One Piece: King Of The World

by Junkdog786

The mortal kings did not dare meet my gaze, and the Admiral would bow his body in my presence. Why, you ask? Because I was born noble, standing above all living beings. Everything under the sun is trampled beneath the hooves of the Celestial Dragons! I am the King of the World!" - Donquixote Claudius

3. Chapter 11-20

Chapter 11: Marine Hero · Vice Admiral Garp!

At Marine Headquarters, Marineford, a massive warship adorned with dog head decorations slowly docked into the harbor. From the ship jumped a man wearing a gray-white suit, his body solid and muscular, with short, messy hair and a scar running down the corner of his eye. His carefree and bold demeanor radiated authority.

This man, dressed in the iconic Marine cloak of justice, bore the epaulets of a Vice Admiral was none other than the Marine hero, Monkey D. Garp. He was the man who, along with Roger, defeated the infamous Rocks Pirates during the "God Valley Incident" a few years back, a feat that had earned him the title of hero across the world.

" Vice Admiral Garp, welcome back!" A Marine officer quickly approached him, holding out a stack of documents for him to sign.

Indeed, this was the legendary Garp, who, despite working alongside Roger to take down Rocks, was given sole credit by the World Government. They conveniently erased the existence of Roger's involvement to portray a cleaner narrative. Garp, however, detested being hailed as a hero for that incident and rarely spoke about it. Most Marines didn't even know the full truth, with only the highest-ranking officers privy to such secrets.

With a casual gesture, Garp took the documents and scrawled his signature without even glancing at them. This was a standard procedure for officers returning from missions, a formality that served as a "sign-in" of sorts.

"Vice Admiral Garp, Admiral Sengoku has asked that you head to the Marshal's office as soon as you arrive," the Marine officer said.

Garp handed the papers back and grumbled, "Can't even let a guy catch his breath, huh? Every time I get back, there's another task waiting."

Though Garp could grumble all he liked, no Marine officer dared to complain alongside him. The young officer could only smile awkwardly, knowing full well he didn't have the same privilege to criticize their superiors.

After giving the officer a few words of encouragement, Garp made his way toward the fortress, his powerful frame drawing the eyes of the lower-ranked Marines.

Inside the office of the Marine Marshal, a serious conversation was taking place. The iron-blooded Marshal Kong, with his towering physique, was reviewing a set of reports while Zephyr and Sengoku, two of Marine's most esteemed Admirals, sat nearby.

"The situation in the New World is getting worse," Kong said, shaking his head. "Shiki's arrogance knows no bounds. He seems hell-bent on wiping out all of his former comrades."

Zephyr nodded. "Shiki is out of control. If this continues, it could spark a much larger conflict in the New World."

Marine had unmatched power across the seas, but they had to tread carefully. The New World was home to powerful pirate crews, and even though Marine had the upper hand in individual strength, a full-blown conflict could cause these pirates to band together, which would be disastrous. The balance of power in the New World was fragile, and Marine had to maintain stability.

"Let them fight each other," Sengoku said, sipping his tea. "Shiki's currently focused on Ochoku. If they wear each other down, we might find an opportunity to clean up the mess."

Ochoku, like Shiki, had once been a member of the Rocks Pirates. Now, he was the ruler of the Kano Country and had significant influence in the New World. However, Shiki had recently marked him as a target, and a major clash between them seemed inevitable.

Marine's strategy had always been to maintain balance. Let the pirates fight among themselves, and as long as Marine didn't press too hard, the pirates would never unite. But if Marine escalated things too much, it could trigger a chain reaction that would bring the worst out of these criminals.

"Shiki's reckless, but we can't underestimate the impact of these internal conflicts on the overall stability of the seas," Zephyr commented. "What we need to focus on is reinforcing Marine's strength. It's been nearly ten years, and we still haven't solidified the positions of the three Admirals. This delay is starting to affect the morale of our forces."

Sengoku and Kong exchanged uneasy looks. The subject of Marine's three Admirals had been a sore point for years. There were plenty of capable candidates, but none had risen to the top. Marine needed three powerful figures to inspire confidence in the ranks and solidify the organization's strength.

Among the senior officers, there were several who were qualified, including Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had the skills and experience necessary to take on the role of Admiral. But Tsuru had no interest in the position, and with Garp looming over her as the obvious but unwilling choice for promotion, no one else was willing to step up either. No one wanted to be seen as Garp's second choice.

And Garp, the perfect candidate, had repeatedly refused the position of Admiral. His defiance had left the upper echelons of Marine HQ frustrated, as they couldn't force him into the role.

Kong sighed, his eye twitching in frustration. "Zephyr, since you're bringing it up, maybe you can convince Garp to take the position. He should be back by now."

Sengoku, frowning, said, "His pursuit of Roger's crew in South Blue was a bust. Roger's pirates are getting better at slipping through our nets. I have a feeling they'll be an even bigger problem than Shiki in the future."

That was Garp's mission. He had spent months chasing Roger's crew through South Blue but ultimately came up empty-handed. The pirates had vanished without a trace, leaving Garp with little choice but to return to base.

"Trouble in the future..." Kong muttered, his face grim. For a moment, the room was steeped in silence as the weight of Sengoku's words sank in.

Suddenly, the door to the office was banged on a few times before swinging open. Without waiting for permission to enter, Garp casually strolled into the room, one hand digging into his nose while the other closed the door behind him.

"Can't a guy get a break? First thing after I get back, you all want to drag me into another meeting!" Garp complained loudly.

Sengoku shot him a glare. "Garp, can you at least try to maintain some level of decorum?"

Garp laughed heartily. "Hahahaha! Come on, Sengoku, we're all friends here. What's the point of acting all formal?"

He flicked the piece of snot he had been playing with, and though the others caught a glimpse of it flying through the air, none of them commented on it. Garp's irreverent attitude was well known among his comrades.

Plopping down in a chair beside Zephyr, Garp waved away any pretense of formality. "Anyway, it was a bust. Those Roger Pirates are too slippery. No matter how hard we chase them, they manage to vanish. We really ought to upgrade our warships they're just not fast enough."

Zephyr clapped a hand on Garp's shoulder and said, "We'll look into the speed of the ships later. But first, we need to talk about something important strengthening Marine from within. Specifically, we need to fill the position of Admiral. What do you say, Garp?"

Garp didn't even let him finish. "Ahahahaha! No way! You know I don't want to be Admiral. Sure, it's a prestigious title, but all that red tape and dealing with the World Government? No thanks."

The room went quiet for a moment before Garp added with a grin, "By the way, I heard about your little mission with the Celestial Dragons while I was in South Blue. Zephyr, how'd that go? Bet it was a real headache."

Sengoku groaned, knowing that Garp wasn't going to be swayed. This stubbornness was part of what made him a great Marine but also what made him an infuriating colleague at times. Zephyr, too, shook his head. He knew that convincing Garp was a lost cause.

"Actually," Zephyr said, "the mission went smoother than expected. I met an interesting Celestial Dragon. Do you know Donquixote Claudius?"

Garp scratched his chin, thinking. "Claudius...? Oh! Is that the Celestial Dragon who accidentally ate a Devil Fruit? Heh, I remember hearing about that. Bit of a joke, isn't he?"

Indeed, Claudius wasn't well-known outside of Mariejois. His most memorable claim to fame was the incident where he accidentally consumed a Devil Fruit, something that had caused quite a stir and led to jokes among the higher ranks of the Marines.

Zephyr smiled. "That's the one. But he's different from the other Celestial Dragons. There's something about him... I get the feeling we'll be dealing with him again in the future."

Sengoku and Garp exchanged looks. When Zephyr spoke about someone's potential, it was worth paying attention.

"Interesting," Garp mused, filing the name away in his mind. "We'll see what happens."

Chapter 12: Monkeys Are Dangerous

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, inside the residence of the gods, Claudius sat comfortably in his study, leisurely reading a book.

Naturally, he was unaware that, thanks to Zephyr's remarks, he had gained quite a reputation within the Naval Headquarters.

The book Claudius held in his hands was one of many that Nia, had recently provided. It detailed the customs and governance of the world, specifically introducing the various national situations of the more than 170 countries allied with the World Government.

"Although slavery was officially abolished, it's not just the Celestial Dragons who blatantly disregard this decree. Even among the ordinary nobles, there are still slaves to be found..." Claudius murmured softly to himself as he read.

This was in line with his prior understanding. While Doflamingo was still just a child at this time, the infamous slave trade of the Sabaody Archipelago hadn't relied solely on his future influence to flourish.

The business was already thriving. Celestial Dragons often bought slaves when visiting the island, and when they weren't around, the nobles served as the primary clientele.

For the moment, Claudius had no particular interest in meddling with the slave trade. Even if he had the inclination to intervene, he lacked the power to do so. He wasn't some idealistic hero who could change things with mere words.

Aside from the slave trade operating in the shadows, most countries still operated under a feudal system. Kings ruled over their nations, and nobles were entrusted with the management of territories much like in the ancient times of his previous life. This brought Claudius to some deeper thoughts.

Just as he was contemplating these matters, a gentle knock sounded at the door of his study.

"Your Highness," Nia's soft voice called from outside.

Claudius snapped out of his thoughts and replied calmly, "Come in."

With his permission, Nia quietly opened the door and stepped into the study.

"Any news?" Claudius asked, still not turning away from the book in his hand.

"Yes, Your Highness," Nia replied with a nod, and before Claudius could prompt her further, she continued, "At Naval Headquarters, there is indeed a Vice Admiral by the name of Dragon. Although he hasn't been promoted yet, many within the Marine know that he is the son of Garp, the hero of the Marines."

"Just as I thought..." Claudius said with a small smile, muttering to himself.

Garp was indeed a Marine hero, a man who clearly despised the Celestial Dragons, but whose loyalty to the Marine and the World Government was beyond question. Otherwise, he wouldn't have risked his life during the God Valley incident.

