OPKOTW: Chapter 292/296

Chapter 292: Claudius – I Won’t Pretend Anymore, Time for a Showdown

Ignoring Claudius' jokes, Dragon pressed on and asked, "Is there some kind of conspiracy?"

Claudius chuckled and said, "I wouldn't call it a conspiracy, but yes, there's a major move happening. However, it has nothing to do with your Revolutionary Army. Don't worry."

Hearing this, Dragon was skeptical. He responded with clear distrust, "The World Summit has always been connected to our Revolutionary Army. Now, all of a sudden, a hundred nations are gathering for a meeting, and you're telling me it has nothing to do with us? That seems… unlikely."

"What, don't you trust me?" Claudius smiled.

Dragon laughed awkwardly and said, "Haha, hahahaha, what are you talking about? Aren't we close friends? Of course, I trust you."

"You sound guilty just saying that," Claudius replied helplessly.

"It's just that what you're saying is hard to believe," Dragon admitted. "How can the World Government gather a hundred nations and have it not involve the Revolutionary Army? Are they planning something against the pirates instead?"

Claudius froze for a moment before laughing. "Impressive, Dragon! You actually guessed it. That's right—this time, our target is the pirates."

"Stop messing with me, Claudius. What are you really after? Just tell me straight," Dragon said, not believing him at all.

"Hah! Do I look like someone who needs to covet your scraps?" Claudius replied casually.

"Oh really?" Dragon pondered for a moment before saying, "Alright then, return the Road Poneglyph to me."

"Ahem—let's stick to discussing the World Summit," Claudius coughed and quickly changed the subject.

"As a high-ranking Celestial Dragon, could you at least pretend to have some integrity?" Dragon said in exasperation.

Claudius just chuckled and said, "Alright, enough nonsense. I won't lie to you.

Yes, we're planning a major operation, and I won't deny it.

Before the World Summit begins, we're going to make a move against the Whitebeard Pirates. That's what all these preparations are for.

It really has nothing to do with your Revolutionary Army, you're overthinking it."

We are making a move against the Whitebeard Pirates before the World Summit begins, so everything happening now is just the preparatory phase.

Dragon was momentarily stunned. Damn… so it's really a major event? He had originally thought the sudden expansion of the World Summit was targeted at the Revolutionary Army, but now he was hearing that the World Government was actually going after Whitebeard?

"You're really getting bold… You dare to challenge Newgate?" Dragon muttered.

"The bolder the dream, the greater the achievement," Claudius teased. "Besides, without dreams, aren't we just lying around like dead fish?"

"Need my help?" Dragon suddenly asked, as if he were eager to join in on the action.

Claudius rolled his eyes. "The last time you stirred up trouble on Whole Cake Island, how many benefits did you secretly snatch up?"

Hearing this, Dragon chuckled. "That was years ago! Do you think I keep track of every little thing I do? There weren't any real benefits, right? Aside from the Road Poneglyph, but that's yours now anyway."

"Yeah, right," Claudius scoffed.

He didn't believe a word of Dragon's nonsense. This guy was cunning as hell, there was no way he didn't make huge gains from the Whole Cake Island operation. Otherwise, why would he be so eager to 'help' again now?

Did he really expect Claudius to believe he was some benevolent Revolutionary Army leader, a selfless man of justice?

It wasn't that Claudius was unwilling to give Dragon a slice of the pie, there just wasn't a slice for him this time.

"Just knowing ahead of time that we're making a move on Whitebeard is already a huge advantage for you," Claudius said. "As for the battle itself, stay out of it. This will be a direct head-on war, and I doubt you'd want to get caught in the crossfire."

Hearing that, Dragon reconsidered and rubbed his chin. "Then maybe I should start making some preparations too…"

Now that he had confirmed the information, the ever-opportunistic Dragon felt that he was the one getting an advantage. With that thought in mind, he smirked and said, "Alright then, if there's nothing else, I'll hang up."

Claudius rolled his eyes. "You're so damn straightforward."

"If I weren't realistic, how do you think I manage an organization as massive as the Revolutionary Army?" Dragon responded, completely shameless.

"Hold on, don't hang up yet," Claudius said. "You called me first, but I was actually planning to reach out to you."

"Huh? Then why didn't you just say so earlier?" Dragon asked, caught off guard.

"I didn't want to look desperate," Claudius replied with a grin. "It's better if you come to me first, it makes me look more important."

"You were counting on me to contact you about the World Summit, weren't you?" Dragon said, exasperated.

"And didn't I give you the information?" Claudius responded smoothly. "We're even."

