Chapter 6: Lunch with Zephyr
At the end of 1490, in the Sea Circle Calendar, it was truly an interesting time.
Claudius knew well that the Rocks Pirates, once the strongest pirate group ruling the seas, had fallen after the infamous God Valley Incident a few years back. After Roger and Garp teamed up to take them down, Rocks, their captain, had met his end. Since then, all the big names from the Rocks Pirates had gone solo.
If Claudius remembered correctly, the Big Mom Pirates had already been established, Kaido had also formed the Beasts Pirates, and Whitebeard, now in his prime, had started taking in "sons."
Apart from them, Golden Lion Shiki had risen to prominence. Known as the " Flying Pirate," he had built a massive pirate fleet and was currently the most dominant force in the New World.
Then, there were other famous pirates like Ochoku, the great pirate from the Land of Flowers, and Captain John, who had amassed a vast treasure hoard. All of these notorious figures had originally been part of the Rocks Pirates before they went solo.
And of course, there was the Roger Pirates an odd bunch in comparison. While most of these large pirate crews were vying for control of the New World, the Roger Pirates were wandering the world, seemingly at random. Sometimes they appeared in the New World, and at other times, they would pop up elsewhere, leaving everyone wondering what they were really up to.
However, none of this had much to do with a ten-year-old boy like Claudius.
Now dressed in his Celestial Dragon tiger-skin coat, Claudius was powerless to influence such major events. The storms of the outside world were too far away for him to care. What he needed to focus on was securing his footing when he returned to Mariejois.
Based on Claudius's calculations, in less than half a year, his family led by Patriarch Donquixote Homing would likely leave for North Blue with his cousins, Doflamingo and Rosinante, in search of their so-called "heaven on earth."
Compared to the chaotic struggles in the seas, this event was much more pressing for Claudius. It concerned his own future. Before Homing left, Claudius needed to settle his matters with the Donquixote family once and for all.
There were two possible approaches to this.
The first was to convince Homing to abandon his ridiculous dreams. Even if one were a Celestial Dragon, they should keep their feet on the ground. Pursuing an idealistic "new world" with no practical plan was bound to end in disaster. Homing would likely return crying in a year, having been rejected by the world. In the end, his wife would die of illness, his son would take his own life, and the Donquixote family would be brought to ruin. The Celestial Dragon family, once living in luxury, would turn into a tragic mess because of Homing's delusions.
But this option was difficult. While Homing was a bit naive and had treated Claudius well, their relationship wasn't close enough for Claudius to persuade him. Homing was, frankly, a fool with a heart full of good intentions but a head full of nonsense. Claudius had never tried to form a deeper bond with him, viewing him as nothing more than a misguided dreamer. Their relationship was so distant that it took Homing two weeks to even realize that Claudius had been involved in a shipwreck. That alone showed how little Homing cared for him.
Moreover, other members of the Donquixote family had tried to dissuade Homing from his plans, but he ignored them all. Claudius doubted a ten-year-old like himself would have any better luck. So, the first option was off the table.
The second option was simpler. The reason Claudius was being targeted by the family was because when Homing left, Claudius was likely to be pushed into the position of family head. Given his young age, lack of power, and personality, the more astute members of the Donquixote family naturally didn't want him to take the reins. Hence, they were plotting against him. If Claudius could resolve the underlying issues and remove himself from the equation, he believed that the family would stop targeting him.
After all, there weren't that many Celestial Dragons left, and infighting wasn't in anyone's best interest.
With these thoughts in mind, Claudius made up his mind. Once he returned to Mariejois, he would sever his ties with the Donquixote family and avoid the power struggles that came with leadership.
Just as Claudius was pondering these matters while enjoying a dessert, a knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.
Looking towards the door, Claudius called out softly, "Come in."
Zephyr, who had been waiting outside, took a deep breath before opening the door. As he entered, he saw Claudius, already seated at a luxurious dining table, enjoying his snacks.
Zephyr hadn't expected this Celestial Dragon to already be indulging in dessert before their meal, but considering it from the perspective of a Celestial Dragon, perhaps it was their way of showing hospitality.
Still, Zephyr wasn't here to curry favor. He wasn't that kind of person. He also knew that Claudius's situation wasn't great.
"Saint Claudius, thank you for your invitation," Zephyr said, bowing slightly.
Claudius smiled and waved his hand. "Zephyr, you are my savior. I've already told you—you don't need to salute me."
Zephyr was surprised for a moment but gladly accepted. Constantly bowing was tiresome, after all. So, he smiled and replied, "Thank you, Saint Claudius."
"Please, sit," Claudius gestured with a wave.
Zephyr nodded and, without too much formality, sat across from Claudius.
The two chatted casually for a while, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.
Through this small talk, Zephyr found himself surprised. This Celestial Dragon, though only ten years old, spoke with a maturity beyond his years. He seemed vastly different from the spoiled image most Celestial Dragons had.
As a seasoned Admiral who had seen many types of people, Zephyr had a keen eye for reading others. He quickly realized that Claudius wasn't faking this maturity. He wasn't pretending to be kind or reasonable it seemed to genuinely be his character.