Even if Garp's loyalty was to a peace shaped by the World Government's control, it was still unwavering. At the very least, Garp had a deep love for the Marines.

As a hero, Garp naturally hoped his son would follow in his footsteps, and it seemed he had succeeded. Dragon was already a Vice Admiral a clear indication of his talent.

Judging by Dragon's age, he should be in his early twenties probably around twenty-three or twenty-four.

Even without Garp's influence, Dragon's position as Vice Admiral was well earned.

So Claudius wasn't particularly surprised by the news.

"Why does Your Highness have such interest in Garp's son?" Nia asked, a little puzzled.

Claudius chuckled and replied, "Because this man is rather interesting."

Nia still didn't fully understand. Despite her curiosity, she quickly suppressed it.

Ever since Saint Claudius had returned from his "trip" to the New World, there had been many changes. His attendants, including Nia, all noticed that his temper had significantly mellowed. The once irritable and troublesome noble, known for causing daily chaos, had become a quiet figure who rarely left his estate.

Naturally, Nia had noticed this transformation as well. Though she had her doubts, she rationalized it by assuming that Claudius had matured. Perhaps his experiences had calmed his mind, allowing him to adopt a more stable and level-headed approach to life.

But Claudius, deep down, knew the truth. It wasn't a mere change of mindset; it was a complete change of soul.

As for why he was so interested in Dragon, it was because Claudius knew the man would eventually become the greatest enemy of the Celestial Dragons.

He needed to find out more about Dragon's current situation. Had he already started to distance himself from his father's ideals? If Dragon had already begun to oppose the World Government, then Claudius had to act swiftly.

If Dragon had broken away from his father's beliefs and was preparing to go rogue, it would be disastrous for Claudius and the other Celestial Dragons.

That would mean Dragon had already undergone his transformation he had already set his revolutionary ambitions.

If that was the case, Claudius needed to eliminate Dragon immediately, before he grew into a greater threat.

Claudius wasn't the type to be sentimental. Even though Dragon had a legendary father in Garp, that didn't earn him any special treatment.

The saying "Your position determines your actions" applied here. Whatever role Claudius found himself in, he would act accordingly.

If he had been reincarnated as a pirate, he would've lived as a pirate raiding, plundering, pursuing the title of Pirate King without a second thought.

Had he been reborn as a Marine, he would've donned the cloak of justice, worked his way up to Admiral, and used the power of the Buster Call to annihilate anything he found displeasing.

And if he had been born in Dragon's time and ended up under his command, Claudius might've devoted himself to revolution, fighting to overthrow the corrupt powers of the old world.

But none of those scenarios had played out. Claudius had been born as a Celestial Dragon, with all the wealth, power, and privilege the world had to offer.

Thus, his role was clear: protect the Celestial Dragons and maintain the status quo. As long as the World Government stood strong, he could continue to enjoy the privileges that came with his title. The choice was simple. There was no need to hesitate.

That meant anyone who threatened the Celestial Dragon's way of life had to be dealt with no exceptions.

Claudius knew that while the Celestial Dragons were untouchable now, that might not be the case in twenty or thirty years. The winds of change would eventually sweep through, and whether the World Government could withstand the coming storm was uncertain.

If the World Government fell and the Celestial Dragons lost their power, everything Claudius enjoyed now would be taken away. Worse yet, in the aftermath of the revolution, the rulers of the old regime the Celestial Dragons would be hunted down.

The fate of Donquixote Homing and his family was a stark reminder. Even though they had voluntarily given up their Celestial Dragon status, they were still hated by the common people, who wanted nothing more than to see them dead.

If the World Government collapsed, Claudius could easily imagine what would happen to him and the rest of the Celestial Dragons.

This was why Claudius was determined to ensure the survival of the World Government and the Celestial Dragon's rule.

From his memories and understanding of the world, Claudius could identify several key factors that might lead to the downfall of the World Government.

At the top of the list was Garp and his family the Monkey family.

Their influence on the world was undeniable. Garp was a hero in the Marine, one of the strongest figures of the time.

His son, Dragon, although currently a Marine Vice Admiral, would eventually become the leader of the revolutionary army, waging war against the Celestial Dragons and the World Government.

And then there was Garp's grandson Monkey D. Luffy, the future Pirate King. Though still unborn at this time, Luffy's fate was sealed. With his protagonist's luck, he was destined to become a major player in the world's future.

Between Garp, Dragon, and Luffy, the Monkey family had their hands in all three major power structures Marine, Revolutionaries, and Pirates. It was only a matter of time before they shook the very foundations of the world.

Of the three, Claudius wasn't too worried about Garp. By the time the revolution began in earnest, Garp would be old, likely retired. Having spent his entire life serving the Marines and the World Government, it was unlikely that Garp would suddenly become an enemy.

In fact, Garp could even be an ally, one of the few who could help hold the World Government together when the time came.

Dragon, on the other hand, was a different story. Once he fully embraced his revolutionary ideals, he would become a direct threat to the Celestial Dragons.

As for Luffy, Claudius had already made up his mind to stay out of the boy's way. The protagonist's aura was too strong, and getting involved with him would only invite trouble.

Still, if Luffy continued down the path to becoming the Pirate King, Claudius wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him before he could cause too much damage.

"But I'll have to give Garp some face," Claudius thought. "Once Luffy enters the New World, I'll have no choice but to deal with him. Whether it's in Alabasta or Enies Lobby... well, perhaps by that time, my actions might change his fate entirely."

"As for Dragon," Claudius mused. "Once he becomes a true threat, I'll have no choice but to deal with him decisively. If I can handle him before he establishes the Revolutionary Army, all the better."

For now, however, Dragon was still a Marine Vice Admiral. He was young, still bound by the ideals of justice instilled in him by his father. If Claudius played his cards right, perhaps he could even sway Dragon to his side, or at the very least, neutralize his ambitions before they fully developed.

"It's not like I can just kill him right now, though," Claudius thought. "He's still Garp's son, and Garp, despite his disdain for Celestial Dragons, is fiercely loyal to the Marines and the World Government. If I somehow managed to eliminate Dragon through underhanded means, Garp would no doubt lose his mind and come after me."

Claudius could already imagine the enraged Marine hero storming Mariejois, fists swinging, ready to punch him into oblivion.

"I need to be careful," Claudius thought, his expression growing serious. "But I also need to act before it's too late."

Thus, his plan began to take shape watch Dragon closely, steer him if possible, and if not, eliminate him before he could truly threaten the World Government and the Celestial Dragons.

With his mind made up, Claudius let out a sigh, already feeling the weight of the decisions he would need to make in the future.

Chapter 13: Civil Rights

Claudius held an optimistic view of the future transformations in this world.

Looking at the trajectory of history, these changes were undoubtedly inevitable.

Eight centuries of rule had accumulated a vast number of contradictions. When these tensions could no longer be suppressed, they would inevitably trigger a massive backlash, one so turbulent that no human effort could halt it.

Claudius didn't delude himself into thinking he was powerful enough to single-handedly suppress the wave of an entire era. For the various systems set in place by the World Government, whatever was meant to change in the future would certainly still change. However, Claudius had no intention of passively accepting all these changes.

There were different types of changes.

The first would be bottom-up, sparked by the revolutionary army that Dragon would one day establish. The clash of iron and blood would bring about a direct change in the ruling dynasty. At that time, while the World Government might survive in some organizational form, its current rulers would be doomed.

The second type of change would be top-down. This was the method Claudius favored a transformation initiated from within, allowing the system to adapt to the changing era, thereby revitalizing itself. This was the path Claudius was leaning toward, and it might be the approach he would take in the future.

"Even if the world changes, it should be guided by divine hands," Claudius muttered softly.

"Your Highness?" Nia, standing by his side, looked at him in confusion, unsure how to respond to his cryptic words.

Claudius smiled, setting aside the book in his hand. "Don't mind me. I was just thinking out loud."

Claudius's plan was clear: he intended to seize the right moment to initiate a top-down transformation that could adapt to the tidal wave of the new era. But before that, he needed to make preparations. If he wanted to stir up change, he couldn't do it alone he needed power, allies who would conspire with him.

At present, Dragon seemed like someone who might be of use. However, Claudius was still too young. Had he been born a decade or so earlier, he might have been better prepared. Therefore, until he possessed sufficient strength, he couldn't act rashly or push Dragon too hard. His approach would need to be subtle he would have to gradually influence Dragon's thinking, helping him understand Claudius's ideas, so that the two of them wouldn't end up as enemies.

This kind of work required "culture." In simple terms: brainwashing.

After all, Claudius hailed from an era of information overload in his previous life. His mind was brimming with knowledge, and as a well-educated man, brainwashing these natives shouldn't pose too much of a challenge.

"If things go as expected, the best solution would be to adapt to the times by reforming the existing system. Of all possible systems, a constitutional monarchy seems most fitting delegating symbolic power to the people so they feel like they have a stake in things, while holding the real, invisible power behind the scenes. That's the framework I have in mind."

Claudius pondered over this.

When contradictions piled up to a breaking point, if one didn't want to be overthrown, concessions had to be made. The biggest flaw of the current system was that the World Government wielded too much power, and the Celestial Dragons were completely unrestrained, making them utterly lawless.

To avoid the fate of being overthrown, Claudius felt that some power needed to be ceded. However, this would only be a façade. As long as societal productive forces hadn't yet reached a point of equal wealth distribution, class divisions would remain inevitable. Right now, these divisions were simply too glaring, with the Celestial Dragons brazenly standing above everything else. Such contradictions were bound to lead to conflict.

Although Claudius temporarily believed in delegating power, he had no intention of dismantling the upper class. His goal was to stabilize their power through the redistribution of authority. He would use wealth to control power discreetly after the system was reformed.

In short, Claudius intended to use constitutional reform as a façade to create a pseudo-capitalist system. Outwardly, there would be no obvious power on display, but in reality, he would still control the true power wealth.

