OPKOTW: Chapter 392/395

Chapter 392: Complete Suppression—Kill Without Hesitation!

In the streets of the Mariejois business district, a large number of Marines had begun their operation.

"What are you doing?! What are you doing?! We are under Saint Rodriguez's protection! This shop is Celestial Dragons' private property! What do you Marines think you're doing?!" A shop owner shouted angrily at the approaching Marines.

However, a Marine Rear Admiral stepped forward, his brows furrowed slightly. Without a word, he kicked the shop owner in the stomach, sending him crashing into the wall, wailing in pain.

The Rear Admiral then turned to the Marines beside him, his expression displeased. "Have you forgotten your orders? Suppress every area. If anyone resists, depending on the situation, you can kill them. If you keep hesitating like this, when will this operation be finished?"

"Rear Admiral Drake, but… this is Celestial Dragons' property," a Marine soldier hesitated.

That's right—the Rear Admiral in front of them was X Drake, a Marine officer and a member of CP-X.

Hearing this, Drake's eyes flashed with impatience. "So what if it's the Celestial Dragons' property? Even the so-called gods' dwellings are being suppressed. They can't even protect themselves, let alone control what happens here."

As he spoke, Drake pulled out a pistol from his waist and pointed it at the shop owner, who was still seething with arrogance. "No matter how many sins they've committed, no matter whether it's under orders or in the name of justice, there's no need to reason with people like them."

The next second, Drake pulled the trigger. A gunshot rang out, and the shop owner's head exploded on the spot.

Drake coldly commanded, "Execute the order. I want this entire street secured within fifteen minutes!"

Seeing that Rear Admiral Drake had killed someone without hesitation—moreover, a lackey of the Celestial Dragons—the surrounding Marines shivered. They dared not drag their feet any longer.

However, Marine discipline remained strict. They only targeted those who resisted. As long as shop owners obediently shut their doors and stayed inside, the Marines wouldn't trouble them.

It didn't take the full fifteen minutes for the unit to suppress the entire street.

Similar scenes were unfolding all across Mariejois, large and small. Like a tidal wave of ants, Marines and CP-X members flooded the Holy Land, suppressing everything in their path.


---

"Hina Commodore, the Slave Hall has been secured!" A Marine soldier reported to Hina, who stood nearby.

Hina took a drag from her cigarette and nodded. "Don't let your guard down. Those slave owners need to be put down, and the slaves themselves must be kept under watch. We can't afford any uprisings. If anyone resists, shoot on sight!"

"Yes, Commodore Hina!" the Marine soldier responded swiftly.

Hina exhaled a puff of smoke, her gaze complicated. She had been a Marine for many years, starting alongside Smoker and had envisioned many battles in her career.

But leading a Marine force to suppress Mariejois itself? That was something she never imagined.

"The New World Government…" Hina murmured, looking southward.


---

The layout of Mariejois was rather unique. Beneath the surface, vast underground structures existed—places that never saw the light of day. These underground levels were filled with blood, decay, and despair.

This was where the slaves lived—their prison, their workplace.

Many of Mariejois' so-called "advanced" technologies, like automated walkways were actually powered by the sweat and blood of these slaves.

At this moment, deep within the underground, CP-X agents were moving in and out.

Standing atop a massive gear, Jabra wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Damn, it stinks in here. I knew this place was bad, but I didn't think the underground was this filthy."

"Maybe these people will finally be saved," Kaku said with a hint of emotion. "Once His Highness takes power, it's almost certain that true abolition of slavery will happen."

As the two spoke, Kalifa approached, wearing a mask to shield herself from the stench. She held a stack of documents in her hands and reported, "It's done. The entire underground slave system has been completely shut down. The suppression is complete."


---

Outside Pangaea Castle, a large number of Marines had completely surrounded the area.

This Marine unit was responsible for subduing the royal guards from a hundred nations, as well as the forces guarding the castle itself.

At this moment, many guards loyal to the World Government lay motionless on the ground, as if an inexplicable force was suppressing them.

Not far away, the royal guards from various nations had obediently surrendered their weapons and were being detained in groups at the Social Square.

At the castle's front entrance, a table had been set up. Sitting in front of it was a Marine Vice Admiral, his expression calm.

