While Claudius and his group were meeting with King Neptune at Ryugu Palace, the transfer of the freed mermaid slaves from the Prometheus was successfully completed.
At that moment Nia had just exited the palace and was standing near Jinbei, the stout, blue-skinned merman who was also King Neptune's trusted subordinate. The two seemed to be engaged in some light conversation, and Claudius happened to notice them as he stepped out of the palace.
Upon seeing Claudius, Nia quickly approached to give her report. After hearing that the handover had been completed without issue, Claudius nodded in satisfaction. The rest, he figured, was up to Fish-Man Island to handle. There was no need for him to concern himself further with such minor details.
As they made their way back to Coral Hill, Claudius took in the sights of the island with a growing sense of admiration.
Although he couldn't help but criticize Fish-Man Island's "submissiveness" over the past 800 years, he had to admit that the island itself was breathtakingly beautiful. The dreamy, otherworldly scenery, with its glowing coral and shimmering waters, felt like something out of a fairy tale.
"What a wonderful place," Claudius murmured to himself, clearly impressed.
Hearing this Nia smiled and suggested, "Your Highness, if you like it so much, why don't we establish some property here? After all, it's not far from Mariejois, a trip would only take a day at most. If Your Highness enjoys this place, you could come here to relax whenever you please."
Claudius chuckled and asked, "Property? You mean like real estate? A manor?"
Nia nodded matter-of-factly and said, "Yes. I've heard there's an area called Euphory Hills, considered the most prestigious residential district on Fish-Man Island. It has several beautiful estates available for purchase. While the manors there are said to be expensive, it's hardly an issue for us."
Nia's confidence was apparent, her tone brimming with the self-assurance of someone who knew their wealth could solve any problem. To her, buying a luxurious villa seemed no more difficult than picking out a new coat.
And, truthfully, she wasn't wrong.
Claudius had built up an impressive fortune over the years. In his younger days, he had been far more restrained with his spending, carefully managing his limited funds. But now? Now he was wealthy beyond imagination.
Whether it was the "tributes" he regularly received from underworld figures like Umit, the generous annual allowances from the World Government, the vast sums of heavenly tribute owed to the upper-echelon Celestial Dragons, the profits generated by Happy Street under Stussy's management, or the earnings funneled through his alliances with pirates like Crocodile and Doflamingo, money was something Claudius no longer needed to worry about.
Hearing Nia's suggestion, Claudius stroked his chin thoughtfully before smirking. "You've grown quite attached to Mero and Lenny, haven't you? Is that why you want to buy a property here?"
Nia's cheeks turned slightly red, and she looked away, embarrassed. "Well, Lenny and Mero are leaving, but..."
"But you've become good friends with them over the years," Claudius said, his tone teasing yet kind. "You've spent so much time together that you're like family. Now that they've returned to Fish-Man Island, you'll want to visit them from time to time, and for that, you'd need a place to stay. Am I right?"
Caught off guard by how easily Claudius had guessed her thoughts, Nia lowered her head in bashful silence.
Claudius chuckled at her reaction, amused but also touched. "Nia, you're the person I trust most. You don't need to ask for my approval for something as trivial as this. If you want to buy property here, go ahead. And if it's what you want, we'll purchase all of Euphory Hills!"
Nia's eyes widened in shock, and she quickly waved her hands. "No, no, Your Highness! There's no need to go that far! A small manor would be more than enough."
Claudius laughed. "If you say so, but make sure it's one of the best manors on the island. No need to settle for second-best. Take your time and pick one you really like."
Seeing the sincerity in his words, Nia's initial embarrassment was replaced by warmth and gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness. I'll take care of it."
As the group continued walking, Stussy, who had been quietly observing their conversation, smiled. She and Nia shared a close bond, so she wasn't surprised by how easily Claudius indulged her.
Meanwhile, Sengoku, who had been walking a short distance away, couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. "Celestial Dragons really live on a completely different level," he thought with a sigh. "They can just casually decide to buy the best property on an entire island, as if it's nothing."
Still, Sengoku quickly consoled himself. "It's fine. Marine will soon be flush with resources after all these new developments. Maybe I'll propose building a nice Marine base with comfortable accommodations. Surely an Admiral deserves a decent place to stay..."
Had Claudius been aware of Sengoku's musings, he would've likely laughed and remarked on the creeping "corruption" in the Admiral's thoughts. But all of this was just playful banter in his mind. Sengoku, despite his occasional complaints, remained an upright and disciplined leader.
Eventually, Claudius and Nia arrived at Coral Hill, where they spotted Lenny and Mero walking around with a young mermaid girl. The girl was noticeably larger than Lenny and Mero, and her shark-like features hinted at her being a rare shark mermaid.
When Lenny spotted Claudius, she immediately waved and called out, "Your Highness!"
Claudius smiled and waved back as the group approached him. "You seem happy. Is it because you're back home?" he asked.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Mero introduced the young shark mermaid. "Your Highness, this is Shyarly. She's the daughter of a dear friend of ours... well, her mother isn't with us anymore. She's only fifteen, so Lenny and I thought we'd take care of her together. Is that alright?"
Claudius blinked in surprise. "Shyarly? A shark mermaid?" He couldn't help but feel that the name and her appearance were familiar, though he couldn't immediately place why.
Still, he smiled warmly and said, "You don't need my permission for something like that. You're free now, aren't you?"
Hearing this, Lenny touched the mark on her arm, a combination of the Celestial Dragon's Hoof and the Donquixote family crest. Originally, the mark had been branded onto her when she was enslaved, but the addition of the family crest had come later, symbolizing her bond with Claudius.
"Even though we're free, this crest means we'll always belong to you, Your Highness," Lenny said with a grin.
"Wise words, little one," Claudius replied, stroking his chin with mock seriousness.
"We're not little!" Mero chimed in indignantly. "We're older than you by a few years!"
As the group laughed and chatted, Lenny suddenly perked up and said, "Oh! Your Highness, Shyarly has an amazing ability, she can predict the future! Why don't you let her try it for you?" As Claudius listened to Lenny's suggestion, he studied Shyarly for a moment. This time, he was certain, this young mermaid was indeed the future owner of the Mermaid Café. If memory served, wasn't she somehow related to Arlong? Perhaps his older or younger sister?
Before Claudius could say anything, Stussy's curiosity got the better of her. With a gleam of interest in her eyes, she said, "You can predict the future? I love divinations like this. Why don't you give me a try first?"
It had to be said regardless of age or maturity, women seemed to have a natural fondness for fortune-telling and mysterious predictions.
"Are you interested Stussy? Great! Let's find a nice spot to sit and do this together," Lenny said enthusiastically.
Seeing their excitement, Claudius smiled and glanced at Sengoku Admiral, who appeared both exasperated and amused. With little else to do, both men decided to join the group.
Under Lenny's guidance, they soon arrived at a cozy café. As they stepped inside, Shyarly's eyes lit up with admiration, her gaze darting around the establishment with evident fascination.
"My dream is to open a café here in Coral Hill," Shyarly whispered to Mero, her tone shy yet full of longing.
Mero paused, touching her chin thoughtfully before nodding. "Since we're back now, and after all these years so much has changed including our homes being gone, why don't we help you make that dream come true? Let's open one together."
Lenny clapped her hands in agreement but then blinked mischievously and said, "That sounds like a great idea, but we're broke. If we want to open a café, we're going to need a generous investor, right?"
Mero caught on quickly and nodded with a sly smile. "You're right. But where would we find such a kind, handsome, and wealthy benefactor willing to invest in three poor little mermaids?"
Hearing their playful banter, Claudius chuckled and shook his head. "You two... Handsome and kind? Are you fishing for compliments or trying to guilt-trip me?"
"We're talking about a benefactor, Your Highness," Lenny teased with a grin.
"Let's be real," Claudius replied with mock seriousness. "Who else but me—this kind, handsome man would be foolish enough to indulge you two schemers?"
Mero didn't even hesitate. "So, it's settled then? You'll help us, Your Highness?"
Claudius couldn't help but laugh at her shamelessness. Not that he minded—after all, he'd long planned to establish some influence on Fish-Man Island. Mero and Lenny would play key roles in his plans, and the friendship they had built over the years only cemented his desire to support them.
"Fine, fine," Claudius relented with a wave of his hand. "But remember, this isn't without a price. Someday, I might need the two of you to lend me a hand."
Lenny immediately raised her arm, pointing to the mark of the Celestial Dragon's Hoof on her shoulder, now tattooed with the Donquixote family crest in its center. "Don't worry, Your Highness. Whatever you need, leave it to us!"
Once they settled into a corner of the café, the conversation shifted to Shyarly's abilities. Stussy, ever curious, leaned forward eagerly. "So, how does this work? Do you need my hair? My palm?"
Claudius raised an eyebrow, surprised by Stussy's enthusiasm. Judging by her eagerness, she must have had her fortune told more than once before.
Shyarly, a little shy, shook her head and replied, "No, I just need my crystal ball."
From her bag, Shyarly retrieved a clear crystal ball and set it gently on the table. "What would you like me to predict, Sister Stussy?"
Stussy's excitement faltered for a moment, and she glanced at Claudius with a suspicious look, as if worried he might overhear. Then, lowering her voice, she leaned close to Shyarly and whispered something in her ear.
Whatever Stussy said made Shyarly's cheeks flush pink, but she nodded in understanding. Placing her hands on the crystal ball, Shyarly closed her eyes, and the ball began to emit a soft, ethereal glow.
Claudius and Sengoku both leaned forward slightly, intrigued by the sight.
