The City of Water 7 has pleasant scenery and a beautiful environment. Other than a weak economy, there's hardly anything to complain about here. After Claudius discussed his plans with Tom, he decided to settle in and wait to see his new ship take shape.
Over the past two months, thanks to Claudius' massive investment, Tom's Shipbuilding Company had a resurgence. With the backing of a Celestial Dragon, who in Water 7 would dare to disrespect Tom? And with his unmatched craftsmanship, there was no one who could look down on him. Once on the verge of ruin, Tom had transformed into a prominent figure in Water 7 again.
The ship Claudius had commissioned was enormous, practically the size of a small island. Unlike Gecko Moria's Thriller Bark or Gild Tesoro's Gran Tesoro, which were built around the foundations of islands or giant island turtles with minimal technical innovation, Claudius' ship was a completely orthodox ship structure, designed and built from the keel up.
The timber used was none other than the famous Treasure Tree Adam. Back in this era, its price wasn't as astronomical as it would later become, since pirate bounties hadn't yet reached the crazy levels of the future. This allowed Claudius to use Treasure Tree Adam as the primary material for the ship's frame without breaking the bank. He even incorporated new technologies into the design, including elements of ironclad construction.
The ship was to have every possible luxury, even including an aquarium and a swimming pool. Claudius, an avid reader, had also designed a vast library onboard. He had a unique vision for the vessel, by this time next year, it would be the year 1502 in the Sea Circle Calendar, and O'Hara's fate would be sealed. If nothing changed, the World Government would eventually send Fleet Admiral Sengoku to lead a Buster Call and annihilate O'Hara.
The Tree of Knowledge on O'Hara held an immense archive of rare documents, a treasure trove for humanity. Claudius had already made up his mind: once the O'Hara Incident broke out, he would sail his ship there, empty out all the books from the Tree of Knowledge, and enrich his library with the spoils. It would solidify his family's cultural legacy, ensuring this knowledge would endure into the future.
"Oh, I'm such a good guy, even I can't help but admire myself," Claudius said, shamelessly praising himself as he sat at the top floor of Tom's Shipbuilding Company headquarters, gazing over Water 7 and daydreaming about his plans.
This building was now owned by him and had become the headquarters of Tom's Shipbuilding. Claudius was staying here and didn't plan to leave anytime soon. Tom, a fish-man, was joined by his long-time friend, the mermaid Kokoro. Claudius also brought two other mermaids with him, Mero and Lenny. The four of them were delighted to be reunited and seemed to be treating Water 7 as a second home.
The young Enel was also having a great time, exploring the city with Franky and Iceburg day in and day out, even learning the basics of shipbuilding. His Thunder-Thunder Fruit abilities also had surprisingly useful applications in ship construction. Claudius mused that the boy seemed to have a knack for this kind of work. After all, Enel had later managed to build a spaceship on Sky Island all by himself. The so-called Ark Maxim had technology nearly on par with what Shiki could achieve with his Float-Float Fruit. While Claudius wasn't particularly impressed by the Golden Lion Fruit, he encouraged Enel to push his limits in engineering and see if he could develop this technology for his own ship.
Meanwhile, Nia stayed close to Claudius, ready to assist at any moment. As for Stussy, she was busy setting up a base of operations for Happy Street in Water 7, mobilizing personnel and arranging various resources.
Whenever he had some downtime, Claudius would pull out his Den Den Mushi and make a call. Today, he decided to dial Fleet Admiral Sengoku. After a few rings, Sengoku answered, asking, "Your Highness? Calling me at this hour—do you have orders for me?"
"Hahaha, no orders! Come on, Sengoku, we're equals here. CP-X and the Marines are just cooperating agencies. I wouldn't presume to order you around," Claudius replied with a laugh.
"Hahaha, CP-X might be on equal footing, but you're a Celestial Dragon, Your Highness. The Marines do answer to the Celestial Dragons," Sengoku replied, chuckling.
"All right, enough joking around. Are you busy these days?" Claudius asked.
"Busy? I barely have time to catch my breath!" Sengoku grumbled. "The sea's a mess, thanks to that bastard Roger. He's stirred up every scoundrel out there. Your Highness, you wouldn't believe it, New World is chaos. Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom are all at each other's throats. Every silver-ranked pirate thinks they've got a shot at the top now, so they're all jumping into the fray."
Sengoku sighed, clearly exasperated, but Claudius just listened, amused.
"And those damn scholars, who knows where they're crawling out from? They ignore every warning we send, obsessing over those damn Poneglyphs. We've even had to start hunting down any remnants of Roger's bloodline. The situation is so chaotic, I feel like I need three of me to handle it all!" Sengoku complained.
Claudius chuckled, enjoying Sengoku's rant. The Admiral truly had a tough job, especially with his two former comrades-in-arms either refusing promotions or retiring early. Now, he bore the weight of what had once been three roles all by himself.
"I can only imagine how hard it is to be an Admiral. Just think, Sengoku if you become Fleet Admiral one day, won't you be even busier?" Claudius joked.
Sengoku let out a helpless laugh. "What choice do I have? This is all for the sake of justice, after all. Say, Your Highness, why don't you lend me some capable help? I hear that Miss Stussy is rather talented..."
"Oh, please, Sengoku. The Marines have plenty of people. Do you really need to poach talent from my little organization?" Claudius laughed.
After a short pause, he continued, "Actually, I do have something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Oh? What is it, Your Highness?" Sengoku replied, his tone more serious.
"Are the Marines short on warships?" Claudius asked.
"That's right. We're increasing troop numbers, but without ships, what's the point? We might as well station everyone on the Red Line and call it an army instead of a navy. But building ships takes time, and with the sea being as tense as it is, our losses are way up compared to previous years," Sengoku said, laughing at his own misfortune.
"Well, I might be able to help with that. I've recently acquired a shipbuilding company here in Water 7, and I'm working on consolidating other struggling companies in the area. Their issues are more environmental than skill-based; the craftsmanship is top-notch. But as much as I'd like to invest, I also need to bring some money in to balance the books," Claudius explained with a smile.
Sengoku paused, sensing where this was going. "Are you suggesting...?"
"How about we partner up? Given our relationship, I'll even give you a 20% discount. Think you can send some Marine shipbuilding contracts my way?" Claudius asked, grinning.
"Of course, Your Highness. I trust your integrity, and I know the shipbuilding skills in Water 7 are top-notch. Since you've offered, I have no reason to refuse. I'll make the arrangements," Sengoku replied, not hesitating for a moment.
"Hahahaha, excellent! I look forward to a successful partnership. And if you ever need CP-X's help, Sengoku, don't hesitate to reach out," Claudius said, clearly pleased.
"I'll hold you to that, hahaha," Sengoku replied, laughing as well. Originally, Claudius planned to stay in Water 7 until his ship was completed, then set off on his next venture. But, as always, plans couldn't keep up with the changes life threw at him.
By the time the new year rolled around, he had been in Water 7 for nearly three months. Then, one morning, he received a call from Vice Admiral Garp through the Den Den Mushi.
"What's the matter, Garp?" Claudius asked, a hint of a smile on his face.
For a moment, there was silence on the other end. Just as Claudius started wondering if the signal was bad, he finally heard Garp's voice—hoarse, and laced with an uncharacteristic sadness.
"Claudius... Rouge is dead," Garp said quietly.
Claudius froze, processing the words. Slowly, he picked up a cigar from his desk, lit it, and took a long drag. Exhaling the smoke, he felt a wave of melancholy wash over him. It wasn't that he had any personal connection to Rouge—after all, she was the wife of Gol D. Roger. Claudius wasn't that shameless. They'd only met a handful of times. But still... despite everything, she hadn't been able to escape her fate.
As his thoughts grew tangled, a sense of regret crept in. For a fleeting moment, he wondered if he could have done more to help. But just as quickly, he dismissed the thought. He wasn't under any obligation to help her, after all. Why burden himself with guilt? He didn't want to end up like Rosinante, another tragic soul who couldn't leave well enough alone.
"She was... truly something. How long did she last?" Claudius asked, voice softened with respect.
"Twenty months. Twenty damn months. Can you even imagine the kind of courage and endurance that takes?" Garp's voice trembled, and for once, the irrepressible Vice Admiral sounded genuinely vulnerable. "I don't admire many people, Claudius... but Rouge is one of them."
It was a staggering feat. To keep her unborn child hidden from the world, from the relentless search by the Marines and the World Government, she had held on for twenty long months, enduring unimaginable strain. All for the sake of her child, with the constant fear that she could be discovered at any moment.
"Yeah... she was a great mother," Claudius said softly. "What about the child? Is it a boy or a girl?"
With everything in flux, Claudius couldn't be sure if things had turned out exactly as he remembered.
"A boy. A real cutie," Garp replied, his tone finally lifting a bit.
"Really? What's his name?" Claudius asked.
"Ace. Good name, isn't it? Roger came up with it. Rouge wanted to honor his wishes, so she named him Portgas D. Ace," Garp said, a hint of pride in his voice.
"Ace, huh? That is a strong name—like 'the best,' right?" Claudius remarked with a smile.
"Yeah... the best," Garp said, chuckling softly.