Dragon sighed, deciding not to argue over such trivial matters. Instead, he asked, "So, what did you want to talk to me about? Are you planning something big?"

Claudius was silent for a moment. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he spoke in a quiet, serious tone:

"I'm the one who orchestrated the changes in the upcoming World Summit."

Upon hearing this, Dragon immediately fell silent, deep in thought.

"If I remember correctly, you didn't even attend the last two World Summits," Dragon eventually said.

"That's true," Claudius confirmed.

"So why are you suddenly stepping in this time?" Dragon asked quietly.

Then, before Claudius could respond, Dragon lowered his voice further and asked, "Have you already made your move?"

Claudius simply laughed in response.

"Tch. That's the difference between taking the top-down approach versus my bottom-up struggle," Dragon muttered bitterly. "You have the resources to make things happen easily, while I'm still grinding my way through."

"That's why I keep telling you, you should stop comparing yourself to me in these matters," Claudius teased. "Why don't you just change your banner and join me?"

"And how would I explain that to my people?" Dragon countered.

Before Claudius could come up with some absurd remark, Dragon continued in a serious tone, "So, you're planning to disrupt this World Summit, aren't you? This is your big move?"

Claudius fell silent for a moment before replying in a low voice, "Yes. The time has come."

"Couldn't you wait just a little longer?" Dragon sighed.

"I was waiting for you," Claudius replied calmly.

Dragon went silent at that. Neither of them spoke for a long while.

After an extended pause, just as the atmosphere grew heavy, Dragon finally broke the silence. "Claudius, what exactly do you plan to do?"

"There's not much I can reveal to you at this stage," Claudius admitted. "But I will say this, I intend to dismantle the current Celestial Dragon system."

"You're a Celestial Dragon yourself. What happens to you?" Dragon asked in a deep voice.

"Have you ever seen someone willingly give up their own power?" Claudius responded, without pretense or deception.

Dragon chuckled. "Well, at least you're honest about it. Not that I expected anything different."

"I told you long ago," Claudius continued, "stop indulging in idealistic theories. Look at the world as it really is. The way your Revolutionary Army has developed, I'm sure you've matured beyond those naïve ideas, haven't you?"

Dragon was silent for a moment. Then, he admitted, "You're right… I'm not that naïve anymore."


---------------
Chapter 293: None of Us Are Soft-Hearted

Back in the early days, when Dragon first established the Revolutionary Army, they were indeed idealistic, perhaps even naive. They dreamed of evenly distributing power and wealth, believing that true equality could be achieved.

The results, however, were disastrous. Although their revolutions succeeded multiple times, corruption quickly took hold of the new ruling class. Attempts to evenly distribute power and wealth only led to greater instability, fracturing once-unified nations into chaos.

This caused Dragon to reflect deeply. Over time, he gradually shifted his perspective, coming to understand that social classes were, in some ways, a necessary structure.

As a result, the Revolutionary Army refined its approach. Through trial and error, they developed new policies rather than simply overthrowing regimes and installing complete equality, they now sought to find suitable rulers, support their rise to power, eliminate oppressive governance, and regulate authority.

Gone were the days of dreaming about a utopian world free of class divisions, because it simply wasn't realistic.

"I told you a long time ago," Claudius said with a chuckle, "until human productivity reaches the point where it can meet everyone's needs, class conflict will never disappear. Now you believe me?"

For true equality to exist, humanity would likely have to advance into an interstellar era.

Only when there were abundant resources enough to fulfill every person's needs would class distinctions start to fade.

With machines and artificial intelligence replacing human labor, perhaps then a society without hierarchy could exist. But for now?

Claudius didn't believe for a second that intelligent creatures could overcome their own nature.

Where there are people, there will be conflict.

Where there is conflict, there will be struggle, winners and losers.

And when there are winners and losers, naturally, there will be hierarchy.

And hierarchy, at its core, represents class.

"You're right," Dragon murmured, not arguing the point.

"Maybe our ideal society will emerge one day," Claudius continued. "But not now. Not in this chaotic era. Right now, the world needs a government, a strong, unified force to maintain order."

Dragon was silent for a moment before finally asking, "So… is that what you want to become? The King of the World?"

"That's right," Claudius admitted without hesitation.

A strange light flickered in Dragon's eyes. After a brief pause, he asked, "And then what? Is that all you wanted to tell me?"

"A powerful voice doesn't have to mean oppression," Claudius said with a sigh. "I need enough authority to reshape the system, to change the world. You already know what I intend to do."

"You once told me," Dragon said, his voice carrying a hint of emotion, "that the people are water, and a ruler is a boat. Water can carry a boat… but it can also overturn it. Because of that, the people must always come first, the nation second, and the ruler last. Do you still remember those words?"