"Can she really see the future?" Sengoku muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "If this ability is real, its strategic value could be enormous."
Claudius shared his curiosity but was also cautious. "Does this ability have limitations?" he asked.
Before Shyarly could respond, Lenny eagerly chimed in, "Of course, there are limits! Shyarly's predictions are very accurate, but they don't work every time. The bigger the event, the harder it is for her to see clearly. Sometimes even she doesn't know why her visions succeed or fail, it's all up to fate! But she did predict the start of the Great Pirate Era, and that came true!"
"Seriously?" Claudius said, genuinely impressed.
Sengoku's expression became more serious. For a moment, he even considered whether Shyarly should be brought into Marine's fold as a strategic resource. But then, his gaze softened. "It's an incredible ability," he murmured, "but also a painful one. Predicting the future... isn't that an unbearable burden? People strive toward the future because they can't see it. If you already know what's coming, what's left to hope for?"
Claudius nodded in agreement. "True. Even if you could glimpse the future, would it be worth it? The future isn't set in stone. I'd rather face it head-on and shape it with my own hands."
Hearing this, Sengoku abandoned any thoughts of recruiting Shyarly. As admirable as her gift was, it seemed like a heavy cross to bear—one he had no desire to exploit.
Meanwhile, Shyarly finished her prediction and looked at Stussy. "Sister Stussy, you and—"
Before Shyarly could finish her sentence, Stussy let out a shriek and leapt to her feet, clapping a hand over the young mermaid's mouth. "Privacy! This is private! Shyarly, don't say it out loud!"
The scene was so over-the-top that Claudius couldn't help but laugh. "What's with all the mystery?" he teased.
Ignoring him, Stussy whispered something to Shyarly, who then shared the rest of the prediction in a hushed voice. Whatever Shyarly said caused Stussy's face to flush crimson, and she returned to her seat, clearly flustered. For the rest of the time, she sat in silence, occasionally breaking into a dreamy, silly smile.
Claudius couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "What could she possibly have told you to make you, the unshakable Queen Stussy act like that?"
After Stussy, Sengoku decided to try his luck. With a grin, he said, "Why don't you show me, too? Let this old man see what the future holds."
Shyarly smiled and nodded. "What would you like to know, Grandpa?"
"Anything is fine. Just surprise me," Sengoku said good-naturedly, ignoring the "Grandpa" label.
Shyarly once again placed her hands on the crystal ball, and it began to glow. After a few moments, she opened her eyes, startled, and exclaimed, "Grandpa, you're going to become Marine's Fleet Admiral soon!" As soon as Shyarly's voice fell, Claudius laughed and said, "See? It seems Little Sister Shyarly's ability is quite powerful and very accurate, Sengoku."
Sengoku chuckled modestly, waving his hand as he replied, "Your Highness, don't tease me. It's just a coincidence."
Although Sengoku spoke with humility, the subtle joy written across his face betrayed his true feelings.
In reality, this wasn't much of a secret, at least not among senior figures in the World Government like Claudius and Sengoku. Whether it was Kong or the Five Elders, everyone had long been grooming Sengoku to ascend to the position of Fleet Admiral.
Currently, Sengoku was the only Admiral who fulfilled the conditions for promotion. To qualify as a Marine Fleet Admiral, one must first serve as an Admiral, and Sengoku was the sole active Admiral at the moment.
Zephyr, the former Admiral, had retired years ago to head the Marine Officer Training Camp, where he now trained the next generation of Marines. Meanwhile, the position of Admiral that was meant for Garp remained vacant since the man stubbornly refused the role. Garp's rejection was so absolute that the idea of him becoming Fleet Admiral was entirely out of the question.
Tsuru, while highly capable, had no interest in becoming Marine Fleet Admiral either. Among those most qualified, Sengoku was the only one both eligible and willing. He was also the most suitable candidate in terms of temperament and experience.
This is why Claudius, after hearing Shyarly predict Sengoku's promotion in the "near future," praised her ability—it was essentially a confirmation of what everyone already expected.
The mention of the "near future" meant Sengoku's promotion was imminent.
As Claudius thought about this, he couldn't help but reflect on how Sengoku's rise would soon bring major changes to Marine. The vacant Admiral positions would need to be filled quickly, and the candidates for those roles were already established.
There were five contenders: Sakazuki, Borsalino, Kuzan, Gion, and Tokikake.
Among them, Sakazuki had openly expressed his ambition to become an Admiral. He was driven and confident in his abilities.
Borsalino, on the other hand, took a much more relaxed approach. His attitude could be summed up as: If they offer me the position, I'll take it. If not, I'll just continue being Vice Admiral.
Kuzan, while not as eager as Sakazuki, also quietly hoped to be promoted.
As for Gion, she showed little interest in becoming Admiral. Despite her qualifications, her lack of enthusiasm for the role was evident. She seldom participated in Admiral-related training and clearly had no intention of competing for the title.
Lastly, Tokikake, while skilled, shared a certain carefree attitude with Garp. He wasn't motivated by ambition and seemed indifferent to the prospect of becoming an Admiral.
Based on what Claudius remembered from the original timeline and the current developments, he was confident the new Admirals would be Sakazuki, Borsalino, and Kuzan. These three were poised to lead Marine into a new era of strength and authority.
With this lineup, Marine would undoubtedly experience significant growth and development in the next five to ten years.
After Sengoku's reading was complete, the group shifted back to lighthearted conversation. Stussy, Mero, and the others were soon urging Claudius to give Shyarly's ability a try. Despite some initial reluctance, Claudius eventually agreed.
Shyarly began her usual process, placing her hands on the crystal ball. However, to everyone's surprise, nothing happened. The crystal ball remained dim, showing none of the glowing light from earlier readings.
Confused, Shyarly tried again and again, but the results were the same. Finally, she spoke, her tone puzzled. "It's strange... there's no response at all. I can't see Big Brother Claudius's future."
Lenny stepped in quickly to reassure her. "You've been using your ability a lot today, Shyarly. Maybe you're just tired. It's okay if it doesn't work, don't blame yourself."
Claudius nodded with a gentle smile. "Exactly. It's no big deal. Honestly, I've already seen enough of my own future."
His words were meant to comfort, but deep down, Claudius was genuinely curious. Shyarly's explanation soon gave him something to think about.
"It's not a failure," Shyarly insisted, shaking her head. "This is... different. It's not like the times when my ability simply fails. It feels like... there's nothing there. Like something is actively blocking me from seeing you. It's as if your future doesn't exist, it's being devoured."
Her words made Claudius pause. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Was this because he wasn't truly a part of this world? After all, his soul came from another place entirely. If he was, in a sense, a "dead man," it would make sense that his future was obscured.
In any case, he saw this as a good thing. If some unseen force was protecting him from being spied on, it was better than the alternative.
Still, Claudius didn't dwell on it for long. With a casual wave of his hand, he laughed it off. "Maybe it's because I'm too handsome for the future to handle. Hahaha! Let's not overthink it."
The group quickly moved on from the topic, treating the failed reading as little more than a minor oddity. They continued to enjoy their coffee and conversation, and even Sengoku had fully relaxed into the atmosphere.
Sengoku couldn't help but marvel at how much he had changed recently. The more time he spent with Claudius, the more he felt his perspective shifting.
There was something about Claudius, an ineffable quality that seemed to influence everyone around him. People who stayed in his orbit inevitably changed, though whether for better or worse was up for debate.
For Sengoku, the change felt positive. He found himself feeling younger in spirit, less rigid in his thinking. In the past, he would have approached someone like Shyarly with purely strategic intent, seeing her as an asset for Marine. Yet now, he felt no desire to exploit her gift.
Sengoku didn't know if this newfound mindset was entirely a good thing, but for the moment, he was content to let it be.
In the days that followed, Claudius held several more discussions with Princess Otohime and King Neptune, solidifying a number of agreements.
One of the most significant deals involved the liberation of the remaining Fish-Man slaves in Mariejois. Claudius assured Neptune that these individuals would be gradually freed until the number of enslaved Fish-Men reached "zero."
Once this task was complete, Claudius anticipated earning a great deal of goodwill from the people of Fish-Man Island. With this trust established, he planned to move forward with CP-X and Marine's efforts to reform the lawless Fish-Man District.
However, one key obstacle remained: the unruly leaders of Fish-Man District. To bring them under control, Claudius would need someone capable of commanding their respect.
Fortunately, he already had someone in mind—Fisher Tiger.
Currently imprisoned in Mariejois, Fisher Tiger was a wildcard. Claudius had initially debated killing him outright to prevent the infamous Mariejois fire that would threaten his own home. But now, he saw a better opportunity.
"Come work for me, Fisher Tiger," Claudius thought with a sly smile. "Let's see if we can rewrite your story." After spending several days on Fish-Man Island, Claudius and his party successfully concluded their mission for the World Government. Whitebeard's flag could no longer be raised, and Neptune and the others understood the stakes.
If the Fish-Man Island royals dared to defy this arrangement, the consequences would be catastrophic. Not only would the Five Elders lose their patience, but Claudius himself would not tolerate being made a fool of.
If such a situation arose again, Claudius jokingly thought to himself that he might destroy the entire Fish-Man Island in retaliation. He could even uproot Eve itself to use its wood for shipbuilding.
Of course, this was just an exaggerated thought. Neptune and Princess Otohime were certainly not foolish enough to push things that far.
During their stay, Claudius finally saw Shirahoshi. Though she was just a newborn, her immense size was astonishing. Shirahoshi was absolutely adorable, to the point of being overwhelmingly charming.
