As Claudius walked through the bustling streets of Mariejois, he held a Den Den Mushi to his ear, engaged in a conversation. Behind him, Nia carried little Ace in his arms, following respectfully.
"I'm heading to the port of Mariejois," Claudius said casually. "Didn't I mention it before? I commissioned a ship in Water 7, and Stussy just sailed it back here. I'm on my way to take a look at it. Why, did something urgent come up? Is this about the joint mission with Marine Headquarters?"
On the other end of the line, Sengoku's voice sounded serious. "Yes, it's a request for assistance. We need to resolve this matter quickly. If we don't, it could turn into a major scandal."
Claudius paused, a bit taken aback. "That serious? What's going on?"
"Vice Admiral Jaguar D. Saul has gone rogue," Sengoku replied, voice filled with tension. "He broke protocol and released a highly dangerous prisoner from Headquarters. Both of them are on the run, and Marine forces are doing everything they can to capture them. Given the circumstances..." Sengoku hesitated here.
Claudius chuckled and said, "Spit it out, Sengoku. You know I'm no stranger to these kinds of secrets."
With a sigh, Sengoku continued, "You're right, Your Highness. There's no point hiding it from you. You may have heard before that we, along with the Cipher Pol agencies, have been tasked with apprehending scholars who have been sailing around the seas, studying certain... forbidden topics."
"Ah, right," Claudius responded. "Now that you mention it, I remember hearing something about that. Isn't that Vice Admiral Saul one of Garp's men? Garp mentioned to me once that they'd captured a scholar."
"Correct," Sengoku said gravely. "The scholar in question is from Ohara. We have irrefutable evidence that Ohara has been secretly researching forbidden history and ancient languages. While their intent might not be malicious, the study of these subjects has long been classified as a major offense by the World Government, given the potential consequences."
Claudius nodded thoughtfully. "So, it's that serious, huh? Just studying history and languages... it almost sounds absurd."
"It may seem so on the surface," Sengoku replied, "but these subjects hold the key to awakening the Ancient Weapons. The scholars of Ohara may not intend to do harm, but they lack the power to keep such knowledge secure. Imagine if someone with darker ambitions like Kaido or Big Mom learned about the Ancient Weapons through them."
Claudius considered this, his tone turning somber. "That could be catastrophic. The entire balance of power in the world would be thrown off, and countless lives could be at risk."
"Exactly. That's the danger of Ohara's actions," Sengoku said. "Their thirst for knowledge, however noble, has created a massive liability. The World Government can't risk letting this knowledge fall into the wrong hands. We, the Marines, cannot just turn a blind eye."
"I understand," Claudius replied. "But what does this have to do with your giant Vice Admiral? What happened with Saul?"
Sengoku fell silent for a moment, then admitted, "It appears that Saul was influenced by one of the Ohara scholars, leading him to question the government's stance. He ended up helping her escape from detention. Two weeks ago, a decision was made to initiate a Buster Call on Ohara. Saul was initially assigned as one of the mission's Vice Admirals. But now that he's defected, Ohara might receive advance warning, and if the scholars manage to scatter and spread this forbidden knowledge..."
"The consequences could be dire," Claudius murmured.
"Exactly," Sengoku said gravely. "The fallout would be beyond imagination. So, we at Marine Headquarters are dedicating every available resource to capturing Saul. I'd also like to request assistance from your CP-X in the search. We've already mobilized the Buster Call fleet, and we'll soon be heading to Ohara."
Claudius thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Is there any chance I could reach Ohara first and salvage the books in the Tree of Knowledge?"
Sengoku was caught off guard, blinking in confusion at the unexpected shift. "Wait, what did you just say?"
Claudius cleared his throat, sounding slightly embarrassed but also determined. "I've had a massive library installed on my new ship. I thought it would be a good idea to fill it with as many rare books as I can get my hands on. The idea of the Tree of Knowledge being destroyed feels... wasteful. I mean, it's one of humanity's great treasures. I'm just saying, I could make an effort to save that cultural heritage."
Sengoku couldn't help but sigh. "If you can reach it in time, I won't stop you."
"Perfect!" Claudius laughed. "My new ship is the fastest in the world; I'll be there in no time!"
"And about Saul?" Sengoku asked.
"Leave it to us at CP-X," Claudius replied. "I'll instruct my agents to assist in the search. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get moving. Can't let you Marines hog all the glory or destroy all the valuable knowledge, for that matter."
The two exchanged farewells, and Claudius ended the call. Turning to his butler, Nia, he instructed, "Nia, head back and prepare our travel gear. We're heading to the West Blue. Also, meet me at the port after you've stocked up on supplies."
Nia nodded, bowing slightly. "Yes, Your Highness."
Once Nia had left, Claudius continued walking, his thoughts lingering on the events unfolding in Ohara. The revered island of scholars, the center of humanity's cultural heritage, would soon be wiped out by a Buster Call.
Thinking about it, Claudius couldn't deny that Ohara's situation was the result of its own actions. Sengoku's words rang true—Ohara had bitten off more than it could chew by delving into forbidden history and languages. As scholars, they might have felt righteous in their pursuit of knowledge, but their inability to protect such dangerous secrets was the problem.
If their findings fell into the wrong hands, how many lives would be lost as a result? The risk wasn't hypothetical. Even Robin, the sole survivor of Ohara in the future, nearly brought about a calamity in the hands of Crocodile. If a scholar with knowledge of the Ancient Weapons fell into the clutches of someone like Kaido or Big Mom, the world would be plunged into chaos.
It was no wonder Sengoku and the World Government felt compelled to act. They couldn't afford to let Ohara's recklessness endanger the entire world. If they refused to heed warnings and persisted in dangerous pursuits, then, sadly, the only option left was to silence them.
"Ohara's real sin wasn't curiosity, it was a lack of strength," Claudius muttered to himself. "In the end, power dictates truth. Ohara was a beacon of culture, but they failed to grasp something so basic." Under the warm West Blue sun, the vast sailing ship glided over the calm seas, its silhouette gleaming against the backdrop of a clear sky. This wasn't just any ship; it was the pride of the Donquixote family, the Prometheus, proudly flying the Celestial Dragon insignia. However, this symbol was slightly unique, its traditional hoof mark was adorned with a bright purple flower in the center, the emblem of the Donquixote family.
The Prometheus was a spectacle. At the bow was a large statue of a sea god, a formidable guardian for this grand vessel. Reinforced with thick armor plating on its sides, the ship could easily withstand heavy assaults. Armed with a hundred and nine cannons spread across its bow and sides, the ship's firepower was nothing short of terrifying, able to reduce any enemy fleet to wreckage in minutes.
Beyond its defenses, Prometheus was a floating palace of luxury. The deck was so expansive it resembled a grand courtyard, large enough to host a game of polo or horse races. The deck was lined with lush green grass, complete with a sunken swimming pool and lounge areas. Rising four stories above deck, the ship even boasted a massive glass aquarium, teeming with marine life, from vibrant fish to graceful turtles and even a few sharks. At its center was an opulent restaurant, encircled by the aquarium's translucent walls, creating a dining experience that rivaled the finest establishments in the world.
Among the ship's many features, there was also a library, a place Claudius had meticulously designed to house a vast collection of books. Although the shelves were still mostly bare, Claudius had grand plans to fill them, especially with the knowledge preserved within Ohara's famed Tree of Knowledge. With some luck, he mused, he might even add a few ancient texts, including the elusive Poneglyphs, to his collection.
"Island sighted! I see a large tree in the middle of it, that must be Ohara!" Enel's voice rang out from the hot air balloon tethered to the Prometheus's upper deck. From his vantage point, Enel had been scanning the seas for any signs of danger, telescope in hand.
Claudius set down the book he was reading, took a bite from a slice of cake nearby, and asked casually, "Any Marine ships in the area?"
"Nope, the coast is clear," Enel replied.
Claudius chuckled. "Looks like we've beaten them to it. Perfect timing! If all goes well, that Tree of Knowledge will be coming with me."
As the Prometheus drew closer to Ohara, a crowd began to gather at the island's port. The townspeople stared in awe at the massive vessel, whispering among themselves.
"That's... the Celestial Dragons' banner!" an elderly man exclaimed, panic creeping into his voice. The crowd began to scatter, wary of the ship and its feared passengers. Everyone knew the reputation of the Celestial Dragons, being in their presence often meant trouble, and people were all too eager to avoid it.
Standing on the deck, Claudius watched the townsfolk retreat with a faint sense of pity. "Poor souls," he murmured. "They have no idea what's coming."
At his side, Stussy, now dressed in a sharp white suit, gave him a curious look. "Your Highness, do you intend to help them? There must be many innocent people here..."
Claudius shook his head. "Innocent or not, can you guarantee there aren't any scholars here studying forbidden texts?" he asked pointedly.
Stussy hesitated, eventually shaking her head. "No... I can't."
"Exactly," Claudius replied softly. "No one can. And if any of them manage to escape with that knowledge... well, that's a risk the Marines won't take. But I'm not here to judge them. I'm just here for the books." He grinned, turning his gaze toward the towering Tree of Knowledge in the distance.
Once the Prometheus docked, Claudius and his entourage disembarked, descending down a ramp that extended to the port. They hadn't gone far when they were approached by an elderly man with a distinctive hairstyle resembling a clover—Dr. Clover, the renowned scholar and head of Ohara's archaeological institute. The old man moved forward with the intent to kneel, showing his respect.
Claudius, however, held up a hand to stop him. "No need for that," he said gently, helping the man up. For someone of Dr. Clover's age, bowing or kneeling might just do more harm than good, Claudius thought.