On the table lay a sheathed sword, while in his hands was a bowl of noodles. Using chopsticks, he ate slowly and methodically.

After a short while, a Marine Colonel approached and saluted. "Vice Admiral Fujitora, Pangaea Castle has been secured!"

"Mm. Then proceed with the escort mission. Ensure the Reverie goes smoothly," Issho—better known as Fujitora—said with a smile, continuing to eat his noodles.

"Understood!" the Marine Colonel responded.


---

Meanwhile, in Mariejois' Communications Center, an official rushed into a communications room in a panic.

"Quick! Contact the Sabaody Archipelago defense forces! The Marines and CP-X have gone mad! They're staging an armed coup!!" he shouted desperately.

But before he could finish speaking, a CP-X agent in a black suit appeared behind him and calmly pressed a gun to his head.

Without hesitation, the agent pulled the trigger.

Bang!

Blood splattered across the room.

Holstering his pistol, the agent turned to the communications staff and commanded, "Continue blocking all transmissions. Monitor every signal coming from Mariejois. Cut off anything that doesn't match our parameters."

"Yes, sir!" the staff members responded in unison.

Looking closely, it was clear—they weren't ordinary workers. They were all highly trained agents.


---

As reports flooded in, Spandine let out a slow breath.

From the suppression of the House of the Gods to something as trivial as the business district, every operation had proceeded smoothly.

Even if there had been minor obstacles, they had been crushed swiftly and decisively.

Glancing at the map, his gaze landed on the Void Throne's location, not far from Pangaea Castle, the very place where the Five Elders resided.

That area was strictly off-limits. No one was allowed entry, except for newly inducted royals during the Reverie, who were granted a ceremonial visit to the legendary Void Throne, a supposed symbol of "equality and justice."

Outside of that occasion, even Claudius had no authority to step foot there.

On the surface, it was the Five Elders' residence.

But Spandine had his suspicions.

Most likely, the true master of that place was none other than the legendary Imu.

Mariejois was in complete chaos, yet no news had emerged from that place. It was as if Imu didn't exist at all, this eerie silence made Spandine uneasy.

But then again, the sheer force they had gathered in Mariejois gave him some reassurance.

"...We'll wait and see," Spandine muttered.

His Highness had made it clear—Imu would be dealt with last.

Until the Reverie was settled, they wouldn't touch that place.

He just hoped nothing unexpected would happen before then.

Chapter 393: King of the World!

At this moment, inside the World Summit venue, the Five Elders had already been "escorted to rest" by Claudius, placed in a room not far from the main hall.

The assembled royals sat in complete silence. Hardly anyone dared to speak, though a few exchanged nervous glances, unease evident in their expressions.

In stark contrast, Claudius' group remained relaxed, chatting and laughing, as if none of these events were of any real concern to them.

"So far, everything has gone smoothly. If things are proceeding as planned, the suppression should be completed by now, right?" Sengoku stroked his beard and smacked his lips.

Claudius took a sip of tea before responding, "I'd say it's about done. But the lack of movement from the Void Throne is a bit surprising."

"Does it really matter whether this so-called Imu exists or not?" Sengoku's gaze darkened slightly.

"It's best to stay prepared," Claudius murmured.

Before long, a figure entered the conference hall—Spandine.

He swiftly approached Claudius, bent slightly, and whispered, "Your Highness, all suppression efforts are complete. However, there's still no response from the Void Throne. How should we proceed?"

Claudius nodded and said, "Leave it alone for now. Since your part is done, it's time for me to handle these royals."

"Understood!" Spandine quickly replied before leaving the hall.

As Spandine departed, Claudius stood up, sweeping his gaze across the entire assembly. A slight smirk played on his lips as he stepped onto the central podium, the very spot where the Five Elders had been presiding just moments ago.

Every royal in attendance turned their eyes toward Claudius.

Clearing his throat slightly, he spoke: "Does anyone have any objections to the two proposals put forward?"

The moment his words fell, not a single person dared to respond.

A joke, surely? Even the Five Elders objected just now—and where did that get them? Arrested on the spot! If they, mere rulers of affiliated nations, dared to speak out, what would happen to them?

At the same time, many present gained a newfound understanding of the Donquixote name. They had long heard rumors of the clan producing some rather... peculiar individuals.

But this? This was on another level.

