Chapter 447 - 6 to 14

Claudius knew well that the Rocks Pirates, once the strongest pirate group ruling the seas, had fallen after the infamous God Valley Incident a few years back. After Roger and Garp teamed up to take them down, Rocks, their captain, had met his end. Since then, all the big names from the Rocks Pirates had gone solo.

If Claudius remembered correctly, the Big Mom Pirates had already been established, Kaido had also formed the Beasts Pirates, and Whitebeard, now in his prime, had started taking in "sons."

Apart from them, Golden Lion Shiki had risen to prominence. Known as the " Flying Pirate," he had built a massive pirate fleet and was currently the most dominant force in the New World.

Then, there were other famous pirates like Ochoku, the great pirate from the Land of Flowers, and Captain John, who had amassed a vast treasure hoard. All of these notorious figures had originally been part of the Rocks Pirates before they went solo.

And of course, there was the Roger Pirates an odd bunch in comparison. While most of these large pirate crews were vying for control of the New World, the Roger Pirates were wandering the world, seemingly at random. Sometimes they appeared in the New World, and at other times, they would pop up elsewhere, leaving everyone wondering what they were really up to.

However, none of this had much to do with a ten-year-old boy like Claudius.

Now dressed in his Celestial Dragon tiger-skin coat, Claudius was powerless to influence such major events. The storms of the outside world were too far away for him to care. What he needed to focus on was securing his footing when he returned to Mariejois.

Based on Claudius's calculations, in less than half a year, his family led by Patriarch Donquixote Homing would likely leave for North Blue with his cousins, Doflamingo and Rosinante, in search of their so-called "heaven on earth."

Compared to the chaotic struggles in the seas, this event was much more pressing for Claudius. It concerned his own future. Before Homing left, Claudius needed to settle his matters with the Donquixote family once and for all.

There were two possible approaches to this.

The first was to convince Homing to abandon his ridiculous dreams. Even if one were a Celestial Dragon, they should keep their feet on the ground. Pursuing an idealistic "new world" with no practical plan was bound to end in disaster. Homing would likely return crying in a year, having been rejected by the world. In the end, his wife would die of illness, his son would take his own life, and the Donquixote family would be brought to ruin. The Celestial Dragon family, once living in luxury, would turn into a tragic mess because of Homing's delusions.

But this option was difficult. While Homing was a bit naive and had treated Claudius well, their relationship wasn't close enough for Claudius to persuade him. Homing was, frankly, a fool with a heart full of good intentions but a head full of nonsense. Claudius had never tried to form a deeper bond with him, viewing him as nothing more than a misguided dreamer. Their relationship was so distant that it took Homing two weeks to even realize that Claudius had been involved in a shipwreck. That alone showed how little Homing cared for him.

Moreover, other members of the Donquixote family had tried to dissuade Homing from his plans, but he ignored them all. Claudius doubted a ten-year-old like himself would have any better luck. So, the first option was off the table.

The second option was simpler. The reason Claudius was being targeted by the family was because when Homing left, Claudius was likely to be pushed into the position of family head. Given his young age, lack of power, and personality, the more astute members of the Donquixote family naturally didn't want him to take the reins. Hence, they were plotting against him. If Claudius could resolve the underlying issues and remove himself from the equation, he believed that the family would stop targeting him.

After all, there weren't that many Celestial Dragons left, and infighting wasn't in anyone's best interest.

With these thoughts in mind, Claudius made up his mind. Once he returned to Mariejois, he would sever his ties with the Donquixote family and avoid the power struggles that came with leadership.

Just as Claudius was pondering these matters while enjoying a dessert, a knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.

Looking towards the door, Claudius called out softly, "Come in."

Zephyr, who had been waiting outside, took a deep breath before opening the door. As he entered, he saw Claudius, already seated at a luxurious dining table, enjoying his snacks.

Zephyr hadn't expected this Celestial Dragon to already be indulging in dessert before their meal, but considering it from the perspective of a Celestial Dragon, perhaps it was their way of showing hospitality.

Still, Zephyr wasn't here to curry favor. He wasn't that kind of person. He also knew that Claudius's situation wasn't great.

"Saint Claudius, thank you for your invitation," Zephyr said, bowing slightly.

Claudius smiled and waved his hand. "Zephyr, you are my savior. I've already told you—you don't need to salute me."

Zephyr was surprised for a moment but gladly accepted. Constantly bowing was tiresome, after all. So, he smiled and replied, "Thank you, Saint Claudius."

"Please, sit," Claudius gestured with a wave.

Zephyr nodded and, without too much formality, sat across from Claudius.

The two chatted casually for a while, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.

Through this small talk, Zephyr found himself surprised. This Celestial Dragon, though only ten years old, spoke with a maturity beyond his years. He seemed vastly different from the spoiled image most Celestial Dragons had.

As a seasoned Admiral who had seen many types of people, Zephyr had a keen eye for reading others. He quickly realized that Claudius wasn't faking this maturity. He wasn't pretending to be kind or reasonable it seemed to genuinely be his character.

This was a pleasant surprise for Zephyr. He had expected a troublesome, arrogant brat. Instead, Claudius was thoughtful and easy to talk to. The more they conversed, the more comfortable Zephyr felt, to the point where the atmosphere lightened considerably, even drawing out Zephyr's hearty laughter at times.

"By the way, Zephyr," Claudius said between bites of his meal, looking up at Zephyr.

Zephyr took a sip of the red wine that had been prepared for him and asked, "Yes, Saint Claudius? What can I do for you?"

Claudius smiled and said, "I told you before, there's no need for formalities. I just have a question. You're an Admiral of the Navy, so you must know a lot about the world's stories, right? I've always been curious about the sea. Unfortunately, my recent journey ended in disaster, but my interest hasn't faded."

After a pause, Claudius added, "If it's not too much trouble, could you share with me some interesting stories about the world today? Or perhaps tell me about any notable figures?"

Zephyr chuckled. "If you're interested in hearing an old sailor's tales, I'd be happy to oblige, Saint Claudius."

As Claudius listened attentively, occasionally interrupting with questions, Zephyr patiently explained the current state of the world. By the end of the conversation, Claudius had gained a much deeper understanding of the world outside Mariejois. While chaos reigned in the New World, the Marines and the World Government still maintained control over the Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line.

"Fascinating," Claudius mused. "The world is so vast. It seems I've been living in ignorance up in Mariejois. There's so much out there..."

Zephyr found Claudius's words sincere, which only added to his intrigue about this Celestial Dragon. Most of the Celestial Dragons he had met were either arrogant or oblivious to the world, but Claudius seemed genuinely interested in learning more.

"If you ever get the chance, Saint Claudius, you should visit the Four Seas. Unlike the New World, the seas there are more stable, and the danger is far less," Zephyr suggested.

Claudius nodded. "Yes, it would be good to see more of the world." After a brief pause, he added, "But, no matter where one goes, there's always some risk, isn't there? Even in Mariejois."

Hearing this, Zephyr narrowed his eyes slightly but didn't immediately respond.

Claudius smiled and continued, "I've heard that you, Zephyr, are passionate about training young Marines. In fact, you were involved in establishing the Marine officer training camp a couple of years ago, right?"

Zephyr was slightly surprised that Claudius knew about his background, but he quickly brushed it off. After all, it wasn't exactly a secret. Nodding, he replied, "Yes, I was fortunate enough to help set it up."

"In that case, you must have some ideas on how to train young people," Claudius said. "If possible, I'd like to learn from you, Zephyr. After all, from this experience, I've come to realize that even a Celestial Dragon like me can't always rely on status alone for safety. In the end, the only one you can truly rely on is yourself."

Claudius spoke softly, his tone sincere. As soon as Claudius's voice fell, Zephyr remained silent for a while. Even though Claudius had spoken in a calm and polite tone, the fact remained that he was still a Celestial Dragon. When someone like him made a request, no matter how nicely it was phrased, it left Zephyr in a difficult position. Refusing would be no easy matter.

At the same time, Zephyr had his own challenges to consider. As a Marine Admiral, he couldn't just dedicate himself to Claudius full-time. From the way Claudius had spoken, it almost sounded like he was asking Zephyr to take him on as a disciple.

Becoming the first Marine to take on a Celestial Dragon as a student? That would certainly be a first. Zephyr had never heard of such a thing happening before. Plus, he wasn't eager to get involved in the complexities of Mariejois, which made the situation rather awkward.

If Claudius knew what was going through Zephyr's mind, he might have laughed.

Not only was Claudius not asking to formally become Zephyr's disciple, but even if he had been, it wouldn't have been all that outrageous. If anything, Zephyr should learn from his colleague, Sengoku.

In a few years, Sengoku wouldn't just accept a Celestial Dragon into his ranks he'd go as far as adopting his little cousin, Rosinante, as his own son! Now that's what you call open-minded!

But noticing the uncomfortable look on Zephyr's face, Claudius realized that the Admiral was overthinking things, probably assuming that Claudius wanted to recruit him as some kind of personal backer or bodyguard.

So, Claudius smiled and clarified, "Admiral Zephyr , I believe there's been some misunderstanding. I don't expect you to stay in Mariejois and personally guide me step by step. What I'm asking for is far simpler I just need learning materials and the benefit of your experience."