In the future, two individuals would be widely regarded as the most beautiful women in the world. One of them was Boa Hancock, whose beauty captivated countless hearts. However, despite her fame, Hancock's beauty would only be acknowledged unofficially, revered among pirates and civilians alike but never formally recognized.
The other was Shirahoshi, who was considered the world's most beautiful woman with official recognition.
When comparing the two, Claudius leaned toward Hancock. While Shirahoshi was indeed stunning, her appeal leaned more toward innocence and cuteness, with her status as the Mermaid Princess adding significant weight to her reputation.
Hancock, on the other hand, relied solely on her extraordinary looks to command attention. If beauty alone could determine rank, Hancock's presence was on par with that of a Marine Fleet Admiral.
As the Prometheus descended from Fish-Man Island back to the sea's surface, Claudius found himself marveling at the beauty of the deep-sea landscape. Unlike the trip down, which had been occupied with conversations with Sengoku, this time Claudius took the opportunity to appreciate the underwater world.
Both Lenny and Mero remained behind on Fish-Man Island. Claudius ensured they were well-funded, leaving behind significant resources to support their new life. He even spoke with Neptune, requesting the king to look after the two women.
For Neptune, this was an opportunity to gather more insight into Claudius. Were the rumors of his goodwill genuine? Was this Celestial Dragon someone they could trust? With these questions in mind, Neptune readily agreed to Claudius's request.
On Sengoku's side, plans were already underway. Upon his return to Marineford, he would begin preparations to station Marines on Fish-Man Island, further cementing the new arrangement.
As the Prometheus moved through the depths, Hancock leaned against the railing, her eyes wide with excitement as she spotted a massive, glowing anglerfish in the distance. "What is that? It's so big!" she exclaimed.
Claudius smiled at her enthusiasm. "That's a lantern fish. They're huge, and I've heard they even prey on Sea Kings. But... well, they are pretty ugly, aren't they?"
Hancock nodded quickly. "Yes, it's so ugly! It looks like it's from some horror story!"
Robin, standing quietly nearby, commented in a calm tone, "I think it's kind of... charming."
Claudius turned toward her, amused. Over time, he'd realized that Robin's unusual aesthetic preferences weren't born from trauma or hardship but were simply an intrinsic part of her personality.
It was the same Robin who had adopted Saul's odd "chuck-he-he" laugh back when she was a child. Even as Claudius reflected on her quirks, he couldn't help but wonder about Saul. The giant Vice Admiral with such a promising future—wasn't he locked away in Impel Down?
Shaking the thought from his mind, Claudius asked Robin, "Did you find anything interesting on Fish-Man Island? Something that caught your attention?"
Robin turned to him, her gaze thoughtful. "Yes, I found it fascinating. The culture there is so distinct from the surface world. I also bought a lot of books."
Hearing this, Claudius smiled warmly. "Books, huh? That sounds like you, Robin. Did you spend a fortune?"
Robin hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I might have gone a little overboard... It cost quite a bit."
Claudius chuckled. "How much could books possibly cost? Don't worry about it. How much did you spend?"
Robin hesitated again before sheepishly responding, "About... a billion berries."
Claudius froze, nearly falling over the railing. "What?! A billion berries? You spent that much on books? Did you buy a library or something? Or was it... was it the Poneglyph?!"
Robin flinched at his outburst, her face filled with embarrassment. "Many of the books were original manuscripts, some of them centuries old. Others were rare editions thought to have been lost to time. Knowledge is priceless, isn't it? You always say that, Your Highness. Books are the ladder of human progress, and knowledge is the most valuable treasure."
Hearing her justification, Claudius laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, fine. I suppose I did say that."
Robin sighed in relief, her tension easing as she smiled. "I've already placed them in the ship's library, but it still feels so empty. Your library is too big."
Claudius nodded, a spark of pride lighting his eyes. "One day, Robin, we'll fill that library together. Every book will represent a journey, an adventure. The Prometheus will truly live up to its name—the ship of wisdom."
Robin didn't reply right away. Instead, she gazed at him for a moment before asking, "The ship of wisdom?"
"Yes," Claudius replied confidently. "The Prometheus isn't just a ship; it's a vessel of knowledge, discovery, and understanding."
Robin hesitated, then added, "While we were on Fish-Man Island... I visited the Sea Forest."
Claudius raised an eyebrow. "The Sea Forest? That's the place with the Poneglyph, isn't it?"
Robin nodded, her expression suddenly uncertain. "I had someone move the Poneglyph to the ship's library."
"What?!" Claudius nearly choked on his words. "You moved the Poneglyph?! The Fish-Men didn't try to stop you?"
Robin frowned thoughtfully before replying, "No, I don't think they saw it as anything important. It was just lying there in the Sea Forest, like an abandoned relic. No one seemed to care."
Claudius groaned and rubbed his forehead, but he couldn't find it in himself to be angry. Ultimately, it was a Poneglyph, a priceless artifact that couldn't be read by just anyone. Its presence aboard the Prometheus was both a risk and an opportunity.
"Well, what's done is done," Claudius said with a shrug. "No one can read it anyway, so I doubt it'll cause much trouble."
Robin glanced at him, conflicted. She had considered revealing her ability to read the Poneglyphs but decided against it. "Not yet," she thought to herself. "I'll tell him when the time is right." The Prometheus continued to glide smoothly through the deep sea as Claudius chatted casually with the girls around him. At that moment Nia approached with a Den Den Mushi in hand, saying, "Your Highness, it's Enel."
"Oh? The Thunder Lord?" Claudius asked with a chuckle.
Nia smiled as well, handing him the Den Den Mushi. "Yes, it's our very own Thunder Lord."
Taking the receiver, Claudius smiled as he greeted, "Enel, is that you? How are things lately? I hear you're going by the name 'Thunder Lord' now."
The voice on the other end of the line practically buzzed with excitement. "Your Highness! Are you paying attention to me? I'm so happy!"
Claudius couldn't help but laugh at Enel's enthusiasm. The guy really was like a loyal little puppy—eager to please, ecstatic at even the smallest bit of praise. Compared to Crocodile, who always acted like a stubborn, arrogant tsundere, Enel was oddly refreshing.
"Hahaha, of course, I'm paying attention. You're my favorite subordinate, after all," Claudius said, lying through his teeth without the slightest hesitation.
Truthfully, he hadn't been keeping track of Enel's pirate activities until Sengoku Admiral had casually mentioned them a few days ago. But hearing the excitement in Enel's voice, Claudius resolved to give him a bit more attention in the future.
"Your Highness, guess where I am right now!" Enel said, his excitement mounting.
Claudius tilted his head, trying to piece it together. Based on his earlier conversations with Sengoku, he had a rough idea of where Enel might be. "Let me guess... You're near Water 7? Or maybe you've taken one of the other routes?"
"Wrong, Your Highness! You'll never guess it! Hahaha!" Enel replied gleefully.
Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Alright then, where are you?"
"I'm in the White Sea!" Enel declared.
For a moment, Claudius was stunned. The White Sea? How in the world had Enel ended up back in the sky?
"The White Sea? How did you end up there?" Claudius asked, now genuinely curious.
"Well, it's like this—I was originally heading toward Water 7 along the Alabasta route. But then I stopped at Jaya Island. Have you heard of Jaya Island, Your Highness?" Enel asked, his voice brimming with excitement.
"Of course. That's the starting point for the Sky Island route, with the infamous Knock-Up Stream. Did you... Did you take the ocean current to get back into the sky?" Claudius asked, his tone a mixture of surprise and amusement.
"That's exactly what happened!" Enel said proudly.
Claudius couldn't help but laugh in disbelief. Only someone like Enel would casually take such a dangerous and unpredictable route as the Knock-Up Stream and live to tell the tale.
"Well, considering you're talking to me right now, I assume you survived the trip unscathed. You've got some luck, I'll give you that," Claudius said, shaking his head with a wry smile.
"It was amazing! The Knock-Up Stream shot us straight into the sky! Your Highness, it's incredible up here," Enel said.
"So, what brought you to the White Sea? Feeling nostalgic for your old home?" Claudius teased.
"Not at all! The place where Your Highness is, that's my home now," Enel replied with surprising sincerity. "Didn't you always say, 'This peace of mind is my hometown'?"
Claudius raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. He had indeed quoted that phrase from Su Shi, a poet from his previous world. It seemed that his random musings had left an impression on Enel.
"Well, I didn't expect you to remember that," Claudius said with a laugh. "Alright, then—what are you up to in the White Sea?"
"Your Highness, I've made a huge discovery!" Enel said, his voice dropping to an excited whisper. "I think I've found a great treasure!"
Claudius's curiosity was piqued. "A treasure? Tell me more."
Excitedly, Enel launched into the story of his latest adventure. As it turned out, Enel had stopped at Jaya Island on his way to Water 7. He had heard rumors about the fabled City of Gold—Shandora—and became intrigued.
Apparently, Enel recalled stories from his time on Birka about a mysterious "land" in the White Sea. Piecing everything together, he theorized that the City of Gold had been launched into the sky by the Knock-Up Stream centuries ago.
Unable to resist the allure of such a grand treasure, Enel had used the soaring current to reach the White Sea. Once there, he began exploring and soon confirmed the existence of the Golden City near Angel Island.
"I knew it, Your Highness! The Golden City is real! There's gold everywhere, but it seems like it's been in the middle of some war for centuries. But I'm sure we can take it all!" Enel said excitedly.
Claudius was equal parts amused and impressed. He had considered searching for the City of Gold years ago during his visit to Sky Island but had ultimately been too busy to follow through. Yet here was Enel, stumbling upon the treasure almost by accident.
