dressrosa is one of the representative nations this year?"

"That's right," Sengoku confirmed.

"I'm curious about the place, but I'll have to pass this time," Claudius said.

Dressrosa, the birthplace of the Donquixote family, certainly piqued Claudius's interest. However, he decided to let it go for now. After the World Summit, Doflamingo was set to officially become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, a plan Claudius had orchestrated.

Doflamingo was eager to secure his position among the Warlords, as he lacked a proper base of operations in the New World. His eyes were set on Dressrosa, the family's ancestral land. Once established there, Doflamingo's influence and power would grow exponentially.

With this in mind, Claudius suspected that this summit would likely be the last one attended by the Riku royal family of Dressrosa. He had no intention of letting his cousin's plans fall apart, it simply wouldn't benefit him.

Pushing these thoughts aside, Claudius turned his attention back to Sengoku. "By the way, Sengoku, there's a small favor I'd like to ask of the Marines."

"A favor? What do you need, Your Highness?" Sengoku asked without hesitation.

"I need you to help me locate a Logia-type Devil Fruit—the Mera-Mera Fruit," Claudius said with a smile.

At this request, Sengoku groaned in mock exasperation. "Your Highness, you really know how to assign difficult tasks. Are you doing this on purpose?"

The Marines had been obsessively searching for powerful Logia-type Devil Fruits for years. Now Claudius was asking them to help him find one, it felt like he was rubbing salt in the wound.

"Hahaha, what can I say? My adopted son Ace has his heart set on the Mera-Mera Fruit. How can I refuse him? I'm counting on you," Claudius said, casually shifting the blame onto Ace.

Sengoku laughed as well. To outsiders, Ace's existence remained a mystery, with only Garp knowing the full story. Rumors abounded, the most popular being that Ace was Claudius's illegitimate child.

Sengoku didn't know if this was true, but Claudius had never denied the rumors, so perhaps there was some truth to them.

"Your Highness has made a request, so how can we refuse? Alright, we'll keep an eye out for the Mera-Mera Fruit," Sengoku finally agreed, albeit reluctantly.

"Hahaha, I'll leave it to you then," Claudius said with a laugh.

Chapter 173: Throne in the Void – Lord Imu!

A few months passed quickly, and Mariejois, the Holy Land, became bustling with activity. Royal families from all over the world had begun arriving, gathering for the imminent World Summit.

At the port below Mariejois, luxurious fleets frequently docked. While some royals preferred to travel aboard Marine warships for safety, most arrived with their own grand fleets, escorted by their warships. For many, the World Summit wasn't just about diplomacy, it was also a stage to display their nation's strength and wealth. Their fleets reflected this, showcasing the most high-end ships to signify their power and prestige.

The Social Square in Pangaea Castle was already teeming with royals, mingling and chatting with one another. The Summit had essentially turned into a massive open-air aristocratic banquet. Even those nations with deep rivalries had representatives present, attempting to maintain decorum.

As the gathering continued, the doors of the House of God swung open, and Claudius emerged with his entourage.

Claudius was dressed impeccably, wearing an expensive white suit paired with a dark brown coat. His short blond hair was neatly styled, and perched on the bridge of his nose were a pair of refined black-framed glasses. A pen clipped to his chest pocket added to his noble appearance, lending him an air of elegance that far exceeded the average Celestial Dragon.

What drew even more attention, however, was the ornate cane he carried in his hand. While it wasn't necessary, the cane somehow enhanced his already sophisticated demeanor, making him appear even more dignified.

By his side was Stussy, equally dressed to impress. She wore a white hat adorned with a blooming flower, a delicate white waistcoat draped over her shoulders, and a delicate orange dress that accentuated her figure. A string of green jade beads adorned her wrist, and she carried a small handbag in her hand. Her slender waist, complemented by her full curves and red high heels, radiated charm and elegance.

Behind them was Nia, the ever-stoic butler, dressed in her usual maid outfit. Her cold expression showed no sign of emotion as she quietly followed Claudius. A group of guards and attendants dressed in black suits and sunglasses trailed behind them, completing the entourage.

The Social Square, located within Pangaea Castle and directly opposite the House of God, buzzed with activity as Claudius and his party appeared. Claudius was headed toward the port, responding to a call from Vice Admiral Garp. Garp had informed him that he was escorting the royal family of Fish-Man Island and asked if Claudius had any plans regarding their arrival.

After some thought, Claudius decided it was an opportunity to make a statement. The World Summit was a critical platform for Fish-Man Island to assert its standing among the nations. Claudius intended to publicly demonstrate his support for the island by personally welcoming King Neptune and his delegation. It was a calculated move to bolster their confidence and send a clear message to the other royal families: Fish-Man Island was under Claudius's protection.

As Claudius entered the Social Square, the gathered royals fell silent.

Claudius's presence carried an air of mystery. Few had ever seen him before, as no official portraits existed. Yet, his striking appearance and the sheer confidence of his entourage left no doubt that he was someone of extraordinary status.

Before anyone could question his identity, one of the black-suited attendants stepped forward and loudly declared, "Presenting Saint Donquixote-Claudius!"

The name sent ripples of shock through the crowd. In an instant, the square fell into complete silence as the royals parted to make way for Claudius, forming a clear path. Heads bowed, and no one dared to meet his gaze or look directly at him.

As Claudius walked through the square, the royals on either side knelt in deference.

Technically, during the World Summit, royal families weren't required to bow to the Celestial Dragons. However, the weight of Claudius's reputation was enough to make them cast aside protocol. Stories of the upheaval in Mariejois, during which Claudius had forced the Celestial Dragons to temporarily flee, had left a lasting impression. None of the royals were willing to take the risk of provoking him.

Claudius adjusted his glasses with a calm motion and said softly, "There's no need for this. Please, rise."

Though his tone was composed, it carried an undeniable authority. The royals obeyed, standing cautiously but avoiding any movement that might seem disrespectful. They didn't even dare brush the dust from their knees, afraid that even the slightest disturbance might offend the infamous "Demon King of Mariejois."

"Welcome to Mariejois," Claudius said casually. "I hope this World Summit yields results that satisfy you all."

His words were polite enough, but the tense atmosphere persisted. None of the royals dared to respond, so Claudius, finding it dull, decided to leave it at that. Holding his cane, he strolled through the square with a composed demeanor, exiting Pangaea Castle and heading for the port.

Only after Claudius and his entourage had completely left their sight did the gathered royals relax. The square, once tense and silent, slowly returned to its former liveliness.

"That was Saint Claudius. He looks nothing like the other Celestial Dragons."

"Did you feel that aura? I could barely stand when he passed by. His presence is overwhelming."

