Chapter 41: Golden Lion Takes on Four!?
Looking at the confident Golden Lion Shiki hovering in the sky, Sengoku felt utterly exasperated. Damn it, did I forget to check the almanac before heading out this time?
First, they nearly wiped out the Celestial Dragons on Cornillo Island with a Buster Call. Then, if not for Claudius's timely reminder, the mission to eliminate Captain John would have likely failed. And just when Sengoku thought things had finally settled down, they bumped into Golden Lion Shiki on their way back?
Of all the people on the sea, the ones Sengoku most dreaded fighting were Shiki and Whitebeard.
It wasn't that they were necessarily stronger than other pirates like Roger or Kaido, but fighting them at sea was an absolute nightmare. Shiki ruled the skies with his floating powers, while Whitebeard could summon tsunamis with a single punch. Neither fight was one you wanted to have on the open ocean.
In contrast, Sengoku wouldn't be nearly as worried about running into Roger, Kaido, or Big Mom. But here, in the open waters, facing someone like Shiki, Sengoku knew he was in for a tough battle.
And to make matters worse, they had a Celestial Dragon on board. If Claudius got killed during the fight, even if Sengoku managed to defeat Shiki, it wouldn't matter there would be hell to pay when he got back to headquarters. That thought alone filled Sengoku with frustration.
Though he felt the weight of the situation, Sengoku Admiral didn't let it show. He met Shiki's arrogance head-on, shouting, "You think you're going to kill me here, Shiki? You really believe your own hype too much. You shouldn't have come. This time, you're not leaving. I've already reserved a nice, comfy cell for you in Impel Down!"
"Jihahahaha! Sengoku, your bark's gotten louder since we last met!" Shiki cackled, unsheathing his famous twin sabers, Kogarashi and Oto, the weapons that had accompanied him through countless battles.
Without any more chatter, Shiki swung his blades downward, slicing the air itself. The violent slash tore through the sky, a sharp force bearing down on Sengoku and his warship, as if Shiki intended to cleave both in two.
But Sengoku wasn't one to panic. If Shiki were easy to handle, he wouldn't be ruling the skies. Just as the slash was about to strike, Sengoku's body swelled up, his form transforming into a towering golden Buddha over five meters tall.
With a powerful growl, Sengoku raised his hand, releasing a shockwave that met Shiki's slash in midair. The energy from the shockwave and the slash collided, dispersing in a blast of power. But Sengoku didn't stop there his shockwave continued, shooting upward toward Shiki.
Shiki didn't flinch. With a sneer, he covered his free hand in Armament Haki, punching the air and neutralizing Sengoku's shockwave.
"Jihahahaha! Not bad, Sengoku!" Shiki laughed, his voice carrying through the wind.
Meanwhile, in the cabin below deck, Claudius watched the battle in awe. It was his first time seeing such a high-level clash, and the sheer intensity was overwhelming. This was nothing like reading about it in mangas back in his old life this was raw, terrifying power, and it was exhilarating to witness.
"So that's the power of the Mythical Zoan, huh? Admiral-level strength is really something else. And Shiki's Armament Haki it's the third stage, the external release. I used to think Shiki's Haki wasn't anything special, but it looks like the steering wheel stuck in his head really does start to affect him later on…"
Claudius's thoughts were racing as he analyzed the fight.
Back in the sky, Shiki snorted as he waved his hand, and from out of nowhere, a massive sailing ship came crashing down toward Sengoku's warship. Shiki, using his Fuwa Fuwa no Mi, had lifted the ship into the sky earlier, and now he hurled it as a weapon.
"These are the ships from the pirates I've killed. You love catching pirates so much, Sengoku? Well, here, have some!" Shiki taunted, sending the ship plummeting down.
On a nearby warship, another figure couldn't stay silent any longer. Tall, strong, and filled with fiery rage, this Marine was none other than Vice Admiral Sakazuki, known as the "Marine Mad Dog."
"Great Eruption!" Sakazuki roared, thrusting his fist upward. A massive blast of magma shot into the sky, obliterating the falling ship in an instant, turning it into a rain of smoldering debris.
But Sakazuki wasn't finished. His magma fist continued its ascent, now barreling toward Shiki, who was still laughing in midair.
"Bring it on!" Shiki yelled, unsheathing his second saber and sending a powerful slash toward the magma fist. The slash cleaved Sakazuki's attack in two, redirecting the molten magma away from him.
However, the two halves of the magma attack didn't just vanish they changed trajectory and hurtled toward another warship.
Sakazuki's face twisted in shock. "Awakening! He's awakened his Devil Fruit powers!"
"Surprised? I'm the Golden Lion!" Shiki grinned, brimming with confidence.
Before the magma could destroy the ship, a cold blast of freezing energy shot through the air. Two enormous ice pillars rose from the sea, catching the magma in mid-flight and freezing it solid before the magma could hit the warship. The frozen chunks of magma fell harmlessly into the ocean below.
Shiki's smile faded slightly as he recognized the new player. "That little brat Kuzan is here too? This could be troublesome."