This was a pleasant surprise for Zephyr. He had expected a troublesome, arrogant brat. Instead, Claudius was thoughtful and easy to talk to. The more they conversed, the more comfortable Zephyr felt, to the point where the atmosphere lightened considerably, even drawing out Zephyr's hearty laughter at times.
"By the way, Zephyr," Claudius said between bites of his meal, looking up at Zephyr.
Zephyr took a sip of the red wine that had been prepared for him and asked, "Yes, Saint Claudius? What can I do for you?"
Claudius smiled and said, "I told you before, there's no need for formalities. I just have a question. You're an Admiral of the Navy, so you must know a lot about the world's stories, right? I've always been curious about the sea. Unfortunately, my recent journey ended in disaster, but my interest hasn't faded."
After a pause, Claudius added, "If it's not too much trouble, could you share with me some interesting stories about the world today? Or perhaps tell me about any notable figures?"
Zephyr chuckled. "If you're interested in hearing an old sailor's tales, I'd be happy to oblige, Saint Claudius."
As Claudius listened attentively, occasionally interrupting with questions, Zephyr patiently explained the current state of the world. By the end of the conversation, Claudius had gained a much deeper understanding of the world outside Mariejois. While chaos reigned in the New World, the Marines and the World Government still maintained control over the Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line.
"Fascinating," Claudius mused. "The world is so vast. It seems I've been living in ignorance up in Mariejois. There's so much out there..."
Zephyr found Claudius's words sincere, which only added to his intrigue about this Celestial Dragon. Most of the Celestial Dragons he had met were either arrogant or oblivious to the world, but Claudius seemed genuinely interested in learning more.
"If you ever get the chance, Saint Claudius, you should visit the Four Seas. Unlike the New World, the seas there are more stable, and the danger is far less," Zephyr suggested.
Claudius nodded. "Yes, it would be good to see more of the world." After a brief pause, he added, "But, no matter where one goes, there's always some risk, isn't there? Even in Mariejois."
Hearing this, Zephyr narrowed his eyes slightly but didn't immediately respond.
Claudius smiled and continued, "I've heard that you, Zephyr, are passionate about training young Marines. In fact, you were involved in establishing the Marine officer training camp a couple of years ago, right?"
Zephyr was slightly surprised that Claudius knew about his background, but he quickly brushed it off. After all, it wasn't exactly a secret. Nodding, he replied, "Yes, I was fortunate enough to help set it up."
"In that case, you must have some ideas on how to train young people," Claudius said. "If possible, I'd like to learn from you, Zephyr. After all, from this experience, I've come to realize that even a Celestial Dragon like me can't always rely on status alone for safety. In the end, the only one you can truly rely on is yourself."
Claudius spoke softly, his tone sincere.
Chapter 7: Does a Celestial Dragon Need a Reason to Kill?
As soon as Claudius's voice fell, Zephyr remained silent for a while. Even though Claudius had spoken in a calm and polite tone, the fact remained that he was still a Celestial Dragon. When someone like him made a request, no matter how nicely it was phrased, it left Zephyr in a difficult position. Refusing would be no easy matter.
At the same time, Zephyr had his own challenges to consider. As a Marine Admiral, he couldn't just dedicate himself to Claudius full-time. From the way Claudius had spoken, it almost sounded like he was asking Zephyr to take him on as a disciple.
Becoming the first Marine to take on a Celestial Dragon as a student? That would certainly be a first. Zephyr had never heard of such a thing happening before. Plus, he wasn't eager to get involved in the complexities of Mariejois, which made the situation rather awkward.
If Claudius knew what was going through Zephyr's mind, he might have laughed.
Not only was Claudius not asking to formally become Zephyr's disciple, but even if he had been, it wouldn't have been all that outrageous. If anything, Zephyr should learn from his colleague, Sengoku.
In a few years, Sengoku wouldn't just accept a Celestial Dragon into his ranks he'd go as far as adopting his little cousin, Rosinante, as his own son! Now that's what you call open-minded!
But noticing the uncomfortable look on Zephyr's face, Claudius realized that the Admiral was overthinking things, probably assuming that Claudius wanted to recruit him as some kind of personal backer or bodyguard.
So, Claudius smiled and clarified, "Zephyr Admiral, I believe there's been some misunderstanding. I don't expect you to stay in Mariejois and personally guide me step by step. What I'm asking for is far simpler I just need learning materials and the benefit of your experience."
He paused before adding, "I know that as an Admiral, you're busy with your duties, and I wouldn't want to impose on you too much. But I'll have a lot of time once I return to Mariejois, and I don't want to waste it. That's why I hope you can share your knowledge with me before then."
Hearing this, Zephyr visibly relaxed. With a lighter tone, he responded quickly, "Thank you for being so understanding, Saint Claudius. As you said, I cannot stay by your side all the time, but if it's just providing information and sharing my experiences, I'd be more than happy to help. Once we arrive in Mariejois, I'll make sure to prepare everything for you."
Claudius smiled, satisfied with the answer. That was all he needed. Mariejois was full of skilled individuals, even among the slaves, and the hidden masters in the CP organizations were formidable as well. If Claudius wanted to learn and grow stronger, finding teachers wouldn't be difficult.