"Such a high-ranking Celestial Dragon… his demeanor is extraordinary. I thought I was impressive, but standing near him made me feel insignificant."

"I heard he might participate in this year's World Summit as well."

"Of course, he's the leader of the legendary CP-X. I've never seen him before today, but I've heard plenty of stories."

"What kind of person is he?"

"From what I've heard, his temper is… not the best. Otherwise, why would he have such a fearsome reputation?"

"In that case, we should tread carefully and make sure not to offend him."

"Exactly. Rumor has it that when he's angry, even other Celestial Dragons fear him. If we offend him, we might not even leave Mariejois alive."

Claudius, of course, was unaware of how intimidating his reputation was to the gathered royals. In his mind, he considered himself approachable—reasonable, even.

Meanwhile, as Claudius headed to the port to personally welcome the delegation from Fish-Man Island, another scene unfolded elsewhere in Mariejois. Deep within the "Holy Land," atop the Void Throne—a symbol of supposed equality among nations—a figure sat in silence.

This figure, their face obscured, radiated an air of mystery and authority.

Beneath the Void Throne knelt the Five Elders, the highest-ranking members of the World Government. Despite their immense power and influence, they bowed low in submission, greeting the figure with the utmost reverence.

"Lord Imu," they said in unison.

Atop the throne, Imu rested languidly, a butterfly perched delicately on their fingertips. They appeared indifferent to the Five Elders, their attention fixed entirely on the tiny creature.

The Five Elders, despite their usual air of authority, dared not speak further. They remained prostrate, silent and unmoving, as though any disturbance might incur Imu's wrath.

After what seemed like an eternity, the butterfly fluttered its wings and flew away. Only then did Imu withdraw their gaze and glance down at the Five Elders.

"Has anything significant happened in the seas over the past few years?" Imu asked, their tone calm and devoid of emotion, making it impossible to discern their thoughts.

One of the Five Elders immediately responded, "Nothing major, my lord. Only minor disturbances. The seas grow more restless by the day."

"I see," Imu replied indifferently, as though the chaos of the outside world held little interest for them.

"Yes, my lord," the Five Elders said in unison, keeping their heads bowed.

Rising from the Void Throne, Imu took a step forward, their movements deliberate. The Five Elders remained kneeling, not daring to lift their heads or move until their lord had fully departed.

But after taking only a few steps, Imu paused and looked back at them.

"How is Mariejois?"

Chapter 174: Claudius: Sengoku, You’ve Changed—You’re No Longer Simple

Three days after the Neptune family from Fish-Man Island arrived in Mariejois, Master Tom also made his appearance.

The first generation of sea trains had already been completed, with a route that connected Mariejois to several key locations. Starting from Water 7, the train traveled to Enies Lobby, then to Marine Headquarters in Marineford, and finally reached the Holy Land of Mariejois.

Though the route itself wasn't overly complex, its significance was immense.

The sea train symbolized a new era for the World Government, representing another major step toward dominating the seas.

Previously, a journey from Water 7 to Mariejois by ship could take up to two months of nonstop sailing at full speed. With the sea train, that same journey could now be completed in just three to five days.

The implications were extraordinary. The transportation of goods, resources, and even troops would become far more efficient. Should this technology become widely adopted, it was clear it would drastically reshape the world.

In the grand conference hall, the fifty kings of the participating nations were seated, alongside representatives from the World Government and Marine Headquarters. Five seats at the front of the room remained empty—reserved for the Five Elders, who had yet to arrive.

Claudius sat comfortably in his chair, leaning back lazily and yawning every now and then. Unlike the other royals, who appeared stiff and on edge, Claudius showed no concern for decorum. After all, until the Five Elders arrived, he held the highest rank in the room. Even if he had fallen asleep, no one would have dared to say anything.

Beside him was Stussy, her posture poised and elegant. Nearby sat the representatives of Fish-Man Island, including King Neptune and his family. Tom representing Water 7, technically didn't qualify for a seat at the table, but his association with Claudius and his ties to Fish-Man Island earned him a spot alongside Neptune.

On Claudius's other side sat Sengoku, the Marine representative. With Fleet Admiral Kong nearing retirement, Sengoku had already begun taking over most of the responsibilities of the position. It was clear he would officially assume the role of Fleet Admiral soon.

Claudius stretched lazily, smacked his lips, and muttered, "Why are those five old men taking so long to get here?"

Sengoku chuckled at the question. "Your Highness, it's your first time participating in the World Summit, so you might not be familiar with the process. Before the meeting begins, each participating nation submits its intentions in written form. The Five Elders review these documents beforehand, which is why they're usually late."

Claudius blinked in surprise and asked, "Wait, do I need to submit one of those too?"

"Of course," Sengoku replied matter-of-factly.

"Seriously? No one told me about this! I didn't submit anything!" Claudius exclaimed, clearly caught off guard.

Sengoku froze for a moment, then asked, "Your Highness… you actually have something to propose?"

Claudius shot Sengoku a sharp look and said, "Why else would I bother attending this dull meeting? You think I'm here for fun?"

In truth, the Five Elders hadn't expected Claudius to participate seriously. Most of CP-X's affairs were reported directly to them, making the World Summit largely irrelevant to Claudius's work. They had assumed he was attending merely for appearances, so no one had thought to inform him about the submission process. Claudius, however, had a specific agenda: he intended to pitch the sea train technology.

Now, faced with the unexpected oversight, Claudius felt mildly annoyed.

Sengoku, for his part, couldn't help but feel exasperated. For such a critical event, Claudius's lack of preparation was baffling. Surely, a few questions in advance could have avoided this.

"Does this mean I've missed my chance to speak?" Claudius asked, scratching his head.

Sengoku smiled wryly and replied, "Your Highness, if you want to speak, who's going to stop you?"

"Fair point," Claudius said, laughing as his irritation faded. Waving it off, he added, "Forget it, then. It's no big deal."

After a brief pause, Sengoku leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "By the way, Your Highness, we've had a very successful haul from Sky Island."

Claudius raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I heard the news. A whole city's worth of gold—impressive."

"The loading process is still underway," Sengoku said. "I'm not sure if fifty warships will be enough. Do you think we should send more?"

"Relax, there's no rush. Take your time," Claudius replied. He then added, "Oh, by the way, the Poneglyphs and the Golden Bell, leave those to me."

Sengoku looked puzzled. "I understand the Poneglyphs since you already have a collection, but what do you want the Golden Bell for?"

Claudius cleared his throat and replied nonchalantly, "Prometheus is missing something—namely, a clock. I figured I'd take care of it in style."

