OPKOTW: Chapter 312/319

Chapter 312: Lucci's Terrifying Talent and Power!

Kuzan straightened up and rubbed his chin when he heard Claudius's comment. "What? You thinking about recommending me to work at Impel Down?"

"It'd be a good fit. Your abilities would come in handy there," Claudius said with a grin.

"Are we really chatting right now? The fight's not over yet," Borsalino muttered softly.

Claudius shrugged. "Honestly... I was more worked up before I got here. Now? Not so much. He's just a pitiful brute, tons of strength, no brains, and completely manipulated by that so-called mother of his. It's disappointing."

As if on cue, the ice encasing Weevil shattered with a sharp crack. His frostbitten skin was tinged blue and purple, but the injuries barely seemed to register.

Kuzan sighed. "So... do we let him go?"

"Are you crazy?" Claudius rolled his eyes.

"Yeah... He's the one who cut off Zephyr-sensei's arm," Borsalino added.

"Huh. Didn't know you had such a close bond with Zephyr-sensei," Kuzan said with a teasing tone. "Why don't you handle this then?"

Weevil shifted his weight and cracked his neck. The gash on his chest still bled freely, but he ignored it. His eyes burned with rage as he locked onto the trio ahead of him. With a guttural roar, he stomped the ground and charged.

Claudius's expression didn't change. He simply murmured, "Lucci."

The moment the name left his lips, a figure appeared in front of Weevil, so fast it was as if he materialized from thin air.

Rob Lucci.

His form shifted instantly into his hybrid leopard-man state.

"Yes, Your Highness!" Lucci responded crisply.

Weevil's naginata came crashing down toward him. Lucci raised his leg and intercepted the blade with his shin. The impact was immense, his grounded foot sank several inches into the pavement from the force. But the attack stopped cold.

Claudius gave a satisfied nod. "Spandine recommended you as my bodyguard. Show me if you live up to the hype."

Lucci smiled faintly. "I won't disappoint you, Your Highness."

Without missing a beat, Lucci lashed out with his free hand, driving a punch toward Weevil's chest.

Weevil reacted with surprising speed, yanking back his weapon and using the handle to block the strike. But Lucci's attack was a feint.

"Leopard Tail Whip!"

The leopard's tail behind him snapped forward, cloaked in Armament Haki. It struck Weevil squarely across the bridge of his nose with a sharp crack.

Weevil stumbled backward, blood spurting from his face. He dragged his naginata through the dirt to steady himself and roared in anger.

"Outta my way!!" he bellowed, swinging the naginata again.

The air rippled as a shockwave burst from the strike and raced toward Lucci.

Lucci initially shifted to dodge but then hesitated. His gaze flicked toward Claudius, who stood directly behind him. If I dodge, the shockwave hits His Highness.

His stance shifted. He planted his feet firmly and bent his elbows, pressing his hands against his sides.

"Iron Body – Secret Technique: Black Steel!"

Lucci's entire body stiffened. A thick layer of jet-black Haki surged across his skin like armor.

The shockwave slammed into him with tremendous force. The ground beneath him splintered, cracks spiderwebbing out from his feet. His body shuddered from the impact, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

But he didn't move.

The wave dissipated harmlessly. Lucci exhaled, unlocked his stance, and wiped the blood from his lips with the back of his hand. His eyes gleamed with ferocity as he licked the blood away.

His aura shifted—becoming more primal, more predatory.

"Tempest Kick!"

Lucci spun in place, his leg whipping through the air in a tight arc. A crescent-shaped projectile of compressed air shot toward Weevil.

At the same time, Lucci sprang forward, chasing his own attack.

Borsalino adjusted his sunglasses. "Well... as far as Rokushiki goes, this guy's the strongest I've ever seen."

"Yeah... Blocking Weevil's shockwave head-on with Iron Body and Haki? And he only coughed up a little blood?" Kuzan added, clearly impressed.

Claudius smirked. "He's a Zoan user. Toughness is part of the package. A little blood won't slow him down."

Unlike most fighters, Lucci had pushed the Rokushiki techniques to their absolute limits while simultaneously mastering Haki and awakening his Zoan powers. His growth had been monstrous.

Claudius's gaze turned thoughtful. Honestly... I doubt even Doflamingo could beat him.

Meanwhile, Weevil met Lucci's airborne Tempest Kick with a slash of his naginata. The attacks collided, sending shockwaves in all directions.

But Lucci was already closing the distance. His tail shot out and coiled around Weevil's arm.

"Rokushiki Secret Technique—Rokuogan!"

Lucci crossed his arms, palms touching, and slammed them into Weevil's chest.

Weevil roared and raised a fist in retaliation, his own shockwave rippling around it. The two attacks met in an earth-shaking collision.

Both fighters were blasted backward from the force. Lucci landed on his feet, blood dripping from his hands. Across the field, Weevil hit a building with enough force to crack its foundation. His right arm dangled limply fractured from the impact.

"Life Return!" Lucci growled.

The blood on his fists reversed course, flowing back into his wounds. A faint white vapor rose from the injuries as his accelerated healing closed them within seconds.

Kuzan's jaw tightened. "Did... did he just reverse his bleeding?"

"That's not normal, right?" Borsalino asked.

Claudius chuckled. "It's an advanced Life Return technique. Zoan Awakening boosts his regeneration. Basic injuries like that are nothing to him."

Weevil staggered upright, groaning. Blood from the wound on his chest stained his clothes, and his broken arm hung uselessly at his side.

Lucci's pupils contracted into thin slits. He darted forward again.

"Leopard Slash!"

His clawed hands swiped across Weevil's back as he passed by, leaving deep, bloody gashes in their wake.

Weevil roared in pain and swung his elbow backward.

"Paper Art!"

Lucci's body shifted with the air currents, bending like a sheet of paper. The elbow whistled past his face by mere millimeters.

"Finger Pistol!"