However, he understood that building a solid foundation was key. No matter how skilled someone was, without a proper base, it would be impossible to make progress. Without laying the groundwork, how could he expect to grow stronger?
Across the world of pirates, Zephyr might not be the strongest in terms of sheer combat prowess. However, when it came to training future talents and laying solid foundations, few could rival him.
As a Celestial Dragon who wasn't willing to waste his resources, Claudius had made a smart decision in seeking Zephyr's expertise. Many people would love the opportunity to learn from Zephyr, but such a privilege was rare and hard to come by. Being a Marine Admiral, Zephyr's time and attention weren't something just anyone could demand. But Claudius, as a Celestial Dragon, stood at the very top of the world's hierarchy.
Even so, he was careful not to take such a valuable resource for granted. After all, if he was going to lay a foundation, it needed to be the best.
Zephyr, for his part, seemed relieved to avoid getting tangled up too deeply with Mariejois politics. He could see that Claudius was straightforward and not the type to drag others into unnecessary trouble.
Feeling a little guilty for his earlier hesitation, Zephyr added, "Though I'm quite busy, if there's ever something you don't understand, I'd be more than happy to come and teach you personally."
His offer was clear: While Zephyr couldn't stay by Claudius's side all the time, he was willing to make occasional trips to Mariejois to offer guidance if needed.
This was a gesture of goodwill, a way to show that he valued Claudius's potential. From what Zephyr had seen, Claudius wasn't like the typical Celestial Dragons he had encountered. Perhaps this young man had the potential to accomplish something significant in the future.
Claudius smiled warmly. "That's excellent news. I'll be sure to rely on your help then, Zephyr."
With that settled, their conversation shifted to the basics of training. Zephyr explained the principles behind strength training, and Claudius eagerly soaked up the knowledge. Although the exercises Zephyr described push-ups, running, and weight training sounded simple, there were countless techniques to optimize them.
Zephyr was pleased to see that Claudius was so receptive to learning. His natural inclination as a teacher took over, and he gradually became more enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge.
Over the next few days, Claudius didn't even need to summon Zephyr. With little to occupy his time on the sea, Zephyr voluntarily sought Claudius out every morning. He would wake Claudius early and take him to the deck for training, giving him hands-on guidance.
As Claudius trained, Zephyr would sit nearby, compiling all the training materials Claudius would need once he returned to Mariejois. That way, Claudius could continue his training independently. Once Claudius had laid a solid foundation, Zephyr planned to summarize more advanced techniques for him.
Before long, the warship was approaching the Red Line. From the deck, one could already see the endless crimson cliffs rising from the horizon.
Claudius, with a towel around his neck, stood shirtless on the deck. Under Zephyr's guidance, a few days of regular exercise had started to show results. His body had lost most of its excess fat, and though he wasn't muscular yet, the lazy, weak aura he once had was gone. Now, at least, he looked like a young man with energy and drive.
"We'll reach Mariejois soon, right?" Claudius asked quietly, his gaze fixed on the towering cliffs of the Red Line in the distance.
It wasn't Zephyr who answered, but Kuzan, who had taken an interest in Claudius.
"Yes, Saint Claudius. At this speed, we should reach Mariejois in no time," Kuzan said with a grin, standing not far behind him.
"Good," Claudius replied with a smile. "As much as I've enjoyed these past few days, there are things I need to take care of in Mariejois. Only after that will I be able to rest easy."
As the warship slowly pulled into port, a large contingent of Mariejois servants had already gathered to welcome Claudius. The moment the ship docked, a sharp-faced man who looked like a butler hurriedly led a group of servants. They rolled out a fresh, bright red carpet from the dock all the way to the bubble elevator.
Armored guards lined up on both sides of the carpet, seemingly acting as an honor guard.
Claudius stood on the deck, watching the scene below with a flash of disdain in his eyes. "Hmph, quite the display. Where was all this effort before?" he muttered under his breath.
Kuzan, seeing the extravagant display for the first time, couldn't help but be surprised. Though he was aware of the status and privilege of the Celestial Dragons, seeing it in person where even something as simple as disembarking from a ship required this much fanfare was something else.
Zephyr, who had interacted with the Celestial Dragons several times before, was unfazed.
Once the gangway was in place, Claudius reached out and grabbed a short gun handed to him by a Marine. Then, without hesitation, he led the way off the ship.
The sharp-faced butler rushed forward to greet him the moment he saw Claudius. Though Claudius's appearance had changed significantly, the butler, Mendil, recognized him instantly, having served him for years.
As soon as Claudius set foot on the red carpet, Mendil dropped to his knees and groveled, "Welcome back, Saint Claudius. I've missed you dearly these past few days. It's been agony not being able to serve you."
Claudius glanced down at the butler with a look of disgust, speaking softly, "Really? I would've thought you'd be too busy enjoying the rewards from selling me out to feel any guilt, Mendil."
At those words, Mendil's whole body trembled. He raised his head in a panic, trying to stammer a response, "Y-Your Highness…"
"Shut up. I don't want to hear a single word from your filthy mouth." Claudius's voice was filled with cold disdain.
