Amidst the bustling crowd, Stussy was concealed, observing the people around her with a slight smile. She couldn't help but feel a bit impressed as she murmured to herself, "As expected, His Highness called it right. Things have already spiraled out of control."
Before coming to Logue Town, Claudius had warned his companions that something unexpected and monumental was likely to happen. And sure enough, Roger's final words had set off a chain reaction that none of them could contain.
In another part of the crowd, Crocodile was chuckling to himself, now fully understanding why Claudius had encouraged him to go to sea at this exact time. He admired Claudius's foresight even more now. Following him had been the right decision. This was the dawn of a new era!
On a nearby rooftop, Dragon stood watching the scene unfold, a rare smile on his face. "So it's happening... just as I hoped. With the seas thrown into chaos, our Revolutionary Army will be able to grow and strengthen."
After bidding farewell to the eager Doflamingo, who was brimming with excitement to begin his own pirate journey, Claudius turned to Enel. Together, they began to make their way back to the harbor. The spectacle was over, and Claudius was ready to head back to the warship for some rest.
"Your Highness, did you really expect all of this to happen?" Enel asked, glancing up at him curiously.
Claudius smirked, still visibly amused. "More or less. I knew that Roger wasn't going to go quietly. Hahaha, the man sacrificed himself to set the seas ablaze, launching a whole new era of chaos. By now, Mariejois and Marine Headquarters must be in absolute turmoil."
And he was right. With Roger's execution broadcast live and news spreading like wildfire, the World Government had no way of stopping it. The Five Elders, who had hoped this would be a display of power, were likely in a state of shock. Instead of deterring pirates, Roger's final declaration had ignited a worldwide frenzy.
"Do you think Crocodile is really not coming back?" Enel asked again.
"No, he's out there for good now. He wants to carve his own path on the sea, just like everyone else. I can't help but envy him a little... he's got freedom," Claudius admitted with a wistful smile.
"If you had the choice, would you go too?" Enel asked, his eyes alight with curiosity.
Claudius laughed, nodding. "Maybe. If I weren't a Celestial Dragon, I might have taken my own ship out there. Set sail to see what the world has to offer."
Enel looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding with understanding. "Yeah… I'd want to go too."
Claudius chuckled at his sincerity. "Well, then, you have something to look forward to. But you're still young. I'd say… wait until you're sixteen. Six more years."
"Six years, huh?" Enel calculated in his head, already eager for the day.
"Six years isn't long," Claudius replied with a smile.
Just then, a familiar figure appeared beside them, blending into the crowd with surprising ease. Dragon gave Claudius a knowing grin. "Everything going according to plan, Your Highness?"
"Here to gloat?" Claudius snorted, though he was clearly amused.
"I half-expected to see you pulling your hair out," Dragon teased. "But judging by that smirk, it seems you saw this coming?"
"More or less. What about you? Here to enjoy the chaos?" Claudius asked with a raised brow.
Dragon chuckled. "Chaos is good for us. The Revolutionary Army will use this time to expand quickly."
"Ah, so even you're heading out onto the seas," Claudius remarked, a slight grin playing on his lips. "The call of adventure got to you too, huh?"
Dragon looked out toward the horizon, his gaze serious yet filled with purpose. "Is there any reason to stop a man from running to the sea?"
With those words, Dragon turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Claudius to chuckle at his friend's dramatic exit.
Enel looked up, clearly intrigued. "Your Highness… is there really no reason to stop a man from running to the sea?"
Claudius stopped, considering the question before bursting into laughter. "Hahaha! No, there's no reason at all! In this world, there's nothing that can stop a man from chasing his dreams and seeking his treasure on the open sea. That's the beauty of it… the romance of it!"
Enel seemed to absorb those words, and then asked, "What about you, Your Highness? Don't you want to go to sea? Like Crocodile?"
Claudius paused, a hint of reflection in his gaze. "Me? I am already at sea, Enel."
Enel looked down, a bit puzzled by his answer. They were standing on solid ground, after all. But Claudius didn't explain further, leaving the thought lingering in the air as he continued to lead them toward the port.
Back at the harbor, they were met by Gion, who looked visibly anxious. "You're just wandering around? Don't you realize what's happening? Things are going out of control!"
Claudius grinned nonchalantly. "Of course, I know. The whole world's turning upside down, thanks to Roger."
"This is serious, Claudius!" Gion said, almost scolding him.
"I never said it wasn't serious," Claudius replied calmly, holding back a laugh.
Gion shot him a frustrated look, hands on her hips. "Then what are you going to do about it?"
Claudius gave her a patient look, shrugging his shoulders. "What can I do? I'm not a miracle worker. I can't stop the tides from turning. No one can."
"But… but you're a Celestial Dragon!" Gion protested.
"And that means I'm supposed to have control over the world?" Claudius chuckled. "Look, calm down. Let's wait for Sengoku and the others to return. I'm sure they'll have a plan."
Gion took a deep breath, trying to gather herself. "Fine… maybe you're right. But… it's unsettling. This era is out of control."
Claudius gave her a reassuring smile, placing a hand on her shoulder. "No one can stop the winds of change, Gion. But if you can't stop it, you can at least ride it. There's always a way forward."
As they stood there, they could see the streams of people leaving Logue Town, filled with newfound purpose. Claudius watched them go, knowing that this was only the beginning. Soon, the sea would be teeming with pirates, adventurers, and dreamers, each one chasing the legacy that Roger had left behind.