Chapter 21: What a Coincidence
On the top floor of Marineford's Naval Headquarters Hospital, in the most advanced ward equipped with the best medical technology, Claudius lay on a hospital bed in a patient gown, looking relaxed. It would be hard to believe that just a few hours ago, he had been fiercely battling Gion in a high-stakes training match, narrowly winning with a risky, self-sacrificing move.
The aftermath of that fight had nearly given several bystanders a heart attack especially those aware of Claudius's true identity. Zephyr himself had almost suffered a heart attack from the shock.
After all, Claudius was pretending to be a CP-0 recruit. If he were genuinely just a potential agent, even with all his promise, an accidental death during training wouldn't have been the end of the world. Marineford could handle that without too much pressure.
But Claudius wasn't just any recruit he was a Celestial Dragon. If he were injured, people might grumble, but if he died, it would be an entirely different story. The fallout would be catastrophic.
Despite the tension, after Claudius had executed his "mutual destruction" move and pierced both himself and Gion, he still managed to stand victorious. Zephyr, using his seasoned eyes, could see that though Claudius was seriously injured, it wasn't life-threatening. To avoid exposing Claudius's identity, Zephyr had to restrain Nia, Claudius's panicking butler, as well as Stussy, who had been quietly freaking out.
Zephyr's impression of Claudius had shifted over time. When they first met, Zephyr had pegged him as just another spoiled Celestial Dragon, a troublemaker. But after their encounter in the New World, Zephyr had seen a glimpse of Claudius's potential and had passed down to him valuable training techniques.
Now, after seeing Claudius fight again, Zephyr's opinion had changed dramatically. Claudius wasn't just talented he was fearless and ruthlessly determined. The fact that Claudius was willing to stab himself to ensure victory in what was essentially a sparring match left a deep impression.
At that moment, Zephyr realized that Claudius wasn't just a typical Celestial Dragon. He was the kind of person who had the grit and drive to push through pain, hardship, and limitations. He had both talent and tenacity, a combination Zephyr admired. If Claudius had been a Marine, Zephyr would have groomed him to become a future Admiral, maybe even a Fleet Admiral. It was a shame such potential was locked within the confines of the Celestial Dragons.
By Claudius's bedside Nia attended to him, offering him tea and keeping him comfortable. Despite the battle he had just endured, Claudius appeared at ease, though there was still a hint of soreness in his movements.
However, Nia's expression darkened every time her eyes flicked to the other bed in the room. Under her breath, she muttered curses aimed at its occupant.
This was a three-person ward, the most elite medical facility in Marineford. Normally, only top officers like Admirals or the Fleet Admiral would use it. But in cases of injury, it was also made available to those Marines deemed promising future leaders.
Lying on the other bed was none other than Gion, the Commodore who had been defeated by Claudius in their intense sparring match. Despite Claudius winning the bout, Gion's physical condition was far superior to his, thanks to her Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit abilities, which granted her enhanced vitality and recovery.
Even so, Gion had suffered a serious wound from Claudius's Shinsō. While Zoan fruits, especially the Mythical ones, were known for their incredible resilience, she was still too injured to be up and about. Thus, Gion had been placed in the same elite ward as Claudius to recuperate.
As Nia continued to glare at Gion, the Commodore smirked and said, "Heh, if I didn't feel the ruthlessness you displayed during that fight, I'd think you were just some pampered noble's son, lounging around with your maid fussing over you."
Claudius chuckled and replied, "What's wrong, Gion? Are you upset about losing?"
Gion's expression turned slightly sour. It was true Claudius hadn't been stronger than her in raw power. In fact, in terms of physical strength and skill, he was slightly weaker. But the fact remained: in the end, he had won. He had shown the resolve to risk everything for victory, and that was something she had to respect, even if it frustrated her.
"I'm not someone who can't admit defeat," Gion said after a pause, her voice firm despite the sting of the loss.
"Good to hear," Claudius said, a teasing smile on his face. "I wouldn't want to have to stab myself again just to prove my point."
As they exchanged words, Claudius reflected on the match. He knew there was still a considerable gap between his strength and Gion's. His victory had been due to his boldness rather than sheer power. He had leveled the playing field with his determination and a willingness to take drastic risks.
Based on these two sparring sessions, Claudius had a clearer understanding of his own strength. Compared to the average Marine Commodore, he was undoubtedly stronger. In terms of raw power, he was well above someone like Momonga, but he still had some ground to cover before reaching the level of the top-tier Commodores like Gion.
Nevertheless, he wasn't discouraged. He knew that with more training and effort, he would eventually surpass even someone as formidable as Gion.
After a brief exchange, Claudius turned his attention away from Gion. As impressive as she was both as a fighter and as a beautiful woman he found his thoughts drifting toward the man lying in the third bed in their shared ward.
That man was none other than Monkey D. Dragon, the future revolutionary leader who would one day be considered the world's most dangerous criminal. To Claudius, the coincidence of running into Dragon here felt almost too good to be true.
Dragon, the son of Marine hero Garp, was a figure surrounded by mystery. At this point, Dragon was still a respected Marine with a promising future ahead of him, someone people believed would one day become an Admiral, or perhaps even the Fleet Admiral. His presence in this elite ward was no surprise, given his status and potential.