He paused before adding, "I know that as an Admiral, you're busy with your duties, and I wouldn't want to impose on you too much. But I'll have a lot of time once I return to Mariejois, and I don't want to waste it. That's why I hope you can share your knowledge with me before then."

Hearing this, Zephyr visibly relaxed. With a lighter tone, he responded quickly, "Thank you for being so understanding, Saint Claudius. As you said, I cannot stay by your side all the time, but if it's just providing information and sharing my experiences, I'd be more than happy to help. Once we arrive in Mariejois, I'll make sure to prepare everything for you."

Claudius smiled, satisfied with the answer. That was all he needed. Mariejois was full of skilled individuals, even among the slaves, and the hidden masters in the CP organizations were formidable as well. If Claudius wanted to learn and grow stronger, finding teachers wouldn't be difficult.

However, he understood that building a solid foundation was key. No matter how skilled someone was, without a proper base, it would be impossible to make progress. Without laying the groundwork, how could he expect to grow stronger?

Across the world of pirates, Zephyr might not be the strongest in terms of sheer combat prowess. However, when it came to training future talents and laying solid foundations, few could rival him.

As a Celestial Dragon who wasn't willing to waste his resources, Claudius had made a smart decision in seeking Zephyr's expertise. Many people would love the opportunity to learn from Zephyr, but such a privilege was rare and hard to come by. Being a Marine Admiral, Zephyr's time and attention weren't something just anyone could demand. But Claudius, as a Celestial Dragon, stood at the very top of the world's hierarchy.

Even so, he was careful not to take such a valuable resource for granted. After all, if he was going to lay a foundation, it needed to be the best.

Zephyr, for his part, seemed relieved to avoid getting tangled up too deeply with Mariejois politics. He could see that Claudius was straightforward and not the type to drag others into unnecessary trouble.

Feeling a little guilty for his earlier hesitation, Zephyr added, "Though I'm quite busy, if there's ever something you don't understand, I'd be more than happy to come and teach you personally."

His offer was clear: While Zephyr couldn't stay by Claudius's side all the time, he was willing to make occasional trips to Mariejois to offer guidance if needed.

This was a gesture of goodwill, a way to show that he valued Claudius's potential. From what Zephyr had seen, Claudius wasn't like the typical Celestial Dragons he had encountered. Perhaps this young man had the potential to accomplish something significant in the future.

Claudius smiled warmly. "That's excellent news. I'll be sure to rely on your help then, Zephyr."

With that settled, their conversation shifted to the basics of training. Zephyr explained the principles behind strength training, and Claudius eagerly soaked up the knowledge. Although the exercises Zephyr described push-ups, running, and weight training sounded simple, there were countless techniques to optimize them.

Zephyr was pleased to see that Claudius was so receptive to learning. His natural inclination as a teacher took over, and he gradually became more enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge.

Over the next few days, Claudius didn't even need to summon Zephyr. With little to occupy his time on the sea, Zephyr voluntarily sought Claudius out every morning. He would wake Claudius early and take him to the deck for training, giving him hands-on guidance.

As Claudius trained, Zephyr would sit nearby, compiling all the training materials Claudius would need once he returned to Mariejois. That way, Claudius could continue his training independently. Once Claudius had laid a solid foundation, Zephyr planned to summarize more advanced techniques for him.

Before long, the warship was approaching the Red Line. From the deck, one could already see the endless crimson cliffs rising from the horizon.

Claudius, with a towel around his neck, stood shirtless on the deck. Under Zephyr's guidance, a few days of regular exercise had started to show results. His body had lost most of its excess fat, and though he wasn't muscular yet, the lazy, weak aura he once had was gone. Now, at least, he looked like a young man with energy and drive.

"We'll reach Mariejois soon, right?" Claudius asked quietly, his gaze fixed on the towering cliffs of the Red Line in the distance.

It wasn't Zephyr who answered, but Kuzan, who had taken an interest in Claudius.

"Yes, Saint Claudius. At this speed, we should reach Mariejois in no time," Kuzan said with a grin, standing not far behind him.

"Good," Claudius replied with a smile. "As much as I've enjoyed these past few days, there are things I need to take care of in Mariejois. Only after that will I be able to rest easy."

As the warship slowly pulled into port, a large contingent of Mariejois servants had already gathered to welcome Claudius. The moment the ship docked, a sharp-faced man who looked like a butler hurriedly led a group of servants. They rolled out a fresh, bright red carpet from the dock all the way to the bubble elevator.

Armored guards lined up on both sides of the carpet, seemingly acting as an honor guard.

Claudius stood on the deck, watching the scene below with a flash of disdain in his eyes. "Hmph, quite the display. Where was all this effort before?" he muttered under his breath.

Kuzan, seeing the extravagant display for the first time, couldn't help but be surprised. Though he was aware of the status and privilege of the Celestial Dragons, seeing it in person where even something as simple as disembarking from a ship required this much fanfare was something else.

Zephyr, who had interacted with the Celestial Dragons several times before, was unfazed.

Once the gangway was in place, Claudius reached out and grabbed a short gun handed to him by a Marine. Then, without hesitation, he led the way off the ship.

The sharp-faced butler rushed forward to greet him the moment he saw Claudius. Though Claudius's appearance had changed significantly, the butler, Mendil, recognized him instantly, having served him for years.

As soon as Claudius set foot on the red carpet, Mendil dropped to his knees and groveled, "Welcome back, Saint Claudius. I've missed you dearly these past few days. It's been agony not being able to serve you."

Claudius glanced down at the butler with a look of disgust, speaking softly, "Really? I would've thought you'd be too busy enjoying the rewards from selling me out to feel any guilt, Mendil."

At those words, Mendil's whole body trembled. He raised his head in a panic, trying to stammer a response, "Y-Your Highness..."

"Shut up. I don't want to hear a single word from your filthy mouth." Claudius's voice was filled with cold disdain.

Without a moment's hesitation, Claudius raised the short gun in his hand and aimed it at Mendil's head. He didn't need evidence to confirm that Mendil had been complicit in betraying him and sending him off on that ill-fated voyage to the New World. The conclusion was obvious from his memories: this butler had seen him as nothing more than a fool, an easy target to manipulate.

And since Claudius didn't need evidence, he saw no reason to let the man live. Without waiting another second, he pulled the trigger.

Boom!

The sound of the gunshot echoed through the port. Blood sprayed into the air as Mendil's head exploded, and his lifeless body collapsed onto the bright red carpet.

Claudius tossed the still-smoking short gun onto the carpet without so much as a glance at the butler's corpse, and calmly walked forward as if nothing had happened.

After all, for a Celestial Dragon, killing someone like that wasn't out of the ordinary. He didn't need a reason. This was the privilege of being a Celestial Dragon absolute power over life and death.

Watching Claudius's back as he walked away, Kuzan couldn't help but murmur, "Now I've finally seen the true nature of a Celestial Dragon."

Zephyr, standing next to him, glanced at the body on the ground before shaking his head. "No matter how approachable he may seem, in the end, if something displeases him, a life can be taken just like that. You're right this is more like the Celestial Dragons I remember."

Mariejois is vast.

At this moment, Claudius was strolling through the Social Square of Pangaea Castle. This square was primarily used for hosting emissaries from various nations and served as a place of interaction during the World Summit, held every four years. It was where the royal families from across the globe gathered to communicate with one another.

After passing through Pangaea Castle, one would see an imposing high wall. This high wall faced the main entrance of the castle and was guarded by heavily armed soldiers. The gate in this wall was called the Gate of the Celestial Dragons. Once you passed through the Gate, you've entered the sacred residence of the Celestial Dragons in Mariejois, also referred to as the "land of the gods."

This area was strictly off-limits to anyone except Celestial Dragons, their slaves, and their immediate families. It was often regarded as the heart of Mariejois and was sometimes called the "House of God."

Within this divine abode, all kinds of facilities were available: top-tier hospitals, world-class opera houses, and even a Colosseum where slaves fought for the amusement of the nobles. Essentially, one could live here for an entire year without ever feeling the need to leave.

"Has Zephyr ever visited the House of god?" Claudius asked with a casual smile as they walked.

Zephyr shook his head and replied, "I've been to Mariejois many times, but I've never set foot in the House of god. It's a place reserved for you Celestial Dragons. Only those summoned by you can enter. Most of us don't have that privilege."

"Hahaha, 'god's own land'? That's the first time I've heard it called that!" Claudius laughed heartily. After a short pause, he added, "god or not, it's all just talk. If we were truly gods, I wouldn't have nearly died out there in the New World. But since Zephyr has never been inside, how about you come visit my home now? I really appreciate all the care you've shown me during this time."

Zephyr was surprised. He had assumed his duty would end once Claudius was safely delivered to Mariejois, but with this personal invitation from a Celestial Dragon, it would be impolite to decline. Nodding, he said, "Since you've extended the invitation, it would be an honor to see it with my own eyes."

As they approached the Gate, the guards stationed there looked uncertain at first, recognizing Claudius but hesitant to confirm his identity. Then, one of the servants trailing the group shouted, "Saint Claudius has returned! Open the gate!"

