Chapter 31: Plans
"So… what if I said I wanted to take revenge on Mariejois?"
Doflamingo's voice came hesitantly through the phone. He paused for a moment, as if waiting for Claudius's response, but before Claudius could answer, he quickly added, "Of course, not revenge on you, cousin. I know you've always treated me well. If it weren't for your support over the years, I probably wouldn't have made it this far. And if my father hadn't stubbornly refused your kindness, we wouldn't have ended up living in such a miserable state…"
Claudius didn't hesitate. Doflamingo wanting revenge on Mariejois made sense to him. After all, Claudius himself had plans to turn Mariejois upside down when the time was right. He wasn't planning on staying a Celestial Dragon forever.
A few years ago, he'd been too young, still figuring things out. Back then, Claudius lacked the strength and influence to make any real moves. But now, things were different. He might not be at the peak of his power yet, but he was more than capable of holding his own in this vast ocean. If he were in the Navy, he figured he could easily hold the rank of Vice Admiral by now.
His age was no longer a limitation, and he was beginning to think it was time to start laying the groundwork recruiting allies, building up his own forces. Claudius knew it would be a long process before he had enough power to pull off what he was planning, but that was fine. He was still young, and there was plenty of time.
Now, with Doflamingo at a breaking point with his family and ready to strike out on his own, things were aligning in Claudius's favor. Doflamingo needed time to rise to power, to establish himself. Perhaps, by the time Doflamingo succeeded, he would be a valuable ally in Claudius's own plans.
So, rather than stopping him, Claudius fully intended to support him. Their bond had grown stronger over the years, and Doflamingo essentially saw Claudius as the only family member who truly understood him.
Sure, Doflamingo might want to carve his own path for a while, aiming to create his empire, but Claudius was confident. When Doflamingo eventually realized he needed more, there was a high chance he would fall under Claudius's banner completely.
This was the perfect time for investment.
"I've already told you, Doffy," Claudius said with a smile, "you're my brother the person I trust most. You know you're my only family. So, whatever you decide to do, even if it's taking revenge on Mariejois, I'll support you. In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing those pompous fools taken down a peg myself. Maybe our timing will be perfect."
"The only family…" Doflamingo whispered to himself.
His eyes reddened. Despite his resolve to strike out on his own, he was still just a thirteen-year-old boy. His mother had passed away. His father had dragged their family from the heights of privilege to the depths of despair. His younger brother, Rosinante, didn't understand him at all, holding on to naïve ideals and fantasies that Doflamingo found insufferable.
If he were to count the people who truly understood him, only his cousin Claudius came to mind. Now, hearing Claudius call him his only family stirred something deep within Doflamingo's heart.
Though he still had his father and brother, none of them were like Claudius. Claudius was the only one who really understood him the only one who was truly family.
If Claudius had known what Doflamingo was thinking, he might have felt a pang of guilt. It was true that he had some thoughts of using Doflamingo for his own purposes, but it was also true that, aside from that, Doflamingo really was his only family. Claudius didn't consider Homing or Rosinante as family. In his eyes, they were more like burdens or nuisances.
"I knew it, cousin. I knew you'd support me," Doflamingo said, his voice filled with excitement. "Let's turn this world upside down together, the two of us!"
"Hahaha, exactly!" Claudius laughed. "We'll turn this world on its head."
After a moment, Claudius's tone shifted as he asked, "So, what's your plan? What do you need from me? Just tell me, Doffy."
Doflamingo paused for a second, then said, somewhat shyly, "Cousin, do you know about Haki?"
"Huh? Of course I do. You should know I've always been interested in that sort of thing," Claudius replied.
"Good. Something strange happened recently. While I was fighting a mob that was bullying Rosinante, I suddenly awakened this power called 'Conqueror's Haki.' Because of that, a few people approached me. They seem to think I have the potential to be a king. They've pledged their loyalty to me, calling me 'Young Master.' With them by my side, I'm ready to make my move."
As Doflamingo explained, Claudius felt a wave of disbelief wash over him. He had spent years honing his skills, pushing himself to the limit, but he hadn't managed to awaken Conqueror's Haki. Meanwhile, his cousin, after suffering in North Blue, had accidentally unlocked it and, on top of that, had people lining up to pledge their allegiance to him.
Claudius couldn't help but compare their experiences. He had worked so hard to earn every bit of power, even managing to recruit Stussy into his circle. But Doflamingo, despite his miserable circumstances, had managed to awaken Conqueror's Haki and gain followers just like that.
Claudius thought with a wry smile. Why is no one falling over themselves to be my follower?
Then he remembered Rothschild, the Celestial Dragon who had begged to be his subordinate back on Sabaody Archipelago. Claudius had turned him down, of course. Maybe he shouldn't have been so quick to refuse?
Doflamingo really does have the protagonist's template if only he wasn't a villain, Claudius thought with amusement. Born into a Celestial Dragon family, cast down into hardship, and now rising through sheer force of will. And now, he's awakened Conqueror's Haki.