Sengoku wanted to laugh at the absurdity of using a historic artifact as a clock, but he wisely held his tongue. Instead, he said with a smile, "Your Highness is certainly… thorough."

Claudius glanced at Sengoku and smirked. "You've changed, Sengoku. You're not the simple Marine Admiral you used to be, you've learned how to flatter me."

"If I can earn this much gold by flattering you, I'll head back to Marineford and establish a dedicated 'flattery unit' to follow you around," Sengoku joked, laughing.

"If it were that profitable, do you think I'd let anyone else take the job? I'd be doing it myself," Claudius quipped, grinning.

Their lighthearted exchange continued until Sengoku shifted the conversation. "By the way, Your Highness, what about our Calm Belt project?"

"Don't worry," Claudius assured him. "I've already handled everything. As of this World Summit, I can say confidently that there are no more Fish-Man slaves in Mariejois."

He added, "I discussed it with King Neptune and Queen Otohime a couple of days ago. We've assigned someone to oversee the cleanup of Fish-Man Street. Once the summit ends, we should be ready to move forward. When the time comes, we'll begin the experiments in the Calm Belt."

"Good. We'll do the experiments!" Sengoku said with visible excitement.

As their conversation wrapped up, the Five Elders finally entered the conference hall.

The sight of the Five Elders immediately silenced the room. Claudius and Sengoku ended their discussion, and the other royals quickly ceased their chatter. The grand hall became utterly still.

In Claudius's memory, the World Summit wasn't usually presided over by the Five Elders. Typically, the host duties rotated among the fifty participating nations. However, Claudius wasn't entirely sure of the details nor did he particularly care.

As the Five Elders took their seats, one of them glanced in Claudius's direction and offered him a slight smile.

Claudius nodded politely in return but couldn't help feeling that there was something oddly meaningful about the gesture.

What Claudius didn't know was that, just a few days earlier, the Five Elders had met with Imu. During that meeting, Imu had inquired about Mariejois, and Claudius had been mentioned.

Although Claudius was nothing more than a "small figure" in Imu's eyes, the praise he received for his actions had pleased the Five Elders, as they had been responsible for cultivating his talents. This approval from Imu left them viewing Claudius in a more favorable light.

As Claudius pondered the smile, the Five Elders began speaking. Their opening remarks were the usual pleasantries, welcoming the royal families and expressing hope for a productive summit.

With the formalities complete, the World Summit officially began.

Chapter 175: World Summit of Chaos?!

The World Summit continued for several days, and for Claudius, most of it was mind-numbingly dull.

Nothing significant had happened during the sessions. It was mostly a group of kings pushing their own agendas, occasionally descending into arguments and petty disputes. The World Government, with its vast system of more than a hundred member nations, naturally harbored old grudges among its ranks.

That being said, a few noteworthy events managed to catch Claudius's attention.

For example, North Blue had sent representatives from four newly crowned kings this year. The reason? The Kingdom of Germa had stirred up a storm.

Listening to the details nearly made Claudius laugh out loud.

It seemed that Vinsmoke Judge, leader of Germa 66, had finally snapped. After years of feeling slighted by the World Government, whose demands he felt were never met, Judge went on a rampage in North Blue. With Germa 66's floating kingdom, which wasn't even tied to land, Judge had attacked four neighboring kingdoms, killed their kings, and sent their decapitated heads as a gruesome message ahead of the World Summit.

The incident was a clear embarrassment for the World Government, as these four countries were allied nations. Complaints from the newly crowned rulers of these kingdoms had been presented at the Summit. The Five Elders issued a statement promising "strict measures" to reprimand the Kingdom of Germa, as well as assurances that such acts would not happen again.

However, anyone who looked closely could tell that the World Government itself had mistreated Germa for years. While all member nations were theoretically equals, Germa had long been treated as an outlier, excluded from many benefits granted to others. Judge's actions, while brutal, stemmed from years of frustration.

This wasn't news to Claudius, who could see why Judge would grow disillusioned. Even so, turning to pirates for support—as Judge eventually did with the Big Mom Pirates, was sheer lunacy.

While the World Government might be corrupt, they still maintained some level of accountability. Pirates, on the other hand, operated purely on treachery and greed. In aligning with Big Mom, Judge had effectively placed Germa 66 at her mercy. Unsurprisingly, Judge's gamble ended in disaster. Not only did Big Mom betray him, but his alliance with pirates also resulted in Germa losing its status as a member nation of the World Government.

In the end, Judge was left without support, hounded by the World Government and betrayed by the pirates. A classic case of "losing the rice while trying to steal the chicken."

Meanwhile, Dressrosa had stepped forward with its own set of grievances, taking up the mantle once held by Alabasta. King Riku Dold III openly criticized the World Government for failing to maintain order in the New World, citing Dressrosa's declining economy as evidence. He proposed a reduction in the Heavenly Tribute and other taxes imposed by the World Government.

From Dressrosa's perspective, the request was entirely reasonable. King Riku was a benevolent ruler, prioritizing his people's welfare. However, from the World Government's point of view, the proposal was entirely unacceptable.

If taxes were reduced for Dressrosa, other member nations would undoubtedly demand the same treatment. With declining revenue, the World Government would be forced to cut expenditures, including funding for the Marines. This would weaken Marine influence and further destabilize the New World, creating a vicious cycle.

It was a classic example of clashing priorities. From King Riku's perspective, the World Government was exploiting Dressrosa. From the Five Elders' perspective, Dressrosa was acting irresponsibly by prioritizing its own needs at the expense of global stability.

Claudius, observing the dispute, couldn't help but think of Doflamingo. During Doflamingo's rule, Dressrosa's economy had flourished, albeit through morally questionable means. War profiteering and underground dealings had funded Dressrosa's prosperity. Regardless of the methods, the results couldn't be denied.

Now that King Riku's family had regained control, they seemed determined to uphold their moral values, even at the expense of the kingdom's economy. And now they were begging the World Government for relief.

Claudius could understand why the World Government had been willing to install Doflamingo as Dressrosa's ruler. While his status as a former Celestial Dragon may have been a factor, it was clear that the Riku family's inability to govern effectively also played a role.

As these petty issues dragged on, the final days of the World Summit shifted focus to a more serious matter: the Revolutionary Army.

Many member nations expressed their frustration with Monkey D. Dragon, accusing him of inciting rebellions and destabilizing their governments. Dragon's revolutionary efforts had left these nations in turmoil, and his movement had become a constant thorn in the side of the World Government.

That being said, Dragon's revolutions were far from universally successful. While he had successfully overthrown several regimes, many of his attempts ended in failure. With over 170 member nations in the World Government, even a lifetime wouldn't be enough for Dragon to dismantle the entire system.