Immediately, the guards verified Claudius's identity, and the Gate swung open. No one dared stop Zephyr or Kuzan from entering alongside Claudius.

Led by Claudius, Zephyr and Kuzan entered the House of god for the first time. As they walked, they took in the opulent surroundings, a testament to the wealth and privilege that came with being a Celestial Dragon. After a brief journey, they finally arrived at Claudius's palace.

Despite Claudius's youth, the palace he lived in was massive. It was originally the residence of the Donquixote family patriarch. When Homing became the head of the family, he didn't move in, nor did he relocate Claudius to another home. So, Claudius had always lived here, and for now, he had no plans to move out.

"Go inform the house officer to send me a new butler," Claudius instructed an attendant nearby.

The attendant quickly nodded and left to carry out the order.

Once seated in the grand living room, Claudius, Zephyr, and Kuzan began to chat. Just as Claudius was curious about the outside world, Zephyr and Kuzan couldn't help but be intrigued by the inner workings of the Celestial Dragons' lives. Though they wouldn't openly admit it, the luxury and mystery of the House of God sparked their curiosity.

Their conversation flowed easily, and after a while, Zephyr handed over his Den Den Mushi contact number to one of Claudius's attendants. This way, Claudius could reach out whenever he had questions or needed advice. Zephyr also handed over the basic training methods he had compiled during the journey, ensuring that Claudius could continue his exercises after returning to Mariejois.

With that, Zephyr and Kuzan prepared to take their leave.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for dinner? I'm not exaggerating our food here is truly excellent," Claudius said with a smile.

Zephyr waved his hand and declined politely. "No, thank you, Saint Claudius. After your long journey, you must be tired. Get some rest, and we'll be on our way."

Just then, an attendant walked in respectfully and announced, "Your Highness, Saint Homing and Saint Doflamingo have come to visit you."

Claudius smiled. "It seems dinner will have to wait. Zephyr, Kuzan, we'll catch up another time."

Zephyr nodded. "We'll let you get back to your family matters."

Claudius gestured toward another attendant and instructed, "Escort Zephyr and Kuzan out through the side door. I'd rather they not run into my... troublesome cousin. Things might get awkward. I consider these two my esteemed guests, so make sure nothing goes wrong. Understood?"

"Yes, Saint Claudius!" the attendant responded promptly.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness," Zephyr said, grateful for the considerate gesture.

With that, Zephyr and Kuzan quietly exited through the side door, led by the attendant. Not long after, a commotion could be heard at the front entrance, making its way into Claudius's ears.

"You idiots! My cousin's been missing for two weeks, and none of you thought to report it to my father?!"

A young boy with short blond hair, wearing small orange sunglasses and dressed in lavish clothes, marched into the living room, berating the attendants as he entered with an air of arrogance.

Trailing behind him was a middle-aged man with a kindly face, smiling warmly.

There was no mistaking them: the first was Claudius's cousin, Donquixote Doflamingo, and the second was Patriarch Homing of the Donquixote family.

Doflamingo, even as a young boy, was already domineering. Given that Claudius's former self had also been an arrogant troublemaker, it wasn't surprising that the two cousins had been thick as thieves, causing havoc wherever they went. They had been quite close.

"Cousin! I'm so glad you're alright! If something had happened to you, I wouldn't have anyone to play with. Rosinante is no fun at all; he's always getting in my way. You treat me better!" Doflamingo shouted excitedly as he rushed toward Claudius.

Watching the scene, Claudius felt a bit exasperated. Every time Doflamingo called him "cousin," Claudius had the urge to call him something far less polite. He couldn't help but think to himself, My predecessor was really a fool to be so close to you. Rosinante may be a bit shy, but he's a genuinely good person. You, on the other hand, are a brat with no trace of your parents' kindness.

"Claudius, are you alright? You've lost weight. You must've suffered out there, huh? I've already had plenty of supplements sent over to help you recover," Homing said with a gentle smile.

Judging by his expression, Claudius realized that Homing still had no idea what had truly happened, probably thinking it was nothing more than an unfortunate shipwreck.

Claudius didn't want to drag things out or bring up past grievances, so he smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Homing."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Claudius quickly grew tired of talking to Homing, whose unrealistic ideals grated on him. Meanwhile, Doflamingo kept boasting about his recent exploits, including a new slave he'd acquired a captain, no less—whom he wanted Claudius to watch fight in the Colosseum.

Claudius could only groan internally.

"I'm glad you made it back safely," Homing said, his tone turning serious. "There's something I want to tell you. I've made up my mind to leave Mariejois. Regarding the Donquixote family, your father and I..."

Before he could finish, Claudius interrupted him.

"Uncle Homing, I have no intention of becoming the head of the Donquixote family," Claudius said flatly.

Homing was taken aback. "What are you saying? You're the most legitimate heir to the Donquixote family..."

"I think being the patriarch is too much work and no fun at all. I'd rather leave it to someone else," Claudius said, playing the role of a capricious child. He rambled off a string of excuses, but the message was clear: I won't be the patriarch.

Homing, ever the simple and kind-hearted man, finally sighed and relented. "If that's how you feel... Well, there were some who opposed the idea anyway. I'll give the position to Lancelot instead."

"Great! That works for me!" Claudius replied quickly.

Donquixote Lancelot was a much more competent and clever individual than Homing, at least in Claudius's eyes. If the Donquixote family were to be handed over to Lancelot, perhaps the family could thrive in the future. And if that were the case, Claudius could still benefit from it without the burdens of leadership.

Doflamingo, however, didn't seem pleased. "Why do we have to go live down in the Lower Realms? I don't want to live among those filthy commoners..." he muttered, his tone full of disdain.

Homing, ever the optimist, smiled warmly at his son and said, "Doffy, living with your mother, father, and younger brother will be a wonderful experience. Trust me, it'll be interesting."

For now, Doflamingo fell silent. He was still too young to fully understand what was in store for him. At this age, he still believed his father's words and thought that living in the Lower Realms wouldn't be all that different from life in Mariejois.

Little did he know, his time in the Lower Realms would expose him to the harsh realities of the world struggles and suffering that would shape the monster he would later become.

After a few more exchanges, Doflamingo insisted that Claudius join him in watching the slave fights at the Colosseum in a few days. Apparently, he had acquired a fresh batch of slaves, including a captain, and was eager to show them off. Claudius, tired of his cousin's antics, agreed just to get through the conversation.

"Well, I'm glad you made it back safely," Homing said, smiling softly. "There's something else I wanted to talk to you about..."

Claudius, not interested in rehashing the past, waved his hand dismissively. "Uncle Homing, I really don't care about all that. Let's leave it at that."

After sending away the na?ve and sweet Homing, Claudius finally felt a sense of relief.

"Now that I've declined the role of family head and Lancelot's likely to take over, I shouldn't have to worry about internal threats anymore," Claudius murmured to himself. "That should settle most of the mess in Mariejois."

After thinking for a moment, Claudius raised his voice and spoke to the empty room, "Bring me the best world map you can find and hang it right there on that wall."

His voice had barely finished echoing when an attendant standing outside the door quickly responded, "Yes, Saint Claudius!"

The palace where Claudius resided was one of the finest in the House of God. Especially now that Claudius had been "reborn" with a new sense of taste, his life had taken on an air of refined luxury. He was no longer the wasteful Celestial Dragon he had once been.

In the center of the hall stood a table carved from the finest mahogany, upon which rested an intricately designed dragon-shaped incense burner. A single stick of incense burned slowly within, releasing a faint fragrance that filled the entire room, calming the mind and soothing the soul. This single stick of incense could burn for a full day and was worth a staggering 20 million Beri!

Nearby, a tea set sat on the table, simple in appearance but steeped in extravagance. The tea itself was of the highest quality, specially picked from the Kano Country. Brewed from the most tender leaves, just one sip left a lingering fragrance in the mouth. Even when set beside the incense, the subtle scent of tea could still be detected.

Beside the table was a rattan rocking chair with a velvet cushion. Claudius lounged half-reclined in the chair, holding a history book in his hands a rare and valuable volume that recorded knowledge lost to most of the world. Even if it were placed in the famed Tree of Knowledge on Ohara Island, it would be considered a treasure.

Yet, Claudius handled the book with indifference. Whenever he found something interesting, he simply folded the page's corner as a marker. Had he a pen, he might have even scribbled notes directly in the ancient tome. To a scholar, his careless treatment of such a precious artifact would have been blasphemy.

But after a while, Claudius lost interest. He closed the book with a sigh, shaking his head in disappointment. "It's all surface-level stuff lacking any real depth. It seems the history of this world is tightly controlled by the World Government. Even as a Celestial Dragon, I can't easily delve into the truths of the past."

He tossed the priceless book casually onto the table and picked up a cup of tea, taking a slow sip.

Claudius had once thought that, as a Celestial Dragon, he would have no trouble uncovering the mysteries from 800 years ago the secrets buried deep within the Pirate World. However, he had clearly underestimated the World Government's stranglehold on such knowledge.