With Kuzan on the battlefield, the sea was no longer a guaranteed advantage for Shiki. The Marine admiral could freeze the ocean, making it harder for Shiki to exploit the terrain. Shiki had come here with the goal of sinking the Marine fleet, but now that seemed far less likely.
Just as Shiki pondered his next move, a blinding golden light streaked through the sky, hurtling straight toward him. Shiki moved to dodge, but the light transformed into the form of a man none other than Borsalino, the future Marine Admiral Kizaru.
"Ever felt what it's like to be kicked at the speed of light?" Borsalino quipped as his foot shot toward Shiki.
Shiki, with his wealth of battle experience, didn't fall for Borsalino's theatrics. He caught Borsalino's ankle mid-air, smirking as he said, "A bit too soon to try kicking me, kid."
As Shiki raised his blade to sever Borsalino's leg, Sengoku's voice boomed from below. "Now! Everyone, attack!"
Sengoku, Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino all surged forward, using Geppo to launch themselves into the air. They closed in on Shiki, attempting to surround him.
Borsalino, managing to pull his leg free, drew his Sky Cloud Sword and slashed at Shiki. But Shiki still wore a smile on his face, unbothered by the Marine's combined assault.
With a slight movement of his fingers, Shiki summoned iron pillars from one of the floating ships. The iron beams shot toward the Marines with incredible speed, imbued with his own Haki, cutting through the air like missiles.
"Fighting me in the air, Sengoku? You've got some nerve!" Shiki laughed.
Sakazuki charged in first, his body transforming into magma. But even with his quick reflexes, several of the iron pillars struck him, forcing him to shift into his elemental form just in time. If not for his quick thinking, the Haki-infused iron would have severely injured him.
"Iron Lion!" Shiki roared, and the iron pillars merged into a massive iron beast, enveloping Sakazuki. The iron lion then plummeted toward the sea, with Sakazuki trapped inside.
Sakazuki, being a Devil Fruit user, was in serious danger of being drowned. Kuzan, recognizing the threat, immediately halted his attack on Shiki. He fired a wave of freezing energy toward the ocean, creating a massive ice sheet just as the iron lion hit the frozen surface.
The impact caused the iron lion to melt into a pool of molten iron, but Sakazuki re-emerged, standing tall on the ice.
Still, even on solid ground, Sakazuki knew he couldn't keep up with a sky battle. Gritting his teeth, he stayed back, ready to apply pressure from below.
Meanwhile, Claudius watched the aerial battle from the warship's cabin, feeling a mix of awe and excitement. "Incredible. One man is holding off an Admiral and three Vice Admirals, all without breaking a sweat. No wonder Shiki's one of the strongest pirates out there. He's as powerful as Whitebeard in his prime."
Nia nervously urged, "Your Highness, we should escape while the Marines are holding him off. This place is too dangerous!"
Claudius, however, wasn't interested in running. "Escape? Where to? Kuzan's already frozen the sea there's no moving the ship now. And besides, how often do you get to see a fight like this up close? I'm not about to run away with my tail between my legs!" Claudius said with a grin, his eyes locked on the chaotic battlefield in the sky.
Nia, still on edge, tried again. "But Your Highness—"
Claudius waved her off, his excitement undiminished. "Relax. This is a rare opportunity. How often do you get to witness the Golden Lion take on an Admiral and three Vice Admirals? And besides, I doubt there's a safer place on this frozen sea than right here."
Nia bit her lip, realizing that Claudius had made up his mind. Still, she couldn't shake the anxiety gnawing at her.
At that moment, another figure entered the room. It was Stussy, looking equally concerned but more composed. "Your Highness, I've already contacted Naval Headquarters and CP-0. They're mobilizing to send reinforcements as quickly as possible. Help is on the way."
Claudius chuckled, waving dismissively. "Help? At this rate, by the time they get here, it'll be too late. We'll either have won or—well, we'll be fish food. There's no point in pinning our hopes on anyone coming to the rescue."
Chapter 42: King of the World!
Watching the battle from inside the cabin didn't seem to satisfy Claudius anymore. After observing for a while, he made the decision to head to the deck for a closer view of the action.
"Your Highness, isn't that too dangerous? I may not know much about naval warfare, but even I know that Golden Lion Shiki is one of the world's top pirates. Right now, even Sengoku Admiral is struggling against him..." Nia said anxiously, trying to dissuade him.
"Hahahaha, what are you so afraid of?" Claudius laughed casually. "Look, Sengoku and the others are having trouble because they don't have the advantage in the sky. Even if I stay in this cabin, I'm not any safer than I would be on the deck. If things get really bad, I'd rather be out there at least I might get a chance to seize the moment."
Nia was about to continue pleading with him, but Stussy intervened. "His Highness is right. The danger is the same whether we're inside or outside. It's better to be where we can act if necessary."
With that, she draped a dark brown coat over Claudius's shoulders. The way he looked now arrogant, calm, and dressed like a boss oozed confidence. Still not feeling completely ready for his grand appearance, Claudius made one last stop before heading out. He rummaged through Sengoku's quarters and found a pack of cigars, the kind that were reserved specifically for Marine Admirals.