However, it seemed Dragon's injuries weren't too severe, as he was up and about, helping himself to tea and snacks while occasionally chatting with Gion. Claudius had noticed they were on familiar terms, which made sense. Gion had a close relationship with Garp, often referring to him casually as "Little Garp." It was no surprise she knew Dragon well, too.
Despite sharing the ward, Dragon had only exchanged a few polite words with Claudius, acknowledging him as just another CP-0 recruit. He hadn't given Claudius much attention since then.
As Dragon quietly read a book, his serious expression gave off a scholarly air. He didn't resemble the man who would one day be the leader of a worldwide revolution. Without the familiar blood-red tattoos on his face courtesy of Garp's infamous slipper discipline Dragon looked more like an intellectual than a soldier.
Claudius, watching Dragon out of the corner of his eye, couldn't help but laugh inwardly. "What luck! I was just wondering how I could get closer to this guy, and now we're stuck in the same hospital room! Patient friends, huh? Perfect."
Indeed, before coming to Marineford, Claudius had prepared himself for a potential encounter with Dragon, though he hadn't expected it to happen so soon or under such circumstances.
Putting thoughts of Gion aside, Claudius shifted his focus to Dragon. He had to make his move carefully, so as not to waste this golden opportunity.
"Now that Dragon's here, Gion's not my priority anymore," Claudius mused. He turned to his butler and said, "Nia, could you grab that book I brought with me? I'd like to read a bit."
Nia, quick as always, nodded and asked, "Which one would you like to read, Mr. Crow?"
Claudius pretended to think for a moment before replying, "Hmm... How about 'Civil Rights'?"
As soon as Claudius said the title, Dragon's eyes flickered with interest. Though he tried to maintain his composure, Claudius noticed his subtle reaction.
Nia hurriedly fetched the book from Claudius's bag and handed it to him. Smiling, Claudius opened the book and casually read aloud a famous quote: "The people are the most valuable, society comes second, and the ruler is the least important..."
Dragon's eyes sharpened at the words, his curiosity clearly piqued.
Unable to hold back any longer, Dragon leaned forward slightly and asked, "My friend, what book is that you're reading? And where can I find a copy?"
Claudius smiled inwardly. "Hook, line, and sinker."
Feigning mild confusion, Claudius looked up at Dragon and replied, "Oh, this? It's called Civil Rights, but I doubt you can find it in any stores..."
Chapter 22: Artistic
Dragon raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Claudius's response. Could this really be an original work? The thought surprised him. The few lines he had overheard earlier carried ideas that seemed radical, even rebellious ideas that would be considered dangerous by the World Government. The fact that this text wasn't widely available made it even more compelling.
Dragon couldn't help but wonder how Claudius had gotten his hands on such a book. It was certainly the kind of work that might be banned, given its subversive nature. And judging by what he'd overheard earlier, Claudius wasn't just an ordinary CP-0 agent his position seemed somewhat unique, especially considering Zephyr's respectful treatment of him.
But still, could someone with such a connection to the World Government be holding onto this type of literature?
Dragon's mind raced with possibilities, but he didn't jump to conclusions. After all, it wasn't every day you encountered a member of CP-0 in a hospital ward with a book like this. Though curious, he kept his questions light for now.
"Really?" Dragon asked, a hint of regret in his voice, assuming that the book might be a rare or even one-of-a-kind piece.
Claudius, noticing Dragon's interest, smiled and said, "The book isn't particularly rare for me. If you're interested, feel free to borrow it."
With a simple gesture, Claudius nodded to Nia, who promptly fetched the book and handed it to Dragon. Without hesitation, Dragon accepted it. "Thank you, my friend," he said sincerely. "By the way, I didn't catch your name."
"Crowe, interim member of CP-0," Claudius replied with a smile.
"Interim member?" Dragon repeated, finding the title a bit curious. However, he didn't press the matter. It wasn't unusual for someone to be placed in a transitional role within CP-0, especially if they had other tasks ahead of them. Perhaps Claudius had some important assignment coming up, or maybe he was still in training. Whatever the case, Dragon decided not to pry too deeply into it just yet.
"Monkey D. Dragon," Dragon introduced himself in return. "Vice Admiral of Naval Headquarters."
Dragon, though young, had already risen to the position of Vice Admiral. He was just a few years older than Kuzan and had been brought into the Marines by his father, Garp, from an early age. At only twenty-something, he was already a highly respected figure within the Marines, and many believed he was on track to become an Admiral in the future.
However, despite his impressive career, Dragon had been feeling more and more disillusioned with the way the Marines and by extension, the World Government were functioning. Though he hadn't yet fully defined his own revolutionary ideology, he was in the midst of a personal crisis, seeking answers to the questions that troubled him.
That's why the moment he overheard Claudius reciting lines from that book, his curiosity had been piqued. He was searching for something—something that could guide him or clarify his thoughts, and this book seemed like it might hold the answers he was looking for.
Claudius pretended to be surprised at Dragon's introduction. "Monkey? As in the son of Vice Admiral Garp?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.
Dragon waved his hand, looking a little embarrassed. "Yeah, that's right. But I'd prefer not to rely on my father's name too much."