"Well, well. It seems you've had quite the adventure, Enel. I'll figure out how to send some people up to help you," Claudius said with a smile.
After a bit more conversation, the call ended, and Claudius leaned back, deep in thought. The Golden City, Shandora... This could turn out to be a massive haul.
Enel might have stumbled into something extraordinary, but now Claudius had to figure out how to capitalize on it. With a smirk, he began planning his next move. For centuries, three legendary treasures have been whispered about across the seas. And now, with the addition of Roger's "One Piece," there are four ultimate treasures in existence.
Unlike the mystery surrounding Roger's legendary treasure, the other three—Golden City, Emerald City, and the Sea of Gems are ancient legends passed down since time immemorial. Each one is cloaked in mystery, with a history stretching back hundreds of years.
The Sea of Gems is rumored to exist somewhere within the Grand Line. The entire sea is said to glitter with precious gems, but no one knows exactly where it is. There are no clear records, and Claudius himself isn't sure whether it's real or just a fanciful tale.
The Emerald City is said to have been a city built entirely from priceless jade. The legend dates back more than 800 years, long before the World Government came into existence. Like the Sea of Gems, its existence remains unproven, though that hasn't stopped countless treasure hunters from seeking it.
Compared to these two enigmatic legends, the Golden City feels more grounded in reality, though its origin is still shrouded in the past. It all began more than 400 years ago with an expedition launched by the North Blue kingdom of Lvneel.
Though it was described as an "expedition," it was actually a treasure-hunting mission led by the infamous "Liar" Mont Blanc Noland. According to the story, Noland discovered the ancient civilization of Shandora on what is now known as Jaya Island. The people of Shandora were said to be prosperous, building their city with gold and living in unimaginable wealth.
Upon returning to the Lvneel Kingdom, Noland shared his discovery with the king, who was so enticed by the thought of golden riches that he sent a fleet back to Jaya to claim it. However, when Noland returned, the civilization of Shandora had mysteriously disappeared.
Branded as a fraud and traitor for leading the king on a fruitless expedition, Noland was executed in disgrace. His name became a mockery, and the legend of the Golden City was written off as nothing more than a fanciful tale.
However, not everyone on the seas dismissed the legend. Over the last four centuries, countless adventurers and treasure hunters have searched for the Golden City, though none have succeeded. Even Noland's descendants have dedicated their lives to clearing his name, hoping to find the elusive city of gold.
Unlike those countless failures, Claudius now knew the truth. Thanks to Enel, he was certain the Golden City existed hidden high above in the sky on Skypiea. The sheer wealth contained within the city was incalculable. At a conservative estimate, it was worth at least tens of billions of Berries. And at its peak? Who knew where the numbers would stop?
Even just scratching the surface of that wealth had netted Luffy's crew hundreds of millions of Berries in gold. How much would it amount to if Claudius managed to bring down the entire city?
But there was a problem. Claudius knew he couldn't claim all that gold for himself, it was simply too vast. Even with his connections, manpower, and resources, moving that much gold alone would be impossible.
When he had visited Skypiea years ago, Claudius had briefly considered searching for the Golden City but ultimately abandoned the idea. At the time, his fleet was small, and transporting the gold was a logistical nightmare. Now, however, he had more options at his disposal, especially with Enel on his side.
Still, the operation would require careful planning. For one, transporting the treasure would require a massive fleet. Claudius had the fleet, but there was another challenge, getting the fleet to Skypiea.
There were two known ways to reach Skypiea.
The first was the Knock-Up Stream, a natural phenomenon that shoots ships into the sky. While it was possible for a single ship to survive the stream, sending an entire fleet through would be impossible. Not only was the stream unpredictable, but there was no guarantee the ships wouldn't be destroyed mid-ascent.
The second route was the "High West Path," the route Claudius had taken on his initial trip to Skypiea. While safer, this route required experienced navigators to guide the fleet through treacherous waters and up the sky currents. Unfortunately, Claudius didn't have anyone in his crew with that expertise.
However, he knew someone who did, Marine Headquarters. Specifically, Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had decades of experience navigating tricky waters. If Claudius wanted to pull this off, he would need to partner with the Marines.
Sharing the profits with Marine might sting, but the potential payout was worth it. Besides, forming a deeper alliance with Sengoku and the Marines would benefit Claudius's long-term plans, especially with his Calm Belt projects underway.
With this plan in mind, Claudius made his way to Sengoku, who was currently occupying himself in the Prometheus library.
"Your Highness, Admiral Sengoku is in the library," the butler Nia informed him.
Claudius chuckled. "Hahaha, The Resourceful General indulging in some light reading? Let's go see what he's up to."
When Claudius arrived, he found Sengoku seated on one of the library steps, engrossed in a book. His glasses reflected the warm library light as he carefully flipped through the pages, clearly immersed in his study.
Hearing footsteps, Sengoku glanced up and smiled. "Your collection here is incredible, Your Highness. I must admit I'm a little envious."
Claudius laughed. "Well, a good chunk of it is thanks to you. Without Ohara, I wouldn't have been able to gather such a collection."
Sengoku sighed, a trace of regret crossing his features. "I didn't want that outcome either. Ohara was a cultural treasure. But as Marine Admiral, I had to make tough choices. It wasn't a decision I made lightly."
Claudius nodded but didn't push the conversation further. Instead, he gestured to a nearby slab of stone—the Poneglyph Robin had brought aboard.
"Ah, so you've noticed the historical text? I thought it would pique your interest," Claudius said.
Sengoku adjusted his glasses. "I was curious. Collecting something like this... Your Highness truly has a unique sense of curiosity."
"Haha, it's indestructible, isn't it? Fire, water, blades, it survives them all. I thought it was fascinating, so I brought it aboard to study."
Sengoku didn't press further. As a Celestial Dragon, Claudius's actions were beyond reproach. Instead, the two chatted for a bit before Claudius finally broached the topic of his grand plan.
"Sengoku," Claudius began with a sly smile, "I've got a business proposal for you. Something big. Are you interested?"
Sengoku raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A business proposal? How big are we talking, Your Highness?"
Claudius grinned. "Let's just say... hundreds of millions, at the very least."
Sengoku leaned back, crossing his arms. "Alright, you've got my attention. What exactly is this proposal?"
Claudius's eyes gleamed as he leaned forward. "Golden City, Admiral. What would Marine think if CP-X found the legendary Golden City?"
Sengoku's expression shifted, his gaze sharpening. "Are you saying... you've found it?"
Claudius's grin widened. "I'm saying we might have a very profitable opportunity on our hands, Admiral. But to make it work, we'll need Marine's help." Claudius didn't hold back and laid everything Enel had told him out for Sengoku.
Sengoku was genuinely surprised. After listening carefully, he let out a sigh and muttered, "To think... yes, it all makes sense now. Why didn't we think of this sooner? Then again, who would've guessed the answer was in the sky? Most people would naturally assume such treasures lie hidden on the seabed."
"Exactly," Claudius nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "That's why Golden City has remained hidden for so long. Hardly anyone would suspect it's above the clouds. Now that we know, we're sitting on first-hand information. But here's the thing—CP-X can't handle this alone. The scale of this operation is beyond us."
Sengoku perked up at the mention of CP-X's limitations, his curiosity piqued.
Claudius continued, "That's why I want Marine to join forces with us. Together, we can tackle this. But..." He paused deliberately, letting his words sink in. "If Marine doesn't want to get involved, I can always report this to the World Government. I'm sure they'd be more than willing to help. Of course, if that happens, I'd have to split the spoils with them, and you know how that goes. They'll take the lion's share, and we'll be left with scraps. That's why I'm offering this to you first split it fifty-fifty."
Sengoku's eyes lit up at the mention of splitting the spoils. He quickly interrupted, "Don't even think about reporting this to the World Government! Why wouldn't Marine be interested? Eat? Of course, we'll eat! Forget the Golden City, if you found the Sea of Gems or Emerald City along with it, we'd find a way to swallow that whole too!"
The usually composed Sengoku spoke with uncharacteristic fervor. The Golden City wasn't just any treasure; it was potentially worth tens of billions of Berries. Even if Marine only got half, that would still mean 25 billion, enough to cover a significant chunk of Marine's annual budget. And that was just Sengoku's conservative estimate. If Golden City's wealth reached higher—say, 100 or even 200 billion the payoff would be astronomical.
Marine's military expenses were no small matter. With an active force numbering in the millions, maintaining their vast operations across the globe required a staggering amount of resources. Between warships, weapons, ammunition, and salaries, Marine burned through hundreds of billions of Berries annually.
Sengoku, ever the tactician, immediately saw the value in this operation. A windfall like this could fund new warships, strengthen bases, and bolster their forces all without eating into their regular budget. The potential was immense.
After a moment's thought, Sengoku spoke decisively. "Your Highness, Marine will absolutely participate in this. You've already done us a great favor by bringing this to our attention. There's no way we'll let you shoulder the burden alone. We'll assemble a fleet—no, a large fleet and take care of the logistics. We've got plenty of warships nearing the end of their service life. They may not be ideal for combat anymore, but they're more than capable of hauling gold. Consider it done."
Claudius chuckled to himself. Hook, line, and sinker. He could tell Sengoku was fully invested now. The Admiral's initial reservations about working closely with CP-X had evaporated. Ever since the Calm Belt initiative, Marine had grown increasingly comfortable with these joint ventures. And now, Sengoku didn't even hesitate to dive into this new partnership.
"Excellent!" Claudius said, his tone lighthearted. "If Marine already has the ships, that'll make things much easier. Shall we finalize the agreement then?"