Additionally, the number of member nations fluctuated each year, as new nations joined and others were expelled. On average, the total hovered between 170 and 200, with minor variations.

As discussions about the Revolutionary Army heated up, the atmosphere in the room grew tense. The Five Elders, in particular, looked displeased, though they refrained from speaking much.

Then, just as the tension reached its peak, Claudius suddenly slammed his hand on the table with a resounding bang!

The entire room fell silent. Even the Five Elders flinched in surprise, startled by the unexpected outburst.

All eyes turned to Claudius, who leaned back in his chair, exuding his usual calm yet commanding presence. His gaze swept across the room before he took a sip from his teacup and spoke.

"I have a proposal regarding the Revolutionary Army," Claudius announced. "Something that might actually mitigate their impact."

The Five Elders exchanged glances, their expressions subtly shifting. They hadn't expected Claudius to contribute to this discussion, but now their interest was piqued.

No one interrupted, so Claudius continued. "Stussy," he said, addressing the queen seated beside him. "Distribute the documents we prepared to everyone present."

For the past few days, Stussy had remained quiet and seemingly ornamental. Now, with a graceful smile, she rose from her seat. "Of course, Your Highness," she replied.

She began handing out stacks of documents to each attendee, including the Five Elders, as well as King Neptune of Fish-Man Island. While Neptune barely glanced at the papers, finding the subject irrelevant to his kingdom, the other royals read them carefully, though many seemed confused.

The Five Elders, too, examined the documents with curiosity. While the materials outlined advanced technological concepts, it wasn't immediately clear how they connected to the Revolutionary Army.

After a moment, one of the Five Elders, the bald one, spoke up. "Claudius, this is intriguing, but the connection isn't obvious. Care to explain how this technology addresses the Revolutionary Army problem?"

Claudius smiled faintly, as if he had been waiting for this question. "On the surface," he said, "it may seem unrelated. But in reality, the connection runs deep."

Chapter 176: I Act for the Benefit of the World—If You Dare to Oppose Me, You Are Unworthy of the Revolutionary Army!

"The sea train technology is now fully operational on its first track," Claudius began, his voice calm but commanding. "Starting from Water 7, it connects to Enies Lobby, continues to Naval Headquarters in Marineford, and ends here in Mariejois. Now, I want to ask all of you: how long do you think it takes for this train to complete its route?"

Claudius's question sparked murmurs among the gathered royals and even piqued the curiosity of the Five Elders.

One thoughtful king from a member nation ventured an answer: "Saint Claudius, based on traditional sea routes, this journey would normally take about two months. Could the sea train technology cut this time in half?"

Another king chimed in, "A month would already be incredibly fast if that were the case. Achieving such speeds would be remarkable."

The discussion grew louder as more royals shared their opinions, their interest clearly growing.

Claudius smiled, letting them speculate for a moment before continuing. "I'm not the best person to answer this question, as I'm not the expert. So let me invite the designer of the sea train, Tom from Water 7, to explain the advantages of this technology."

Tom, who had been seated quietly, stood up nervously. Although he had experience dealing with important figures, standing before kings, Celestial Dragons, and even the Five Elders was a daunting prospect.

Sensing his unease, Claudius gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Tom. I'll back you up."

Encouraged, Tom took a deep breath, calmed his nerves, and began his presentation. "Thank you, Your Highness. Let me introduce you all to the advantages of the sea train. I truly believe this is a groundbreaking, era-defining invention."

Despite his initial nervousness, Tom managed to deliver a clear explanation. He highlighted the sea train's enormous cargo capacity, which could far exceed that of conventional ships—up to ten times more, depending on the number of train cars and power adjustments.

More importantly, Tom emphasized the train's speed. Many in the audience had assumed it would merely cut travel time in half, but they were shocked to learn the train could complete the entire route in just three to five days.

"This isn't just a modest improvement," Tom explained, his voice growing steadier. "This is a leap forward in transportation technology. It has the potential to reshape economies, nations, and even the world."

As Tom spoke, one of the kings suddenly realized the implications. "If that's the case," he murmured, "our country's fruit exports could reach markets far beyond our usual trade zones. Right now, we're limited to selling to nearby islands because anything farther would spoil. But with the sea train…"

The realization rippled through the room. Several other leaders began to imagine how their own economies could thrive with such a transportation network.

Even the Five Elders, who had remained silent thus far, were visibly intrigued. To them, the sea train represented more than just economic potential. It could significantly enhance the World Government's control over its member nations, allowing for faster deployment of resources, troops, and intelligence.

Claudius tapped the table lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "As I mentioned earlier, the first track is already operational. For those interested, you're welcome to inspect it yourselves. This isn't just theoretical, it's already a reality."

Heads nodded across the room. Claudius's confidence in the technology was evident, and the existence of a functional prototype only reinforced its credibility.

"Now," Claudius continued, "let's tie this back to the issue of the Revolutionary Army."

The room grew quiet again, and all eyes focused on him.

"As we all know," Claudius began, "one of the key factors fueling the Revolutionary Army's influence is the economic decline brought about by the Great Pirate Era. Countries grow poorer, standards of living fall, and their citizens become easy targets for revolutionary propaganda. Am I wrong?"

Many kings nodded solemnly, though a few wore guilty expressions, knowing their own neglect and corruption had contributed to their people's dissatisfaction. Claudius, however, paid them no mind.

"Here's my proposal," Claudius continued. "By leveraging sea train technology, we can stimulate economic growth, improve national prosperity, and raise the standard of living for ordinary citizens. When people have enough to eat, stable incomes, and hope for the future, they won't be as easily swayed by revolutionary rhetoric. In essence, we eliminate the Revolutionary Army's breeding ground. That's the first point."

Although Claudius had some connections with Dragon and the Revolutionary Army, he had no qualms about making this proposal. His goals aligned with neither the revolutionaries nor the World Government entirely; he simply sought to maintain control and balance.

Claudius thought to himself, Dragon won't have any grounds to oppose me here. After all, if I'm proposing measures to improve the lives of people, then opposing me would make him a hypocrite unworthy of being a revolutionary leader.

And as an added bonus, Claudius knew that even the Revolutionary Army itself would likely benefit from the sea train system. While his main goal was to strengthen the World Government's position, the technology's global reach meant that even pirates and revolutionaries might indirectly gain advantages.

"But that's just one aspect," Claudius continued, giving his audience a moment to process. "Now, let's talk about the strategic potential of the sea train."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone growing more serious. "We all know the Revolutionary Army thrives on timing. They strike fast, and by the time help arrives, the damage is already done. How many times has a rebellion succeeded simply because Marine or CP reinforcements couldn't arrive in time?"