Claudius chuckled. "The son of Garp, huh? I didn't mean any disrespect."
It was clear to Dragon that Claudius wasn't trying to curry favor or leverage his connection to Garp, which was refreshing. Over the years, Dragon had encountered many people who tried to get close to him simply because of his father's reputation. But this Crowe didn't seem to have any such intentions, and Dragon found that oddly comforting. It made him think that perhaps Claudius's own background carried enough weight that he didn't need to rely on external connections.
The conversation shifted, and after exchanging a few more pleasantries, Dragon dove into the book. As he began reading, his eyes widened with each passing sentence. The ideas within were revolutionary, unlike anything he had encountered before. Concepts like "the people being more valuable than the ruler" and "the government serving the people, not controlling them" struck a deep chord within him.
No wonder this book isn't available anywhere, Dragon thought. This kind of ideology would be suppressed immediately.
He quickly found himself engrossed in the text, marveling at the boldness of its ideas. "Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. How can a ruler call themselves a leader without the people's support? True governance is shared by the people," Dragon muttered, echoing lines from the book.
It was clear that whoever had written this had a profound understanding of governance and the delicate balance between power and the people. The more Dragon read, the more it resonated with him, as if this text was helping to resolve the confusion that had been weighing on his mind.
"This book is incredible," Dragon murmured to himself. "It contains thoughts I've never even considered before."
Curious to know more about the author, Dragon flipped to the front of the book, hoping to find some kind of signature or note from the writer. But after scanning through the pages, he found nothing—no name, no preface, no indication of who had penned this work.
"How unfortunate..." Dragon sighed. "I would've loved to read more from this great thinker."
As he said this aloud, he didn't bother hiding his disappointment from Claudius or Gion. Gion, having little interest in the topic, remained silent, but Dragon's enthusiasm was evident.
Claudius, watching Dragon's reaction, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This is going better than expected, he thought.
When Dragon finally pulled his eyes away from the book, he turned to Claudius and asked, "What do you think of this work? It's truly remarkable, isn't it?"
Claudius hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit awkward. After all, it wasn't exactly polite to openly praise your own work. "I think... it's decent. Maybe not perfect, but decent," he replied modestly.
Dragon was caught off guard by the humility in Claudius's answer. "Decent? Just decent?" He shook his head in disbelief. "I think you might be underestimating it. The ideas in this book are revolutionary! They challenge the very foundations of society and governance. It's filled with wisdom and insight."
He looked back at the book, his brows furrowing in thought. "But it feels incomplete. There's so much more to explore, and the text only scratches the surface of what could be a deeper philosophy."
Dragon's mind raced with the possibilities. There had to be more to this philosophy. "Do you happen to have more of this work? A follow-up or continuation?"
Claudius shook his head, smiling slightly. "Not yet."
"Not yet?" Dragon repeated, his interest clearly piqued. "So, there will be more?"
Claudius kept his tone casual, though inwardly he was amused at how quickly Dragon had latched onto his words.
Dragon nodded, though the excitement in his eyes was unmistakable. "If you ever manage to gather the rest, I would be more than willing to help, in any way I can."
Why does this guy sound like a poetic scholar? Claudius thought to himself, trying not to laugh. Dragon's enthusiasm and almost literary tone were starting to amuse him. It was hard to reconcile this refined, thoughtful man with the figure who would one day lead the most feared revolutionary army in the world.
Still, Dragon's interest in his ideas was undeniable. He seemed almost desperate for more, which was exactly what Claudius had hoped for. Now, it was time to string him along just a little bit further.
"It's not that difficult to write," Claudius said with a shrug. "The ideas are there, but I haven't had time to properly organize everything."
Dragon looked genuinely impressed. "You wrote this?!" he exclaimed, staring at Claudius with renewed respect.
Claudius nodded. "It's just the beginning," he said humbly. "There's much more to be written, but you know how it is life gets in the way."
For a moment, Dragon seemed stunned. The man sitting across from him was the author of the very text that had just blown his mind. The fact that Claudius had written something so profound only added to the mystery surrounding him.
"If this is just the beginning, then I can only imagine how impactful the rest will be," Dragon said, his tone full of admiration. "You've already given me so much to think about."
Claudius smiled inwardly. You haven't seen anything yet.
Out loud, he replied modestly, "I'm just exploring some ideas. If you'd like, we can discuss them further sometime."
Dragon nodded eagerly. "I'd be honored to."
Chapter 23: To Teach and Educate People
Claudius ended up staying at Naval Headquarters for seven days, though six and a half of those were spent in the hospital. By the third day, Gion, the beautiful Commodore who had been injured alongside him, was discharged. She was growing impatient in the high-end ward.
There were three people sharing the ward Claudius, Dragon, and Gion—but Gion felt out of place, like an outsider. Claudius and Dragon seemed to hit it off immediately, spending most of their time deep in conversation about ideas that Gion had little interest in. She often found herself rolling her eyes as the two exchanged thoughts, feeling left out and somewhat ignored.
Wherever Gion went, she usually attracted attention. After all, she was the Marine's renowned beauty, and admirers followed her everywhere. Even the second-in-command at the officer training camp, a man destined to be an Admiral candidate, was practically her biggest fan, visiting her four times in the three days she spent in the hospital.