Sengoku nodded firmly. "Leave the fleet to us, Your Highness. We'll handle the logistics and manpower. I'll make sure Marine carries out this operation smoothly. And don't worry, we won't touch a single Berry of your share. I swear on my position as Marine Admiral."
Claudius smirked. "I wasn't worried about that. Marine wouldn't risk damaging its reputation over something so petty. Besides, we both know this is just the appetizer. The Calm Belt project is the real feast, and that's a long-term venture. Neither of us can afford to burn bridges here."
Sengoku agreed wholeheartedly. Golden City was a massive prize, but it paled in comparison to the sustained financial benefits that could come from properly exploiting the Calm Belt. As tempting as it might be to take a larger cut now, Marine's leadership wasn't short-sighted enough to jeopardize their future gains.
"Exactly," Sengoku said. "We're on the same page then. Let's proceed carefully and keep this operation under wraps. The fewer people who know about it, the better. We don't want the World Government getting wind of this prematurely."
Claudius raised an eyebrow. "And how do you propose we keep this quiet? Moving that much gold isn't exactly subtle."
Sengoku thought for a moment before replying, "We'll use older warships for transport. They won't draw as much attention, and if anyone does notice, we can pass it off as a routine operation. As for manpower, let's keep it small and trusted. Marine will provide a select group of loyal officers. Your CP-X can supplement them with your own agents. That way, we maintain control and secrecy."
Claudius nodded. "That sounds reasonable. I'll arrange for some of my people to assist, perhaps Crocodile or Doflamingo can spare a few hands. But we'll need absolute discretion. The fewer loose ends, the better."
"Agreed," Sengoku said. "Let's aim for perfection on this one. I'll contact Marineford as soon as we reach Sabaody and begin preparations immediately. The sooner we execute this, the better."
Claudius raised an eyebrow, amused. "Wait, what about Whitebeard? Weren't you just saying how urgent it was to deal with him back on Fish-Man Island? Something about needing to move quickly?"
Sengoku froze for a split second before waving his hand dismissively. "Whitebeard? Bah, how much is that old man worth? What, three billion Berries? I'm dealing in billions every second now. Who has time for some pirate squabble?"
Claudius burst into laughter, genuinely amused by Sengoku's response. Watching the Admiral usually so serious and duty-bound brush off Whitebeard with such nonchalance was a rare sight indeed.
"I never thought I'd see the day," Claudius said, shaking his head. "Sengoku, you've changed."
Sengoku didn't respond, too busy hurrying out of the library to begin making arrangements. As Claudius watched him leave, he couldn't help but chuckle.
"Looks like the lure of gold really does bring out the best—or worst—in people," Claudius muttered. "I never thought I'd see Sengoku so fired up over treasure. What a sight." On the docks of Sabaody Archipelago, Claudius stood watching Sengoku as he hurriedly boarded a warship bound for Marineford. With a smirk, Claudius called out, "Sengoku aren't you supposed to report back to Mariejois first?"
Sengoku, halfway up the gangway, paused and turned. "No need for that. I'm just an errand runner on this mission, after all. The real responsibility lies with you, Your Highness. CP-X is spearheading this operation now. As for me, I've got urgent matters back at Marineford that require my attention."
Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Urgent matters, huh?" he muttered under his breath. This guy spent all of Fish-Man Island talking about Whitebeard being his top priority. Now that he smells money, Whitebeard's nothing more than a minor distraction. Typical.
Still, Claudius decided not to tease him about it further. He waved a hand in casual farewell and said, "Alright then. I'll handle Mariejois. Good luck with your, ah... important matters."
Sengoku nodded but couldn't help throwing in a subtle reminder. "And Your Highness, please keep this operation discreet. You know what I mean."
"Don't worry, it's all under control," Claudius replied with a reassuring smile.
"Very well. By the way, what about you? Heading back to Mariejois as well?" Sengoku asked.
Claudius shook his head and stroked his chin in thought. "Not just yet. I'll check on the changes here at Sabaody Archipelago first. Maybe drop by for a drink with a certain someone's wife."
Sengoku froze, staring at Claudius with a peculiar expression. After a moment, he chuckled awkwardly and muttered, "Your Highness, you make me grateful I don't have a wife." With that, he waved goodbye, adding, "Take care, Your Highness. May fortune favor you... or whatever it is you're seeking."
Claudius stood there, scratching his head as Sengoku's warship departed. "Fortune favor me? What the hell does that mean?" He shrugged, dismissing the odd comment, and turned toward the illegal zone of the Archipelago.
This time, he was determined to pay a visit to Rayleigh. The man had evaded him the last time, and Claudius couldn't help but feel intrigued. It wasn't about hunting him down or squeezing information about Laugh Tale—it was simple curiosity.
Stussy, Nia, and the others had chosen to stay behind, busying themselves with shopping and sightseeing around the Archipelago. Alone, Claudius wandered into the illegal zone. He noticed the changes immediately.
The once-chaotic streets were far quieter. Slave merchants were nowhere to be seen, and pirates, who used to roam freely, now seemed reluctant to leave their ships docked in the illegal harbors. The atmosphere was tense, and Claudius could guess why. The fallout from the head-on pikes, no doubt. It's amazing what a little display of brutality can accomplish.
After a leisurely stroll, Claudius arrived at the infamous Shakky's Rip-Off Bar. As always, the place stood isolated on a hill, with no activity around it. He walked up, knocked on the door, and then, without waiting for a response, pushed it open and stepped inside.
The bar was as empty as ever. Behind the counter, Shakky stood lazily leaning against the shelves, cigarette in one hand and a glass in the other. She glanced at Claudius and smiled wryly.
"No customers, huh?" Claudius remarked, glancing around the room.
Shakky chuckled and replied, "Thanks to your efforts, my business is practically dead."
Claudius grinned and shrugged. "Who knew pirates could be so timid these days?"
He approached the bar and took a seat. Shakky poured him a drink without needing to ask, sliding the glass over to him. "I get the feeling that was a bit of a double entendre," she said with a smirk.
"Hahaha, sharp as ever, Shakky. Is Rayleigh around? Or is he still in hiding?" Claudius asked, taking a sip of his drink.
Shakky exhaled a puff of smoke and shook her head. "If you're on the island, you can bet Rayleigh won't show his face. Seems like he's determined to stay out of your way."
"That's a shame," Claudius said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I was hoping to run into him. Nothing serious, just curiosity."
Shakky raised an eyebrow. "Curiosity? That's a dangerous word coming from someone in CP-X. Don't tell me you're planning to use him to find Laugh Tale or something?"
Claudius laughed and shook his head. "Laugh Tale? Don't be absurd. I'm not a pirate, Shakky. I have no interest in the One Piece or any of that nonsense. I just think Rayleigh is an interesting guy. That's all."
Shakky studied him for a moment before shrugging. "Suit yourself. But I doubt you'll catch him. Rayleigh knows how to keep a low profile."
After finishing his drink, Claudius asked, "How much do I owe you? I wouldn't want to leave without contributing to your struggling business."
Shakky smiled playfully. "200,000 Berries."
"Still charging outrageous prices, I see," Claudius said, shaking his head with a grin.
"I charge based on the customer," Shakky replied with a wink.
Claudius handed her the money without complaint. As she counted the bills, she added, "Since you're my first customer in two days, I'll give you some free intel. Consider it a token of appreciation."
"Oh? And what intel would that be?" Claudius asked, intrigued.
"There are rumors of a Logia Devil Fruit appearing on Spring Island. Thought it might interest you," Shakky said casually.
"Logia, huh?" Claudius raised an eyebrow. Logia fruits were rare and powerful, so naturally, he was curious. "What kind of ability?"
"They're saying it's the Smoke-Smoke Fruit. Hasn't been seen in years. If the rumors are true, it's probably legit," Shakky replied.
Claudius's initial interest faded instantly. "Smoke-Smoke Fruit? Really? Thanks for the tip, but I think I'll pass."
Shakky looked at him, surprised. "No interest? It's still a Logia."
Claudius waved her off as he stood up to leave. "Logia or not, it doesn't appeal to me. Thanks for the drink, Shakky. Take care." From a scientific standpoint, the Smoke-Smoke Fruit is quite useful, offering plenty of applications and potential. If developed thoroughly, it could even become a formidable power. However, Claudius had no real interest in this particular Devil Fruit. Spring Island was too far away to bother with, and based on what Shakky had told him, he was certain Marine would have already moved in to secure it.
Marine Headquarters, after all, was currently obsessed with Logia Devil Fruits. Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino had set an incredible precedent for Logia users, demonstrating just how powerful and versatile such abilities could be. On top of that, Claudius himself, along with Enel and Crocodile, were high-profile Logia users aligned with the World Government. Together, the six of them seemed to confirm the reputation of Logia users as overwhelmingly strong.
As expected, Claudius was right. Marine had already dispatched forces to Spring Island, aiming to retrieve the Smoke-Smoke Fruit. Their plan was to cultivate a new, powerful Logia user from the officer training camp.
In this year's camp, two standout candidates had caught attention. The first was a girl named Hina, a user of the Cage-Cage Fruit from the Paramecia class. However, since Hina already had a Devil Fruit ability, she wasn't in the running. The second candidate was Smoker, a young Marine who had witnessed Gol D. Roger's execution in Loguetown as a child.
Rather than turning to piracy after seeing Roger's execution, as many might have expected, Smoker took the opposite path. Inspired in some way, he joined Marine, rising quickly through the ranks. His performance earned him a place in the officer training camp, where he became one of the brightest prospects, impressing both Zephyr and other Marine leaders.