Several heads nodded in agreement.

"With sea train technology," Claudius said, "we can cut response times drastically. Instead of waiting ten or twenty days for reinforcements to arrive, we're talking about three to five days. This could completely change the game when dealing with rebellions or uprisings."

Of course, Claudius was aware of potential risks. The Revolutionary Army could attempt to sabotage the train routes, rendering them useless in a crisis. But he chose not to dwell on such scenarios during his presentation—his goal was to sell the technology's potential benefits.

He spent the next few minutes extolling the train's virtues, emphasizing how it could revolutionize both economic development and military logistics. By the time he finished, it was clear that the room had been swayed.

"As I said," Claudius concluded with a smile, "this technology isn't a quick fix. It's a massive project that will take decades to fully implement—perhaps ten, twenty, or even thirty years. However, today you all have a unique opportunity."

He gestured around the room. "This summit marks the first step. Those of you here today have the chance to become the first beneficiaries of this groundbreaking technology. If you're interested, come see me after the meeting to reserve your place in history."

Claudius leaned back in his chair, his smile calm but self-assured. By the time he finished speaking, nearly everyone in the room was already considering how to secure their piece of this new future.

Chapter 177: Dragon: I Almost Got Killed Because of You!

In the headquarters of the World Government, the Five Elders were gathered around a table in their office, laughing and discussing the events of the World Summit.

The nearly week-long summit had taken its toll, even on these experienced statesmen. As the discussions drew to a close, the elders allowed themselves a rare moment of relaxation, reflecting on the overall success of the conference.

The myriad issues presented by the various nations, both large and small, hardly merited further mention. But the summit had undeniably produced some positive outcomes.

For example, the problem of the Revolutionary Army, a persistent thorn in the side of the World Government, had no clear resolution at the outset. However, Claudius had unexpectedly intervened with an intriguing suggestion. Whether or not his proposed solution would effectively weaken the Revolutionary Army was uncertain, but at least it provided the affected nations with a measure of hope, a far better outcome than simply admitting helplessness.

Then there was the matter of Fish-Man Island. Claudius had addressed this issue in detail during the summit, laying the groundwork for the island to be fully integrated into the World Government as a member nation. As a result, Fish-Man Island would begin to enjoy the full benefits afforded to member states. Claudius's CP-X unit would spearhead collaborations with the island, and even the Marines had pledged support, promising further cooperation in the near future.

The Five Elders weren't particularly concerned with the details. Claudius had been granted full authority over matters related to Fish-Man Island from the outset, and they trusted him to handle the situation.

"Hahaha, sea train technology," the bald elder chuckled. "What started as a World Summit turned into a trade fair, thanks to that kid Claudius."

The elder with blonde hair nodded, a wry smile on his face. "Still, you have to admit, he has a knack for delivering surprises when it matters most. His idea about the sea train technology actually makes sense. It might even help curb the Revolutionary Army's influence to some extent."

They weren't deluded enough to think the sea train would destroy the Revolutionary Army outright, it wasn't realistic. But even reducing their momentum and putting pressure on their activities would be a significant step forward.

"If the sea train network can be expanded quickly," the bald elder added, "the World Government's finances might stabilize over the next few years. We wouldn't have to stretch ourselves so thin."

The elder with a beard stroked his chin thoughtfully. "True. When you think about it, most of these struggles, whether with pirates or the Revolutionary Army—boil down to economic issues. As long as we maintain financial strength, we can bolster our forces and remain in control. Without that, everything crumbles."

"That settles it," the bald elder said. "This technology is worth fully supporting. Production might be limited right now, but if it proves effective, we'll push Claudius to ramp up investment in this area."

The elder with curly hair interjected, "Should we report this matter to Lord Imu?"

At this, the room fell silent. The Five Elders exchanged glances, weighing their options.

Finally, the bearded elder spoke, "Not yet. Let's wait until we have tangible results. Once we do, we'll bring it to Lord Imu and present it as a polished achievement."

Despite their outward authority, the Five Elders held a deep-seated fear and reverence for Imu. They avoided contact unless absolutely necessary, preferring to stay out of his gaze. The thought of someone being above them, someone who wielded true control was an unspoken tension among the Five.

Back at Claudius's palace, the man in question was sitting comfortably, speaking with someone over the phone snail. He was in high spirits, having secured significant progress during the summit.

Tom had been busy organizing everything, ensuring the kings of the fifty participating nations were properly attended to. None of them seemed eager to leave, whether out of genuine interest in the sea train technology or a desire to curry favor with Claudius. Their motivations didn't matter, what mattered was their willingness to invest.

For Claudius, this wasn't just a business venture. It was part of his larger plan to consolidate power within the World Government. If he intended to take control one day, the organization couldn't be in ruins. It needed to retain enough value to be worth governing, and the sea train project was a step in that direction.

As Nia, his ever-efficient butler, placed a glass of juice on the table beside him, she couldn't help but smile at the voice emanating from the Den Den Mushi.

The caller was none other than Monkey D. Dragon, leader of the Revolutionary Army. Having read the recent news, Dragon had wasted no time in reaching out.

"My situation is already difficult enough," Dragon complained. "And now you're making it worse for me, Claudius. By the way, those books you sent me last time were useless. Don't you have anything better? Aren't we supposed to be allies? Why are you sabotaging me like this?"

Claudius leaned back with a grin. "Oh, come on, Dragon. Didn't you just mess with one of the CP agencies recently? What's wrong with me having a little fun too? Besides, once the sea train system is up and running, your Revolutionary Army will benefit from it as much as anyone else. Surely you'll make good use of it."

"Benefit?" Dragon shot back, exasperated. "This project of yours is going to make my life infinitely harder! You call that a benefit?!"

Claudius chuckled. "What can I say? I'm doing this for the greater good. There are so many people suffering on the seas, struggling to survive. If I have a way to improve their lives, are you really going to stand in my way? That wouldn't look good for a revolutionary, would it?"

Dragon fell silent, knowing Claudius had a point. Their revolution was supposed to be about creating a better future, not hindering progress. Opposing the sea train system would not only contradict their principles but also risk alienating their supporters.

Still, the practical difficulties this project would create for the Revolutionary Army couldn't be ignored. Dragon felt as if Claudius was deliberately making his life harder.

"As for the Poneglyphs," Claudius added with a smirk, "why not stage a daring rescue? I hear Nico Olvia is still locked up in Impel Down."

"You'll be the death of me, Claudius," Dragon muttered, exasperated.

After a pause, Dragon shifted the topic. "Let's set that aside for now. What about the Seven Warlords of the Sea? Are you making any progress there?"