By that time, with one hand holding the illusion of symbolic authority and the other holding real economic power, coupled with Marine waving the flag of justice, it would appear that significant changes had occurred. But in reality, he would still be at the top.

That would be enough.

Of course, Claudius knew better than to let Dragon in on these deeper thoughts. He had to wrap these ideas in the rhetoric of the "new era" and make them seem progressive. After all, what's more effective than using lofty ideals to manipulate others?

This kind of trickery was easy enough. It appeared grandiose, but it wasn't too complicated certainly not for Claudius.

Once Claudius understood this, he realized that gaining Dragon's cooperation would be his first major goal. The best way to do this? Books.

Dragon was still serving as a Vice Admiral in the Marine, meaning his ideological views hadn't solidified yet. His values were still being shaped, largely influenced by Garp.

That was perfect. At this stage, before Dragon fully discovered his path, Claudius could "rewrite" his thoughts using books that resonated with him.

As someone who came from an information-rich era, Claudius had more than enough material in his head to compose a book that could sway someone like Dragon. But for this plan to work, the content had to fit this world it couldn't be too outlandish.

Thus, Claudius had Nia continually gather books from this world for him, expanding his knowledge and preparing for the task ahead.

This was just the beginning. First, he would write a simple work to "enlighten" Dragon. He'd find a way to ensure that Dragon stumbled upon it naturally, arousing his curiosity. That would be the first step.

Later, when he was strong enough to travel freely, Claudius would traverse the world, writing a more substantial book one that could genuinely inspire Dragon.

The best outcome would be co-publishing a book with Dragon, tying him firmly to these ideals.

"I really am devious... tsk." Claudius touched his chin, smiling wickedly.

For now, lacking the strength to act openly, he had to rely on this "cultural" approach. It was the only path available to him.

Of course, Claudius knew that without real power, all of this was mere talk. If this path succeeded, it would be ideal. But if it failed, he would have to explore other means to secure his interests.

"Mass murder..." Claudius muttered.

The first approach, a top-down transformation, was the kingly path ruling through benevolence, enlightening the people, and guiding them with reason.

The second, more brutal path, was hegemony. If reasoning failed, Claudius would have to use raw power to enforce his will. Whoever tried to overthrow him would be eliminated.

These were thoughts Claudius kept to himself, weighing each option carefully. In the end, though, all roads led back to one conclusion: strength was essential.

With that thought, Claudius snapped back to the present. Nia was still standing quietly beside him, waiting patiently.

"Nia, bring me my pen and ink," Claudius said.

Nia blinked in surprise. "Your Highness?" She thought he had been focusing on martial arts recently, and now, suddenly, he wanted to write? Could he be thinking of composing a book?

She was momentarily confused, but in the end, it didn't matter. Claudius was a Celestial Dragon. Whether he was writing or even burning books, no one would dare question him.

Pushing aside these thoughts, Nia quickly fetched the pen and ink.

Claudius took the pen, paused for a moment, and thought to himself: if he wanted to influence Dragon's idealism, he needed a title that sounded grand!

After a few moments of consideration, Claudius made his decision and wrote two large characters on the paper: "Civil Rights."

But when he looked at his handwriting, Claudius froze. While the words themselves were fine, the writing was atrocious practically illegible.

"Ugh, my predecessor was truly useless. A noble who can't even write properly... It's embarrassing," Claudius muttered to himself.

Frustrated, he set the pen down. "Nia, you do it."

"Me?" Nia was taken aback. "But Your Highness... I'm not sure what you want to write."

"I'll dictate it to you. My handwriting is too awful to show to anyone. You can write decently, right?" Claudius asked, smiling.

Nia nodded hesitantly. "We do have to learn proper calligraphy in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Along with music, chess, painting, and so on..."

Claudius wasn't surprised. As a steward for the Celestial Dragons, it made sense for her to be highly skilled. After all, if one of the Celestial Dragons was in a good mood and asked you to play a tune or paint something, you couldn't very well say no. Otherwise, they might kill you for being useless.

"Good, then you can write for me," Claudius said with a grin.

Nia sat down in the spot Claudius had vacated. After neatly writing the words "Civil Rights," she paused, waiting for Claudius to continue dictating.

Claudius stood behind her, his voice calm and measured as he spoke:

"The people are like water, and the ruler is the boat. Dynasties may rise and fall, leaders may change, but the people endure. Water can support a boat, but it can also overturn it. Therefore, the well-being of the people must always come first, while the ruler serves as their guiding light..."

Claudius continued to dictate in a low voice while Nia diligently recorded his words. If Claudius wanted to influence Dragon's idealism, he had to craft this carefully, blending grand ideals with practical rhetoric. The title and the text needed to sound profound enough to inspire someone like Dragon.

Nia, listening intently to Claudius's words, couldn't help but feel a growing sense of disbelief. Initially, she thought Claudius's sudden interest in writing was just a passing whim, perhaps some lofty rhetoric praising the greatness of the Celestial Dragons. But these words...

The more Claudius spoke, the more shocked Nia became. His thoughts, his philosophy, seemed almost radical. As a member of the Celestial Dragons, Claudius's ideas about the people being the foundation of society, about rulers needing to adapt or face ruin were astonishing, almost blasphemous.

She kept her composure, though, continuing to write, her pen moving steadily across the paper as she recorded every word.

Chapter 14: Generous Cousin

The grand and opulent palace Claudius resided in was originally named the "The King's Palace," but he found the name far too ostentatious. Claudius believed that until he achieved some measure of success, it was best to keep a low profile. He didn't want to attract undue attention from the Five Elders or, worse, Imu, who he had never seen but knew held great power.

So, he changed the name of the "The King's Palace" to "Claudius Palace." Claudius knew well he had borrowed the name from the emperors of his past life. Of course, the palace's design and style were still inconsistent with the name. But for now, this would suffice. Once he had more power, he could make the necessary adjustments.

In the palace courtyard, Claudius gripped a wooden sword, repeatedly swinging it in powerful, simple movements. After three months of recovery and training, his body had undergone notable changes.

Without the burdens of food or drink, and with access to the best luxuries, combined with regular exercise, Claudius was growing into a striking figure. His physique had improved so much that every few days, he looked noticeably different.

The soft, chubby appearance he once had was now long gone. His body had returned to a healthy, muscular state, with his arms and waist becoming well-defined. His upper body was bare, and his skin, well cared for, gleamed under the sun, looking almost translucent without a scar in sight. His long, pale blonde hair fluttered in the wind. Once, Claudius had a somewhat sleazy appearance, but now, his sharp eyebrows and handsome features marked a dramatic transformation. Among the Celestial Dragons, his good looks were rare.

"More than 20,000 swings, and His Highness is still as steady as ever, without a hint of trembling. He really has a gift for this. Could he truly become a great swordsman?" muttered a burly middle-aged man nearby. He was wearing a slave collar around his neck and watched Claudius's training in awe.

This man had once been a renowned swordsman at sea before he was captured and enslaved. Claudius had discovered him among the slaves and immediately hired him as his kendo instructor. The man's task wasn't to teach Claudius any particularly advanced skills his role was simply to guide the practice of the basics.

Claudius had promised him freedom once he achieved mastery in kendo, a prospect that excited the man so much that he was eager to impart everything he knew to Claudius as quickly as possible, hoping to leave Mariejois sooner rather than later.

Kendo basics weren't much different from what Claudius had imagined. The first step was mastering sword swings—ensuring the blade moved exactly where you intended. If you couldn't control the sword's direction, how could you hope to cut down an opponent?

While simple, this training could become monotonous. Fortunately, Claudius had plenty of time on his hands. His daily routine was balanced after sword practice, he focused on physical training using the methods left by Admiral Zephyr. In the afternoons, he studied his Devil Fruit abilities. And in the evenings, he dictated his thoughts and plans, with Nia recording them. All in all, Claudius lived a very fulfilling life, even if he rarely left the palace. He never felt as if he was wasting time.

Nia, standing nearby, listened to the swordsman's words with a sense of pride. "Who do you think His Highness Claudius is? If he wants to become a great swordsman, he will succeed. There's no doubt about it."

After boasting about Claudius, she glanced at his chiseled figure, her cheeks flushing slightly. Celestial Dragons usually kept multiple wives—ten or even more. Whether they needed them or not, it was expected that wives would be kept in the palace. In the past, Claudius had done the same, keeping several women in his palace.

However, after returning from the New World, he had sent all those unfortunate women away, and so far, it didn't seem like he had taken an interest in that kind of thing. At least, Nia hadn't heard any rumors of maids sneaking into his bed at night.

This puzzled Nia. Could it be that Claudius had suffered some hidden injury during his time away?

Of course, she dared not voice such thoughts. Even though she was now quite close to Claudius, certain questions were off-limits.

Had Claudius known what Nia was thinking, he likely would've laughed. His predecessor had indeed kept a harem of wives, but they had been more ornamental than anything else. Being just a spoiled, pudgy boy at the time, the former Claudius hadn't known what to do with them. But because other Celestial Dragons had wives, he had followed suit, indulging in the practice.

After his return, with his new soul occupying this body, Claudius had felt nothing but disgust at the sight of those women. Feeling guilty for how they had been treated, he had sent them away, allowing them to return to their homes. It was one of the few good deeds he could count.

Now, Claudius's life was fulfilling. He focused on improving his strength to prepare for the turbulent future. He had no time for meaningless distractions. He was also well aware of his age—still too young to risk damaging his body by overindulging. Better to avoid those temptations now, so that when he reached his prime, he wouldn't face physical decline.

Claudius had heard stories of Celestial Dragons in their 30s and 40s who had turned to increasingly perverse behavior. They had "opened up" too early, without moderation, and the resulting decay of their bodies had driven them into a cycle of violence and depravity.

Claudius planned to avoid that fate. Once he had matured fully, he could find a suitable beauty and enjoy life to the fullest. Besides, with the Zero Hour embedded within his body, the pleasures of life would be endless. There was no need to rush.