After a brief pause, Garp continued, "Anyway, I've been held up long enough. That bastard Sengoku has been sending me three messages a day, urging me to get back to Marineford. I'll be passing by Mariejois on my way. Are you there?"
"Uh... no, I'm still in Water 7," Claudius replied, a bit taken aback.
"Water 7? What are you doing all the way out there?" Garp asked, genuinely puzzled.
"Getting a ship built, doing some business on the side. You know, keeping busy," Claudius replied, giving a vague answer to avoid too many questions.
Garp didn't press further, but instead asked, "Well, can you make it back to Mariejois? We're about the same distance from there right now, maybe we could meet?"
Claudius hesitated. He was quite comfortable in Water 7, enjoying the leisurely pace of things, and really didn't feel like making the trip to Mariejois.
Sensing his reluctance, Garp the stubborn old marine that he was, didn't hesitate to turn up the pressure. "Claudius, don't be a damn coward! You remember our deal, right? I'd look after Rouge, and you'd take responsibility for the kid. Or are you backing out now that Roger's gone?"
Claudius felt his temper flare. "Look after her? You call that 'looking after her'? She died on your watch, Garp! You think you did such a great job?"
"You think I wanted her to die?" Garp shot back, voice rising. "Do you have any idea how hard it was to keep her hidden from the government's hunters? I did everything I could!"
"Yeah, yeah... fine, whatever. I can't win an argument with you," Claudius said, sighing in defeat.
He knew Garp was probably taking Rouge's death harder than anyone. After all, he'd been the one protecting her, watching her struggle until the very end. Claudius didn't want to push him any further.
"So, what's the plan now?" Garp asked, his voice back to a low rumble. "Do you want me to bring the kid to Marineford?"
Claudius rubbed his temples and sighed. "Fine, fine. I'll head back to Mariejois. We'll meet there, and you can hand the kid over to me. Then you can go back to playing marine hero."
"That works. But I'm warning you, Claudius, just because I'm handing him over to you doesn't mean I'm out of his life. I've already decided to raise this kid as my own grandson," Garp said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Claudius was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Only you, Garp... you're really something else. So, Roger's gone, and now you're stepping in as the 'grandfather'? You've just gone and made yourself family! Poor Roger—if he knew, he'd be rolling in his grave. You're making yourself sound like you're his father!"
With Garp claiming to be the 'grandfather,' that technically made him a generation above Whitebeard in Ace's life. In some twisted way, this old man had managed to leapfrog Whitebeard's title of "Dad."
But before Claudius could continue ribbing him, a sudden realization hit him, Garp had totally roped him into this.
"Damn it, Garp! You tricked me, didn't you?" Claudius cursed, only half-joking.
"Hahaha, tricked you? What're you talking about? Look, I'm not getting any younger, Claudius. If I suddenly showed up with a 'son,' how would that look? Dragon would think I'd lost faith in him and was trying to raise a replacement!" Garp laughed heartily, clearly amused at Claudius' exasperation.
Claudius muttered in a serious tone, "Honestly, I think Dragon could use some company. Maybe if you gave him a brother, it'd make for a good story in twenty years."
"Enough with the nonsense! I'll see you in Mariejois!" Garp growled, realizing he wouldn't win this banter. With that, he abruptly ended the call.
Claudius glared at the now silent Den Den Mushi, muttering to himself, "Damn you, Garp..." Then he let out a sigh, taking a long drag on his cigar. "So... Ace, huh?"
He found himself lost in thought. He already had his hands full taking care of Enel, who was still a kid himself, and now he was about to take in another child?
Luckily, he didn't intend to get too involved personally. Mariejois had no shortage of skilled nannies; he'd find a few to handle the day-to-day care.
"Guess when the kid grows up, I'll see if he can be molded into something useful. Maybe a Warlord of the Sea one day... yeah, that could work," Claudius thought, smirking to himself. At the Holy Land of Mariejois, down by the port, Garp was standing there holding a baby, looking as if he was waiting for someone.
A ship flying the flag of the World Government was slowly docking. As soon as the gangway was lowered, Garp couldn't wait and strode forward.
Soon enough, Claudius disembarked, accompanied by Nia and Enel.
Stussy, however, had stayed back in the City of Water 7, busy establishing her new organization, Happy Street. Incidentally, she was also waiting for a ship to be built, planning to return directly to Mariejois once it was ready. The two mermaid girls had remained in Water 7 temporarily.
The moment Garp saw Claudius, he hurried over and asked, "What took you so long? Weren't we traveling the same distance?"
Claudius looked at Garp, who was holding a baby, and couldn't help but chuckle. "You were traveling through the South Blue, while I was coming along the Grand Line. Not quite the same thing. Naturally, it's a bit slower."
Traveling along the Grand Line involved a unique set of challenges. Fortunately, Mariejois was well-connected to the world. After all, it would be ridiculous if the World Government and the Marines had to make detours every time they traveled just because they had to stick to the Grand Line. They'd be late to everything.
"Fair enough." Garp nodded in agreement. However, he quickly handed the baby over to Claudius, despite a reluctant expression on his face.
"This is Ace. From today, he's your responsibility," Garp said, his tone serious. "Remember, not a word to anyone about who he really is. From now on, this kid isn't Roger's son. If anyone finds out, we're both in deep trouble."
Claudius took Ace from Garp, raising an eyebrow as he replied, "You really have to spell it out? If the Five Elders found out I was raising the son of the Pirate King, you think I'd still be standing here in Mariejois?"
He still wasn't sure how Fleet Admiral Sengoku had pieced together Ace's identity in the original story, but this time around, with all his efforts to cover things up, Claudius felt like he'd done a pretty thorough job.
With Rouge gone, theoretically, Garp was the only person left who knew the truth. As long as Garp kept quiet, and Claudius didn't let anything slip, there should be no reason for the secret to ever come out.
Besides, as long as Ace didn't choose a path that would pit him directly against the World Government, even someone as astute as Sengoku might see any clues as mere coincidences rather than the truth. After all, this was one issue where turning a blind eye was simpler for everyone involved, especially considering the potential fallout with Garp and Claudius, both respected figures within the ranks of the Marines and the Celestial Dragons.
"Good. As long as you understand," Garp said with a nod, sounding a bit relieved. "Alright, I've gotta get going. That bastard Sengoku has been bugging me nonstop."
"In such a hurry? What's got the Marines so worked up now? Didn't you just deal with an attack from Roger's crew a month ago?" Claudius asked.
"Yeah, that's right," Garp replied, nodding. "But this time, it's about historians."
"Historians?" Claudius repeated, frowning slightly. "So, the Marines have tracked down some scholars researching forbidden history and ancient texts?"
"Pretty much." Garp scratched his head. "There's a giant Vice Admiral under me named Saul. He's been tracking a group of scholars causing trouble on the first half of the Grand Line. Recently, he managed to catch one of them alive, along with some undestroyed documents we think may reveal their origins. The Marines are working with CP-9 to interrogate the survivor and analyze the evidence. They're hoping for a breakthrough soon."
Claudius fell silent, a thoughtful look crossing his face. He had a pretty good idea of what was going on. Jaguar D. Saul—the Marine Giant Vice Admiral under Garp, known for his strength was also a close friend of Kuzan, and was indeed responsible for hunting down scholars who studied Poneglyphs and forbidden history. If things followed the course he remembered, Saul had likely captured a key figure in the Ohara incident, possibly even Nicole Olvia, Robin's mother.
Sooner or later, trouble was bound to erupt within the Marines. In a few months, Saul would likely end up swayed by Olvia's ideals, awakening the "Will of D," and ultimately throwing away his future in the Marines by helping her escape from Naval Headquarters. That, in turn, would lead Olvia back to Ohara and set in motion the events that would bring about its destruction. Eventually, Saul would be frozen by Kuzan, resulting in his imprisonment.
A Marine Vice Admiral defecting would certainly stir things up, but in Claudius's view, it wasn't his concern.
He gave Garp a skeptical look and asked, "But what does any of this have to do with you? You're not an interrogator. Since when did you have those skills?"
"Saul's my subordinate, isn't he? So, officially, I'm supposed to be involved, at least on paper," Garp grumbled.
"I didn't expect the Marines to care so much about formalities," Claudius remarked with a laugh.
"The bigger the organization, the more formalities you're stuck with," Garp replied, nodding in agreement.
With that, Garp seemed eager to be on his way. After waving goodbye to Claudius, he quickly boarded a merchant ship bound for the Marine residential quarters at Marineford, disappearing as quickly as he'd come.
Only after Garp had left did Claudius turn his attention to the little bundle in his arms. The baby was truly adorable, with a face so innocent that it was hard to believe he would one day grow up to be one of the world's most feared pirates, known as a dangerous criminal and the son of the Pirate King.
"Ace..." Claudius murmured softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. He gently pinched the baby's nose and added, "Grow up fast, kid. The world stage is waiting for you."
Not exactly a child-rearing expert, Claudius played with the baby for a while before handing him over to Nia who held Ace securely as they all headed back towards the palace.
"Your Highness, how would you like to handle this?" Nia asked, smiling as he cradled Ace.