For the past month or so, Claudius had dedicated himself to self-improvement. Every morning, he followed the foundation-building exercises Zephyr had taught him. In the afternoons, he practiced mastering his Devil Fruit powers, and in the evenings, he immersed himself in reading.

Despite all his efforts, Claudius had found little to no answers regarding the world's ancient mysteries. It seemed even the lower-ranking Celestial Dragons, like him, were kept far from the hidden truths of the past.

By now, it had been more than a month since Zephyr had rescued him from the New World. Just as Claudius had predicted, after Homing announced that Claudius would not be taking over as the head of the Donquixote family, all internal strife had disappeared.

In fact, the number of servants around Claudius had mysteriously dwindled. Of course, it wasn't because Claudius had gone on a revenge spree, executing them all. Rather, they had simply vanished, presumably killed off. Claudius had a strong suspicion that Lancelot, the new head of the family, was behind it.

It wasn't hard to understand. Lancelot had never intended to kill Claudius. He wasn't a bloodthirsty man. The earlier attempts to remove Claudius from the family's affairs were purely out of necessity for the Donquixote family's future. But now that Claudius had willingly stepped aside and posed no threat, there was no reason for Lancelot to continue targeting him.

On the contrary, Lancelot had even gone out of his way to make amends. Over the past month, he had sent gifts to Claudius every few days, everything from luxury items to personal trainers when he heard that Claudius had started exercising. Claudius accepted the gifts without complaint after all, there was no point in holding grudges for his predecessor's foolish mistakes.

In fact, Claudius had come to view Lancelot in a favorable light. After observing him over the past month and reflecting on past events, Claudius realized that Lancelot was a smart, calculated man. He wasn't as ruthless as many other Celestial Dragons. Claudius had even heard rumors that Lancelot occasionally freed slaves a rare act of kindness among the nobility.

Ultimately, Claudius had no lingering ill will toward Lancelot. The man was simply doing what was necessary to secure the family's future. In return, Lancelot had compensated Claudius well, and their earlier conflicts had faded into distant memories, buried alongside the servants who had once conspired against him.

Claudius didn't see any need to dig up the past. He was more than content to let things remain as they were.

Setting down his tea, Claudius rose from the rocking chair. He reached over and lightly shook a small bell sitting on the table, its chime echoing softly through the room.

Moments later, a beautiful maid in a black-and-white uniform entered the room, her head bowed respectfully. Her delicate face and graceful figure made her seem almost unreal. In a soft voice, she asked, "Saint Claudius, what are your orders?"

Claudius smiled at her and asked casually, "Has Doffy come by today?"

Recently, Doflamingo had made a habit of visiting Claudius regularly, dragging him along for all sorts of mischief. Claudius had often dismissed his cousin's invitations, using the excuse that he was still recovering from his ordeal.

Today, Claudius found it strange that Doflamingo hadn't shown up to bother him.

"No, Saint Doflamingo didn't visit today," the maid replied quickly. "I believe he had a disagreement with Saint Homing earlier."

"Ah, I see. That's not too surprising," Claudius nodded thoughtfully.

Doflamingo was certainly the odd one out in his family. His father, Homing, was a kind and simple man too kind, in fact. His mother was similar, and his younger brother, Rosinante, was the perfect image of a noble, a complete contrast to Doflamingo's violent and cruel nature. It wasn't unusual for Doflamingo to butt heads with his father, especially since he regularly did things that Homing disapproved of.

Unlike his family, Doflamingo was notorious for his sadistic tendencies. He enjoyed tormenting slaves, making them fight to the death in the Colosseum, and often found creative ways to torture anyone who crossed him, including his own servants. No wonder he preferred Claudius's company. In Doflamingo's mind, his cousin was just as cruel and twisted as he was.

Noticing that Claudius seemed in a good mood, the maid gathered her courage and spoke again, "Your Highness, won't you be going for a walk today?"

Claudius looked at her in surprise. It wasn't often that a maid would dare make such a suggestion. Her boldness stood out something that was incredibly rare among Celestial Dragon servants, who usually acted more like mindless automatons than people.

This particular maid had only recently been assigned to Claudius after he shot his former butler at the harbor. Understandably, she had been terrified at first, knowing the reputation of Saint Claudius. The rumors surrounding him his tyranny, his unpredictability had made her fear for her life. But over the past month, her perception had changed drastically.

Claudius wasn't the brutal figure the rumors made him out to be. He wasn't tyrannical, and he wasn't a lazy waste like most of the Celestial Dragons. If anything, he seemed... approachable. His demeanor didn't exude the usual arrogance of the nobility. She had begun to see him as a much more reasonable master than she had expected.

It was perhaps because of this growing familiarity that she had dared to ask such a question. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them, fearing that she had overstepped her boundaries.

Claudius, however, found her boldness refreshing. He smiled at her, "Nia, don't be so scared. I'm not going to bite you. As for taking a walk..." He glanced out the window at the sky, then shook his head. "No, I think I'll stay in today. Maybe another time."

The maid, Nia, breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Though Claudius had declined her suggestion, she felt a sense of accomplishment like the distance between her and her master had shrunk ever so slightly.

"From tomorrow, stop bringing me these history books. Instead, I want books about the customs and cultures of other countries. That's where my interest lies now," Claudius said with a smile.

"Yes, Your Highness, I will follow your orders," Nia replied quickly, bowing respectfully.

Early in the morning, with the assistance of the palace maids, Claudius completed his morning routine of washing and dressing. He didn't wear the iconic white robe of the Celestial Dragons, nor did he wear the customary bubble helmet that most of them used to protect themselves from the "filthy air" of commoners. Instead, he opted for simple, practical clothes that allowed for easy movement.

At the moment, Claudius was performing basic exercises in his vast courtyard.

To the people of Mariejois, Claudius's behavior seemed odd, and though there were whispers about him, nobody took it too seriously. Why? Well, it was simply a part of the reputation the Donquixote family had earned over the centuries. Among the Celestial Dragons, the Donquixote family was considered a bit eccentric. For over 800 years, they had consistently produced individuals who, in the eyes of other Celestial Dragons, seemed a bit... unhinged.

Take, for example, his uncle Homing, who was preparing to move to North Blue. Then there was Lancelot, who pardoned slaves as if it were a casual gesture. Now, Claudius was counted among these "oddities" because of his new lifestyle.

So, when Claudius chose not to wear the typical holy robes, refused to don a bubble helmet, and instead spent his time in physical training, other Celestial Dragons dismissed it as just another odd quirk of the Donquixote family. At most, they might gossip about him during idle conversations over meals.

Claudius himself couldn't care less. He wasn't the type to leave his estate unless absolutely necessary, and he wasn't concerned with the rumors. Let people say what they wanted. As a Celestial Dragon, and a member of the Donquixote family no less, as long as he didn't cross any major lines, no one would interfere with whatever "nonsense" he decided to indulge in.

After completing a set of exercises based on the instructions left by Zephyr, Claudius wiped the sweat from his brow. His training had left him feeling refreshed but slightly fatigued.

As he caught his breath, Nia, the maid who had recently become more familiar with Claudius, approached with a stack of freshly laundered towels, fragrant and soft.

Over the past few days, Nia had noticed significant changes in her interactions with Claudius. Not only did he seem to genuinely appreciate her presence, but he even joked with her occasionally. Perhaps the most notable change was that Claudius had allowed her to sit and eat with him during meals a privilege that made the other servants extremely envious.

Nia had come to understand his temperament and now felt far more at ease around him, replacing her initial fear with a sense of camaraderie.

"Your Highness," Nia said gently, watching Claudius wipe his sweat, "I've heard that it's possible to overdo the foundation training. If you push yourself too hard, it might actually harm your body. The tea I prepared is warm and ready for you. Why don't you take a break before continuing?"

Had it been a few days earlier, Nia wouldn't have dared to make such a suggestion. But now, she spoke with ease, knowing that Claudius would take her words in stride.

Claudius chuckled and threw the towel back to her. "Is that so? Well, if you say so, I'll rest for a bit."

He knew his own limits. Over the past few days, he had been studying his Devil Fruit abilities alongside his physical training. While his stamina was bolstered by the regenerative effects of his fruit, he wasn't in any rush. He was content to progress slowly and steadily, building his foundation step by step.

He sat down at a small table in the courtyard, taking a few sips of the warm tea Nia had prepared.

In the world of pirates, people often believed that sheer hard work alone could move mountains and part seas. But the truth was more nuanced. Hard work was essential, yes, but talent was just as important. And on top of that, material resources played a crucial role.

Claudius had no shortage of talent. Ever since he had awakened to his new life, he had been diligent in honing his skills. As for material resources, well, as a Celestial Dragon, those were practically endless. Wealth and influence were at his disposal without him even needing to ask. And those in Mariejois who sought favor with him would scramble to shower him with gifts and assistance.

In his experience, achieving mastery often involved some level of injury or wear and tear on the body. This was where resources became invaluable without the right support, it was easy to develop lingering injuries. But with the right tools, one could unlock their full potential.

Take the tea he was sipping, for example. It wasn't just a drink; it was specially formulated to enhance the benefits of physical training, unlocking latent potential in the body. While Marine soldiers might dream of having access to such luxuries, even they couldn't afford to match the level of extravagance that Claudius enjoyed daily.