As Claudius continued to practice his sword swings, and Nia got lost in her own thoughts, a loud and arrogant voice echoed from the courtyard entrance.

"It's been three months! My cousin is supposedly bedridden, yet here I see him practicing his sword skills. I thought you were ill! Get out here before I have to kill someone!"

Claudius stopped mid-swing, smiled helplessly, and looked toward the gate.

Sure enough, swaggering in with his trademark orange sunglasses and short blonde hair, was none other than Donquixote Doflamingo, his younger cousin. A few servants trailed behind him.

Doflamingo hadn't visited in a while. The moment he saw Claudius, he exclaimed, "Cousin, have you grown taller again?"

Claudius chuckled, tossing his wooden sword to the ground. He walked over to Nia, picked up a towel, and began wiping the sweat off his body. With a smile, he looked at Doflamingo and said, "I'm still growing, Doffy. I'll get taller yet."

"Really?" Doflamingo tilted his head slightly but quickly moved on. He grabbed Claudius by the belt and said, "Cousin, I'll be leaving Mariejois in a few days. Who knows when I'll be able to hang out with you again? You've been resting long enough. You should come out with me! I heard there's a giant slave in the arena today. They've set up some ferocious beasts to fight him should be fun to watch. You've got to come with me!"

Claudius paused for a moment, then asked, "You're leaving in a few days?"

"Yeah, my father says we're heading to North Blue next Monday. Lots of people are calling us traitors or something. I don't really get it, but since it's my father's idea, I'm sure it'll be fine," Doflamingo replied, nonchalantly.

Claudius remained silent for a moment. He had a good relationship with Doflamingo, and even though he couldn't stop their family's downfall, he could still support Doflamingo in secret. In time, it might even be possible to groom Doflamingo into a useful ally, perhaps even a "dark hand" working in the shadows for him.

With that in mind, Claudius patted Doflamingo on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Doffy. You're my cousin, and no matter what happens, if you run into trouble, just come to me. I'll do everything I can to help you."

"I knew it! Cousin, you're the only one who's always had my back. While others see me as a traitor, you see me as family," Doflamingo said with a grin.

"Of course! You're my brother," Claudius replied casually.

"Then, as my brother, you have to come to the arena with me today," Doflamingo insisted, pulling Claudius along.

"I know, I know. Give me a moment to change," Claudius waved his hand, laughing.

With Nia's help, Claudius quickly dressed, though neither he nor Doflamingo wore the typical Celestial Dragon garb no ridiculous bubble hoods or flowing white robes. They walked out as they were, and anyone unfamiliar with them might not have recognized them as Celestial Dragons. Fortunately, the large group of servants trailing behind them marked their noble status. After all, no one but Celestial Dragons would dare to parade around Mariejois with such disregard for decorum.

As they walked, Doflamingo continued talking to Claudius. "Since I'm leaving soon, I can't take my slaves with me. Why don't I give them all to you, cousin? I still have two mermaid slaves they cost me quite a fortune at the slave market."

"Mermaids?" Claudius raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Well, thank you very much, Doffy."

Claudius's predecessor had owned plenty of slaves, but they had been more for show than for any real use. Most were treated as mounts, a typical pastime for the wasteful Celestial Dragons. But since returning, Claudius had found such practices distasteful. He had already rid himself of the useless ones, either by selling them or passing them on to servants. After all, while he still maintained the pride of a Celestial Dragon, he had no interest in indulging in senseless cruelty.

Now, only a few slaves remained in his household those with practical skills, like the swordsman who trained him.

With Doflamingo offering the mermaids, Claudius thought it better to take them under his wing than let them fall into the hands of other depraved Celestial Dragons. At least with him, they wouldn't suffer the same fate.

Chapter 15: Doflamingo is Down!

In the days leading up to Doflamingo's departure, Claudius had eased up on some of his strict routines. After all, once Doflamingo left, it was likely that their paths would diverge in ways that would be difficult to reconcile. Claudius couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental about it.

So, in the days that followed, whenever Doflamingo came to him, Claudius would accompany him, going out together as they had when they were younger.

It was early in 1491 of the Sea Circle Calendar, and Mariejois still enjoyed a mild climate. The weather that day was particularly pleasant ideal for travel.

At the port of Mariejois, several Celestial Dragons had gathered, Claudius among them. This wasn't some grand ceremony; the Donquixote family's Homing and his kin were preparing to leave Mariejois, renouncing their Celestial Dragon status to live as ordinary mortals in North Blue.

Homing was smiling, standing amidst an assortment of luggage that suggested he was more than ready for this transition. His two sons, Doflamingo and Rosinante, stood at either side of him, while his wife a quiet woman with a gentle smile stood behind, silently supporting her husband.

"Homing, are you absolutely sure about this?" an elderly Celestial Dragon, whose family Claudius couldn't quite place, asked Homing with visible irritation.

"I've thought long and hard about it, and yes, I'm sure," Homing replied with a calm smile.

"I have no idea what's going through your head! You're disgracing the Celestial Dragons! Why abandon our godly status to live like those lowly commoners?" the elder fumed, clearly upset.

But Homing remained composed. "What are you talking about? We're humans too, aren't we?"

The surrounding Celestial Dragons looked uncomfortable at this statement, their expressions twisting in displeasure.

"Homing, how dare you insult our bloodline? We're the descendants of the Creator, gods! We are not the same as those pitiful, filthy mortals!" the elder retorted furiously.

"I see no difference between us and them. Being a Celestial Dragon is just a title; at the core, we're all the same," Homing responded calmly, still smiling.

The elder's face turned an angry shade of red. "Fine, then! If you're so determined to go, so be it. But remember, once you leave Mariejois, you'll be stripped of your Celestial Dragon status. Don't come crawling back later!"

"I won't regret it," Homing said firmly.

Watching the exchange, Claudius couldn't help but shake his head. Homing really wasn't pulling any punches. If it had been Claudius in his place, he would have left quietly, without stirring up so much attention.

There was a better way to do it perhaps by framing it as a temporary experience of the mortal world, something that could be easily reversed if things didn't go as planned. That way, Homing could have kept a lower profile, and while there might still have been some gossip, no one would have labeled him a traitor.

But Claudius didn't feel inclined to intervene. He had enough on his plate without worrying about Homing's idealistic choices. Watching Homing argue with the enraged Celestial Dragons around him, Claudius almost found it amusing.

Beside him, Doflamingo appeared indifferent, blinking slowly as if none of this concerned him. Claudius's gaze shifted to Rosinante, standing quietly by Homing's other side.

Rosinante was Claudius's younger cousin, but unlike Doflamingo, he was a "good boy" who had inherited his father's innocence and kindness. Because of this, Claudius wasn't very close to him Rosinante's gentle nature simply didn't mesh with Claudius's previous self, who had been a selfish and reckless brat.

Looking at Rosinante now, Claudius couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental. If anyone in this world had what could be described as a "teammate curse," it was Rosinante. This kid had a knack for bringing disaster to anyone around him.

Just look at what happened to their family after they descended to the mortal world Rosinante's mother died of illness, his father was shot by none other than his brother, Doflamingo, and then the family was scattered to the winds. Later, Rosinante somehow ended up as an adopted son of Marine Admiral Sengoku, only to go undercover and nearly ruin Doflamingo's operations in North Blue. He also almost lost the Ope-Ope Fruit, which was a crucial asset.

And if that weren't enough, after betraying Doflamingo and helping Trafalgar Law escape, he inadvertently sabotaged Sengoku's mission, leading to the complete failure of the Marine's operation on the Island. Doflamingo escaped capture, and the valuable Ope-Ope Fruit was consumed by Law instead of being recovered by the Marines.

From the outside, Rosinante seemed to be acting on noble intentions, but from the perspective of those involved, he was an absolute disaster magnet.

Claudius had no doubt that if Rosinante hadn't died on the Island, Trafalgar Law's fate would have been similarly cursed by prolonged association with him.

And the root of it all, Claudius thought, was that Rosinante was too idealistic too much of a "saint." He meant well, but lacked the skill to back it up, constantly meddling in things beyond his control and dragging those around him into messes they didn't ask for.

With a sigh, Claudius averted his gaze from Rosinante. He had no intention of getting involved with him, not with the curse of misfortune that seemed to follow him everywhere. If Claudius wanted to avoid being dragged down, it was best to stay clear of Rosinante's troubles.

Feeling a pang of sympathy for Doflamingo, who would have to endure life in the mortal world alongside this "unlucky star," Claudius stepped forward and placed a hand on Doflamingo's shoulder.

"Doffy, take care of yourself out there," Claudius said, his tone genuine. "If I ever get the chance, I'll come visit you."

Doflamingo, still oblivious to the hardships that awaited him, smiled and nodded eagerly. "Cousin, when you come, make sure you bring something fun!"

"I will," Claudius replied with a smile. After a brief pause, he added softly, "And if you run into any trouble, find a way to reach out to me. I'll do whatever I can to help."

Doflamingo grinned, clearly appreciative of the gesture, and the two of them continued chatting for a while about trivial matters like the slaves Doflamingo had given Claudius the previous day.

Claudius had kept the two mermaids for himself, but the other slaves, which he found completely useless, had been sold off.

After some time, Homing exchanged a few words with the current Donquixote family head, Lancelot, and it was clear that the final farewells were being made.

Despite Homing's decision to renounce his Celestial Dragon status, Lancelot treated him with respect during this last moment, waving his hand generously to command the guards to ready a large ship to transport Huo Minggu and his family from Mariejois.

Watching them depart, Claudius couldn't help but wonder if Lancelot's actions were motivated by genuine goodwill or something more calculated. After all, the reason Doflamingo's family would face such misery in the future was largely due to their exposure as former Celestial Dragons, which had incited the anger of the common folk.

Was Lancelot being kind, or was this part of a subtle plan to betray them? It was hard to say.