If everything went according to plan, Smoker had a bright future ahead of him, likely destined to reach Vice Admiral rank at the very least. With the Smoke-Smoke Fruit in his possession, Marine intended to groom him further, possibly as a future Admiral candidate.
But Claudius knew Smoker's personality well. The man was as stubborn as they came, deeply driven by his own sense of justice, to the point of being almost unyielding. Smoker wasn't one to compromise or bend, even when it would have been strategically wise.
This refusal to conform would eventually leave him marginalized within Marine. Struggling to navigate Marine's bureaucratic and political complexities, Smoker would ultimately be sent to East Blue, effectively exiled. The intention behind this move was to temper his personality and teach him humility, but instead, Smoker ended up spending nearly a decade in relative obscurity, stationed in Loguetown.
While his time there allowed him to maintain peace in East Blue, Smoker's skills stagnated during this period, leaving him unprepared for the Grand Line's brutal challenges when he returned. Even with the Smoke-Smoke Fruit, his combat effectiveness fell short of expectations, though later events in the New World would force him to rebuild himself.
In any case, Claudius had no interest in getting involved with the Smoke-Smoke Fruit. He didn't have any suitable candidates under his command to give it to, and he was confident Marine would secure it without issue.
Initially, Claudius had considered giving Rob Lucci a Devil Fruit to boost his capabilities, only to later realize that Lucci had already consumed the Cat-Cat Fruit, Model: Leopard, when he was younger. At first, Claudius had dismissed Zoan fruits like Lucci's as ordinary, assuming their potential was limited compared to Logia or Paramecia abilities. However, after learning more from seasoned veterans like Sengoku, Garp, and Zephyr, Claudius came to understand Zoan fruits in a new light.
Sengoku, as a user of the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Buddha, had a particularly deep understanding of Zoan abilities. According to him, Zoan fruits, whether Mythical or Ancient, primarily excelled in boosting the user's physical capabilities. While Mythical Zoan fruits offered unique, high-end powers, regular Zoan fruits were far from weak. With proper training and physical specialization, even ordinary Zoan users could reach incredible heights.
Hearing this, Claudius stopped underestimating Lucci's Leopard Model. The fruit was an excellent match for Lucci, whose talent and aptitude were already exceptional. In fact, Lucci's reputation as the strongest CP9 member in 800 years wasn't unfounded—it was his immense potential that earned him that title.
However, Lucci's full potential had yet to be realized, partly because his work as a spy often limited his ability to train. His undercover mission in Water 7, for instance, had him masquerading as a shipwright for five years. While he became an exceptional craftsman during that time, his combat training undoubtedly suffered. Claudius couldn't help but wonder how strong Lucci might have become with uninterrupted focus on honing his abilities.
As these thoughts drifted through his mind, Claudius wandered the streets of Sabaody Archipelago, heading toward the shopping district to find Stussy and the others. But just as he left the illegal zone, a familiar figure caught his eye.
It was Spandine.
Claudius hadn't seen Spandine in person for some time, though the two communicated regularly through phone calls. Under Spandine's leadership, CP-X's covert operations had seen rapid development, earning Claudius's approval.
However, the man before him now didn't look like a competent leader. Instead, Spandine's face was pale, his expression frantic. The moment he spotted Claudius, he bolted toward him, collapsing to his knees and grabbing Claudius's leg.
"Your Highness! Oh, Your Highness! Please, you have to save me! I've made a terrible mistake!" Spandine wailed, tears streaming down his face as he clung to Claudius's leg like his life depended on it.
Startled, Claudius instinctively pulled his leg back, glaring at Spandine in annoyance. "For heaven's sake, get up! Do you have to rub your tears and snot on my trousers? Do you have any idea how much these cost?"
Spandine stumbled back, sitting on the ground as he wiped his face, his eyes still red and watery. "I—I'm sorry, Your Highness. But I'm in a real catastrophe! This time, it's all Lucci's fault!"
Claudius's eyebrow twitched as he looked down at the pathetic sight before him. "What did Lucci do?" he asked, his voice laced with exasperation.
Spandine took a deep, shuddering breath before blurting out, "It was supposed to be a simple mission, but Lucci... he went too far! And now we're in deep trouble!" Hearing this, Claudius raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "Lucci? By the way, where's the kid? Isn't he always with you? Why don't I see him around?"
For the past few years, Lucci had been under Spandine's care. Spandine knew how important Lucci was to Saint Claudius, so he didn't dare mistreat him. Occasionally, he even let Lucci go on missions to train him as a potential successor.
Originally, Spandine had intended to groom his own son, Spandam, as his successor. But Spandam was, frankly, hopeless. If they were still in CP-9, it wouldn't have mattered as much, Spandine was the top figure there and could manipulate things however he wanted.
But now, under Saint Claudius, his position was significantly higher, and his influence much greater. Former colleagues in the CP organization, who once stood on equal footing with him, now bowed their heads and called him "sir" at every turn. Spandine relished this newfound status.
The key to his success was that Saint Claudius trusted him immensely and gave him plenty of autonomy. Claudius left the handling of most small- and medium-sized matters within CP-X to Spandine, who so far had not disappointed him.
In terms of actual competence, Spandine was a bit mediocre, but his political instincts were exceptional.
The more time Spandine spent under Saint Claudius, the clearer one thing became: loyalty and utility were all that mattered.
Claudius appreciated capable subordinates, but what he valued most was loyalty. Spandine had come to realize that, at this point, he cared less about the World Government's interests and more about what benefited Saint Claudius.
Spandine also understood that if he pushed his incompetent son into his position and Spandam ended up making some catastrophic blunder that angered Claudius, there would be hell to pay. He couldn't risk it.
So, Spandine stopped entertaining the idea. He had tested his son thoroughly, only to conclude that Spandam was utterly useless.
Spandam had only two "strengths": he was blindly loyal to Claudius, thanks to Spandine's influence, and he excelled at flattery.
Spandine, ever resourceful, decided to lean into these "strengths." If his son couldn't excel in other areas, he could at least be an errand-running lackey for Saint Claudius. With Claudius's magnanimous character, he would ensure that even a loyal dog like Spandam would live a comfortable life.
As long as their family maintained Claudius's favor, their future seemed secure. And who knew? Maybe a more competent heir would emerge in the next generation.
Setting those thoughts aside, Spandine quickly responded to Claudius's question. "Your Highness, Lucci is currently locked up in Mariejois's prison..."
Claudius was momentarily surprised. "What? Mariejois? Who in Mariejois dares to imprison one of my men?"
"What happened? Explain clearly," Claudius demanded, his brow furrowing.
Spandine quickly launched into an explanation. "Your Highness, not long ago, in the first half of the Grand Line, a country was attacked and taken over by pirates."
Hearing this, Claudius sighed. The Age of Pirates was rife with chaos. It wasn't unheard of for a group of powerful pirates to overthrow a nation's capital.
"The higher-ups assigned CP-X to handle the situation, so I sent Lucci," Spandine continued, carefully recounting the events without beating around the bush. Soon enough, Claudius grasped the full context.
"So that's what happened? And this is considered a big deal?" Claudius said with a wry smile.
To summarize, a group of pirates had captured the capital of a nation. The king had fled early on, leaving behind many hostages, including a young prince who had failed to escape.
This prince, to his credit, had concealed his identity and blended in with the other hostages.
When the king learned that his son was among the captured, he panicked. Lacking the resources to pay the pirates' ransom, he turned to the World Government for help.
As a member of the World Government's allied nations, the situation couldn't be ignored. The task of resolving the matter fell to CP-X, and Claudius, busy with other affairs, left it to Spandine to handle.
Spandine, in turn, delegated the mission to Lucci.
Lucci, however, had a temper and a sense of pride. As a member of CP-X and a subordinate of Saint Claudius, a Celestial Dragon, he had no intention of bowing to pirates or negotiating with them.
Instead, he launched a direct assault, killing all the pirates along with the hostages they had taken, including the unfortunate prince.
When news reached the old king, he completely lost it. His son had died, and more than 500 hostages were slaughtered in the process. He accused Lucci of reckless slaughter and demanded justice from the World Government.
As a result, Lucci was arrested and imprisoned in Mariejois. Spandine, meanwhile, was reprimanded. Since Claudius had been occupied with matters on Fish-Man Island, he was unaware of the situation until now.
"It's no big deal," Claudius said casually. "It's just a minor issue. They can put on a show, act like they're punishing someone, but in the end, it'll all blow over."
"But, Your Highness," Spandine interjected nervously, "the atmosphere in Mariejois hasn't been great lately. After the noise you made there earlier, it seems the Five Elders are looking for an excuse to punish CP-X. Now with this incident, I'm worried it might cause trouble for you."
Claudius immediately saw through Spandine's words. The man was trying to play the victim, hoping to shift the blame while seeking reassurance.
Claudius smirked, kicking Spandine lightly. "You think I don't see through your little act? Cut it out. As long as you don't disappoint me, I won't treat you badly."
Hearing this, Spandine relaxed. Smiling ingratiatingly, he got up and asked, "Your Highness, how should we handle this? There's also the matter of the 500 million Berries fine. What should we do about that?"
"Ah, that's just a face-saving move," Claudius replied dismissively. "The Five Elders need something to show for it after all the ruckus I caused in Mariejois. Five hundred million? That's nothing. I could pull two billion out of thin air if I wanted to. Just go ahead and pay it. Once that's done, the matter will be over.
"As for Lucci, it's no big deal. When this is all settled, bring him out to see me," Claudius instructed.
