Baterilla Island, located on the outskirts of the South Blue, was a small, peaceful place. The island had a single small town with few residents. The climate was perfect, the scenery picturesque, and the pace of life was unhurried. It was the kind of place where people lived simply, with everything self-sustained, and there was little need for outside trade or tourism.
As Claudius's small cruise ship slowly docked at the island's port, it became clear just how quiet this place was. The only other boats around were small fishing sampans. No large ships or merchant vessels, no tourists bustling about. This was a place that time seemed to have forgotten.
"What's so special about this place? It's just some backwater island," Crocodile grumbled as he stepped off the boat, taking in the surroundings with an unimpressed scowl.
"You need to clear your head, Crocodile," Claudius snapped, shooting him an irritated glance. "Don't forget, you lost over two billion to me in that dice game back on Ricklandy Island. Consider this a chance to cleanse your filthy, gambling-addicted soul before you throw it all away in another casino."
That's right. Crocodile had a bad gambling habit, the kind of person who just couldn't stop once they got started. Back on Ricklandy Island, he had gotten carried away, losing over two billion berries to Claudius in a single night. Claudius had nearly lost his mind right then and there.
Rubbing his eyes sheepishly, Crocodile mumbled, "It's just two billion. Once I get back to sea, I'll pay you back in no time. Don't be so stingy, Claudius. You're a Celestial Dragon, after all…"
"Oh? Really?" Claudius smirked. "I can't wait to see you fulfill that promise. In the meantime, let me give you some advice, stay out of the casinos until you've paid me back. You might just lose whatever little you have left."
"You're so uptight!" Crocodile growled, clearly annoyed. "One day, I'll just open my own casino, and then it won't matter how much I lose, it'll all come back to me, right?"
Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? And I suppose that's your grand plan?"
In truth, Crocodile wasn't far off. Later in life, he did open a massive casino in the rain-battered region of Alabasta. That casino, named Rain Dinners, became the largest in the first half of the Grand Line, raking in more money than most could dream of.
As they strolled into Baterilla Island, Claudius surveyed the area, glancing left and right as if he were looking for something specific. Stussy, walking beside him, noticed and asked, "Your Highness, what exactly are you searching for?"
"Huh? Didn't I tell you before we came here?" Claudius asked, genuinely surprised.
"Tell us what?" Stussy responded, tilting her head in curiosity.
"I'm here to find Roger, of course," Claudius said casually. "Didn't I say I came here to catch him?"
At that, Stussy burst out laughing. She wasn't the only one. Crocodile snickered, and even Nia couldn't help but smile as she tried to hide her amusement. Enel, not quite understanding what was going on but sensing the mood, also grinned awkwardly.
"What's so funny?" Claudius demanded, clearly annoyed. "What's wrong with what I said?"
"Oh, nothing," Stussy said, trying to suppress her giggles. "But, Your Highness, why do you think Roger would be on this tiny island? He's the Pirate King! It seems a little far-fetched, doesn't it?"
"Yeah," Crocodile chimed in. "Are you really suggesting that the Pirate King, Roger, would be hiding out on some tiny island like this? What, did he decide to retire here and live the simple life as a farmer?"
"I mean, come on, if you really want to find Roger, we should be heading to the New World," Nia added, her voice gentle but clearly unconvinced by Claudius's logic.
Claudius waved them off. "Forget the New World. I've got a bad feeling about that place, nothing but trouble there. Look at me: I've been in South Blue for months, and it's been smooth sailing, not even a storm. What does that tell you? It means South Blue is my lucky spot. I'm staying put."
He then crossed his arms confidently. "And as for Roger, everyone thinks he's in the New World. But he's too clever for that. He'd never hide where people expect him to. So, I bet he's here, on this quiet little island, living a peaceful life. Maybe he even found a woman, got married, and settled down."
Nia gave a small, indulgent smile, not bothering to argue further. She knew Claudius had his whims, and there was no point in trying to change his mind once he'd set his sights on something.
Stussy, however, wasn't going to let it go that easily. With her hands on her hips, she challenged him, "Your Highness, no offense, but there's no way Roger's here. I'd bet my life on it."
"Oh?" Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting a bet?"
Stussy grinned. "Yes, a bet! If I win, you owe me a favor, one condition that I can ask for at any time, no questions asked."
Crocodile immediately jumped in. "Count me in! If I win, I don't owe you that two billion anymore."
Claudius looked at them both, then turned to Nia and Enel, raising his eyebrows. "What about you two? Care to join the bet?"
Enel shook his head, saying, "I trust Your Highness."
Nia smiled politely. "Everything I have is already yours, so I'll sit this one out."
Claudius laughed. "You two are smart. Alright then, it's a bet! Crocodile, if you lose, you'll owe me another four hundred million berries. And Stussy…" He trailed off, his eyes glancing over Stussy's figure with a mischievous grin. "If you lose, you'll owe me a little favor. Something… personal."
Stussy felt a shiver run down her spine at his suggestive tone, but she was confident in her victory. With a smirk, she accepted the terms. "Deal!"
Crocodile nodded in agreement, grinning. "Let's find out where Roger's hiding."
Claudius stood tall and stretched. "Alright then. Let's go find Roger, shall we? Hahaha!"