Chapter 448 - 15 to 24

In the days leading up to Doflamingo's departure, Claudius had eased up on some of his strict routines. After all, once Doflamingo left, it was likely that their paths would diverge in ways that would be difficult to reconcile. Claudius couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental about it.

So, in the days that followed, whenever Doflamingo came to him, Claudius would accompany him, going out together as they had when they were younger.

It was early in 1491 of the Sea Circle Calendar, and Mariejois still enjoyed a mild climate. The weather that day was particularly pleasant ideal for travel.

At the port of Mariejois, several Celestial Dragons had gathered, Claudius among them. This wasn't some grand ceremony; the Donquixote family's Homing and his kin were preparing to leave Mariejois, renouncing their Celestial Dragon status to live as ordinary mortals in North Blue.

Homing was smiling, standing amidst an assortment of luggage that suggested he was more than ready for this transition. His two sons, Doflamingo and Rosinante, stood at either side of him, while his wife a quiet woman with a gentle smile stood behind, silently supporting her husband.

"Homing, are you absolutely sure about this?" an elderly Celestial Dragon, whose family Claudius couldn't quite place, asked Homing with visible irritation.

"I've thought long and hard about it, and yes, I'm sure," Homing replied with a calm smile.

"I have no idea what's going through your head! You're disgracing the Celestial Dragons! Why abandon our godly status to live like those lowly commoners?" the elder fumed, clearly upset.

But Homing remained composed. "What are you talking about? We're humans too, aren't we?"

The surrounding Celestial Dragons looked uncomfortable at this statement, their expressions twisting in displeasure.

"Homing, how dare you insult our bloodline? We're the descendants of the Creator, gods! We are not the same as those pitiful, filthy mortals!" the elder retorted furiously.

"I see no difference between us and them. Being a Celestial Dragon is just a title; at the core, we're all the same," Homing responded calmly, still smiling.

The elder's face turned an angry shade of red. "Fine, then! If you're so determined to go, so be it. But remember, once you leave Mariejois, you'll be stripped of your Celestial Dragon status. Don't come crawling back later!"

"I won't regret it," Homing said firmly.

Watching the exchange, Claudius couldn't help but shake his head. Homing really wasn't pulling any punches. If it had been Claudius in his place, he would have left quietly, without stirring up so much attention.

There was a better way to do it perhaps by framing it as a temporary experience of the mortal world, something that could be easily reversed if things didn't go as planned. That way, Homing could have kept a lower profile, and while there might still have been some gossip, no one would have labeled him a traitor.

But Claudius didn't feel inclined to intervene. He had enough on his plate without worrying about Homing's idealistic choices. Watching Homing argue with the enraged Celestial Dragons around him, Claudius almost found it amusing.

Beside him, Doflamingo appeared indifferent, blinking slowly as if none of this concerned him. Claudius's gaze shifted to Rosinante, standing quietly by Homing's other side.

Rosinante was Claudius's younger cousin, but unlike Doflamingo, he was a "good boy" who had inherited his father's innocence and kindness. Because of this, Claudius wasn't very close to him Rosinante's gentle nature simply didn't mesh with Claudius's previous self, who had been a selfish and reckless brat.

Looking at Rosinante now, Claudius couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental. If anyone in this world had what could be described as a "teammate curse," it was Rosinante. This kid had a knack for bringing disaster to anyone around him.

Just look at what happened to their family after they descended to the mortal world Rosinante's mother died of illness, his father was shot by none other than his brother, Doflamingo, and then the family was scattered to the winds. Later, Rosinante somehow ended up as an adopted son of Marine Admiral Sengoku, only to go undercover and nearly ruin Doflamingo's operations in North Blue. He also almost lost the Ope-Ope Fruit, which was a crucial asset.

And if that weren't enough, after betraying Doflamingo and helping Trafalgar Law escape, he inadvertently sabotaged Sengoku's mission, leading to the complete failure of the Marine's operation on the Island. Doflamingo escaped capture, and the valuable Ope-Ope Fruit was consumed by Law instead of being recovered by the Marines.

From the outside, Rosinante seemed to be acting on noble intentions, but from the perspective of those involved, he was an absolute disaster magnet.

Claudius had no doubt that if Rosinante hadn't died on the Island, Trafalgar Law's fate would have been similarly cursed by prolonged association with him.

And the root of it all, Claudius thought, was that Rosinante was too idealistic too much of a "saint." He meant well, but lacked the skill to back it up, constantly meddling in things beyond his control and dragging those around him into messes they didn't ask for.

With a sigh, Claudius averted his gaze from Rosinante. He had no intention of getting involved with him, not with the curse of misfortune that seemed to follow him everywhere. If Claudius wanted to avoid being dragged down, it was best to stay clear of Rosinante's troubles.

Feeling a pang of sympathy for Doflamingo, who would have to endure life in the mortal world alongside this "unlucky star," Claudius stepped forward and placed a hand on Doflamingo's shoulder.

"Doffy, take care of yourself out there," Claudius said, his tone genuine. "If I ever get the chance, I'll come visit you."

Doflamingo, still oblivious to the hardships that awaited him, smiled and nodded eagerly. "Cousin, when you come, make sure you bring something fun!"

"I will," Claudius replied with a smile. After a brief pause, he added softly, "And if you run into any trouble, find a way to reach out to me. I'll do whatever I can to help."

Doflamingo grinned, clearly appreciative of the gesture, and the two of them continued chatting for a while about trivial matters like the slaves Doflamingo had given Claudius the previous day.

Claudius had kept the two mermaids for himself, but the other slaves, which he found completely useless, had been sold off.

After some time, Homing exchanged a few words with the current Donquixote family head, Lancelot, and it was clear that the final farewells were being made.

Despite Homing's decision to renounce his Celestial Dragon status, Lancelot treated him with respect during this last moment, waving his hand generously to command the guards to ready a large ship to transport Huo Minggu and his family from Mariejois.

Watching them depart, Claudius couldn't help but wonder if Lancelot's actions were motivated by genuine goodwill or something more calculated. After all, the reason Doflamingo's family would face such misery in the future was largely due to their exposure as former Celestial Dragons, which had incited the anger of the common folk.

Was Lancelot being kind, or was this part of a subtle plan to betray them? It was hard to say.

In any case, it didn't really matter. Claudius had no intention of becoming enemies with Lancelot. If this was a scheme, he would simply be wary in future dealings with him.

As the ship sailed off into the distance, the other Celestial Dragons gradually dispersed. Some of them glanced at Claudius with odd expressions.

After all, Claudius had barely been seen in public over the past few months. While they had heard rumors about him acting strangely, their last impression of him had been that of an overweight, lazy fool.

Now, they were surprised to see how much he had changed. He looked taller, more refined, and his once soft, childish features had sharpened into something more mature. He no longer resembled the waste they remembered.

"Not bad. Maybe there's potential there. A future marriage prospect, perhaps?" some of the Celestial Dragons mused.

Though the Donquixote family had produced a few oddballs over the years, Claudius still bore the pure Celestial Dragon bloodline. Moreover, with his family's standing and the potential he now seemed to show, marriage might not be a bad idea.

But Claudius couldn't care less about their thoughts. Once Doflamingo had sailed away, he waved his hand and returned home. Now that Doflamingo's "distractions" were gone, Claudius could finally focus on his plans without interruption. Starting today, he could get back to fully concentrating on his own growth and preparations for the future. In the Claudius Palace, within the large pond in the courtyard, two incredibly beautiful mermaid women were swimming gracefully. They seemed quite happy in the water.

These mermaids were slaves, a gift from Doflamingo to Claudius when he left Mariejois two months ago. Claudius had kept them here mainly for the sake of appearances.

Over the past two months, the two mermaids had begun to adjust to their new surroundings. They'd come to realize that their new master wasn't someone who enjoyed torturing slaves for amusement. He was even somewhat handsome and treated them with more kindness than they had expected.

Compared to their previous lives, though they still hadn't gained their freedom or left Mariejois, things were much better. They no longer had to wear the collars of slaves, weren't locked in giant fish tanks on display, and no one tossed vicious piranhas into the water to torment them for sport.

At that moment, not far from the pond, Claudius was sparring with a few men wearing slave collars, as if he was honing his combat skills against real opponents.

The two mermaid girls lay by the edge of the pond, watching the scene with curiosity.

"Mero, why do you think His Highness Claudius is doing this?" one of the mermaids asked her companion. "Isn't he one of the Celestial Dragons?"

Sori, the other mermaid, shook her head in confusion and replied, "I have no idea. Maybe he's just bored. When I first came here, I was terrified. I never imagined a Celestial Dragon like Claudius could be so strange. Not only does he not torture us, but he even removed our slave collars..."

A glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes as she asked quietly, "Lenny, do you think there's a chance he might let us go home someday?"

Lenny was silent for a moment, hope also flickering in her gaze. "I don't know, but... I have a feeling there's a chance."

"If we could go home, that would be wonderful," Sori said softly. "I miss Fish-Man Island."

In the past, when they were in Doflamingo's hands, simply staying alive had been their only hope. But after two months here, the idea of going home no longer seemed like an impossible dream. If Claudius knew about their secret hopes, he might even find it amusing. Could they really be mistaking him for a kindhearted man?

At that moment, Claudius threw a punch and sent one of the gladiator-like slaves flying. His expression darkened.

"I told you, you don't need to hold back," Claudius said, frowning. "You're not going to get in trouble if you hurt me, so why are you still being so cautious? Do you think I'm just playing games here, pretending to fight?"

The slaves, trembling in fear, knelt down in the courtyard. Their bodies were drenched in cold sweat, too terrified to respond.