In any case, it didn't really matter. Claudius had no intention of becoming enemies with Lancelot. If this was a scheme, he would simply be wary in future dealings with him.

As the ship sailed off into the distance, the other Celestial Dragons gradually dispersed. Some of them glanced at Claudius with odd expressions.

After all, Claudius had barely been seen in public over the past few months. While they had heard rumors about him acting strangely, their last impression of him had been that of an overweight, lazy fool.

Now, they were surprised to see how much he had changed. He looked taller, more refined, and his once soft, childish features had sharpened into something more mature. He no longer resembled the waste they remembered.

"Not bad. Maybe there's potential there. A future marriage prospect, perhaps?" some of the Celestial Dragons mused.

Though the Donquixote family had produced a few oddballs over the years, Claudius still bore the pure Celestial Dragon bloodline. Moreover, with his family's standing and the potential he now seemed to show, marriage might not be a bad idea.

But Claudius couldn't care less about their thoughts. Once Doflamingo had sailed away, he waved his hand and returned home. Now that Doflamingo's "distractions" were gone, Claudius could finally focus on his plans without interruption. Starting today, he could get back to fully concentrating on his own growth and preparations for the future.

Chapter 16: A Visit to Marineford?

In the Claudius Palace, within the large pond in the courtyard, two incredibly beautiful mermaid women were swimming gracefully. They seemed quite happy in the water.

These mermaids were slaves, a gift from Doflamingo to Claudius when he left Mariejois two months ago. Claudius had kept them here mainly for the sake of appearances.

Over the past two months, the two mermaids had begun to adjust to their new surroundings. They'd come to realize that their new master wasn't someone who enjoyed torturing slaves for amusement. He was even somewhat handsome and treated them with more kindness than they had expected.

Compared to their previous lives, though they still hadn't gained their freedom or left Mariejois, things were much better. They no longer had to wear the collars of slaves, weren't locked in giant fish tanks on display, and no one tossed vicious piranhas into the water to torment them for sport.

At that moment, not far from the pond, Claudius was sparring with a few men wearing slave collars, as if he was honing his combat skills against real opponents.

The two mermaid girls lay by the edge of the pond, watching the scene with curiosity.

"Mero, why do you think His Highness Claudius is doing this?" one of the mermaids asked her companion. "Isn't he one of the Celestial Dragons?"

Sori, the other mermaid, shook her head in confusion and replied, "I have no idea. Maybe he's just bored. When I first came here, I was terrified. I never imagined a Celestial Dragon like Claudius could be so strange. Not only does he not torture us, but he even removed our slave collars…"

A glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes as she asked quietly, "Lenny, do you think there's a chance he might let us go home someday?"

Lenny was silent for a moment, hope also flickering in her gaze. "I don't know, but… I have a feeling there's a chance."

"If we could go home, that would be wonderful," Sori said softly. "I miss Fish-Man Island."

In the past, when they were in Doflamingo's hands, simply staying alive had been their only hope. But after two months here, the idea of going home no longer seemed like an impossible dream. If Claudius knew about their secret hopes, he might even find it amusing. Could they really be mistaking him for a kindhearted man?

At that moment, Claudius threw a punch and sent one of the gladiator-like slaves flying. His expression darkened.

"I told you, you don't need to hold back," Claudius said, frowning. "You're not going to get in trouble if you hurt me, so why are you still being so cautious? Do you think I'm just playing games here, pretending to fight?"

The slaves, trembling in fear, knelt down in the courtyard. Their bodies were drenched in cold sweat, too terrified to respond.

Watching this, Claudius felt a wave of disgust.

These slaves had been broken stripped of their courage and hope. Especially the ones with some fighting ability, they'd been rigorously trained for Celestial Dragons, conditioned never to resist or show aggression. They'd been taught to fear causing any harm, lest they pay with their lives and bring ruin upon their fellow slaves.

Even though Claudius had promised rewards, even their freedom, if they could defeat him, none of them dared to truly fight. They treated it like a game, performing flashy moves before deliberately leaving themselves open to be easily defeated.

On the one hand, they didn't trust Claudius. He was still a Celestial Dragon, after all. They couldn't believe that beating him in a fight would lead to freedom. More likely, it would end in their deaths. On the other hand, they thought that playing along, making their master happy, might earn them a slightly easier life.

Claudius, seeing them act like mindless drones, felt even more bored and frustrated. He waved to his steward, Nia, and said, "Take them to the arena. I don't want to see these pathetic creatures anymore."

Nia nodded quickly. After a few orders, the guards came and escorted the group of trembling slaves out of the courtyard.

Nia then approached with a cup of tea, offering it to Claudius. "Your Highness, why waste your energy on these slaves? You've already given them a chance, but they're too broken to make use of it. They deserve to be slaves."

Claudius took the tea, sipping it to moisten his throat. He shook his head. "Pitiful people are always so detestable. It's not that they're weak that bothers me; it's that they're so useless that they have no value at all. No matter how many times I fight them, I can't gauge my own strength."

Claudius had been training for about six months, making significant progress. But there was no one around who could provide him with a real challenge. Originally, he thought sparring with the slaves might help, and he'd even considered freeing them if they impressed him. But the whole thing had been a massive disappointment.

He'd once thought about sneaking into the arena in disguise to fight, but when he mentioned this idea to Nia, she was so shocked that she immediately summoned the arena's owner. The poor man had nearly fainted from fear.

The mere thought of Claudius, a Celestial Dragon, getting injured in his arena terrified the man. If Claudius were hurt, his entire family would likely face execution. And if the other Celestial Dragons found out that Claudius had been fighting slaves, the consequences would be even worse.

Claudius didn't want to cause unnecessary deaths over something like this, so he ultimately abandoned the idea.

Handing the empty teacup back to Nia, Claudius rubbed his chin in thought. "If there's no other option… maybe I should visit the Naval Headquarters."

"Naval Headquarters?" Nia repeated, surprised.

"Yeah... why didn't I think of that earlier? I could go in disguise and ask Zephyr to set me up with some promising Marine recruits. It's such a simple solution," Claudius said, his eyes lighting up at the idea.

While Nia found the notion a bit far-fetched, her duty was to serve. If His Highness had made up his mind, all she had to do was carry out his wishes.

"Very well, Your Highness. I'll fetch the phone transponder so you can contact Admiral Zephyr," Nia replied.

Meanwhile, at Naval Headquarters in Marineford, Fleet Admiral Kong was reviewing some documents in his office. A few months ago, a fierce conflict had erupted in the New World between the pirate fleets of Ochoku and Golden Lion Shiki. The battle had been chaotic, but it now seemed like Shiki's forces were gaining the upper hand, while Ochoku's power had nearly been wiped out.

"Maybe in a month or two, we'll see a winner between them," Kong mused, glancing over the reports.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Admiral Zephyr walked in, wearing an odd expression.

"What's going on, Zephyr? You look… unusual," Kong remarked, raising an eyebrow.

"Something strange has happened. A Celestial Dragon from Mariejois is coming to visit us here at Marineford," Zephyr said, still sounding puzzled.

Kong blinked, searching through his papers. "What? I didn't receive any notice about that."

While it wasn't unheard of for Celestial Dragons to visit Naval Headquarters, it was a rare occurrence, often happening only once in a decade. And when it did, it was usually with a lot of pomp and ceremony, something the Fleet Admiral would definitely be aware of.

Zephyr chuckled. "No, this isn't an official visit. He contacted me privately."

"Privately? You have a direct line to a Celestial Dragon?" Kong asked, surprised.

But then he paused, a thought crossing his mind. "Wait… is it that Claudius from the Donquixote family?"

Zephyr nodded. "Yes, that's him. He called me out of nowhere, saying he wanted to visit, but asked that we not go overboard with preparations. He even said he'd be coming incognito and didn't want anyone to know he was a Celestial Dragon."

Kong let out a slow breath, shaking his head in disbelief. "A private visit, disguised? This Claudius really is unlike any other Celestial Dragon I've ever heard of."

Zephyr scratched his head. "I know, right? He said he wants me to arrange for some Marine recruits to spar with him. Apparently, he wants to test his skills."

Kong stared at him, speechless. "A Celestial Dragon wants to come here, to Naval Headquarters, just to fight? What happens if he gets hurt? We'll be the ones in trouble!"

"This is definitely unexpected," Kong finally said, still trying to wrap his mind around it.

After thinking for a moment, he sighed. "Alright, pick a couple of recruits who can put on a good show, but make sure they don't embarrass the Celestial Dragons. If we make them look bad, it'll cause us all sorts of problems."

Zephyr smiled and shook his head. "I don't think that's the best approach, sir. You don't know Claudius like I do. He's not like the others. I think he genuinely wants to test his abilities. If we handle this seriously, it could be beneficial."

Kong gave Zephyr a strange look. "Why do you say that?"

Zephyr didn't hold back. He nodded and said, "Well, for one, he's sort of like a disciple of mine. I've been working with him on some combat techniques, and I'd like to see for myself how far he's come in the last six months."

Kong sat in silence for a moment, then finally nodded. "You've always had a good eye for people, Zephyr. I'll trust your judgment on this one. But if anything goes wrong, don't expect me to go to Mariejois to clean up the mess."

Zephyr chuckled. "Don't worry. Leave it to me."

Chapter 17: Stussy?

In the waters near Naval Headquarters at Marineford, a large ship flying the World Government flag sailed slowly toward the port, the towering structures of Marineford visible in the distance.

On the deck, Claudius stood, staring at the massive fortress of justice looming ahead, a sense of awe creeping into his expression.

"I've seen Marineford in my previous life, but witnessing this grand structure in reality is something else entirely," Claudius murmured. "Just looking at it from here, you can practically feel the weight of justice in the air."

As soon as he finished speaking Nia gently draped a luxurious mink coat over his shoulders.

"Your Highness, the air here is quite cold. Be careful not to catch a chill," Nia said softly, her tone full of concern.