Claudius sighed inwardly. In a different world, Doflamingo could have easily been the main character of some epic saga.
He even has me behind him, like some powerful mentor figure. Damn, the kid's got it all.
"Cousin? Cousin, are you still there?" Doflamingo's voice interrupted Claudius's thoughts.
"Ah, yeah, sorry. Just lost in thought for a moment," Claudius said, brushing it off. "So, what's your next move?"
"I'm going to form the Donquixote Family. I'll start by taking control of the area where we've been living. I'll become the biggest power in the region's underground, and from there… I'll keep growing," Doflamingo explained. His voice was filled with determination, and it was clear he'd been thinking about this for a long time.
Claudius listened carefully. Everything was pretty much as he'd expected. Doflamingo was planning to build his own crew, get involved in the underworld, expand his influence, and eventually take on the World Government.
There were a lot of holes in Doflamingo's plan, but Claudius knew those would get filled in over time. As Doflamingo gained experience, he would grow stronger, smarter, and eventually become the infamous "Heavenly Demon."
Once Doflamingo finished laying out his plan, Claudius asked, "So, how can I help you? What do you need from me?"
There was a brief silence on the other end before Doflamingo spoke, sounding a bit embarrassed. "Well… I was hoping… you could lend me some money, cousin. Just to get started."
Claudius blinked in surprise. All Doflamingo wanted was a loan? Given how difficult life had been for him in North Blue, Claudius had expected him to ask for something bigger.
His heart went out to his cousin. It was clear how much Doflamingo had suffered. Feeling a surge of brotherly affection, Claudius spoke generously.
"We're brothers, Doffy. You don't need to borrow anything from me. When you left Mariejois, you gave me all your slaves. Think of this as me returning the favor. I'll send you one billion Baileys to start. Is that enough? If you need more, don't hesitate to ask."
"One… one billion?" Doflamingo stammered. Having lived in poverty for so long, he had lost touch with the value of money. For years, he'd been scraping by, barely able to earn enough to survive. Now, his cousin was offering him one billion Baileys as if it were nothing. It was more than he could've imagined.
Moved to tears, Doflamingo said emotionally, "Cousin, you're the best. Don't worry, I won't let you down. I'll make something great of myself, and I'll repay your trust."
"Hahaha, you're part of the Donquixote family, Doffy. I know you'll rise to become someone important. Work hard, and if you ever need anything else, just let me know. As long as I can help, I will," Claudius said with a hearty laugh.
After exchanging a few more words, the call ended. Claudius put the receiver down and gazed out toward the island that was now in clear view.
"Finally, the wheels are in motion. The figures of this era are slowly starting to move. I can't afford to lag behind," Claudius muttered to himself, a sense of anticipation swelling in his chest.
Nia standing nearby, heard his words and asked, "Your Highness, what are you thinking about?"
"Hahaha, nothing too serious. Just feeling a bit reflective," Claudius replied with a grin.
Meanwhile, at the port of Cornillo Island, Dragon had just stepped off a small boat. He turned to glance toward the horizon and noticed a larger ship flying the World Government's flag approaching the dock.
"That's probably him," Dragon said quietly, watching the ship draw closer. "It's been years since we last met. I wonder if Mr. Crowe has changed… and if he'll agree with my ideas."
Instead of leaving, Dragon stayed at the harbor, waiting for the ship to dock, curious to see if the man he had invited Claudius was indeed onboard.
At the same time, in the Holy Land of Mariejois, the headquarters of the World Government, the Five Elders were gathered together, deep in discussion. The tides of the era were shifting, and by 1496, the tremors of change had already begun to be felt around the world.
Chapter 32: Meeting Dragon
In a hot spring hotel on Cornillo Island, Claudius and Dragon were soaking in the hot spring, steam rising around them as they relaxed.
Claudius had a feeling Dragon was planning something big, so to avoid unwanted attention, he had instructed his butler Nia to book the entire hotel for them. With no one else around, they could speak freely without fear of being overheard.
Dragon leaned back in the hot water, his expression much more relaxed than before. With a sigh of relief, he said, "It's been years since we've seen each other, Mr. Crowe. You've changed so much, I almost didn't recognize you. If it weren't for Miss Nia by your side, I would've walked right past you."
Claudius smiled and replied, "You've changed a lot too. And that tattoo on your face... what's the story behind it?" He gestured toward the lines now etched across Dragon's face.
When Claudius had met him at Naval Headquarters a few years ago, Dragon hadn't had that tattoo. Now, it seemed like a permanent fixture, sparking Claudius's curiosity.
"This?" Dragon touched his cheek lightly, then smiled. "A mark of my resolve, I suppose."
Seeing that Dragon didn't want to go into more detail, Claudius didn't push him further. After all, what if it was the result of a smack from Garp? That would be a bit awkward to explain.