This was the stark reality of power and wealth.

It was the same in Marine headquarters. Talented recruits were weeded out through rigorous selection processes, and the best were sent to elite programs like the Officer Training Camp, which monopolized high-ranking Marine positions. The Marines funneled their best resources into these select few, ensuring that they had every advantage on their path to greatness.

Without such backing, it would be impossible to succeed so easily.

Claudius was in a similar situation. He was born into the highest echelon of society he didn't have to worry about financial struggles or lack of support. As long as he didn't waste his potential and worked hard, his future achievements would undoubtedly be impressive.

As Claudius sat, Nia gently fanned him to stave off the summer heat. Meanwhile, Claudius absently touched his chin, deep in thought. Slowly, he raised his hand, and wisps of white smoke began to form at his fingertips.

Nia wasn't surprised by this; she had grown accustomed to seeing Claudius practice his Devil Fruit powers. She watched with curiosity as the smoke condensed, transforming into something far more tangible liquid nitrogen.

Claudius had been studying the powers of his Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit in earnest lately. He had discovered that by compressing nitrogen gas, he could condense it into liquid form. And liquid nitrogen was no small thing it was an incredibly powerful tool.

For starters, it was extremely cold. When it vaporized, it absorbed heat rapidly, freezing anything it came into contact with. The frostbite caused by this freezing process was irreversible, making it a dangerous and effective weapon.

Additionally, liquid nitrogen was chemically inert and didn't support combustion. In theory, it could be used to counter fire-based abilities. Claudius even suspected that, if developed fully, it might hold its own against Akainu's magma-based powers.

And this was just one application of the Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit. There were countless other possibilities waiting to be explored. But for now, Claudius was taking things slow. The development of a Devil Fruit's power was a long-term process that required patience and practice.

The mist of nitrogen gas enveloped the cup of tea on the table. After a few seconds, the once warm tea had frozen solid.

Claudius smiled in satisfaction and tapped the frozen cup with his finger. The teacup shattered into tiny shards, demonstrating the sheer power of the freezing nitrogen.

"Ah!" Nia gasped in surprise.

Claudius turned to her, amused. "What's the matter? Were you scared?"

Nia shook her head, her curiosity piqued. "No... It's just strange. I didn't feel any cold coming from it."

Claudius chuckled. "That's the nature of liquid nitrogen. By the time you feel the cold, it's already too late."

He glanced at his hand, still trailing wisps of nitrogen. "This is the power of science combined with the abilities of a Devil Fruit. Some might laugh at me for possessing this ability, but I find it full of potential."

Nia nodded, but after a moment, she hesitated. "Your Highness... I have a question. I'm not sure if I should ask it."

Claudius, intrigued, smiled at her. "Go ahead. Ask away."

Nia took a breath, gathering her courage. "You are a Celestial Dragon descended from the Creator and a god among men. You can have anything in this world with just a word. So why do you work so hard to increase your strength?"

Claudius's smile deepened, and his expression grew thoughtful. His gaze became distant as he spoke softly, "People who have no worries must have foresight, Nia. Today, I may be a god walking in the world... but who can guarantee that will always be the case?"

Nia was left speechless. In her mind, the World Government and the Marines were unbeatable forces. Who in the world could possibly challenge the Celestial Dragons? Hadn't they ruled the world for over 800 years?

Claudius saw the confusion in her eyes and continued, "Without strength to support it, this so-called 'godhood' is nothing more than a castle in the sky. It looks magnificent on the surface, but it's fragile. All it takes is a single blow, and everything will collapse."

Although Claudius enjoyed his current life as a Celestial Dragon, he wasn't naive. He knew that somewhere, beyond the horizons of the world he could see, forces were brewing.

At Marine Headquarters, Marineford, a massive warship adorned with dog head decorations slowly docked into the harbor. From the ship jumped a man wearing a gray-white suit, his body solid and muscular, with short, messy hair and a scar running down the corner of his eye. His carefree and bold demeanor radiated authority.

This man, dressed in the iconic Marine cloak of justice, bore the epaulets of a Vice Admiral was none other than the Marine hero, Monkey D. Garp. He was the man who, along with Roger, defeated the infamous Rocks Pirates during the "God Valley Incident" a few years back, a feat that had earned him the title of hero across the world.

" Vice Admiral Garp, welcome back!" A Marine officer quickly approached him, holding out a stack of documents for him to sign.

Indeed, this was the legendary Garp, who, despite working alongside Roger to take down Rocks, was given sole credit by the World Government. They conveniently erased the existence of Roger's involvement to portray a cleaner narrative. Garp, however, detested being hailed as a hero for that incident and rarely spoke about it. Most Marines didn't even know the full truth, with only the highest-ranking officers privy to such secrets.

With a casual gesture, Garp took the documents and scrawled his signature without even glancing at them. This was a standard procedure for officers returning from missions, a formality that served as a "sign-in" of sorts.

"Vice Admiral Garp, Admiral Sengoku has asked that you head to the Marshal's office as soon as you arrive," the Marine officer said.

Garp handed the papers back and grumbled, "Can't even let a guy catch his breath, huh? Every time I get back, there's another task waiting."

Though Garp could grumble all he liked, no Marine officer dared to complain alongside him. The young officer could only smile awkwardly, knowing full well he didn't have the same privilege to criticize their superiors.

After giving the officer a few words of encouragement, Garp made his way toward the fortress, his powerful frame drawing the eyes of the lower-ranked Marines.

Inside the office of the Marine Marshal, a serious conversation was taking place. The iron-blooded Marshal Kong, with his towering physique, was reviewing a set of reports while Zephyr and Sengoku, two of Marine's most esteemed Admirals, sat nearby.

"The situation in the New World is getting worse," Kong said, shaking his head. "Shiki's arrogance knows no bounds. He seems hell-bent on wiping out all of his former comrades."

Zephyr nodded. "Shiki is out of control. If this continues, it could spark a much larger conflict in the New World."

Marine had unmatched power across the seas, but they had to tread carefully. The New World was home to powerful pirate crews, and even though Marine had the upper hand in individual strength, a full-blown conflict could cause these pirates to band together, which would be disastrous. The balance of power in the New World was fragile, and Marine had to maintain stability.

"Let them fight each other," Sengoku said, sipping his tea. "Shiki's currently focused on Ochoku. If they wear each other down, we might find an opportunity to clean up the mess."

Ochoku, like Shiki, had once been a member of the Rocks Pirates. Now, he was the ruler of the Kano Country and had significant influence in the New World. However, Shiki had recently marked him as a target, and a major clash between them seemed inevitable.

Marine's strategy had always been to maintain balance. Let the pirates fight among themselves, and as long as Marine didn't press too hard, the pirates would never unite. But if Marine escalated things too much, it could trigger a chain reaction that would bring the worst out of these criminals.

"Shiki's reckless, but we can't underestimate the impact of these internal conflicts on the overall stability of the seas," Zephyr commented. "What we need to focus on is reinforcing Marine's strength. It's been nearly ten years, and we still haven't solidified the positions of the three Admirals. This delay is starting to affect the morale of our forces."

Sengoku and Kong exchanged uneasy looks. The subject of Marine's three Admirals had been a sore point for years. There were plenty of capable candidates, but none had risen to the top. Marine needed three powerful figures to inspire confidence in the ranks and solidify the organization's strength.

Among the senior officers, there were several who were qualified, including Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had the skills and experience necessary to take on the role of Admiral. But Tsuru had no interest in the position, and with Garp looming over her as the obvious but unwilling choice for promotion, no one else was willing to step up either. No one wanted to be seen as Garp's second choice.

And Garp, the perfect candidate, had repeatedly refused the position of Admiral. His defiance had left the upper echelons of Marine HQ frustrated, as they couldn't force him into the role.

Kong sighed, his eye twitching in frustration. "Zephyr, since you're bringing it up, maybe you can convince Garp to take the position. He should be back by now."

Sengoku, frowning, said, "His pursuit of Roger's crew in South Blue was a bust. Roger's pirates are getting better at slipping through our nets. I have a feeling they'll be an even bigger problem than Shiki in the future."

That was Garp's mission. He had spent months chasing Roger's crew through South Blue but ultimately came up empty-handed. The pirates had vanished without a trace, leaving Garp with little choice but to return to base.

"Trouble in the future..." Kong muttered, his face grim. For a moment, the room was steeped in silence as the weight of Sengoku's words sank in.

Suddenly, the door to the office was banged on a few times before swinging open. Without waiting for permission to enter, Garp casually strolled into the room, one hand digging into his nose while the other closed the door behind him.

"Can't a guy get a break? First thing after I get back, you all want to drag me into another meeting!" Garp complained loudly.

Sengoku shot him a glare. "Garp, can you at least try to maintain some level of decorum?"

Garp laughed heartily. "Hahahaha! Come on, Sengoku, we're all friends here. What's the point of acting all formal?"

He flicked the piece of snot he had been playing with, and though the others caught a glimpse of it flying through the air, none of them commented on it. Garp's irreverent attitude was well known among his comrades.