"Are you Dr. Clover?" Claudius asked.
Dr. Clover nodded respectfully. "Yes, that is correct. I am honored by your visit, Your Highness. May I ask your name?"
"Claudius. Donquixote Claudius," he replied with a polite smile.
"A great honor, Lord Claudius," Dr. Clover responded, bowing his head. "How may we be of service?"
Claudius walked with the old man, gesturing toward the distant tree. "I'd like to see the Tree of Knowledge," he said, "and there are two things I'd like to accomplish during my time here. Shall we?"
"Of course," Dr. Clover agreed, falling into step beside him. After a pause, he asked, "And what might those two things be, if I may inquire?"
"Firstly, I'm looking for a certain... large individual. From what I've heard, a giant has recently been seen here. Does that ring any bells?" Claudius asked nonchalantly.
Dr. Clover's brows knitted slightly. "A giant? I haven't seen any giants on this island, I'm afraid."
Claudius waved off the concern. "No matter. I'll handle that myself. As for the second matter, I need your help with something."
Dr. Clover inclined his head. "And what might that be?"
Claudius looked at him with a faint smile. "I want to take all the books from the Tree of Knowledge. You and your scholars can help me prepare them for transport."
Dr. Clover froze, staring at Claudius in shock. "You... you want to take all the books? The Tree of Knowledge holds the history of mankind, a treasure trove of culture and wisdom. Surely you can't mean—"
"Oh, I assure you, my ship has more than enough space to accommodate the collection," Claudius replied breezily, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Dr. Clover's mind raced, struggling to process what he was hearing. "Lord Claudius, the books of Ohara... they are more than just objects. They represent centuries of knowledge, preserved by generations of scholars..."
Claudius met his gaze, his tone softening slightly. "And that's exactly why I want to preserve them, Doctor. You've done a remarkable job here, but the truth is... you don't have the means to keep them safe. Not anymore."
A heavy silence fell between them. Dr. Clover's face paled as he began to grasp the unspoken implications. "Your Highness," he said, voice shaking slightly, "we in Ohara have safeguarded this knowledge for thousands of years."
Claudius nodded sympathetically. "Yes, and look where that's brought you. The world isn't as forgiving as it once was. You may call it a pursuit of knowledge, but to others, it's a threat. Some things... are better left buried. Don't you agree, Doctor?" Claudius's blue eyes seemed to pierce right into Dr. Clover's soul, making the old scholar feel unnerved. Claudius's smile had a disarming quality, but Dr. Clover could sense the threat behind it. Steeling himself, he responded, "I don't quite understand what you're implying, Lord Claudius. Ohara has the ability to safeguard what we hold here."
"No, Doctor. You don't," Claudius replied softly, his tone almost gentle, yet unmistakably firm. "You don't even have the strength to protect yourselves, let alone the knowledge you guard. You've lived a long life, haven't you, Doctor? Haven't you learned by now that one should never bite off more than one can chew?"
Dr. Clover fell silent for a moment, sensing the gravity of Claudius's words. "What exactly are you saying, Lord Claudius?" he asked cautiously.
Claudius chuckled, the sound almost mocking. "Haven't you ever wondered why, in the eight hundred years since the Void Century, no one from Ohara's long line of scholars has dared to dig as deep as you have into ancient texts and forbidden history? Do you think they never had the same curiosity? Or is it that they knew better than to pursue it?"
Dr. Clover's face stiffened as the weight of Claudius's words sank in. He tried to force a smile, but it was strained. "Researching ancient texts and history has been forbidden by the World Government. For centuries, we've obeyed the law."
Claudius waved a hand dismissively. "Spare me the denials, Doctor. I didn't come here to judge you. That's not my role. Save that speech for the Marines or the CP agents who might actually care to listen. Me? I simply don't want to see the treasures of the Tree of Knowledge destroyed. So, Doctor, why don't you help me transport all the books to my ship? That way, at least they'll be preserved."
Dr. Clover clenched his fists, understanding now that Claudius was speaking the truth. It was all too clear, Ohara's fate had already been decided by the World Government. They were seen as criminals, and retribution was on its way.
"Lord Claudius..." Dr. Clover began, his voice heavy with resignation, "Allow me to go and make preparations."
As he turned to leave, Stussy, dressed in her pristine white suit, placed a firm hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. "I'm afraid refusal isn't an option, Doctor," she said softly, though her words held a quiet menace. "We're extending you a rare courtesy here. His Highness is being quite generous, but I... I can be very unforgiving."
Her grip on Dr. Clover's shoulder was deceptively gentle, yet he could tell he wouldn't be able to pull away if he tried. Alarmed, he stammered, "What are you planning to do?"
"What does it look like?" Stussy replied smoothly. "We're going to help you transfer every single book from the Tree of Knowledge to His Highness's ship."
"Impossible! The Tree of Knowledge—" Dr. Clover protested, only to notice a group of soldiers approaching under the direction of Claudius's head servant, Nia.
"Your Highness!" Nia greeted, awaiting orders.
Claudius gave a casual wave. "Get the men ready, Nia. Help Dr. Clover gather the books from the Tree of Knowledge. And be careful—those books are valuable. I don't want anything damaged."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Nia responded crisply. He gestured to the soldiers behind him, and they began making their way toward the massive tree that housed Ohara's vast repository of knowledge.
Desperation flared in Dr. Clover's eyes. He looked at Claudius, his voice trembling. "Lord Claudius, please... is all of this true?"
Claudius glanced at him with a hint of impatience. "Are you really asking me that, Doctor? Deep down, you know the answer, don't you?"
The old scholar looked down, anguish flickering across his face. "So the World Government... they really see us as criminals? All because we dared to seek the truth?"
Claudius's expression softened for a moment, but his voice remained steady. "Yes, Doctor. Did you really think the World Government wouldn't notice? Your scholars have been stirring up trouble on the seas for years now. They warned you to stop, time and again, but you didn't listen. You mistook tolerance for weakness. But before you could bring real harm to this world, they decided it was time to act."
Nearby, Dr. Clover caught snippets of hurried whispers among the townspeople, rumors of Marine warships spotted approaching Ohara. His heart sank further.
"Why is it a crime to study history?" Dr. Clover asked, his voice a mixture of sorrow and defiance. "Our past defines us, shapes us. How can we move forward if we can't confront the truths of our past? If we keep running from it, we're doomed to repeat the same mistakes."
Claudius regarded him carefully. "You're right, Doctor. Understanding history is important. But you're na?ve if you think that knowledge doesn't come with a price. I believe in looking at things from all angles, Doctor. Sure, your intentions may be innocent, but the impact of what you uncover could put the entire world in danger. And as you so wisely said, history does have a way of repeating itself."
"Danger?" Dr. Clover repeated, struggling to grasp the full scope of what Claudius was implying. "We are scholars! We hold no power to harm anyone. What possible threat could we be?"
"That's precisely the issue, Doctor," Claudius replied, his tone firm. "You don't have the power to protect yourselves. Ohara may be the first to unlock these secrets, but what if someone more dangerous comes along? What if Kaido or Big Mom, or any other pirate with an insatiable lust for power, found out what you've discovered? What if they got their hands on an Ancient Weapon? Could you bear the consequences?"
Dr. Clover faltered, unable to answer. He knew, in his heart, that Ohara's scholars would be defenseless against the evils of the world. "But we don't seek the Ancient Weapons... we only want to understand our past..."
Claudius sighed, cutting him off. "It doesn't matter what you seek, Doctor. What matters is the risk you pose. You can try explaining that to the Marines or the CP agents if it makes you feel better, but my advice? Help us secure these books. At least that way, something of Ohara might survive. Consider it your final contribution to humanity."
Dr. Clover's shoulders slumped, the fight leaving him as he looked into Claudius's piercing gaze. "So, there really is no way to save Ohara, is there?"
Claudius looked at him with a hint of sympathy. "History will repeat itself, Doctor. But humanity... humanity can never turn back time."
Dr. Clover took in Claudius's words, his eyes misting over as he whispered to himself, "Humanity cannot turn back time..." He gave a sad, resigned smile, seeming to finally accept his fate. "I see it now. This is the end... and I have led Ohara to its death."
Claudius gestured to Stussy, who released her grip on Dr. Clover's shoulder. "Go on, Doctor. Do what you can, while you still have time."
With one last weary glance, Dr. Clover nodded and walked away, his steps heavy as he prepared to assist Claudius's men in transporting Ohara's precious knowledge.
At the port of Ohara, Spandine stood in stunned silence as a line of heavily armed soldiers moved stacks of books from the island onto a large ship anchored nearby.
"Who are these people? And what the hell are they doing?" Spandine muttered, glancing questioningly at a subordinate beside him.
The subordinate quickly responded, "Sir Spandine, I heard it's His Highness Claudius who's on the island."
Spandine felt a pang of dread. The presence of Celestial Dragons complicated everything. Even though he hadn't seen this particular ship before, the flag it bore was unmistakable, no one in their right mind would dare interfere.
"Why didn't anyone inform me sooner?!" Spandine snapped, masking his unease. "Get moving, take me to him at once!"
Meanwhile, inside the Tree of Knowledge, Claudius was gazing around in awe at the massive, hollowed-out tree that served as Ohara's legendary library. Shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls stretched up to the ceiling, housing humanity's forgotten cultures and wisdom. The sheer volume of knowledge amassed here was breathtaking.
As he observed, Stussy approached quietly, stopping beside him. "Your Highness, our men have found the renegade Giant Vice Admiral—Jaguar D. Saul—hiding on the west coast."
Claudius glanced at her and nodded. "I see."
