After spending several months in East Blue, Claudius had managed to oversee a significant shift in the region. With Marines deploying numerous inspectors and CP-X conducting sweeps across every branch base in East Blue, the overall atmosphere within the Marines had shifted toward a sense of justice and discipline.
By now, the calendar had reached Sea Circle Year 1509, and Claudius decided it was time to return to the first half of the Grand Line.
Over the past few months, the ongoing development of the Seven Warlords of the Sea program had caused noticeable ripples in the world of piracy, just as Claudius had anticipated.
Dividing pirate factions into opposing camps proved effective, creating a new dynamic across the seas. In the New World, it seemed as though the formation of the Seven Warlords had acted as a catalyst. Big Mom's crew and Kaido's Beasts Pirates were gradually following in Whitebeard's footsteps, each paving their own path toward becoming a "Pirate Emperor."
Meanwhile, Whitebeard's crew, despite losing face in Fish-Man Island, solidified their position as the first true Pirate Emperor crew.
This marked the beginning of the Four Emperors era, with three of the groups already establishing themselves as dominant forces. However, the situation with Shanks and the Red Hair Pirates was puzzling. Unlike the other would-be Emperors, Shanks's crew still behaved more like a low-profile band of nobodies, spending most of their time in East Blue, far from the action.
"If not for the occasional reports of their activity in the New World, I'd think Shanks and his crew were planning to stay in East Blue forever," Claudius muttered to himself.
---
"The People's Hero of Alabasta—Crocodile," Claudius read aloud, holding a newspaper and laughing. "Hahaha, this guy really pulled it off. He's actually become a national hero in Alabasta."
Sitting comfortably on Claudius's lap, Stussy peeled a banana and smiled. "Crocodile was the first Seven Warlord you recruited. The image he's built in Alabasta is making people rethink the value of the Seven Warlords program. I'd say your strategy is working."
"Bartholomew Kuma isn't moving too slowly, either," Claudius replied. "I heard he's already reached an agreement with the Marines. But I've made it clear to Sengoku that both Kuma and Mihawk are true 'independent' Warlords not directly tied to me. If anything goes wrong with them in the future, it's not my responsibility."
Stussy chuckled and added, "Kuma's reputation isn't bad, but Doflamingo's been making quite the stir with his hunt for a kingdom. Things are getting lively over there." She took a bite of her banana, found it sweet, and offered it to Claudius with a teasing grin.
Claudius took a bite without hesitation and responded with a smirk. "That's just how pirates operate. It's very fitting for his style. Compared to the others, Doflamingo is probably the most typical pirate among the Warlords. After all, he got his position by stealing the Celestial Tribute."
Following his induction as a Warlord, Doflamingo had wasted no time returning to the New World from North Blue. Within two weeks, he successfully claimed the kingdom of Dressrosa as his own, solidifying his status.
However, his long-standing reputation and recent ascension to the Seven Warlords led to rumors of underhanded tactics. Despite being hailed as a hero by some in Dressrosa, many outsiders derided him as a "mad king" who had seized power through despicable means.
Not that it mattered to Doflamingo or to Claudius, for that matter. The World Government certainly didn't care either, having disliked Dressrosa's former regime.
As Claudius had predicted, Trafalgar Law had indeed found his way into Doflamingo's crew in North Blue and now served as one of his subordinates. Doflamingo seemed quite fond of Law, mentioning him enthusiastically in a recent conversation with Claudius.
"He's a lot like me when I was younger," Doflamingo had said. "That same crazed look in his eyes, full of destruction."
Claudius hadn't commented much at the time. Doflamingo had been influenced by Claudius and avoided completely succumbing to the darkness. But Trafalgar Law? With his burning desire for revenge, he seemed hell-bent on tearing the world apart.
Everyone had their own destiny, Claudius thought. Doflamingo's fate had changed after meeting him, while Law's path remained bound to the loss of his savior, Corazon.
---
Claudius swallowed another bite of banana and smiled. "This is pretty good. Let me have another bite."
Stussy frowned playfully. "Your Highness, this is my banana. Be grateful I let you have two bites. If you want more, peel one yourself!"
"Stingy," Claudius teased. "Fine, I'll make it up to you tonight by helping you 'peel' your exclusive big banana."
Stussy flushed, feeling Claudius's hand squeeze her thigh. Just as she was about to retort, the sound of the Den Den Mushi interrupted them.
Claudius set her aside gently and answered the call, smiling as he spoke. "Sengoku! I hear you're about to get a promotion. Congratulations in advance!"
The rumor that Kong was set to be promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the Army had been circulating for some time. Naturally, this meant Sengoku would ascend to the position of Marine Fleet Admiral. Although officially unconfirmed, the Five Elders themselves had quietly leaked the information to prepare everyone for the upcoming changes.
"Heh, don't tease me, Your Highness," Sengoku said, though the excitement in his voice was unmistakable.
"It doesn't sound like a baseless rumor to me. I think it's happening sooner than you think," Claudius said with a chuckle.
After exchanging a few lighthearted remarks, Sengoku shifted to the main topic. "Your Highness, the Marine base on Fish-Man Island is fully operational, and CP-X has settled in as well. The preliminary conditions we agreed upon with Fish-Man Island have all been met. I've just received word that everything is ready. Can we begin the Calm Belt experiments?"
Claudius nodded as he listened, a smile playing on his lips. "Of course. Since everything is in place, let's proceed with the Calm Belt operations. Stussy, where are we right now?"
"We're nearing the Island of Spring Queens," Stussy replied promptly.
"Perfect," Claudius said. "I was planning to check out that island anyway. Once I'm done here, I'll head back to Mariejois. After that, I'll deal with some matters in the Calm Belt."
"Are you talking about Amazon Lily?" Sengoku asked.
"Yes, the island of the Kuja. Why? Is there a problem?" Claudius inquired.
"Amazon Lily is technically a pirate nation," Sengoku said gravely.
Claudius chuckled and replied, "Perhaps. But in my vision, they'll be our allies within the next three to five years. I've already set aside a position in the Seven Warlords of the Sea for them. They can be trusted."
Sengoku paused before responding with a smile. "It sounds like you've got a plan for the Calm Belt."
"I do," Claudius confirmed. "Once I secure things with Amazon Lily, we can begin operations. Let's stay coordinated."
"Understood. Marine forces will be ready to act once we receive your signal," Sengoku said.
***
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