But here? It seemed Claudius and Dragon barely noticed her. They might exchange a few polite words when they were all resting, but that was it. As if that wasn't enough, Nia, Claudius's butler, didn't hide her disdain for Gion, constantly giving her cold glares, likely blaming her for Claudius's injuries.
Feeling humiliated by the cold treatment, Gion had had enough. Her Zoan fruit ability had already sped up her recovery, and as soon as she was well enough, she signed her discharge papers and left, no longer willing to stay in the ward where she felt so unwelcome.
As for Dragon, his injuries had healed days ago, but he deliberately stayed in the ward longer to engage Claudius in more philosophical discussions. Dragon was at a crossroads in his life, and though he had a budding sense of rebellion, he still hadn't fully formed his ideas. The things Claudius talked about resonated with him in a way that few other things had.
Though Dragon already had strong opinions about the injustices in the world, Claudius had access to ideas and philosophies far beyond what Dragon had been exposed to. Claudius, having come from an era of information and diverse political thought, was familiar with theories and movements that had no counterpart in Dragon's time. Even if Claudius wasn't a master of these philosophies, they were more than enough to open Dragon's eyes to new possibilities.
By the end of the seven days, Dragon had developed a deep respect for Claudius not for his strength, but for his ideas and his way of thinking.
Just as Claudius and Dragon were wrapping up one of their discussions, an unexpected visitor arrived at the ward.
It was none other than Garp, Vice Admiral of the Marines and one of its strongest combatants. His arms were crossed, and his nose was tilted up arrogantly as he sat on Dragon's bed, clearly there to reprimand his son.
"You idiot! What kind of injury do you have? You should've been discharged from the hospital five days ago! But here you are, loafing around for another five days. What are you trying to do, dodge your duties as a Vice Admiral? How am I supposed to face the world if my son acts like this? You're getting out of this hospital today, whether you like it or not! There's a mission waiting for you."
As Garp said this, he glanced over at Claudius on the other bed, deliberately avoiding mentioning the specifics of the mission. It wasn't that Garp was worried Claudius might leak the information; after all, Claudius was Celestial Dragon, a position that came with access to far more classified details. No, Garp didn't want to risk Claudius showing too much interest in the mission and deciding to tag along. The last thing Garp wanted was to babysit a Celestial Dragon on a dangerous operation.
There was also another reason for Garp's reluctance: his long-standing disdain for the Celestial Dragons. After the God Valley Incident, Garp's contempt for the world nobles had only deepened. While Zephyr Admiral had vouched for Claudius, saying he was different from other Celestial Dragons, Garp wasn't quick to change his mind. At best, he thought Claudius was a decent fighter tough enough to stab himself to defeat Gion.
"I'm not going," Dragon said bluntly, rejecting his father's proposal without hesitation. "I'm not the only Vice Admiral in the Marines. Someone else can take care of it. You seem to have plenty of free time, so why don't you handle it yourself and leave me out of it?"
Garp's temper flared, and he slammed his hand against the bed. "Do you even know what's going on in the New World right now? Golden Lion Shiki just took down Ochoku! Now's the perfect chance to hunt Ochoku down and lock him up in Impel Down. This is a big deal, and you're sitting here slacking off? You've got to come with me. Let's catch him together."
Hearing this, Claudius's curiosity was piqued. He knew of Golden Lion Shiki, but Ochoku wasn't a name he was too familiar with. He knew that Ochoku had once been part of the Rocks Pirates, just like Shiki, but the details of his story were murky. Judging by Garp's reaction, Ochoku must've been one of his old rivals.
"I've got more important things to do than that," Dragon said, clearly irritated.
"What could be more important than upholding justice as a Marine? More important than wiping out evil?" Garp demanded, his frustration growing.
"Ochoku is already weakened by Shiki. You don't need me for this you can handle it on your own. This is a trivial matter for me. What's important right now is that I'm at a critical point in my life, figuring out my beliefs. I'm finally starting to see through the confusion I've been feeling. That's far more important to me than chasing some pirate."
"You idiot! I'm your father!" Garp shouted, his patience wearing thin.
Watching the heated argument, Claudius couldn't help but reflect on Garp's skills as a mentor. Garp was strong, legendary even he had power, fame, and experience. But in one area, he struggled immensely: raising the next generation.
Marine had two prominent figures when it came to training future leaders. One was Zephyr, who was practically the "headmaster" of the Marines. He had trained many of the Navy's top officers, including the future Admirals. He was a respected teacher who produced disciplined, formidable Marines.
Then there was Garp.
Garp was a different story. His intentions were good, and he genuinely wanted to raise great Marines, but the results spoke for themselves. He had raised his own son, Dragon, to become the world's most notorious criminal. Strike one.
Then, after realizing he'd botched his son's path, Garp turned his attention to Ace, Roger's son, hoping to mold him into a top Marine. That didn't go so well either Ace ended up becoming Whitebeard's adopted son and a pirate through and through. Strike two.
Lastly, there was his grandson, Luffy. Garp had tried to raise Luffy to be a strong Marine, but the boy had also gone off to become a pirate, charging headlong toward the same rebellious path as his father and brother. Strike three.
If it weren't for Garp's incredible reputation and accomplishments, Claudius figured the World Government would've come after him, maybe even demoting or punishing him for being a terrible influence.