Astounding. Admirable. Insane.

"Well, it seems no one has any objections," Claudius said with a grin.

He continued, "In that case, the proposal to reduce the number of Celestial Dragons is officially passed under the highest authority of the World Summit.

Effective immediately, all members of the Celestial Dragons except for the Donquixote family are stripped of their status.

They will no longer enjoy any privileges as Celestial Dragons!"

The moment those words left his mouth, Claudius didn't bother to check whether anyone approved or not. He simply moved on to the next topic.

"Now, let's discuss the structure of the World Government's authority. The Five Elders are old. It's time for them to step down. But if they retire, how should the resulting power vacuum be filled?" Claudius asked in a calm tone.

The kings of the affiliated nations exchanged glances.

What was there to discuss?

Wouldn't the decision ultimately rest with Claudius Saint?

"I believe that since the identities of the other Celestial Dragons have been revoked, the only remaining true Celestial Dragons belong to the Donquixote family," King Neptune spoke up.

"Saint Claudius, as the patriarch of the Donquixote family, stands as the highest-ranking Celestial Dragon—the only one of noble status remaining.

It is only fitting that he assumes the responsibilities of the former Five Elders and becomes the supreme authority of the World Government, is it not?"

The moment Neptune finished speaking, Sengoku stood up.

"Marine Headquarters fully supports the new government under Claudius and the World Government."

Following him, Garp, Tsuru, Kuzan, Sakazuki, Borsalino, and other top Marine officers all rose to their feet, echoing his words.

At this point, even the dullest of minds could see that the entire Marine Headquarters had submitted to Claudius.

Within the massive structure of the World Government, the Marines were merely one of many powerful organizations.

In terms of authority alone, they weren't the highest-ranking faction.

Institutions such as the World Government's senior officials and the chief executive officers held greater bureaucratic influence.

But there was one undeniable fact—

The Marines possessed the most formidable military power.

And now, they had pledged allegiance to Claudius.

Who else within the World Government had the strength to resist?

Even those with political influence held nothing but hollow authority without military backing.

Claudius acknowledged Sengoku and the others with a nod, then turned his gaze back to the assembly.

"In that case," he declared, "I, Donquixote Claudius, will assume the highest authority of the World Government and reorganize its various institutions."

"The administrative departments will be restructured to better serve the allied nations of the World Government."

"Does anyone have any objections to this new government?"

Silence.

Then—

"Alabasta approves," Crocodile was the first to raise his hand.

"Amazon Lily approves," Hancock followed.

"Dressrosa approves!" Doflamingo chimed in.

One by one, more nations gave their approval—Germa Kingdom, Fish-Man Island, and others—until all 100 votes had passed in favor of Claudius assuming control.

At that moment, through the authority of the World Summit, Claudius legally and officially seized the highest power of the World Government.

Of course, one lingering threat remained, one that had yet to be addressed.

When all was said and done, further arrangements would be necessary to eliminate it completely.

As this realization settled in, Doflamingo grinned.

"Since the highest authority of the new government is now concentrated in a single person, it wouldn't make sense to continue using the title of 'Five Elders,' would it?"

Following Doflamingo's comment, several royal figures began eagerly proposing titles.

"Indeed! Saint Claudius' power far exceeds that of the Five Elders. A new title is needed!"

"How about 'Heavenly Dragon King'?"

"No, no, 'God-King' sounds more fitting!"

A wave of sycophantic suggestions flooded in—"Heavenly Dragon King," "God-King," "Supreme Lord of the Celestial Dragons"—each title more extravagant than the last.

But Claudius rejected them all.

Why?

Because they all sounded ridiculous.

Then, a voice from the crowd suddenly spoke up.

"How about 'King of the World'?"




"After all, he is now the ruler of the World Government, the king of all 173 member nations!"

For a brief moment, silence filled the hall.

Then—

Crocodile smirked. "I like that."

Seeing Crocodile, one of Claudius' direct subordinates, approve of the title, the other royals quickly followed suit.

"Yes, yes! 'King of the World'! Only Claudius deserves such a name!"

"The supreme ruler of the World Government, our lord and sovereign!"

The title quickly gained unanimous approval.

At that moment, Claudius declared, "Then so be it. I, Donquixote Claudius, from this day forward, assume the highest authority of the World Government, as the King of the World!"