"Do you wish for him to be apprehended?" Stussy inquired.
Claudius shook his head dismissively. "Let's not get sidetracked. The priority right now is to evacuate all these books from the Tree of Knowledge. Also, hand me the Den Den Mushi."
Stussy handed over the Den Den Mushi she carried, and Claudius dialed a number. After a few rings, a lazy voice picked up, sounding as though the speaker had just been woken up.
"Kuzan?" Claudius greeted with a slight smile.
At that moment, Kuzan was lying sprawled out on the deck of a warship stationed around Ohara, a sleep mask pushed up onto his forehead. Recognizing the voice on the line, he seemed a bit surprised.
"Your Highness Claudius?"
"That's me," Claudius replied with a grin.
"So... you're actually on Ohara?" Kuzan asked, amused.
"Of course. If you're all planning to blow this place to pieces, someone has to be here to rescue these precious artifacts before they're lost forever. You know me, always looking out for the world's cultural treasures," Claudius joked.
Kuzan chuckled. "I didn't think of that angle."
"Well, I didn't call to discuss my library. Sengoku requested that CP-X assist Marine with a certain... problematic situation. Specifically, your wayward friend, Jaguar D. Saul. If I remember correctly, you two were close, right?"
Kuzan fell silent, clearly uncomfortable. After a moment, he admitted, "Yes... Saul and I are good friends. We've been through a lot together."
"Then I'll leave his fate in your hands," Claudius said quietly.
There was a pause before Kuzan replied, "Wait... does that mean... you know where he is?"
"He's on Ohara, hiding in the forest along the western coastline. But it's not my place to interfere in Marine matters. That's between you and him," Claudius said, his tone carefully neutral.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Kuzan replied solemnly. "I'll handle it."
As they hung up, Claudius looked down at the phone worm, musing to himself. "Was that too harsh? After all, they are friends..."
Stussy, who had overheard, gave a small smile. "I think Your Highness was quite considerate. Precisely because they're friends, you gave Kuzan the chance to settle this himself."
"Maybe," Claudius murmured, before his attention shifted to Dr. Clover, who was walking towards him, holding the hand of a young girl with short, dark hair. The girl looked around in confusion, clearly unsure of what was happening.
"Nico Robin," Claudius whispered to himself.
"Hm? Did you say something, Your Highness?" Stussy asked, not quite catching his words.
"Nothing important," Claudius replied, smiling faintly.
Dr. Clover approached him and spoke in a calm, yet urgent tone. "Your Highness Claudius, I see that you're a man who values culture and knowledge. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here, trying to save these books. So... I have a request."
"Go on," Claudius said, nodding.
Clover took a deep breath. "I'd like to entrust this child to your care. Her name is Nico Robin. She's a gifted child, with an insatiable curiosity for knowledge and culture."
He didn't mention that Robin was already an accomplished scholar in her own right, despite being only eight years old. To him, she was like a granddaughter, and now, in these final moments, he wanted to ensure her safety.
Claudius looked at Clover, slightly bemused. This was the same man who'd resisted him only moments before, yet now he was entrusting a child to his care. The irony was not lost on him.
"And why, exactly, should I accept this request?" Claudius asked, his tone softer than his words.
Clover hesitated, then replied, "I noticed Your Highness has a deep respect for books and knowledge. Surely a grand library like yours could use a skilled caretaker. Robin has spent her whole life here in the Tree of Knowledge, she knows these books inside and out. I believe she could be of great help to you, guiding you through the collection, finding whatever you need with ease."
Claudius was silent, looking at Clover for a long moment before his gaze dropped to Robin. The little girl was watching them with wide, apprehensive eyes, uncertain but trusting in her mentor.
Finally, Claudius let out a small smile. "You make a compelling argument."
Clover's shoulders slumped with relief, a small smile of gratitude crossing his face. For him, Claudius was Robin's best chance of survival. Despite her young age, she was already a true Ohara scholar, and he wanted a piece of Ohara to live on, even if it had to be through her.
He knelt down beside Robin, speaking softly. "Robin, I've entrusted you to this gentleman. His status is very high, he'll keep you safe. From now on, stay close to him, do as he says, and don't cause any trouble, alright?"
Robin looked at him with teary eyes. "What about you, Grandpa Clover?"
Clover forced a gentle smile. "I'm staying here in Ohara, my dear."
"But... I want to stay too," Robin said, her voice trembling.
He hugged her tightly, whispering in her ear, "Robin... from now on, you are Ohara."
Claudius gave them a moment, his gaze drifting back to the diminishing rows of books. Just then, an overly familiar, sycophantic voice grated on his ears.
"Your Highness, there you are!"
Claudius turned to see Spandine hurrying over, practically tripping over himself in his eagerness.
"Hahaha, Spandine," Claudius greeted him with a knowing smile. "Looks like you're the CP lead for this operation?"
Spandine, ever obsequious, nodded rapidly. "Yes, thanks to Admiral Sengoku's recommendation, I was assigned as the overseer for this Buster Call. Quite an honor."
"Well, do a good job and it might get you some recognition back in Mariejois," Claudius replied, nodding.
Spandine laughed nervously, quick to agree. Then, after a moment of hesitation, he cautiously asked, "If I may... Your Highness, what exactly are you...?"
"Oh, this?" Claudius gestured to the books being loaded onto his ship. "I'm simply salvaging some of these cultural artifacts. No need for you to concern yourself, go ahead and complete your mission."
Relief flooded Spandine's face. "Of course, Your Highness. Thank you for clarifying."
Just as Spandine was about to turn away, Claudius spoke up again, as if remembering something. "By the way, Spandine, have you ever considered a position in CP-X?"
Spandine's eyes widened in shock, his face lighting up with excitement. "Your Highness... are you serious? A chance to serve directly under you?"
Claudius clapped a hand on Spandine's shoulder, smiling in that charming yet unreadable way. "I've always appreciated your skills and loyalty. I think you'd fit right in."
In that moment, Spandine's mind whirled with thoughts of his impending success. There was only one thought echoing in his head: I'm about to make it big! The books from the Tree of Knowledge were quickly taken by Claudius and his crew. Once he had what he came for, Claudius decided he wouldn't get further involved in the events about to unfold on Ohara. The rest was bound to get messy, and he preferred to avoid the hassle.
Walking toward the port with Spandine, Claudius observed as CP-9 agents and Marine soldiers kept tight control over the scholars who had been detained in the Tree of Knowledge. It was only a matter of time before they discovered the ancient text hidden beneath the tree.
Following behind them, Stussy held onto little Robin, who kept looking back, clearly distressed. Just as they neared the port, Robin spotted a familiar figure in the distance, one she'd only seen in faint memories, but that still held a place in her heart. She watched as the woman hurried towards the Tree of Knowledge, looking frantic.
Claudius noticed too and raised an eyebrow. The woman had silver hair and a sharp, fox-like expression—distinctly resembling Robin's future self. This must be Nico Olvia, Robin's mother.
Spandine saw her as well and let out an angry shout. "Nico Olvia!!!"
"Mom!" Robin cried out, her voice high with emotion. She didn't need any more confirmation after hearing Spandine's outburst. That was her mother.
Olvia stopped in her tracks as she heard Robin's voice, her eyes widening in shock as she looked at her daughter in the arms of strangers. She didn't know why Robin was with these people, had they captured her to use as leverage?
"Mom?" Spandine glanced between Robin and Olvia, putting the pieces together.
Claudius watched in silence for a moment before giving Stussy a small nod. Stussy understood and released Robin's hand, letting her run over to her mother. Robin flung herself into Olvia's arms, and the two embraced tightly, Olvia's face streaked with tears as she held her daughter close.
Spandine, his irritation momentarily masked by curiosity, glanced at Claudius. "She is the fugitive from Marine."
Feigning ignorance, Claudius asked, "Is that so?"
Spandine quickly confirmed. "Yes, it was because of her that we were able to confirm Ohara's suspicions in the first place."
Claudius nodded. "Well, it looks like you have your hands full here. I'll leave you to it. I'm heading back to Mariejois."
"Understood, Your Highness," Spandine replied, almost too eager to please.
Claudius continued, "Once everything's wrapped up here, make sure to finish your work at CP-9 and bring Robin to me in Mariejois. Oh, and don't forget to bring Lucci as well."
Spandine nodded eagerly, his face lighting up with the prospect of a promising future under Claudius. "Yes, Your Highness! I'll arrange everything. I also have some capable subordinates in CP-9... I was wondering if..."
Claudius waved a hand, signaling he wasn't particularly bothered. "If you think they're up to the task, bring them along. I'm assigning you to set up a specialized intelligence division similar to CP's structure under CP-X. You'll be responsible for it."
Spandine was visibly thrilled. "Thank you, Your Highness! I promise to serve you well. Once I finish up matters here, I'll report to Mariejois without delay!"
Claudius nodded, his expression one of mild approval. "I'm counting on you."
Satisfied, Claudius turned and walked away with Stussy and the rest of his entourage, leaving Robin and Olvia to share a final moment together. As far as he was concerned, Robin was in no danger. His own orders and Spandine's presence were enough to ensure her safety.
Watching Claudius disappear from view, Spandine turned his attention back to Olvia. In another scenario, he would have treated her as any other fugitive, capturing or eliminating her without a second thought. But now, knowing she was the mother of the child Claudius seemed to have taken an interest in, he hesitated. He didn't want to risk offending the young Celestial Dragon.
Is this some kind of test from His Highness? Spandine thought, overanalyzing the situation. After a brief pause, he muttered to himself, Maybe I'll just detain her instead of executing her outright. That way, the World Government gets their prize, and Claudius's protégée doesn't lose her mother completely. Everyone wins.