These are probably high quality, Claudius thought to himself. Without a second thought, he cut one, lit it up, and took a puff. With the cigar clenched between his teeth, he strutted onto the deck, looking every bit like a man in control.
"I swear, Your Highness, you're starting to look more like a villain by the minute," Stussy teased.
Claudius smirked, blowing a cloud of smoke into the air. "Villain, hero, it's all the same to me. As long as I get what I want, who cares what they call me?"
Meanwhile, the battle in the sky was growing more intense. Shiki, the infamous pirate, fought with unparalleled aggression, his advantage in the air allowing him to keep Sengoku and the Marines on the back foot. Despite being one of the most powerful figures in the Navy, Sengoku was struggling to keep up with Shiki's relentless attacks. The golden Buddha form of Sengoku shimmered in the sunlight, sending out shockwaves with every punch, but even that wasn't enough to push Shiki back completely.
"Palm of the Buddha!" Sengoku roared, seizing an opportunity. Polusalino, using his speed, had managed to drive Shiki backward with a precise laser strike, giving Sengoku the opening he needed. His giant palm, glowing with golden energy, slammed downward as if compressing the very air around it, creating a crushing force that aimed to end the fight right then and there.
Shiki's playful expression disappeared, replaced with one of grim determination. "Don't underestimate me!" he shouted, his voice filled with rage. His arms, now coated in an intense black Armament Haki, met Sengoku's blow head-on. The collision of forces sent shockwaves rippling outward, and at that moment, both Shiki and Sengoku unleashed their Conqueror's Haki.
The sky above them seemed to tear apart as the sheer force of their Haki clashed, creating a whirlwind of energy that blew Borsalino and Kuzan away from the battle zone.
The sea itself trembled under the overwhelming pressure, and most of the Marine soldiers on the warships collapsed from the strain of the two Conqueror's Hakis. Only the strongest among them Rear Admirals and Vice Admirals were able to stay conscious, though even they were struggling to move.
On the deck where Claudius stood, Nia was the first to fall, knocked unconscious by the sheer force of Shiki and Sengoku's power. If not for Stussy holding her up, she would've hit the floor. Even Stussy, though far stronger, was clearly suffering under the immense pressure.
Claudius, on the other hand, stood firm. Though he could feel the weight of the Haki pressing down on him like two massive mountains trying to crush him, he refused to buckle. His legs trembled slightly, but his body didn't move.
"I was born noble, above all others. A mere Conqueror's Haki... you think that's enough to overwhelm me?" Claudius whispered to himself, his voice filled with quiet determination. His eyes flashed, and then he spoke louder, with a confidence that shook his very core. "I am the king of the world!!!"
As the words left his mouth, Claudius felt the weight of the pressure lift. What had been suffocating moments before now felt like nothing more than a cool breeze. He straightened up, his movements fluid and relaxed, the pressure from the Conqueror's Haki completely gone.
Frowning slightly, he touched his forehead. "That felt strange... it was like something was about to erupt from within me. Could it be... Conqueror's Haki?"
Unlike Armament and Observation Haki, Conqueror's Haki was something you were born with, a power that came from deep within your soul. You either had it or you didn't—there was no learning it. Claudius had never thought too much about whether he possessed it. He never obsessed over it because, in his mind, Conqueror's was more of a symbolic power than a practical one. It was nice to have, sure, but it wasn't the be-all and end-all of strength.
But now... now it seemed that Claudius did have Conqueror's Haki, and not just a weak version of it. The fact that even the combined pressure from Shiki and Sengoku hadn't been enough to force it out fully... it was clear that Claudius's Haki was on another level entirely.
A grin spread across his face.
With Shiki locked in a stalemate against Sengoku, and Borsalino and Kuzan temporarily out of position, Shiki was fully focused on the Marine Admiral. He wouldn't expect a sneak attack, especially from someone like Claudius, who was still an unknown factor.
"This is my chance," Claudius thought, his eyes flashing with excitement. "Shiki's wide open."
Without hesitation, Claudius drew Shinsō, the shorter of the two swords hanging at his waist. It was fast, lethal, and perfect for the kind of strike he was about to make.
Locking his eyes on Shiki, who was still engaged with Sengoku in the sky, Claudius took a deep breath. "Go... shoot him, Shinsō!"
The short blade shot through the air like a bullet, faster than any musket, and aimed directly at Shiki.
Shiki's senses, honed over years of battle, screamed in warning. His Observation Haki flared, alerting him to the danger just in time. Without thinking, he pulled back, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow.
But Claudius's attack wasn't a complete miss. The blade grazed Shiki's cheek, leaving a deep gash that dripped blood down the side of his face. It wasn't enough to kill, but it was a message a clear one.
Shiki retreated, gritting his teeth. His sudden movement had given Sengoku the upper hand, and the pressure of the fight had injured Shiki further, blood now trickling from the corner of his mouth.
He reached up, feeling the deep cut on his cheek, part of his skull exposed from the wound. His gaze shot downward, focusing on Claudius. A young man stood there, tall and confident, with messy blond hair, a dark coat billowing around him. He held a short sword in one hand, a cigar in his mouth, and a smile on his face as if he had all the time in the world.