Lucci's hand snapped forward. His index finger, clad in Haki, pierced upward beneath Weevil's raised arm.

The attack punched through Weevil's armpit and burst out through his shoulder. Blood sprayed into the air as a chunk of his earlobe was torn away by the force of the strike.

Weevil wailed in agony and fell to his knees.

Kuzan exhaled slowly. "Strength, speed, precision... seriously, Claudius. Where did you find this monster?"

________
Chapter 313: Lucci – Do You Want to Dance Too?

Weevil's right arm had already been severely injured from the clash with Lucci's Six King Gun. Now, with Lucci's Finger Pistol piercing through his armpit, the limb was rendered completely useless.

But Lucci didn't stop there. His other hand, transformed into a claw, curved toward Weevil's side. His sharp fingers shimmered with Haki as they targeted the pirate's waist.

"Finger Pistol – Five-Finger Piercer!"

Lucci's claws plunged into the soft flesh at Weevil's waist with terrifying ease. The fingers drove deep until his palm pressed against Weevil's body.

This time, even Weevil couldn't suppress his reaction. He screamed in agony, his face contorted in pain.

"Leopard Strike – Predator!"

Lucci twisted his embedded hand into a fist and ripped it free, tearing out a bloody chunk of flesh.

Weevil howled in anguish. His remaining arm lashed out with a punch, coated in Haki and radiating a powerful shockwave that cracked the air as it hurtled toward Lucci.

Lucci made no attempt to meet the blow head-on. He bent his knees and pushed off the ground with feline grace. His body twisted mid-air, spinning twice like a dancer, before landing smoothly several meters away.

Weevil's fist smashed into the ground where Lucci had stood, pulverizing the stone and sending debris flying.

Meanwhile, Lucci raised the blood-soaked chunk of flesh he'd torn from Weevil. He sniffed the crimson mass, the predatory glint in his eyes intensifying. With a slight smirk, he tossed the flesh aside and revealed his sharp canines in a savage grin.

The entire exchange had taken no more than five seconds.

From the sidelines, Claudius, Kuzan, and Borsalino watched with growing admiration.

Lucci fought like a performer on stage, his strength, speed, and technique blending into a mesmerizing display. He weaved around Weevil's brute force as though teasing prey.

"Spandine didn't let me down," Claudius mused.

He'd recognized Lucci's potential early on, said to be the most gifted agent CP had produced in centuries. Claudius had instructed Spandine to focus on cultivating Lucci's talents through rigorous assignments. It seemed the investment had paid off.

This guy might even be stronger than Doflamingo now.

Weevil, meanwhile, was growing increasingly frantic. His attacks missed their mark again and again. The pain from his shredded waist and broken arm compounded his confusion.

When the dust from his last failed strike cleared, Weevil twisted his head, searching for Lucci. His eyes darted around, filled with desperation.

Lucci had already vanished from sight.

Weevil froze. His instincts screamed that danger was behind him.

He spun around as fast as his heavy body allowed, raising his weapon but he wasn't fast enough.

Lucci had already appeared behind him.

Weevil reacted by slamming his fist into the ground, triggering a shockwave that exploded outward in all directions.

The ground rippled like the surface of a pond, stones flying into the air.

Lucci immediately stomped the air beneath his feet.

"Moonwalk!"

He shot straight up as the shockwave demolished the street below. From above, he watched the destruction spread like a blast wave, leveling nearby buildings and reducing the ground to uneven rubble.

"Smart move," Lucci thought. But not smart enough.

The moment the shockwave dissipated, he dived back toward Weevil.

His leopard tail lashed out and coiled around Weevil's left shoulder like a rope. The instant it tightened, Lucci yanked hard.

Weevil growled and swung his remaining arm toward the tail.

But Lucci anticipated the move. He shifted his weight, using Weevil's shoulder as a pivot point to swing himself over his opponent's head.

Weevil's counterattack whiffed through empty air.

Before the pirate could adjust, Lucci's tail suddenly wrapped around his neck and pulled taut.

"Leopard Strike – Flying Viper!"

Lucci used the leverage from his tail to deliver a devastating kick to Weevil's jaw. The impact cracked teeth and sent the pirate's head snapping to the side. His eyes rolled, and blood spurted from his mouth.

Lucci landed gracefully a few steps away. His knees bent, arms stretched outward, like a gymnast sticking a landing.

Weevil, dazed, staggered to his right. His jaw hung askew from the blow.

Lucci's tail gave a sharp tug. Weevil's head jerked forward, dragging his massive frame along with it.

The pirate tried to resist, but his balance was already compromised. His feet fumbled beneath him, and he stumbled forward like a drunkard.

Lucci pivoted to face him, eyes cold and detached.

He stepped back into a lunge and crossed his arms in front of him. His muscles tensed, veins bulging beneath his skin.

"Rokushiki Ultimate Art!"

Lucci's arms snapped forward, palms colliding with Weevil's jaw as he fell toward him.

A deafening shockwave burst from Lucci's hands. The force traveled through Weevil's skull with brutal efficiency. His eyes rolled back, blood streaming from his nose and ears.

The pirate's massive body flew backward, landing with a thunderous crash. His legs twitched involuntarily, but his consciousness was gone.

Silence followed the fall.

Lucci exhaled slowly and reverted to his human form. His white shirt hung loose, two buttons missing from the earlier transformation. He absently fixed his tie, smoothing it into place.

Then he turned, walked toward Claudius, and bowed.

"Mission accomplished, Your Highness," Lucci said calmly.

Claudius chuckled. "That was... one hell of a show," he said, clapping Lucci on the shoulder. "Very good, very strong. I like it."

Lucci's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He placed his right fist over his heart and declared, "From this day forward, I pledge to stand at your side. I will clear any obstacle in your path, no matter what it takes."

__________
Chapter 314: A Fifteen-Year Journey – Spandine’s True Nature

Spandine had kept himself far from the battlefield the entire time. With his complete lack of combat ability, he feared being accidentally caught in a stray shockwave and meeting an untimely demise.