Unaware of Spandine's internal conflict, Claudius had already boarded his ship, the Prometheus. As the ship pulled away from Ohara, he walked briskly towards the library that had been constructed onboard. The sight of row after row of books lining the shelves brought a genuine smile to his face.
The library was nearly two-thirds full, filled with the rescued knowledge from the Tree of Knowledge. Claudius was thrilled, picking up a random volume and skimming through its contents. The book contained information he had never encountered before, insight into different cultures, ancient records, and mysteries lost to time.
"'The History of the Land of Flowers,' 'The Fairies of Dressrosa,' 'Nefertari, the Descendants of the Twenty Kings'..." he murmured, reading off the titles. A spark of excitement lit in his eyes.
The depth and range of these records were astounding, covering the histories of countless nations and regions. It truly was a treasure trove of human culture and knowledge.
"With all this," Claudius muttered to himself with satisfaction, "I could train an entire generation of scholars... ones who'll be loyal to me."
The Prometheus sailed further from Ohara's shores as Claudius continued his exploration of the library. Nia walked in quietly, carrying a steaming cup of tea, and smiled when she saw her master's enthusiasm.
"Your Highness, would you care for some tea?" she offered.
"Ah, Nia," Claudius said, taking the cup from her with a grin. "What do you think? Isn't this library magnificent?"
Nia looked around, clearly impressed. "Indeed, Your Highness. I just didn't expect that even the entire Tree of Knowledge couldn't completely fill these shelves."
Claudius chuckled. "True. We should keep adding to this collection. If we come across more rare books or even records from other races—like from Fish-Man Island—we'll bring those in as well."
They chatted a bit longer about future plans for the library. Then, a thought struck Nia, and she hesitated before voicing it. "Your Highness... as we left the port, I noticed Marine and the CP agents were organizing some evacuation vessels. Do you think they're... planning to do something drastic?"
Claudius took a thoughtful sip of tea. "And which Vice Admirals are leading the Buster Call this time?"
Nia replied, "It's Kuzan, Sakazuki, Onigumo, Strawberry, and Doberman, if I'm not mistaken."
Claudius sighed, the weight of realization settling in. "Well, that's quite the lineup."
"Hm? What do you mean, Your Highness?" Nia asked, slightly puzzled.
Claudius didn't answer directly. Instead, he glanced back at the distant shores of Ohara. In the quiet that followed, faint sounds of explosions and cannon fire reached their ears, echoing over the water. In Sea Circle Calendar 1505, three years had passed since the Ohara incident. The world remained in turmoil, with no signs of improvement. If anything, the pirate forces had grown more rampant, spreading chaos across the seas and leaving a trail of destruction and suffering.
Marine, despite conducting several rounds of conscription to bolster its ranks, struggled to cleanse the seas of the ever-growing number of pirates. At best, they were able to maintain a fragile sense of order.
Meanwhile, Claudius's CP-X had flourished. Under Stussy's management, Happy Street had become a dominant force in the dark world, recognized as the largest network of establishments for entertainment and intelligence. Branches had sprung up in key locations worldwide, with over 170 countries hosting strongholds. Even in territories difficult for the World Government to reach such as Charlotte Linlin's expanding Totto Land—Happy Street had its presence.
Doflamingo and Crocodile were thriving as well, both gaining notoriety as formidable pirates in the New World. Crocodile had assembled a powerful fleet, specializing in piracy, while Doflamingo balanced his pirate persona with his growing underground business. Known as the "Joker," he was gaining recognition as a middleman in the underworld, weaving connections with all sorts of shady players.
Umit, under Claudius's watchful eye, had expanded his shipping empire significantly. He now controlled nearly 40% of the world's smuggling operations and was well on his way to becoming the "King of Shipping." However, Claudius could sense that Umit's growing wealth was making him restless, chafing under the heavy tributes he had to pay. Claudius was biding his time, knowing that when the moment was right, Umit's fate would be sealed, and his empire absorbed.
Spandine, now part of CP-X, had proven to be a dependable subordinate. His experience was invaluable in developing Claudius's specialized espionage division. His long-term project involved infiltrating and subtly influencing the World Economy News Paper. Morgans, that audacious "birdman," would one day have to be put in his place.
And then there was the matter of Lancelot. Shortly after Claudius returned to Mariejois from Ohara, Doflamingo sent a "gift" from the New World. Claudius hadn't needed to open it to know that it was Lancelot's head. A man who once seemed like an insurmountable obstacle was now just another casualty, forgotten and irrelevant. The report labeled it a shipwreck, every last member of Lancelot's fleet perished, over two thousand men lost to the sea. No survivors.
With Lancelot's demise, Claudius had ascended to the position of "Patriarch of the Donquixote Family" without incident. Everything had fallen into place as expected.
Now, Claudius found himself in the first half of the Grand Line, near the waters surrounding Little Garden. He was on the Prometheus, heading for the prehistoric island out of simple curiosity. He wanted to see the ancient creatures dinosaurs and perhaps capture one as a pet.
Inside the grand library of the Prometheus, Claudius sat comfortably in a chair, holding an ancient history book about Alabasta. Tea and incense were set on a table nearby, adding to the calm atmosphere. The tranquility was interrupted by the sudden ringing of a Den Den Mushi on the table.
"So, where are you now?" came the voice of Dragon, sounding slightly amused.
Claudius sighed, flipping a page. "What do you need, Dragon? I'm on vacation."
Dragon chuckled softly. "You never really rest, do you? Let me guess you were part of the Ohara incident, weren't you?"
Claudius rolled his eyes, half-smiling. "I suppose you could say that."
"What does that even mean?" Dragon asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and exasperation.
"It means I was in Ohara at the time but wasn't exactly participating in the main event. Satisfied?" Claudius replied playfully.
"Close enough," Dragon said, pausing before getting to his point. "That means you had access to the books from the Tree of Knowledge. You took them, didn't you?"
"'Took them'? You make it sound so criminal. I preserved them for the sake of safeguarding the world's cultural heritage," Claudius shot back with mock indignation.
There was a silence on the other end, then Dragon sighed. "So, you do have them. Let's cut to the chase can I borrow some?"
Claudius looked puzzled for a moment. "Why? Planning to switch from leading a revolution to academia?" he asked, amused.
Dragon chuckled again, though this time there was an edge of seriousness. "I want to see if I can train scholars within my own ranks."
Claudius's expression darkened slightly. "So, you're hoping to decipher the ancient texts? Following in Ohara's footsteps, are you?"
"Your insight is as sharp as ever," Dragon admitted, a note of resignation in his voice. "Yes, knowing that history could be crucial to the Revolutionary Army."
"Why is everyone so obsessed with the past?" Claudius muttered, closing his book and rubbing his temple.
"'History is a mirror that reflects our mistakes and triumphs,'" Dragon said, quoting something Claudius had told him once.
Claudius sighed. "Alright. I'll let you make copies of whatever you need. But let me be clear, if you're hoping to recreate Ohara's success in decoding the ancient language, you're in for disappointment. The odds aren't in your favor."
Dragon's voice hardened, but he maintained his composure. "I'm aware. But I have to try."
Claudius hesitated, then added in a lighter tone, "I'll give you a tip Nico Olvia is still alive, imprisoned on the sixth level of Impel Down, Eternal Hell. She has the knowledge you're looking for. If you're serious, why not plan a prison break?"
Dragon scoffed. "If I had the manpower for that, I'd be storming Mariejois and setting your palace on fire."
Claudius laughed, the sound rich and unbothered. Before he could respond, Dragon cut him off. "And no, I'm not talking about breaking into Impel Down. I meant reading. I swear, Claudius, one of these days, you're going to drive me insane." Hahahaha, don't get so worked up. If you end up dead, this world would be a lot less interesting," Claudius laughed as he spoke.
Dragon muttered a few curses on the other end before saying, "Alright, enough. Can we get back to the main point now? Where exactly are you?"
"Prehistoric island, Little Garden. I'm almost there," Claudius said, smiling.
"Little Garden?" Dragon's voice carried a hint of surprise. "What are you going there for? There's nothing there but giant beasts."
"I told you, it's a vacation. Why do you care so much? Is it so strange that I'd want to catch a couple of dinosaurs as pets?" Claudius replied, feigning annoyance.
"The last time you said you were on 'vacation,' you ended up capturing Gol D. Roger. I'm not buying it!" Dragon retorted without hesitation.
"This time, I swear it's just a vacation," Claudius said, slightly embarrassed.
"Alright, whatever you say. I'm not too far from there myself, so I'll send someone your way soon," Dragon said after a brief pause.
"If there's nothing else, I'm going to hang up now. I'm trying to read, you know. Books are the ladder to human progress. Are you deliberately trying to hold me back? Is my being too powerful troubling you?" Claudius teased.
Dragon sighed, as if resisting the urge to snap back. Finally, he said, "Actually, there's one more thing I need your help with."
"Oh?" Claudius raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"Ahem, well, let me start with some good news. I have a son," Dragon said, his tone revealing a rare hint of joy.
Claudius paused for a moment, doing the mental math. It did seem about the right time. "Congratulations," he said dryly. "But what does that have to do with me?"
"Hahaha, well, I'm quite busy with my duties, and I don't have time to look after him. I thought that if you, my dear brother, could spare the time, you could help take care of him. Maybe even be his godfather?" Dragon said, chuckling.
"No way. I'm not interested. Goodbye," Claudius said flatly, hanging up the phone without hesitation.