The assembled royals erupted in praise.

But while Claudius outwardly accepted their reverence, his thoughts were already moving ahead.

Next… it was time to deal with these so-called 'loyal' rulers.

"Moving forward, we shall begin discussions on the formation of a new government."

"We will restructure taxation, drastically reducing the financial burden on allied nations, and implement new laws and policies."

A brief pause.

Then—

"Let's begin with the tax reforms."

Chapter 394: Five Elders – This is Too Difficult for Us
The tax reform plan in Claudius' hands was drafted by Tesoro, who had worked tirelessly on it, refining every detail to ensure it aligned with the average economic level of each nation.

Of course, this so-called "average" was somewhat misleading.

It was like saying if Claudius, in his past life, averaged his wealth with that of Jack Ma, he too would be counted among the top ten richest people in the country.

But in practical governance, average economic levels were crucial.

If tax policies were tailored individually for each nation, giving special treatment to poor countries while heavily taxing the rich ones, resentment would inevitably build over time.

Sure, Claudius had the power to force compliance, but deep-seated discontent would only grow.

Thus, a unified taxation standard was essential. Once that was set, economic aid and poverty alleviation could be implemented as needed. That way, no one could claim unfair treatment.

Even though Claudius had just overthrown the Five Elders, and the 100 allied kings each had their own agendas, taxation was a matter of national survival.

Even with Claudius' authority, they couldn't just blindly approve it—they had to review and debate every detail carefully.

After all, submission didn’t mean immediate surrender.

This process would take time. But the World Summit wasn’t meant to be rushed, there were too many new policies to establish, and Claudius was in no hurry.

Previously, Tesoro wouldn’t have even been allowed to attend the World Summit.

But now?

With Claudius controlling the entire venue, Tesoro walked in freely.

"You'll oversee the discussions on economic development, tax reform, and other related matters," Claudius said quietly to Tesoro. "I have something else to take care of."

Tesoro, despite being the ruler of Gran Tesoro, felt a little nervous.

Suddenly being asked to set global tax policies for a hundred kings? That was a whole different level of power.

But he knew this was only the beginning.

Claudius, wise and powerful as he was, couldn’t handle everything alone.

Now that he was King of the World, he had to oversee the entire World Government.

He would need people like Tesoro to support him.

This was a test—an opportunity to prove himself.

Tesoro quickly nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty. I will do my best."

Claudius patted his shoulder. "Don't stress too much. These guys won’t dare push back too hard."

With that, Claudius turned and walked over to Fleet Admiral Sengoku and the top Marine officers.

"I’m going to check on the Five Elders first," he said quietly. "And see if Lord Imu decides to show himself."

Sengoku nodded. "We’ll be ready at any time."

"Mm."

Claudius didn’t even acknowledge the gathered kings. Without another word, he left the venue, Rob Lucci following silently behind him.

The kings were curious about what Claudius was up to, but no one dared to ask.

Instead, they buried themselves in reviewing the tax reform plans.

---

At this moment, the Five Elders were being held in a room near the conference hall.

Two CP-X agents stood guard outside, not that they were worried about the Elders escaping.

After all, Fujitora was casually eating noodles just downstairs.

There were no harsh restrictions placed on them.

Inside the room, they were free to move around. There were drinks, tea, snacks, and desserts available.

Still, the atmosphere was heavy.

The sword-wielding Elder, drained from overusing Haki, lay motionless on a sofa. His body was weak, though he felt no pain.

His expression, however, was dark and grim.

The bald Elder, Nusjuro, sat on another sofa, his elbows resting on his knees, fingers interlocked under his chin.

His body was slightly hunched. His expression?

Ugly. Somber. Even... sorrowful.

And why wouldn’t he be?

He was the closest to Claudius among the Five Elders. He had watched Claudius grow up, treated him as a future leader.

Yet, that heir had now become the enemy, a villain in the eyes of the old order.

Who wouldn’t feel sad about this?

The room remained eerily silent.

No one spoke for a long time.

Finally, the blonde Elder at the desk broke the silence.

"He came fully prepared."

He let out a sigh.

"The CP agencies haven’t responded at all. No reinforcements. No counterattack."

"That leaves only two possibilities," the bearded Elder added with a sigh.