"Hmm... go to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and have them assign me two experienced nannies to take care of Ace. We don't have that kind of free time. Best to leave things to the professionals," Claudius replied with a smile.
Nija nodded in understanding. However, Claudius had no idea that by selecting two nannies from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and bringing a baby into his household, he'd inadvertently set off a storm of gossip among the Celestial Dragons of Mariejois.
In no time, rumors spread across the Holy Land: the notorious romantic, Claudius, had fathered a child with some unknown woman outside and was now bringing his "bastard" son home.
That's right, before Claudius even had a chance to arrange a proper identity for Ace, such as an adopted son or ward, the bored Celestial Dragons had already spun an elaborate backstory for him. Claudius had been living in Mariejois with little Ace for two months.
During this time, his frustrations had been building up, not because of Ace, but because of the gossip that seemed to follow him everywhere. Every time he stepped outside, there would be whispers among the other Celestial Dragons, snide remarks and fingers pointing behind his back. People claimed that he'd been off galivanting around the world, and Ace was the result of some "illegitimate affair."
It was the kind of rumor that was impossible to squash, so Claudius could only bottle up his irritation and stew about it in private.
In his quiet study, a thick, luxurious carpet covered the floor, and little Ace was happily crawling around on it, bursting with energy far beyond that of a typical baby. Incense burned faintly on the desk, releasing a delicate fragrance meant to calm the mind, but today it seemed to be having little effect on Claudius. With an exasperated sigh, he threw his book onto the desk and rubbed his temples.
Just then Nia, entered the room with a glass of milk. "Your Highness, perhaps a glass of milk to help settle your nerves?" he suggested gently.
Claudius nodded and took the glass, while Nia glanced at Ace, who was busily crawling across the floor. With a smile, Nia remarked, "The young master certainly has a lot of energy."
"This kid's a real handful," Claudius muttered, shaking his head in frustration.
As if on cue, Ace let out a mischievous giggle and, to Claudius's horror, proceeded to relieve himself right there on the carpet.
Claudius nearly spat out his milk in shock. "You little brat!" he cursed, glaring down at Ace.
Nia chuckled, unfazed. "I'll get someone to replace the carpet," he said calmly, as if it were a minor inconvenience.
"Is raising a child always this much trouble?" Claudius groaned. "And that's with an army of staff to help out. I don't know how people manage it."
Meanwhile, at the World Government headquarters, not too far from Claudius's residence, the Five Elders had gathered for a meeting of their own. The bearded elder held a map, with an island circled in the New World, not far from the Red Line.
"Is the information reliable?" asked the blond elder.
"Yes, the agents from CP-0 verified it. That man is indeed on this island," the bearded elder replied.
"A man like that, roaming free, is a serious threat. We can't let this opportunity slip by," murmured the bald elder.
"Patrick Redfield," added the elder with the sword, his tone somber. "To stand shoulder-to-shoulder with monsters like Roger, Whitebeard, and Shiki all on his own it's no small feat."
"True. But it's also because he operates alone that he might be easier to deal with," the elder with curly hair remarked thoughtfully.
"He's notoriously slippery. Every time the Marines have tried to corner him, he seems to know in advance and escapes without a trace. There's something... unusual going on," said the bearded elder.
"You think he has informants within the Marines?" asked the bald elder.
"It's possible," the bearded elder replied, "though it could also be his Observation Haki. He's rumored to be able to 'hear' people's hearts."
"A dangerous ability indeed. Which is all the more reason he must be captured and locked away," said the bald elder, frowning.
"Then let's take a different approach this time. We'll send Marshal Kong himself and keep the entire operation secret within the Marines," the bearded elder suggested.
The Five Elders had come to realize that tracking down the so-called "Red Count," Patrick Redfield, would require an unconventional strategy. If Redfield truly had a source within the Marines or was using his extraordinary Haki to anticipate their moves, then only a surprise maneuver would have any chance of success. Having the Marine Marshal personally take command would be an unexpected move; after all, Kong almost never left Marineford.
"Using Kong makes sense, but I don't think the Marines alone will be enough. We should involve the Cipher Pol forces as well..." The bald elder paused, then suggested, "Why not call in CP-X for this operation?"
The other elders exchanged glances before the bearded one finally cracked a small smile. "Claudius? I've heard he's been the center of attention here in Mariejois lately."
"Haha, enjoying the 'passions of youth,' is he?" said the blond elder with a chuckle.
"Ah, yes, the rumors," the bearded elder laughed. "They say he left a 'little legacy' out there and has now brought it back with him."
"These are his personal affairs; we don't need to concern ourselves with such trivial matters. The boy's... spirited, I'll give him that," the bald elder said, shaking his head with a bemused smile.
The blond elder nodded. "Yes, young people are bound to make a few mistakes here and there. It's only natural."
"Still, CP-X has proven capable, and Claudius himself is quite reliable. Let's have CP-X collaborate with the Marines on this one," the bearded elder said thoughtfully.
"Capturing both Shiki and Roger was no small feat. Let's see if Claudius can pull off another miracle and bring down the elusive Redfield," the bald elder said with a grin.
"If he succeeds, how should we reward him?" the bearded elder asked, smiling faintly. After a moment's pause, he continued, "This boy has almost everything already—power, fame, status, wealth. What could we possibly give him?"
The bald elder chuckled and quipped, "Why don't you retire and let him take your seat?"
The bearded elder laughed, firing back, "I think you're the one who should consider retirement!"
"All right, enough with the jokes," the blond elder interrupted. "We don't even know if this mission will succeed yet. But if we're talking about rewards... what about the title of Donquixote family patriarch?"
The room fell silent. After a moment, the bearded elder frowned slightly. "What about Lancelot?"
The blond elder sneered, "Lancelot? Don't forget, he and Claudius have... history. Though it's curious, Claudius hasn't made a move against him. Perhaps he's been waiting, biding his time so as not to upset the balance with us?"
When Claudius had come under their notice, the Five Elders had, of course, reviewed his background. They knew of his complex family dynamics, how he'd once clashed with his own bloodline to secure his position. Some of the Elders found it distasteful, especially as their admiration for Claudius grew. His unwillingness to take action against Lancelot had initially been perplexing, but now, the elders saw an opportunity.
In the grand scheme, figures like Lancelot were hardly significant to them. Dealing with him was a trivial matter, should they choose to allow it.
"Then it's settled. If Claudius succeeds in this mission, we'll give him a subtle hint. Let him know that we won't interfere in his dealings with Lancelot... he's free to handle it as he sees fit," said the bald elder, his tone firm as he leaned back, crossing his arms with a satisfied nod.
In the waters of the New World, a massive sailing ship quietly cut through the waves, flying the insignia of an official World Government caravan. It looked like an ordinary merchant vessel, nothing that would attract undue attention.
But standing on its deck were some of the mightiest figures in the world: Marine Headquarters' Fleet Admiral Kong, Vice Admiral Garp, renowned as the Marine Hero, and Claudius, the young Celestial Dragon. Their target was none other than Patrick Redfield, also known as the "Red Count," and their destination—Bat Island.
Claudius hadn't had many opportunities to meet Fleet Admiral Kong before, and the two didn't share any particular friendship. In fact, he didn't know much about him at all. But in the days they'd spent together, Claudius had come to appreciate that Kong was a straightforward, stubborn man, but not inflexible. The Fleet Admiral had a strong personality yet remained approachable, and they'd quickly found a mutual respect.
"It should be close now, right?" Claudius asked, watching the record pointer in his hand as it swayed in the direction of their destination.
Garp, an old sea dog with years of experience, didn't even bother with the pointer. After a moment of thought, he said, "Another half a day, give or take."
"This mission is as covert as it gets. I didn't even bring any Marine soldiers along. Just the three of us know about it. I doubt that Redfield would ever expect such a small force," Fleet Admiral Kong remarked with a smile.
Claudius looked at him, curious. "Is he really as arrogant as they say? Always working alone, never trusting anyone?"
Kong nodded. "Exactly. That's why he's earned the nickname 'Lonely Red.' He refuses to rely on anyone."
"Well, this time we'll shatter that pride of his and send him straight to Impel Down," Garp said, clenching his fists with a dangerous grin.
Kong nodded in agreement. "Garp, once we reach Bat Island, you'll station yourself at the port. That place has a peculiar geography, there's only one port for getting in or out, and the rest of the island is surrounded by cliffs. As long as you hold the port, he won't be able to escape. I'll handle him myself."
"Huh? You're planning to take that bastard on solo, Kong?" Garp asked, clearly surprised.
"Yes," Kong replied. "As long as the port's secured, it'll be like trapping a fox in a cage. I'll deal with him personally."
Claudius raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit uneasy. He wanted to tell Kong that, as strong as he was, he might not fare so well in a one-on-one with Redfield. If his memory served, Kong had indeed gone toe-to-toe with the Red Count on Bat Island once before... and lost due to exhaustion. Redfield, however, didn't get far afterward, as Garp had jumped in and pummeled him into submission, sealing his fate in Impel Down.
Looking at Kong, who was older than Garp by a decade and well into his seventies, Claudius couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and concern. This man had been fighting for the World Government his entire life. Even when Sengoku, his younger colleague, would later retire, Kong would continue to serve well into his nineties. A lifetime of loyalty and sacrifice, it was something Claudius couldn't help but respect.