Without a moment's hesitation, Claudius raised the short gun in his hand and aimed it at Mendil's head. He didn't need evidence to confirm that Mendil had been complicit in betraying him and sending him off on that ill-fated voyage to the New World. The conclusion was obvious from his memories: this butler had seen him as nothing more than a fool, an easy target to manipulate.
And since Claudius didn't need evidence, he saw no reason to let the man live. Without waiting another second, he pulled the trigger.
Boom!
The sound of the gunshot echoed through the port. Blood sprayed into the air as Mendil's head exploded, and his lifeless body collapsed onto the bright red carpet.
Claudius tossed the still-smoking short gun onto the carpet without so much as a glance at the butler's corpse, and calmly walked forward as if nothing had happened.
After all, for a Celestial Dragon, killing someone like that wasn't out of the ordinary. He didn't need a reason. This was the privilege of being a Celestial Dragon absolute power over life and death.
Watching Claudius's back as he walked away, Kuzan couldn't help but murmur, "Now I've finally seen the true nature of a Celestial Dragon."
Zephyr, standing next to him, glanced at the body on the ground before shaking his head. "No matter how approachable he may seem, in the end, if something displeases him, a life can be taken just like that. You're right this is more like the Celestial Dragons I remember."
Chapter 8: Mariejois
Mariejois is vast.
At this moment, Claudius was strolling through the Social Square of Pangaea Castle. This square was primarily used for hosting emissaries from various nations and served as a place of interaction during the World Summit, held every four years. It was where the royal families from across the globe gathered to communicate with one another.
After passing through Pangaea Castle, one would see an imposing high wall. This high wall faced the main entrance of the castle and was guarded by heavily armed soldiers. The gate in this wall was called the Gate of the Celestial Dragons. Once you passed through the Gate, you've entered the sacred residence of the Celestial Dragons in Mariejois, also referred to as the "land of the gods."
This area was strictly off-limits to anyone except Celestial Dragons, their slaves, and their immediate families. It was often regarded as the heart of Mariejois and was sometimes called the "House of God."
Within this divine abode, all kinds of facilities were available: top-tier hospitals, world-class opera houses, and even a Colosseum where slaves fought for the amusement of the nobles. Essentially, one could live here for an entire year without ever feeling the need to leave.
"Has Zephyr ever visited the House of god?" Claudius asked with a casual smile as they walked.
Zephyr shook his head and replied, "I've been to Mariejois many times, but I've never set foot in the House of god. It's a place reserved for you Celestial Dragons. Only those summoned by you can enter. Most of us don't have that privilege."
"Hahaha, 'god's own land'? That's the first time I've heard it called that!" Claudius laughed heartily. After a short pause, he added, "god or not, it's all just talk. If we were truly gods, I wouldn't have nearly died out there in the New World. But since Zephyr has never been inside, how about you come visit my home now? I really appreciate all the care you've shown me during this time."
Zephyr was surprised. He had assumed his duty would end once Claudius was safely delivered to Mariejois, but with this personal invitation from a Celestial Dragon, it would be impolite to decline. Nodding, he said, "Since you've extended the invitation, it would be an honor to see it with my own eyes."
As they approached the Gate, the guards stationed there looked uncertain at first, recognizing Claudius but hesitant to confirm his identity. Then, one of the servants trailing the group shouted, "Saint Claudius has returned! Open the gate!"
Immediately, the guards verified Claudius's identity, and the Gate swung open. No one dared stop Zephyr or Kuzan from entering alongside Claudius.
Led by Claudius, Zephyr and Kuzan entered the House of god for the first time. As they walked, they took in the opulent surroundings, a testament to the wealth and privilege that came with being a Celestial Dragon. After a brief journey, they finally arrived at Claudius's palace.
Despite Claudius's youth, the palace he lived in was massive. It was originally the residence of the Donquixote family patriarch. When Homing became the head of the family, he didn't move in, nor did he relocate Claudius to another home. So, Claudius had always lived here, and for now, he had no plans to move out.
"Go inform the house officer to send me a new butler," Claudius instructed an attendant nearby.
The attendant quickly nodded and left to carry out the order.
Once seated in the grand living room, Claudius, Zephyr, and Kuzan began to chat. Just as Claudius was curious about the outside world, Zephyr and Kuzan couldn't help but be intrigued by the inner workings of the Celestial Dragons' lives. Though they wouldn't openly admit it, the luxury and mystery of the House of God sparked their curiosity.
Their conversation flowed easily, and after a while, Zephyr handed over his Den Den Mushi contact number to one of Claudius's attendants. This way, Claudius could reach out whenever he had questions or needed advice. Zephyr also handed over the basic training methods he had compiled during the journey, ensuring that Claudius could continue his exercises after returning to Mariejois.
With that, Zephyr and Kuzan prepared to take their leave.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay for dinner? I'm not exaggerating our food here is truly excellent," Claudius said with a smile.
Zephyr waved his hand and declined politely. "No, thank you, Saint Claudius. After your long journey, you must be tired. Get some rest, and we'll be on our way."
Just then, an attendant walked in respectfully and announced, "Your Highness, Saint Homing and Saint Doflamingo have come to visit you."