Watching this, Claudius felt a wave of disgust.

These slaves had been broken stripped of their courage and hope. Especially the ones with some fighting ability, they'd been rigorously trained for Celestial Dragons, conditioned never to resist or show aggression. They'd been taught to fear causing any harm, lest they pay with their lives and bring ruin upon their fellow slaves.

Even though Claudius had promised rewards, even their freedom, if they could defeat him, none of them dared to truly fight. They treated it like a game, performing flashy moves before deliberately leaving themselves open to be easily defeated.

On the one hand, they didn't trust Claudius. He was still a Celestial Dragon, after all. They couldn't believe that beating him in a fight would lead to freedom. More likely, it would end in their deaths. On the other hand, they thought that playing along, making their master happy, might earn them a slightly easier life.

Claudius, seeing them act like mindless drones, felt even more bored and frustrated. He waved to his steward, Nia, and said, "Take them to the arena. I don't want to see these pathetic creatures anymore."

Nia nodded quickly. After a few orders, the guards came and escorted the group of trembling slaves out of the courtyard.

Nia then approached with a cup of tea, offering it to Claudius. "Your Highness, why waste your energy on these slaves? You've already given them a chance, but they're too broken to make use of it. They deserve to be slaves."

Claudius took the tea, sipping it to moisten his throat. He shook his head. "Pitiful people are always so detestable. It's not that they're weak that bothers me; it's that they're so useless that they have no value at all. No matter how many times I fight them, I can't gauge my own strength."

Claudius had been training for about six months, making significant progress. But there was no one around who could provide him with a real challenge. Originally, he thought sparring with the slaves might help, and he'd even considered freeing them if they impressed him. But the whole thing had been a massive disappointment.

He'd once thought about sneaking into the arena in disguise to fight, but when he mentioned this idea to Nia, she was so shocked that she immediately summoned the arena's owner. The poor man had nearly fainted from fear.

The mere thought of Claudius, a Celestial Dragon, getting injured in his arena terrified the man. If Claudius were hurt, his entire family would likely face execution. And if the other Celestial Dragons found out that Claudius had been fighting slaves, the consequences would be even worse.

Claudius didn't want to cause unnecessary deaths over something like this, so he ultimately abandoned the idea.

Handing the empty teacup back to Nia, Claudius rubbed his chin in thought. "If there's no other option... maybe I should visit the Naval Headquarters."

"Naval Headquarters?" Nia repeated, surprised.

"Yeah... why didn't I think of that earlier? I could go in disguise and ask Zephyr to set me up with some promising Marine recruits. It's such a simple solution," Claudius said, his eyes lighting up at the idea.

While Nia found the notion a bit far-fetched, her duty was to serve. If His Highness had made up his mind, all she had to do was carry out his wishes.

"Very well, Your Highness. I'll fetch the phone transponder so you can contact Admiral Zephyr," Nia replied.

Meanwhile, at Naval Headquarters in Marineford, Fleet Admiral Kong was reviewing some documents in his office. A few months ago, a fierce conflict had erupted in the New World between the pirate fleets of Ochoku and Golden Lion Shiki. The battle had been chaotic, but it now seemed like Shiki's forces were gaining the upper hand, while Ochoku's power had nearly been wiped out.

"Maybe in a month or two, we'll see a winner between them," Kong mused, glancing over the reports.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Admiral Zephyr walked in, wearing an odd expression.

"What's going on, Zephyr? You look... unusual," Kong remarked, raising an eyebrow.

"Something strange has happened. A Celestial Dragon from Mariejois is coming to visit us here at Marineford," Zephyr said, still sounding puzzled.

Kong blinked, searching through his papers. "What? I didn't receive any notice about that."

While it wasn't unheard of for Celestial Dragons to visit Naval Headquarters, it was a rare occurrence, often happening only once in a decade. And when it did, it was usually with a lot of pomp and ceremony, something the Fleet Admiral would definitely be aware of.

Zephyr chuckled. "No, this isn't an official visit. He contacted me privately."

"Privately? You have a direct line to a Celestial Dragon?" Kong asked, surprised.

But then he paused, a thought crossing his mind. "Wait... is it that Claudius from the Donquixote family?"

Zephyr nodded. "Yes, that's him. He called me out of nowhere, saying he wanted to visit, but asked that we not go overboard with preparations. He even said he'd be coming incognito and didn't want anyone to know he was a Celestial Dragon."

Kong let out a slow breath, shaking his head in disbelief. "A private visit, disguised? This Claudius really is unlike any other Celestial Dragon I've ever heard of."

Zephyr scratched his head. "I know, right? He said he wants me to arrange for some Marine recruits to spar with him. Apparently, he wants to test his skills."

Kong stared at him, speechless. "A Celestial Dragon wants to come here, to Marineford, just to fight? What happens if he gets hurt? We'll be the ones in trouble!"

"This is definitely unexpected," Kong finally said, still trying to wrap his mind around it.

After thinking for a moment, he sighed. "Alright, pick a couple of recruits who can put on a good show, but make sure they don't embarrass the Celestial Dragons. If we make them look bad, it'll cause us all sorts of problems."

Zephyr smiled and shook his head. "I don't think that's the best approach, sir. You don't know Claudius like I do. He's not like the others. I think he genuinely wants to test his abilities. If we handle this seriously, it could be beneficial."

Kong gave Zephyr a strange look. "Why do you say that?"

Zephyr didn't hold back. He nodded and said, "Well, for one, he's sort of like a disciple of mine. I've been working with him on some combat techniques, and I'd like to see for myself how far he's come in the last six months."

Kong sat in silence for a moment, then finally nodded. "You've always had a good eye for people, Zephyr. I'll trust your judgment on this one. But if anything goes wrong, don't expect me to go to Mariejois to clean up the mess."

Zephyr chuckled. "Don't worry. Leave it to me.

In the waters near Naval Headquarters at Marineford, a large ship flying the World Government flag sailed slowly toward the port, the towering structures of Marineford visible in the distance.

On the deck, Claudius stood, staring at the massive fortress of justice looming ahead, a sense of awe creeping into his expression.

"I've seen Marineford in my previous life, but witnessing this grand structure in reality is something else entirely," Claudius murmured. "Just looking at it from here, you can practically feel the weight of justice in the air."

As soon as he finished speaking Nia gently draped a luxurious mink coat over his shoulders.

"Your Highness, the air here is quite cold. Be careful not to catch a chill," Nia said softly, her tone full of concern.

Claudius chuckled. "With my current physical condition, I don't think a little sea breeze will knock me down. Otherwise, wouldn't it be embarrassing to show up at Naval Headquarters like this?"

"Your efforts haven't gone unnoticed, Your Highness. I believe you'll come out on top this time," Nia replied with a smile.

"My skills are barely passable," Claudius said with a laugh. "At best, I'm just above average."

At that moment, a strikingly beautiful woman with a well-proportioned figure and wearing an elegant, tailored suit approached them from behind. She bowed her head respectfully before speaking.

"Saint Claudius, we're about ten minutes away from Marineford," she said in a soft, measured tone.

Claudius turned to look at her and nodded. "Thank you, Stussy, for the escort."

"It's an honor for CP-0 to be of service, Your Highness. Thank you for remembering my name," Stussy replied, her head still lowered in deference.

Indeed, Claudius wasn't visiting Naval Headquarters this time to flaunt his status as a Celestial Dragon. Quite the opposite he intended to keep his identity hidden. There was no need to burden the Marines he would spar with by making them feel any unnecessary pressure. Only by doing so could he get an accurate measure of his own strength.

However, Claudius couldn't just waltz into Naval Headquarters without a reason. After all, it wasn't a place one could casually visit like a public square. He needed a legitimate pretext, so he used his authority over the CP organization. The Cipher Pol, particularly CP-0, served as the shield of the Celestial Dragons, the most elite and mysterious arm of the government. Though Claudius wasn't one of the more prominent Celestial Dragons, he was still a genuine member of that privileged class, which gave him certain command over CP-0.

And so, Claudius had called upon CP-0 to arrange his transportation to Marineford, flying under their banner to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. His excuse for visiting was under the guise of "internal training and communication," making him, for the moment, a member of CP-0.

Coincidentally, the one sent to escort him was none other than Stussy, the future Queen of the Pleasure District, the mastermind behind the intelligence network known as Happy Street in the New World.

In Claudius' eyes, Stussy was a remarkable figure not because of her strength, but because of her uncanny ability to maintain her appearance. Despite being around the same age as Charlotte Linlin, Stussy looked like a woman in her early thirties, maybe even younger. She carried herself with the grace of someone much younger, and even two or three decades from now, she would still appear as youthful and radiant as she did today. It was as though time had no hold on her.

Claudius found himself intrigued by Stussy, not only because she was an attractive and capable woman but also because of her unique talents. In the back of his mind, he was already thinking about ways to recruit her into his circle someday.

After all, it wouldn't be too difficult. CP-0, despite its prestige, ultimately served the Celestial Dragons. Even if Stussy held a high-ranking position in CP-0, Claudius had the authority to pull her out of her role and assign her as his personal guard or assistant.

The only challenge would be shifting Stussy's loyalty. As someone born and raised within CP-0, her devotion was undoubtedly to the Celestial Dragons as a whole. Claudius would need to gradually cultivate her loyalty to him personally, much like he had with Nia. When Nia first arrived, she had been a standard butler, strictly loyal to the system she served. But now, her loyalty was solely to Claudius, and she was the one person he could fully trust.

Claudius gazed at Stussy silently, these thoughts running through his mind.

Stussy, feeling the weight of his stare but unsure of his thoughts, remained still, growing slightly nervous. It wasn't wise to make a Celestial Dragon uncomfortable.