Changing the subject, Claudius asked, "I heard you resigned from your position as Vice Admiral earlier this year. That caught me by surprise. From what I remember, you were on track for promotion to Admiral. Why give up such a promising career? With your skills and reputation, even the position of Fleet Admiral wasn't out of reach for you. So, why leave?"
Dragon leaned his head back against the stones of the hot spring, smiling softly. "Paths diverge, and sometimes, they can't be reconciled. After all these years, I realized I could never fully align myself with Marine's sense of justice. There was an insurmountable gap between us…"
"What do you mean by that?" Claudius asked, sinking deeper into the soothing waters.
"The justice Marine fights for isn't the justice I believe in," Dragon said, his voice calm but tinged with regret. "If I had stayed, it would have only led to more conflict and bitterness. So, I chose to leave while I still could."
Claudius nodded slowly. He had half-expected this, knowing Dragon's nature.
Dragon waited a moment, clearly expecting Claudius to ask more, but when the latter simply sat back and enjoyed the hot spring, saying nothing, Dragon's patience began to wane.
"Mr. Crowe, aren't you going to ask me what I'm planning next?" Dragon said with a sigh, sounding both amused and exasperated.
Claudius blinked as if suddenly realizing what Dragon wanted and asked, "Oh right, Dragon, what's your plan?"
"Can you be a little more sincere?" Dragon replied, shaking his head with a wry smile.
The truth was that, over the years, Dragon had come to view Claudius as a close friend, someone who might share his vision for the world. He had hoped Claudius would be more invested in this conversation, given their similar ideals. But for now, it seemed like he'd have to be the one to push the topic forward.
Claudius chuckled and leaned in slightly, giving Dragon his full attention. "Alright, Dragon. So, what's your plan now that you've left Marine? And why did you want to meet me here?"
Dragon's expression grew serious as he replied, "I'm going to strike out on my own. I've thought it over for a long time, and now I'm ready to make my move. That's why I invited you here… I'd like you to join me."
"Join you?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, his expression a mixture of curiosity and amusement. He was starting to understand where this was going.
It's like Roger back on Sabaody. He hardly knew me, yet he invited me to join his crew. And now here's Dragon, doing the same thing, assuming I'll say yes without even considering the possibility of me turning him down.
"Yes, join me," Dragon repeated earnestly. "You and I, we share some differences in our views, but we also have many common ideals. I still remember what you said to me in Marineford, that question you posed 'What do you think justice is?' It resonated deeply with me. Since then, I've traveled the world, seen the suffering in countless nations, and realized what I need to do. So, I'm asking you, Mr. Crowe, to walk this path with me."
Claudius listened closely, but couldn't help but feel a bit wary. "Walk with you? Where exactly are you going?"
Dragon hesitated for a moment, weighing his next words carefully. Then, he sighed, deciding to reveal his true intentions. "I want to dedicate my life to changing this world. It's rotten, Claudius. The corruption has spread too deep. I believe it's time to give this world a brighter future."
Claudius stared at him for a moment before chuckling. "You still talk like that, huh? Dressing up rebellion with fancy words. Just call it what it is, Dragon. You want to start a revolution."
Dragon couldn't help but laugh as well. "You're right, Mr. Crowe. I am being a bit hypocritical with my words. Yes, I want to start a revolution."
"A revolution against who, exactly?" Claudius asked, though he had a feeling he already knew the answer.
"The biggest oppressors of all," Dragon said, his tone growing serious. "The Celestial Dragons. You should know better than anyone how corrupt and out of touch they are. They treat everyone like dirt, like slaves, while they sit on their thrones in Mariejois. For eight hundred years, they've ruled with cruelty and arrogance. I can't stand by and watch them destroy more lives. My mission is to take them down. I want to free the world from their chains."
Dragon's words hung in the air, heavy with purpose. Claudius sat quietly, absorbing it all. After a long silence, Claudius finally spoke.
"Dragon, you know I live in Mariejois, right? You know who I am… and you're still telling me this?" Claudius asked softly, his tone almost playful.
Dragon nodded, his confidence unwavering. "I know you work for CP-0. I know CP-0 is the shield of the Celestial Dragons, answering directly to them…"
"Then why are you so willing to tell me all of this?" Claudius asked, genuinely curious.
"I'll admit, I was hesitant at first," Dragon said, a small smile on his lips. "I've been wrestling with this decision for months. But in the end, I decided to trust you. Everything in life can be faked, except for one thing your convictions. I believe in your convictions, Claudius. I'm convinced you'll join me."
"You?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, now fully understanding what Dragon was implying.
"Yes, to show you that I'm serious about this, I've already started gathering like-minded individuals. Together, we've formed a force a 'Revolutionary Army.' We're united by the same goal: to overthrow the Celestial Dragons and reshape this world."
Claudius smiled slightly, impressed by Dragon's sincerity and the risks he had taken by revealing this much. "You've laid all your cards on the table… But I'm afraid I can't join you, Dragon."
Dragon blinked, caught off guard. He had expected some resistance, but not a flat-out refusal. "You haven't even heard my full plan. Why reject me so quickly?"