With this in mind, Claudius asked, "And what about me, Fleet Admiral Kong? Where do you need me?"
Kong, fully aware of Redfield's strength, didn't want to put Claudius at unnecessary risk. Despite Claudius's impressive abilities, he was no match for someone of Redfield's caliber just yet. And with Claudius's high status as a Celestial Dragon, Kong felt an added responsibility to ensure his safety.
After a moment, Kong said, "Why don't you observe from a safe distance? You can see everything unfold, but without getting too close to the action."
In other words, they wanted him to watch from the sidelines. But Claudius didn't take offense. He understood that Kong's intention was to keep him safe, not to belittle him. Besides, he suspected there would be other ways for him to contribute. So, with a relaxed smile, he replied, "Understood. My experience is nowhere near as extensive as yours, Fleet Admiral. CP-X will gladly learn from you on this mission, haha."
"Glad to hear it," Kong said with a smile of his own, appreciating Claudius's lack of arrogance. He'd met too many young talents who, brimming with pride, threw themselves recklessly into danger. But Claudius showed a rare combination of strength and humility, which Kong respected.
Thinking back, he'd seen many promising Marines fall to their own hubris. Even the Whitebeard Pirates had eventually met disaster because Ace had been too headstrong to heed Whitebeard's warnings. Arrogance was a killer.
After chatting for a few more minutes, Kong asked, "I heard you have people on Bat Island already?"
Claudius nodded. "My cousin is stationed there. But don't worry, Fleet Admiral, his cover won't raise any alarms for Redfield."
"Oh, you mean that candidate for the 'Seven Warlords of the Sea' project that Sengoku mentioned? His Highness Doflamingo, right?" Kong asked, recalling their conversation.
"That's right, though please don't call him 'Your Highness' around him. He's sensitive about it. He was stripped of his Celestial Dragon status when his father took him to North Blue," Claudius replied with a chuckle.
"Got it," Kong replied, slightly embarrassed by his mistake.
As they closed in on Bat Island, Doflamingo himself was preparing on the shore, waiting for Claudius's arrival.
"So I'm supposed to face off against the infamous 'Lonely Red,' Patrick Redfield? I barely got my feet wet in the New World, and I'm already dealing with a legend?" Doflamingo muttered to himself, a cold gleam in his eyes. A wicked grin spread across his face. "Fufufufu... cousin, I see you're making me prove my worth."
"If you can't endure this, you'll never reach the top," he recalled Claudius saying over the Den Den Mushi before this mission. "This is a chance to show the World Government your value. Make a good impression, and we'll both benefit in the future."
Doflamingo hadn't reached the level of patience he'd have in the future, but under Claudius's guidance, he'd learned to control his impulses. This mission was just another step in his ascent, a necessary sacrifice for a greater reward.
Meanwhile, deep within Bat Island's dense forests, Redfield examined a worn scrap of parchment he had just uncovered. The markings on it hinted at a place called "The Sleeping Ancient Town," and he frowned, unfamiliar with the name.
"The Sleeping Ancient Town... never heard of it," Redfield murmured. His latest quest had brought him here, searching for a rare Zoan Mythical Devil Fruit he'd heard rumors about. He intended to find it and harness its power, thinking it might prove useful in his future endeavors.
Little did he know, however, that the World Government had already set a trap for him—a net that had taken months to weave and was about to be sprung.
If he truly wanted that fruit, it would have to wait. It would be over twenty years before Blackbeard would one day come to free him from his cell in Impel Down... Bat Island wasn't large, just a modest piece of land with a single port, a small town, and a scattering of mountains further inland. It was sparsely populated, with most of the interior overrun by wilderness. There were rumors of ancient ruins hidden in the mountains, and that's where Patrick Redfield had gone searching.
As soon as they docked, Garp exchanged a few words with Kong, then took up his position at the port. Meanwhile, Kong turned to Claudius, who simply smiled and said, "I'll head in to meet up with my cousin. No need to worry about me, Fleet Admiral."
"Alright. I'm off to deal with Redfield," Kong replied without fuss. He gave Claudius a quick nod, then set off toward the heart of the island, ready for the confrontation.
Once Kong had disappeared into the dense forest, Claudius turned to Garp with a smirk. "You look like you've been holding something in this whole trip."
"Humph!" Garp grunted, looking annoyed, before quickly asking, "How's Ace?"
"With the kind of life I live, do you think he could be anything but fine? He's well-fed, sleeps soundly, and he's got enough energy to tire out anyone. Only downside is, he's ruined my reputation." Claudius sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.
"Ahahahaha! I heard about that! Word around Mariejois is that you've got yourself an illegitimate child," Garp laughed, clearly amused. "Honestly, it's not such a bad thing. That rumor covers up the truth pretty well. Now nobody will be poking their noses into Ace's business."
As strange as it sounded, Garp was right. If people believed Ace was Claudius's illegitimate son, then any curiosity would be dismissed as a private matter of the Celestial Dragons. No one, not even the agents of the CP organizations, would dare investigate too closely, given that they were under the Celestial Dragons' authority. As long as Claudius and Garp kept quiet, Ace's existence was secure.
Claudius sighed, shaking his head again. "There goes my perfect image. My spotless reputation, dragged through the mud because of this kid."
"Oh, please! No one cares about a Celestial Dragon's private life anyway. But seriously... you're telling me you don't have any women on the side?" Garp asked, looking at Claudius with disbelief.
Claudius shot Garp a disgusted look. "You think I'm as shameless as you?"
Garp just shrugged, clearly unbothered by the insult. Claudius didn't know much about Garp's personal life, but he had his suspicions. He didn't know who Dragon's mother was, but it wouldn't have surprised him if Garp had a fling somewhere along the line. And considering how Ace's father was Roger, yet Garp had decided to treat Ace as family... well, the old man certainly didn't follow a conventional life path.
"Come on, we're all men here, hahaha!" Garp laughed heartily, slinging an arm around Claudius's shoulders like they were old drinking buddies.
Before Claudius could pull away, Garp added, "Oh, by the way, last time we talked, I didn't get the chance to ask you. I heard that Zephyr got himself a pass that lets him into the Celestial Dragon's mansion areas. Mind getting me one too?"
Claudius frowned. "What do you need that for? You don't even like coming to Mariejois, and you've never had much respect for the other Celestial Dragons. Don't go stirring up trouble there and dragging me down with you."
"It's different now," Garp replied, shrugging casually. "Ace is there with you, isn't he? I'm just a Vice Admiral; I've got plenty of free time. Mariejois and Marineford aren't that far apart. I figured I could drop by and see him now and then."
Claudius smirked, amused. For someone who openly mocked the nobility, Garp sure was willing to swallow his pride for Ace's sake. The old man was even shamelessly asking for a pass to the Celestial Dragon estates, all just so he could visit the boy.
"Fine, but let's get one thing clear," Claudius said, exasperated but smiling. "When it comes to raising Ace, keep out of it. I'll handle his upbringing myself, understood?"
Garp frowned, clearly displeased. "What? I'm his grandfather! Can't I help shape him into a fine Marine?"
"Oh, please. With your record? Just look at how Dragon turned out," Claudius shot back without mercy.
Garp didn't look the least bit ashamed. He just waved his hand dismissively. "Well, that's exactly why I'm more experienced now. I know what mistakes not to make!"
Seeing that Claudius wasn't buying it, Garp finally relented with a sigh. "Alright, alright. I promise not to interfere with Ace's training. Satisfied?"
Claudius gave him a nod. "That's more like it. Once I'm back, I'll have someone deliver a pass to you."
With that settled, the two men shared a few more words before Claudius bid Garp goodbye and headed off into the port town.
Doflamingo had already reserved every tavern in the small town. His men, Trebol and the others, were stationed at the entrance. Spotting Claudius, they quickly ushered him inside.
Claudius walked in to find Doflamingo sitting at a table, a wine glass in hand. At his feet lay a man unconscious or dead, it was hard to tell with blood pooling around his head. Doflamingo looked up, smirking as he poured Claudius a drink.
"What's with the mess?" Claudius asked, taking a seat across from him.
Doflamingo handed him the glass. "Oh, nothing. Just a little stress relief. This idiot tried to pick a fight with me, so I gave him what he asked for. I feel a lot better now," he replied, his grin widening.
"You're really getting into the pirate lifestyle, huh?" Claudius remarked with a laugh.
Doflamingo chuckled. "Fufufufu... cousin, I am a pirate."
"Fair enough," Claudius acknowledged with a smile. "How's everything going?"
"Not bad. We're making progress. But the New World... the water's deep here," Doflamingo replied, his gaze sharpening.
"It is. Be careful, Doffy. If things ever get too heavy, remember you've got me to back you up. You're my brother, after all. If I don't look out for you, who will?" Claudius said with genuine warmth.
Doflamingo's usually guarded expression softened for a moment, but he quickly composed himself, grinning. "I know, cousin. But enough of that. What's the plan for today?"
"Simple," Claudius said, waving a hand. "The World Government wants to save face after the fiasco with Roger. They're hoping capturing Redfield will restore some of their reputation."