On the deck of his ship, Dragon stared at the Den Den Mushi in disbelief. "Is he serious? Is babysitting that much trouble?" he muttered, venting his frustration at Claudius. After a moment of silent deliberation, he sighed, resigned, and picked up the phone again. This time, he dialed a number that stirred up memories and emotions.
The voice on the other end was as gruff as ever. "Dragon? You scoundrel! Do you know what you're doing? Starting a Revolutionary Army? That's treason!"
Dragon pulled the phone away slightly, sighing. "I have news, old man. You have a grandson."
"What did you just say?" Garp's voice lost all its usual bluster. "Repeat that!"
"I said, you have a grandson," Dragon replied, this time with a smile.
Meanwhile, back on the Prometheus, Claudius put down the phone and muttered a few choice words. "Do they both think I'm running a daycare or something?" It was almost comical how similar Garp and Dragon were in that regard—both thinking Claudius would drop everything to play caretaker.
"Monkey D. Luffy," Claudius murmured, shaking his head with a half-smile. Taking care of Ace was already enough of a challenge; he didn't need to add Luffy to the mix, especially considering Luffy's future. The kid was a walking magnet for chaos, and Claudius didn't want to deal with that.
If he got involved now, what would happen when Luffy inevitably became a pirate? How would Claudius handle that situation? The thought alone made his head ache. It was better to stay detached, so that if the time came, he could act decisively. He'd spare him for Garp's and Dragon's sake, maybe even lock him up in Impel Down to keep him out of trouble. But for now, he'd rather not get involved.
With his reading interrupted by Dragon, Claudius's interest in his book waned. Looking around, his eyes fell on the little girl sitting on the steps of the library.
It was Nico Robin. In the three years since the fall of Ohara, Robin had begun to heal, at least outwardly. She wasn't as haunted by sadness as she had been when she first came aboard. Now, she sat leaning on the handrail, engrossed in a book.
During these years, Robin had rarely left the Prometheus, even when they docked at Mariejois. She preferred the solace of the ship's grand library. It was so well-stocked that one could spend a lifetime reading without running out of material.
"What are you reading, Robin?" Claudius asked with a smile.
Robin looked up at him, her dark eyes calm. "The history of Alabasta," she replied.
"Really? Looks like we're on the same page," Claudius said, surprised.
"You have the first volume, right? I finished that one a few days ago. I'm reading the second volume now," Robin said softly.
In these years, Robin had essentially become a walking index for the Prometheus library. If Claudius ever needed a specific book, she could locate it in no time.
Robin didn't hate Claudius, per se. She understood that he hadn't been responsible for Ohara's destruction; he had only sought to preserve its knowledge. But she held a deep-seated resentment for the World Government, which inevitably colored her feelings toward him.
Claudius could sense her conflicted emotions, but he never tried to explain himself. What would be the point? Telling her he was a reformer at heart would sound hollow. Time would be the ultimate judge of his intentions.
Before Claudius could continue the conversation, his personal Den Den Mushi rang again. Glancing at it, he saw it was from Spandane.
"Odd timing," Claudius muttered before answering.
"Your Highness Claudius," Spandine's voice came through, dripping with his usual obsequiousness.
Claudius chuckled. "What's the matter, Spandine?"
"We've located Douglas Bullet, Your Highness. CP-X agents and Marine intelligence have pinpointed his position. It seems Marine is preparing to make a move as well. Should we join in?" Spandine asked.
Before Claudius could answer, Nia entered holding the World Government's official phone. "Your Highness, Marine Fleet Admiral Kong is on the line. They're requesting CP-X's assistance in a covert operation, with authorization from the Five Elders."
Claudius sighed, realizing he couldn't avoid this one. "Looks like I don't have a choice, Spandine. Get ready."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Spandine replied eagerly.
With a smile, Claudius put down the phone. "Just when I thought I'd have a quiet day."
After ending the call with Spandine, Claudius took another Den Den Mushi from Nia.
"It's been a while, Fleet Admiral Kong," Claudius greeted with a lighthearted smile.
Kong mirrored his smile. "Your Highness Claudius, how have you been?"
"Quite well, actually. I'm out near Prehistoric Island, planning to capture some dinosaurs for pets," Claudius responded, amused.
"It seems I've interrupted your leisure, Your Highness. My apologies, but I have some regrettable news to share," Kong replied with a grin.
"My vacation is officially over, isn't it?" Claudius guessed, the smile not leaving his face.
"Haha, exactly," Kong chuckled.
"So, what is it this time? Douglas Bullet?" Claudius asked calmly.
"As expected, Your Highness. You're already aware?" Kong sounded surprised but impressed.
"One of my subordinates reported spotting him not too long ago, and I noticed that the Navy was deploying forces nearby, so I figured it must be related," Claudius said, nodding.
"That's right. What you may not know, Your Highness, is that Douglas Bullet is a particularly elusive lone wolf. Ever since he parted ways with the Roger Pirates, tracking his movements has been nearly impossible. He's been sighted before, sure, but with everything we've had on our plate, we never launched an operation against him. This time, though, it's different," Fleet Admiral Kong said gravely.
"Does that mean the Navy actually has the time for it now?" Claudius joked lightly.
"It's more than that. We've discovered that he's planning something severe," Kong's voice dropped to a serious tone.
"Severe? Just how bad are we talking?" Claudius's brows furrowed slightly.
"If I told you he's planning an assault on the Holy Land—Mariejois itself—would that be severe enough?" Kong said, pausing to let the weight of the statement sink in.
"Ahem, Kong, that's not exactly a joke one should make," Claudius said, clearing his throat. This was unexpected. In all he knew about Douglas Bullet, attacking Mariejois was never part of the picture.
"Trust me, I'm not joking. This is the intelligence we've gathered," Kong continued.
Before Claudius could respond, Kong elaborated, "This situation developed from a stroke of chance. Two weeks ago, Naval Headquarters and CP agencies were preparing to capture the World Destroyer, Byrnndi World. We'd gathered a significant amount of intel and even managed to turn some of his subordinates. According to our initial plan, he should have been on his way to Impel Down by now, with the newspapers already writing about his capture."
Claudius's eyes widened at that. In his memory, Byrnndi World had been captured around thirty years before the main storyline. Yet, here he was, still causing havoc at sea. But then again, Claudius reflected, hadn't his arrival already skewed the timeline? A deviation like World still roaming free wasn't out of place anymore.
Pushing those thoughts aside, Claudius asked, "And how does this relate to Douglas Bullet?"
"They weren't connected at first, but they are now. Our intel suggests that they're planning something massive together," Kong replied gravely.
"Mariejois as their target?" Claudius pressed.
"Exactly. Byrnndi World has been keeping a low profile for years, leading us to believe he'd lost his ambition. But we recently discovered he's been constructing a massive battleship tailored to his Devil Fruit powers. The ship's firepower is unparalleled, and combined with his ability, it poses a legitimate threat to Mariejois. It could even be capable of destroying it outright," Kong said, the seriousness in his voice unmistakable.
"And Douglas Bullet?" Claudius questioned.
"It seems he's bent on defying the World Government, wanting to prove that his strength surpasses even Roger's. How they found each other, I don't know, but these two have joined forces with plans to attack Mariejois, each with their own motives," Kong explained.
Claudius felt a twinge of disbelief. What kind of world was he living in where pirates entertained such audacious schemes? Just recently, Dragon had been talking about something similar. It seemed like insanity was becoming the norm.
"Even my palace is still up there," Claudius muttered under his breath.
Kong heard and chuckled, "Exactly, Your Highness. All the more reason for you to step in. You wouldn't want your home blown to bits, would you?"
"Haha, imagine just sitting somewhere only to find your home destroyed out of nowhere! Worse, not even being there when it happens!" Claudius joked, but there was an edge of seriousness beneath his words.
After a pause, he added, "So, what's the Navy's plan? How do you need CP-X to assist?"
"We're looking at a divide-and-conquer strategy with focused containment. Right now, Douglas Bullet is separated from Byrnndi World, although they aren't too far apart. We plan to launch a Buster Call against Bullet. There's a chance Byrnndi World will show up, either to intervene or create chaos, and we're prepared for that as well. Your Highness, we'd appreciate your support. With CP-X's involvement, our odds of success would be even higher," Kong said with conviction.
Claudius fell silent, contemplating. It wasn't just the ambitions of Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World that were on display here; even Kong was being bold. Taking on two formidable pirates in one coordinated operation wasn't an easy task.
Douglas Bullet was undeniably powerful, a figure on par with the likes of Silvers Rayleigh in his prime, an elite pirate by any standard. The only thing that kept him from being even more dangerous was his stubborn reliance on his own strength and his refusal to lead a crew. Otherwise, he could have formed a pirate fleet that rivaled even Kaido's or Big Mom's.
As for Byrnndi World, he had managed to stay under the radar for years, so much so that Claudius hadn't even given him a thought. But in his heyday, World was a force to be reckoned with, fighting battles against the Roger Pirates, clashing with Whitebeard's crew, and even sparring with the Golden Lion, Shiki. He'd managed to earn the ire of many top pirate crews and still roam the seas, a testament to his power. His ruthlessness and readiness to eliminate anyone in his way earned him the moniker "World Destroyer," perfectly encapsulating his chaotic nature.
After weighing the situation, Claudius finally spoke. "Alright. I'll head back to Mariejois immediately and join your operation into the New World."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Kong said, clearly pleased. Having previously captured the Red Count together, Kong had full confidence in Claudius's capabilities. With Claudius's agreement, the odds of success were looking significantly better. Claudius had initially planned to visit Prehistoric Island to catch some pets, but unforeseen circumstances forced him to abandon that plan. While on the edge of Prehistoric Island, he made a call to Dragon via a Den Den Mushi, arranging to meet up later.