Claudius chuckled. "With my current physical condition, I don't think a little sea breeze will knock me down. Otherwise, wouldn't it be embarrassing to show up at Naval Headquarters like this?"

"Your efforts haven't gone unnoticed, Your Highness. I believe you'll come out on top this time," Nia replied with a smile.

"My skills are barely passable," Claudius said with a laugh. "At best, I'm just above average."

At that moment, a strikingly beautiful woman with a well-proportioned figure and wearing an elegant, tailored suit approached them from behind. She bowed her head respectfully before speaking.

"Saint Claudius, we're about ten minutes away from Marineford," she said in a soft, measured tone.

Claudius turned to look at her and nodded. "Thank you, Stussy, for the escort."

"It's an honor for CP-0 to be of service, Your Highness. Thank you for remembering my name," Stussy replied, her head still lowered in deference.

Indeed, Claudius wasn't visiting Naval Headquarters this time to flaunt his status as a Celestial Dragon. Quite the opposite he intended to keep his identity hidden. There was no need to burden the Marines he would spar with by making them feel any unnecessary pressure. Only by doing so could he get an accurate measure of his own strength.

However, Claudius couldn't just waltz into Naval Headquarters without a reason. After all, it wasn't a place one could casually visit like a public square. He needed a legitimate pretext, so he used his authority over the CP organization. The Cipher Pol, particularly CP-0, served as the shield of the Celestial Dragons, the most elite and mysterious arm of the government. Though Claudius wasn't one of the more prominent Celestial Dragons, he was still a genuine member of that privileged class, which gave him certain command over CP-0.

And so, Claudius had called upon CP-0 to arrange his transportation to Marineford, flying under their banner to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. His excuse for visiting was under the guise of "internal training and communication," making him, for the moment, a member of CP-0.

Coincidentally, the one sent to escort him was none other than Stussy, the future Queen of the Pleasure District, the mastermind behind the intelligence network known as Happy Street in the New World.

In Claudius' eyes, Stussy was a remarkable figure not because of her strength, but because of her uncanny ability to maintain her appearance. Despite being around the same age as Charlotte Linlin, Stussy looked like a woman in her early thirties, maybe even younger. She carried herself with the grace of someone much younger, and even two or three decades from now, she would still appear as youthful and radiant as she did today. It was as though time had no hold on her.

Claudius found himself intrigued by Stussy, not only because she was an attractive and capable woman but also because of her unique talents. In the back of his mind, he was already thinking about ways to recruit her into his circle someday.

After all, it wouldn't be too difficult. CP-0, despite its prestige, ultimately served the Celestial Dragons. Even if Stussy held a high-ranking position in CP-0, Claudius had the authority to pull her out of her role and assign her as his personal guard or assistant.

The only challenge would be shifting Stussy's loyalty. As someone born and raised within CP-0, her devotion was undoubtedly to the Celestial Dragons as a whole. Claudius would need to gradually cultivate her loyalty to him personally, much like he had with Nia. When Nia first arrived, she had been a standard butler, strictly loyal to the system she served. But now, her loyalty was solely to Claudius, and she was the one person he could fully trust.

Claudius gazed at Stussy silently, these thoughts running through his mind.

Stussy, feeling the weight of his stare but unsure of his thoughts, remained still, growing slightly nervous. It wasn't wise to make a Celestial Dragon uncomfortable.

After a long pause, Claudius finally made up his mind. There was no need to rush. He would establish a connection with Stussy first and let things develop over time. For now, he didn't have the power or resources to fully bring her into his fold. It was better to let her continue growing within CP-0, accumulating experience and strength.

With this thought in mind, Claudius smiled. "I have a good memory when it comes to beautiful women, so of course, I'd remember your name."

Stussy raised her head slightly at his teasing remark, a professional smile still on her lips. "Thank you for your kind words, Saint Claudius."

"Once we arrive at Marineford, remember not to reveal my true identity to anyone. Just treat me like your subordinate during our time here," Claudius instructed, his tone becoming more serious.

"Of course, Your Highness. I'll make sure of it," Stussy replied immediately.

Despite Claudius' interest in her, Stussy herself was also quite intrigued by him. She was an ambitious woman, after all. In her career within CP-0, she had dealt with many Celestial Dragons, and Claudius was nothing like the others.

From what she knew, he had once been a typical "brainless Celestial Dragon," causing trouble and indulging in excess. About a year ago, he had been tricked into eating a Devil Fruit and had almost lost his life during an incident in the New World. But after his return to Mariejois, he seemed to have transformed completely.

First, there was his appearance. Gone was the fat, sluggish figure, replaced by a strikingly handsome young man. His demeanor had changed, too. Claudius no longer had the arrogant air of the other Celestial Dragons. He carried himself with a sense of purpose, and his physical fitness was surprisingly good for someone of his status. It was clear that he had undergone rigorous training under the guidance of someone strong.

Moreover, the way he interacted with people was different. He didn't look down on those around him. Even his relationship with his butler, Nia, was notable. Nia didn't seem like a mere servant. There was a bond of trust and mutual respect between them, something Stussy had never seen with other Celestial Dragons.

But what fascinated Stussy the most was the reason for this visit. Claudius wasn't coming to Marineford to flaunt his status or conduct an inspection. He was coming to spar with the Marines, to test his own abilities.

In her more than ten years with CP-0, Stussy had never seen a Celestial Dragon voluntarily visit Naval Headquarters to train. It was almost unbelievable.

As their ship docked at Marineford's military port, Claudius disembarked, walking down the gangplank calmly.

Zephyr, who had already been informed of Claudius's arrival, stood waiting for him at the port. There was no formal reception, just a quiet meeting as Claudius had requested.

As soon as Zephyr saw Claudius, his eyes lit up with surprise. As a Marine Admiral, Zephyr had a sharp eye for detail, and the changes in Claudius were obvious. It wasn't just that Claudius had slimmed down or gained muscle; it was the way he carried himself his solid stance, his confidence, the subtle signs of rigorous training.

In just six months, Claudius had undergone a dramatic transformation. Zephyr, an experienced instructor, could immediately tell that Claudius had been working hard. His progress wasn't something an ordinary person could achieve in such a short time.

"It's a pity," Zephyr thought to himself. "If he weren't a Celestial Dragon, with this level of talent and his Devil Fruit powers, Claudius could have become an Admiral candidate alongside Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino."

Pushing the thought aside, Zephyr stepped forward to greet him. Just as he was about to bow, Claudius interrupted with a grin.

"Zephyr! It's been a while! I've missed you, old man," Claudius said cheerfully. "No need for all the formalities. Didn't I tell you before? When I'm here, treat me like anyone else. I'm not here as a Celestial Dragon, so keep that under wraps, alright?"

The warmth in Claudius's tone caught Zephyr off guard but pleased him. Smiling, the Admiral replied, "Looking at you now, Your Highness, I'm proud of the progress you've made."

Chapter 18: The Future Vice Admiral

Claudius and Zephyr chatted casually as they made their way deeper into Naval Headquarters. There wasn't a grand welcoming committee or any big names showing up to greet them, given that Claudius wanted to keep his identity under wraps. After all, if a Celestial Dragon suddenly appeared for "internal discussions" with the CP agency, it would be odd not to have the admirals or even the higher-ups like Sengoku and Kong in attendance. That would raise too many questions.

Though they didn't show up, the likes of Sengoku and Kong were certainly aware of the situation. They knew a Celestial Dragon had arrived at Marineford, likely here to test his strength against their Marines.

Claudius followed Stussy closely, keeping a low profile and playing his role as a subordinate to CP-0. He didn't draw much attention this way, which was just how he wanted it.

Laughing and chatting along the way, the group arrived at the officer training camp. This camp had only been in operation for a few years and wasn't yet fully developed. Before Zephyr officially retired and took over as the primary instructor, the training structure hadn't solidified. For now, different high-ranking officers would drop by to teach whenever they were free. Even the legendary Garp would show up occasionally to train the new recruits.

Today, it was Rear Admiral Kuzan's turn to instruct. He stood on the training field, watching over a group of Marine recruits as they practiced military combat techniques in unison. The sound of synchronized movements echoed across the field.

As Zephyr and his group approached, Kuzan turned his head and immediately recognized Claudius. His eyes lit up in recognition, but Zephyr quickly gave him a subtle look, signaling to keep quiet. Kuzan understood instantly and pretended not to know anything.

With a casual smile, Kuzan called out, "Mr. Zephyr, who do we have here?"

Zephyr grinned and replied, "The CP agency has come to engage in some internal discussions with us. This here is Crowe, a promising talent from CP-0. Why don't you find a few good men to spar with him and see if our Marines can hold their own against the CP agency?"

Kuzan wasn't slow to catch on. He immediately realized what was going on. Saint Claudius wanted to spar with the Marines under the guise of a CP-0 member.

"Sure thing," Kuzan replied smoothly. He glanced over the recruits on the field before raising his hand and calling out, "Momonga, come here!"

Claudius's ears perked up at the name. Momonga? He recognized the name immediately. In the future, this man would become a Vice Admiral in the Navy. While not particularly exceptional among the top ranks, he was solid definitely no slouch.

At this point in time, Momonga was still young, probably not even twenty yet. His body was lean but muscular, the kind of build that marked him as a highly capable fighter. It was no wonder Naval Headquarters had high hopes for him, especially given that he had Zephyr's backing as one of his protégés.

Momonga quickly jogged over to Kuzan, offering a crisp salute. "Sir!"

Kuzan smiled approvingly. "Today we've got some CP-0 members here to spar with our Marines. I want you to step up and show them what we've got. Don't embarrass us."

Momonga looked a bit surprised but quickly composed himself. He nodded firmly. "Understood, sir. Everything for the sake of justice!"

Zephyr chuckled from the side. "Of course, this is just a friendly exchange. Don't go too hard we don't want anyone getting hurt."