"So, when's the action?" Doflamingo asked, raising an eyebrow. "We're not just going to sit here and drink all day, are we?"
Just as he finished speaking, an intense surge of Conqueror's Haki flooded the island. The sheer pressure was overwhelming, sending a ripple of force through the town. The innkeeper behind the bar collapsed instantly, eyes rolling back as he hit the floor.
Claudius and Doflamingo were unaffected. With a calm smile, Claudius picked up the bottle, poured them both another drink, and said, "No need to worry. It's already begun."
Claudius finished pouring his wine. Doflamingo took a sip, then murmured, "Conqueror's Haki... you think Kong has it too?"
"What, is that surprising?" Claudius replied with a grin.
"Well," Doflamingo began, "I've always thought of Marines as subservient to the World Government, especially the higher-ups like the Fleet Admiral. How could someone who 'follows orders' have the spirit of a conqueror?"
Claudius chuckled. "Conqueror's Haki isn't some mystical power that's only reserved for kings and tyrants. It's about having an unbreakable will, a refusal to bend, even if you work within a hierarchy. Conqueror's Haki is about ruling yourself, being the king of your own heart."
He took a thoughtful sip, "Think about it Sengoku, the future Marine Fleet Admiral, has Conqueror's Haki. Ace, who was once just a son under Whitebeard, had it too. Rayleigh was Roger's right-hand man, yet he possessed it. Even Katakuri, who never led the Big Mom Pirates, has it. Conqueror's Haki isn't about rank. It's about your heart's refusal to submit."
Doflamingo looked at him with genuine surprise. "Cousin, you've clearly put a lot of thought into this. Do you... have it too?"
Claudius's face went a bit red, and he waved a dismissive hand. "Who, me? No, I just understand it a bit. Conqueror's Haki... yeah, that's one thing I haven't awakened."
Doflamingo burst into laughter. "Fufufufufu! After all these years, I finally have something over you, cousin!"
Claudius shot him an irritated look. "You smug bastard! Of all the things you could bring up, you had to pick my one weakness?"
Doflamingo just grinned, then added with a mischievous glint in his eye, "Don't worry, cousin. I'm sure you'll awaken it eventually. I believe in you."
"Sure you do," Claudius replied, rolling his eyes. They both shared a laugh, the tension between them easing.
Doflamingo's expression then shifted to curiosity. "So, what's the plan? Are we really just here to 'get some experience,' like you said? Are we really just going to sit back and watch the show as the Fleet Admiral delivers justice to the infamous Red Earl?"
"That's the idea. But..." Claudius took a slow sip from his glass. "My gut tells me things won't go that smoothly."
Doflamingo raised an eyebrow. "You think Kong might... lose?"
Claudius smirked, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "Exactly."
A wicked smile spread across Doflamingo's face. "Now that's something I'd like to see, the 'justice' of the Marines crushed by 'evil.'"
Claudius gave him a pat on the shoulder. "But remember, justice always wins in the end."
Doflamingo studied him thoughtfully. "So, you're saying you're waiting for Kong to falter... so you can jump in and finish the job?"
"Pretty much," Claudius replied, swirling his drink. "But keep in mind, he's still the Fleet Admiral. If he fails, it'll be a blow to the World Government. I can't just sit by and let him lose face completely. When the moment's right, I'll step in. And that's where you come in, too."
Doflamingo nodded, taking his cousin's words to heart. "Understood. I'll be ready."
The battle between Kong and Redfield was brutal, shaking the entire island. The town was devastated by the shockwaves of their clash. Buildings crumbled, and residents lay unconscious in the streets, felled by the sheer force of Conqueror's Haki that radiated from both combatants. Garp, stationed at the port, was busy pulling civilians out of the rubble, while Claudius and Doflamingo's tavern remained standing, thanks to Trebol and the others shielding it from the worst of the aftermath.
As the day turned to dusk, Claudius glanced out the window, noting the darkening sky. "It's about time for him to show signs of wear. He's almost seventy, after all," he murmured.
Doflamingo's eyes narrowed. "So... should we make our move now?"
Claudius grinned, his voice low and menacing. "The night is perfect."
The two of them stepped out of the tavern together. The once lively port town lay in ruins, debris scattered everywhere. Claudius rolled his shoulders, looking toward the mountain where the clash was taking place. The ground shook as powerful waves of energy rippled through the air.
"Doffy, help seal off the island. There may only be one port, but we can't risk Redfield escaping by any means. We need to cut off all exits," Claudius instructed.
Doflamingo's lips curled into a smirk. "Perfect timing. I've just developed a new technique I call the Birdcage."
Without another word, Doflamingo raised his hand, his Devil Fruit powers stirring. Thin, nearly invisible threads spread out from his fingers, weaving together in the sky to create an immense cage that began to descend over the island, trapping everyone within its razor-sharp walls.
Claudius watched for a moment, nodding approvingly. "Impressive," he said. "I'm heading in."
Before Doflamingo could reply, Claudius unleashed a burst of wind, propelling himself forward. His figure blurred, disappearing into the shadows as he soared toward the mountain.
Watching his cousin vanish, Doflamingo muttered to himself, "Looks like I'm not the only one who can fly. Maybe I should work on that, too."
As Claudius approached the battlefield, he took in the scene. Fleet Admiral Kong was clearly struggling, his chest bore a deep slash, blood seeping from the wound. His left eye was swollen shut, blood dripping down his face from a particularly brutal cut. Meanwhile, Redfield was also injured; his chest was visibly dented, likely from one of Kong's powerful punches, and his once-neat hair was now disheveled. Still, he appeared to be holding up better than Kong.
"Invisible..." Claudius whispered, activating one of his newest abilities.
In an instant, his body began to blend with the air around him, becoming completely invisible. It was a technique he'd developed from his Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit abilities, using nitrogen's colorless properties to mask his presence entirely.
"Move with the wind..." Claudius murmured as he drifted forward, blending seamlessly into the night air.
He knew Redfield's Observation Haki was exceptional, and that it wouldn't take long before the Red Count sensed his presence. But he needed to get as close as possible before making his move.
On the battlefield, Redfield smirked at his wounded opponent. "Kong, you should've known better than to come here alone. Today, I'll add the head of a Marine Fleet Admiral to my legacy!"
Kong ignored the taunt, gritting his teeth as he steadied himself. With a powerful stomp, he launched himself forward, muscles bulging, his fist crackling with Armament Haki. "Justice will never fall to the likes of you, Redfield!"
He threw a massive punch, the air itself splitting under its force. "Fist of Justice!"
Redfield's eyes narrowed, and he raised his sword, prepared to counter. "Your justice ends here!" He swung his blade, unleashing a slicing wave of energy aimed directly at Kong's chest.
But suddenly, Redfield's expression shifted. Sensing a new presence closing in fast, he tried to pull his sword back to defend himself, but it was too late.
Claudius materialized in midair, his sword Shindō drawn and ready. With a fierce cry, he unleashed his attack. "Death is like the wind, always by my side! One-Sword Style—Secret Art: Blizzard!"
A blinding white slash burst from Claudius's blade, a concentrated line of compressed air that shot straight toward Redfield.
Redfield, acting on instinct, managed to raise his sword horizontally, preparing to intercept the strike. The two attacks collided in a storm of raw energy, sending shockwaves rippling across the mountainside. Redfield's speed was exceptional, and just as Claudius's slash was about to hit him, he raised his sword to block the attack. But before he could relax, a chill swept over him, the white air current that accompanied Claudius's slash had coated his blade with frost.
In an instant, the sturdy sword in Redfield's hand started to crack, becoming brittle under the intense cold. With a sharp snap, the blade shattered, and the remaining energy from the slash tore a small wound into Redfield's chest. The cut immediately turned white, frost spreading across the skin, freezing his flesh on contact.
Redfield's expression darkened as he dropped the remains of his sword, watching in horror as the frost crept toward his hand. He quickly released the hilt, letting it fall to the ground like a chunk of ice.
"What a terrifying frost power..." Redfield muttered, stumbling back. He placed a hand on his chest, feeling the numbed flesh around the wound. As he pinched the frostbitten tissue between his fingers, it crumbled into powder. The wound was necrotic—completely frozen.
"How about it? Impressed by my technique?" Claudius taunted, a wry smile on his face.
Fleet Admiral Kong glanced at Claudius, not saying a word, but his expression showed a hint of respect. He didn't chastise Claudius for interfering. In truth, Kong had underestimated Redfield, and as the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, he couldn't afford to lose here. Claudius's intervention had pulled him back from the edge of defeat.
"Who the hell are you?" Redfield growled, glaring at Claudius with suspicion.
Despite Claudius's growing reputation especially after capturing Shiki and assisting in Roger's capture he was still somewhat of an enigma to most on the seas. Few knew what he looked like, and even fewer had actually seen him in action. Redfield, for all his experience, had no idea who this newcomer was.
With a cocky smile, Claudius replied, "Heh, don't worry, I don't change my name. You're looking at—Donquixote Claudius."
"Donquixote?" Redfield echoed, momentarily confused.