After a long pause, Claudius finally made up his mind. There was no need to rush. He would establish a connection with Stussy first and let things develop over time. For now, he didn't have the power or resources to fully bring her into his fold. It was better to let her continue growing within CP-0, accumulating experience and strength.

With this thought in mind, Claudius smiled. "I have a good memory when it comes to beautiful women, so of course, I'd remember your name."

Stussy raised her head slightly at his teasing remark, a professional smile still on her lips. "Thank you for your kind words, Saint Claudius."

"Once we arrive at Marineford, remember not to reveal my true identity to anyone. Just treat me like your subordinate during our time here," Claudius instructed, his tone becoming more serious.

"Of course, Your Highness. I'll make sure of it," Stussy replied immediately.

Despite Claudius' interest in her, Stussy herself was also quite intrigued by him. She was an ambitious woman, after all. In her career within CP-0, she had dealt with many Celestial Dragons, and Claudius was nothing like the others.

From what she knew, he had once been a typical "brainless Celestial Dragon," causing trouble and indulging in excess. About a year ago, he had been tricked into eating a Devil Fruit and had almost lost his life during an incident in the New World. But after his return to Mariejois, he seemed to have transformed completely.

First, there was his appearance. Gone was the fat, sluggish figure, replaced by a strikingly handsome young man. His demeanor had changed, too. Claudius no longer had the arrogant air of the other Celestial Dragons. He carried himself with a sense of purpose, and his physical fitness was surprisingly good for someone of his status. It was clear that he had undergone rigorous training under the guidance of someone strong.

Moreover, the way he interacted with people was different. He didn't look down on those around him. Even his relationship with his butler, Nia, was notable. Nia didn't seem like a mere servant. There was a bond of trust and mutual respect between them, something Stussy had never seen with other Celestial Dragons.

But what fascinated Stussy the most was the reason for this visit. Claudius wasn't coming to Marineford to flaunt his status or conduct an inspection. He was coming to spar with the Marines, to test his own abilities.

In her more than ten years with CP-0, Stussy had never seen a Celestial Dragon voluntarily visit Naval Headquarters to train. It was almost unbelievable.

As their ship docked at Marineford's military port, Claudius disembarked, walking down the gangplank calmly.

Zephyr, who had already been informed of Claudius's arrival, stood waiting for him at the port. There was no formal reception, just a quiet meeting as Claudius had requested.

As soon as Zephyr saw Claudius, his eyes lit up with surprise. As a Marine Admiral, Zephyr had a sharp eye for detail, and the changes in Claudius were obvious. It wasn't just that Claudius had slimmed down or gained muscle; it was the way he carried himself his solid stance, his confidence, the subtle signs of rigorous training.

In just six months, Claudius had undergone a dramatic transformation. Zephyr, an experienced instructor, could immediately tell that Claudius had been working hard. His progress wasn't something an ordinary person could achieve in such a short time.

"It's a pity," Zephyr thought to himself. "If he weren't a Celestial Dragon, with this level of talent and his Devil Fruit powers, Claudius could have become an Admiral candidate alongside Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino."

Pushing the thought aside, Zephyr stepped forward to greet him. Just as he was about to bow, Claudius interrupted with a grin.

"Zephyr! It's been a while! I've missed you, old man," Claudius said cheerfully. "No need for all the formalities. Didn't I tell you before? When I'm here, treat me like anyone else. I'm not here as a Celestial Dragon, so keep that under wraps, alright?"

The warmth in Claudius's tone caught Zephyr off guard but pleased him. Smiling, the Admiral replied, "Looking at you now, Your Highness, I'm proud of the progress you've made." Claudius and Zephyr chatted casually as they made their way deeper into Naval Headquarters. There wasn't a grand welcoming committee or any big names showing up to greet them, given that Claudius wanted to keep his identity under wraps. After all, if a Celestial Dragon suddenly appeared for "internal discussions" with the CP agency, it would be odd not to have the admirals or even the higher-ups like Sengoku and Kong in attendance. That would raise too many questions.

Though they didn't show up, the likes of Sengoku and Kong were certainly aware of the situation. They knew a Celestial Dragon had arrived at Marineford, likely here to test his strength against their Marines.

Claudius followed Stussy closely, keeping a low profile and playing his role as a subordinate to CP-0. He didn't draw much attention this way, which was just how he wanted it.

Laughing and chatting along the way, the group arrived at the officer training camp. This camp had only been in operation for a few years and wasn't yet fully developed. Before Zephyr officially retired and took over as the primary instructor, the training structure hadn't solidified. For now, different high-ranking officers would drop by to teach whenever they were free. Even the legendary Garp would show up occasionally to train the new recruits.

Today, it was Rear Admiral Kuzan's turn to instruct. He stood on the training field, watching over a group of Marine recruits as they practiced military combat techniques in unison. The sound of synchronized movements echoed across the field.

As Zephyr and his group approached, Kuzan turned his head and immediately recognized Claudius. His eyes lit up in recognition, but Zephyr quickly gave him a subtle look, signaling to keep quiet. Kuzan understood instantly and pretended not to know anything.

With a casual smile, Kuzan called out, "Mr. Zephyr, who do we have here?"

Zephyr grinned and replied, "The CP agency has come to engage in some internal discussions with us. This here is Crowe, a promising talent from CP-0. Why don't you find a few good men to spar with him and see if our Marines can hold their own against the CP agency?"

Kuzan wasn't slow to catch on. He immediately realized what was going on. Saint Claudius wanted to spar with the Marines under the guise of a CP-0 member.

"Sure thing," Kuzan replied smoothly. He glanced over the recruits on the field before raising his hand and calling out, "Momonga, come here!"

Claudius's ears perked up at the name. Momonga? He recognized the name immediately. In the future, this man would become a Vice Admiral in the Navy. While not particularly exceptional among the top ranks, he was solid definitely no slouch.

At this point in time, Momonga was still young, probably not even twenty yet. His body was lean but muscular, the kind of build that marked him as a highly capable fighter. It was no wonder Naval Headquarters had high hopes for him, especially given that he had Zephyr's backing as one of his protégés.

Momonga quickly jogged over to Kuzan, offering a crisp salute. "Sir!"

Kuzan smiled approvingly. "Today we've got some CP-0 members here to spar with our Marines. I want you to step up and show them what we've got. Don't embarrass us."

Momonga looked a bit surprised but quickly composed himself. He nodded firmly. "Understood, sir. Everything for the sake of justice!"

Zephyr chuckled from the side. "Of course, this is just a friendly exchange. Don't go too hard we don't want anyone getting hurt."

Although Claudius had insisted there shouldn't be any restrictions, Zephyr couldn't help but feel cautious. After all, this was no ordinary sparring match. If something went wrong and Claudius got seriously injured well, even as an Admiral, Zephyr wouldn't be able to escape the consequences.

There was no delay in starting. The training ground was cleared, and soon, Claudius and Momonga were standing face to face.

Claudius was pleased with the matchup. Momonga seemed like a solid first opponent someone who could help him gauge the limits of his current strength.

Momonga, on the other hand, was a bit skeptical. Claudius looked very young, barely older than fifteen or sixteen by his estimation. Is this really a serious opponent? he wondered.

The reality was that Claudius had developed rapidly over the past few months, thanks to his disciplined regimen of good food, exercise, and training. But in truth, Claudius was only just about to turn eleven.

"Naval Headquarters, Momonga," the young Marine greeted, introducing himself with a salute.

Claudius nodded in response. "CP-0, Crowe. Let's have a good match."

With the formalities out of the way, the atmosphere between them grew tense. Momonga wasn't one to hesitate. As soon as Kuzan gave the signal, he shot forward with a burst of speed, aiming to take the initiative. In an instant, he closed the distance between them and delivered a sharp kick toward Claudius's chest.

Claudius didn't back down. He didn't use his Devil Fruit abilities to dodge, instead opting to meet the kick head-on with one of his own. Their legs collided with a loud thud, and both men were forced back a step.

Momonga blinked in surprise. He hadn't held back, yet this seemingly younger fighter had managed to match him blow for blow. "This kid's no joke," he thought.

Claudius, too, was impressed. The force of Momonga's kick had sent a jolt of pain through his leg. It was clear that, in terms of raw physical strength, Momonga had the upper hand. But not by much, Claudius noted. Given that Momonga had been training with the Marines for two years while Claudius had only been at it for half a year, the gap in their abilities didn't seem that large.

I can keep up, Claudius thought confidently.

Their thoughts only lasted a split second. The moment both fighters regained their footing, Momonga launched another attack. This time, he disappeared from Claudius's sight in an instant.

Shave! Claudius recognized the move immediately. Sure enough, Momonga appeared behind him in the next moment, his clawed hand reaching for Claudius's shoulder to pin him down.

But Claudius was ready. He, too, had mastered the basics of the Marine Six Styles. With a burst of speed, Claudius vanished from Momonga's grasp, appearing a short distance away.

Momonga smiled to himself. "You've got the Six Styles too, huh?"

He wasn't surprised, though. Despite being known as "Marine Six Styles," the techniques were also taught within the CP organization. Marines and CP agents often exchanged skills and techniques in training.

What Momonga didn't know was that Claudius hadn't learned his Six Styles from the CP agency but from Zephyr himself. To Zephyr, the Six Styles were more than just combat techniques they were a powerful foundation for physical mastery. Through rigorous training, one could develop superhuman strength and speed, laying the groundwork for mastering Haki and even forging one's unique combat path. Zephyr himself, as well as Garp, had followed that path.

So when Claudius asked for something to help him in his training, Zephyr had been more than willing to teach him the Six Styles, along with all the insights he had gained over the years. And judging by Claudius's current performance, he hadn't squandered that opportunity.