Plopping down in a chair beside Zephyr, Garp waved away any pretense of formality. "Anyway, it was a bust. Those Roger Pirates are too slippery. No matter how hard we chase them, they manage to vanish. We really ought to upgrade our warships they're just not fast enough."

Zephyr clapped a hand on Garp's shoulder and said, "We'll look into the speed of the ships later. But first, we need to talk about something important strengthening Marine from within. Specifically, we need to fill the position of Admiral. What do you say, Garp?"

Garp didn't even let him finish. "Ahahahaha! No way! You know I don't want to be Admiral. Sure, it's a prestigious title, but all that red tape and dealing with the World Government? No thanks."

The room went quiet for a moment before Garp added with a grin, "By the way, I heard about your little mission with the Celestial Dragons while I was in South Blue. Zephyr, how'd that go? Bet it was a real headache."

Sengoku groaned, knowing that Garp wasn't going to be swayed. This stubbornness was part of what made him a great Marine but also what made him an infuriating colleague at times. Zephyr, too, shook his head. He knew that convincing Garp was a lost cause.

"Actually," Zephyr said, "the mission went smoother than expected. I met an interesting Celestial Dragon. Do you know Donquixote Claudius?"

Garp scratched his chin, thinking. "Claudius...? Oh! Is that the Celestial Dragon who accidentally ate a Devil Fruit? Heh, I remember hearing about that. Bit of a joke, isn't he?"

Indeed, Claudius wasn't well-known outside of Mariejois. His most memorable claim to fame was the incident where he accidentally consumed a Devil Fruit, something that had caused quite a stir and led to jokes among the higher ranks of the Marines.

Zephyr smiled. "That's the one. But he's different from the other Celestial Dragons. There's something about him... I get the feeling we'll be dealing with him again in the future."

Sengoku and Garp exchanged looks. When Zephyr spoke about someone's potential, it was worth paying attention.

"Interesting," Garp mused, filing the name away in his mind. "We'll see what happens."

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, inside the residence of the gods, Claudius sat comfortably in his study, leisurely reading a book.

Naturally, he was unaware that, thanks to Zephyr's remarks, he had gained quite a reputation within the Naval Headquarters.

The book Claudius held in his hands was one of many that Nia, had recently provided. It detailed the customs and governance of the world, specifically introducing the various national situations of the more than 170 countries allied with the World Government.

"Although slavery was officially abolished, it's not just the Celestial Dragons who blatantly disregard this decree. Even among the ordinary nobles, there are still slaves to be found..." Claudius murmured softly to himself as he read.

This was in line with his prior understanding. While Doflamingo was still just a child at this time, the infamous slave trade of the Sabaody Archipelago hadn't relied solely on his future influence to flourish.

The business was already thriving. Celestial Dragons often bought slaves when visiting the island, and when they weren't around, the nobles served as the primary clientele.

For the moment, Claudius had no particular interest in meddling with the slave trade. Even if he had the inclination to intervene, he lacked the power to do so. He wasn't some idealistic hero who could change things with mere words.

Aside from the slave trade operating in the shadows, most countries still operated under a feudal system. Kings ruled over their nations, and nobles were entrusted with the management of territories much like in the ancient times of his previous life. This brought Claudius to some deeper thoughts.

Just as he was contemplating these matters, a gentle knock sounded at the door of his study.

"Your Highness," Nia's soft voice called from outside.

Claudius snapped out of his thoughts and replied calmly, "Come in."

With his permission, Nia quietly opened the door and stepped into the study.

"Any news?" Claudius asked, still not turning away from the book in his hand.

"Yes, Your Highness," Nia replied with a nod, and before Claudius could prompt her further, she continued, "At Naval Headquarters, there is indeed a Vice Admiral by the name of Dragon. Although he hasn't been promoted yet, many within the Marine know that he is the son of Garp, the hero of the Marines."

"Just as I thought..." Claudius said with a small smile, muttering to himself.

Garp was indeed a Marine hero, a man who clearly despised the Celestial Dragons, but whose loyalty to the Marine and the World Government was beyond question. Otherwise, he wouldn't have risked his life during the God Valley incident.

Even if Garp's loyalty was to a peace shaped by the World Government's control, it was still unwavering. At the very least, Garp had a deep love for the Marines.

As a hero, Garp naturally hoped his son would follow in his footsteps, and it seemed he had succeeded. Dragon was already a Vice Admiral a clear indication of his talent.

Judging by Dragon's age, he should be in his early twenties probably around twenty-three or twenty-four.

Even without Garp's influence, Dragon's position as Vice Admiral was well earned.

So Claudius wasn't particularly surprised by the news.

"Why does Your Highness have such interest in Garp's son?" Nia asked, a little puzzled.

Claudius chuckled and replied, "Because this man is rather interesting."

Nia still didn't fully understand. Despite her curiosity, she quickly suppressed it.

Ever since Saint Claudius had returned from his "trip" to the New World, there had been many changes. His attendants, including Nia, all noticed that his temper had significantly mellowed. The once irritable and troublesome noble, known for causing daily chaos, had become a quiet figure who rarely left his estate.

Naturally, Nia had noticed this transformation as well. Though she had her doubts, she rationalized it by assuming that Claudius had matured. Perhaps his experiences had calmed his mind, allowing him to adopt a more stable and level-headed approach to life.

But Claudius, deep down, knew the truth. It wasn't a mere change of mindset; it was a complete change of soul.

As for why he was so interested in Dragon, it was because Claudius knew the man would eventually become the greatest enemy of the Celestial Dragons.

He needed to find out more about Dragon's current situation. Had he already started to distance himself from his father's ideals? If Dragon had already begun to oppose the World Government, then Claudius had to act swiftly.

If Dragon had broken away from his father's beliefs and was preparing to go rogue, it would be disastrous for Claudius and the other Celestial Dragons.

That would mean Dragon had already undergone his transformation he had already set his revolutionary ambitions.

If that was the case, Claudius needed to eliminate Dragon immediately, before he grew into a greater threat.

Claudius wasn't the type to be sentimental. Even though Dragon had a legendary father in Garp, that didn't earn him any special treatment.

The saying "Your position determines your actions" applied here. Whatever role Claudius found himself in, he would act accordingly.

If he had been reincarnated as a pirate, he would've lived as a pirate raiding, plundering, pursuing the title of Pirate King without a second thought.

Had he been reborn as a Marine, he would've donned the cloak of justice, worked his way up to Admiral, and used the power of the Buster Call to annihilate anything he found displeasing.

And if he had been born in Dragon's time and ended up under his command, Claudius might've devoted himself to revolution, fighting to overthrow the corrupt powers of the old world.

But none of those scenarios had played out. Claudius had been born as a Celestial Dragon, with all the wealth, power, and privilege the world had to offer.

Thus, his role was clear: protect the Celestial Dragons and maintain the status quo. As long as the World Government stood strong, he could continue to enjoy the privileges that came with his title. The choice was simple. There was no need to hesitate.

That meant anyone who threatened the Celestial Dragon's way of life had to be dealt with no exceptions.

Claudius knew that while the Celestial Dragons were untouchable now, that might not be the case in twenty or thirty years. The winds of change would eventually sweep through, and whether the World Government could withstand the coming storm was uncertain.

If the World Government fell and the Celestial Dragons lost their power, everything Claudius enjoyed now would be taken away. Worse yet, in the aftermath of the revolution, the rulers of the old regime the Celestial Dragons would be hunted down.

The fate of Donquixote Homing and his family was a stark reminder. Even though they had voluntarily given up their Celestial Dragon status, they were still hated by the common people, who wanted nothing more than to see them dead.

If the World Government collapsed, Claudius could easily imagine what would happen to him and the rest of the Celestial Dragons.

This was why Claudius was determined to ensure the survival of the World Government and the Celestial Dragon's rule.

From his memories and understanding of the world, Claudius could identify several key factors that might lead to the downfall of the World Government.

At the top of the list was Garp and his family the Monkey family.

Their influence on the world was undeniable. Garp was a hero in the Marine, one of the strongest figures of the time.

His son, Dragon, although currently a Marine Vice Admiral, would eventually become the leader of the revolutionary army, waging war against the Celestial Dragons and the World Government.

And then there was Garp's grandson Monkey D. Luffy, the future Pirate King. Though still unborn at this time, Luffy's fate was sealed. With his protagonist's luck, he was destined to become a major player in the world's future.

Between Garp, Dragon, and Luffy, the Monkey family had their hands in all three major power structures Marine, Revolutionaries, and Pirates. It was only a matter of time before they shook the very foundations of the world.

Of the three, Claudius wasn't too worried about Garp. By the time the revolution began in earnest, Garp would be old, likely retired. Having spent his entire life serving the Marines and the World Government, it was unlikely that Garp would suddenly become an enemy.

In fact, Garp could even be an ally, one of the few who could help hold the World Government together when the time came.

Dragon, on the other hand, was a different story. Once he fully embraced his revolutionary ideals, he would become a direct threat to the Celestial Dragons.

As for Luffy, Claudius had already made up his mind to stay out of the boy's way. The protagonist's aura was too strong, and getting involved with him would only invite trouble.

Still, if Luffy continued down the path to becoming the Pirate King, Claudius wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him before he could cause too much damage.