He instructed Dragon to contact him once he was done with his matters.
Dragon didn't push back on this. While it was an urgent matter, it wasn't immediate. The delay wasn't significant, and, as Claudius mentioned, he knew Dragon wanted to learn ancient scripts from the books.
It was almost absurd, but there was no alternative; even if it seemed foolish, one had to give it their best shot. Better that than doing nothing at all, right? Who knows, maybe there'd be a miracle?
Although Claudius didn't share the details of what had happened, Dragon could guess that whatever it was that caused him to miss the meeting must have been significant. He'd just have to wait for the latest papers to find out more.
The Prometheus, once at full speed, was incredibly fast. The ship was self-sufficient, with enough provisions to last a year without needing to resupply.
With the vessel running at maximum power, Claudius quickly made his way back to Mariejois.
Vice Admiral Garp seemed to have been waiting for Claudius at the harbor. When he saw the Prometheus docking, he stepped forward to greet them.
Claudius and his crew disembarked quickly. Stussy stood beside him, while Nia held little Ace. Enel, carrying his fishing rod, already looked like part of the group.
According to their arrangement, Claudius would let Enel set out on his own in a year's time, similar to how he had let Crocodile go off on his own.
The young girl Robin showed no intention of disembarking, still holed up in the library. Nothing much to add there.
The moment Garp laid eyes on Ace, his face lit up. Without a word, he grabbed Ace and rubbed the boy's cheeks with his bearded face.
"Grandpa, that tickles! You're so annoying," Ace complained, trying to push Garp away with a look of mock disgust.
"Hahahaha! Ace, it's been a while. Did you miss Grandpa?" Garp asked with a hearty laugh.
"No, not at all," Ace replied mercilessly.
Garp's grin faltered slightly, and he shot a disapproving look at Claudius. "What kind of upbringing is this? Haven't you taught him to respect his elders?"
Claudius returned the look, somewhat exasperated. "What does that have to do with me? Ace is a bright and well-mannered kid. If there's an issue, it's on you."
True enough, Claudius had trained Ace well. The boy had received an excellent education and inherited Claudius's love for reading. Though his personality remained a bit "untamed," likely due to Roger's adventurous blood running through him, he exuded a natural aura of adventure.
Still, he was far better behaved than his original wild-child self. Now that he was growing older, Claudius had even started developing his strength.
Garp knew better than to argue with Claudius, so he just let out a grumble, showing a hint of dissatisfaction. "Alright, time's ticking. Let's not waste any more time. Are you ready to go?" he said.
Claudius nodded and turned to Stussy. "You have your own business to handle here, right? Go take care of it."
"Of course, Your Highness. I wish you success in your endeavors," Stussy said with a smile.
Claudius acknowledged her and then turned to the head steward, Nia. "Nia, stay in Mariejois and take care of Ace until we return."
"Yes, Your Highness. I'll look after the young master," Nia said with a nod.
Next, Claudius looked at Enel and smiled. "A year from now, you'll set off on your own. Think of this as an opportunity to prove yourself."
Enel grinned, his eyes filled with excitement. "Your Highness, the standards you set for me are really high. But don't worry, I won't let you down."
With that settled, Claudius and Enel departed with Garp.
They didn't take the Prometheus this time. With time being short, taking the Prometheus, which would have to pass through Fish-Man Island, would take at least a week for preparation and transit. By then, they might as well be laying flowers on Douglas Bullet's grave.
Crossing Mariejois, they arrived at the port on the New World side, where a Marine warship was already waiting.
Wasting no time, Claudius and Garp boarded the ship together, a peculiar vessel with a dog-head design. Claudius could never quite figure out where Garp's strange sense of humor came from.
Once on board, Garp, in a ceremonious fashion, took a dog-head cap from an aide and placed it on his head, leaving Claudius momentarily stunned.
"What're you looking at? Jealous? I've got extras if you want one," Garp said, adjusting his hat.
Claudius quickly waved his hands. "No thanks. I'm just... surprised at your unique taste."
"You just don't get it. This is called personality. Do you even know what fashion is? Marines shouldn't be so dull," Garp said, pulling out a bag of senbei and munching on it.
Soon, the dog-headed warship set sail toward the New World.
After a few bites, Garp spoke up again. "Sengoku and the others set off two days ago. But my ship's been modified; we should be able to catch up."
"Yeah, I can tell. This thing looks like it's got the speed of a racing hound," Claudius joked, eyeing the dog-head bow.
"Is that a hint of sarcasm I'm hearing?" Garp asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You're imagining things. I'm genuinely complimenting your ship," Claudius replied, not entirely sincerely.
Garp scratched his neck but didn't press the issue. Claudius then asked, "I heard from Fleet Admiral Kong that you're using a Buster Call for this mission. Seems like you've been triggering those more often these past few years."
Garp nodded, letting out a sigh. "Yeah, the increase in Buster Calls just shows one thing, the threats out at sea are getting worse."
"So what's the lineup for this one? I'm guessing Kong wants to make sure everything goes smoothly. He's not coming along, is he?" Claudius asked.
"No, Kong is staying back at Mariejois. Sengoku and I are leading the operation, with CP units participating as well. And of course, you've got your CP-X involved. On the Marine side, we've got me, Sengoku, Tsuru, Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, Gion, plus the likes of Vice Admirals like the Momonga and Doberman."
Claudius's eyes widened at this. "A lineup like that? What do you even need CP-X for? With that kind of force, you could take on the Whitebeard Pirates!"
He mentally tallied the power: while Sengoku was the only official Admiral, Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, and Gion were all Admiral-level in strength. Not to mention, Tsuru's strategic brilliance and Garp's unmatched battle prowess were also part of the mix.
More than half of the Marine's high command was deployed. Seven Admiral-level powers in one mission, it seemed overkill for handling Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World.
"Well, better safe than sorry. This is a big deal, and we can't afford any slip-ups. If even one of them gets away, it'll be chaos later on," Garp said matter-of-factly. In a certain part of the New World, a massive pirate ship was making its way across the waters. Its figurehead was shaped like a crocodile, and the pirate flag it flew bore the image of a skull with two crossed blades and purple wings.
This was the flagship of the infamous Sand Crocodile—Crocodile himself. Known as one of the more prominent pirates of the New World, Crocodile had been sailing the seas ever since the dawn of the Great Pirate Era.
Unlike Doflamingo and others who kept their pasts shrouded in mystery, Crocodile's history was more transparent. As his reputation grew, so did the uncovering of his earlier life.
While the presence of Claudius behind the scenes remained unknown, it was widely accepted that Crocodile had once been a member of Captain John's crew. Captain John, famous for being the "Treasure Pirate," was said to have hidden countless riches, leaving many on the seas clamoring to claim his fabled legacy.
Crocodile had used this connection to his advantage after setting out on his own. With Claudius providing financial backing in secret, Crocodile became one of the wealthiest pirates around, bolstering his reputation by claiming he knew the location of Captain John's treasure. This claim attracted many strong and ambitious followers.
At this moment, Crocodile stood on the deck of his ship, holding a Den Den Mushi, having just ended a call.
The call had been from Claudius, instructing him to cooperate in taking down Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World.
"This feels a bit like dealing with Doflamingo back in the day," Crocodile muttered quietly.
Just then, a young man approached him from behind. With a stern expression and shaven head, he exuded an air of quiet strength. This was Daz Bones, Crocodile's first and most trusted recruit, now one of his most valued subordinates.
"Boss, should we pull out of the New World for the time being? The investigation into Alabasta has wrapped up, and it's exactly what we were looking for," Daz Bones said in a low voice.
"Not just yet. My old 'master' has assigned me a new task," Crocodile said with a wry smile.
Daz Bones frowned at that. He'd long suspected that Crocodile had someone powerful backing him, and now the suspicion was confirmed.
After a brief pause, Daz Bones asked, "Boss, with our current strength, we don't need to answer to anyone. Are you planning something else?"
Crocodile took the cigar from his mouth, exhaled a thin stream of smoke, and smirked. "Bones, you're right. With the power we have now, there's no need to bend the knee to anyone. The world is wide open to us."
"Then—" Daz Bones said, eyes filled with anticipation.
"But," Crocodile interrupted, "I owe that man my life. An agreement is an agreement. Until the day I can best him, I'll work for him, with diligence and without complaint. And when that day comes..."
"Will we break free then?" Daz Bones asked immediately.
"No, it's actually quite enjoyable working under him. Once I defeat him, that's enough for me. It's more about proving a point," Crocodile said with a chuckle.
Daz Bones was taken aback. His boss was fiercely proud, so hearing him speak like this about someone else was unexpected. It seemed Crocodile had a degree of respect for the man who stood above him.
But that revelation didn't bother Daz Bones. Knowing his boss wasn't being forced into anything changed everything.
"Forget about Alabasta for now. Set the course for Cyborila Island. There's going to be a major event there soon, and we're going to be part of it," Crocodile said calmly.
"Understood, boss," Daz Bones replied, heading off to relay the command without another word.
Crocodile's interest in Alabasta had been piqued not by the Ancient Weapon, Pluton, but rather by a task Claudius had assigned him.
Alabasta was one of the original kingdoms that had founded the World Government 800 years ago, similar to Dressrosa. However, unlike the Donquixote family, which had moved to Mariejois to become Celestial Dragons, the Nefertari royal family had chosen to stay behind, remaining in Alabasta.
This gave Alabasta a unique status. While it was one of the World Government's member nations, it held a higher standing compared to others. The Nefertari family was known for their sense of justice and fairness. They often clashed with the World Government at the Reverie, much to the frustration of the Five Elders. But because of their special status, dealing with them directly was a complicated matter.