As Claudius's loyal subordinate and an expert sycophant, Spandine had no desire to die pointlessly. Claudius, for his part, had also ordered him to stay put. He didn't want Spandine getting himself killed when he was far more useful alive. So, the man had been stationed at the sea train terminal.

Now, the station was practically deserted. All but one sea train had departed, taking the civilians to safety. The vast hall stood empty, save for a group of CP-X agents in black suits waiting in silent formation.

Spandine paced restlessly. He rubbed his chin and muttered to himself, "The sounds of battle have stopped. His Highness and the others should be returning soon... right?"

He wasn't worried about their victory.

Two Marine Admirals, Lucci, and His Highness Claudius himself? He'd have sooner bet on pigs sprouting wings than on that team losing.

He remembered a conversation he'd once had with Lucci. He'd asked the young assassin how he measured his strength compared to an Admiral. Lucci had replied, "I haven't fought one, but I'm confident I wouldn't lose."

Spandine had taken that confidence to heart. He figured Lucci might not actually be Admiral-level, but if the fight was at least 5–5 or 4–6, that was still terrifyingly impressive.

And then there was Claudius. The Celestial Dragon who beat Big Mom into submission. Spandine couldn't imagine any scenario where this mission would fail, unless Whitebeard himself suddenly came charging in with his entire fleet.

And if that happened, the whole island would already be gone.

His musings were interrupted by the sound of footsteps echoing from outside.

Laughter and casual conversation followed. The tension drained from Spandine's body. They're back.

Moments later, Claudius walked in first, flanked by Borsalino and Kuzan. All three appeared completely untouched, clothes crisp, not a hair out of place. It was as though they'd just returned from a springtime stroll rather than a fierce battle.

Behind them came Lucci and the rest of the CP-X team. Lucci moved with his usual rigid, military precision, his eyes locked straight ahead as he followed Claudius like a shadow.

Next came Kalifa, Jabra, Kaku, and Blueno. Kaku and Blueno were dragging Weevil's unconscious, bulky body between them. The oversized pirate hung limply, his short legs swaying comically with each step.

Jabra strolled behind them, one hand casually gripping Buckin's unconscious form by the collar. The old woman dangled like a ragdoll.

Not a single scratch on our side.

Spandine broke into a wide smile. Of course it turned out like this. How could it not?

He hurried over and bowed low before Claudius.

"Your Highness! As expected, there's nothing you can't handle!" he said with his usual sycophantic enthusiasm.

Claudius chuckled. "Spandine, you didn't disappoint me either. You did a great job with Lucci. The kid's a monster."

Hearing Claudius's praise made Spandine practically glow.

Lucci was his protégé, after all. He'd helped mold the young assassin into what he was today. And though he rarely said it aloud, Spandine considered Lucci like a surrogate son, especially since his own child wasn't exactly Admiral material.

He bowed again. "I'm honored, Your Highness. Training Lucci was my pleasure!"

Claudius gave a satisfied nod. "Get these two locked up and prepare to transfer them to Marineford."

"Yes, Your Highness. Everything's ready," Spandine said promptly.

He turned and gestured toward the CP-X agents. The team immediately advanced, snapping seastone cuffs onto Weevil and Buckin before hauling them toward the waiting sea train.

Borsalino and Kuzan climbed into the train car together, while Lucci and his team followed to oversee the prisoners.

Claudius remained on the platform, watching Spandine with an expression that shifted from amusement to something softer.

He realized that Spandine had been at his side for over a decade now. The man had started as an ambitious, sharp-tongued opportunist, but he'd proven himself fiercely loyal. Claudius had trusted him with countless sensitive operations, and Spandine had never failed him.

His hair had more gray in it now, and his face bore the lines of long years in service.

Claudius clapped a hand on his shoulder.

Spandine froze, wide-eyed. His boss didn't hand out gestures of affection often.

"Spandine," Claudius said, his tone unusually soft. "How long have we been doing this together?"

Spandine's mind raced for the answer. After a moment, he smiled.

"Your Highness, it's been fifteen years. You recruited me at the end of 1500, just after the Great Pirate Era kicked off."

"Fifteen years…" Claudius repeated, more to himself than anyone else.

"Yes. You were working on the Seven Warlords of the Sea project and came to Water 7 to see Tom about building your ship. That's when I started working with you."

Claudius chuckled softly. "Time flies, huh?"

"It does indeed, Your Highness."

"For all these years, I've kept you running around like crazy. Never gave you a proper break, did I?"

Spandine shook his head vigorously. "Your Highness, serving you has been the greatest honor of my life! Besides, thanks to you, I've made something of myself. Walk into any meeting nowadays, and I can make some pretty big waves."

He hesitated for a second before adding, "I mean... not to brag, but I've ridden your coattails all the way to the top."

Claudius laughed at the honesty. "Well, you're not wrong. You have quite the reputation these days. And your power base with CP-X isn't exactly small either."

Spandine straightened his posture slightly, pride evident on his face.

Claudius gave his shoulder another pat. "The World Summit's coming soon. After that, big changes are coming. And when they do... I'll be putting even more on your plate. Think you can handle it?"

Spandine's eyes glistened. He gave a sharp nod.

"Your Highness, I've always been power-hungry. If you told me to retire tomorrow, I'd be miserable. Give me more responsibilities. I'll take them all."

Claudius's lips twitched into a grin. "You're a greedy bastard, Spandine."

"Absolutely, Your Highness."

The two men shared a brief laugh.

Then Claudius's tone turned more serious. "What we're planning... it's going to change the world. And if it goes south, we'll be going down together."

Spandine's smile didn't waver. "Your Highness... you've never lost before. Why would that change now?"

Claudius blinked.

Spandine's grin widened. "And even if we fail, what better way to go out than alongside a legend like you?"

For a moment, Claudius was silent. Then he laughed again, low and genuine.

