Coming out of the World Government headquarters, Claudius walked side by side with Sengoku seemingly deep in conversation.
"Let me get this straight: the mess was caused by the Marines, but somehow it all landed on me. Sengoku, you're really something. You found the perfect job for me," Claudius said, his tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction.
Sengoku looked slightly embarrassed but managed a wry smile. "Your Highness, isn't the CP-X division specifically there to handle issues that both the Marines and the CP agencies struggle with? I'll admit it, there are some things that even the Marines just can't manage."
Claudius raised an eyebrow in surprise and remarked, "I didn't expect this."
"Didn't expect what?" Sengoku asked with a curious smile.
"I didn't expect you, Sengoku to have such a thick skin. You're really something else," Claudius said with a tone of disdain.
"Hahahaha!" Sengoku laughed heartily but then shook his head and said, "Ah, sometimes, there's no choice but to adapt."
"Fine, I'll let it slide this time, but your Marines owe me one," Claudius said, arching an eyebrow.
"And what exactly do you have in mind?" Sengoku asked, nodding with a polite smile.
"The Scientific Department," Claudius replied without hesitation.
"This..." Sengoku hesitated for a moment, clearly finding the request somewhat tricky. After all, the Marine Scientific Department was a highly sensitive unit, handling crucial technology and research.
"Don't worry. I'm not asking to take over or command them," Claudius clarified, waving his hand dismissively. "I just mean that if there's something interesting or useful that I know you guys have, you won't keep it hidden from me."
Sengoku considered it for a moment. That request wasn't too unreasonable. After all, they all worked under the World Government, and Claudius held a prestigious position. Refusing him outright wouldn't look good.
In truth, Claudius had been fairly accommodating to the Marines overall. He didn't make a habit of demanding favors or causing unnecessary trouble for them.
And from Claudius' perspective, maintaining a good relationship with the Marines made sense. Their combat strength and unique system of "justice" could prove useful in the future. Helping them clean up their current mess was part of a larger picture.
"Since Your Highness has made this request, the Marines certainly won't keep anything good from you," Sengoku said with a smile.
Claudius nodded in satisfaction. Just recently, he'd struck a deal with Dragon over Bartholomew Kuma, and now, he'd secured an arrangement with the Marines as well. With all these connections, the Scientific Department's resources should be within his grasp soon.
As they continued walking, Sengoku suddenly said, "By the way, Your Highness, about the matter of the warships you promised to help push along..."
"Warships? I don't recall owing you anything about warships," Claudius replied, puzzled.
"Ahem, it's not that you owe us. It's just that we Marines discovered that the warships produced by Water 7 are of exceptional quality. We want to increase our orders, but their production seems to have reached its limit. They're avoiding taking on too many orders from us, so I was hoping you could put in a good word for us."
Sengoku's tone was amiable, almost pleading, as he added, "We're all part of the same family, after all."
Now Claudius understood. Smirking, he said, "So now you're impressed with the shipbuilding skills of Water 7? Fine, I'll help you out. But what's with the sudden rush to produce so many new warships? You're not exactly expanding recruitment right now, are you?"
Sengoku hesitated briefly but decided to explain. "It's partly related to the Scientific Department. We've recently developed a technology that allows Seastone to be applied to warships. Ships equipped with this can essentially blend in with the sea."
"Blend in with the sea?" Claudius asked, intrigued.
"Exactly. With this technology, the warships emit a unique signal that makes them undetectable to sea beasts and Sea Kings. This significantly reduces the chances of warships being attacked by marine creatures," Sengoku explained.
"Don't underestimate this," Sengoku continued. "Every year, at least 20% of our warships are damaged by attacks from sea creatures. While the issue is minor in most standard waters, in the New World, it's a completely different story. The seas there are full of dangerous monsters, and our warships frequently come under attack. This new technology could save us an enormous amount of resources and, more importantly, the lives of countless soldiers."
"And I assume this would also let you navigate the Calm Belt safely?" Claudius asked, raising an eyebrow.
"In theory, yes," Sengoku admitted. "But the Calm Belt is still a high-risk area, and the technology isn't fully tested yet. We haven't officially implemented it."
Claudius rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Interesting. And because of this, you need more new warships? I assume it's because retrofitting old ones with Seastone is too costly?"
"Exactly," Sengoku replied. "Seastone is incredibly valuable. Retrofitting old ships feels like a waste, so we're hoping to produce a new fleet specifically designed for this technology. That's why we need your help to speed up production."
Claudius smiled faintly. "So, once you have a fleet of these ships, the Calm Belt becomes open for exploration?"
"Potentially, yes. This hasn't been officially reported to the higher-ups yet. In fact, Your Highness, you're one of the first to know about this outside of the Marines," Sengoku said with a sly grin.
Claudius' interest was piqued. Smiling, he replied, "I see. Looks like you've been saving this little secret to win me over, huh, Sengoku?"
"Heh, sometimes you have to give a little to get a little," Sengoku said with a chuckle.
After a moment of contemplation, Claudius said, "Do you need me to cover for you?"
"Ahem, well... given that this technology hasn't been fully tested in the Calm Belt, it's still a theoretical application. The Calm Belt is dangerous, after all. Personally, I think it'll take another three to five years of experimentation before it's ready for full deployment. What do you think?" Sengoku said cautiously, testing the waters.
Claudius nodded knowingly. "You're right. Rushing something like this would be reckless. If certain nosy Celestial Dragons got wind of it and decided to demand a test run through the Calm Belt for fun, only to meet with disaster, who'd take the blame? It's better to wait until the technology is completely mature and proven before anyone hears about it."
Sengoku was relieved to see Claudius on the same page. "Exactly! Rushing things could lead to unnecessary problems. It's always better to proceed carefully."
Claudius added with a sly grin, "Of course, CP-X operates on the same principle, helping the World Government solve problems. Perhaps we could collaborate on this? It might speed things up, don't you think?"
Sengoku laughed and nodded. "Your Highness, that's an excellent suggestion. The Marines would be happy to cooperate with you."
Despite their cautious words about the dangers of the Calm Belt, both men were clearly aware of the enormous potential profits and resources waiting to be exploited there. For centuries, the Calm Belt had remained untouched, its natural treasures and opportunities beyond reach.
Now, with this new technology, the possibility of free passage through the Calm Belt was within sight. Though dangerous, the benefits were undeniable.
For the Marines, assembling a large fleet was entirely feasible. And for Claudius, with Water 7 under his control, the opportunities were just as promising.
Between them, the allure of the Calm Belt was becoming hard to ignore.
***
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