"It was him," Shiki thought, his eyes narrowing. "I didn't think there were any dangerous people in this fleet. I was careless... that brat nearly skewered me."
Without any hesitation, Shiki drew one of his swords and unleashed a powerful slash toward Claudius, the blade of energy cutting through the air like a lightning strike.
"Saint Claudius!!!" Sengoku shouted, his eyes wide in horror as he realized the danger Claudius was in.
Claudius didn't flinch. As the energy slash tore through the air toward him, he calmly placed his hand on the demon sword, Shindō, hanging from his waist. His eyes narrowed in focus, and with a deep breath, he murmured, "Let's see just how far apart we really are, Golden Lion."
"One-Sword Style... Justice Cross!"
In an instant, Claudius drew Shindō, his Armament Haki coating the blade in a black sheen. His heart raced, the Emperor's engine in his chest pumping out every ounce of potential he had. This strike was everything.
As Shiki's attack reached him, Claudius swung Shindō upward, intercepting the slash. The impact sent a shockwave through his body, his arms trembling under the force. The deck beneath his feet shattered, and his legs sank into the wood, but Claudius didn't break.
"Break!" Claudius roared, his muscles bulging as he pushed back with all his might. In a moment of pure power, he deflected Shiki's slash, sending it careening off into the sky, dissipating harmlessly.
"Haah..." Claudius exhaled deeply, his breath ragged, his body trembling from the sheer force of the clash. His legs remained trapped in the ruined deck, but he had managed to block the strike from one of the most powerful pirates in the world.
"I... actually did it," Claudius muttered, blinking in disbelief as he stared at his trembling hands. His arms felt like they were on the verge of breaking, and his muscles ached in protest, but he had stopped Shiki's attack head-on.
Claudius leaned heavily on Shindō for support, his mind racing. The sheer power he had just faced left him in awe, and for a brief moment, he felt the overwhelming gap between himself and the top figures of the world. But the fire in his heart hadn't dimmed it had only grown stronger.
"So this... is what it's like," Claudius whispered, a wild grin slowly spreading across his face. His heart was pounding with exhilaration, his body aching from the strain, but none of that mattered. He had tasted a fragment of true power, and now he wanted more.
"I want this kind of strength," he said quietly, almost to himself. "No, I need it. This... this is the power that rules the world."
Chapter 43: Retreat, Golden Lion Shiki
After nearly killing Claudius with a single blow, a flicker of surprise crossed Shiki's eyes. Then, with clear frustration, he sneered, "I thought you were something special. Turns out you're just a silver-plated weakling."
Shiki had initially assumed that the person who managed to land a blow on him had to be someone formidable, especially after seeing Claudius standing there so confidently. The air of arrogance, the calm demeanor it all fooled him into thinking Claudius was a legitimate threat. Even Sengoku, usually sharp, seemed to misjudge the situation, likely because of the way Claudius presented himself.
But now? Shiki was irritated. He, the feared Golden Lion, had allowed himself to get scratched by some nobody. A mistake like this could damage his reputation. In a world of pirates, where status and image were everything, this was no minor matter. If word got out, how could he maintain his standing as a top dog?
Furious at being caught off guard, Shiki readied his sword to finish Claudius off. But before he could strike, Sengoku launched another attack, forcing Shiki to deal with the Marine Admiral instead.
Still feeling the aftereffects of Sengoku's last blow his internal organs had taken a good hit Shiki realized this wasn't the time to push his luck. Sengoku wasn't a small fry. If they continued to go head-to-head like this, especially without the clear advantage of air superiority, Shiki could be in serious trouble.
Sengoku, on the other hand, was just as furious. If Shiki had killed Claudius, the consequences would have been catastrophic. Going back to Mariejois without him? Sengoku might as well put up the pirate flag and prepare for a swift execution. But seeing Claudius still alive, albeit shaken, gave Sengoku some relief. At least they had avoided the worst-case scenario.
Meanwhile, Stussy was helping Claudius back to his feet, pulling him out of the shattered deck. "Your Highness, that was reckless! Shiki might not have noticed you earlier, but now you've practically thrown yourself into his crosshairs! Are you alright?"
Claudius, still wobbly but regaining his balance, gave her a lopsided grin. "I'm fine. A bit winded, but nothing serious. Just ran out of steam, that's all…"
Even as he spoke, Claudius could feel his strength returning rapidly, his body recovering at an extraordinary pace. His legs, which had been trembling from the impact of Shiki's attack, were now feeling much steadier. "Zero Hour Mizu," he thought to himself.
When he had first inherited this strange power, Claudius assumed it could only be used at specific times, as its name suggested. But after much experimentation, he had realized that the power had transformed along with his physical capabilities. Instead of being a fixed store of energy, the Zero Hour Mizu allowed him to rapidly replenish his stamina and strength, drawing from the reserves he had built over the years. This meant that as long as he didn't overextend himself, he could recover from exhaustion in no time.
Smiling to Stussy, Claudius continued, "I thought I might be able to kill or severely wound Shiki with that last hit, but I underestimated him. He's not just any pirate; he's one of the most feared men on the seas. It was foolish of me to think I could bring him down so easily."