Although Claudius had insisted there shouldn't be any restrictions, Zephyr couldn't help but feel cautious. After all, this was no ordinary sparring match. If something went wrong and Claudius got seriously injured well, even as an Admiral, Zephyr wouldn't be able to escape the consequences.

There was no delay in starting. The training ground was cleared, and soon, Claudius and Momonga were standing face to face.

Claudius was pleased with the matchup. Momonga seemed like a solid first opponent someone who could help him gauge the limits of his current strength.

Momonga, on the other hand, was a bit skeptical. Claudius looked very young, barely older than fifteen or sixteen by his estimation. Is this really a serious opponent? he wondered.

The reality was that Claudius had developed rapidly over the past few months, thanks to his disciplined regimen of good food, exercise, and training. But in truth, Claudius was only just about to turn eleven.

"Naval Headquarters, Momonga," the young Marine greeted, introducing himself with a salute.

Claudius nodded in response. "CP-0, Crowe. Let's have a good match."

With the formalities out of the way, the atmosphere between them grew tense. Momonga wasn't one to hesitate. As soon as Kuzan gave the signal, he shot forward with a burst of speed, aiming to take the initiative. In an instant, he closed the distance between them and delivered a sharp kick toward Claudius's chest.

Claudius didn't back down. He didn't use his Devil Fruit abilities to dodge, instead opting to meet the kick head-on with one of his own. Their legs collided with a loud thud, and both men were forced back a step.

Momonga blinked in surprise. He hadn't held back, yet this seemingly younger fighter had managed to match him blow for blow. "This kid's no joke," he thought.

Claudius, too, was impressed. The force of Momonga's kick had sent a jolt of pain through his leg. It was clear that, in terms of raw physical strength, Momonga had the upper hand. But not by much, Claudius noted. Given that Momonga had been training with the Marines for two years while Claudius had only been at it for half a year, the gap in their abilities didn't seem that large.

I can keep up, Claudius thought confidently.

Their thoughts only lasted a split second. The moment both fighters regained their footing, Momonga launched another attack. This time, he disappeared from Claudius's sight in an instant.

Shave! Claudius recognized the move immediately. Sure enough, Momonga appeared behind him in the next moment, his clawed hand reaching for Claudius's shoulder to pin him down.

But Claudius was ready. He, too, had mastered the basics of the Marine Six Styles. With a burst of speed, Claudius vanished from Momonga's grasp, appearing a short distance away.

Momonga smiled to himself. "You've got the Six Styles too, huh?"

He wasn't surprised, though. Despite being known as "Marine Six Styles," the techniques were also taught within the CP organization. Marines and CP agents often exchanged skills and techniques in training.

What Momonga didn't know was that Claudius hadn't learned his Six Styles from the CP agency but from Zephyr himself. To Zephyr, the Six Styles were more than just combat techniques they were a powerful foundation for physical mastery. Through rigorous training, one could develop superhuman strength and speed, laying the groundwork for mastering Haki and even forging one's unique combat path. Zephyr himself, as well as Garp, had followed that path.

So when Claudius asked for something to help him in his training, Zephyr had been more than willing to teach him the Six Styles, along with all the insights he had gained over the years. And judging by Claudius's current performance, he hadn't squandered that opportunity.

Claudius dodged Momonga's next attack with a sidestep, but he wasn't done yet. "Finger Pistol!" he called out, throwing a sharp kick instead of a punch. While it was called "Finger Pistol," Claudius had adapted the move, channeling the force through his heel.

Momonga reacted quickly, taking a defensive stance. "Iron Body!" he declared, hardening his muscles like steel.

A metallic clang echoed through the training ground as Claudius's kick struck Flying Squirrel's chest. Though the blow was powerful, Momonga held firm, barely moving an inch.

His Iron Body is strong, Claudius thought, pulling back.

Momonga, now taking the fight seriously, reached for his sword. Drawing his blade in one swift motion, he shouted, "One Sword Style: Flying Squirrel Slash!" With a quick slash, he sent a powerful arc of energy toward Claudius, a combination of his swordsmanship and the Tempest Kick technique.

Claudius's eyes widened. A flying slash? Though it wasn't a true swordsman's slash, it was still impressive for someone so young. The energy was coming fast, and Claudius didn't have time to dodge.

Realizing this, Claudius decided to stop holding back. A thin, mist-like vapor appeared around his body, and the slash passed right through him without causing any harm. Momonga, now charging toward Claudius to finish him off, gasped in shock.

"Logia?" he muttered under his breath, realizing the kind of opponent he was dealing with.

Logia Devil Fruits were rare and incredibly powerful, often considered the strongest of the three Devil Fruit types. While he had some skill with Haki, it wasn't enough to deal with a Logia user of Claudius's caliber.

With no time to adjust his attack, Momonga barreled straight into Claudius, who stood his ground. Without missing a beat, Claudius raised his hand and grabbed him by the neck. Just as the Momonga was about to summon his Haki to fight back, he suddenly found himself gasping for air.

It wasn't the chokehold cutting off his breath, but something far more terrifying. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't inhale. His lungs screamed for oxygen, but the air around him had become unbreathable.

"Death Choke," Claudius murmured softly, his grip steady.

Unbeknownst to Momonga, Claudius had released his Devil Fruit ability, saturating the air around the him with nitrogen. With no oxygen left to breathe, Momonga's body began to falter, his strength rapidly draining as his face turned red.

Just as it seemed like the end was near, Claudius let go, withdrawing his ability and taking a step back. The suffocating atmosphere vanished, and Momonga collapsed to the ground, panting heavily as he tried to catch his breath.

Claudius smiled. "Though it might seem unfair…"

Before Claudius could finish his sentence, Momonga raised a hand, still gasping for air but managing to speak. "No… it's fine. I lost fair and square. I didn't anticipate you'd be a Logia user. In a real battle, I'd already be dead. No need to give me an easy out."

Chapter 19: The King Engine Ignites!

Momonga was straightforward and honest in his defeat. His words left a good impression on Claudius, who nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll gladly accept the victory."

At the same time, Zephyr smiled and added, "Yes, in battle, no one would question the validity of such a win. It's just that Momonga was too careless, and that's what led to his loss."

Momonga nodded regretfully and stepped back. However, Claudius wasn't quite satisfied yet. He stood in the arena, giving a meaningful look to Zephyr.

Zephyr, understanding the unspoken message, glanced over at the other Marine officers gathered nearby. Spotting the figure he had in mind, he called out, "Commodore Gion, come over and spar with this CP-0 agent, Crowe."

Claudius followed Zephyr's gaze and saw a strikingly beautiful woman with long, graceful legs stepping out from the group of Marines. She had a strong presence that instantly drew attention.

"Yes, Teacher Zephyr," Gion responded, bowing her head respectfully before walking toward the center of the training ground.

If Momonga was a rising star in the Marine ranks, then Gion was on a whole other level. Claudius knew very well that Gion wasn't just any Marine. In the future, she would become a Vice Admiral, but not just any Vice Admiral she would be one of the elite, an Admiral candidate with the codename "Momousagi" (Pink Rabbit).

An Admiral candidate wasn't an ordinary Vice Admiral. It meant she was someone on par with the likes of Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino, Marine's strongest combatants. The only thing keeping her from the full rank of Admiral was a lack of vacancy in the position.

Claudius knew that after the battle between Kuzan and Sakazuki, where Sakazuki became Fleet Admiral and Kuzan left the Marines, Gion could have stepped up to take one of the vacant Admiral positions. But she did not make the cut, as Issho and Aramaki attained the positions instead.

Regardless, this didn't take away from Gion's strength. Even now, she had the potential to stand among the strongest, and Claudius was both satisfied and excited to face such an opponent. He knew that against her, he'd have to give it his all.

Gion moved quickly, closing the distance between them with long, confident strides. When she stood before him, she introduced herself, "Naval Headquarters, Gion."

Claudius nodded and responded, "CP-0, Crowe."

With their brief introductions over, Kuzan signaled for the match to begin. As soon as he did, Gion placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, a rare and famous blade named "Jinbira," which would become her lifelong companion.

With just that motion, a fierce sword aura burst from her, and in the blink of an eye, her hand was cloaked in a pitch-black Armament Haki that flowed smoothly to her sword's hilt.

Claudius observed this and quickly made a judgment. Compared to Momonga, who had only a basic grasp of Armament Haki, Gion was far more skilled. She wasn't a beginner; she was proficient. This meant his Logia powers, which allowed him to turn into an element, wouldn't be as effective. Gion could use her Haki to strike his physical form even if he tried to go intangible.

The air around them grew tense. After a brief moment of silence, Gion made her move. The blade of Jinbira flashed from its sheath, and before the sword was fully drawn, a sharp slash cut through the air, heading straight for Claudius.

This was no mere sword swipe. Unlike Momonga's earlier "pseudo-slash," this was a true Swordsman's Slash—deadly and precise.

Claudius didn't dare attempt to evade by going intangible. If he misjudged and Gion caught him off guard like Flying Squirrel had, he wouldn't stand a chance. Instead, he moved swiftly, drawing his short sword, Shinsō, and raising it to block.

With a metallic clang, Gion's slash struck Shinsō. The blade held firm, but the sheer force behind the slash pushed Claudius back two steps.

Gion smiled slightly, seeing her advantage. She surged forward with incredible speed, whispering, "Rabbit Jump!" Her movement technique propelled her forward like a swift hare, increasing her speed to a level Claudius hadn't expected.

Before he could fully recover from the block, Gion was already in front of him. To his surprise, she didn't strike with her sword. Instead, she coated her leg in Armament Haki and delivered a powerful kick to his chest.

"Tempest Kick!" Gion shouted as her kick connected.

Claudius felt the impact explode against his chest. The force lifted him off his feet and sent him flying backward, rolling across the ground several times before coming to a stop.

From the sidelines, Nia, Claudius's butler, gasped in shock, instinctively wanting to rush forward. However, Stussy placed a hand on her arm, holding her back.

"Your Highness doesn't want his battle interrupted," Stussy said calmly. "Remember, this trip isn't about showing off his status. He came here to temper himself."