Spandine let out a sigh of relief. While he didn't know the full details of the situation, Claudius's confident tone assured him that there was no real danger.
"Understood, Your Highness. Your wisdom never fails. I was overthinking things," Spandine said, quickly following up with flattery. In the Holy Land of Mariejois, outside the World Government headquarters, Stussy stood as usual, waiting for Claudius.
Before long, Claudius emerged from the building, looking relaxed. It seemed that his report to the Five Elders had gone smoothly.
As for Lucci's incident, Claudius hadn't brought it up, and neither had the Five Elders. Clearly, it was being treated as a trivial, face-saving matter.
Which made sense, why would the World Government offend a powerful and competent Celestial Dragon like Claudius over a minor king from some pirate-plagued allied nation?
As soon as Claudius stepped out, Stussy greeted him with a smile. She wrapped her arms around his and pressed her lithe figure close to him.
"Hey, careful! You're going to hit me with those," Claudius teased with a chuckle, enjoying the soft sensation against his arm.
Stussy rolled her eyes playfully and said with a smirk, "What? You don't like it?"
"Ahahaha, who in their right mind wouldn't like this? I feel like the luckiest guy in the world right now," Claudius replied, laughing.
Ever since the little escapade with Shyarly on Fish-Man Island, Stussy had been noticeably more confident and enthusiastic in her interactions with Claudius.
Not that Claudius minded. After years of working together, there was genuine affection between them. Stussy's boldness wasn't unwelcome, and Claudius, who wasn't exactly shy about such things, had no reason to refuse her advances. If anything, he appreciated her attentiveness.
Still, Claudius had his boundaries. He never forced anything, though he certainly wasn't above letting things happen naturally.
The bustling activity in front of the World Government headquarters meant that many people saw the two of them together. Observers couldn't help but feel awed, Mariejois's own flower, Miss Stussy, was clearly on intimate terms with Saint Claudius. From that moment, anyone who interacted with Stussy would have to tread carefully and show her even more respect.
Stussy, still holding Claudius's arm, smiled and asked, "So, Your Highness, what's the plan now? Shall we head back for some rest?"
Claudius flicked her delicate nose and teased, "Resting during the day? Do you think I'm the type to waste daylight? Or are you suggesting we go applaud for love right now?"
"Your Highness! You weren't this much of a rogue before. You're getting worse by the day," Stussy said, pretending to pout as she pressed against his arm again.
Claudius felt his resolve waver for a moment but quickly regained composure. With a light flick to her forehead, he said, "Focus. We've got things to do. How about we leave the fun for later tonight?"
Stussy, seeing that her playful attempts hadn't swayed him, nodded in agreement. At least she'd secured a promise for an evening together. "So, what's on the agenda now, Your Highness?"
"I promised the people of Fish-Man Island that I'd free every Fish-Man and Mermaid enslaved here in Mariejois. That's something I can't let slide," Claudius said with a faint smile. "Besides, from what I've heard, one of the slaves in particular is someone worth keeping an eye on. Even if he doesn't work for me directly, he could still be useful in the future."
Instead of returning to his palace, Claudius led Stussy toward the "House of the Gods," stopping in front of one of the Celestial Dragons' estates.
Stussy glanced at the residence, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes, and then looked back at Claudius. "Your Highness, are you planning to pick on someone again? You're too much."
Claudius rubbed his chin, as if pondering her words, before smirking. "It's not my fault—it's fate!"
The estate before them was all too familiar. The gates had clearly been replaced, and for good reason. This was the residence of Rosward, a Celestial Dragon Claudius had "visited" before.
As fate would have it, Fisher Tiger, the Fish-Man who would one day become infamous, had somehow ended up enslaved in Rosward's household.
Thinking about it, Claudius couldn't help but sigh. "No wonder Fisher Tiger hates humans and the World Government so much. With someone like Rosward owning him, it all makes sense."
Without hesitation, Claudius walked up to the gates and knocked loudly. "Open the door!"
Rosward Saint, who had been relaxing in the courtyard with his foolish son, Charlos froze when he heard Claudius's voice.
"Father, that demon is here again!" Charlos cried out, his voice trembling with fear.
"Shut up! Don't make a sound. Pretend we're not home!" Rosward hissed, equally panicked.
As he said this, Rosward felt a pang of despair. How had it come to this? A noble Celestial Dragon, reduced to hiding in his own home, afraid of another Celestial Dragon? Life was truly too hard.
"That damned Claudius is back... Maybe I should take a trip somewhere, get out of Mariejois for a while," Rosward muttered. "At least outside, I'm untouchable as a Celestial Dragon. Claudius might bully me here, but no one would dare outside."
Meanwhile, outside the gates, Claudius chuckled to himself. Do you think my Observation Haki is useless? I can "see" both of you basking in the sun.
"Open up, Rosward! I know you're in there! You've got the guts to enslave people, but not to open the door?" Claudius called out, smirking as he banged on the gates.
"We're a civilized organization here at CP-X. Don't make me break down the door again!"
"Your express delivery is here!"
"Time to pay the water bill!"
Claudius tried a few more lines, but the house remained silent. Inside, Rosward Saint had resolved to stay quiet, no matter what.
Growing impatient, Claudius finally shouted, "Rosward, I'm giving you some face here, but don't push it. I'm counting to three. If this door isn't open, I'll have it sealed up permanently! You'll turn your house into a prison, complete with 24-hour guards. Let's see if you can live like that for the rest of your life!"
Hearing this, Rosward trembled. If anyone else had made such threats, he would've laughed it off. But with Claudius, he had no doubt it could happen.
When Claudius began counting, Rosward panicked and quickly ordered his servants to open the door.
As the gates opened, Rosward stayed far away, glaring at Claudius from a safe distance. "What do you want, Claudius? I haven't provoked you! Isn't it enough that you've already caused me so much trouble?"
Claudius smirked. "Didn't provoke me? You replaced the door I so kindly gave you. I'm telling you now, you've got three days to put that iron door back up. Are you looking down on my gift? Do you not respect me?"
Rosward nearly spat blood. You smashed that door! It wasn't even functional—it was practically a wall!
"What do you want, really?" Rosward asked, his voice laced with desperation.
Waving a hand dismissively, Claudius said, "Relax. I'm not here to torment you. Look at you, acting like a victim. I almost feel bad for you."
You're going to drive me to an early grave! Rosward cursed internally.
"Do you have a red-skinned Fish-Man here? Bring him out. I need him for something," Claudius said firmly.
Rosward's resolve wavered. Knowing Claudius's personality, there was no point in resisting. The man was relentless.
"Go, bring him here," Rosward ordered one of his servants, resigned to his fate.
Claudius grinned and said, "See? That wasn't so hard. If you'd just talked to me like this earlier, we might even be friends by now."
Inside Claudius's palace, he sat in his study, a calm and refined atmosphere enveloping the room. Two teacups were placed on the table, and an expensive incense burned steadily, its soothing fragrance aiding concentration and tranquility.
In his hand, Claudius held a book he had brought back from Fish-Man Island. It detailed the customs and culture of the island, and at the moment, his attention was fixed on a section describing Fish-Man Street.
Fish-Man Street's history was neither too long nor too short. Years ago, it had already been the largest and most chaotic area on Fish-Man Island, a place crawling with troublemakers. At that time, it was barely under control.
A few years back, the royal palace of Ryugu Kingdom attempted reforms, transforming Fish-Man Street into the largest orphanage on the island, hoping to bring order to the chaos.
But corruption, as always, found its way. It wasn't unique to the World Government—every organization and nation was vulnerable. Even the Revolutionary Army wasn't exempt from traitors.
Due to mismanagement and a lack of oversight, the original chaos of Fish-Man Street returned. However, this time, the situation worsened.
When the orphans were relocated there, they became fresh recruits for the existing gangs and criminals, adding fuel to the fire. As a result, Fish-Man Street devolved into the most dangerous and anarchic place on Fish-Man Island. Previously, it had been somewhat manageable; now, even the royal palace was powerless against it.
"Failed reforms often lead to greater chaos. I guess that principle holds true no matter the world," Claudius murmured as he flipped through the book.
Combining what he read with what he had observed firsthand, he came to a conclusion. "The root of Fish-Man Island's problems is the absence of a strong leader. Without decisive leadership, situations like this are inevitable." He smiled faintly, his thoughts wandering.
While King Neptune of Ryugu Palace was a good ruler who genuinely cared about his people, he lacked the iron will necessary to deal with chaos. In such turbulent times, a strong hand was essential.
Claudius thought about Hody Jones, a figure who would rise in the future. Though Hody's goals were undeniably malicious, his methods were brutally effective. He captured pirates who dared to wreak havoc on Fish-Man Island and turned them into slaves, asserting a twisted form of order.
When Claudius compared Neptune to someone like Hody, he couldn't help but shake his head. Neptune, despite being born into royalty, almost had his reign ended by someone like Hody. If Neptune had adopted even half of Hody's ruthlessness, Fish-Man Island wouldn't have suffered so much under the pirates' exploitation.
But in the grand scheme of things, Claudius saw Neptune's weakness as an advantage for his own plans. A weaker king made it easier for Claudius to maneuver. "I have no intention of educating Neptune. As long as he follows my arrangements and helps me achieve my goals, that's enough. All I need is for Fish-Man Island to work under me."
As these thoughts swirled in his mind, there was a knock at the study door. Claudius's butler, Nia, entered and bowed slightly. "Your Highness, Fisher Tiger has been cleaned up. Should I bring him in to see you?"
Claudius nodded casually. "Let him in."
Nia nodded, stepped back, and moments later, Fisher Tiger walked into the room.