"Why are you in such a rush?" Claudius replied, feigning helplessness.

"Because I don't have the luxury of lounging around like you do! Do you have any idea how hard it is to build a movement from scratch?!" Dragon's frustration poured out in a flurry of words.

"Yes, yes, I hear you," Claudius said dismissively, his tone deliberately nonchalant.

"You're insufferable," Dragon grumbled. "And don't think I didn't notice, you're setting something up, aren't you? Some grand plan?"

Claudius chuckled again. "Let's just say I have a few moves in mind. Don't worry, Dragon. When I finalize the next batch of the Seven Warlords, you'll get three spots. Consider it a gift."

"Three spots?" Dragon repeated, surprised. "You're making big moves, aren't you?"

"Of course," Claudius said smoothly. "Trust me, it'll all come together. Just be patient."

...
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Chapter Text

Chapter 178: Prelude to Expansion!

Before the start of this year's World Summit, over 170 participating nations, along with smaller member regions like Water 7, had begun their delivery of the Heavenly Tribute.

For nations unable to meet their tribute obligations, expulsion from the World Government awaited. Meanwhile, numerous other nations, waving their treasures in hand, were eagerly trying to join the system, seeking the benefits of membership.

Unlike the 50 countries officially attending the World Summit, the collection of Heavenly Tribute began earlier and extended much longer, sometimes spanning up to half a year.

About a month after the World Summit concluded, the joint operation between Marine Headquarters and Claudius—dubbed the "Sky Island Gold Expedition" finally came to an end.

All the gold from Sky Island had been transported down to sea level. When its total value was finally assessed, it far exceeded the initial estimates of Claudius and Sengoku.

At first, the two had estimated that the treasure of the Golden City on Sky Island would be worth at least 50 billion berries. Both felt this was a conservative yet satisfying number.

However, once the gold had been delivered, CP-X and Marine Headquarters organized an expert team to evaluate the treasure over two weeks. Their conclusion? The total value of the haul reached a staggering 500 billion berries—ten times the initial estimate.

To be fair, it wasn't entirely Claudius and Sengoku's fault for underestimating the value. Based solely on the weight and purity of the gold, the treasure was worth approximately 300 billion berries.

But much of the gold wasn't just raw material, it was crafted into intricate artifacts with over 400 years of history. Items like crowns, jewelry, and scepters carried immense historical and cultural value. The legendary reputation of the "Golden Land" only added to their worth.

Still, much of the gold had been used as simple building material—bricks, walls, and decorations which lacked significant historical value. Otherwise, the Golden Land's total value could have easily exceeded a trillion berries.

This realization left both Sengoku and Claudius feeling a tinge of regret.

The treasure, valued at 500 billion berries, was split evenly between Marine Headquarters and Claudius. Each party walked away with 250 billion berries worth of gold.

At Marineford, in a secret harbor used by the Scientific Division, 25 old warships sat docked. On the decks of these ships, large piles of gold lay under canvas covers, awaiting distribution.

Inside the harbor, Marine leaders led by Sengoku inspected one of the warships. When the canvas was pulled back, the dazzling brilliance of the gold beneath lit up the surroundings, leaving the group momentarily stunned.

"This…" Fleet Admiral Kong murmured, his expression betraying his astonishment. After a moment of composure, he gestured to the other warships in the harbor and asked, "Are all 25 of these warships filled with gold?"

Sengoku grinned, his excitement barely contained. "Yes, Fleet Admiral. Every single one of the 25 warships is loaded with gold, both on the deck and in the cargo hold."

Garp stepped forward, reaching into the pile and pulling out a handful of gold nuggets. Smacking his lips, he said, "Even though our annual military budget is worth more than this, it's no wonder people lose their minds over gold when they see it in person."

Marine military expenditures reached hundreds of billions of berries annually, so these leaders were used to hearing such figures. But seeing a literal mountain of gold in front of them was something else entirely.

"With this amount of gold," Sakazuki muttered, his gaze intense, "a hundred new warships would no longer just be a dream!"

Tsuru, the Chief Staff Officer, remained composed, though her calm demeanor now was in stark contrast to her reaction when she first saw the Golden Land on Sky Island. "Having the gold is one thing," she said. "But the question remains, how do we liquidate it? We don't exactly have an abundance of accessible channels for cashing this out."

Gion, toying with a gold bracelet she had picked up, nodded. "She's right. We can't move too much gold at once without drawing attention, and finding the right buyers will be a challenge."

Kong turned to Sengoku. "What did you and His Highness discuss about this?"

Sengoku's grin widened. "It's actually quite simple. For the warships we need, we can trade directly with gold nuggets. The Tom Shipbuilding Company in Water 7—owned by His Highness—can handle the transactions. That alone will take care of a large portion of the gold. As for the rest, well, we can use it as wages for Marine personnel or exchange it for military expenses in smaller amounts, ensuring it doesn't attract too much attention."

Zephyr nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. With an organization as large as ours, digesting the gold internally shouldn't be too difficult, as long as we're cautious."

"Then let's start with the warships," Kong concluded. "The rest can be dealt with later as needed."

The conversation shifted to the topic of developing the Calm Belt. The preliminary plan had been finalized, with both Claudius and Sengoku agreeing to use Amazon Lily as the focal point of operations. From there, the Marines would begin expanding their influence across the Calm Belt.

Meanwhile, in Mariejois, Claudius was lounging in his courtyard, holding a phone snail as he spoke with Doflamingo.

"So, cousin, how do you like the gift I sent you?" Doflamingo's voice came through the snail, laced with amusement.

Claudius's gaze rested on the golden clock now adorning his courtyard. With a chuckle, he replied, "It's excellent—but tell me, why are two of my ships missing?"

The truth was that the Marine's share of 25 old warships had been handed over to Claudius without hesitation. Since these ships were slated for decommissioning and destruction to protect their technology, gifting them to a Celestial Dragon like Claudius posed no risk.

"Furufurufuru… Two ships missing? Oh, that. If I recall, they seemed to have sunk halfway during transport," Doflamingo teased, his tone dripping with mock innocence.

Claudius smirked but didn't press the issue. "Fine. Just don't draw too much attention when you're spending. I need to keep things low-key on my end. You understand?"

"Relax, cousin," Doflamingo assured him. "In the underworld, no one's going to question the origins of gold."

Satisfied, Claudius shifted the topic. Picking up a piece of paper from his table, he lowered his voice. "By the way, take note of this. The last batch of Heavenly Tribute will be transported from…" He whispered the details to Doflamingo, who quickly jotted them down.

"Furufurufu… Cousin, after this job, I should finally become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, right?" Doflamingo asked with anticipation.