Claudius smiled. "It seems dinner will have to wait. Zephyr, Kuzan, we'll catch up another time."
Zephyr nodded. "We'll let you get back to your family matters."
Claudius gestured toward another attendant and instructed, "Escort Zephyr and Kuzan out through the side door. I'd rather they not run into my... troublesome cousin. Things might get awkward. I consider these two my esteemed guests, so make sure nothing goes wrong. Understood?"
"Yes, Saint Claudius!" the attendant responded promptly.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness," Zephyr said, grateful for the considerate gesture.
With that, Zephyr and Kuzan quietly exited through the side door, led by the attendant. Not long after, a commotion could be heard at the front entrance, making its way into Claudius's ears.
"You idiots! My cousin's been missing for two weeks, and none of you thought to report it to my father?!"
A young boy with short blond hair, wearing small orange sunglasses and dressed in lavish clothes, marched into the living room, berating the attendants as he entered with an air of arrogance.
Trailing behind him was a middle-aged man with a kindly face, smiling warmly.
There was no mistaking them: the first was Claudius's cousin, Donquixote Doflamingo, and the second was Patriarch Homing of the Donquixote family.
Doflamingo, even as a young boy, was already domineering. Given that Claudius's former self had also been an arrogant troublemaker, it wasn't surprising that the two cousins had been thick as thieves, causing havoc wherever they went. They had been quite close.
"Cousin! I'm so glad you're alright! If something had happened to you, I wouldn't have anyone to play with. Rosinante is no fun at all; he's always getting in my way. You treat me better!" Doflamingo shouted excitedly as he rushed toward Claudius.
Watching the scene, Claudius felt a bit exasperated. Every time Doflamingo called him "cousin," Claudius had the urge to call him something far less polite. He couldn't help but think to himself, My predecessor was really a fool to be so close to you. Rosinante may be a bit shy, but he's a genuinely good person. You, on the other hand, are a brat with no trace of your parents' kindness.
"Claudius, are you alright? You've lost weight. You must've suffered out there, huh? I've already had plenty of supplements sent over to help you recover," Homing said with a gentle smile.
Judging by his expression, Claudius realized that Homing still had no idea what had truly happened, probably thinking it was nothing more than an unfortunate shipwreck.
Claudius didn't want to drag things out or bring up past grievances, so he smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Homing."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Claudius quickly grew tired of talking to Homing, whose unrealistic ideals grated on him. Meanwhile, Doflamingo kept boasting about his recent exploits, including a new slave he'd acquired a captain, no less—whom he wanted Claudius to watch fight in the Colosseum.
Claudius could only groan internally.
"I'm glad you made it back safely," Homing said, his tone turning serious. "There's something I want to tell you. I've made up my mind to leave Mariejois. Regarding the Donquixote family, your father and I..."
Before he could finish, Claudius interrupted him.
"Uncle Homing, I have no intention of becoming the head of the Donquixote family," Claudius said flatly.
Homing was taken aback. "What are you saying? You're the most legitimate heir to the Donquixote family..."
"I think being the patriarch is too much work and no fun at all. I'd rather leave it to someone else," Claudius said, playing the role of a capricious child. He rambled off a string of excuses, but the message was clear: I won't be the patriarch.
Homing, ever the simple and kind-hearted man, finally sighed and relented. "If that's how you feel... Well, there were some who opposed the idea anyway. I'll give the position to Lancelot instead."
"Great! That works for me!" Claudius replied quickly.
Donquixote Lancelot was a much more competent and clever individual than Homing, at least in Claudius's eyes. If the Donquixote family were to be handed over to Lancelot, perhaps the family could thrive in the future. And if that were the case, Claudius could still benefit from it without the burdens of leadership.
Doflamingo, however, didn't seem pleased. "Why do we have to go live down in the Lower Realms? I don't want to live among those filthy commoners..." he muttered, his tone full of disdain.
Homing, ever the optimist, smiled warmly at his son and said, "Doffy, living with your mother, father, and younger brother will be a wonderful experience. Trust me, it'll be interesting."
For now, Doflamingo fell silent. He was still too young to fully understand what was in store for him. At this age, he still believed his father's words and thought that living in the Lower Realms wouldn't be all that different from life in Mariejois.
Little did he know, his time in the Lower Realms would expose him to the harsh realities of the world struggles and suffering that would shape the monster he would later become.
After a few more exchanges, Doflamingo insisted that Claudius join him in watching the slave fights at the Colosseum in a few days. Apparently, he had acquired a fresh batch of slaves, including a captain, and was eager to show them off. Claudius, tired of his cousin's antics, agreed just to get through the conversation.
"Well, I'm glad you made it back safely," Homing said, smiling softly. "There's something else I wanted to talk to you about..."
Claudius, not interested in rehashing the past, waved his hand dismissively. "Uncle Homing, I really don't care about all that. Let's leave it at that."
After sending away the naïve and sweet Homing, Claudius finally felt a sense of relief.
"Now that I've declined the role of family head and Lancelot's likely to take over, I shouldn't have to worry about internal threats anymore," Claudius murmured to himself. "That should settle most of the mess in Mariejois."