Claudius shook his head. "Dragon, it's not about the plan. It's about something much more fundamental. I can't join you because…"
"Because what?" Dragon frowned, sensing something off. A nagging feeling of dread crept over him.
Claudius paused, then smiled softly. "The reason I can't join you, Dragon, is because I'm not actually a member of CP-0."
"Huh?" Dragon stared at him, confused. "Isn't that better? If you're not CP-0, then—"
Claudius raised a hand to stop him. "Listen. While it's true I'm not part of CP-0, if you're really going to go down this path, then… the two of us are destined to be enemies."
"Enemies?" Dragon repeated, his voice dropping as realization dawned on him. His body, still submerged in the hot spring, tensed as he whispered, "You… you're…"
"That's right," Claudius said, his voice calm but filled with a strange weight. "I'm one of those 'corrupt, cruel' Celestial Dragons you're talking about."
Dragon's world seemed to stop. He froze, his mind racing. "You… you're a Celestial Dragon?"
Claudius nodded, smiling faintly. "That's right. My full name is Donquixote Claudius. I'm a member of the Donquixote family, one of the original 19 Celestial Dragon clans."
Dragon's jaw tightened, his mind reeling from the revelation. He'd come here, exposed his deepest secrets, and now he realized he'd been talking about revolution with a Celestial Dragon.
Chapter 33: Insider?
Just moments ago, Dragon had solemnly declared he would devote his life to overthrowing the Celestial Dragons, only to find out his 'best friend' was one of them? Did he just spill the beans to the worst possible person?
If Claudius went back now and asked CP-0 to do a thorough investigation, the fledgling Revolutionary Army would be squashed before it even had a chance to grow.
Dragon's mind was in chaos. He realized that if he didn't eliminate Claudius right here, the secret would be exposed. But killing him would be an extreme gamble, a case of mutual destruction.
When they first met at the port, Dragon had already sensed that Claudius was no slouch. While Claudius wasn't quite on Dragon's level, he was formidable. Plus, Claudius had people with him. If Dragon couldn't eliminate all of them, there'd be no hiding the fact that he had killed a Celestial Dragon.
Once word got out that Dragon had killed a Celestial Dragon, it would be over for him and his movement. The Revolutionary Army was too small to withstand the full might of the World Government. Its only fate would be total annihilation.
Even though he was Garp's son, committing the crime of killing a Celestial Dragon meant certain death. No one could save him from that.
That's why Dragon was losing it. He had considered many outcomes before coming here. Even if Claudius had turned out to be a high-ranking CP-0 agent, Dragon believed he could still persuade him, because he had faith in the power of ideals.
But no matter how he had strategized, he hadn't anticipated this Claudius was one of the Celestial Dragons! What kind of cruel joke was this?
"Why so glum?" Claudius teased, amused by Dragon's despondent expression.
Dragon, looking like he had just surfaced from a hot spring, sighed deeply. "How can I not be? I gave up my promising future in the Marines to follow my ideals, to build something greater, and now… it's all going to be ruined at your hands. I… I… Argh!"
"Why does it have to end at my hands?" Claudius asked with a grin.
"I've laid my cards on the table. You're a Celestial Dragon. Do you think you'll let me go now?" Dragon replied wearily.
"You haven't considered killing me here? Ending this?" Claudius asked, still smiling.
"I did… just for a moment. But it doesn't make sense, does it? Besides… I saw you as a friend, someone who shared my vision. And now, you expect me to kill you?" Dragon shook his head.
Claudius chuckled. "Exactly. You see me as a friend, and don't I see you as one too?"
"So what?" Dragon said, still at a loss.
"Didn't you say just now that 'thoughts don't lie'?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, teasing him.
Dragon paused, frowning as he thought. "Yeah, thoughts don't lie… but you, a Celestial Dragon, think like this? What are you trying to do, Claudius? What do you really want?"
"Hahahaha! It's simple—I want to shake things up. To change the world," Claudius said, laughing.
Before Dragon could respond, Claudius continued, "Honestly, if you hadn't come to find me, I would've come looking for you. Ever since you left the Marines, I knew you had something big on your mind. I was planning to recruit you, but it seems you've already found your own path. We don't have to walk it together, but that doesn't mean we're enemies."
"You want to rebel too?" Dragon asked, bewildered. The idea of a Celestial Dragon starting a revolution was just too wild to comprehend.
"Rebel? No. Don't lump me in with rough rebels like you. I'm a Celestial Dragon; I can't rebel against myself, can I? That would be idiotic," Claudius said matter-of-factly.
"Then what are you trying to do?" Dragon asked, a little frustrated but increasingly curious.
"Your approach is from the bottom-up; you call it rebellion. Mine is from the top-down. I call it reform. See the difference?" Claudius said with a smirk.
Dragon blinked in surprise. Then, realization dawned on him. "You want to seize power? Take control of Mariejois and the World Government, and then reshape it according to your ideas?"
"More or less," Claudius nodded.