Claudius dodged Momonga's next attack with a sidestep, but he wasn't done yet. "Finger Pistol!" he called out, throwing a sharp kick instead of a punch. While it was called "Finger Pistol," Claudius had adapted the move, channeling the force through his heel.

Momonga reacted quickly, taking a defensive stance. "Iron Body!" he declared, hardening his muscles like steel.

A metallic clang echoed through the training ground as Claudius's kick struck Momonga's chest. Though the blow was powerful, Momonga held firm, barely moving an inch.

His Iron Body is strong, Claudius thought, pulling back.

Momonga, now taking the fight seriously, reached for his sword. Drawing his blade in one swift motion, he shouted, "One Sword Style: Flying Squirrel Slash!" With a quick slash, he sent a powerful arc of energy toward Claudius, a combination of his swordsmanship and the Tempest Kick technique.

Claudius's eyes widened. A flying slash? Though it wasn't a true swordsman's slash, it was still impressive for someone so young. The energy was coming fast, and Claudius didn't have time to dodge.

Realizing this, Claudius decided to stop holding back. A thin, mist-like vapor appeared around his body, and the slash passed right through him without causing any harm. Momonga, now charging toward Claudius to finish him off, gasped in shock.

"Logia?" he muttered under his breath, realizing the kind of opponent he was dealing with.

Logia Devil Fruits were rare and incredibly powerful, often considered the strongest of the three Devil Fruit types. While he had some skill with Haki, it wasn't enough to deal with a Logia user of Claudius's caliber.

With no time to adjust his attack, Momonga barreled straight into Claudius, who stood his ground. Without missing a beat, Claudius raised his hand and grabbed him by the neck. Just as the Momonga was about to summon his Haki to fight back, he suddenly found himself gasping for air.

It wasn't the chokehold cutting off his breath, but something far more terrifying. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't inhale. His lungs screamed for oxygen, but the air around him had become unbreathable.

"Death Choke," Claudius murmured softly, his grip steady.

Unbeknownst to Momonga, Claudius had released his Devil Fruit ability, saturating the air around the him with nitrogen. With no oxygen left to breathe, Momonga's body began to falter, his strength rapidly draining as his face turned red.

Just as it seemed like the end was near, Claudius let go, withdrawing his ability and taking a step back. The suffocating atmosphere vanished, and Momonga collapsed to the ground, panting heavily as he tried to catch his breath.

Claudius smiled. "Though it might seem unfair..."

Before Claudius could finish his sentence, Momonga raised a hand, still gasping for air but managing to speak. "No... it's fine. I lost fair and square. I didn't anticipate you'd be a Logia user. In a real battle, I'd already be dead. No need to give me an easy out." Momonga was straightforward and honest in his defeat. His words left a good impression on Claudius, who nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll gladly accept the victory."

At the same time, Zephyr smiled and added, "Yes, in battle, no one would question the validity of such a win. It's just that Momonga was too careless, and that's what led to his loss."

Momonga nodded regretfully and stepped back. However, Claudius wasn't quite satisfied yet. He stood in the arena, giving a meaningful look to Zephyr.

Zephyr, understanding the unspoken message, glanced over at the other Marine officers gathered nearby. Spotting the figure he had in mind, he called out, "Commodore Gion, come over and spar with this CP-0 agent, Crowe."

Claudius followed Zephyr's gaze and saw a strikingly beautiful woman with long, graceful legs stepping out from the group of Marines. She had a strong presence that instantly drew attention.

"Yes, Teacher Zephyr," Gion responded, bowing her head respectfully before walking toward the center of the training ground.

If Momonga was a rising star in the Marine ranks, then Gion was on a whole other level. Claudius knew very well that Gion wasn't just any Marine. In the future, she would become a Vice Admiral, but not just any Vice Admiral she would be one of the elite, an Admiral candidate with the codename "Momousagi" (Pink Rabbit).

An Admiral candidate wasn't an ordinary Vice Admiral. It meant she was someone on par with the likes of Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino, Marine's strongest combatants. The only thing keeping her from the full rank of Admiral was a lack of vacancy in the position.

Claudius knew that after the battle between Kuzan and Sakazuki, where Sakazuki became Fleet Admiral and Kuzan left the Marines, Gion could have stepped up to take one of the vacant Admiral positions. But she did not make the cut, as Issho and Aramaki attained the positions instead.

Regardless, this didn't take away from Gion's strength. Even now, she had the potential to stand among the strongest, and Claudius was both satisfied and excited to face such an opponent. He knew that against her, he'd have to give it his all.

Gion moved quickly, closing the distance between them with long, confident strides. When she stood before him, she introduced herself, "Naval Headquarters, Gion."

Claudius nodded and responded, "CP-0, Crowe."

With their brief introductions over, Kuzan signaled for the match to begin. As soon as he did, Gion placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, a rare and famous blade named "Konpira," which would become her lifelong companion.

With just that motion, a fierce sword aura burst from her, and in the blink of an eye, her hand was cloaked in a pitch-black Armament Haki that flowed smoothly to her sword's hilt.

Claudius observed this and quickly made a judgment. Compared to Momonga, who had only a basic grasp of Armament Haki, Gion was far more skilled. She wasn't a beginner; she was proficient. This meant his Logia powers, which allowed him to turn into an element, wouldn't be as effective. Gion could use her Haki to strike his physical form even if he tried to go intangible.

The air around them grew tense. After a brief moment of silence, Gion made her move. The blade of Konpira flashed from its sheath, and before the sword was fully drawn, a sharp slash cut through the air, heading straight for Claudius.

This was no mere sword swipe. Unlike Momonga's earlier "pseudo-slash," this was a true Swordsman's Slash—deadly and precise.

Claudius didn't dare attempt to evade by going intangible. If he misjudged and Gion caught him off guard like Flying Squirrel had, he wouldn't stand a chance. Instead, he moved swiftly, drawing his short sword, Shinsō, and raising it to block.

With a metallic clang, Gion's slash struck Shinsō. The blade held firm, but the sheer force behind the slash pushed Claudius back two steps.

Gion smiled slightly, seeing her advantage. She surged forward with incredible speed, whispering, "Rabbit Jump!" Her movement technique propelled her forward like a swift hare, increasing her speed to a level Claudius hadn't expected.

Before he could fully recover from the block, Gion was already in front of him. To his surprise, she didn't strike with her sword. Instead, she coated her leg in Armament Haki and delivered a powerful kick to his chest.

"Tempest Kick!" Gion shouted as her kick connected.

Claudius felt the impact explode against his chest. The force lifted him off his feet and sent him flying backward, rolling across the ground several times before coming to a stop.

From the sidelines, Nia, Claudius's butler, gasped in shock, instinctively wanting to rush forward. However, Stussy placed a hand on her arm, holding her back.

"Your Highness doesn't want his battle interrupted," Stussy said calmly. "Remember, this trip isn't about showing off his status. He came here to temper himself."

Nia hesitated but eventually nodded, calming herself down.

Meanwhile, back on the battlefield, Claudius scrambled to his feet, managing to dodge another of Gion's attacks with a hasty roll that lacked any semblance of grace. Yet, for all its inelegance, it worked.

Though the move looked clumsy, the "lazy donkey roll," as it was often called, had saved countless warriors from death over the ages. Sometimes, practicality outweighed style.

The brief respite gave Claudius a moment to breathe, but not for long. No sooner had he gotten to his feet than Gion was upon him again, her sword raised high, ready to bring it down with a force that could split him in half.

Claudius steadied himself, bracing for the impact. His Devil Fruit powers surged, and with a low growl, he raised his hands. As Gion brought Konpira down, her blade stopped short, as if blocked by an invisible force.

Gion's eyes widened in surprise. "What is this?" she muttered.

Claudius grinned. "An invisible air shield."

Before Gion could process what had happened, Claudius released a pulse of compressed nitrogen from around his body, forcing her to leap back, her brow furrowed in caution.

"So, this is the same technique you used to subdue Momonga?" Gion asked, still watching him intently.

"More or less," Claudius replied cryptically.

The air around him shifted again, his body now radiating a different kind of pressure. He had started to compress nitrogen within his body, preparing to use it for enhanced speed and attack power. However, despite the temptation, Claudius refrained from using liquid nitrogen, a far deadlier variant of his abilities. The risk of causing irreversible damage to Gion was too high, and he didn't want to seriously injure her.

As his aura intensified, Gion hesitated. Her instincts told her that Claudius was preparing something dangerous. She raised her guard, carefully observing his movements.

Suddenly, the sound of Claudius's heartbeat filled the air, loud and rhythmic, like a powerful drum beating steadily. It was so intense that it could be heard from several meters away.

"Thump, thump, thump!"

Gion's eyes widened in astonishment. "What... what is that?"

Claudius stretched his neck, cracking it on both sides, and smirked. "It seems you're an opponent worth taking seriously."

His heartbeat, now akin to the legendary King Engine, created an oppressive atmosphere that seemed to magnify his presence. Combined with his words, it gave the impression that he hadn't even been trying up until now, completely fooling Gion.

In the next instant, white smoke exploded from Claudius's feet, propelling him forward at an incredible speed. He lunged straight toward Gion, his movements nearly a blur.

He's fast!" Gion thought, eyes widening in surprise as she watched Claudius' movements. His speed had more than doubled from earlier, catching her off guard. At that moment, Gion was fully convinced that Claudius had finally gotten serious.

In the blink of an eye, Claudius closed the distance between them, throwing a powerful straight punch aimed at Gion's chest. Reacting quickly, Gion stepped back to avoid the hit, thinking she'd successfully evaded the attack. But just as she prepared to counter, a sharp pain shot through her chest. Despite missing her by a hair, the punch carried an invisible force that struck her hard, sending her flying backward.