Now, watching Garp and Dragon argue, Claudius could clearly see why Garp's mentorship hadn't panned out. Garp was too overbearing. He wanted his son and grandson to follow the paths he had laid out for them, never really considering their desires. No wonder they had all rebelled.
It was time for Claudius to intervene. If he didn't step in, Garp and Dragon might end up in a full-blown argument, and Garp could easily find out that the real reason Dragon didn't want to leave the hospital was because of Claudius's discussions with him. Claudius didn't want to end up being the scapegoat for their fight.
Also, if Garp and Dragon started brawling here, Claudius didn't want to be caught in the crossfire his injuries still weren't fully healed, after all.
"Dragon," Claudius said, trying to calm the situation. "Don't be too quick to dismiss your father's suggestion. There's value in theory, but you also need practice. You need to see the world with your own eyes, experience it. That's how you refine your ideas. Vice Admiral Garp's mission might be the perfect opportunity for you to do just that."
Dragon paused, turning to listen as Claudius continued, "The conversations we've had ideas are important, but they need to be tested against reality. You might find new inspiration, or see things from a different perspective while out there. Consider it part of your journey."
Dragon hesitated. He respected Claudius's opinions, and it was true that he had learned a lot from their talks. After a moment, he finally nodded. "Fine, I'll go with you, then."
Garp was a bit stunned at the moment. He knew just how stubborn his son was—how could he not? Yet, watching Claudius sway his son's resolve with just a few words left Garp genuinely surprised.
As a result, his impression of Claudius shifted slightly.
"It seems… maybe Zephyr was right. This Claudius might be different from the usual spoiled, arrogant Celestial Dragons," Garp thought to himself.
After Dragon agreed to Garp's mission, he turned and looked at Claudius with a smile. "Mr. Crowe and I hit it off right away. We'll be parting ways for now, but who knows when we'll get to meet again? Why don't we exchange contact information? If I find myself confused in the future, I might reach out to have a chat."
Naturally, Claudius wouldn't refuse such an offer. He nodded and called out, "Nia."
Nia knew what to do. She immediately took out a phone transponder snail from her bag and handed it to Dragon. The two exchanged signals, ensuring they'd be able to communicate in the future. With that settled, Dragon followed Garp to begin the formal discharge procedures.
As they walked down the corridor of the Marine hospital, Dragon remained silent for a while before finally speaking up. "Who is that Mr. Crowe? I get the feeling he's more than just a CP-0 agent, right?"
Garp glanced at Dragon with a complicated expression. After a moment, he shook his head and said, "If he didn't tell you himself, then it's not my place to say any more.".
Chapter 24: Sabaody Archipelago
After Dragon left, Claudius didn't bother staying at the Marine hospital. He wasn't a Marine, so there was no need for any formal discharge procedures. Once he packed up his belongings, he left Naval Headquarters, Marineford.
Before he departed, he had one last meeting with Admiral Zephyr. What surprised him, however, was the unexpected appearance of Marine's so-called "Flower of Gion," who showed up at the port just to see him off.
The reason? Claudius had managed to defeat her during a sparring session on the training grounds. Out of respect for a worthy opponent, she felt it was only right to personally bid him farewell.
She also made it clear that she wouldn't lose next time due to a mistake like she did before, and warned Claudius to stay sharp.
Looking at the proud and stubborn "Flower of the Marines," Claudius couldn't help but smirk. Next time? Compete with me again? If there's a next time, I'll have you flat on your back—not in battle, but in bed, showing you all the ways I can break you down until you're begging for mercy.
But, of course, those were just the dirty thoughts running through Claudius's mind. Putting aside such fantasies, he was confident that if there really were a next time, he would be able to face Gion head-on with his own growing strength.
Why was he so sure? Because Claudius had already received something crucial from Zephyr something he'd been aiming for since the beginning.
Zephyr had handed over a detailed manual on Haki cultivation and training methods.
When it came to Haki mastery, there were two individuals in the Marine who were absolute experts.
The first was the man Claudius had targeted Zephyr himself.
Zephyr, known as the "Admiral Who Doesn't Kill," had earned his second moniker, "Black Arm," due to his proficiency in Armament Haki. His mastery in Armament Haki was unparalleled, and it was through this skill, rather than any Devil Fruit ability, that Zephyr climbed to the rank of Marine Admiral. His powerful Conqueror's Haki was an extension of his life experience, and while Claudius hadn't even awakened his Conqueror's Haki yet, Zephyr's manual provided insight that was invaluable for future training.
The other Marine expert who could match or even surpass Zephyr in Haki mastery was none other than the hero of the Marines and Dragon's father—Vice Admiral Garp.
Despite holding the rank of Vice Admiral, Garp's strength was on par with, or even above, the Admirals. He was the unchallenged powerhouse of the Marine.
So why didn't Claudius go to Garp for Haki training? The reason was simple: Garp wasn't exactly known for being the most... diligent or articulate instructor, at least not when it came to teaching others.
In contrast, Zephyr's manual was filled with detailed explanations. He had poured in all his experiences and insights, even adding personal advice tailored to Claudius's abilities and potential based on their interactions over the past few days.