Dragon was stunned, and then he muttered to himself, "It makes sense… given your position, that's the most logical path for you. I didn't expect… A Celestial Dragon with such ambitions. If I were in your shoes, I don't think I could do what you're doing."
He stared at Claudius, shaking his head in disbelief. "You really are something else, Claudius."
Claudius rolled his eyes internally. This wasn't about ambition or heroism. If the World Government weren't destined to collapse, he wouldn't be wasting his time on this. Being a carefree Celestial Dragon was much more appealing. This was just "self-preservation," not some grand vision.
After a moment of reflection, Dragon asked, "So why are you telling me all this?"
"As a friend, you've been honest with me. It's only fair I be honest with you. From a practical standpoint, I think there's room for cooperation between us," Claudius replied with a smile.
Dragon fell silent, pondering the implications. After a long pause, he said, "Yes, there is. You can work from the top, I'll work from the bottom. Together, we might be able to accomplish something incredible."
"Aren't you worried I'm just using you?" Claudius asked, still smiling.
Dragon met Claudius's gaze and smiled back. "Do I really have a choice? Besides… thoughts don't lie. I believe you."
"Then let's work together," Claudius said with a grin.
In Claudius's eyes, the Celestial Dragons were still relatively united and powerful, despite some internal squabbles. This stability, while beneficial to most of the Celestial Dragons, was inconvenient for someone like Claudius, who had "other plans." It made it harder for him to maneuver and limited his room to grow.
Breaking this stable status quo from within was difficult. But with Dragon, someone outside the system, Claudius could find opportunities to disrupt things. Dragon could be the tool Claudius needed to shake up the game.
For example, if Claudius wanted to secure his rightful place as the head of the Donquixote family, he could leak the whereabouts of someone like Lancelot a highly secretive Celestial Dragon to Dragon. Dragon could arrange for a ruthless pirate to take care of Lancelot, clearing the way for Claudius to assume power.
Once he rose to a higher position, the snowball effect would kick in. Nobody would suspect that the Revolutionary Army had a man inside Mariejois, right? The potential benefits were immense.
Dragon, too, saw the advantages. Claudius's cooperation was invaluable essentially having a spy in the heart of Mariejois. It was an opportunity too good to pass up.
As Dragon pieced it all together, he suddenly burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Claudius asked curiously.
"Just a few minutes ago, I thought meeting you, a Celestial Dragon, would be the end of me. But now I see it clearly this was meant to happen! It's fate!" Dragon said, laughing heartily.
Claudius shook his head. "Now I see why your son turned out to be such a dramatic guy. He clearly got it from you."
""What son? Stop making stuff up! I'm still single no wife, no kid!" Dragon retorted indignantly.
In the end, despite the unexpected twists, both Claudius and Dragon walked away with something valuable from their meeting. It was, in every sense, a win-win situation.
After a bit more conversation, Dragon asked, "So, what's your next move, Claudius?"
"I need reliable people to work for me. There's no shortage of talent in Mariejois, but I just don't trust them. Right now, I'm looking for people I can depend on," Claudius explained.
"That makes sense. Better to have someone with less skill but complete loyalty," Dragon agreed.
"Was there anything else you wanted to discuss?" Claudius asked.
"Not really. The Revolutionary Army is still in its early stages. We need time to grow and gather strength. I have a feeling that someday soon, the world will change dramatically… We need to be ready for that," Dragon replied.
"Alright then. If that's the case, I'm heading out," Claudius said, nodding.
Chapter 34: The Ruthless Admiral, Sengoku!
At the Holy Land Mariejois, on the top floor of the World Government headquarters, the Five Elders were gathered, discussing pressing matters.
The Five Elders were the true power behind the World Government. Above them was a figure known only as "Imu," an enigmatic individual whose existence even most of the Celestial Dragons were unaware of. Imu rarely intervened, only appearing when it was necessary to "extinguish" certain threats, to erase individuals or ideas deemed too dangerous. So, unless it was an existential crisis for the World Government, most decisions were handled by the Five Elders themselves.
These five men were the highest authority within the Celestial Dragons, often referred to as the 'Supreme Celestial Dragons.'
The Five Elders of today, though not as old and frail as they would appear in later decades, were still no longer in their prime.
"The intel has come in. Six months ago, the Roger Pirates had another encounter with the Whitebeard Pirates in the New World," the bearded Elder began with a grim expression. "But what's troubling is the presence of the Wanokuni samurai on Whitebeard's ship… Kozuki Oden has indeed joined them. We were right about the Roger Pirates."
The bald Elder sighed in frustration. "First Douglas Bullet, leaves the Roger Pirates, and now they've gained another powerhouse? It's like they're playing a game we can't win."
"That's not the real issue here," the Elder with the sword cut in. "The problem is that Roger's crew has been scouring the seas, seeking the world's secrets. They're after the final island, Raftel. Normally, this wouldn't concern us much since even if they found the historical Poneglyphs, they wouldn't be able to read them. But now… with Kozuki Oden aboard, that changes everything. He could be capable of deciphering the ancient text!"