After thinking for a moment, Claudius raised his voice and spoke to the empty room, "Bring me the best world map you can find and hang it right there on that wall."
His voice had barely finished echoing when an attendant standing outside the door quickly responded, "Yes, Saint Claudius!"
Chapter 9: The Luxury of Celestial Dragons!
The palace where Claudius resided was one of the finest in the House of God. Especially now that Claudius had been "reborn" with a new sense of taste, his life had taken on an air of refined luxury. He was no longer the wasteful Celestial Dragon he had once been.
In the center of the hall stood a table carved from the finest mahogany, upon which rested an intricately designed dragon-shaped incense burner. A single stick of incense burned slowly within, releasing a faint fragrance that filled the entire room, calming the mind and soothing the soul. This single stick of incense could burn for a full day and was worth a staggering 20 million Beri!
Nearby, a tea set sat on the table, simple in appearance but steeped in extravagance. The tea itself was of the highest quality, specially picked from the Kano Country. Brewed from the most tender leaves, just one sip left a lingering fragrance in the mouth. Even when set beside the incense, the subtle scent of tea could still be detected.
Beside the table was a rattan rocking chair with a velvet cushion. Claudius lounged half-reclined in the chair, holding a history book in his hands a rare and valuable volume that recorded knowledge lost to most of the world. Even if it were placed in the famed Tree of Knowledge on Ohara Island, it would be considered a treasure.
Yet, Claudius handled the book with indifference. Whenever he found something interesting, he simply folded the page's corner as a marker. Had he a pen, he might have even scribbled notes directly in the ancient tome. To a scholar, his careless treatment of such a precious artifact would have been blasphemy.
But after a while, Claudius lost interest. He closed the book with a sigh, shaking his head in disappointment. "It's all surface-level stuff lacking any real depth. It seems the history of this world is tightly controlled by the World Government. Even as a Celestial Dragon, I can't easily delve into the truths of the past."
He tossed the priceless book casually onto the table and picked up a cup of tea, taking a slow sip.
Claudius had once thought that, as a Celestial Dragon, he would have no trouble uncovering the mysteries from 800 years ago the secrets buried deep within the Pirate World. However, he had clearly underestimated the World Government's stranglehold on such knowledge.
For the past month or so, Claudius had dedicated himself to self-improvement. Every morning, he followed the foundation-building exercises Zephyr had taught him. In the afternoons, he practiced mastering his Devil Fruit powers, and in the evenings, he immersed himself in reading.
Despite all his efforts, Claudius had found little to no answers regarding the world's ancient mysteries. It seemed even the lower-ranking Celestial Dragons, like him, were kept far from the hidden truths of the past.
By now, it had been more than a month since Zephyr had rescued him from the New World. Just as Claudius had predicted, after Homing announced that Claudius would not be taking over as the head of the Donquixote family, all internal strife had disappeared.
In fact, the number of servants around Claudius had mysteriously dwindled. Of course, it wasn't because Claudius had gone on a revenge spree, executing them all. Rather, they had simply vanished, presumably killed off. Claudius had a strong suspicion that Lancelot, the new head of the family, was behind it.
It wasn't hard to understand. Lancelot had never intended to kill Claudius. He wasn't a bloodthirsty man. The earlier attempts to remove Claudius from the family's affairs were purely out of necessity for the Donquixote family's future. But now that Claudius had willingly stepped aside and posed no threat, there was no reason for Lancelot to continue targeting him.
On the contrary, Lancelot had even gone out of his way to make amends. Over the past month, he had sent gifts to Claudius every few days, everything from luxury items to personal trainers when he heard that Claudius had started exercising. Claudius accepted the gifts without complaint after all, there was no point in holding grudges for his predecessor's foolish mistakes.
In fact, Claudius had come to view Lancelot in a favorable light. After observing him over the past month and reflecting on past events, Claudius realized that Lancelot was a smart, calculated man. He wasn't as ruthless as many other Celestial Dragons. Claudius had even heard rumors that Lancelot occasionally freed slaves a rare act of kindness among the nobility.
Ultimately, Claudius had no lingering ill will toward Lancelot. The man was simply doing what was necessary to secure the family's future. In return, Lancelot had compensated Claudius well, and their earlier conflicts had faded into distant memories, buried alongside the servants who had once conspired against him.
Claudius didn't see any need to dig up the past. He was more than content to let things remain as they were.
Setting down his tea, Claudius rose from the rocking chair. He reached over and lightly shook a small bell sitting on the table, its chime echoing softly through the room.
Moments later, a beautiful maid in a black-and-white uniform entered the room, her head bowed respectfully. Her delicate face and graceful figure made her seem almost unreal. In a soft voice, she asked, "Saint Claudius, what are your orders?"
Claudius smiled at her and asked casually, "Has Doffy come by today?"
Recently, Doflamingo had made a habit of visiting Claudius regularly, dragging him along for all sorts of mischief. Claudius had often dismissed his cousin's invitations, using the excuse that he was still recovering from his ordeal.
Today, Claudius found it strange that Doflamingo hadn't shown up to bother him.