Stussy sighed, relieved that Claudius was recovering but still concerned about his safety. "Even so, Your Highness managed to injure him, and that created a window for Sengoku and the others to press their attack. It wasn't for nothing."
Claudius nodded thoughtfully. "True. And I've learned a bit more about his weaknesses. He's powerful, but he's not invincible. He relies on his air superiority. If I can just disrupt that…" Claudius trailed off, a plan forming in his mind.
Stussy, noticing the shift in his tone, looked at him curiously. "You have another idea, don't you? What are you planning now?"
Claudius grinned, that same glint of mischief returning to his eyes. "Remember, I'm not just any noble. I ate a Devil Fruit, and not just any Devil Fruit. I have powers that could shift the tides in our favor."
Stussy raised an eyebrow, still unsure. "But I've rarely seen you use your abilities, and none of what I've seen so far seems like it could stop someone like Shiki."
Claudius let out a confident laugh. "That's because I haven't had to go all out yet. You forgot, Logia users are some of the most dangerous in the world. There's a reason we're considered the strongest of the three Devil Fruit types. Watch this."
With that, Claudius took a deep breath and raised his hand toward the sky, as though he were reaching out to grasp something invisible. Immediately, Stussy felt a shift in the air around them. The wind, which had been relatively calm, began to stir, and a powerful force radiated from Claudius's body.
The sky above the battlefield darkened, clouds swirling and condensing as the wind picked up speed. Claudius, wielding the power of the Nitrogen-Nitrogen Fruit, was drawing on the nitrogen in the atmosphere, manipulating it to create a cyclone high above. The air pressure began to drop, and soon a powerful vortex formed in the sky, pulling the clouds into its growing spiral.
Shiki, still dodging attacks from Sengoku and Polusalino, suddenly felt the shift. His instincts screamed at him, and he glanced down toward the source of the disturbance. What he saw made his blood boil. That same young man, the one he had dismissed as a nobody, was now conjuring a storm.
"No way… this brat can control the weather?!" Shiki snarled, his fury rising.
The Golden Lion's greatest fear was a storm. His Devil Fruit gave him incredible control over floating objects, but in a fierce storm, his precision and stability would be severely compromised. It was his one significant weakness, and now it was being exploited.
Sengoku noticed the sudden change in Shiki's demeanor and grinned. "Looks like the tables have turned, Shiki! Your greatest advantage is now your biggest weakness!"
Shiki, already feeling the powerful winds tugging at his control, realized that the longer he stayed, the worse it would get. Evading another one of Sengoku's shockwaves, he snarled, "Don't get cocky, Sengoku. You might've pushed me back today, but this isn't over! Sooner or later, I'll crush you all, Marines and your precious Celestial Dragons included!"
Without wasting another second, Shiki turned and shot upward, fleeing the battlefield with as much speed as he could muster. He knew when to cut his losses. He might have taken a few hits, but his pride was still intact. There would be another day for revenge.
Claudius watched from the deck as Shiki made his retreat, a look of surprise crossing his face. "Well, I didn't expect him to retreat that quickly. Guess he's smarter than I gave him credit for."
Sengoku returned to the ship shortly after, shaking his head. "It's a shame we couldn't capture him. We had a real chance today."
Claudius, still catching his breath, shrugged. "Honestly, we're lucky to be alive. If you think about it, we're not equipped to take him down right now. At least not without losing half the fleet."
Sengoku let out a tired sigh but nodded. "You're right. It's better this way. We'll fight him another day."
With Shiki gone, Kuzan and Sakazuki worked together to thaw the ice surrounding the ships, allowing the fleet to return to its original course. They had narrowly escaped disaster.
Back in the cabin, Sengoku turned to Claudius with an appreciative smile. " After thinking it through, Sengoku realized that without Claudius on board, the situation would have been very different. If not for Claudius' presence, the Marines would have likely avoided a direct encounter with Shiki altogether. At the very least, they would have had an easier time retreating rather than getting tangled in this dangerous battle.
No Shiki, no near-death experience, no battle at all, just a straightforward, albeit frustrating, search for John on Cornillo Island. After releasing a Buster Call and coming up empty, Marine would've stuck around to scour the place until they found something or finally gave up.
In that scenario, Shiki might not have even bothered with them. He wouldn't have had any reason to pick a fight, and the Marine fleet could have avoided this entire deadly confrontation.
Sengoku shook his head at the thought, sighing internally. This was one of those moments where everything seemed to spiral out of control for no good reason. But, dwelling on what could've been wasn't going to change anything. Best to focus on what actually happened.
With that, Sengoku shifted gears and gave a tired smile. "Regardless, it's fortunate we had your help today. I didn't expect you to have the ability to manipulate the weather like that. Your power is..."
"Nitrogen," Claudius interrupted with a casual smile. "To put it simply, I control the nitrogen in the air. Since it's an invisible gas and makes up most of the atmosphere, I can use it to influence the climate, at least to a certain extent."