Then, as the name sank in, Redfield's expression darkened. "So you're Celestial Dragon Claudius, that infamous CP-X operative?"
Claudius grinned. "Ah, so you've heard of me."
Redfield sneered, glancing between Claudius and Kong. "The legendary CP-X is real, then. And the World Government thinks so highly of me that they've sent both a Marine Fleet Admiral and a Celestial Dragon to capture me? I should be flattered."
"You're worth the trouble, Redfield," Claudius replied coldly.
Without wasting any more words, Claudius raised his sword and unleashed another slash. This time, he didn't add his liquid nitrogen power, but the sharp edge of the attack cut through the air with lethal intent.
Redfield braced himself, coating his arms with Armament Haki as he raised them to deflect the slash. "What exactly is your ability?" he demanded, frustration lacing his voice as he blocked the strike.
Claudius simply smirked, refusing to answer. There was no way he'd reveal the nature of his powers to an opponent, especially someone as dangerous as Redfield.
On the other side of the battlefield, Fleet Admiral Kong seized the opportunity, launching himself toward Redfield. With a powerful stomp, he appeared at Redfield's side, throwing a heavy punch at his shoulder. The impact sent Redfield hurtling through the air.
Claudius had joined the battle at the perfect moment. While Kong was still a formidable opponent, his age had started to show, and Redfield had been gaining the upper hand. Claudius's intervention helped tip the scales back in the Marines' favor, giving them a renewed advantage.
As Redfield was knocked back, Claudius was already preparing his next move.
"Storm!" he shouted, swinging his demon blade Shindō. Several slashes flew forward, each wrapped in a fierce wind current. As they traveled, the air and sword energy combined, forming a twisting whirlwind of razor-sharp gales.
The cyclone tore through the terrain, ripping apart trees and rocks as it barreled toward Redfield, who had barely regained his balance. Redfield gritted his teeth and braced himself, covering his entire body with Armament Haki, turning his skin as black as obsidian. The whirlwind slammed into him, pushing him back and tearing his clothes to shreds, leaving small cuts across his body.
"Red Fury!" Redfield roared, his eyes flashing with anger. In a blur of red, he transformed into a streak of blood-colored energy, closing the distance between him and Claudius in an instant.
Kong barely had time to react, and Claudius felt his heart skip a beat as Redfield's terrifying speed brought him face-to-face with danger. A wave of dread washed over him, and he instinctively fortified his chest with Armament Haki, kicking off the ground to backpedal.
But even with his quick response, Redfield's claws slashed across Claudius's chest. His Armament Haki barely managed to hold up against the attack, but it was clear that Redfield's power was in a league of its own. Claudius's Haki shattered under the pressure, and five deep gashes appeared across his chest, flesh and blood flying from the wounds. If he hadn't managed to pull back in time, Redfield's claws might have pierced his heart.
Ignoring any semblance of pride, Claudius dropped to the ground, rolling away from Redfield's follow-up strike. He might have looked undignified, but survival was more important than appearances. As he rolled, Kong rushed in, aiming a massive punch at Redfield's head, forcing him to turn his attention away from Claudius.
Redfield hesitated. He wanted to finish off Claudius, but the Fleet Admiral's fist, crackling with deadly intent, was too dangerous to ignore. With a grimace, he shifted his stance and intercepted Kong's punch with his own, their fists clashing mid-air in a brutal collision of Haki.
The shockwave from their clash sent Claudius tumbling further back, giving him a chance to catch his breath. Blood trickled down his chest, but he managed a defiant grin as he wiped the blood from his wounds. "Not bad, Redfield. But you're not the only one who can give as good as you get."
A rhythmic, powerful heartbeat began to emanate from Claudius, like the pounding of war drums. His aura surged, brimming with renewed strength.
"King Engine... on," Claudius murmured, focusing his energy.
He tightened his grip on Shindō, the muscles in his arm flexing as he readied his next attack. "One-Sword Style—Secret Art: Winter's Fury!"
With a powerful swing, Claudius unleashed a massive slash coated in a frigid, white air current. As the attack traveled forward, it left a trail of frost in its wake, freezing the ground, trees, and rocks it touched. The very air around it seemed to crystallize, and everything in its path became brittle, covered in a delicate layer of ice.
Fleet Admiral Kong's eyes widened as the freezing slash approached, realizing that he, too, was within its range. Without hesitation, both he and Redfield pulled back, evading the icy path of destruction.
Claudius's lips curled into a triumphant smirk. Just as the two combatants dodged his slash, he revealed a Short Sword in his other hand, which he'd been hiding up until now.
"Gotcha," he whispered. "Shoot to kill—Shinsō!"
With a sudden thrust, the short blade extended, stretching toward Redfield with blinding speed. The silver glint of the blade cut through the darkness, and Redfield's eyes widened as he twisted mid-air, sensing the danger. But he wasn't fast enough.
The tip of Shinsō pierced his shoulder, drawing blood as it punched through armor and flesh alike.
Redfield let out a hiss of pain, adjusting his posture in mid-air to prevent further damage. He clamped a hand over his injured shoulder, gritting his teeth as he glared at Claudius.
Shinsō was originally a powerful weapon, but Claudius had turned it into something even more devious—a tool for surprise attacks. Golden Lion Shiki had fallen for it, twice, resulting in a deep cut across his face. Claudius had exploited that moment to incapacitate Shiki, turning him into a permanent resident of the infirmary at Marineford.
And now, Patrick Redfield was facing the same predicament. He'd never encountered a weapon like Shinsō, a sword that could extend and retract at will. The unexpected sting in his shoulder threw him off balance, just enough to hinder his dodge. Unlike Kong, who had managed to avoid Claudius's Winter's Fury, Redfield wasn't as lucky.
The cold slash caught his left foot, instantly freezing his shoe and reducing it to ice shards. His flesh wasn't spared either; frost spread across his foot, seizing up his muscles and restricting his movement. Though he managed to shake off some of the damaged tissue, his mobility was now compromised.
As he shifted back, Redfield's mind was reeling. "What kind of abilities does this guy have?" he thought. One moment, Claudius was wielding frost power, and the next, he was invisible. Then, there was that bizarre sword technique, changing length as if it had a mind of its own. On their own, each power was strange, but together, they were almost incomprehensible.
Meanwhile, Kong had stepped back to avoid Claudius's Winter's Fury, and that gave Redfield a brief reprieve. Claudius, however, wasn't one to waste an opportunity. As soon as Shinsō retracted, Claudius pointed a finger at Redfield.
"Finger Pistol!" Claudius whispered.
With his injured foot slowing him down, Redfield had no time to dodge. He crossed his arms over his chest, coating them in Armament Haki to block the blow. A sharp sting shot through his arms as Claudius's Finger Pistol technique hit home.
Realizing he couldn't afford to let Claudius keep pressuring him from a distance, Redfield decided to close the gap. With a savage expression, he ignored the pain in his foot and charged forward, prepared to endure whatever Kong threw at him if it meant silencing Claudius for good.
But just as he took his first steps, something pulled him back—thin, nearly invisible threads wrapped around his limbs, restraining his movement. Redfield's eyes darted around, and he spotted the source: Doflamingo standing off in the distance, his fingers twitching as he manipulated the threads.
"So, there's another one?" Redfield muttered, his instincts kicking in just as a whip-like thread lashed out, smashing through a frost-covered tree nearby.
"Fufufufu... sharp reflexes," Doflamingo sneered, stepping out of the shadows.
Redfield's eyes narrowed. He felt like he'd seen this man before, but he couldn't place where. His immediate assumption was that Doflamingo was another government operative. Little did he know that his captor was a pirate who'd once crossed into the New World.
In that moment, Kong made his move. Using Soru, he appeared beside Redfield, throwing a powerful punch toward his head. Redfield, wrapped in Doflamingo's threads, was a split second too slow, and though he managed to meet Kong's punch, he couldn't evade it entirely. The two exchanged brutal blows, both staggering back from the force.
Kong was knocked to the ground, while Redfield took a powerful hit to his injured chest, coughing up blood and even fragments of his organs. Enraged, Redfield grabbed the threads binding him and yanked, pulling Doflamingo off balance.
Doflamingo, whether from surprise or arrogance, held onto the threads, and he was pulled toward Redfield with shocking speed.
"Die!" Redfield roared, his hand transforming into a claw, Armament Haki coating his fingers as he aimed for Doflamingo's heart.
But as Redfield's claw closed in, Doflamingo twisted, wrapping himself around Redfield's body like an octopus. His face twisted into a wicked grin. "Cousin, now!" he shouted.
"Clone String..." Claudius realized. In an instant, he used Soru to appear behind Redfield. Without hesitation, he drove his demon sword Shindō straight through both Redfield and Doflamingo.
Redfield spat out blood as the blade pierced him, and he tried to retaliate. But Doflamingo's body began to unravel into countless white strings, binding Redfield tightly and restricting his movement. It wasn't Doflamingo at all—just his string clone, an elaborate ruse.
For the real Doflamingo was a safe distance away, manipulating the strings with a grin on his face.
Realizing he only had a few seconds, Claudius tightened his grip on Redfield from behind, his muscles bulging with strain. "Embrace of Death!" Claudius growled, his arms flexing as he pinned Redfield in place.