It was clear that Zephyr truly cared about Claudius, whether due to his passion for teaching or a genuine respect for Claudius's status as a Celestial Dragon. Regardless of the reason, Zephyr had spared no effort in helping him.
Thus, Claudius was more than willing to view Zephyr as a true mentor.
"I'll find a way to repay Zephyr someday…" Claudius murmured to himself as he stood on the deck of the ship, watching Marineford slowly recede into the distance. He glanced down at the manual filled with Zephyr's wisdom and insights, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Zephyr's generosity had genuinely touched him, so much so that Claudius was determined to protect the man's family, no matter what.
"Stussy..." Claudius called out.
Stussy, who had been standing nearby during Claudius's time at Marineford, immediately stepped forward and responded softly, "Your Highness, what are your orders?"
"Once we return to Mariejois, I want you to transfer some of our best operatives from CP-0 and have them positioned around Zephyr's family. Don't reveal their identities just have them act as friends or acquaintances. If any danger approaches Zephyr's family, I want our agents to protect them at all costs. Understood?" Claudius instructed.
Although Stussy didn't fully understand why Claudius wanted to make such an arrangement, she nodded and accepted the task without question.
While Stussy remained puzzled, Claudius knew exactly why he was taking this precaution. Better to be safe than sorry.
Claudius wasn't one to meddle unnecessarily, but after benefiting so much from Zephyr's guidance, he couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
There were simply too many uncertainties in this world. Sending a few skilled agents as a safety net was the most straightforward and effective measure he could take.
"It should be enough… right?" Claudius mused to himself. The idea of anyone daring to harm a Marine Admiral's family was almost unheard of. But Claudius wasn't taking any chances. Even if it were an improbable scenario, he believed his intervention could make all the difference.
The journey from Marineford to Sabaody Archipelago wasn't far. It took less than half a day to reach their destination.
Claudius had no intention of heading back to Mariejois right away. Since he was already out and about, he decided to visit Sabaody Archipelago and see what it had to offer.
After all, Sabaody was a well-known island, marking the end of the first half of the Grand Line and serving as the gateway to the New World. On this island, just about anything could happen.
You could see the lofty and arrogant Celestial Dragons. You could see downtrodden slaves at the bottom of the hierarchy. You could witness Marine officers enforcing justice or encounter pirates causing mayhem.
Here, on this chaotic island, you might even stumble across legendary figures like Whitebeard, Golden Lion, or the future Pirate King himself, Roger.
These giants of the seas often stopped by Sabaody because there was no other direct route to the New World. The only alternative was to circle around the Calm Belt.
The Sabaody Archipelago was a true melting pot—a place where predators and prey lurked in the shadows, hidden in plain sight.
But for Claudius, the island didn't pose much danger. Sabaody was directly under the jurisdiction of the Celestial Dragons. In essence, it was their playground their fiefdom.
It was close to both Marineford and the Holy Land Mariejois. Should trouble arise, reinforcements from either the CP organization or the Marine Headquarters could arrive almost instantaneously.
So long as Claudius didn't run into some reckless fool like Luffy someone who would attack a Celestial Dragon without a second thought he had no reason to worry.
And people like Luffy were few and far between. Claudius was confident he wouldn't be so unlucky.
While most pirates had to enter Sabaody through the lawless zone's port, Claudius's status allowed him to sail directly to the luxurious port reserved for Celestial Dragons.
After disembarking, Claudius decided to conceal his identity at least a little. He didn't need to go to great lengths to disguise himself but opted not to flaunt his status. He kept his entourage small, bringing only Stussy, his butler Nia, and a few hidden guards.
Without the typical Celestial Dragon attire, the obnoxious bubble hood, or a procession of slaves, he didn't stand out too much. Most people would just assume he was a wealthy noble visiting the island.
Given how many nobles frequented Sabaody in hopes of currying favor with the Celestial Dragons, Claudius's appearance was anything but conspicuous.
As he strolled through Sabaody Archipelago, he took in the sights with curious eyes, observing the island's layout and unique atmosphere.
Apart from the lawless zones, the rest of the island was surprisingly orderly. The scenery was beautiful, the climate pleasant. It truly was an ideal place for leisure and relaxation. No wonder so many Celestial Dragons liked to visit.
From what he could tell at the port, a few of his "Celestial Dragon brethren" were already on the island. But Claudius had no intention of meeting up with them or exchanging pleasantries. He preferred to explore the island on his own terms.
"Your Highness, I've compiled a list of interesting spots and information about Sabaody Archipelago. Please take a look and decide where you'd like to go," Nia said, handing Claudius some papers.
Claudius glanced through the information. He wasn't interested in soap bubble parks or sightseeing spots. Specialty shops and scenic views didn't catch his eye either. In the end, he settled on one destination—the auction house in the illegal zone.
He smiled and said, "Let's go check out this auction."
The moment the words left his mouth, Stussy's expression turned a bit apprehensive. "Your Highness, that auction isn't exactly legitimate. It deals in some rather shady, gray-area businesses. And more importantly, it's located in the lawless zone it's dangerous there..."
Sabaody's illegal zone was still chaotic at this time.