"Of course," Claudius replied with a grin. "And after that, you can head to Dressrosa. The World Government will tacitly approve your claim, provided you handle everything cleanly."

"Don't worry," Doflamingo said confidently. "I'll make sure it's flawless."

After wrapping up the conversation with Doflamingo, Claudius turned his attention to Tesoro, who approached him respectfully.

"Your Highness, you wanted to see me?" Tesoro asked.

"Yes, Tesoro," Claudius said with a smile. "How's your training coming along?"

Tesoro's eyes gleamed with confidence. "I think I really have a knack for this, just as you said, Your Highness."

"Hahaha, good. I like confident people," Claudius said. "In that case, it's about time I send you out to handle something important."

Chapter 179: The Disaster of North Blue—The Outbreak of Amber-Lead Disease!

Tesoro truly seemed to have a talent for finance. While his initial progress was slow due to his lack of a foundation, once he grasped the basics, his growth became rapid. Over the past two years, he had absorbed knowledge that even skilled teachers might struggle to impart.

With a significant amount of spare gold in his possession, Claudius decided it was time to expand. On one hand, he planned to strengthen CP-X; on the other, he was preparing to entrust a portion of his wealth to Tesoro.

"I have a large amount of gold in my possession," Claudius said, his tone calm yet encouraging. "I'm going to hand it over to you, Tesoro. This world is vast, you should go out and see it for yourself."

Tesoro didn't hesitate, responding with conviction, "Your Highness, I promise you won't regret this."

Claudius smiled. "Good. What you choose to do with it is entirely up to you. Just remember: don't disappoint me."

Claudius's confidence in Tesoro wasn't unfounded. After years of mentoring and training, he had every reason to believe in him. Tesoro wasn't stepping out into the world empty-handed. With Claudius's backing, both financial and in terms of connections—failure seemed highly unlikely.

Of the 23 ships laden with gold under Claudius's control, five were assigned to Tesoro. Another five were handed to Stussy to further expand operations on Happy Street.

Three ships were allocated to Enel to help with his development, and two were given to Crocodile to aid his continued operations in Alabasta.

Out of the remaining eight ships, three were earmarked for Spandine to strengthen CP-X's secret service network and further infiltrate the World News. The last five ships were set aside as reserves for emergencies and for the planned joint development of the Calm Belt with the Marines.

After receiving his assignment, Tesoro left Mariejois with his wife, Stella, as well as a team of CP-X personnel. What he intended to do with the resources, Claudius left entirely up to him.

In the courtyard of his palace, Claudius sat by the pool, watching the water ripple. Without turning around, he said, "What are you staring at me for?"

Behind him stood Hancock, silent and pensive. After a moment, she asked, "What you said earlier—was it true?"

"What did I say?" Claudius replied with a faint smile.

"That you'd help Nine Snake Island's development?" Hancock asked, her voice soft but serious.

"Ah, that," Claudius said with a small laugh. "Yes, the plan is to include Nine Snake Island in the Calm Belt development. But it's not purely an act of help, it's a mutually beneficial arrangement. We need a foothold in the Calm Belt, and Nine Snake Island is an ideal location. Plus, having allies like you makes the partnership natural."

"Why did you choose Nine Snake Island?" Hancock asked, her voice quieter now.

Claudius turned to look at her, his gaze warm as he smiled. "Because of you."

Hancock's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing slightly. Before she could say anything, Claudius continued, "Don't overthink it. The truth is, I don't know of any other inhabited islands in the Calm Belt. Of course, your presence played a role too. Because of you, Nine Snake Island and I are natural allies."

"Do you think I'll help you?" Hancock asked sharply, her voice rising.

"Of course," Claudius said casually. "Won't you?"

Hancock's gaze wavered, and though she seemed flustered, she eventually nodded. "I will."

A moment later, she added in her usual haughty tone, "But don't misunderstand! I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it for Nine Snake Island. As its crown princess and first in line to the throne, I have a duty to ensure its prosperity."

"Ahahaha, then I owe my thanks to Nine Snake Island," Claudius said with a hearty laugh.

Hancock scowled at his teasing tone but said nothing. Over the time she had spent with him, she had realized that Claudius loved to poke fun at her. Yet, despite his jokes, she knew he was someone she could rely on.

After a moment of silence, Hancock asked quietly, "Like Mero and Lenny, will it be time for me and my sisters to regain our freedom when you enter the Calm Belt?"

Claudius looked at her in surprise. "Why would you think that? Haven't I already told you?"

"Told me what?" Hancock asked, her brow furrowing. She searched her memory for any mention of her freedom but came up empty.

"Didn't I say you'd never escape from the clutches of this great demon? Hahaha, don't you remember?" Claudius laughed, clearly enjoying himself.

Hancock's expression froze before her face twisted in frustration. "Claudius! With words like that, I won't help you anymore!"

"But you'll still help Nine Snake Island," Claudius said with a knowing smile.

Hancock opened her mouth to retort but found herself at a loss. Her face flushed with anger—or perhaps embarrassment—and she stormed off, her long black hair swishing behind her.

Claudius chuckled as he watched her go. "You didn't say you wanted to leave me specifically, though," he murmured to himself.

After Hancock left, Claudius remained by the pool, gazing at the swimming fish with a faintly melancholic expression. One by one, those close to him were leaving. He had already sent Lenny and Mero away, Tesoro and Stella had departed, and soon, Hancock and her sisters would leave as well. The circle around him was growing smaller.

As he lingered in this introspective mood, the phone snail in his hand suddenly rang. Glancing down, Claudius frowned slightly before picking it up.

"Spandine? What is it?" he asked.

"Your Highness," Spandine greeted, his tone respectful. "I wanted to consult you about something before proceeding."

Claudius's brow furrowed. "What's the issue?"

"There's been an incident in North Blue," Spandine began. "The Amber-lead disease in White Town—Flevance—has finally been exposed. A large-scale epidemic has broken out, and the situation has spiraled into riots. The CP agency has been tasked with handling the matter and has requested CP-X's assistance. Should we get involved?"

Claudius was silent for a moment before responding in a low voice, "If it's not absolutely necessary, don't involve yourself. Focus your efforts on finding the Mera-Mera Fruit instead."

"Understood, Your Highness," Spandine replied immediately. "I'll decline the request."

Chapter 180: Should We Send Whitebeard Back to the West Soon?

Two months passed quickly, and by now, Claudius had made his way to the Prometheus, currently anchored in East Blue.

Stussy lately, had grown increasingly restless. While she continued to manage operations on Happy Street, most of her work had shifted to "remote control," allowing her to remain by Claudius's side almost constantly. Like a devoted companion, she rarely left him, the dynamic between them increasingly intimate.