"Either they were wiped out... or they switched sides."

Both conclusions were equally disastrous.

If CP hadn’t intervened, it meant they had been neutralized beforehand, either through force or political maneuvering.

Either way, Claudius had planned too far ahead.

The curly-haired Elder, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.

"All these years, we saw Claudius as competent and reliable."

"But we never truly felt the pressure he could bring."

His voice was filled with emotion.

"Now, standing against him, I finally understand… just how terrifying he really is."

"He had a plan from the start," the bearded Elder admitted helplessly.

"And we were completely unprepared.

He had everything calculated… while we never saw it coming.

From the moment this began, our fate was sealed."

The sword-wielding Elder, still lying on the sofa, let out a weak chuckle.

"For decades, we thought ourselves wiser than him.

Now, we’ve lost everything in a single day."

It was impossible to guard against someone like Claudius.

A man they had believed to be one of their own had turned the tables so suddenly… it felt unfair.

"Right now, we’re cut off from the outside world," Nusjuro suddenly spoke.

"No information flow. No updates.

What about Lord Imu?"

His words brought complete silence to the room.

A heavy, suffocating tension filled the air.

After a long pause, the blonde Elder's gaze flickered slightly.

"At this point," he murmured, "there’s no point hiding our thoughts from each other."

"We’ve worked together for decades. Surely, there’s some trust between us?"

"So let’s be honest…"

His voice lowered.

"If you had to choose, who do you hope wins this battle?"

Silence.

No one spoke.

The blonde Elder chuckled bitterly.

"Still acting like cautious old foxes, huh? Fine, I’ll go first."

The other four stared at him, waiting.

Then—

"Claudius."

The moment that name left his lips, the other four visibly reacted.

Their expressions shifted briefly before returning to neutrality.

It was strange.

They had fought Claudius at every step. Tried to stop him.

Yet, when it came to choosing the final victor…

The blonde Elder had picked him.

Nusjuro fell silent for a moment before speaking.

"Claudius."

The bald Elder scoffed and crossed his arms, turning away.

He didn’t say anything, but… his attitude said enough.

The remaining two exchanged glances before softly uttering.

"Claudius."

Their reasoning was simple.

Yes, Claudius had committed treason, overturning everything they once ruled.

But at the end of the day, they knew him.

They were still alive because of him.

Imu, on the other hand?

A god. A ruler beyond mortal comprehension.

To Imu, they were nothing more than pets.

And between choosing to live under a man… or a god.

They chose the man.

Chapter 395: What You Five Elders Dare Not Do, I, Claudius, Dare!

As the Five Elders were deep in discussion, a sudden knock sounded at the door.

They immediately fell silent, their expressions turning somewhat helpless. There was no doubt about who was outside, it had to be Claudius. If he had simply pushed the door open and entered, they might have felt better about it. But knocking first, making them all feel like prisoners waiting for permission? That was just irritating. It wasn't as if they could refuse him entry anyway.

"Come in," Nusjuro said, his tone laced with displeasure.

The door swung open, and Claudius stepped in with a smile. As if remembering something, he turned back and nodded toward Lucci. Understanding the gesture, Lucci wisely remained outside, closing the door behind him.

At the World Summit just moments ago, Claudius had spoken coldly to the Five Elders, his arrogance overwhelming. His presence alone had crushed any resistance, forcing submission through sheer dominance.

But that had been a public performance, an act for the gathered royalty of the participating nations. He had to demonstrate power, instilling fear and respect. If he had shown deference to the Five Elders in that setting, those rulers might have wavered, hesitating between allegiances.

So Claudius had flipped the table, there was no seat for the Five Elders at that summit. The only one who could place bets was himself. The only ruler of the field was Claudius. They had only two choices: pledge loyalty to him, or be eliminated.

Now, however, in private, there was no need for theatrics. Claudius wasn't so petty as to put on a performance in front of them here.

As he entered, the Five Elders' faces darkened, their expressions carrying unspoken emotions.

Claudius chuckled. "Did I startle you, my lords?"

"Hmph!" Nusjuro snorted coldly, turning his head away to avoid looking at him.

Claudius casually pulled out some medicine from his coat, brewed a pot of tea, and poured each of them a cup.