Sengoku could tell Claudius didn't want to go into too much detail about his power, and respected that boundary. He nodded, deciding not to press further. "Well, your control over it is remarkable. Without you here, it's hard to say how much worse today could have gone. Shiki is always difficult to deal with, but you really tipped the scales."
While Sengoku expressed his gratitude, Claudius couldn't help but feel a bit conflicted. If not for his involvement, Shiki likely wouldn't have attacked in the first place. Claudius' mere presence on the ship had drawn attention to the fleet, and that attention had nearly gotten them all killed.
After all, if Sengoku and the others had been on Cornillo Island as originally planned, scouring the ground for any sign of John, Shiki probably wouldn't have cared enough to intervene. There wouldn't have been any reason for him to pick a fight with the Marines, especially one as serious as this.
But there was no point in bringing that up now. What mattered was that they survived and they even managed to push Shiki back.
Chapter 44: The Five Elders
Mariejois' port was bustling with activity as several Marine warships slowly made their way to berth. Claudius, however, wasn't in any rush to disembark. Instead, he sat back, leisurely flipping through a newspaper with a smirk on his face.
The headlines grabbed his attention. "Navy Headquarters Kills the Infamous Pirate John and Engages in Battle with Golden Lion Shiki in the New World." Claudius chuckled to himself and said, "Well, that's one way to get people's attention."
Standing nearby Nia smiled. "Your Highness's identity has also been mentioned in the news, but fortunately, Sengoku and the others know how to keep things under control. They didn't publish your photo."
Even though the news of Claudius was spreading, it seemed the Marines had made sure to keep his face out of the papers. Nia, ever loyal, was relieved to see her master's name gaining fame without compromising his security.
Stussy, who stood on the other side, spoke up. "I know Morgans, the bird-man who runs the World Economy News Paper. He's just recently come into contact with the World Government. Without approval, he wouldn't have dared to print anything about your Highness."
The World Economy News Paper, owned by the ambitious bird-man Morgans, had been around for a while, but it never used to be a major player in the media landscape. However, once Morgans established ties with the World Government, his paper started getting first access to some of the most crucial stories, and its influence grew rapidly. Morgans knew where his bread was buttered and was quick to keep certain things quiet when necessary, all in the name of maintaining his newfound government connections.
"I must admit," Claudius said thoughtfully, "he's done a remarkable job turning that paper around in just two years. It's on the path to dominating the newspaper industry."
In the years to come, Claudius knew Morgans would develop the World Economy News Paper into a global powerhouse, wielding influence that could secretly sway world events. Morgans wasn't just a newsman—he was a kingmaker, pushing stories that could alter the balance of power, as he did with Luffy's rise as the "Fifth Emperor," which was, in fact, largely due to Morgans hyping him up.
Of course, Claudius also understood that while Morgans was useful to the World Government now, there might come a time when his influence grew too dangerous. But for now, Morgans was just a pawn in a much larger game. "I'll deal with him when the time comes," Claudius mused to himself. "No need to rush."
For now, Morgans had played up Claudius' role in John's death, even exaggerating the incident with Shiki. He made sure everyone knew Shiki was injured by Claudius, and the paper even claimed the scar on Shiki's face would be a lasting reminder of his defeat.
Thanks to Morgans' embellishment, Claudius' name was starting to spread across the world.
Meanwhile, high in the skies above the New World, Shiki himself was fuming as he read the newspaper. His forehead veins bulged in fury. "Damn it! That brat was Celestial Dragons?!" Shiki growled, crushing the paper in his hands. "Sengoku called him 'Your Highness,' but how did a Celestial Dragon manage to injure me?!"
Shiki's fingers brushed against the scar on his cheek. It would leave a permanent mark a reminder of the day he was humiliated by a so-called "trash" Celestial Dragon. The thought that his reputation had been tarnished, not by a top Marine but by someone from the pampered class of Celestial Dragons, made him boil with rage.
"Donquixote Claudius," Shiki hissed, his voice filled with venom. "You'd better pray we never cross paths again. Your royal status won't save you from me next time."
While Shiki stewed in his anger, elsewhere in the City of Water, the Pirate King himself, Gol D. Roger, was laughing uproariously as he read the same headline.
"Ahahaha! Shiki, of all people, got himself hurt by a Celestial Dragon?!" Roger's laughter echoed through the room. "I didn't see that one coming."
"Now that name sounds familiar," Roger continued, still chuckling. "Donquixote Claudius…where have I heard it before?"
Rayleigh, sitting nearby, glanced up and smirked. "Of course it sounds familiar. We ran into him on Sabaody Archipelago about five years ago, remember?"
Recognition dawned on Roger's face. "That's right! He was that interesting Celestial Dragon kid. I even thought about inviting him to join us back then!"
"Haha, you really should have, Captain," said Scopper Gaban, joining the conversation. "Imagine the look on Shiki's face if we had!"
Roger thought about it for a moment, then grinned. "Yeah, I should've tied him up and brought him along. He definitely had potential."
Rayleigh leaned back, taking a sip from his drink. "He was a strange one, alright. I could tell back then that he wasn't like the other Celestial Dragons. And now, five years later, he's managed to injure the Golden Lion. This era is really starting to heat up."
