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. 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. 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. 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. 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!" 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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.