"Then we must prioritize capturing the Roger Pirates," said the Elder with blond hair calmly.
"We've already ramped up our efforts, but unlike Whitebeard, Shiki, or Big Mom, Roger doesn't have a fixed base or territory. They're always on the move. Finding them in the vast ocean is like finding a needle in a haystack," said the curly-haired Elder gravely.
"And they don't just stay in the New World. They're all over the globe. Last we heard, they were spotted in the first half of the Grand Line, but we have no idea what they were searching for," added the bearded Elder.
"What else could it be? They're clearly after more Poneglyphs," the bald Elder replied with a deep frown.
In fact, the Roger Pirates were currently in Water 7, but not for anything related to the Poneglyphs. They were there to commission a ship from the legendary shipwright, Tom. Contrary to what Claudius had thought, the famous Oro Jackson hadn't been built yet, and that's what Roger and his crew were in Water 7 to get their new, faster ship.
The World Government's fear of the Roger Pirates had only grown over the last six months. With the addition of Kozuki Oden, who could potentially read the Poneglyphs, the Five Elders had been pressuring the Marines to intensify their efforts to capture them.
But the Roger Pirates were not only trying to stay ahead of the World Government. There was a deeper, more personal reason behind their urgency Roger himself was suffering from a terminal illness. While they had found a doctor at Twin Capes who could temporarily suppress his symptoms, Roger's time was running out. The crew needed a faster ship to complete their journey before it was too late.
"To make matters worse, it seems there are other groups trying to uncover the truth of what happened 800 years ago. Scholars and other scattered forces across the seas are digging for ancient documents some of which might include the Poneglyphs," the blonde Elder said grimly. "The Marines have been sent out to deal with them multiple times, but we still haven't been able to identify exactly where they're coming from."
The bearded Elder sighed. "Roger's crew is trouble enough. Now we've got these scholars sniffing around too. This is getting out of hand."
"Could it be Ohara?" the bald Elder asked after a pause. "After all, Ohara is the most renowned center for archaeological study. They might have the knowledge to decipher these ancient texts."
"I've considered that possibility as well," the blonde Elder responded. "But at this point, it's only suspicion. Ohara is an esteemed hub of history and culture. Moving against them without concrete proof could cause a significant backlash."
The truth was, they couldn't afford to act recklessly when it came to Ohara. The island had a prestigious reputation, and any rash actions taken without evidence would undoubtedly stir up problems, not only within the academic community but possibly across nations that valued Ohara's historical contributions.
While they suspected that Ohara scholars might be behind the recent archaeological expeditions, the Five Elders were hesitant to jump to conclusions. Ohara had been peacefully coexisting with the World Government for centuries, and they believed it was unlikely that the island's scholars would jeopardize that relationship. After all, the government had been funding Ohara's research generously, allowing them to delve into ancient history and culture.
But the Five Elders were underestimating the current generation of Ohara scholars. Unbeknownst to them, those scholars were more determined than ever to uncover the truth about the Void Century an act that would eventually pit them directly against the World Government.
"This is a delicate situation. We need to be cautious. I've assigned CP-9's Chief Spandine to investigate. Though he's not the strongest or the most upstanding individual, he's diligent. I'm confident he'll bring us satisfactory results," the blonde Elder added.
Spandine was, of course, the father of Spandam, who would later go on to become the infamous leader of CP-9. Claudius had encountered Spandine before, and he knew exactly what kind of person he was a sycophantic, cowardly man who would practically grovel before the Celestial Dragons. But despite his lackluster personality, Spandine was surprisingly competent when it came to investigative work. He would indeed uncover the truth behind Ohara, setting the stage for its eventual destruction.
However, expecting Spandine to find the Ancient Weapons? That was a long shot. Even the Five Elders didn't hold much hope in that regard.
The bald Elder suddenly spoke up, breaking the flow of conversation. "What about the other matter? You didn't just put Spandine on this case. What about the Ancient Weapons? Any updates?"
The blonde Elder shook his head. "No, nothing substantial. Finding an Ancient Weapon is no easy task. I've merely told Spandine to test the waters. If he manages to uncover something, great. If not, there's no rush."
"Well, since the Ancient Weapons are tied to the historical texts, it makes sense to let him handle both tasks," the bald Elder said with a nod.
Spandine's reputation wasn't great, but at least in this instance, he would succeed in exposing Ohara. Claudius knew all too well what kind of chaos Spandine's investigation would cause in the years to come. The Ohara tragedy was fast approaching, though no one knew it yet.
"So, moving on to today's main issue," the bald Elder said, pointing at a map on the table. "What do you think of Sengoku's proposal?"
The map showed an island, Cornillo Island, one of the famous hot spring islands in the New World. Coincidentally, this was where Claudius and Dragon were currently located.
"Is the intel solid?" asked the bearded Elder.
"It's been confirmed by CP-0," the bald Elder replied. "The remnants of Captain John's pirate crew have been hiding out there."