Their relationship had already reached its natural peak, and Claudius, who always held the upper hand, made sure Stussy was fully obedient to him.

On the deck of the Prometheus, Stussy was lounging in a bikini, relaxing in the swimming pool and playfully splashing water with Nia.

Nearby, Ace was engaged in a spirited game of badminton with Koala. The two had grown close over time, their bond resembling that of childhood friends.

Although Claudius had previously arranged for several other companions to accompany Ace, the boy showed little interest in them. Ace seemed to only enjoy spending time with Koala, who, as a genius in her own right, could match Ace's energy and intelligence. Their connection seemed to come from mutual understanding, making them the perfect pair of companions.

Seeing Ace's indifference toward his other friends, Claudius had those children sent home. Before arriving in East Blue, he even arranged for Koala and Ace to visit Foolshout Island to reconnect with Koala's family.

When Koala's parents learned that their daughter was now friends with the "son of a Celestial Dragon," their emotions were a whirlwind of pride and anxiety. They urged Koala repeatedly to take good care of Ace and maintain their relationship.

Meanwhile, Claudius was reclining on a sun lounger on the deck, dressed casually in black sunglasses, a cigar in one hand, and a glass of juice resting on the small table beside him. A phone snail sat nearby as he chatted with someone on the line.

"I saw the report," Claudius said with a smile. "The World Government is condemning you fiercely for this 'rebellious act.' But don't worry—they won't take any serious action against you. Just hold on to the Heavenly Tribute for now. You need to act convincingly, after all. Once the timing is right, I'll send Spandane to wrap things up, and then you'll officially become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

On the other end of the line, Doflamingo was in North Blue, having successfully intercepted the final shipment of Heavenly Tribute. While the World Government was, of course, aware of what had happened, they also knew it was part of Claudius's arrangements. Given the potential benefits, they had no reason to object.

"North Blue is in chaos right now, cousin," Doflamingo said with a chuckle. "You're ruthless. Did you really have to destroy Flevance in one stroke?"

"Flevance…" Claudius murmured, touching his chin thoughtfully. His tone carried a tinge of emotion.

The disaster at Flevance, caused by the outbreak of Amber-lead disease, was a stain that the World Government could not escape. The government had been complicit from the start, profiting massively from the platinum-lead trade.

For over a century, the rare and luxurious material had been a highly lucrative business. The World Government had made more than 100 billion berries from the venture, all while concealing the hidden dangers of platinum-lead mining.

The material, harmless in its processed form, became deadly during mining as it released harmful radiation into the air. Over time, this radiation caused the devastating and hereditary illness known as "Amber-lead disease."

In the end, it was this disease that led to Flevance's destruction.

"Brutal as it may seem, I didn't have a hand in this one," Claudius said with a smile. "Don't pin blame on me for no reason."

"Even if you didn't, you're complicit," Doflamingo said with a sly laugh.

"If that's the case, then everyone is an accomplice," Claudius muttered. "Greed is what caused this mess in the first place."

He paused, his thoughts drifting. Now that Doflamingo was operating in North Blue, there was a chance Trafalgar Law might cross paths with him. If so, Law might seek to join the Donquixote family. Claudius couldn't help but think of the larger implications of this scenario, the involvement of Rosinante, the tragic fallout, and the looming significance of the Ope-Ope Fruit.

The Ope-Ope Fruit was a dangerous wildcard. While it held immense potential, Claudius had no desire to handle something so volatile while being a member of the World Government. It was a fruit that couldn't be ignored, yet couldn't be kept without inviting immense risk.

As for Trafalgar Law, Claudius considered him a talented individual, but one whose presence might bring unnecessary complications. He decided it would be best to keep his distance from Law for now. Perhaps the boy could be used as a pawn in the future, but for now, he could play freely without interference.

The situation with Rosinante also concerned him. Claudius realized that Rosinante's actions would likely cause significant problems for Sengoku and the World Government. If Rosinante truly cut ties with Doflamingo, the entire situation might serve as an opportunity to remove this "nail" from Doflamingo's organization.

"By the way, cousin," Doflamingo said, interrupting Claudius's thoughts. "What's your business in East Blue? Did something catch your eye, or is this really just a vacation?"

"Vacation…" Claudius chuckled. "You know me too well. Everyone always teases me about that. Every time I take a 'vacation,' it seems to bring trouble."

"So, it's not a vacation?" Doflamingo asked with a grin.

"No, I'm here for business," Claudius said. "I told you before to help me keep an eye on the Mera-Mera Fruit, but you didn't find much. Spandine, however, did. He tracked its presence to East Blue, so I'm here to look for it myself."

"Ah, you've got the advantage, cousin," Doflamingo said with a laugh. "You've got an entire organization working for you, while I have to handle everything on my own."

"Hahaha, well, you're doing fine," Claudius replied. "Just remember, while I'm handling the Mera-Mera Fruit, you'd better not drop the ball on the Gold Gold Fruit. That one is critical for us."

"I'll do my best, but what if someone else claims it first?" Doflamingo asked.

"Whoever gets it, I'll take it from them," Claudius said firmly. "That fruit is non-negotiable."

"What if it's Whitebeard?" Doflamingo teased.

"Then I'll make plans to send him to the West sooner than expected," Claudius said, laughing.

The Gold Gold Fruit was too important to Claudius's plans. It was essential for Tesoro's development, which in turn was vital to Claudius's future economic framework. Allowing it to fall into the wrong hands would be a disaster.

After exchanging a few more words with Doflamingo, Claudius ended the call. His gaze shifted to the two women in the pool, a faint smile of amusement tugging at his lips.

"Your Highness," Stussy called, waving at him. "Why don't you come join us?"

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to provoke me, Stussy? You know I'm a Devil Fruit user."

"If you come down, I'll show you this!" Stussy teased, tugging at her bikini for a split second, offering the barest hint of skin. Claudius nearly choked on his cigar, coughing in disbelief.

Shaking his head, he replied, "No thanks. Besides, if I'm right, it should be about time now."

"Time for what?" Stussy asked, feigning disinterest. "Are you afraid I'll get even with you in the water for last night?"

Claudius smirked. "After the way I treated you last night, who knows what kind of revenge you'd have planned?"

Stussy blushed but huffed in protest. "Your Highness, how can you say such things out loud?"

"You've been far bolder than me," Claudius retorted with a grin.

Scoffing, Stussy turned back to Nia, dismissing him with a flick of her hand.

Turning to the map of East Blue spread out on his table, Claudius's smile faded into a more focused expression. His next destination was Shimotsuki Village

...
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