After drinking it, Nusjuro's expression eased as his body returned to normal. He slowly got up from the sofa, his gaze uncertain, but ultimately, he did not speak. His pride wouldn't allow it.

He studied Claudius for a moment before finally speaking. "Given the circumstances, why bother pretending to be friendly with us prisoners?"

His tone was calm, no resentment, no hysteria. Just a simple question, one that reflected the tolerance of the Five Elders. They had lost, and they could accept it.

Claudius poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and then smiled. "My lord, if you say that, then you underestimate me. Public matters are public matters. Publicly, we're on opposite sides because I seek the highest authority of the World Government. I want to reshape this world, guide its progress, and become its king. Naturally, that meant taking action against you Five Elders. I won't deny that."

At this point, Claudius paused slightly, his gaze turning somewhat nostalgic.

Then, he spoke softly. "But privately, there's no need for enmity.

You five are my elders.

Throughout my journey, I have relied on your guidance.

For that, I still hold the respect I should have."

Hearing this, the Five Elders' emotions grew complicated. Claudius had become their adversary, yet there was no hatred in his words.

And when they asked themselves, if they had won this power struggle, what would they have done to Claudius?

It only took a few seconds to reach the answer.

They would have crushed him mercilessly. That was certain.

After all, if they let Claudius go unpunished, wouldn't it set a dangerous precedent? Wouldn't others feel emboldened to rebel as well?

But would they have taken his life?

Perhaps not.

After all, they had watched Claudius grow up, step by step. There was an undeniable bond there.

If they had won, maybe they would have let him live comfortably, exiled to some island, not too remote, but not important either left to a life of quiet leisure.

"Ah..." The bearded elder had intended to reprimand Claudius, but in the end, all that came out was a heavy sigh. It carried frustration, resignation, and a deep sense of powerlessness.

"Why, Claudius?" Nusjuro suddenly asked. "You already had everything. As a Celestial Dragon, you stood at the pinnacle of the world from birth—wealth, power, fame, status, even personal strength. Was that not enough?"

Even now, he couldn't fully understand Claudius' motives.

Claudius glanced at Nusjuro, his gaze complicated. He took another sip of tea before responding, his voice soft.

"Yes. As a Celestial Dragon, I was entitled to everything. But those who lack long-term vision will always face immediate dangers."

His eyes sharpened slightly.

"You five know this. You just refuse to admit it."

The room fell into silence.

The expressions of Nusjuro and the others shifted subtly, but none of them spoke.

"Of course you know," Claudius continued. "Half of the World Government's great ship has already sunk, and there's no saving it.

All of us are men of the sea.

When a storm comes, you make a choice:

Do you let the ship go under?

Or do you patch the holes?

Or—do you throw overboard the dead weight that drags us down?"

Claudius' voice was calm, but the meaning was clear.

The Five Elders didn't need to think hard to understand what "dead weight" he was referring to.

It was the eighteen Celestial Dragon families he had just purged.

To be honest, the Five Elders had always known that those families were a burden, parasites feeding off the World Government. But what could they do?

Like Claudius said, even if they wanted to cast them aside, they lacked the resolve to do so.

Claudius, however, was different. He had the courage they lacked.

What they dared not do—he dared.

Before they could respond, Claudius continued.

"And that's just the public side of things.

I enjoy the power and status the World Government gives me.

Naturally, I want to maintain that power and status—to keep this ship afloat.

Anyone who threatens that? I eliminate them.

So, I acted decisively. No hesitation.

Whoever dares stand in my way—I will kill them."

His words carried an unmistakable coldness.

The Five Elders knew the fate of those eighteen Celestial Dragon families was sealed. None of them would meet a good end.

But then, Claudius softened his tone.

"Of course, my lords, as well as your close kin, have nothing to worry about. You are safe."

Although the Five Elders had already assumed Claudius wouldn't kill them, hearing it from his own mouth brought a sense of relief.

"As for my personal reasons..." Claudius' voice grew quieter. "I simply don't want to end up like you."

Silence fell over the room again.

The Five Elders' expressions were complex. They understood what he meant. He was giving them face by not saying it outright.

But his meaning was clear, he did not want to become another one of Imu's loyal dogs.

"The king of the world, huh..." Nusjuro murmured.

For the first time, he didn't know what to say. His thoughts were jumbled, his words unclear.