"Then, justice must be carried out. The fleet from Naval Headquarters has been stationed nearby for a while now, correct?" said the curly-haired Elder.
The phrase "carry out justice" in this context meant only one thing a Buster Call. Cornillo Island was about to be wiped off the map.
Captain John had once been a member of the infamous Rocks Pirates, before they were disbanded after the Battle of God Valley. After that, John went solo, but in recent years, he had been driven into a corner by Golden Lion Shiki. Shiki had been on a rampage, recruiting or destroying anyone who might oppose him, trying to recreate the fearsome Rocks Pirates of old.
So far, Shiki had crushed rival pirates like Ochoku and Silver Axe. Now, he was gunning for Captain John, who had narrowly escaped one of Shiki's attacks. But John was not one to give up easily. He had hidden a vast treasure across the world, and if he managed to regroup and recover, he could easily return to power in a short time.
But Admiral Sengoku wasn't about to let that happen. He had weighed the options and decided that the only way to deal with Captain John was to obliterate him and his crew. A Buster Call would ensure that no one, including John, could escape.
Sengoku, often seen as calm and collected, was ruthless when it came to justice. He always chose the most efficient path, even if it was brutal. His cold logic would later be seen in the destruction of Ohara, and even during the Marineford War, where he was willing to sacrifice the entire Naval Headquarters to crush Whitebeard's forces. Sengoku wasn't just ruthless toward his enemies he was willing to put everything on the line to protect the World Government's interests, even if it meant heavy losses for the Marines themselves.
Chapter 35: Did a Celestial Dragon Just Get Hit with a Buster Call?
In the waters near Cornillo Island in the New World, a massive Marine fleet was gathered. Sengoku, the Marine Admiral, stood on the deck of a colossal warship, his expression unreadable as he seemed to be waiting for news.
Behind him stood Borsalino, the future "biggest slacker" in the Marines, though now a Marine Vice Admiral. Since Dragon left, Borsalino had become a top candidate for the position of Admiral. Despite his incredible potential, his lazy and indifferent attitude was a major flaw. The only person capable of keeping him in line was Sengoku.
"Admiral Sengoku," Borsalino said casually, "the longer we wait, the more likely it is the remnants of the John Pirates will realize something's up. And not just them… Shiki's Flying Pirates are scouring the seas too. It won't be long before Golden Lion Shiki himself shows up. That could complicate things."
Sengoku kept his gaze on the horizon and replied, "We wait."
Borsalino raised an eyebrow. "What exactly are we waiting for?"
"Waiting for peace of mind," Sengoku muttered, clearly conflicted.
Though Sengoku had proposed the Buster Call to the Five Elders, it wasn't a decision he had taken lightly. It was the rational choice, but it weighed heavily on his conscience. Part of him hoped the Five Elders would reject the proposal. But if they approved it… well, he wouldn't hesitate to carry it out.
What Sengoku didn't know was that on this very island, not only was Claudius a Celestial Dragon present, but so was Dragon, the son of his good friend, Garp. If Sengoku had known that, he certainly would've thought twice before pulling the trigger on the Buster Call.
Just as these thoughts swirled in his mind, Sengoku's transponder snail began to ring. After a brief conversation, Sengoku's face turned cold, his decision made. He ended the call and spoke without turning to Polusalino.
"Return to your warship. Prepare for battle," Sengoku ordered.
Borsalino sighed, his eyes briefly narrowing. Without another word, he transformed into golden light and zipped toward his warship.
At the same time, Sengoku pulled out a golden transponder snail from his pocket. With a single press, the snail emitted a high-pitched screech.
In response, the ten massive warships of the Marine fleet began to spread out, encircling Cornillo Island. The Buster Call had officially begun.
Unaware of the chaos that was about to unfold, Claudius and Dragon were relaxing on the island.
Initially, Claudius had planned to leave after chatting with Dragon, but Dragon had convinced him to stay a bit longer, saying it would be hard to meet again after this. Dragon wanted Claudius's advice on how best to grow the Revolutionary Army.
Claudius, having nothing urgent on his plate, agreed. He decided to spend a few more days on the island, resting while discussing Dragon's plans.
In hindsight, maybe leaving earlier would have been better, as they were now about to be caught in the middle of a full-blown Buster Call.
Elsewhere on the island, Stussy was out shopping near the port with Nia. The streets were oddly quiet.
"Nia, don't you think the island has been emptier these past two days?" Stussy asked, glancing around. "It's much quieter than when we first arrived."
Nia looked around at the sparsely populated port. "You're right. There are far fewer ships arriving. I wonder what's going on."
"This island relies almost entirely on tourism to keep the local economy alive. If fewer ships are coming… maybe the weather's bad out at sea, affecting the routes?" Stussy mused, but something felt off.
In the unpredictable seas of the New World, odd weather patterns could halt travel for days. But this situation was starting to feel unusual, even for the New World.