"But I'll have to give Garp some face," Claudius thought. "Once Luffy enters the New World, I'll have no choice but to deal with him. Whether it's in Alabasta or Enies Lobby... well, perhaps by that time, my actions might change his fate entirely."

"As for Dragon," Claudius mused. "Once he becomes a true threat, I'll have no choice but to deal with him decisively. If I can handle him before he establishes the Revolutionary Army, all the better."

For now, however, Dragon was still a Marine Vice Admiral. He was young, still bound by the ideals of justice instilled in him by his father. If Claudius played his cards right, perhaps he could even sway Dragon to his side, or at the very least, neutralize his ambitions before they fully developed.

"It's not like I can just kill him right now, though," Claudius thought. "He's still Garp's son, and Garp, despite his disdain for Celestial Dragons, is fiercely loyal to the Marines and the World Government. If I somehow managed to eliminate Dragon through underhanded means, Garp would no doubt lose his mind and come after me."

Claudius could already imagine the enraged Marine hero storming Mariejois, fists swinging, ready to punch him into oblivion.

"I need to be careful," Claudius thought, his expression growing serious. "But I also need to act before it's too late."

Thus, his plan began to take shape watch Dragon closely, steer him if possible, and if not, eliminate him before he could truly threaten the World Government and the Celestial Dragons.

With his mind made up, Claudius let out a sigh, already feeling the weight of the decisions he would need to make in the future. Claudius held an optimistic view of the future transformations in this world.

Looking at the trajectory of history, these changes were undoubtedly inevitable.

Eight centuries of rule had accumulated a vast number of contradictions. When these tensions could no longer be suppressed, they would inevitably trigger a massive backlash, one so turbulent that no human effort could halt it.

Claudius didn't delude himself into thinking he was powerful enough to single-handedly suppress the wave of an entire era. For the various systems set in place by the World Government, whatever was meant to change in the future would certainly still change. However, Claudius had no intention of passively accepting all these changes.

There were different types of changes.

The first would be bottom-up, sparked by the revolutionary army that Dragon would one day establish. The clash of iron and blood would bring about a direct change in the ruling dynasty. At that time, while the World Government might survive in some organizational form, its current rulers would be doomed.

The second type of change would be top-down. This was the method Claudius favored a transformation initiated from within, allowing the system to adapt to the changing era, thereby revitalizing itself. This was the path Claudius was leaning toward, and it might be the approach he would take in the future.

"Even if the world changes, it should be guided by divine hands," Claudius muttered softly.

"Your Highness?" Nia, standing by his side, looked at him in confusion, unsure how to respond to his cryptic words.

Claudius smiled, setting aside the book in his hand. "Don't mind me. I was just thinking out loud."

Claudius's plan was clear: he intended to seize the right moment to initiate a top-down transformation that could adapt to the tidal wave of the new era. But before that, he needed to make preparations. If he wanted to stir up change, he couldn't do it alone he needed power, allies who would conspire with him.

At present, Dragon seemed like someone who might be of use. However, Claudius was still too young. Had he been born a decade or so earlier, he might have been better prepared. Therefore, until he possessed sufficient strength, he couldn't act rashly or push Dragon too hard. His approach would need to be subtle he would have to gradually influence Dragon's thinking, helping him understand Claudius's ideas, so that the two of them wouldn't end up as enemies.

This kind of work required "culture." In simple terms: brainwashing.

After all, Claudius hailed from an era of information overload in his previous life. His mind was brimming with knowledge, and as a well-educated man, brainwashing these natives shouldn't pose too much of a challenge.

"If things go as expected, the best solution would be to adapt to the times by reforming the existing system. Of all possible systems, a constitutional monarchy seems most fitting delegating symbolic power to the people so they feel like they have a stake in things, while holding the real, invisible power behind the scenes. That's the framework I have in mind."

Claudius pondered over this.

When contradictions piled up to a breaking point, if one didn't want to be overthrown, concessions had to be made. The biggest flaw of the current system was that the World Government wielded too much power, and the Celestial Dragons were completely unrestrained, making them utterly lawless.

To avoid the fate of being overthrown, Claudius felt that some power needed to be ceded. However, this would only be a fa?ade. As long as societal productive forces hadn't yet reached a point of equal wealth distribution, class divisions would remain inevitable. Right now, these divisions were simply too glaring, with the Celestial Dragons brazenly standing above everything else. Such contradictions were bound to lead to conflict.

Although Claudius temporarily believed in delegating power, he had no intention of dismantling the upper class. His goal was to stabilize their power through the redistribution of authority. He would use wealth to control power discreetly after the system was reformed.

In short, Claudius intended to use constitutional reform as a fa?ade to create a pseudo-capitalist system. Outwardly, there would be no obvious power on display, but in reality, he would still control the true power wealth.

By that time, with one hand holding the illusion of symbolic authority and the other holding real economic power, coupled with Marine waving the flag of justice, it would appear that significant changes had occurred. But in reality, he would still be at the top.

That would be enough.

Of course, Claudius knew better than to let Dragon in on these deeper thoughts. He had to wrap these ideas in the rhetoric of the "new era" and make them seem progressive. After all, what's more effective than using lofty ideals to manipulate others?

This kind of trickery was easy enough. It appeared grandiose, but it wasn't too complicated certainly not for Claudius.

Once Claudius understood this, he realized that gaining Dragon's cooperation would be his first major goal. The best way to do this? Books.

Dragon was still serving as a Vice Admiral in the Marine, meaning his ideological views hadn't solidified yet. His values were still being shaped, largely influenced by Garp.

That was perfect. At this stage, before Dragon fully discovered his path, Claudius could "rewrite" his thoughts using books that resonated with him.

As someone who came from an information-rich era, Claudius had more than enough material in his head to compose a book that could sway someone like Dragon. But for this plan to work, the content had to fit this world it couldn't be too outlandish.

Thus, Claudius had Nia continually gather books from this world for him, expanding his knowledge and preparing for the task ahead.

This was just the beginning. First, he would write a simple work to "enlighten" Dragon. He'd find a way to ensure that Dragon stumbled upon it naturally, arousing his curiosity. That would be the first step.

Later, when he was strong enough to travel freely, Claudius would traverse the world, writing a more substantial book one that could genuinely inspire Dragon.

The best outcome would be co-publishing a book with Dragon, tying him firmly to these ideals.

"I really am devious... tsk." Claudius touched his chin, smiling wickedly.

For now, lacking the strength to act openly, he had to rely on this "cultural" approach. It was the only path available to him.

Of course, Claudius knew that without real power, all of this was mere talk. If this path succeeded, it would be ideal. But if it failed, he would have to explore other means to secure his interests.

"Mass murder..." Claudius muttered.

The first approach, a top-down transformation, was the kingly path ruling through benevolence, enlightening the people, and guiding them with reason.

The second, more brutal path, was hegemony. If reasoning failed, Claudius would have to use raw power to enforce his will. Whoever tried to overthrow him would be eliminated.

These were thoughts Claudius kept to himself, weighing each option carefully. In the end, though, all roads led back to one conclusion: strength was essential.

With that thought, Claudius snapped back to the present. Nia was still standing quietly beside him, waiting patiently.

"Nia, bring me my pen and ink," Claudius said.

Nia blinked in surprise. "Your Highness?" She thought he had been focusing on martial arts recently, and now, suddenly, he wanted to write? Could he be thinking of composing a book?

She was momentarily confused, but in the end, it didn't matter. Claudius was a Celestial Dragon. Whether he was writing or even burning books, no one would dare question him.

Pushing aside these thoughts, Nia quickly fetched the pen and ink.

Claudius took the pen, paused for a moment, and thought to himself: if he wanted to influence Dragon's idealism, he needed a title that sounded grand!

After a few moments of consideration, Claudius made his decision and wrote two large characters on the paper: "Civil Rights."

But when he looked at his handwriting, Claudius froze. While the words themselves were fine, the writing was atrocious practically illegible.

"Ugh, my predecessor was truly useless. A noble who can't even write properly... It's embarrassing," Claudius muttered to himself.

Frustrated, he set the pen down. "Nia, you do it."

"Me?" Nia was taken aback. "But Your Highness... I'm not sure what you want to write."

"I'll dictate it to you. My handwriting is too awful to show to anyone. You can write decently, right?" Claudius asked, smiling.

Nia nodded hesitantly. "We do have to learn proper calligraphy in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Along with music, chess, painting, and so on..."

Claudius wasn't surprised. As a steward for the Celestial Dragons, it made sense for her to be highly skilled. After all, if one of the Celestial Dragons was in a good mood and asked you to play a tune or paint something, you couldn't very well say no. Otherwise, they might kill you for being useless.

"Good, then you can write for me," Claudius said with a grin.

Nia sat down in the spot Claudius had vacated. After neatly writing the words "Civil Rights," she paused, waiting for Claudius to continue dictating.

Claudius stood behind her, his voice calm and measured as he spoke:

"The people are like water, and the ruler is the boat. Dynasties may rise and fall, leaders may change, but the people endure. Water can support a boat, but it can also overturn it. Therefore, the well-being of the people must always come first, while the ruler serves as their guiding light..."

