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. 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."
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.
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 Nia 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."
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. 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.
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 na?ve 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. 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.
********
Check out the other fanfictions I'm working on;
* Ultimate Man [JJK X SOL]: Loading Golden Entries at The Start
* My Hero Academia: Thunder God
*Naruto: Reborn As Orochimaru
*Starting With Real Madrid. 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.