As they talked, Nia suddenly pointed toward the water, her eyes wide. "Isn't that a Marine ship?"
Stussy turned to look. "Yes, those are Marine ships. Three of them… and that huge one in the middle is an Admiral-class ship. Only an Admiral can command one of those."
Before she could finish her thought, the three Marine warships suddenly unleashed a barrage of cannon fire. The sky filled with black dots, as shells arced toward the island.
As a seasoned CP-0 agent, Stussy's eyes widened in horror. "Nia, run! Get back to His Highness! The Marines are attacking!"
The port, which had been relatively calm moments ago, was obliterated by the first volley of cannon fire. The anchored ships were completely destroyed in the blink of an eye.
"They've destroyed the port," Stussy muttered, fear creeping into her voice. "They're cutting off our escape routes!"
Without wasting another moment, Stussy grabbed Nia's hand, and the two of them ran back toward the hot spring hotel where Claudius and Dragon were staying.
Back at the hotel, Claudius and Dragon had been startled by the thunderous booms of the bombardment. They rushed to the window to see what was happening. The hotel, built on the side of a mountain, gave them a clear view of the Marine warships shelling the port.
"Is that… the Marines?" Dragon said in disbelief. He had expected pirates or some other threat, but the sight of Marine ships bombarding the port shocked him.
"What the hell are they doing? Why are they attacking the port?" Claudius asked, just as confused.
The bombardment continued, with the warships gradually expanding their range, blasting away at the coastline.
Suddenly, Dragon's eyes widened in realization. "It's a Buster Call! That's Marine's Buster Call!"
As a former Vice Admiral of the Marines, and nearly an Admiral candidate, Dragon recognized the pattern of attack immediately. The indiscriminate, devastating bombardment was unmistakable.
"A Buster Call?" Claudius echoed, stunned.
Dragon quickly explained, "A Buster Call is an extreme measure authorized only by the highest-ranking Marine officers. It involves an Admiral leading five Vice Admirals and ten warships, all loaded with elite troops. Once it's triggered, the island and everyone on it will be annihilated. Nothing survives a Buster Call everyone and everything deemed a threat to the World Government gets wiped out."
Of course, Claudius knew what a Buster Call was. He was just shocked that he, a Celestial Dragon, had gotten caught in one. In his memories, Buster Calls had only been launched a few times: once against Douglas Bullet, again at Ohara, another time at Enies Lobby, and then later again for Bullet after his escape.
But here he was, a Celestial Dragon, randomly hit with one? This was beyond absurd.
"Are you kidding me? I'm a Celestial Dragon! Am I going to be the first Celestial Dragon to get wiped out by a Buster Call?" Claudius cursed under his breath.
Dragon, deep in thought, added, "There must be some dangerous criminals hiding on this island. The World Government wouldn't issue a Buster Call without a serious reason. Whoever it is must have been deemed a grave threat."
Claudius shot him a glance and said sarcastically, "Could it be that some traitor from your Revolutionary Army got found out? Aren't you the grave threat here?"
Dragon rolled his eyes. "As long as you haven't sold me out, I'm still clean. I'm the former Vice Admiral of the Marines. No way they'd hit me with a Buster Call."
"If I had sold you out, do you think I'd still be standing here, waiting for the Buster Call with you?" Claudius snapped back.
Despite the looming danger, the two didn't seem overly concerned. They bantered back and forth as if a Buster Call wasn't about to flatten the entire island.
The truth was, Buster Calls didn't have a perfect track record. Despite their destructive power, they hadn't always lived up to their reputation. Except for Ohara and the battle with Bullet, most Buster Calls hadn't delivered the crushing results the Marines had hoped for. That lackluster history made Claudius feel a little less worried. After all, as long as he wasn't blown to bits right away, he was still a Celestial Dragon. Once the Marines landed and realized who he was, he'd be fine.
As for Dragon, he was in a similar mindset. As long as his revolutionary ties weren't exposed, the Marines would have no reason to go after him. He still had enough credibility within the Marine ranks to avoid becoming a target.
While Claudius and Dragon strategized how to deal with the situation, elsewhere on the island, in a hidden cave, a group of ragged pirates gathered around their leader Captain John's remnants.
They had known they were exposed the moment the Marine fleet arrived. Now, gathered around their wounded captain, they were scrambling to find a way off the island.
If Claudius had been there, he would have been surprised to see a familiar face among John's crew none other than a young Crocodile. The future Warlord of the Sea was still in his teens, a mere rookie pirate.
Claudius had always thought Crocodile began his career after Roger's execution, but that wasn't the case. Crocodile had been in the game for years, even joining Captain John's crew after the disbandment of the Rocks Pirates.
Crocodile had been part of John's crew ever since, gaining valuable experience in the harsh world of piracy. After Captain John met his end, Crocodile would eventually strike out on his own, famously challenging Whitebeard and later joining the Seven Warlords of the Sea. He was one of the oldest and most experienced pirates among the Warlords, having been in the game long before some of the other notorious names made their mark.
...