In 1504, during the last Reverie, Alabasta had stirred up more trouble than usual by pushing for policy changes that included a reduction in the tribute known as the "Heavenly Gold." The Five Elders, of course, rejected this outright, as making such a concession could set a precedent. If the tribute was reduced today, who's to say someone wouldn't push for its total abolition at the next meeting?
The Heavenly Gold wasn't just a tribute; it symbolized the divine status of the Celestial Dragons, cementing their legitimacy. It was a cornerstone of the World Government's system, and under no circumstances could it be compromised.
The Five Elders' irritation with the Nefertari family grew, so they tasked Claudius with finding a way to ensure Alabasta's compliance. It wasn't an urgent mission, but a long-term one. The Five Elders weren't extreme enough to ask for the destruction of the Nefertari family; they just wanted them to fall in line.
But Claudius had his own thoughts. Alabasta was an impressive nation. Its long history, culture, and deep-rooted heritage made it the oldest kingdom known to mankind.
The Tree of Knowledge in Ohara had only been around for 3,500 years, but Alabasta's capital had already been standing during that time. Claudius had been studying Alabasta's history and found records proving that the kingdom had been established at least 4,000 years ago.
The Nefertari royal family hadn't ruled Alabasta since the dawn of its history. By Claudius's research, King Cobra Nefertari was the 12th generation of his line, aligning perfectly with the events of 800 years ago.
Claudius speculated that the Nefertari family might have seized power in Alabasta around that time, subsequently becoming part of the alliance of twenty kings that formed the World Government.
Still, these historical musings were just a side interest. What truly captivated Claudius was Alabasta's immense military strength.
Alabasta was situated on the massive island known as "Sandstone Isle," so large that calling it an island felt like an understatement. Despite its desert climate, the nation had a sizable population and numerous cities and towns. The capital city, Alubarna, alone boasted a standing army of 600,000 troops. At its peak, Alabasta could muster a million soldiers—an impressive force by any standard. Although the Five Elders only wanted Claudius to ensure that the Nefertari royal family in Alabasta would be more cooperative, Claudius's ambitions went further. He aimed to eventually bring Alabasta entirely under his control. As for the Nefertari royals, they would just have to step aside. If he was feeling particularly magnanimous, Claudius might even escort them to Mariejois and compel them to join the Celestial Dragons.
However, for the past 800 years, the Nefertari family had ruled Alabasta with fairness and dignity. Their reputation was deeply rooted among the people, so Claudius knew that taking over couldn't be done with sheer force. It required a subtler approach—a "boil the frog slowly" strategy that would gradually weaken their influence and allow him to assume control without sparking rebellion.
If Claudius succeeded in taking over Alabasta, he would gain significant military power, which would undoubtedly prove advantageous in the future.
To execute this plan, Claudius decided to place Crocodile in charge. In the original story, Crocodile had orchestrated a masterful scheme that brought the Nefertari family to the brink of collapse. If not for the sudden appearance of the Straw Hat Pirates disrupting everything, Crocodile might have become like Doflamingo, a pirate ruler of a kingdom affiliated with the World Government.
As for the "unexpected factor" of the Straw Hat Pirates, Claudius was not concerned. As long as Crocodile maintained his focus and determination, defeating that fledgling crew should be easy. And if Luffy did indeed make a move on Alabasta, Claudius wouldn't hesitate to stop him. Alabasta could very well be the end of Luffy's pirate journey, with Impel Down as his next destination.
Before Crocodile could make his move, preparations were being set in motion on all fronts. Claudius was finalizing plans for the Seven Warlords of the Sea, a strategy that was nearly complete. The first candidate he intended to recommend was Crocodile.
Only two steps remained.
The first step was for the World Government to officially announce the implementation of the Seven Warlords of the Sea system. It would be presented as a strategy to control piracy by recruiting formidable pirates, granting them the right to plunder under the condition that they would curb the activities of other pirates and, when needed, respond to the government's summons to assist in various operations.
The World Government had already agreed to Claudius's plan years ago, but the conditions hadn't been right for its execution until now. The world's growing unrest had reached a level where even solutions that resembled "drinking poison to quench thirst" were acceptable. The criteria set for the Seven Warlords of the Sea plan had finally been met.
The second step required Crocodile to make a bold move to shake the seas. This would not only demonstrate his loyalty to the World Government but would also prove his power and influence.
Originally, Crocodile had proposed challenging the Whitebeard Pirates. Claudius had considered the idea and, while he knew Crocodile would almost certainly lose, he saw the potential benefits. If Crocodile could survive the encounter, his reputation would skyrocket, making his promotion to Warlord justifiable.
Of course, the risk was high. If Whitebeard's temper flared and Crocodile was killed, Claudius's plans would be in ruins. But since it was Crocodile's choice, Claudius chose to respect it.
However, the situation had changed. With Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World making their moves, Claudius persuaded Crocodile to delay his challenge to Whitebeard. There would be opportunities later, once Crocodile's strength grew.
Crocodile ultimately agreed with Claudius. He knew he wasn't yet a match for Whitebeard, let alone for Claudius himself. But as the "Strongest Man in the World," Whitebeard was a target everyone wanted to test themselves against. Even Claudius felt the urge from time to time.
For now, the plan was for Crocodile to join Claudius and the Marine forces on Cyborila Island, take down Douglas Bullet and Byrnndi World, and use their defeat as a stepping stone. The World Government would then spread word of Crocodile's triumph, elevating his reputation and positioning him as the first Warlord.
With Crocodile established as one of the Seven Warlords, he would have the legitimacy to infiltrate Alabasta. Once his plan succeeded, Claudius would have completed his mission. Officially, the World Government would have control over Alabasta, but in reality, the power would be in Claudius's hands, benefiting both sides.
True to Garp's words, his modified warship moved like an unleashed beast, cutting through the sea at breakneck speed.
Claudius knew the story behind it. Garp had originally modified this ship to hunt down the Roger Pirates, but by the time it was completed, the age of Roger had already ended, and the ship's intended purpose had never been realized.
On the sixth day, Garp and Claudius caught up with Sengoku's fleet.
Sengoku's warship was a scene of high activity, with notable figures gathered to finalize battle plans.
"If we're going to catch them both, we need to split our forces into two groups. But the team handling Douglas Bullet shouldn't be overwhelmingly powerful," Sengoku said, pausing before adding with a smile, "although that's easier said than done."
As the dominant force at sea, Sengoku had complete faith in the strength of the Marines.
Just as Claudius had thought their lineup was impressive, Sengoku shared the sentiment. If they truly threw their full strength at Douglas Bullet, the battle could be over in half a day, with little left but dust and echoes. Such overwhelming force could crush Bullet's fighting spirit entirely.
But to lure Byrnndi World into the trap, they needed to create the illusion of a protracted fight—a stalemate.
Sengoku continued, "So for the team handling Douglas Bullet, it'll be me, Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Gion."
He paused, feeling that the lineup might still be too strong. If they weren't careful, they'd overpower the enemy too quickly. "On second thought, Sakazuki should stay on standby," Sengoku decided.
Claudius couldn't help but chuckle at that. "A problem of being too strong, huh?"
The room erupted in laughter. Yes, it was true. Being too powerful really was a unique kind of problem. Standing aboard Vice Admiral Garp's warship, Claudius kept his eyes on the vast expanse of sea in front of them. They had already separated from Admiral Sengoku's fleet. Garp and Claudius were tasked with dealing with Byrnndi World, while the rest of the fleet focused on executing the Buster Call to take down Douglas Bullet.
According to Sengoku's strategy, some units had landed on the island for combat, while others were positioned to stay hidden and provide support. The goal was to drive Byrnndi World onto the island and then encircle both him and Douglas Bullet in one decisive strike.
"It's probably started over there by now?" Claudius asked, a cigar clenched between his teeth as he glanced at Garp.
Garp pulled out a pocket watch from his coat pocket, checked the time, and said, "Yeah, it should have begun by now."
"What if Byrnndi World hasn't gotten the news?" Claudius suddenly questioned. If World didn't receive word of the attack on Douglas Bullet and failed to show up, wouldn't that make their efforts here pointless?
Garp paused for a moment before shaking his head. "Impossible. Don't forget, this operation involves not just the Marines and your CP-X, but the regular CP agencies too. We've planted spies on Byrnndi World's ship, so he'll get the news. He'll come."
Claudius exhaled a plume of smoke, nodding. "Alright, here's hoping the plan goes smoothly."
Despite Garp's confident assurance, Claudius couldn't ignore the fact that they'd been waiting in this sector for nearly two days now, and there was still no sign of Byrnndi World.
Sipping from his teacup as the sea breeze swept across the deck, Claudius remarked, "Could it be that this plan's gone sideways? If we don't act soon, Douglas Bullet's grave will be dug before World even shows up."
Garp, who had been starting to look a bit agitated himself, scoffed at Claudius's comment. "The CP agency better not have botched this. We had a solid plan laid out, but if this falls apart, just taking down Douglas Bullet isn't going to cut it."
Up to this point, Douglas Bullet hadn't managed to escape, there were enough powerhouses on that island to ensure that wouldn't happen. The real issue was that Byrnndi World still hadn't appeared, making Claudius feel like they were just waiting around for nothing.
As Claudius contemplated this, the watchman atop the mast suddenly shouted, "Sighting confirmed! The flag of Byrnndi World has appeared!"
Claudius raised an eyebrow and handed his teacup to a nearby Marine. "Finally, the old bastard shows up. Took him long enough. Is this the day he meets his end?"