As Gion was knocked back, realization dawned on her. "So this is the power of his Logia Devil Fruit," she thought, gritting her teeth. Claudius's ability was invisible, colorless, and intangible, making it a serious threat to anyone without strong Observation Haki.

Claudius hadn't even touched her directly, but his ability to manipulate nitrogen gas had extended the range of his attacks, allowing him to hit from a distance without making physical contact. He showed no mercy, and another burst of white smoke erupted from his feet as he shot forward again, closing the gap almost instantly.

Gion found herself on the defensive, struggling to keep up as Claudius launched a series of relentless attacks, using his invisible nitrogen manipulation to disrupt her every move. The pressure he applied was intense, and her momentum from earlier had been completely crushed. Each strike forced her to react quickly, but the unseen nature of his attacks made it nearly impossible to regain control.

As she continued to evade, Gion realized something else. The air around her was getting thinner. She could feel the suffocating pressure building up Claudius was manipulating the air, depriving her of oxygen. If this kept up, she'd be in serious trouble.

"He's using every advantage he can in close combat..." Gion thought, gritting her teeth. The fight had become more challenging than she expected. His powers were more dangerous than she'd anticipated, and his fighting instincts were sharper than she gave him credit for.

Determined not to lose, Gion steeled herself. Armament Haki surged across her body, and she took one of Claudius's punches head-on, using the impact to push herself backward and create some distance between them. She landed smoothly, her breathing steady, but her gaze had sharpened.

"It seems you're worthy of my full effort!" Gion said seriously, her voice carrying a weight of determination.

Claudius blinked in surprise. "Wait, I was just pretending to be serious. Now you're saying you're about to get serious?" he thought, feeling a bit uneasy. He knew Gion would become an Admiral candidate in the future, so he couldn't underestimate her now.

Claudius remained cautious, watching as Gion took a deep breath. "Rabbit!" she whispered.

Suddenly, the air around Gion shifted. Her aura intensified, and Claudius could feel her strength surge to new heights more than double what it was before. But what caught him off guard was her sudden transformation. From her head sprouted long rabbit ears, and a fluffy white tail appeared at her back. Her eyes turned a soft peach color, and strange markings adorned her forehead.

Claudius blinked in disbelief. "A... bunny girl?" he muttered, his voice laced with amusement.

Gion's face turned a bright shade of red. She hated using her Zoan-type Devil Fruit, the Mythical Zoan, Rabbit Rabbit Fruit, for exactly this reason. The rabbit ears and tail made her feel self-conscious, and despite her immense power, she rarely used this form unless absolutely necessary. (T/N: I'm not aware of Gion having a devil fruit, but I guess this is one of the author's tweaks. Also, keep in mind this fic was written back in 2020, so you might come across some things that weren't known at that time.)

But seeing Claudius's amused expression only fueled her embarrassment and determination. Without a word, she stomped her feet, launching herself toward Claudius with incredible speed.

Her movement was so fast that Claudius could barely register it. "She's ridiculously fast!" he thought, struggling to react in time.

"Tempest Kick!" Gion called out, her voice sharp.

Before Claudius could defend himself, her foot slammed into his chest. This time, the force was much stronger, and the impact was immediate. Claudius felt a sharp pain radiate through his chest, and blood spilled from the corner of his mouth. His body flew backward, crashing into the wall of the training ground, shattering it on impact.

"Ahh, Gion's angry," Kuzan remarked casually, watching the scene unfold with a grin.

Zephyr, standing nearby, shook his head in mild exasperation but reassured Nia, who looked ready to panic. "Don't worry. Gion isn't cruel. She might be angry, but she knows how to control herself. Of course... Crowe might be in for some pain. He might not be getting out of bed for a few days," Zephyr added with a chuckle.

Claudius groaned as he lay in the rubble, his whole body aching from the blow. "Damn... all I did was call her a bunny girl. Was that really necessary?" he muttered to himself, wincing from the pain.

Despite the pain, Claudius wasn't ready to give up. Struggling to his feet, he pushed the debris away and spotted Gion leaping into the air, preparing to land another devastating attack.

"What is this? Is she going to drop out of the sky and crush me?" Claudius quipped, unable to resist a sarcastic comment even in the face of danger.

His body reacted instinctively, white smoke trailing from his feet as he rolled out of the way just in time. The spot where he had been lying moments before exploded as Gion landed, her fist crashing down with enough force to create a massive crater.

Claudius watched the scene with wide eyes. "She would've turned me into a pancake if that hit me..." he thought, shivering at the thought.

Gion straightened up, pulling her fist from the ground, her eyes still full of fury. Claudius swallowed nervously. "I thought carnivorous Zoan fruits were supposed to be the violent ones. How is a rabbit this terrifying?"

Taking a deep breath, Gion calmed herself, addressing Claudius with a stern tone. "Since you're an opponent worthy of my full strength, I'll tell you. I'm not just a regular rabbit Zoan. This is a Mythical Zoan," she said, her voice steady.

Before Claudius could respond, Gion's figure blurred again as she launched forward with another punch. Claudius barely had time to react, turning his body to gas as the punch passed through him, avoiding damage.

However, elementalizing his body couldn't save him for long. As soon as Claudius returned to his physical form, Gion was right behind him. Her rabbit paw, now transformed into a furry hand, landed squarely on his shoulder.

"I've got you now," Gion whispered, a triumphant smile on her lips.

Claudius was shocked. He could feel the pressure of her Armament Haki locking onto his physical form. There was no escaping this time.

In a flash of desperation, Claudius drew his short sword, Shinsō, intending to strike back, but Gion was one step ahead. She grabbed his wrist, forcing the blade away, and pinned him in place.

"Any last moves? If not, this battle is mine," Gion said confidently, tightening her grip.

Claudius grinned, despite the pain. "Are you sure about that?"

"Hmph, go ahead and try. I'm not afraid," Gion replied, though she remained on high alert.

"Well, I wasn't planning on using this move, but you've hurt my pride a little. So..." Claudius whispered, his tone soft yet ominous.

Gion's grip tightened even more, ready for whatever Claudius had up his sleeve. She wasn't going to let him escape.

"Shoot her... Shinsō!" Claudius murmured, his voice barely audible.

In the next instant, a flash of blood-red light filled the space between them. Gion's eyes widened in disbelief as she felt a cold, sharp pain in her abdomen. Shinsō had extended, piercing both Claudius and Gion simultaneously.

She hadn't anticipated such a reckless move. Shinsō, with its unique ability, had struck both of them, and Claudius had used the blade's lengthening power to surprise her.

Claudius, now free of her grip, took advantage of the moment. He twisted around, grabbing Gion's wrist and locking her in place. With his other hand, he pressed Shinsō's edge lightly against her neck, the blade still dripping with blood.

He leaned in, his voice low and slightly strained. "Looks like you forced me to use this. Now... you've lost."

Gion stood frozen, shocked by the sudden turn of events. She hadn't expected Claudius to have such a trick up his sleeve. On the top floor of Marineford's Naval Headquarters Hospital, in the most advanced ward equipped with the best medical technology, Claudius lay on a hospital bed in a patient gown, looking relaxed. It would be hard to believe that just a few hours ago, he had been fiercely battling Gion in a high-stakes training match, narrowly winning with a risky, self-sacrificing move.

The aftermath of that fight had nearly given several bystanders a heart attack especially those aware of Claudius's true identity. Zephyr himself had almost suffered a heart attack from the shock.

After all, Claudius was pretending to be a CP-0 recruit. If he were genuinely just a potential agent, even with all his promise, an accidental death during training wouldn't have been the end of the world. Marineford could handle that without too much pressure.

But Claudius wasn't just any recruit he was a Celestial Dragon. If he were injured, people might grumble, but if he died, it would be an entirely different story. The fallout would be catastrophic.

Despite the tension, after Claudius had executed his "mutual destruction" move and pierced both himself and Gion, he still managed to stand victorious. Zephyr, using his seasoned eyes, could see that though Claudius was seriously injured, it wasn't life-threatening. To avoid exposing Claudius's identity, Zephyr had to restrain Nia, Claudius's panicking butler, as well as Stussy, who had been quietly freaking out.

Zephyr's impression of Claudius had shifted over time. When they first met, Zephyr had pegged him as just another spoiled Celestial Dragon, a troublemaker. But after their encounter in the New World, Zephyr had seen a glimpse of Claudius's potential and had passed down to him valuable training techniques.

Now, after seeing Claudius fight again, Zephyr's opinion had changed dramatically. Claudius wasn't just talented he was fearless and ruthlessly determined. The fact that Claudius was willing to stab himself to ensure victory in what was essentially a sparring match left a deep impression.

At that moment, Zephyr realized that Claudius wasn't just a typical Celestial Dragon. He was the kind of person who had the grit and drive to push through pain, hardship, and limitations. He had both talent and tenacity, a combination Zephyr admired. If Claudius had been a Marine, Zephyr would have groomed him to become a future Admiral, maybe even a Fleet Admiral. It was a shame such potential was locked within the confines of the Celestial Dragons.

By Claudius's bedside Nia attended to him, offering him tea and keeping him comfortable. Despite the battle he had just endured, Claudius appeared at ease, though there was still a hint of soreness in his movements.

However, Nia's expression darkened every time her eyes flicked to the other bed in the room. Under her breath, she muttered curses aimed at its occupant.

This was a three-person ward, the most elite medical facility in Marineford. Normally, only top officers like Admirals or the Fleet Admiral would use it. But in cases of injury, it was also made available to those Marines deemed promising future leaders.