Nia hesitated but eventually nodded, calming herself down.

Meanwhile, back on the battlefield, Claudius scrambled to his feet, managing to dodge another of Gion's attacks with a hasty roll that lacked any semblance of grace. Yet, for all its inelegance, it worked.

Though the move looked clumsy, the "lazy donkey roll," as it was often called, had saved countless warriors from death over the ages. Sometimes, practicality outweighed style.

The brief respite gave Claudius a moment to breathe, but not for long. No sooner had he gotten to his feet than Gion was upon him again, her sword raised high, ready to bring it down with a force that could split him in half.

Claudius steadied himself, bracing for the impact. His Devil Fruit powers surged, and with a low growl, he raised his hands. As Gion brought Jinbira down, her blade stopped short, as if blocked by an invisible force.

Gion's eyes widened in surprise. "What is this?" she muttered.

Claudius grinned. "An invisible air shield."

Before Gion could process what had happened, Claudius released a pulse of compressed nitrogen from around his body, forcing her to leap back, her brow furrowed in caution.

"So, this is the same technique you used to subdue Momonga?" Gion asked, still watching him intently.

"More or less," Claudius replied cryptically.

The air around him shifted again, his body now radiating a different kind of pressure. He had started to compress nitrogen within his body, preparing to use it for enhanced speed and attack power. However, despite the temptation, Claudius refrained from using liquid nitrogen, a far deadlier variant of his abilities. The risk of causing irreversible damage to Gion was too high, and he didn't want to seriously injure her.

As his aura intensified, Gion hesitated. Her instincts told her that Claudius was preparing something dangerous. She raised her guard, carefully observing his movements.

Suddenly, the sound of Claudius's heartbeat filled the air, loud and rhythmic, like a powerful drum beating steadily. It was so intense that it could be heard from several meters away.

"Thump, thump, thump!"

Gion's eyes widened in astonishment. "What... what is that?"

Claudius stretched his neck, cracking it on both sides, and smirked. "It seems you're an opponent worth taking seriously."

His heartbeat, now akin to the legendary King Engine, created an oppressive atmosphere that seemed to magnify his presence. Combined with his words, it gave the impression that he hadn't even been trying up until now, completely fooling Gion.

In the next instant, white smoke exploded from Claudius's feet, propelling him forward at an incredible speed. He lunged straight toward Gion, his movements nearly a blur.

Chapter 20: Shoot Her, Shinsō!

"He's fast!" Gion thought, eyes widening in surprise as she watched Claudius' movements. His speed had more than doubled from earlier, catching her off guard. At that moment, Gion was fully convinced that Claudius had finally gotten serious.

In the blink of an eye, Claudius closed the distance between them, throwing a powerful straight punch aimed at Gion's chest. Reacting quickly, Gion stepped back to avoid the hit, thinking she'd successfully evaded the attack. But just as she prepared to counter, a sharp pain shot through her chest. Despite missing her by a hair, the punch carried an invisible force that struck her hard, sending her flying backward.

As Gion was knocked back, realization dawned on her. "So this is the power of his Logia Devil Fruit," she thought, gritting her teeth. Claudius's ability was invisible, colorless, and intangible, making it a serious threat to anyone without strong Observation Haki.

Claudius hadn't even touched her directly, but his ability to manipulate nitrogen gas had extended the range of his attacks, allowing him to hit from a distance without making physical contact. He showed no mercy, and another burst of white smoke erupted from his feet as he shot forward again, closing the gap almost instantly.

Gion found herself on the defensive, struggling to keep up as Claudius launched a series of relentless attacks, using his invisible nitrogen manipulation to disrupt her every move. The pressure he applied was intense, and her momentum from earlier had been completely crushed. Each strike forced her to react quickly, but the unseen nature of his attacks made it nearly impossible to regain control.

As she continued to evade, Gion realized something else. The air around her was getting thinner. She could feel the suffocating pressure building up Claudius was manipulating the air, depriving her of oxygen. If this kept up, she'd be in serious trouble.

"He's using every advantage he can in close combat..." Gion thought, gritting her teeth. The fight had become more challenging than she expected. His powers were more dangerous than she'd anticipated, and his fighting instincts were sharper than she gave him credit for.

Determined not to lose, Gion steeled herself. Armament Haki surged across her body, and she took one of Claudius's punches head-on, using the impact to push herself backward and create some distance between them. She landed smoothly, her breathing steady, but her gaze had sharpened.

"It seems you're worthy of my full effort!" Gion said seriously, her voice carrying a weight of determination.

Claudius blinked in surprise. "Wait, I was just pretending to be serious. Now you're saying you're about to get serious?" he thought, feeling a bit uneasy. He knew Gion would become an Admiral candidate in the future, so he couldn't underestimate her now.

Claudius remained cautious, watching as Gion took a deep breath. "Rabbit!" she whispered.

Suddenly, the air around Gion shifted. Her aura intensified, and Claudius could feel her strength surge to new heights more than double what it was before. But what caught him off guard was her sudden transformation. From her head sprouted long rabbit ears, and a fluffy white tail appeared at her back. Her eyes turned a soft peach color, and strange markings adorned her forehead.

Claudius blinked in disbelief. "A... bunny girl?" he muttered, his voice laced with amusement.

Gion's face turned a bright shade of red. She hated using her Zoan-type Devil Fruit, the Mythical Zoan, Rabbit Rabbit Fruit, for exactly this reason. The rabbit ears and tail made her feel self-conscious, and despite her immense power, she rarely used this form unless absolutely necessary. (T/N: I'm not aware of Gion having a devil fruit, but I guess this is one of the author's tweaks. Also, keep in mind this fic was written back in 2020, so you might come across some things that weren't known at that time.)

But seeing Claudius's amused expression only fueled her embarrassment and determination. Without a word, she stomped her feet, launching herself toward Claudius with incredible speed.

Her movement was so fast that Claudius could barely register it. "She's ridiculously fast!" he thought, struggling to react in time.

"Tempest Kick!" Gion called out, her voice sharp.

Before Claudius could defend himself, her foot slammed into his chest. This time, the force was much stronger, and the impact was immediate. Claudius felt a sharp pain radiate through his chest, and blood spilled from the corner of his mouth. His body flew backward, crashing into the wall of the training ground, shattering it on impact.

"Ahh, Gion's angry," Kuzan remarked casually, watching the scene unfold with a grin.

Zephyr, standing nearby, shook his head in mild exasperation but reassured Nia, who looked ready to panic. "Don't worry. Gion isn't cruel. She might be angry, but she knows how to control herself. Of course... Crowe might be in for some pain. He might not be getting out of bed for a few days," Zephyr added with a chuckle.

Claudius groaned as he lay in the rubble, his whole body aching from the blow. "Damn... all I did was call her a bunny girl. Was that really necessary?" he muttered to himself, wincing from the pain.

Despite the pain, Claudius wasn't ready to give up. Struggling to his feet, he pushed the debris away and spotted Gion leaping into the air, preparing to land another devastating attack.

"What is this? Is she going to drop out of the sky and crush me?" Claudius quipped, unable to resist a sarcastic comment even in the face of danger.

His body reacted instinctively, white smoke trailing from his feet as he rolled out of the way just in time. The spot where he had been lying moments before exploded as Gion landed, her fist crashing down with enough force to create a massive crater.

Claudius watched the scene with wide eyes. "She would've turned me into a pancake if that hit me..." he thought, shivering at the thought.

Gion straightened up, pulling her fist from the ground, her eyes still full of fury. Claudius swallowed nervously. "I thought carnivorous Zoan fruits were supposed to be the violent ones. How is a rabbit this terrifying?"

Taking a deep breath, Gion calmed herself, addressing Claudius with a stern tone. "Since you're an opponent worthy of my full strength, I'll tell you. I'm not just a regular rabbit Zoan. This is a Mythical Zoan," she said, her voice steady.

Before Claudius could respond, Gion's figure blurred again as she launched forward with another punch. Claudius barely had time to react, turning his body to gas as the punch passed through him, avoiding damage.

However, elementalizing his body couldn't save him for long. As soon as Claudius returned to his physical form, Gion was right behind him. Her rabbit paw, now transformed into a furry hand, landed squarely on his shoulder.

"I've got you now," Gion whispered, a triumphant smile on her lips.

Claudius was shocked. He could feel the pressure of her Armament Haki locking onto his physical form. There was no escaping this time.

In a flash of desperation, Claudius drew his short sword, Shinsō, intending to strike back, but Gion was one step ahead. She grabbed his wrist, forcing the blade away, and pinned him in place.

"Any last moves? If not, this battle is mine," Gion said confidently, tightening her grip.

Claudius grinned, despite the pain. "Are you sure about that?"

"Hmph, go ahead and try. I'm not afraid," Gion replied, though she remained on high alert.

"Well, I wasn't planning on using this move, but you've hurt my pride a little. So..." Claudius whispered, his tone soft yet ominous.

Gion's grip tightened even more, ready for whatever Claudius had up his sleeve. She wasn't going to let him escape.

"Shoot her... Shinsō!" Claudius murmured, his voice barely audible.

In the next instant, a flash of blood-red light filled the space between them. Gion's eyes widened in disbelief as she felt a cold, sharp pain in her abdomen. Shinsō had extended, piercing both Claudius and Gion simultaneously.

She hadn't anticipated such a reckless move. Shinsō, with its unique ability, had struck both of them, and Claudius had used the blade's lengthening power to surprise her.

Claudius, now free of her grip, took advantage of the moment. He twisted around, grabbing Gion's wrist and locking her in place. With his other hand, he pressed Shinsō's edge lightly against her neck, the blade still dripping with blood.

He leaned in, his voice low and slightly strained. "Looks like you forced me to use this. Now… you've lost."

Gion stood frozen, shocked by the sudden turn of events. She hadn't expected Claudius to have such a trick up his sleeve.

...

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