"You're right," he said, squeezing Spandine's shoulder. "I've never lost before. And I'm not about to start now. Get ready, Spandine. Promotion and fortune are headed your way."

Spandine bowed low. "Thank you, Your Highness. I won't let you down."

_______
Chapter 315: The Problem Child – Smoker!

The first half of the Grand Line.

Marine Headquarters – Marineford.

Recently, rumors had spread across the seas that the Marines had "come into money" and were using it to renovate their headquarters. In reality, Marineford was indeed undergoing a massive overhaul. The entire island bustled with activity, and the once-orderly base now resembled a chaotic construction site.

Unlike ordinary renovations, however, Marineford hadn't hired external workers. Instead, Marines from bases around the world had been summoned to help with the task. They traded in their uniforms for work clothes, grabbed shovels and pickaxes, and got to work.

No one found this suspicious. Marineford was the headquarters of the World Government's military might, full of confidential materials and secret blueprints. Letting civilians handle the renovation would have been a security nightmare. Historically, the Marines had always managed their own repairs for precisely this reason.

Deep in the trenches of Crescent Harbor, a tall figure swung his pickaxe into the hard-packed earth. His hair was ashen white, and two cigars jutted from the corners of his mouth. Each strike sent cracks through the stone beneath his feet.

Smoker.

He was once the star of the Marine officer training camp, graduating at the top of his class and earning the rank of Colonel straight out of the academy.

For someone like him, the usual career trajectory was clear: serve as Commodore within a year or two, assist a Vice Admiral for field training, and eventually climb to Rear Admiral. With enough achievements, even the title of Vice Admiral could have been his within a decade.

But Smoker was different.

Despite his exceptional abilities and the power of his Logia-type Plume-Plume Fruit, he'd been stuck as a Colonel for years. He was the shame of the officer training camp's instructors.

Why? It wasn't a lack of talent. Smoker was undeniably gifted. His swift mastery of his Devil Fruit had even prompted Zephyr-sensei to personally advocate for his potential as a future Admiral candidate.

The problem was Smoker's temperament.

He was stubborn, reckless, and allergic to authority. His sense of justice burned so brightly that it often blinded him to the bigger picture.

The Seven Warlords of the Sea plan was a prime example.

To Smoker, it was a betrayal of Marine principles, allying with pirates was unforgivable. He'd ranted endlessly about it, convinced the upper ranks had "lost their moral compass." What he didn't know was that the Warlord system had been heavily infiltrated by CP-X operatives. Pirates like Doflamingo, Crocodile, and Enel were all covertly working to fracture pirate unity from within.

But that information was restricted to Vice Admirals and above. Smoker, a mere Colonel, remained in the dark. From his perspective, Marine leadership was rotten, and he despised every moment of it.

His outbursts had earned him the title of Marine Headquarters' Problem Child.

Eventually, the brass had grown tired of his insubordination. Rather than discharge a promising talent, they'd reassigned him to East Blue, a quiet backwater. The intent had been to give him time to cool off, reflect, and hopefully mature.

Instead, Smoker had turned Loguetown into his personal playground.

With his Logia powers, he became the undisputed "strongest Marine in East Blue." The local officers were all two ranks beneath him, so he ruled the region with unchecked authority.

Smoker quickly grew comfortable there. The New World was a chaotic mess, but East Blue had civilians who needed protection too. His frustration with Marineford's leadership only deepened.

For ten years, he stayed put. Each time HQ tried to transfer him back, he either refused or found some excuse to stay.

Only now, with the headquarters overhaul, had Smoker finally been summoned back under direct orders.

And his "welcome" assignment? Manual labor.

"Dig trenches around Crescent Harbor," the orders said.

When he'd received the pickaxe and work uniform, he'd nearly coughed his cigars out of sheer rage. But walking away now would likely get him expelled from the Marines entirely. So, for the sake of his "justice," he gritted his teeth and started digging.


---

The midday sun blazed overhead. Sweat soaked through Smoker's shirt as he swung the pickaxe into the rocky ground. Each strike broke apart thick clumps of soil, which were quickly shoveled away by the Marine beside him.

This Marine, wearing a helmet and missing a front tooth, worked with quiet efficiency. His expression was perpetually stern, almost zombie-like.

Lieutenant Colonel T. Bone – the Ship-Cutter.

"Dammit... what the hell are we even doing here?" Smoker grumbled, straightening to crack his shoulders.

Bone chuckled. "Getting restless already? That temper of yours hasn't changed a bit."

The two had trained together at the officer camp, so Bone knew Smoker's personality well.

Smoker lit another cigar and scowled. "Doesn't this piss you off? We're elite Marines. We should be chasing pirates, not digging ditches."

Bone shrugged, stabbing his shovel into the dirt. "I used to lead my kingdom's army before joining the Marines. Command decisions rarely make sense from the bottom. For all we know, these trenches might serve some critical purpose later."

Smoker exhaled a cloud of smoke. "So you're saying I'm short-sighted?"

Bone laughed. "Yup."

"You bastard," Smoker muttered, though he couldn't help the corner of his mouth twitching.

With a grunt, he hefted the pickaxe again and resumed digging.

Bone watched for a moment, his expression softening. "You've matured a little, Smoker. Ten years ago, you'd have thrown the pickaxe at someone's head by now."

"Shut it, zombie-face. I'm still your superior officer," Smoker shot back.

Before Bone could reply, a voice called from nearby.

"Colonel Smoker! Lieutenant Colonel Penn! I brought some tea!"

A young woman with glasses and short brown hair jogged toward them, balancing two cups of tea on a tray.

Tashigi.

Smoker turned his head and immediately sighed.

Sure enough, her foot caught on a stray rock.

Tashigi squeaked in surprise and toppled forward. The tea splashed into the dirt as she hit the ground with a muffled thud.

Smoker pinched the bridge of his nose and blew out a stream of smoke.

"...Idiot," he muttered.