Lying on the other bed was none other than Gion, the Commodore who had been defeated by Claudius in their intense sparring match. Despite Claudius winning the bout, Gion's physical condition was far superior to his, thanks to her Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit abilities, which granted her enhanced vitality and recovery.

Even so, Gion had suffered a serious wound from Claudius's Shinsō. While Zoan fruits, especially the Mythical ones, were known for their incredible resilience, she was still too injured to be up and about. Thus, Gion had been placed in the same elite ward as Claudius to recuperate.

As Nia continued to glare at Gion, the Commodore smirked and said, "Heh, if I didn't feel the ruthlessness you displayed during that fight, I'd think you were just some pampered noble's son, lounging around with your maid fussing over you."

Claudius chuckled and replied, "What's wrong, Gion? Are you upset about losing?"

Gion's expression turned slightly sour. It was true Claudius hadn't been stronger than her in raw power. In fact, in terms of physical strength and skill, he was slightly weaker. But the fact remained: in the end, he had won. He had shown the resolve to risk everything for victory, and that was something she had to respect, even if it frustrated her.

"I'm not someone who can't admit defeat," Gion said after a pause, her voice firm despite the sting of the loss.

"Good to hear," Claudius said, a teasing smile on his face. "I wouldn't want to have to stab myself again just to prove my point."

As they exchanged words, Claudius reflected on the match. He knew there was still a considerable gap between his strength and Gion's. His victory had been due to his boldness rather than sheer power. He had leveled the playing field with his determination and a willingness to take drastic risks.

Based on these two sparring sessions, Claudius had a clearer understanding of his own strength. Compared to the average Marine Commodore, he was undoubtedly stronger. In terms of raw power, he was well above someone like Momonga, but he still had some ground to cover before reaching the level of the top-tier Commodores like Gion.

Nevertheless, he wasn't discouraged. He knew that with more training and effort, he would eventually surpass even someone as formidable as Gion.

After a brief exchange, Claudius turned his attention away from Gion. As impressive as she was both as a fighter and as a beautiful woman he found his thoughts drifting toward the man lying in the third bed in their shared ward.

That man was none other than Monkey D. Dragon, the future revolutionary leader who would one day be considered the world's most dangerous criminal. To Claudius, the coincidence of running into Dragon here felt almost too good to be true.

Dragon, the son of Marine hero Garp, was a figure surrounded by mystery. At this point, Dragon was still a respected Marine with a promising future ahead of him, someone people believed would one day become an Admiral, or perhaps even the Fleet Admiral. His presence in this elite ward was no surprise, given his status and potential.

However, it seemed Dragon's injuries weren't too severe, as he was up and about, helping himself to tea and snacks while occasionally chatting with Gion. Claudius had noticed they were on familiar terms, which made sense. Gion had a close relationship with Garp, often referring to him casually as "Little Garp." It was no surprise she knew Dragon well, too.

Despite sharing the ward, Dragon had only exchanged a few polite words with Claudius, acknowledging him as just another CP-0 recruit. He hadn't given Claudius much attention since then.

As Dragon quietly read a book, his serious expression gave off a scholarly air. He didn't resemble the man who would one day be the leader of a worldwide revolution. Without the familiar blood-red tattoos on his face courtesy of Garp's infamous slipper discipline Dragon looked more like an intellectual than a soldier.

Claudius, watching Dragon out of the corner of his eye, couldn't help but laugh inwardly. "What luck! I was just wondering how I could get closer to this guy, and now we're stuck in the same hospital room! Patient friends, huh? Perfect."

Indeed, before coming to Marineford, Claudius had prepared himself for a potential encounter with Dragon, though he hadn't expected it to happen so soon or under such circumstances.

Putting thoughts of Gion aside, Claudius shifted his focus to Dragon. He had to make his move carefully, so as not to waste this golden opportunity.

"Now that Dragon's here, Gion's not my priority anymore," Claudius mused. He turned to his butler and said, "Nia, could you grab that book I brought with me? I'd like to read a bit."

Nia, quick as always, nodded and asked, "Which one would you like to read, Mr. Crow?"

Claudius pretended to think for a moment before replying, "Hmm... How about 'Civil Rights'?"

As soon as Claudius said the title, Dragon's eyes flickered with interest. Though he tried to maintain his composure, Claudius noticed his subtle reaction.

Nia hurriedly fetched the book from Claudius's bag and handed it to him. Smiling, Claudius opened the book and casually read aloud a famous quote: "The people are the most valuable, society comes second, and the ruler is the least important..."

Dragon's eyes sharpened at the words, his curiosity clearly piqued.

Unable to hold back any longer, Dragon leaned forward slightly and asked, "My friend, what book is that you're reading? And where can I find a copy?"

Claudius smiled inwardly. "Hook, line, and sinker."

Feigning mild confusion, Claudius looked up at Dragon and replied, "Oh, this? It's called Civil Rights, but I doubt you can find it in any stores..."

Dragon raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Claudius's response. Could this really be an original work? The thought surprised him. The few lines he had overheard earlier carried ideas that seemed radical, even rebellious ideas that would be considered dangerous by the World Government. The fact that this text wasn't widely available made it even more compelling.

Dragon couldn't help but wonder how Claudius had gotten his hands on such a book. It was certainly the kind of work that might be banned, given its subversive nature. And judging by what he'd overheard earlier, Claudius wasn't just an ordinary CP-0 agent his position seemed somewhat unique, especially considering Zephyr's respectful treatment of him.

But still, could someone with such a connection to the World Government be holding onto this type of literature?

Dragon's mind raced with possibilities, but he didn't jump to conclusions. After all, it wasn't every day you encountered a member of CP-0 in a hospital ward with a book like this. Though curious, he kept his questions light for now.

"Really?" Dragon asked, a hint of regret in his voice, assuming that the book might be a rare or even one-of-a-kind piece.

Claudius, noticing Dragon's interest, smiled and said, "The book isn't particularly rare for me. If you're interested, feel free to borrow it."

With a simple gesture, Claudius nodded to Nia, who promptly fetched the book and handed it to Dragon. Without hesitation, Dragon accepted it. "Thank you, my friend," he said sincerely. "By the way, I didn't catch your name."

"Crowe, interim member of CP-0," Claudius replied with a smile.

"Interim member?" Dragon repeated, finding the title a bit curious. However, he didn't press the matter. It wasn't unusual for someone to be placed in a transitional role within CP-0, especially if they had other tasks ahead of them. Perhaps Claudius had some important assignment coming up, or maybe he was still in training. Whatever the case, Dragon decided not to pry too deeply into it just yet.

"Monkey D. Dragon," Dragon introduced himself in return. "Vice Admiral of Naval Headquarters."

Dragon, though young, had already risen to the position of Vice Admiral. He was just a few years older than Kuzan and had been brought into the Marines by his father, Garp, from an early age. At only twenty-something, he was already a highly respected figure within the Marines, and many believed he was on track to become an Admiral in the future.

However, despite his impressive career, Dragon had been feeling more and more disillusioned with the way the Marines and by extension, the World Government were functioning. Though he hadn't yet fully defined his own revolutionary ideology, he was in the midst of a personal crisis, seeking answers to the questions that troubled him.

That's why the moment he overheard Claudius reciting lines from that book, his curiosity had been piqued. He was searching for something—something that could guide him or clarify his thoughts, and this book seemed like it might hold the answers he was looking for.

Claudius pretended to be surprised at Dragon's introduction. "Monkey? As in the son of Vice Admiral Garp?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

Dragon waved his hand, looking a little embarrassed. "Yeah, that's right. But I'd prefer not to rely on my father's name too much."

Claudius chuckled. "The son of Garp, huh? I didn't mean any disrespect."

It was clear to Dragon that Claudius wasn't trying to curry favor or leverage his connection to Garp, which was refreshing. Over the years, Dragon had encountered many people who tried to get close to him simply because of his father's reputation. But this Crowe didn't seem to have any such intentions, and Dragon found that oddly comforting. It made him think that perhaps Claudius's own background carried enough weight that he didn't need to rely on external connections.

The conversation shifted, and after exchanging a few more pleasantries, Dragon dove into the book. As he began reading, his eyes widened with each passing sentence. The ideas within were revolutionary, unlike anything he had encountered before. Concepts like "the people being more valuable than the ruler" and "the government serving the people, not controlling them" struck a deep chord within him.

No wonder this book isn't available anywhere, Dragon thought. This kind of ideology would be suppressed immediately.

He quickly found himself engrossed in the text, marveling at the boldness of its ideas. "Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. How can a ruler call themselves a leader without the people's support? True governance is shared by the people," Dragon muttered, echoing lines from the book.

It was clear that whoever had written this had a profound understanding of governance and the delicate balance between power and the people. The more Dragon read, the more it resonated with him, as if this text was helping to resolve the confusion that had been weighing on his mind.

"This book is incredible," Dragon murmured to himself. "It contains thoughts I've never even considered before."

Curious to know more about the author, Dragon flipped to the front of the book, hoping to find some kind of signature or note from the writer. But after scanning through the pages, he found nothing—no name, no preface, no indication of who had penned this work.

"How unfortunate..." Dragon sighed. "I would've loved to read more from this great thinker."

As he said this aloud, he didn't bother hiding his disappointment from Claudius or Gion. Gion, having little interest in the topic, remained silent, but Dragon's enthusiasm was evident.

Claudius, watching Dragon's reaction, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This is going better than expected, he thought.

When Dragon finally pulled his eyes away from the book, he turned to Claudius and asked, "What do you think of this work? It's truly remarkable, isn't it?"

Claudius hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit awkward. After all, it wasn't exactly polite to openly praise your own work. "I think... it's decent. Maybe not perfect, but decent," he replied modestly.