Roger's eyes gleamed with excitement. "That's why we can't waste any more time! The Oro Jackson will be ready soon, and when it is, we'll conquer this sea once and for all! Hahaha!"
Back in the New World, aboard a massive ship resembling a white whale, the infamous Whitebeard, Edward Newgate, was also reading the headlines.
"Shiki got himself in trouble again, eh?" Whitebeard said with a wide grin, tossing the newspaper aside.
His young crew member, Marco, raised an eyebrow. "I don't believe for a second that Shiki was injured by a Celestial Dragon. No way. This is probably just the World Government adding a little flair to make themselves look good."
Diamond Jozu nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the idea of a Celestial Dragon fighting is hard to swallow."
Whitebeard wasn't too concerned. "It doesn't matter who did it. The important thing is Shiki took a hit. He's been getting too cocky lately, taking down Ochoku and John. I wouldn't be surprised if I was next on his list."
Marco's eyes lit up. "Then why not strike first, Pops? We could take him out and be done with it."
Whitebeard waved a dismissive hand. "Nah, I'm not interested in ruling the seas like Shiki or the others. Let him come if he wants a fight. I'll sink him if he does, but until then, I'm not going looking for trouble."
Unlike Shiki, Big Mom, or Kaido, Whitebeard had no ambition to rule the seas. He simply wanted to live freely and protect his "sons." But even though he wasn't chasing the throne, his confidence in his own power was unshakable.
As Whitebeard dismissed the idea of hunting Shiki, many of the other powerful pirates across the world who read the news had similar reactions. They either scoffed at the idea of a Celestial Dragon being a threat or dismissed it as government propaganda.
Back at Mariejois, Sengoku was leading Claudius off the warship, making their way through the port. As they walked, Sengoku turned to Claudius and said, "The Five Elders have summoned you as well. They want to meet you."
Claudius raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Me? They want to meet me?"
Sengoku nodded. "Yes. They were quite clear about it. I believe it's related to your... recent activities."
Claudius smirked, "So, the lowest of the Celestial Dragons is being called to meet the highest? Must be because of all the noise we caused with Shiki."
"Indeed," Sengoku said with a smile. "You've caught their attention. Frankly, I'd be interested in meeting you too, if I were them."
Sengoku knew the Five Elders well enough to understand their curiosity. Most Celestial Dragons were content to live off their status, but Claudius was different. He had shown potential something rare among the so-called "gods."
Five Elders likely saw in Claudius an opportunity a way to reshape the world's perception of Celestial Dragons, to show that not all of them were entitled, lazy, or corrupt. Claudius could become the "face" of a new kind of Celestial Dragon one who was capable, competent, and strong.
And that, Sengoku thought, was an opportunity the Five Elders would not want to miss.
Chapter 45: Test
In the Holy Land of Mariejois, Claudius felt more than familiar with his surroundings. After all, this was where he lived. But despite having passed by the World Government's headquarters countless times, he had never set foot inside, let alone visited the top floor, where the Five Elders those who held the highest authority in the world had their office. The entire floor belonged to them, spacious and prestigious.
Born into the Celestial Dragons, Claudius, even in his previous life, had never had the privilege of meeting the Five Elders. He was, after all, part of the lowest rung of the Celestial Dragons hierarchy. But beside him now was Admiral Sengoku, who walked these halls with familiarity. It was clear this wasn't his first time meeting with the Five Elders.
Walking behind Sengoku, Claudius couldn't help but think about how this man was likely the Five Elders' chosen candidate for the next Marine Fleet Admiral. It made sense. If Claudius were in their position, he'd likely favor Sengoku as well. Not only was Sengoku incredibly powerful and intelligent known as "The Resourceful General" but more importantly, he was obedient. Among all the high-ranking Marines, Sengoku had the closest ties to the World Government and followed its orders without question.
Despite his strength and intelligence, Sengoku had always been the most loyal to the World Government, even to the point of carrying out a Buster Call on Ohara, destroying the island without hesitation. For him, following orders was Marine's ultimate duty.
It was only later in life, when Sengoku neared retirement, that he started to question these views and began to favor Kuzan for the role of Fleet Admiral. Unfortunately for him, the World Government had other plans, supporting Sakazuki instead. But all that was still in the future. Right now, Sengoku was the model of a Marine officer someone the Five Elders trusted implicitly and likely intended to place at the top of Marine's command.
As they approached the top floor, Sengoku hesitated outside the door of the Five Elders' office. Turning to Claudius, he asked, "Have you met the Five Elders before, Your Highness?"
Claudius blinked, then smiled and shook his head. "No, I'm just a minor figure among the Celestial Dragons. How could I have met them?"
"Really?" Sengoku chuckled lightly. "They're not as intimidating as they seem. They're actually quite approachable."
Claudius gave a polite nod, but in his mind, he disagreed. They're only approachable because they like you, Sengoku. They see you as one of their own. Try telling that to Sakazuki when he's being cold-shouldered in the future.
Sengoku knocked on the door, and after receiving permission to enter, the two walked in. As expected, all five of the world's most powerful figures were present.