___________
Chapter 316: Nami – Is Your Water 7 Really This Amazing?

The city of Water 7, in front of Tom's Shipbuilding Company.

Barry, the company's chief foreman, stood near the entrance with a cigar clamped between his teeth. He held a stack of documents in one hand as he spoke to the two customers in front of him.

"I'm really sorry," Barry said, voice casual. "If you're on a budget, you might be waiting a long time. I'd suggest buying one of last year's stock ships instead. We've got a few left. I can give you a 20% discount."

He exhaled a plume of smoke and shrugged.

Across from him, Nami blinked in disbelief. "Wait... ninety million berry isn't enough for a proper order?"

Ninety million berry.

That was the entire savings she'd managed to scrape together after months of Zoro risking his life and defeating pirate crews. She'd always heard that Water 7 built the best ships in the world, and she was more than willing to invest in a reliable vessel.

But now... they were being told to settle for leftovers?

Barry gave a sheepish chuckle and scratched his head. "Yeah... ninety million isn't really a big order here."

He tapped the logo on his jacket. "Tom's Shipbuilding Company uses the world's most advanced shipbuilding techniques. We build the Navy's warships, after all. These days, Marineford's been ordering like crazy. Each contract runs into the tens of billions."

Nami paled. Tens of billions?

Suddenly, her hard-earned ninety million felt embarrassingly insignificant.

Zoro crossed his arms. "Why not go to a different shipyard? Tom's Shipbuilding can't be the only game in town, right?"

Barry looked genuinely apologetic. "Uh... actually, we kinda are."

Zoro's brow furrowed. "Seriously?"

Barry nodded. "Yeah. We've either absorbed or out-competed every other major yard in Water 7. There are a few small studios around, but those guys only make fishing boats."

Zoro stared at him. Your company monopolized an entire city's shipbuilding industry?!

Barry's nonchalant expression practically said, Yeah. We're just that good.

Nami sighed. "Okay... so, if we want a new ship from you, how long would it take?"

Barry flipped through his paperwork again, puffing thoughtfully on his cigar.

"Fastest timeline? Two years," he said.

"Two years?!" Nami yelped.

Logically, she knew that was fast. Custom ships often required years of planning and construction. But waiting two years didn't exactly align with their current plans.

She leaned forward and gave Barry a sweet, pleading smile. "Come on... isn't there any other way?"

Barry hesitated, glancing around as if checking for eavesdroppers. Then he lowered his voice.

"Well... there is a scrapyard outside town. The guys there build ships for pirates, no backlog, good craftsmanship."

"Wait, wait, wait." Zoro raised a hand. "You build warships for the Navy... and pirate ships for the criminals they hunt?"

Barry shrugged. "Gotta meet demand. If we didn't provide pirate ships, they'd just go to some black-market builder. This way, we can monitor the orders and track pirate movements."

"And the Marines are okay with that?" Nami asked, incredulous.

"They turn a blind eye," Barry said with a smirk. "If we completely monopolized shipbuilding and cut the pirates off, Water 7 would become a warzone overnight."

Nami groaned. "Great. And here I thought I'd stumbled across some juicy blackmail material to lower our price."

Barry chuckled. "Sorry to disappoint."

Before they could respond, two men in black suits strolled past them and into the shipyard.

Nami's eyes narrowed. "Who are they? Employees of yours?"

Barry didn't even look up. "CP-X."

The word hit like a thunderclap.

CP-X.

Nami and Zoro stiffened.

They'd spent months trying to track down information about the organization. Every inquiry had led to dead ends. Even Happy Street, the world's premier underworld intelligence network, refused to discuss CP-X.

And now... they were casually walking around Water 7 in broad daylight?

Barry noticed their stunned expressions. "What? It's not exactly a secret here. CP-X has an office at the shipyard."

"An office?" Zoro echoed.

Barry nodded. "Sure. We pass along pirate intel when it comes our way. And bounty hunters use the office to cash in their captures. Standard stuff."

Nami and Zoro exchanged a glance. All this time... we've been chasing ghosts, and here they are, working openly.

Barry took another drag of his cigar. "We've got offices in other spots, too. Fish-Man Island's got one. And obviously, Marineford."

He paused. "Why? You two looking for CP-X?"

Nami hesitated. "Uh... yeah, actually."

"Well, come on. I'll take you to the office," Barry said, waving them forward. "Might as well help you out since I can't sell you a proper ship."

As he led them into the shipyard, Barry cast a sidelong glance at them. "So... why exactly are you trying to find CP-X?"

"We're looking for someone," Nami said lightly.

"Who?" Barry asked.

Zoro answered without hesitation: "Donquixote Claudius."

Nami winced. "Idiot! Do you have to say it out loud?!"

Barry tripped over his own feet. "Wait... what? You're trying to find that guy?"

Nami forced an awkward laugh. "Haha... yeah, uh... funny story. We actually know him. Sort of."

Barry stared.

The two of them launched into a convoluted tale about an encounter years ago in East Blue. They described meeting Claudius, how he'd helped them, and how they'd set out to find him again.

Barry scratched his head, trying to reconcile their scruffy appearance with their supposed connection to one of the most powerful men in the world.

But their details were oddly specific. And if they were lying... well, CP-X would figure that out pretty quickly.

He exhaled deeply. "Okay. Let's see if you're telling the truth."

Nami frowned. "Wait... so you believe us?"

Barry gave her a wry grin. "Let's just say... I'm skeptical but curious."

He turned and gestured toward the shipyard's towering drydocks.

"Besides," Barry added with a chuckle, "if you really know Claudius, we can bump your order to the front of the queue. After all... he's our company's largest shareholder."

______
Chapter 317: Zoro: Claudius, Sooner or Later, I’ll Cut You Down!

Zoro and Nami were brought to the CP-X office. Barry, being somewhat familiar with the place, greeted a few people along the way and led them to the office.

At this moment, a minor officer from CP-X was sitting inside the office.

As soon as Barry walked in, he grinned and said, "Here to grab a drink again?"