The towering Fish-Man, his red skin covered in whip scars, looked physically strong despite his weary expression. On his chest, the hateful symbol of a Celestial Dragon's hoof had been burned into his flesh. His eyes, filled with a mix of wariness and suppressed hatred, fixed on Claudius.
Despite the hatred gleaming in his gaze, Tiger stopped just inside the room, bent his knees slightly, and prepared to kneel. He had been a slave long enough to know the rituals necessary to survive in the presence of a Celestial Dragon.
Fisher Tiger was a man who could endure humiliation when it served his purposes. If kneeling to Claudius could give him a chance, he wouldn't hesitate. But in his heart, he swore: If I get the chance, I'll burn Mariejois to the ground.
Before his knees touched the ground, he felt an invisible force stop him mid-motion. Surprised, he hesitated as Claudius spoke, his tone calm and composed.
"There's no need for unnecessary gestures," Claudius said. "From the hatred in your eyes, I can tell you're not someone who's willing to bow to me. Kneeling would be meaningless. Take a seat."
If not for their opposing positions, Claudius would have admired Fisher Tiger. The man had the courage to set Mariejois ablaze and free countless slaves, showing extraordinary bravery and a sense of responsibility. That, in itself, was worthy of respect.
However, Claudius was still a Celestial Dragon, and someone like Tiger, who sought to destroy his "hometown," was ultimately a threat to his interests. Allowing Tiger's rebellion to flourish would disgrace the Celestial Dragons and the World Government, something Claudius would never tolerate.
Even so, Claudius believed in giving respect where it was due. There was no need to humiliate a man like Tiger by forcing him to kneel.
Fisher Tiger remained silent, his eyes now tinged with confusion. He studied Claudius for a moment before stepping forward and taking the seat across from him.
On the table before him was a cup of tea. Without waiting for Claudius to say anything, Tiger picked it up and drank.
"Although I don't know your intentions, I'll thank you for removing my slave collar," Fisher Tiger said after setting the cup down.
Claudius closed the book in his hands and smiled faintly. "I don't have a habit of putting collars on people unless it's absolutely necessary."
"That means, like the others, you keep slaves," Fisher Tiger said quietly.
Claudius didn't deny it. Although he rarely relied on slaves, it was true that he owned some. However, unlike others who enslaved innocents, Claudius only kept criminals pirates and other scum under his control.
"Yes, I do. But not many. And those I keep are hardly innocent," Claudius replied honestly.
Fisher Tiger was silent for a moment before nodding slightly. "Thank you for your honesty."
"Nothing to thank me for," Claudius said with a faint smile. After a brief pause, he added, "I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Donquixote Claudius, a Celestial Dragon here in Mariejois.
"I don't know how long you've been a slave, but if it hasn't been too long, you might have heard of me."
A sharp glint appeared in Fisher Tiger's eyes. Although he'd been given a bath and some clean clothes, this was the first time he learned the name of the man before him.
He had heard of Donquixote Claudius, a Celestial Dragon unlike any other. Claudius's reputation had reached even the darkest corners of the sea. He was the mysterious leader of CP-X, a man whose name alone inspired fear and awe.
"Donquixote Claudius," Fisher Tiger said softly, his tone heavy with meaning. "The legendary and elusive leader of CP-X. Your name is known across the seas, but your face... No one ever sees it."
Claudius smiled, pleased by the recognition. "So, it seems my reputation precedes me?"
"In our eyes," Fisher Tiger replied, his voice calm but cutting, "you're the World Government's most vicious dog. Now that I know you're a Celestial Dragon, the title suits you even more. Hahahaha! So that's how you people see me?" Claudius laughed, his voice hearty and unbothered. "Well, I can't say I'm surprised, but vicious dog? I suppose it fits in its own way."
Fisher Tiger watched Claudius, his sharp eyes flashing with curiosity. This man truly was unlike any other. Fisher Tiger had essentially insulted him, yet Claudius laughed it off as if it were nothing. It was clear that this Celestial Dragon operated on a completely different wavelength from the others.
After his laughter subsided, Claudius shifted his gaze back to Fisher Tiger and said, "Alright, enough with the idle talk. You must be wondering why I've brought you here."
Fisher Tiger was, indeed, puzzled. He didn't see himself as someone important. Sure, he was the leader of Fish-Man Street, but in the grand scheme of things, that title was meaningless. Claudius was a Celestial Dragon, and not just any Celestial Dragon—he was a powerful one. Why would someone of Claudius's stature bother with someone like him?
"Yes, I am quite curious," Fisher Tiger admitted, his tone calm but wary.
"Good." Claudius took a sip from his teacup, his demeanor casual yet deliberate. "Fisher Tiger, adventurer of some renown. Born in the chaos of Fish-Man Street, now its unofficial leader. And recently, you were captured and made a slave. Not many people know about that, do they? After all, you've been away from Fish-Man Island for years, off exploring the world."
Fisher Tiger frowned slightly, his confusion deepening. Claudius's knowledge of him was unsettlingly precise, as though he'd been keeping tabs on him.
Claudius smiled. "Tiger—can I call you that?"
Fisher Tiger didn't respond, simply waiting to see where this conversation was going.
"What do you think of Mariejois?" Claudius asked, his tone light, as though they were discussing the weather.
This time, Fisher Tiger didn't hesitate. "It's hell on earth. A cesspool of filth and cruelty."
Claudius nodded, seemingly unsurprised by the response. "You're right. For someone like you, it is a dark and evil place."
"And for someone like you, a Celestial Dragon, it's not, is it?" Fisher Tiger said, his tone bitter.
"Naturally," Claudius replied, his smile faint. "But you hate this place, don't you? You hate it so much you'd burn it to the ground if you could."
Fisher Tiger was silent for a moment before deciding there was no point in lying. "Yes. I'd burn it all to ash if I had the chance."
"Of course you would," Claudius said, nodding again. "But your hatred doesn't matter, Tiger. The world won't change just because one person hates something. After all, you're just… a small man, aren't you?"
Fisher Tiger had yet to escape from Mariejois. He had no way of knowing that one day he would succeed, that he would lead a rebellion, free countless slaves, and inspire a generation of revolutionaries. At this moment, Claudius's words stung because they rang true. He was just a single man, and his hatred alone couldn't shake the world.
"That's right," Fisher Tiger admitted softly, though there was a hint of defiance in his voice.
"But I'm different," Claudius said, his tone calm but firm.
The words were simple, but they carried a weight that Fisher Tiger couldn't ignore. Claudius wasn't wrong. Unlike him, Claudius had the power to effect real change. Even if that power wasn't absolute yet, it was undeniable.
Still, Fisher Tiger didn't understand what Claudius was getting at. Was this some philosophical discussion? A veiled threat?
Claudius reached for a stack of documents on the table and slid them across to Fisher Tiger. "I am working to change the world, Tiger. These are the results of my efforts so far. Take a look."
Frowning, Fisher Tiger picked up the documents and began reading.
What he saw left him stunned.
The papers detailed Claudius's initiatives: CP-X's crackdown on illegal slave traders targeting Fish-Man Island, the World Government's plan to establish a Marine base on the island to ensure its security, and even a program to liberate mermaid slaves from Mariejois.
There were also letters of cooperation signed by King Neptune and Princess Otohime, as well as a personal letter of thanks from Princess Otohime herself.
Fisher Tiger's mind reeled. He had noticed some changes during his time as a slave in Mariejois, but as a prisoner, he hadn't been able to piece together what was happening. Now, it all made sense. The curses and complaints he'd heard other Celestial Dragons muttering about Claudius were because of these reforms.
When he came across a section discussing plans to revitalize and develop Fish-Man Street, Fisher Tiger's eyes narrowed. He was beginning to understand why Claudius had sought him out.
After reading through the documents several times, Fisher Tiger placed them back on the table and looked at Claudius. This time, his tone was sincere. "Thank you, Your Highness Claudius. Thank you for everything you're doing for Fish-Man Island."
For the first time, Fisher Tiger used honorifics when addressing Claudius, a gesture that wasn't lost on the Celestial Dragon. Claudius smiled, clearly pleased.
With a wave of his hand, Claudius replied, "There's no need to thank me. It's just mutual benefit, after all."
"Many people have 'interests' in Fish-Man Island," Fisher Tiger said quietly. "But you're the only one who has approached it this way."
Indeed, over the years, many pirates, smugglers, and slavers had exploited the island for their own gain. But Claudius was the first to use a cooperative and relatively gentle approach, a stark contrast to the usual cruelty.
Claudius chuckled softly. "Well, I'm glad you noticed."
He leaned back slightly and asked, "Now that you've seen all this, do you understand why I brought you here?"
"I think I have an idea," Fisher Tiger said after a moment. "I don't know exactly what you stand to gain from developing Fish-Man Street, but it must be significant. Otherwise, you wouldn't waste your time on a slave like me."
Claudius nodded, acknowledging the truth in Tiger's words. "You're correct. There's a lot at stake here. I can't afford to fail."
According to Claudius's research, there were at least 100,000 people living in Fish-Man Street, with more orphans arriving each year. It was a chaotic and untapped resource. Fisher Tiger, as its de facto leader, was a key figure. A leader of 100,000 people, he might be a "small man" in the grand scheme of things, but in this context, he was indispensable.
These 100,000 residents represented an incredible labor force. With their natural physical strength, far greater than that of humans, they were ideal for Claudius's plans, which included developing the Calm Belt and establishing a foundation of trust between himself and Fish-Man Island.
Faced with the massive potential benefits, Claudius had no intention of taking shortcuts. He was determined to see this through properly.