Dragon was caught off guard by the humility in Claudius's answer. "Decent? Just decent?" He shook his head in disbelief. "I think you might be underestimating it. The ideas in this book are revolutionary! They challenge the very foundations of society and governance. It's filled with wisdom and insight."

He looked back at the book, his brows furrowing in thought. "But it feels incomplete. There's so much more to explore, and the text only scratches the surface of what could be a deeper philosophy."

Dragon's mind raced with the possibilities. There had to be more to this philosophy. "Do you happen to have more of this work? A follow-up or continuation?"

Claudius shook his head, smiling slightly. "Not yet."

"Not yet?" Dragon repeated, his interest clearly piqued. "So, there will be more?"

Claudius kept his tone casual, though inwardly he was amused at how quickly Dragon had latched onto his words.

Dragon nodded, though the excitement in his eyes was unmistakable. "If you ever manage to gather the rest, I would be more than willing to help, in any way I can."

Why does this guy sound like a poetic scholar? Claudius thought to himself, trying not to laugh. Dragon's enthusiasm and almost literary tone were starting to amuse him. It was hard to reconcile this refined, thoughtful man with the figure who would one day lead the most feared revolutionary army in the world.

Still, Dragon's interest in his ideas was undeniable. He seemed almost desperate for more, which was exactly what Claudius had hoped for. Now, it was time to string him along just a little bit further.

"It's not that difficult to write," Claudius said with a shrug. "The ideas are there, but I haven't had time to properly organize everything."

Dragon looked genuinely impressed. "You wrote this?!" he exclaimed, staring at Claudius with renewed respect.

Claudius nodded. "It's just the beginning," he said humbly. "There's much more to be written, but you know how it is life gets in the way."

For a moment, Dragon seemed stunned. The man sitting across from him was the author of the very text that had just blown his mind. The fact that Claudius had written something so profound only added to the mystery surrounding him.

"If this is just the beginning, then I can only imagine how impactful the rest will be," Dragon said, his tone full of admiration. "You've already given me so much to think about."

Claudius smiled inwardly. You haven't seen anything yet.

Out loud, he replied modestly, "I'm just exploring some ideas. If you'd like, we can discuss them further sometime."

Dragon nodded eagerly. "I'd be honored to."

Claudius ended up staying at Naval Headquarters for seven days, though six and a half of those were spent in the hospital. By the third day, Gion, the beautiful Commodore who had been injured alongside him, was discharged. She was growing impatient in the high-end ward.

There were three people sharing the ward Claudius, Dragon, and Gion—but Gion felt out of place, like an outsider. Claudius and Dragon seemed to hit it off immediately, spending most of their time deep in conversation about ideas that Gion had little interest in. She often found herself rolling her eyes as the two exchanged thoughts, feeling left out and somewhat ignored.

Wherever Gion went, she usually attracted attention. After all, she was the Marine's renowned beauty, and admirers followed her everywhere. Even the second-in-command at the officer training camp, a man destined to be an Admiral candidate, was practically her biggest fan, visiting her four times in the three days she spent in the hospital.

But here? It seemed Claudius and Dragon barely noticed her. They might exchange a few polite words when they were all resting, but that was it. As if that wasn't enough, Nia, Claudius's butler, didn't hide her disdain for Gion, constantly giving her cold glares, likely blaming her for Claudius's injuries.

Feeling humiliated by the cold treatment, Gion had had enough. Her Zoan fruit ability had already sped up her recovery, and as soon as she was well enough, she signed her discharge papers and left, no longer willing to stay in the ward where she felt so unwelcome.

As for Dragon, his injuries had healed days ago, but he deliberately stayed in the ward longer to engage Claudius in more philosophical discussions. Dragon was at a crossroads in his life, and though he had a budding sense of rebellion, he still hadn't fully formed his ideas. The things Claudius talked about resonated with him in a way that few other things had.

Though Dragon already had strong opinions about the injustices in the world, Claudius had access to ideas and philosophies far beyond what Dragon had been exposed to. Claudius, having come from an era of information and diverse political thought, was familiar with theories and movements that had no counterpart in Dragon's time. Even if Claudius wasn't a master of these philosophies, they were more than enough to open Dragon's eyes to new possibilities.

By the end of the seven days, Dragon had developed a deep respect for Claudius not for his strength, but for his ideas and his way of thinking.

Just as Claudius and Dragon were wrapping up one of their discussions, an unexpected visitor arrived at the ward.

It was none other than Garp, Vice Admiral of the Marines and one of its strongest combatants. His arms were crossed, and his nose was tilted up arrogantly as he sat on Dragon's bed, clearly there to reprimand his son.

"You idiot! What kind of injury do you have? You should've been discharged from the hospital five days ago! But here you are, loafing around for another five days. What are you trying to do, dodge your duties as a Vice Admiral? How am I supposed to face the world if my son acts like this? You're getting out of this hospital today, whether you like it or not! There's a mission waiting for you."

As Garp said this, he glanced over at Claudius on the other bed, deliberately avoiding mentioning the specifics of the mission. It wasn't that Garp was worried Claudius might leak the information; after all, Claudius was Celestial Dragon, a position that came with access to far more classified details. No, Garp didn't want to risk Claudius showing too much interest in the mission and deciding to tag along. The last thing Garp wanted was to babysit a Celestial Dragon on a dangerous operation.

There was also another reason for Garp's reluctance: his long-standing disdain for the Celestial Dragons. After the God Valley Incident, Garp's contempt for the world nobles had only deepened. While Zephyr Admiral had vouched for Claudius, saying he was different from other Celestial Dragons, Garp wasn't quick to change his mind. At best, he thought Claudius was a decent fighter tough enough to stab himself to defeat Gion.

"I'm not going," Dragon said bluntly, rejecting his father's proposal without hesitation. "I'm not the only Vice Admiral in the Marines. Someone else can take care of it. You seem to have plenty of free time, so why don't you handle it yourself and leave me out of it?"

Garp's temper flared, and he slammed his hand against the bed. "Do you even know what's going on in the New World right now? Golden Lion Shiki just took down Ochoku! Now's the perfect chance to hunt Ochoku down and lock him up in Impel Down. This is a big deal, and you're sitting here slacking off? You've got to come with me. Let's catch him together."

Hearing this, Claudius's curiosity was piqued. He knew of Golden Lion Shiki, but Ochoku wasn't a name he was too familiar with. He knew that Ochoku had once been part of the Rocks Pirates, just like Shiki, but the details of his story were murky. Judging by Garp's reaction, Ochoku must've been one of his old rivals.

"I've got more important things to do than that," Dragon said, clearly irritated.

"What could be more important than upholding justice as a Marine? More important than wiping out evil?" Garp demanded, his frustration growing.

"Ochoku is already weakened by Shiki. You don't need me for this you can handle it on your own. This is a trivial matter for me. What's important right now is that I'm at a critical point in my life, figuring out my beliefs. I'm finally starting to see through the confusion I've been feeling. That's far more important to me than chasing some pirate."

"You idiot! I'm your father!" Garp shouted, his patience wearing thin.

Watching the heated argument, Claudius couldn't help but reflect on Garp's skills as a mentor. Garp was strong, legendary even he had power, fame, and experience. But in one area, he struggled immensely: raising the next generation.

Marine had two prominent figures when it came to training future leaders. One was Zephyr, who was practically the "headmaster" of the Marines. He had trained many of the Navy's top officers, including the future Admirals. He was a respected teacher who produced disciplined, formidable Marines.

Then there was Garp.

Garp was a different story. His intentions were good, and he genuinely wanted to raise great Marines, but the results spoke for themselves. He had raised his own son, Dragon, to become the world's most notorious criminal. Strike one.

Then, after realizing he'd botched his son's path, Garp turned his attention to Ace, Roger's son, hoping to mold him into a top Marine. That didn't go so well either Ace ended up becoming Whitebeard's adopted son and a pirate through and through. Strike two.

Lastly, there was his grandson, Luffy. Garp had tried to raise Luffy to be a strong Marine, but the boy had also gone off to become a pirate, charging headlong toward the same rebellious path as his father and brother. Strike three.

If it weren't for Garp's incredible reputation and accomplishments, Claudius figured the World Government would've come after him, maybe even demoting or punishing him for being a terrible influence.

Now, watching Garp and Dragon argue, Claudius could clearly see why Garp's mentorship hadn't panned out. Garp was too overbearing. He wanted his son and grandson to follow the paths he had laid out for them, never really considering their desires. No wonder they had all rebelled.

It was time for Claudius to intervene. If he didn't step in, Garp and Dragon might end up in a full-blown argument, and Garp could easily find out that the real reason Dragon didn't want to leave the hospital was because of Claudius's discussions with him. Claudius didn't want to end up being the scapegoat for their fight.

Also, if Garp and Dragon started brawling here, Claudius didn't want to be caught in the crossfire his injuries still weren't fully healed, after all.

"Dragon," Claudius said, trying to calm the situation. "Don't be too quick to dismiss your father's suggestion. There's value in theory, but you also need practice. You need to see the world with your own eyes, experience it. That's how you refine your ideas. Vice Admiral Garp's mission might be the perfect opportunity for you to do just that."

Dragon paused, turning to listen as Claudius continued, "The conversations we've had ideas are important, but they need to be tested against reality. You might find new inspiration, or see things from a different perspective while out there. Consider it part of your journey."

Dragon hesitated. He respected Claudius's opinions, and it was true that he had learned a lot from their talks. After a moment, he finally nodded. "Fine, I'll go with you, then."