"No, Saint Doflamingo didn't visit today," the maid replied quickly. "I believe he had a disagreement with Saint Homing earlier."
"Ah, I see. That's not too surprising," Claudius nodded thoughtfully.
Doflamingo was certainly the odd one out in his family. His father, Homing, was a kind and simple man too kind, in fact. His mother was similar, and his younger brother, Rosinante, was the perfect image of a noble, a complete contrast to Doflamingo's violent and cruel nature. It wasn't unusual for Doflamingo to butt heads with his father, especially since he regularly did things that Homing disapproved of.
Unlike his family, Doflamingo was notorious for his sadistic tendencies. He enjoyed tormenting slaves, making them fight to the death in the Colosseum, and often found creative ways to torture anyone who crossed him, including his own servants. No wonder he preferred Claudius's company. In Doflamingo's mind, his cousin was just as cruel and twisted as he was.
Noticing that Claudius seemed in a good mood, the maid gathered her courage and spoke again, "Your Highness, won't you be going for a walk today?"
Claudius looked at her in surprise. It wasn't often that a maid would dare make such a suggestion. Her boldness stood out something that was incredibly rare among Celestial Dragon servants, who usually acted more like mindless automatons than people.
This particular maid had only recently been assigned to Claudius after he shot his former butler at the harbor. Understandably, she had been terrified at first, knowing the reputation of Saint Claudius. The rumors surrounding him his tyranny, his unpredictability had made her fear for her life. But over the past month, her perception had changed drastically.
Claudius wasn't the brutal figure the rumors made him out to be. He wasn't tyrannical, and he wasn't a lazy waste like most of the Celestial Dragons. If anything, he seemed... approachable. His demeanor didn't exude the usual arrogance of the nobility. She had begun to see him as a much more reasonable master than she had expected.
It was perhaps because of this growing familiarity that she had dared to ask such a question. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them, fearing that she had overstepped her boundaries.
Claudius, however, found her boldness refreshing. He smiled at her, "Nia, don't be so scared. I'm not going to bite you. As for taking a walk..." He glanced out the window at the sky, then shook his head. "No, I think I'll stay in today. Maybe another time."
The maid, Nia, breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Though Claudius had declined her suggestion, she felt a sense of accomplishment like the distance between her and her master had shrunk ever so slightly.
"From tomorrow, stop bringing me these history books. Instead, I want books about the customs and cultures of other countries. That's where my interest lies now," Claudius said with a smile.
"Yes, Your Highness, I will follow your orders," Nia replied quickly, bowing respectfully.
Chapter 10: People Who Have No Worries Must Have Foresight!
Early in the morning, with the assistance of the palace maids, Claudius completed his morning routine of washing and dressing. He didn't wear the iconic white robe of the Celestial Dragons, nor did he wear the customary bubble helmet that most of them used to protect themselves from the "filthy air" of commoners. Instead, he opted for simple, practical clothes that allowed for easy movement.
At the moment, Claudius was performing basic exercises in his vast courtyard.
To the people of Mariejois, Claudius's behavior seemed odd, and though there were whispers about him, nobody took it too seriously. Why? Well, it was simply a part of the reputation the Donquixote family had earned over the centuries. Among the Celestial Dragons, the Donquixote family was considered a bit eccentric. For over 800 years, they had consistently produced individuals who, in the eyes of other Celestial Dragons, seemed a bit... unhinged.
Take, for example, his uncle Homing, who was preparing to move to North Blue. Then there was Lancelot, who pardoned slaves as if it were a casual gesture. Now, Claudius was counted among these "oddities" because of his new lifestyle.
So, when Claudius chose not to wear the typical holy robes, refused to don a bubble helmet, and instead spent his time in physical training, other Celestial Dragons dismissed it as just another odd quirk of the Donquixote family. At most, they might gossip about him during idle conversations over meals.
Claudius himself couldn't care less. He wasn't the type to leave his estate unless absolutely necessary, and he wasn't concerned with the rumors. Let people say what they wanted. As a Celestial Dragon, and a member of the Donquixote family no less, as long as he didn't cross any major lines, no one would interfere with whatever "nonsense" he decided to indulge in.
After completing a set of exercises based on the instructions left by Zephyr, Claudius wiped the sweat from his brow. His training had left him feeling refreshed but slightly fatigued.
As he caught his breath, Nia, the maid who had recently become more familiar with Claudius, approached with a stack of freshly laundered towels, fragrant and soft.
Over the past few days, Nia had noticed significant changes in her interactions with Claudius. Not only did he seem to genuinely appreciate her presence, but he even joked with her occasionally. Perhaps the most notable change was that Claudius had allowed her to sit and eat with him during meals a privilege that made the other servants extremely envious.
Nia had come to understand his temperament and now felt far more at ease around him, replacing her initial fear with a sense of camaraderie.
"Your Highness," Nia said gently, watching Claudius wipe his sweat, "I've heard that it's possible to overdo the foundation training. If you push yourself too hard, it might actually harm your body. The tea I prepared is warm and ready for you. Why don't you take a break before continuing?"
Had it been a few days earlier, Nia wouldn't have dared to make such a suggestion. But now, she spoke with ease, knowing that Claudius would take her words in stride.