The auctions there weren't particularly well-regulated, and the slave trade wasn't as "refined" as it would be in the future. Claudius figured that later on, when his big cousin, Donquixote Doflamingo, eventually extended his influence into Sabaody, he would formalize and dominate the slave trade market, turning it into a more structured "employment agency."
But for now, these auctions were still a hodgepodge of activities selling everything from slaves to rare treasures. Claudius wanted to take a look, just to see if there was anything of value.
"It's fine. With you around, Stussy, what could possibly go wrong? Is there anyone out there who'd dare to harm me?" Claudius said with a grin.
Stussy sighed in resignation, smiling wryly as she replied, "I'll certainly do everything in my power to protect Your Highness. But if we encounter a situation I can't handle, please don't hesitate to reveal your true identity to avoid unnecessary trouble."
"Don't worry, I promise," Claudius nodded with a lighthearted smile.
With that, they made their way to the illegal zone of the Sabaody Archipelago.
Chapter 25: Demon Blade, Shindō!
After stepping into the lawless zone, Claudius could feel the chaotic energy that permeated the area. However, with Stussy accompanying him and a few discreet guards trailing behind, no one dared to provoke him.
Truth be told, the chaos in the lawless zone rarely affected those who appeared to be well-off or of noble descent, like Claudius. Most of the violence and crime targeted people who were destitute and alone those whose deaths would go unnoticed.
People like Claudius, who exuded the aura of a noble, were seen more as potential patrons in the eyes of the scum of this area. After all, the lower rungs of society depended on these wealthy individuals for their income. And since nobles were not to be trifled with lightly, trouble tended to steer clear of them.
There was no hassle when they entered the auction house. Stussy handled negotiations with the auctioneer, and it wasn't long before Claudius and his group were led to the front row of the venue.
Though Claudius didn't explicitly reveal his identity as a Celestial Dragon, he was seated right behind the reserved area for them, in the second row, just shy of the most prominent seats in the house. He glanced at the two Celestial Dragons occupying those seats ahead of him. They seemed young, probably no more than their twenties.
Claudius couldn't immediately recognize who they were just from seeing their backs, but he could already tell that they were of the same mold as his predecessor typical Celestial Dragons, wasteful and utterly useless.
Understanding their nature, Claudius had no interest in introducing himself or exchanging pleasantries. Instead, he simply sat back in his seat and waited for the auction to begin, paying no attention to the chatter between the two Celestial Dragons in front of him, who seemed to be boasting about their slave purchases.
With nothing better to do, Claudius closed his eyes and began to reflect on his interactions with Dragon over the past few days.
Had he made any real impact? Yes, definitely. Through sheer persistence and rhetoric, Claudius had at least planted some seeds of doubt and introspection within Dragon. But expecting to fully rewrite Dragon's future would be naive.
First and foremost, Dragon was a strong-willed individual. While he might acknowledge some of Claudius's points in the short term, someone like him wouldn't be easily swayed. Claudius could sense that Dragon was more interested in testing his own beliefs against Claudius's arguments rather than blindly accepting them. He was absorbing the conversation, seeking common ground while still maintaining his own distinct ideals.
But for now, this was enough. All Claudius wanted was to establish a rapport, a foundation of friendship. If he could guide Dragon in the future, he would. If not, at least there would be some room for negotiation instead of immediate hostility. Just having a space for dialogue was sufficient for now.
Thinking that he probably wouldn't see Dragon again for a while, Claudius let out a quiet sigh and put those thoughts aside. He focused on resting and quietly waited for the auction to begin.
Soon enough, the auction hall filled up, and the auctioneer wasted no time starting the event.
Claudius had never participated in an auction before, but he had heard plenty about their typical routines. As expected, the initial items were rather mundane and uninteresting. Claudius paid no attention to the early bids for treasures and slaves, finding nothing remarkable among them.
The same held true for the two Celestial Dragons in front of him. They didn't bother bidding on anything either.
The ones truly engaged were the nobles seated further back, eagerly vying for things Claudius couldn't care less about.
"The gap in wealth and power is obvious. The nobles in this world aren't as sophisticated as I'd imagined… Celestial Dragons really are on another level," Claudius mused.
Just as he began to question if he'd come to the wrong place, the auction finally presented something of interest.
The first major highlight of the night was a giant slave, towering and muscular. The giant had a rough yet dignified air about him, giving off the aura of a seasoned warrior. His arms and legs were bound with thick chains, and a massive slave collar encircled his neck.
The moment the giant appeared, Claudius noticed the two Celestial Dragons ahead of him perk up with interest.
From what Claudius knew, aside from rare mermaid slaves, giants were among the most valuable slaves in the market, with a starting price of 50 million Berries.
For most ordinary nobles, this was an astronomical sum. But for Celestial Dragons? It was a trivial amount.
Even lower-tier Celestial Dragons like Claudius received a monthly allowance of 500 million Berries just as pocket money. And with the world government and countless wealthy merchants constantly fawning over them, Celestial Dragons rarely had to spend their own money on luxuries or treasures.
Instead, merchants and officials would scramble to present these items as gifts. There was no way they would dare to ask the Celestial Dragons to pay for anything themselves.
As a result, Claudius had barely touched his monthly allowance in the past six months, saving up a substantial fortune that he intended to use as seed money for his future endeavors.