It was Claudius' first time seeing them in person. While they were already old, they appeared younger than he had imagined from his memories of the future. Despite their age, they radiated a powerful aura that instantly made Claudius feel a little tense, as if standing in front of them made lying impossible.
These men aren't like the other Celestial Dragons, Claudius thought to himself. They exude real authority. They feel like true rulers.
The Five Elders didn't spend much time addressing Claudius. They focused mostly on Sengoku, who provided a concise report on recent events. His report wasn't exaggerated or filled with unnecessary praise for Claudius, but it also didn't downplay the contributions Claudius had made, keeping things fair and balanced.
Claudius didn't mind. After Sengoku finished, the Five Elders turned their attention to him. Claudius couldn't shake the feeling that there was something like relief in their eyes, though he couldn't quite place why.
"Donquixote Claudius, correct?" asked the bald elder who held a sword. He didn't bother introducing himself; it seemed he expected Claudius to know who they were.
Claudius, ever respectful, nodded and replied, "Yes, that's correct."
"Antonio's son?" the other bald elder inquired, as if recalling a distant memory.
Claudius' father, Antonio, had passed away from illness long ago, but it seemed he had made quite an impression on the Five Elders during his time.
"Yes, Antonio is my father," Claudius confirmed.
"Ah, I thought I remembered correctly," the elder said with a nostalgic smile. "It feels like just yesterday you were a child, and now look at you."
"Thank you for remembering, it's an honor," Claudius replied politely.
One of the other elders, a bearded man, studied Claudius for a moment before speaking. "Courteous and respectful. It seems you're quite capable, given how Sengoku speaks of you. It's rare to see a young Celestial Dragon like you. Usually, all we see are those troublemaking brats who embarrass us with their behavior."
Claudius managed a modest smile at the compliment, but inside he was processing the situation. It was true many of the Celestial Dragons were arrogant and reckless, relying entirely on their bloodline to act above the law. Clearly, the Five Elders had little patience for such behavior.
The elder continued, "It's good to see a promising member from the Donquixote family for once. Your family has produced more than its fair share of... oddballs." He chuckled slightly, clearly thinking of Donquixote Homing, who had forsaken his Celestial Dragon status and gone to live as a commoner.
Claudius chuckled politely but said nothing. He was fully aware of his family's strange history.
After some pleasantries, the Five Elders shifted to more serious matters. Despite their apparent satisfaction with Claudius, they needed to measure the depth of his understanding and ambitions.
Without much preamble, the elder with the sword asked, "Claudius, as someone of your status, you must know why it's important to strive for strength. Is it because you're afraid we can't protect you?"
Claudius paused for a moment, considering his response. He decided that honesty would serve him best here. "Yes and no," he said.
The elder raised an eyebrow. "Explain."
Claudius took a deep breath. "You may not be fully aware, but about six years ago, I had an accident. I ended up stranded on a deserted island in the New World. It was only thanks to Zephyr Admiral that I was rescued."
The Five Elders exchanged looks but didn't interrupt.
"Before that accident," Claudius continued, "I was like many of my fellow Celestial Dragons living without a care in the world, assuming my status was enough to shield me from anything. But that experience taught me an important lesson."
"And what lesson is that?" the bald elder asked, clearly intrigued.
"In this world, everything you have without strength is just an illusion. It may seem grand and secure, but it can all be taken away in an instant. If you don't have power, then everything you possess status, wealth, even your life is at the mercy of others. So, I believe a person must rely on themselves above all else."
As soon as Claudius finished speaking, the elder with the sword laughed heartily. "Well said, boy! You're absolutely right. In this world, strength is everything!"
Claudius nodded. "That's why I seek strength. On the one hand, I trust that you can protect me, but on the other hand, I want to be strong enough to protect myself. That's why I've been working to grow stronger."
The Five Elders exchanged approving glances. The elder with the beard spoke next, his tone thoughtful. "You've got ambition, and that's a good thing. But what are your thoughts on the future? How do you see the world, and more importantly, how do you see our World Government?"
Claudius felt a slight chill at this question. They're testing me, he realized. He couldn't reveal his true thoughts, his desire for power and control over the world government itself. If they sensed even a hint of disloyalty, they could crush him on the spot.
Carefully choosing his words, Claudius replied, "I believe the world as it is today is stable, but that stability won't last forever. There are forces in the world, like the Golden Lion Shiki and others, who seek to challenge our rule. Careerists, like them, want to overturn the World Government and seize control. While our strength is undeniable for now, the future is uncertain."
His words were cautious, but they were enough to make the Five Elders take notice. For someone so young, Claudius already had a clear grasp of the global situation, and more importantly, he wasn't naive about the future.
"And what do you think of our World Government?" the bald elder asked again, pressing the issue.
Claudius knew this was a trap. Criticizing the World Government would be foolish, but blind praise would be equally unwise. So, he opted for loyalty.
"The World Government is the foundation upon which my identity as a Celestial Dragon stands," Claudius said firmly. "Anyone who threatens the World Government is my enemy because I understand that my power and status come from the stability and authority of the government. We are inseparable."
The Five Elders smiled, clearly pleased with his answer. Claudius had passed their test.
...
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