"No, I'm just bringing a couple of guests here to find someone in CP-X," Barry replied with a smile.

"Guests? Shouldn't they just go to the reception downstairs?" the officer asked, looking confused.

Barry chuckled and explained, "These two are here for Saint Claudius."

The officer nearly spat out his tea upon hearing this. This was way above his pay grade, he wasn't qualified to contact Claudius!

"Ahem... Barry, this..." The officer looked embarrassed.

"They said they know Claudius. I figured it wouldn't hurt to try," Barry said, equally uneasy.

"Honestly, you'd probably have better luck finding Tom than me for something like this," the officer said with a helpless shrug. Still, he turned to Nami and Zoro and asked, "May I ask for your names?"

"Roronoa Zoro."

"Nami."

The officer, who had seemed anxious just moments ago, froze when he heard their names. His expression shifted, and he immediately said, "Ah, it's you two. That makes sense. I can handle this."

"What do you mean?" Nami asked, puzzled.

"You've both been around for a while now, right? Always asking about CP-X? Chief Spandine left instructions some time ago: if the two of you ever made contact, we should get in touch with him right away," the officer explained with a smile.

He then stood up and personally poured tea for Nami and Zoro. Spandine was one of Saint Claudius' trusted men, and these two were directly seeking Claudius himself. Clearly, these weren't ordinary people they had connections.

"You knew we were looking for you?" Zoro asked, surprised.

"Of course. CP-X specializes in intelligence, after all. We've known for a while now," the officer said with a knowing smile.

"Who's Spandine?" Nami asked curiously.

"He's the chief of CP-X and His Highness Claudius' direct representative within the organization," the officer replied.

After serving the tea, the officer immediately took out a Den Den Mushi and contacted Spandine.


---

Meanwhile, aboard the sea train, Claudius and a few others were chatting and laughing together.

Spandine felt that his relationship with Saint Claudius had grown beyond that of a subordinate, it was almost like they were friends now. This realization made him both happy and proud.

While the group was talking, the Den Den Mushi in Spandine's pocket began to ring.

"Your Highness, excuse me for a moment," Spandine said, quickly standing up.

Claudius smiled and nodded. "Busy as always. Make sure to give yourself a break once in a while."

Spandine chuckled as he left the carriage. A few minutes later, he returned, his expression a bit strange.

"What's up?" Claudius asked, noticing his face.

"Your Highness, it's those two you mentioned. They made contact from Water 7," Spandine reported.

"Two?" Claudius blinked, momentarily confused.

"Yes, from East Blue, bounty hunter Roronoa Zoro and his navigator, Nami," Spandine clarified.

"Ah, right. Them," Claudius said with a smile. "Did they really track us down? Not bad. Are they on the line now? Hand it over, I'll say hello."

Spandine nodded and handed the receiver to Claudius.

Claudius picked up the Den Den Mushi. "Moshi moshi? This is Claudius speaking. Please respond if you can hear me."

His tone was relaxed, and he sounded like he was in a good mood.

On the other end, Nami and Zoro were instantly on alert, their excitement palpable. Barry and the CP-X officer, standing beside them, exchanged glances. Contacting Saint Claudius directly? These two were definitely unusual.

"Saint Claudius?" Nami asked eagerly. "It's me, Nami! From Cocoyasi Village in East Blue! Remember? You once told me the oranges I grew were delicious!"

"Zoro here. Roronoa Zoro! Where did you take Kuina?" Zoro cut in, voice sharp.

Claudius chuckled, completely ignoring Zoro. "Of course I remember you, Nami. The cute little girl with orange hair. And your sister, Nojiko, your mother, Bell-mère, an admirable woman, by the way. Ah, and even Officer Genzo."

Hearing Claudius mention her family so naturally left Nami stunned. She knew how powerful Claudius was, and yet he still remembered them. It warmed her heart.

"You haven't forgotten?" Nami asked, voice trembling.

"Of course not. I heard you've been looking for me for a while. What, finally ready to chase your dream and map the world? No more oranges?" Claudius teased.

"No, I'm definitely going to keep growing oranges. My sister and Bell-mère are still there on the island. But... after hearing you talk about the world when I was little, I just had to see it for myself," Nami said, a smile tugging at her lips.

The two chatted away happily, while Zoro's face darkened. His patience wore thin until he finally snapped, snatching the receiver.

"Claudius! You haven't answered my question!" Zoro barked.

"Who are you again?" Claudius asked, feigning confusion.

Zoro's jaw tightened. "From East Blue. Shimotsuki Village. Isshin Dojo. Roronoa Zoro!"

"Oh... nope. Doesn't ring a bell," Claudius replied without hesitation.

Zoro's grip tightened on the receiver. "You bastard...!"

"Calm down, Zoro!" Nami hurriedly covered his mouth, horrified. "That's a Celestial Dragon you're talking to!"

She quickly leaned toward the receiver and explained, "Your Highness, Zoro is a disciple of Koshiro from Shimotsuki Village. You once took a girl from there, remember?"

Claudius laughed. "Ah, now I remember! I was just joking with the moss-headed kid who lost to Kuina 2,250 times."

"No! It was 1,250! I didn't lose that many times! And I won't lose again!" Zoro snapped. "Where is Kuina? Is she with you?"

"Hmm... did I add a thousand losses by mistake? Oh well, what's a few more? You were gonna lose anyway," Claudius teased.

"You...!" Zoro was seething.

Claudius ignored his outburst and said casually, "Kuina joined the Marines a while ago. She's a Marine Headquarters colonel now. If you want to find her, you'll have to step into the New World."

"Fine by me," Zoro said without hesitation.

"With your current strength? You'd just be throwing your life away. Do you even know how to use Haki yet?" Claudius asked bluntly.

Zoro's face stiffened. "...No."

"Then you'd lose. Kuina's already mastered Observation Haki and Armament Haki. You're not even in the same league anymore," Claudius said matter-of-factly.