Garp's face lit up with excitement. He tore off the cloak of justice from his back and tossed it to another Marine, flexing his muscular frame as he prepared for battle. "It's been a while since we've had a proper warm-up, huh?" he said, eyes glinting with a competitive spark.
Claudius chuckled, an evil grin crossing his face. "Take a good look at me, Garp. Do I look like the kind who rushes into a beating?"
"Anyone who 'won't rush in' shouldn't take reckless risks just to win a sparring match," Garp muttered, rolling his eyes.
Truth be told, Claudius was in excellent physical condition. He could hold his own in a fight, but with someone like Garp eager to take the brunt of the action, Claudius wasn't about to volunteer as a punching bag. He might be tough, but it still hurt to get hit.
"I'll support you from the sidelines. Every battle needs a strategist, right?" Claudius said, smirking.
Garp didn't bother to argue, just nodded and said, "Alright. We'll rough him up enough to remind him he's out of his league at sea, but we need to block his escape route. Any ideas on how to force him toward the island?"
Claudius grinned, "That's my specialty."
"Then it's all yours!" Garp said firmly.
With that, Garp's dog-headed warship surged forward, racing toward Byrnndi World's ship.
As the ship gained speed, Claudius suddenly thought of something and asked, "Just to confirm, the main objective here is to drive Byrnndi World to Cyborila Island, right?"
"Exactly, didn't I mention that earlier?" Garp said, giving Claudius a surprised look.
"Who came up with this plan?" Claudius asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course, I did! Why, got a problem with my brilliant strategy?" Garp shot back, frowning.
"No, no complaints," Claudius said, his expression turning slightly amused. "I just realized that if Byrnndi World is heading to support Douglas Bullet, wouldn't his destination already be Cyborila Island? Doesn't that mean we don't need to do anything to force him there? This chase feels a bit unnecessary."
Claudius glanced at Garp, wondering if there was a deeper layer he hadn't considered. Garp was an experienced Marine, after all.
But Garp's face flushed slightly, and he scratched the back of his head, realizing the oversight. With a sheepish grin, he said, "The sea's unpredictable. You can't rely on perfect conditions. You've got to keep control of the situation, Claudius. You're still too young. Don't ask too many irrelevant questions, just keep up."
"Hey, you old dog, you really were bluffing me! You didn't think of that, did you?" Claudius snapped irritably.
Garp ignored him. They were still a fair distance from Byrnndi World's ship, but Garp bellowed, "Open fire! Let's go!"
The Marine cannons roared to life, sending a barrage of shells flying toward World's ship. The distance was too great for accuracy, but the sheer display of firepower was impressive.
On the opposite side, Byrnndi World's ship returned fire. The two vessels exchanged volleys as they drew closer.
Suddenly, one of World's cannonballs swelled in mid-air, expanding to a hundred times its original size. If that thing hit the warship, it would shatter it in an instant.
But Garp was ready. With a powerful stomp that cracked the deck, he launched himself toward the massive projectile. "Fist of Destruction!" Garp roared, landing a direct punch on the giant cannonball.
The shell exploded in mid-air, sending shockwaves that tilted the ship and churned the water. Claudius squinted through the smoke, half-wondering if Garp had survived that impact. Moments later, Garp emerged unscathed, charging straight toward World's ship.
As Garp was about to land, a blur shot out from World's ship to intercept him. It was Byrnndi World himself, and without a word, he aimed a punch directly at Garp's chest.
"World!" Garp shouted, Armament Haki covering his body like armor. He swung his own fist, meeting World's punch head-on.
Claudius watched the exchange with awe. If it had been Fleet Admiral Kong, he might have chosen a more tactical approach, but not Garp. His response was simple: if you hit him, he'd hit back twice as hard, with no hesitation.
"As expected of the toughest man in the Marines," Claudius muttered, admiring Garp's indomitable spirit. Byrnndi World's punch collided with Garp's chest, but Garp's Armament Haki was as solid as iron, and he didn't seem fazed by the blow. At the same time, Garp's own punch slammed into World's chest. World, who also had his Armament Haki activated, managed to withstand the impact, but both men were sent flying. Garp's figure blasted through the dark smoke and crashed back onto the warship deck, skidding a few steps before stopping and cracking the wood beneath him. He patted his chest and cursed, "What a solid punch."
Claudius ignored Garp's remark and instead focused on World, noticing a thin line of blood trailing from the corner of his mouth. Clearly, World wasn't as sturdy as Garp. It confirmed Claudius's suspicion, while World was indeed strong, he was not quite at Garp's level. In terms of sheer strength, World fell just short of that peak tier.
With that in mind, Claudius wondered why they needed to push him to the island at all. Why not just take him down right here and now?
"Seriously, Marines and their elaborate plans. If it were up to me, I'd just split into two teams and crush them head-on," Claudius thought to himself.
But he understood why things were this way. The Marines always erred on the side of caution. Pushing World onto the island would almost guarantee his capture or defeat. Claudius, on the other hand, preferred more straightforward approaches—direct and effective. If a problem could be solved with sheer power, why complicate things?
As Claudius mulled over these thoughts, Garp was already on the move, charging back into the fray. Collecting his focus, Claudius knew what needed to be done.
No matter the approach, whether taking down World here or forcing him to the island, World's escape had to be blocked first.
"Enel!" Claudius called out.
"Yes!" Enel, who was standing nearby, responded promptly.
"Time for one of our combos!" Claudius said, a grin stretching across his face.
A similar look of excitement flashed across Enel's features. He raised his hands, and an immense surge of electricity crackled from his fingertips, shooting into the sky. Within moments, the clear skies turned heavy and dark, clouds shifting from white to ominous black as lightning bolts crackled across the sky.
Claudius lifted his arms as well. They twisted and transformed into swirling currents of air. As he added more power, fierce winds roared across the sea, stirring up the waves and making the once-calm ocean an unstable battlefield.
"Lightning walks with me!" Enel murmured, his voice low but commanding.
"And the storm listens to my orders!" Claudius shouted, a fierce energy in his voice.
As the two of them combined their powers, the weather around them shifted dramatically. A storm burst forth, and bolts of lightning shot through the darkened sky, encircling the entire sea area. The only clear path left was the one leading straight to Cyborila Island.
In the heat of battle, World, who was trading blows with Garp, noticed the sudden change. His eyes narrowed, bewildered. What in the world was happening? Why was the weather turning against him?
Garp laughed heartily. "Claudius, you really do have a bag full of tricks. Using the weather itself to box him in, huh?"
Realizing that he might be walking into a trap, World decided to switch tactics. He dodged Garp's next punch, grabbed a nearby cannonball from his ship's deck, and shouted, "Moa moa—ten times the speed!"
With that, he propelled himself at incredible speed toward Garp's dog-headed warship, leaving Garp's punch striking empty air.
World's plan was simple: if he was in a trap, he needed to break it. Destroying Garp's warship would disrupt their strategy and put the advantage back in his hands. If needed, he could make his escape.
Flying mid-air, he hurled the cannonball with a sneer. "Moa moa—hundred times the cannon!"
The moment the cannonball left his hand, it swelled to a massive size. If it hit the warship, it would obliterate it.
But just as he thought victory was in his grasp, Claudius sprang into action. He unsheathed the sword at his waist, the demon blade Shindō, and slashed at the oncoming cannonball. A cloud of white mist enveloped his blade as he swung with immense force.
"One Sword Style—White Frost Dance!" Claudius whispered.
The instant the blade met the cannonball, the blackened metal turned a frosty white. The slash didn't just cut it in half; it shattered it mid-air into a shower of icy fragments, scattering harmlessly across the deck.
World's eyes widened in disbelief. What kind of power was this?
Before he could process what had happened, he saw Claudius make another move. Claudius raised his sword and launched a powerful air slash.
"Storm!" Claudius yelled.
The blade of air shot forward, twisting into a cyclone mixed with the sharpness of the slash and hurtling straight toward World.
"Moa moa—thirty times the speed!" World muttered, launching himself into the air to evade the attack. The cyclone missed him by a hair, and he reappeared on the deck of the warship, ready for more.
Without hesitation, World lunged at Claudius, aiming a punch directly at his head.
Claudius stood firm, making no move to dodge. The demon blade Shindō blurred as he spun it in his hand and aimed for World's chest.
"White Lotus!" Claudius said under his breath.
World was momentarily caught off-guard. This man was really willing to trade blows? But he wasn't intimidated. His chest darkened as Armament Haki spread across it, reinforcing his defenses. He calculated that while he might take a hit, it wouldn't be fatal. His fist, however, would crush Claudius's head, allowing him to gain control of the battle before Garp could react and destroy the warship.
But in that moment, his calculations failed him.
Just as his fist was about to make contact, a bolt of lightning flashed, and a long golden staff, coated with Armament Haki, appeared. The tip of the staff connected with World's fist, not enough to block it entirely but enough to push it off course.
The redirected punch grazed past Claudius's head, sending his hair flying from the force of the wind, but missing its mark. Claudius grinned. Enel had come through.
In the next instant, Shindō slashed across World's chest. The blade's frost-coated edge clashed with his Haki but managed to freeze a thin layer of skin and armor on contact. The impact of the slash sent World flying, smashing him into the bow of Garp's warship.
World hit the deck hard, feeling a numbing cold spread across his chest. Part of his skin had gone completely numb, deprived of sensation by the freezing slash.
Rolling to the side without even glancing at his wound, World used a quick maneuver to put some distance between himself and his previous position.
And not a moment too soon. Garp's massive frame landed where World had just been, his fist smashing into the deck with such force that it punched a hole straight through.