Claudius continued to dictate in a low voice while Nia diligently recorded his words. If Claudius wanted to influence Dragon's idealism, he had to craft this carefully, blending grand ideals with practical rhetoric. The title and the text needed to sound profound enough to inspire someone like Dorag.

Nia, listening intently to Claudius's words, couldn't help but feel a growing sense of disbelief. Initially, she thought Claudius's sudden interest in writing was just a passing whim, perhaps some lofty rhetoric praising the greatness of the Celestial Dragons. But these words...

The more Claudius spoke, the more shocked Nia became. His thoughts, his philosophy, seemed almost radical. As a member of the Celestial Dragons, Claudius's ideas about the people being the foundation of society, about rulers needing to adapt or face ruin were astonishing, almost blasphemous.

She kept her composure, though, continuing to write, her pen moving steadily across the paper as she recorded every word. The grand and opulent palace Claudius resided in was originally named the "The King's Palace," but he found the name far too ostentatious. Claudius believed that until he achieved some measure of success, it was best to keep a low profile. He didn't want to attract undue attention from the Five Elders or, worse, Imu, who he had never seen but knew held great power.

So, he changed the name of the "The King's Palace" to "Claudius Palace." Claudius knew well he had borrowed the name from the emperors of his past life. Of course, the palace's design and style were still inconsistent with the name. But for now, this would suffice. Once he had more power, he could make the necessary adjustments.

In the palace courtyard, Claudius gripped a wooden sword, repeatedly swinging it in powerful, simple movements. After three months of recovery and training, his body had undergone notable changes.

Without the burdens of food or drink, and with access to the best luxuries, combined with regular exercise, Claudius was growing into a striking figure. His physique had improved so much that every few days, he looked noticeably different.

The soft, chubby appearance he once had was now long gone. His body had returned to a healthy, muscular state, with his arms and waist becoming well-defined. His upper body was bare, and his skin, well cared for, gleamed under the sun, looking almost translucent without a scar in sight. His long, pale blonde hair fluttered in the wind. Once, Claudius had a somewhat sleazy appearance, but now, his sharp eyebrows and handsome features marked a dramatic transformation. Among the Celestial Dragons, his good looks were rare.

"More than 20,000 swings, and His Highness is still as steady as ever, without a hint of trembling. He really has a gift for this. Could he truly become a great swordsman?" muttered a burly middle-aged man nearby. He was wearing a slave collar around his neck and watched Claudius's training in awe.

This man had once been a renowned swordsman at sea before he was captured and enslaved. Claudius had discovered him among the slaves and immediately hired him as his kendo instructor. The man's task wasn't to teach Claudius any particularly advanced skills his role was simply to guide the practice of the basics.

Claudius had promised him freedom once he achieved mastery in kendo, a prospect that excited the man so much that he was eager to impart everything he knew to Claudius as quickly as possible, hoping to leave Mariejois sooner rather than later.

Kendo basics weren't much different from what Claudius had imagined. The first step was mastering sword swings—ensuring the blade moved exactly where you intended. If you couldn't control the sword's direction, how could you hope to cut down an opponent?

While simple, this training could become monotonous. Fortunately, Claudius had plenty of time on his hands. His daily routine was balanced after sword practice, he focused on physical training using the methods left by Admiral Zephyr. In the afternoons, he studied his Devil Fruit abilities. And in the evenings, he dictated his thoughts and plans, with Nia recording them. All in all, Claudius lived a very fulfilling life, even if he rarely left the palace. He never felt as if he was wasting time.

Nia, standing nearby, listened to the swordsman's words with a sense of pride. "Who do you think His Highness Claudius is? If he wants to become a great swordsman, he will succeed. There's no doubt about it."

After boasting about Claudius, she glanced at his chiseled figure, her cheeks flushing slightly. Celestial Dragons usually kept multiple wives—ten or even more. Whether they needed them or not, it was expected that wives would be kept in the palace. In the past, Claudius had done the same, keeping several women in his palace.

However, after returning from the New World, he had sent all those unfortunate women away, and so far, it didn't seem like he had taken an interest in that kind of thing. At least, Nia hadn't heard any rumors of maids sneaking into his bed at night.

This puzzled Nia. Could it be that Claudius had suffered some hidden injury during his time away?

Of course, she dared not voice such thoughts. Even though she was now quite close to Claudius, certain questions were off-limits.

Had Claudius known what Nia was thinking, he likely would've laughed. His predecessor had indeed kept a harem of wives, but they had been more ornamental than anything else. Being just a spoiled, pudgy boy at the time, the former Claudius hadn't known what to do with them. But because other Celestial Dragons had wives, he had followed suit, indulging in the practice.

After his return, with his new soul occupying this body, Claudius had felt nothing but disgust at the sight of those women. Feeling guilty for how they had been treated, he had sent them away, allowing them to return to their homes. It was one of the few good deeds he could count.

Now, Claudius's life was fulfilling. He focused on improving his strength to prepare for the turbulent future. He had no time for meaningless distractions. He was also well aware of his age—still too young to risk damaging his body by overindulging. Better to avoid those temptations now, so that when he reached his prime, he wouldn't face physical decline.

Claudius had heard stories of Celestial Dragons in their 30s and 40s who had turned to increasingly perverse behavior. They had "opened up" too early, without moderation, and the resulting decay of their bodies had driven them into a cycle of violence and depravity.

Claudius planned to avoid that fate. Once he had matured fully, he could find a suitable beauty and enjoy life to the fullest. Besides, with the Zero Hour embedded within his body, the pleasures of life would be endless. There was no need to rush.

As Claudius continued to practice his sword swings, and Nia got lost in her own thoughts, a loud and arrogant voice echoed from the courtyard entrance.

"It's been three months! My cousin is supposedly bedridden, yet here I see him practicing his sword skills. I thought you were ill! Get out here before I have to kill someone!"

Claudius stopped mid-swing, smiled helplessly, and looked toward the gate.

Sure enough, swaggering in with his trademark orange sunglasses and short blonde hair, was none other than Donquixote Doflamingo, his younger cousin. A few servants trailed behind him.

Doflamingo hadn't visited in a while. The moment he saw Claudius, he exclaimed, "Cousin, have you grown taller again?"

Claudius chuckled, tossing his wooden sword to the ground. He walked over to Nia, picked up a towel, and began wiping the sweat off his body. With a smile, he looked at Doflamingo and said, "I'm still growing, Doffy. I'll get taller yet."

"Really?" Doflamingo tilted his head slightly but quickly moved on. He grabbed Claudius by the belt and said, "Cousin, I'll be leaving Mariejois in a few days. Who knows when I'll be able to hang out with you again? You've been resting long enough. You should come out with me! I heard there's a giant slave in the arena today. They've set up some ferocious beasts to fight him should be fun to watch. You've got to come with me!"

Claudius paused for a moment, then asked, "You're leaving in a few days?"

"Yeah, my father says we're heading to North Blue next Monday. Lots of people are calling us traitors or something. I don't really get it, but since it's my father's idea, I'm sure it'll be fine," Doflamingo replied, nonchalantly.

Claudius remained silent for a moment. He had a good relationship with Doflamingo, and even though he couldn't stop their family's downfall, he could still support Doflamingo in secret. In time, it might even be possible to groom Doflamingo into a useful ally, perhaps even a "dark hand" working in the shadows for him.

With that in mind, Claudius patted Doflamingo on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Doffy. You're my cousin, and no matter what happens, if you run into trouble, just come to me. I'll do everything I can to help you."

"I knew it! Cousin, you're the only one who's always had my back. While others see me as a traitor, you see me as family," Doflamingo said with a grin.

"Of course! You're my brother," Claudius replied casually.

"Then, as my brother, you have to come to the arena with me today," Doflamingo insisted, pulling Claudius along.

"I know, I know. Give me a moment to change," Claudius waved his hand, laughing.

With Nia's help, Claudius quickly dressed, though neither he nor Doflamingo wore the typical Celestial Dragon garb no ridiculous bubble hoods or flowing white robes. They walked out as they were, and anyone unfamiliar with them might not have recognized them as Celestial Dragons. Fortunately, the large group of servants trailing behind them marked their noble status. After all, no one but Celestial Dragons would dare to parade around Mariejois with such disregard for decorum.

As they walked, Doflamingo continued talking to Claudius. "Since I'm leaving soon, I can't take my slaves with me. Why don't I give them all to you, cousin? I still have two mermaid slaves they cost me quite a fortune at the slave market."

"Mermaids?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Well, thank you very much, Doffy."

Claudius's predecessor had owned plenty of slaves, but they had been more for show than for any real use. Most were treated as mounts, a typical pastime for the wasteful Celestial Dragons. But since returning, Claudius had found such practices distasteful. He had already rid himself of the useless ones, either by selling them or passing them on to servants. After all, while he still maintained the pride of a Celestial Dragon, he had no interest in indulging in senseless cruelty.

Now, only a few slaves remained in his household those with practical skills, like the swordsman who trained him.

With Doflamingo offering the mermaids, Claudius thought it better to take them under his wing than let them fall into the hands of other depraved Celestial Dragons. At least with him, they wouldn't suffer the same fate.