Zoro's jaw clenched, and he grumbled, "Claudius... sooner or later, I'm going to cut you down."

"Haha! Want me to be your teacher? Or should I find you a good one?" Claudius laughed.

_______
Chapter 318: Accepted—Roronoa Zoro as an Apprentice!?

After hearing Claudius' words, Zoro fell silent for a moment.

He knew about the duel between Claudius and Mihawk in the back mountains of Shimotsuki Village. He often visited the site to study the traces left behind. And, of course, he knew Mihawk had lost.

However, he didn't know how Mihawk had been defeated. Mihawk certainly wouldn't publicize such a humiliating event, and Mr. Koshiro, being a man of integrity, never mentioned it to outsiders.

Claudius, for his part, hadn't gone around bragging either. Few people knew that Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman, had once been defeated by Claudius.

Zoro knew Mihawk had lost, but assumed it had been through swordsmanship. It made sense to believe that Claudius might be even stronger than Mihawk.

Why hadn't Claudius claimed the title of "World's Greatest Swordsman"? Well, he was a Celestial Dragon. It wasn't surprising that he didn't care about such titles.

Despite his many victories against powerful opponents, Claudius didn't have a widely recognized reputation. Some people called him the "Tempest Swordmaster," but it was more rumor than fact most dismissed it as a joke.

After more than half a year in the Grand Line, Zoro realized how lacking his strength truly was. He'd heard of Haki, and Koshiro had mentioned it to him, but he hadn't taught him. Koshiro believed in practical training, one had to gain real-world experience before learning Haki. Zoro wasn't planning on returning home anytime soon.

As for finding another teacher, there were no strict rules against it. Koshiro ran a public dojo, not a sect with closed disciples. Besides, hadn't Kuina already been "stolen" by Claudius?

So, Zoro didn't feel guilty about the idea of learning from someone else. Still, he didn't particularly want Claudius to be his teacher.

After a long silence, Zoro asked, "Who would you recommend?"

Claudius laughed. "What about Mihawk? He's the world's greatest swordsman. Is that good enough for you?"

Mihawk's name held significant weight for Zoro. At this point, he wasn't fixated on becoming the greatest swordsman just yet, his primary goal was still to surpass Kuina.

"But," Claudius added with a chuckle, "Mihawk's a recluse. Train with him, and you'll probably spend three to five years in isolation. Train with me, though? You'll have more freedom."

Zoro opened his mouth to choose Mihawk. "I'll go wi—"

Claudius cut him off, laughing. "Oh, and if you stick with me, you'll have plenty of chances to see Kuina."

"Master!" Zoro immediately switched gears without hesitation.

Of course, that was just Zoro reacting impulsively. After a moment, his expression grew serious again. "What's the catch? What do I need to give in return?"

He didn't believe Claudius would offer to teach him out of the kindness of his heart. Claudius was a Celestial Dragon, a powerful, high-ranking one at that. Why would he care about a nobody like him? What was so special about Zoro? His talent?

Well, Claudius did value Zoro's potential. But he didn't bother saying it out loud. Instead, he smiled and said, "Join CP-X. That's the price."

Zoro frowned slightly. It seemed like a steep condition. But then he remembered who Claudius was: a Celestial Dragon, yes, but also the man who defeated Mihawk. Claudius didn't go around recruiting apprentices, either. The more he thought about it, the less unreasonable it seemed.

He had no concrete plans anyway. The bounty-hunting gig wasn't getting him anywhere, and wandering around the Grand Line aimlessly didn't feel right either. If joining CP-X got him closer to his goals, why not?

After mulling it over for a moment, Zoro nodded. "You have a deal."

"Ahahahaha! Great. Just head to Mariejois and find me," Claudius said with a laugh.

At that moment, Nami let out an exaggerated sigh. "Hey, Zoro... are you really going to abandon me? I'm just a weak woman. Without a strong partner like you, how am I supposed to survive in the Grand Line?"

Zoro's face tightened. He hadn't considered that. He was someone who valued loyalty and camaraderie. After traveling together for so long, he'd come to see Nami as a true companion. He felt guilty for nearly forgetting her.

Claudius heard the conversation through the Den Den Mushi and chuckled. "You know... I happen to need a navigator for my ship, Prometheus. Nami, interested?"

"Prometheus? You mean that ship?" Nami asked, eyes wide.

The Prometheus was the most impressive vessel she'd ever laid eyes on. The idea of being its navigator was beyond tempting.

"That's right," Claudius confirmed. "The Prometheus is the ultimate ship, strong enough to cross the most dangerous seas. If you really want to map the entire world, you'll need a ship like mine."

"Hmm... sounds like you need a great navigator like me, huh?" Nami teased.

"Of course."

"Can I grow oranges on board?" Nami asked after a moment of thought.

Claudius burst into laughter. "Hahaha! My ship is huge. If you want a whole orange grove, go right ahead. But I get first dibs on the harvest."

"Deal!" Nami agreed without hesitation.

With that, the situation was settled. Zoro and Nami were now Claudius' new recruits, one as his apprentice and the other as his navigator.

As for their companions, Johnny and Yosaku, Claudius didn't care much. They could join the crew as regular sailors or fishing hands if they wanted.

Once the call ended, Zoro and Nami sat there, struggling to believe what had just happened. In a single conversation, they'd become part of CP-X and joined Claudius' ranks.

Barry and the CP-X officer, who'd been listening the whole time, were equally stunned.

"Did we just witness the birth of Saint Claudius' new disciple and personal navigator?" the officer muttered.

Nami, always quick to think about practical matters, turned to Barry. "Barry, about that boat... forget it. Looks like I've got a better option now."

"Huh? How are you going to sail without a ship?" Zoro asked, frowning. "The one we've got won't last much longer."

Nami gave him a pitying look. "Seriously? Didn't you hear where Claudius told us to go? Mariejois! You think we'll need a ship for that?"