Garp was a bit stunned at the moment. He knew just how stubborn his son was—how could he not? Yet, watching Claudius sway his son's resolve with just a few words left Garp genuinely surprised.

As a result, his impression of Claudius shifted slightly.

"It seems... maybe Zephyr was right. This Claudius might be different from the usual spoiled, arrogant Celestial Dragons," Garp thought to himself.

After Dragon agreed to Garp's mission, he turned and looked at Claudius with a smile. "Mr. Crowe and I hit it off right away. We'll be parting ways for now, but who knows when we'll get to meet again? Why don't we exchange contact information? If I find myself confused in the future, I might reach out to have a chat."

Naturally, Claudius wouldn't refuse such an offer. He nodded and called out, "Nia."

Nia knew what to do. She immediately took out a phone transponder snail from her bag and handed it to Dragon. The two exchanged signals, ensuring they'd be able to communicate in the future. With that settled, Dragon followed Garp to begin the formal discharge procedures.

As they walked down the corridor of the Marine hospital, Dragon remained silent for a while before finally speaking up. "Who is that Mr. Crowe? I get the feeling he's more than just a CP-0 agent, right?"

Garp glanced at Dragon with a complicated expression. After a moment, he shook his head and said, "If he didn't tell you himself, then it's not my place to say any more.".

After Dragon left, Claudius didn't bother staying at the Marine hospital. He wasn't a Marine, so there was no need for any formal discharge procedures. Once he packed up his belongings, he left Naval Headquarters, Marineford.

Before he departed, he had one last meeting with Admiral Zephyr. What surprised him, however, was the unexpected appearance of Marine's so-called "Flower of Gion," who showed up at the port just to see him off.

The reason? Claudius had managed to defeat her during a sparring session on the training grounds. Out of respect for a worthy opponent, she felt it was only right to personally bid him farewell.

She also made it clear that she wouldn't lose next time due to a mistake like she did before, and warned Claudius to stay sharp.

Looking at the proud and stubborn "Flower of the Marines," Claudius couldn't help but smirk. Next time? Compete with me again? If there's a next time, I'll have you flat on your back—not in battle, but in bed, showing you all the ways I can break you down until you're begging for mercy.

But, of course, those were just the dirty thoughts running through Claudius's mind. Putting aside such fantasies, he was confident that if there really were a next time, he would be able to face Gion head-on with his own growing strength.

Why was he so sure? Because Claudius had already received something crucial from Zephyr something he'd been aiming for since the beginning.

Zephyr had handed over a detailed manual on Haki cultivation and training methods.

When it came to Haki mastery, there were two individuals in the Marine who were absolute experts.

The first was the man Claudius had targeted Zephyr himself.

Zephyr, known as the "Admiral Who Doesn't Kill," had earned his second moniker, "Black Arm," due to his proficiency in Armament Haki. His mastery in Armament Haki was unparalleled, and it was through this skill, rather than any Devil Fruit ability, that Zephyr climbed to the rank of Marine Admiral. His powerful Conqueror's Haki was an extension of his life experience, and while Claudius hadn't even awakened his Conqueror's Haki yet, Zephyr's manual provided insight that was invaluable for future training.

The other Marine expert who could match or even surpass Zephyr in Haki mastery was none other than the hero of the Marines and Dragon's father—Vice Admiral Garp.

Despite holding the rank of Vice Admiral, Garp's strength was on par with, or even above, the Admirals. He was the unchallenged powerhouse of the Marine.

So why didn't Claudius go to Garp for Haki training? The reason was simple: Garp wasn't exactly known for being the most... diligent or articulate instructor, at least not when it came to teaching others.

In contrast, Zephyr's manual was filled with detailed explanations. He had poured in all his experiences and insights, even adding personal advice tailored to Claudius's abilities and potential based on their interactions over the past few days.

It was clear that Zephyr truly cared about Claudius, whether due to his passion for teaching or a genuine respect for Claudius's status as a Celestial Dragon. Regardless of the reason, Zephyr had spared no effort in helping him.

Thus, Claudius was more than willing to view Zephyr as a true mentor.

"I'll find a way to repay Zephyr someday..." Claudius murmured to himself as he stood on the deck of the ship, watching Marineford slowly recede into the distance. He glanced down at the manual filled with Zephyr's wisdom and insights, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

Zephyr's generosity had genuinely touched him, so much so that Claudius was determined to protect the man's family, no matter what.

"Stussy..." Claudius called out.

Stussy, who had been standing nearby during Claudius's time at Marineford, immediately stepped forward and responded softly, "Your Highness, what are your orders?"

"Once we return to Mariejois, I want you to transfer some of our best operatives from CP-0 and have them positioned around Zephyr's family. Don't reveal their identities just have them act as friends or acquaintances. If any danger approaches Zephyr's family, I want our agents to protect them at all costs. Understood?" Claudius instructed.

Although Stussy didn't fully understand why Claudius wanted to make such an arrangement, she nodded and accepted the task without question.

While Stussy remained puzzled, Claudius knew exactly why he was taking this precaution. Better to be safe than sorry.

Claudius wasn't one to meddle unnecessarily, but after benefiting so much from Zephyr's guidance, he couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

There were simply too many uncertainties in this world. Sending a few skilled agents as a safety net was the most straightforward and effective measure he could take.

"It should be enough... right?" Claudius mused to himself. The idea of anyone daring to harm a Marine Admiral's family was almost unheard of. But Claudius wasn't taking any chances. Even if it were an improbable scenario, he believed his intervention could make all the difference.

The journey from Marineford to Sabaody Archipelago wasn't far. It took less than half a day to reach their destination.

Claudius had no intention of heading back to Mariejois right away. Since he was already out and about, he decided to visit Sabaody Archipelago and see what it had to offer.

After all, Sabaody was a well-known island, marking the end of the first half of the Grand Line and serving as the gateway to the New World. On this island, just about anything could happen.

You could see the lofty and arrogant Celestial Dragons. You could see downtrodden slaves at the bottom of the hierarchy. You could witness Marine officers enforcing justice or encounter pirates causing mayhem.

Here, on this chaotic island, you might even stumble across legendary figures like Whitebeard, Golden Lion, or the future Pirate King himself, Roger.

These giants of the seas often stopped by Sabaody because there was no other direct route to the New World. The only alternative was to circle around the Calm Belt.

The Sabaody Archipelago was a true melting pot—a place where predators and prey lurked in the shadows, hidden in plain sight.

But for Claudius, the island didn't pose much danger. Sabaody was directly under the jurisdiction of the Celestial Dragons. In essence, it was their playground their fiefdom.

It was close to both Marineford and the Holy Land Mariejois. Should trouble arise, reinforcements from either the CP organization or the Marine Headquarters could arrive almost instantaneously.

So long as Claudius didn't run into some reckless fool like Luffy someone who would attack a Celestial Dragon without a second thought he had no reason to worry.

And people like Luffy were few and far between. Claudius was confident he wouldn't be so unlucky.

While most pirates had to enter Sabaody through the lawless zone's port, Claudius's status allowed him to sail directly to the luxurious port reserved for Celestial Dragons.

After disembarking, Claudius decided to conceal his identity at least a little. He didn't need to go to great lengths to disguise himself but opted not to flaunt his status. He kept his entourage small, bringing only Stussy, his butler Nia, and a few hidden guards.

Without the typical Celestial Dragon attire, the obnoxious bubble hood, or a procession of slaves, he didn't stand out too much. Most people would just assume he was a wealthy noble visiting the island.

Given how many nobles frequented Sabaody in hopes of currying favor with the Celestial Dragons, Claudius's appearance was anything but conspicuous.

As he strolled through Sabaody Archipelago, he took in the sights with curious eyes, observing the island's layout and unique atmosphere.

Apart from the lawless zones, the rest of the island was surprisingly orderly. The scenery was beautiful, the climate pleasant. It truly was an ideal place for leisure and relaxation. No wonder so many Celestial Dragons liked to visit.

From what he could tell at the port, a few of his "Celestial Dragon brethren" were already on the island. But Claudius had no intention of meeting up with them or exchanging pleasantries. He preferred to explore the island on his own terms.

"Your Highness, I've compiled a list of interesting spots and information about Sabaody Archipelago. Please take a look and decide where you'd like to go," Nia said, handing Claudius some papers.

Claudius glanced through the information. He wasn't interested in soap bubble parks or sightseeing spots. Specialty shops and scenic views didn't catch his eye either. In the end, he settled on one destination—the auction house in the illegal zone.

He smiled and said, "Let's go check out this auction."

The moment the words left his mouth, Stussy's expression turned a bit apprehensive. "Your Highness, that auction isn't exactly legitimate. It deals in some rather shady, gray-area businesses. And more importantly, it's located in the lawless zone it's dangerous there..."

Sabaody's illegal zone was still chaotic at this time.

The auctions there weren't particularly well-regulated, and the slave trade wasn't as "refined" as it would be in the future. Claudius figured that later on, when his big cousin, Donquixote Doflamingo, eventually extended his influence into Sabaody, he would formalize and dominate the slave trade market, turning it into a more structured "employment agency."

But for now, these auctions were still a hodgepodge of activities selling everything from slaves to rare treasures. Claudius wanted to take a look, just to see if there was anything of value.

"It's fine. With you around, Stussy, what could possibly go wrong? Is there anyone out there who'd dare to harm me?" Claudius said with a grin.

Stussy sighed in resignation, smiling wryly as she replied, "I'll certainly do everything in my power to protect Your Highness. But if we encounter a situation I can't handle, please don't hesitate to reveal your true identity to avoid unnecessary trouble."

"Don't worry, I promise," Claudius nodded with a lighthearted smile.

With that, they made their way to the illegal zone of the Sabaody Archipelago.