Redfield's struggles grew weaker as an invisible force began to emanate from Claudius's body, his nitrogen powers sapping the air around them, creating a localized vacuum. It was as if all the oxygen had been drained, leaving Redfield gasping, yet unable to draw a single breath.
"What... what is this...?" Redfield choked, his voice barely audible. Panic and disbelief filled his eyes as he felt the life draining out of him.
Claudius's face was set in grim determination. He could feel Redfield's strength waning, his movements growing sluggish. They had almost won. Just a bit longer.
In mere moments, from the time Kong had been knocked back, the tide had shifted dramatically. Kong staggered to his feet, steadying himself, and quickly closed the distance to where Claudius had Redfield pinned. Together, he and Claudius exerted their combined strength, ensuring that Redfield's last reserves were crushed.
With Redfield's resistance fading, Claudius finally released his hold, stepping back to catch his breath. Blood was still dripping from his chest, but he managed a smile as he looked at Kong.
"Redfield has been captured, Fleet Admiral Kong. I'd say that's a job well done."
Kong grabbed Redfield by the neck, ensuring he was fully subdued. He looked over at Claudius, a weary but grateful smile crossing his face. "If it weren't for you and CP-X, this old man might've been outmatched. Thank you, Claudius."
"What are you talking about? This was a joint mission between CP-X and Naval Headquarters. I just wanted to make sure you didn't take down Redfield so fast that I'd have no chance to show off," Claudius joked, his tone light but respectful, acknowledging Kong's role without taking too much credit.
Kong chuckled, appreciating the gesture. "Either way, I owe you one, Your Highness. You saved me from a serious embarrassment." In the Sabaody Archipelago, inside Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, Silvers Rayleigh sat reading the latest newspaper with a thoughtful expression on his face. For a moment, his face was tense, but it soon relaxed, and he let out a carefree laugh.
"What's with that strange look?" Shakky asked, eyeing him curiously.
"Ah, it's nothing," Rayleigh replied with a smile. "Just thinking that the World Government seems to be getting stronger these days. But then I realized... that doesn't really concern me, does it? Hahaha!"
"Did something happen?" Shakky asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, something big. Two days ago on Bat Island in the New World, they managed to capture Patrick Redfield," Rayleigh said, nodding.
"Redfield?" Shakky repeated, startled. "You mean Redfield, the 'Red Count'? The 'Lonely Red'?"
"Yep, that's the one," Rayleigh confirmed with a grin.
"If I remember correctly, he's supposed to be really powerful, isn't he?" Shakky asked, intrigued. "Rumor has it he could stand toe-to-toe with the likes of the Roger Pirates and the Whitebeard Pirates, all on his own. Even Shiki didn't want to mess with him."
Rayleigh chuckled. "Well, he's strong, no doubt about that. But it's not like he's invincible. He has his strengths, sure, but he's also got his weaknesses. And sometimes, going it alone isn't all it's cracked up to be. After all... look where it got him." He handed the newspaper over to Shakky.
Shakky took the paper and scanned the article, her eyes widening in surprise. "Looks like the World Government got lucky."
"Maybe," Rayleigh replied, nodding thoughtfully.
The story in the newspaper was, indeed, interesting. It mentioned nothing about CP-X or Claudius. Instead, it highlighted a new rising pirate—Doflamingo. According to the article, Doflamingo's Donquixote Pirates had been on Bat Island when they encountered Redfield, leading to a fierce battle between the two. While the two were locked in combat, Fleet Admiral Kong supposedly arrived, taking advantage of the situation to capture Redfield. In the end, Redfield was captured, while Doflamingo managed to escape the island, slipping out before Kong could apprehend him.
The whole story painted a picture of the Marines catching Redfield at the perfect moment, making it seem as if they'd simply taken advantage of his clash with Doflamingo. And Doflamingo, now recognized as a fierce new power in the New World, saw his reputation soar.
Shakky frowned slightly as she looked over the paper. "Something feels... off about this story. I can't put my finger on it, but it doesn't quite add up."
Rayleigh nodded, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Yeah, I had the same thought."
"Guess you can't always rely on the newspapers, can you?" Shakky mused, setting the paper down. "Sabaody Archipelago is a melting pot of information and people. It'd make a great place for the intelligence business. I've thought about it before... and I think I'm finally going to make it happen."
Rayleigh raised an eyebrow, looking at her with mild surprise. "Congratulations."
"But you," she said, giving him a pointed look. "You're the freeloader here, eating and drinking on my tab all day. Aren't you even a little ashamed? How's that freeloading life treating you, Rayleigh?"
Ever since the disbanding of the Roger Pirates, Rayleigh had returned to Sabaody, reconnecting with Shakky, who he'd met during his travels. The two had struck up a relationship, and Rayleigh had settled into life on the archipelago with her. At first, he'd had a decent stash of treasure from his days with the Roger Pirates, but his love for gambling had drained his funds over time. Now, he was entirely dependent on Shakky and seemed quite content with his freeloading lifestyle.
Shakky had put up with it for a while, but as time passed, she started to realize that Rayleigh was getting too comfortable. If he didn't find something productive to do, she feared he'd end up wasting away.
Rayleigh suddenly put on a serious face. "Actually, I went to see the doctor a couple of days ago."
Shakky's expression shifted, genuine worry crossing her face. "What? Are you sick? Did you catch Roger's illness or something?"
"No, no, nothing like that," Rayleigh replied, his serious look dissolving into a mischievous smile. "The doctor just said my mouth isn't suited for eating anything too tough. He recommended I stick to softer foods. Guess I'll be sticking to 'soft rice' from now on."
In the next second, a bottle flew across the room, smacking Rayleigh squarely on the head and knocking him to the floor. Shakky stood over him, fuming. "You old bastard! Are you trying to make me die from anger? Let me tell you, if you don't find yourself a job within the next three days, I'll skin you alive!"
And so, it was with that "gentle" encouragement from Shakky that Rayleigh eventually found his way into the coating business, earning his moniker as the "Coater." Though he'd later joke that he also had a side gig as a "slave trader"—offering his services, but only to help others.
---
Meanwhile, in the Holy Land of Mariejois, Five Elders, Claudius, and Fleet Admiral Kong were walking down a grand hallway, making their way to the main office. Both Claudius and Kong were covered in bandages, visible reminders of the fierce battle with Redfield. Bloodstains still peeked through Claudius's bandages, and Kong was no less bruised. They wore the marks of their fight with a strange sort of pride—scars left by the Red Count himself.
"You know, I wouldn't be surprised if the next step for you, Fleet Admiral, is a promotion to Commander-in-Chief," Claudius joked, grinning at Kong. "And if that happens, you'd better keep an eye out for us over at CP-X."
Kong chuckled, waving him off. "Oh, Your Highness, you're just being polite. I don't think I've done nearly enough to warrant that. Besides, CP-X isn't under the Commander-in-Chief's jurisdiction anyway. If anything, I should be asking you to look after me."
They laughed, exchanging a few more good-natured jabs as they reached the office doors. Kong knocked, and a voice from inside called for them to enter. The two stepped into the room, greeted by the Five Elders.
The Elders, for once, were all smiles, their expressions a rare sight of approval. The bald elder, his face crinkling with a grin, spoke up first. "Yes, very good. The two of you performed exceptionally. You've done us proud!"
Claudius and Kong both inclined their heads respectfully, replying in unison, "Just doing our duty." As usual, the Five Elders started off by speaking with Kong, reviewing the details of the recent mission. Claudius, who had been through this process several times before, was completely at ease. As a Celestial Dragon, he was well-aware of the high level of trust these Elders had in him. They appreciated those who were competent and obedient, rewarding them with privileges and resources that few others could imagine.
Meanwhile, Claudius had wandered over to the wine cabinet against the wall, rubbing his chin as he carefully inspected the selection without a word to the Five Elders. His casual, almost mischievous attitude didn't seem to bother the Elders one bit—in fact, they seemed to tolerate it with amused smiles.
Claudius eventually picked out a bottle from the bottom shelf, his eyes lighting up. "Sfindax 1450, a true classic... out-of-print, aged over fifty years," he murmured. Not bothering to ask permission, he uncorked the bottle, poured himself a glass, and leaned back against the wall, savoring the taste.
The Five Elders glanced at each other, their smiles turning wry as they watched him. Claudius's easy-going style and confidence only seemed to make them like him more.
After some time, Kong finished his report, and the Five Elders took a moment to reflect on the information.
"So... Doflamingo?" one of the Elders murmured.
Claudius took a sip from his glass, swallowed, and then spoke up. "That's right. Doffy has always wanted to return to Mariejois, but I know that doesn't align with protocol, so I convinced him to be patient. I told him that as long as he serves the World Government well, the five of you would surely recognize his efforts. And maybe, when the time is right, he could return."
The bearded Elder chuckled. "Yes, we recall the matter from back then. Returning to Mariejois isn't something to be taken lightly, but... rules are made by people, after all. If Doflamingo can truly prove his value, we'd be open to having another capable Celestial Dragon among our ranks."
"I'll pass that along to Doffy," Claudius said with a slight smile. "I'm sure he'll be even more motivated to serve."