Zoro blinked in confusion. "Wait... we're going to sea, right? So how do we get there without a ship?"

"Ugh... can you stop swinging your swords for five seconds and pay attention to the world around you? Ever heard of a sea train?" Nami asked, exasperated.

"No."

Nami facepalmed. "Figures."

Barry laughed and clapped Zoro on the back. "The sea train? That's one of Water 7's greatest inventions! Let me tell you all about it."

_________
Chapter 319: The War's Warm-Up—Activating Teach's Hidden Line!

At Marineford's naval port, construction work was in full swing. Claudius and his group disembarked from a warship, unconcerned with the ongoing renovation.

Nami and Zoro had some business to handle and would arrive at Marineford a few days later. Claudius didn't let that delay him and proceeded ahead.

The once-empty plaza was now bustling with activity. Marine officers were pushing carts filled with dirt and debris, while others moved cannons across the grounds.

"How long will this project take? We can't afford to miss the deadline," Claudius asked, surveying the chaotic yet purposeful scene.

Standing beside him, Borsalino chuckled. "It might look chaotic, but the work's moving along at quite the speed... with a hundred thousand Marine elites on-site, things get done quickly."

"They're installing some new fortifications now," Kuzan added with a smile. "After that, the Science Division will set up an earthquake-resistant, retractable alloy wall along this trench."

Claudius glanced at the trench, where Marines were still hard at work. "And these elite officers... they're all okay with this kind of manual labor?"

"It's just warm-up training before the war," Kuzan said with a grin.

As Claudius scanned the workers, he spotted a familiar figure. For a second, he thought it was Kuina but then he noticed the shoulder insignia. It was Tashigi, Smoker's subordinate.

Next to her, in the trench, a man in a work uniform was swinging a pickaxe at the ground. The moment Claudius recognized him, he burst out laughing.

"Hah! Smoker?" Kuzan noticed too and called out to him.

Smoker paused mid-swing and turned around. He was surprised for a moment but quickly composed himself. With three cigars clenched between his teeth, he responded, "Admiral Kuzan... long time no see."

Smoker and Kuzan shared a good relationship, Smoker had served under him immediately after graduating from the academy, and they'd grown close during that time. Even after being reassigned to East Blue, that bond remained.

Seeing Kuzan here, Smoker decided to take advantage of the moment. Climbing out of the trench, he brushed the dirt off his uniform and asked, "What's with this mission? Did Headquarters really bring us all here just to dig?"

He didn't recognize Claudius right away, mistaking him for some unknown officer. Claudius didn't mind. Kuzan clapped Smoker on the shoulder. "No, there's more to it but it's classified. Just be patient and don't complain."

Smoker exhaled a thick puff of smoke and nodded. He'd been chatting with Bone lately and realized that something bigger was brewing. There was no point pressing for answers. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Claudius and the others continued toward the Fleet Admiral's office, leaving Smoker to return to his trench work.

Claudius chuckled as they walked. "I remember you had high hopes for that kid. Even gave him a Logia-type Devil Fruit. Why's he still a colonel after all this time?"

Kuzan looked a bit embarrassed, but Borsalino responded casually, "Smoker's a handful. He still needs some polish."

"Is that so?" Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Careful not to waste a promising talent."

"This war might be just the thing he needs," Kuzan said after a brief pause.


---

The group soon arrived at the office. Inside, Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, Zephyr, Sakazuki, and other high-ranking officers were already waiting.

When Claudius entered, everyone stood to greet him. He waved them down and sat beside Zephyr. Unable to resist, he knocked on Zephyr's Haki-powered prosthetic arm.

"Teacher, I kept my promise. Weevil and Buckin have been delivered to Impel Down. When the time comes, we'll have them publicly executed."

Zephyr's eyes softened, and he smiled. "Your Highness, I appreciate everything you've done."

"Nonsense," Claudius said, dismissing the gratitude with a wave.

After a bit of small talk, the meeting began.

Chief Staff Officer Tsuru opened a thick folder and said, "Based on current progress and workforce capacity, Marineford's fortifications should be complete in about 40 days."

"In other words," Sengoku added, his voice heavy, "in 40 days, we'll be ready for war."

The room tensed. Sakazuki remained outwardly composed, but the glint in his eyes betrayed his anticipation. He'd been waiting for this moment for a long time.

Claudius lit a cigar, took a deep drag, and said, "The first phase of our plan is complete. We've kept Edward Weevil's capture under wraps. As long as we don't announce it, no one will know he's in custody. But that secrecy won't last forever."

He exhaled a cloud of smoke and continued, "It's time to activate the dark line, Marshall D. Teach."

Garp, munching on a rice cracker, frowned. "Isn't that a bit early? Wouldn't it be better to wait another 20 days or so?"

"No," Tsuru said, shaking her head. "Now's the perfect time. We need a buffer to handle any unexpected developments."

"Agreed," Sengoku said. He turned to Claudius. "What's your plan, Your Highness?"

Claudius grinned. "Simple. Teach will lure out one of Whitebeard's division commanders and hand them over to us. Until then, he remains completely undercover."

He tapped his cigar against the ashtray. "Whitebeard might notice the disappearance, but even if he does, he won't jump to conclusions right away. Pirates go missing all the time."

Sengoku nodded. "And when the time's right, we publicly reveal Teach's new status as a Warlord of the Sea."

"Exactly," Claudius said. "Whitebeard will realize Teach betrayed him but by then, it'll be too late. The damage will be done, and that betrayal will sting like a dagger straight to his heart."

Sengoku rubbed his chin. "Who should Teach target? Marco?"

Zephyr shook his head. "We don't know the full extent of Teach's strength. Marco's too strong, that's an unnecessary risk. Any division commander will do. Whitebeard won't ignore the abduction, regardless of who it is."

Claudius scanned the photographs of Whitebeard's officers spread across the table. His eyes lingered on one picture.

"That one," he said, pointing. "Thatch. Captain of the Fourth Division."