But for most Celestial Dragons, their biggest monthly expense was probably their extravagant spending sprees on Sabaody Archipelago, and this auction was likely one of the prime outlets for them to blow their funds.
Sure enough, Claudius had no interest in acquiring the giant slave. But the two Celestial Dragons in front of him were more than eager. They started the bidding war at 100 million Berries.
Despite the other nobles being wealthy, none dared to compete with the Celestial Dragons. The two young men seemed to get into a heated argument, raising the bid repeatedly until the price soared to nearly 200 million Berries. Eventually, one of them conceded, clearly upset.
The auction continued, showcasing various intriguing items like brawny fishmen slaves and rare treasures, keeping Claudius entertained. The Celestial Dragons in front, however, did not bid on anything else.
It wasn't until a Devil Fruit was brought onto the stage that Claudius's eyes lit up. With a smile, he gestured to Nya to raise his paddle.
"One hundred and fifty million Berries, for the first bid! Any other takers?" the auctioneer called out, trying to stir up more enthusiasm. "This Devil Fruit is a rare Logia-type! Even if the price were doubled, it would still be an excellent deal…"
Claudius paid no attention to the auctioneer's words. He was genuinely interested in this Devil Fruit because it was the Swamp-Swamp Fruit, a Logia-type fruit often regarded as the "weakest" of its kind.
This fruit wasn't sought after because of its lackluster abilities and the fact that it did little to enhance the user's appearance. But even so, it was still a Logia-type, making it inherently valuable.
The Fruit had potential in the right hands. And if Claudius couldn't find someone suitable to eat it, he could always give it to the Marine's science team once they acquired the brilliant scientist, Vegapunk. In time, they'd develop the technology to transfer Devil Fruit abilities into objects.
At the very least, this fruit could be turned into a tool effectively creating a piece of equipment with a 'storage' capacity similar to a bag of holding. If nothing else, it could even be used to set up someone Claudius didn't like perhaps in a manner reminiscent of how he had been dealt in the past.
Becoming a Celestial Dragon for the past six months had rubbed off on Claudius in some ways. He wasn't above using underhanded tactics now.
Logia Devil Fruits, no matter how "trash" they seemed, were still worth hundreds of millions. They were valuable and rare, so why not grab it?
Without revealing his identity as a Celestial Dragon, Claudius's bids weren't met with any special treatment. But after a few rounds, he secured the Swamp Swamp Fruit for a final bid of 300 million Berries.
The win revitalized his interest in the auction. He leaned forward slightly, eager to see what would come up next.
Soon, the next item made its appearance a beautiful, ominous sword.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please feast your eyes on this extraordinary blade one of the 21 Great Grade Swords. This is the famed Demon Blade, Shindō!"
The auctioneer's voice boomed with excitement. "This blade was acquired at a high price from the black market. But be warned it's not just any famous sword. Shindō is a cursed blade. According to legend, it was forged by a notorious pirate blacksmith centuries ago. The blade has been used to commit countless atrocities, becoming imbued with a dark, malevolent aura."
"However, as the years have passed, the curse seems to have weakened. We believe it's time for this demon blade to be reborn, and we are seeking the one destined to wield it here tonight!"
The auctioneer's fervor was palpable as he introduced the sword.
Claudius's gaze settled on the blade. At first glance, it looked exquisite. The scabbard was crafted from ebony wood, deep black with subtle golden patterns that gave it an elegant, almost mystical aura. A few dark green gemstones adorned the sheath, enhancing its beauty without seeming ostentatious.
The handle, wrapped tightly in blood-red threads, exuded a low-key sense of luxury. Even from a distance, Claudius could feel the faint, lingering malevolence emanating from the blade.
"This truly is one of the 21 Great Grade Swords... A top-tier weapon," Claudius murmured, his interest growing. He'd already made up his mind he had to get his hands on it.
Seeing the look in Claudius's eyes, the butler Nya hesitated for a moment before speaking up, "Your Highness, this sword may look magnificent, but it's a cursed blade. They say cursed swords bring misfortune to their wielders. Are you sure—"
"Hahahaha, what's there to be afraid of?" Claudius interrupted with a hearty laugh. "I refuse to believe that a sword, no matter how cursed, can be my undoing."
The starting price for Demon Blade Shindō was set at an impressive 300 million Berries. Claudius didn't bid immediately but instead observed the room, assessing his potential competition.
Initially, a few of the wealthier nobles entered the bidding, and the price quickly rose to 400 million Berries. However, before long, the Celestial Dragon who had previously bid for the giant slave joined in. With a single bid, he raised the price by another 50 million Berries, clearly showing his intent to claim the blade.
The rest of the attendees, intimidated by the involvement of a Celestial Dragon, soon fell silent, unwilling to risk offending such a powerful entity. But just as Claudius was about to make his move, a new voice suddenly called out from the back of the auction hall.
"500 million Berries."
Claudius turned, his gaze locking onto a strikingly handsome, middle-aged man seated in the last row. The man's presence radiated confidence and composure, his aura distinct from the rest of the audience.
At first glance, Claudius was taken aback by how good-looking the man was. But on closer inspection, he realized something even more shocking.
"Silvers Rayleigh?" Claudius muttered to himself, eyes widening in recognition.
...