With that settled, the topic shifted back to the recent mission. The bald Elder spoke up. "Redfield... has he been secured?"
"Yes," Kong replied, nodding. "Garp has personally escorted him to Impel Down, where he'll be placed in Eternal Hell. Given the timing, he should be safely locked away by now."
"Good. You did an excellent job," the bald Elder said approvingly. Then, after a brief pause, he turned to Kong and asked, "What do you think of the position of Commander-in-Chief? Are you interested?"
Kong was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly nodded. "Of course. As a soldier, there's no greater honor than reaching that rank."
"Hahaha, well said," the Elder chuckled.
Before Kong could continue, the Elder went on, "We do consider you the ideal candidate for the position. After all these years of service to the Marines and the World Government, your achievements certainly qualify you. But... the timing isn't right."
Kong nodded thoughtfully, understanding the unspoken context.
"It seems you're already aware," the Elder continued, "but Marine Headquarters isn't in the best position right now. If you were to leave, it would throw the organization into a leadership vacuum. Sengoku is ready to take over as Fleet Admiral, but the Admirals' positions would be left unfilled. Kuzan, Borsalino, and Sakazuki may be strong, but they still lack some of the experience and maturity required for the role. They'll need a few more years to grow into their potential."
"Exactly," Kong agreed. "For now, I have no intention of leaving the Marines."
"Good. We're glad you understand the importance of this. But know that when the time is right, the role of Commander-in-Chief will be yours. Until then, we'll hold the position open for you," the bald Elder said calmly.
Kong smiled, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you, honored Elders."
With Kong's future settled, the Elders gave him some additional instructions before dismissing him. Understanding that a more private conversation was about to begin, Kong wisely excused himself, leaving Claudius alone with the Five Elders.
The bearded Elder turned to Claudius, grinning. "How's the wine?"
"It's fantastic. Probably the best I've had in years," Claudius replied with a grin, holding up his half-empty glass. "I might just take the rest of this bottle home with me."
"You're getting more and more comfortable around here, aren't you?" the bald Elder chuckled. "But it's fine. We appreciate your... unique style."
The bald Elder, his smile turning thoughtful, continued, "You handled this mission well. I'll admit, Kong was nearly at his limit. You really saved us from a close call."
"Just doing my job," Claudius replied with a modest shrug. "After all, CP-X was created to handle the world's more... complicated issues."
"Well said," the curly-haired Elder remarked, nodding approvingly. "You've earned quite a reputation, along with power, status, and wealth. We almost don't know what to offer you as a reward. So, tell us—what do you want this time?"
Claudius rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then shook his head. "Honestly, I don't need anything at the moment."
The bald Elder chuckled, as if he'd expected that answer. Then he leaned forward slightly, his tone turning casual but probing. "By the way, Claudius, I heard you've had a bit of trouble with Lancelot in the past?"
Claudius raised an eyebrow, then replied calmly, "It wasn't much. He tried to start something with me, but I'm not particularly interested in him."
"Good, good. It's important that Celestial Dragons look out for one another," the blond Elder said with a smile. "If any of us were to cause trouble within our own ranks, well... that wouldn't be tolerated."
Claudius nodded, though he sensed a subtle implication in their words. Were they telling him not to bother with Lancelot? Or was there an underlying message of support?
As he pondered this, the bald Elder cleared his throat and continued, "On the third day of next month, we'll be sending the head of the Donquixote family to Dressrosa to pay a diplomatic visit to the Riku royal family. I believe Lancelot will be traveling to the New World around that time... but of course, this isn't of any concern to you, right?"
A slow, wicked smile spread across Claudius's face. The message was clear: the Elders were giving him free rein to handle Lancelot as he saw fit, even in New World territory.
"Yes, of course. I'm not interested in that at all," Claudius replied, his eyes glinting with a scarlet light. Inside the Holy Land of Mariejois, within the grand halls of Claudius's palace, little Ace was crawling around at his feet. Nia was trying to capture Ace's attention with a soft toy, waving it in front of him. But the young child seemed entirely uninterested, determined to explore on his own.
Claudius watched this scene with amusement while holding a phone in his hand. He chuckled and called out, "Nia, maybe if you tried a toy musket, he'd be more interested."
Nia looked up at him, slightly disapproving. "Your Highness, that's hardly an appropriate toy for the young master."
Claudius laughed, but before he could reply, the Den Den Mushi in his hand crackled to life. His attention shifted as the familiar voice on the other end spoke up.
"Cousin? Don't tell me there's another mission already? Furfurfur..." Doflamingo laughed over the phone.
"What? Busy already?" Claudius teased, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Busy? Absolutely," Doflamingo replied, his tone laced with satisfaction. "Since the rumor spread that I defeated Redfield, I've got a flood of new recruits begging to join the Donquixote Pirates. We've grown a lot recently." He paused, and his voice turned playful. "But you know, no matter how busy I am, if there's a task from you, I'll make time."
"You're acting like big-name pirates grow on trees," Claudius joked.
Doflamingo laughed again. "True enough, cousin. So, what's the big news this time?"
"It's that thing you've been waiting for," Claudius replied in a quieter tone.
Doflamingo went silent for a moment before asking, "Lancelot?"
"That's right. The Five Elders gave me a little heads-up to show how much they value me," Claudius said, his voice carrying a faint edge. "On the third day of next month, Lancelot will be traveling to Dressrosa."
"Hah... so they're really giving you the green light on this?" Doflamingo sounded impressed. "I knew you'd take him out eventually, but I never thought the Five Elders would practically serve him up on a silver platter for you."
Claudius smirked. "I'll send you the travel documents for Lancelot's trip. Make sure to handle it cleanly. When the news breaks, it should look like Lancelot's ship encountered an unfortunate accident in the New World... with no survivors."
Doflamingo's laughter crackled over the line. "Furfurfur... No problem. The sea doesn't care who you are—even Celestial Dragons aren't exempt from its dangers. Isn't that right, cousin?"
Claudius chuckled. "Are you poking fun at me now, Doffy?"
"Why would you think that?" Doflamingo replied, his voice feigning innocence.
Claudius let out a hearty laugh. "I'll be sure to keep my guard up when I'm in the New World next time."
With that, they shared a few more lighthearted exchanges before saying their farewells and ending the call.
As Claudius set the phone worm down, he glanced over at the Nia who was still trying to entertain Ace nearby. His thoughts drifted.
The fact that the Five Elders would give him such a clear green light was telling. They were practically inviting him to take out Lancelot. But as Claudius thought about it more, he realized this "gift" from the Five Elders likely came with strings attached. If he did go through with it, no matter how perfectly he covered his tracks, he'd still be holding a dirty secret, something the Five Elders could leverage if they ever needed to.
"But so what?" Claudius muttered to himself. "I'm not one to be squeamish about a little dirt."
Whatever the Five Elders' true intentions, the benefits were clear. With Lancelot out of the picture, Claudius could solidify his position as the head of the Donquixote family, removing any lingering threat from within his own clan. It would grant him greater freedom and influence, without a meddling patriarch trying to keep him in check.
Satisfied with the decision, Claudius set aside his concerns and turned his focus back to the present. A few days passed, and he found himself restless, thinking of his ship in the City of Seven Waters. It had been almost five months since he'd placed the order, and he was eager to see if it was finally completed.
Just as he was making plans to leave, the phone worm buzzed again. This time, it was Stussy calling.
At that moment, Claudius was in the middle of "experiencing fatherhood," attempting to change Ace's diaper with a kind of fumbling clumsiness. Nia and two professional nannies hovered nearby, watching with wary eyes as if they expected some grand disaster.
Ace wriggled and squirmed, while Claudius struggled to keep the little boy still. With a mischievous grin, Claudius reached out, lightly poking Ace's belly. Just as he was about to continue, the den den mushi's ringing snapped him out of it.
Nia quickly handed over the Den Den Mushi. "It's Stussy," she informed him.
Claudius balanced the snail and the diaper in one hand. "Stussy! What's going on?"
"Hello, Your Highness," Stussy replied, her voice calm and smooth. "I've wrapped up business here in Water 7. Also, our ship has been completed. Tom was asking if you had a name in mind for it?"
"A name, huh..." Claudius murmured, pausing his diaper-changing efforts as he pondered the question.
Taking the hint, Nia signaled for the nannies to step in. They swiftly took over the diaper duty, gently ushering Claudius aside. He picked up the den den mushi with both hands, turning his full attention to Stussy's question.
After a moment's thought, he asked, "Do you have any suggestions?"
Stussy's voice turned playful. "How about 'The Most Handsome Celestial Dragon in History'?"
Claudius laughed. "Oh, yeah, that wouldn't look arrogant at all sailing into port."
"Personally, I think it's fitting," Stussy replied with a chuckle.
Claudius smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Thinking for another moment, he finally said, "How about 'Prometheus'?"
"Prometheus?" Stussy echoed thoughtfully. "The prophet who brings light to the world... I think it suits you perfectly, Your Highness."
"Then it's settled. The ship will be called Prometheus, the prophet guiding the world's light," Claudius said, a trace of pride in his voice as he envisioned the vessel.