Claudius chuckled and threw the towel back to her. "Is that so? Well, if you say so, I'll rest for a bit."
He knew his own limits. Over the past few days, he had been studying his Devil Fruit abilities alongside his physical training. While his stamina was bolstered by the regenerative effects of his fruit, he wasn't in any rush. He was content to progress slowly and steadily, building his foundation step by step.
He sat down at a small table in the courtyard, taking a few sips of the warm tea Nia had prepared.
In the world of pirates, people often believed that sheer hard work alone could move mountains and part seas. But the truth was more nuanced. Hard work was essential, yes, but talent was just as important. And on top of that, material resources played a crucial role.
Claudius had no shortage of talent. Ever since he had awakened to his new life, he had been diligent in honing his skills. As for material resources, well, as a Celestial Dragon, those were practically endless. Wealth and influence were at his disposal without him even needing to ask. And those in Mariejois who sought favor with him would scramble to shower him with gifts and assistance.
In his experience, achieving mastery often involved some level of injury or wear and tear on the body. This was where resources became invaluable without the right support, it was easy to develop lingering injuries. But with the right tools, one could unlock their full potential.
Take the tea he was sipping, for example. It wasn't just a drink; it was specially formulated to enhance the benefits of physical training, unlocking latent potential in the body. While Marine soldiers might dream of having access to such luxuries, even they couldn't afford to match the level of extravagance that Claudius enjoyed daily.
This was the stark reality of power and wealth.
It was the same in Marine headquarters. Talented recruits were weeded out through rigorous selection processes, and the best were sent to elite programs like the Officer Training Camp, which monopolized high-ranking Marine positions. The Marines funneled their best resources into these select few, ensuring that they had every advantage on their path to greatness.
Without such backing, it would be impossible to succeed so easily.
Claudius was in a similar situation. He was born into the highest echelon of society he didn't have to worry about financial struggles or lack of support. As long as he didn't waste his potential and worked hard, his future achievements would undoubtedly be impressive.
As Claudius sat, Nia gently fanned him to stave off the summer heat. Meanwhile, Claudius absently touched his chin, deep in thought. Slowly, he raised his hand, and wisps of white smoke began to form at his fingertips.
Nia wasn't surprised by this; she had grown accustomed to seeing Claudius practice his Devil Fruit powers. She watched with curiosity as the smoke condensed, transforming into something far more tangible liquid nitrogen.
Claudius had been studying the powers of his Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit in earnest lately. He had discovered that by compressing nitrogen gas, he could condense it into liquid form. And liquid nitrogen was no small thing it was an incredibly powerful tool.
For starters, it was extremely cold. When it vaporized, it absorbed heat rapidly, freezing anything it came into contact with. The frostbite caused by this freezing process was irreversible, making it a dangerous and effective weapon.
Additionally, liquid nitrogen was chemically inert and didn't support combustion. In theory, it could be used to counter fire-based abilities. Claudius even suspected that, if developed fully, it might hold its own against Akainu's magma-based powers.
And this was just one application of the Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit. There were countless other possibilities waiting to be explored. But for now, Claudius was taking things slow. The development of a Devil Fruit's power was a long-term process that required patience and practice.
The mist of nitrogen gas enveloped the cup of tea on the table. After a few seconds, the once warm tea had frozen solid.
Claudius smiled in satisfaction and tapped the frozen cup with his finger. The teacup shattered into tiny shards, demonstrating the sheer power of the freezing nitrogen.
"Ah!" Nia gasped in surprise.
Claudius turned to her, amused. "What's the matter? Were you scared?"
Nia shook her head, her curiosity piqued. "No... It's just strange. I didn't feel any cold coming from it."
Claudius chuckled. "That's the nature of liquid nitrogen. By the time you feel the cold, it's already too late."
He glanced at his hand, still trailing wisps of nitrogen. "This is the power of science combined with the abilities of a Devil Fruit. Some might laugh at me for possessing this ability, but I find it full of potential."
Nia nodded, but after a moment, she hesitated. "Your Highness... I have a question. I'm not sure if I should ask it."
Claudius, intrigued, smiled at her. "Go ahead. Ask away."
Nia took a breath, gathering her courage. "You are a Celestial Dragon descended from the Creator and a god among men. You can have anything in this world with just a word. So why do you work so hard to increase your strength?"
Claudius's smile deepened, and his expression grew thoughtful. His gaze became distant as he spoke softly, "People who have no worries must have foresight, Nia. Today, I may be a god walking in the world... but who can guarantee that will always be the case?"
Nia was left speechless. In her mind, the World Government and the Marines were unbeatable forces. Who in the world could possibly challenge the Celestial Dragons? Hadn't they ruled the world for over 800 years?
Claudius saw the confusion in her eyes and continued, "Without strength to support it, this so-called 'godhood' is nothing more than a castle in the sky. It looks magnificent on the surface, but it's fragile. All it takes is a single blow, and everything will collapse."
Although Claudius enjoyed his current life as a Celestial Dragon, he wasn't naive. He knew that somewhere, beyond the horizons of the world he could see, forces were brewing.