"Of course I do," Claudius nodded.

Before Dragon could say more, Claudius continued, "That's why I need to consolidate all power, to establish a new ruling class, one that governs according to our original ideals. I want to eradicate corrupt leadership, ensure people's livelihoods, and advance society."

"And then?" Dragon pressed. "How can you guarantee that your version of the World Government won't become just as corrupt as the current one?"

Claudius paused for a moment before laughing. "Dragon, aren't you being a little too nosy?"

Dragon was taken aback by the remark. He frowned and asked, "What the hell do you mean by that?"

"I can only guarantee one thing," Claudius said. "That during my rule, things will remain as I envision them.

But beyond that? A hundred, two hundred years from now, when we're nothing but dust, do you really think we'll still have control?

History is shaped by trial and error. Humanity must make mistakes before it can find the right path.

So go ahead—you keep trying your way, and I'll keep trying mine. In the end, we do what we can in our time. That's all there is to it."

Dragon fell silent.

After a long pause, he finally asked, "Is this what you meant by constitutional monarchy?"

"Something like that," Claudius admitted. "But at the start, I won't be giving up power.

First, I need to reshape the world the way I envision it. Then, I'll begin decentralizing authority.

At that stage, I'll establish a framework of laws to curb the excesses of the ruling class, gradually opening pathways for the general populace to rise in status. That's how we'll transition to a constitutional monarchy."

Of course, on the surface, this might make it seem like the Donquixote family would only be nominally ruling over the world, relinquishing most of their authority.

But Claudius wasn't about to tell Dragon the real plan, how he would consolidate power through a shadow network of economic and political influence.

In the end, whether it was wealth, power, or class itself, the world would still be controlled by those who owned the resources.

"…I'll need time to think about it," Dragon finally said.

"I think the Revolutionary Army could play a vital role in all of this," Claudius continued smoothly. "You could serve as an oversight force, ensuring that the legal system adapts to different regions. Doesn't that sound like a good platform for your ideals?"

Dragon let out a chuckle. "Are you actually offering me a position?"

"How about Minister of Civil Affairs in the new World Government?" Claudius joked.

Dragon smirked. "You make it sound tempting. Honestly, I am intrigued. But this is too sudden, I need time to consider it."

"No problem," Claudius replied. "At the very least, I hope you can give me an answer before the World Summit begins."

"I'll do my best," Dragon sighed. "But in the meantime, send me an official document outlining your proposal. You just threw a lot of ideas at me, and I need time to process it all."

"No problem," Claudius said, satisfied.

The conversation grew quiet for a moment, until Dragon suddenly spoke in a serious tone.

"Claudius, what happens if we don't reach an agreement?"

Claudius' voice turned cold. "Dragon… you know I'm not a soft-hearted person, right?"

Dragon's tone matched his. "And you know I'm not either."

"So then, we'd become enemies," Claudius said solemnly.

He continued, his voice carrying an unmistakable edge. "If that time comes, don't expect me to show mercy just because of our past friendship.

I will do everything in my power to crush your Revolutionary Army. If I'm feeling generous, maybe I'll just throw you all into Impel Down for a 'peaceful retirement' instead."

"You arrogant bastard. You really think I'd just let you walk all over me?" Dragon scoffed.

"Ahahahaha! Who knows?" Claudius laughed.

Dragon exhaled sharply. "Fine. I'll take everything you said seriously and give you an answer when the time comes."

"I truly hope we can change the world together," Claudius said, his voice sincere for the first time. "I need you. And I think you know—you need me too."

"…Minister of Civil Affairs isn't enough," Dragon joked. "How about Prime Minister instead?"

"You sure have a big appetite," Claudius replied with a grin.

The two men exchanged a knowing laugh before finally hanging up.



---

In the New World, aboard the Moby Dick, Whitebeard sat in his chair, holding a newspaper with a curious expression.

"What the hell is the World Government up to now? A summit with one hundred participating nations?" Newgate muttered, surprised.

Still, while he found it unusual, he didn't take it too seriously. Whether it was a hundred or a thousand nations, none of that mattered much to him.

Marco grinned and said, "Maybe we can snatch something good from it?"

"Could be a big move. The Revolutionary Army, maybe?" Jozu speculated, rubbing his chin. "Every World Summit ends up talking about them. Maybe they've finally come up with a real plan to get rid of them."

Just like Dragon assumed the World Government was targeting him, other major forces were also wary.

Newgate, however, wasn't one to overthink such things.

On the other hand, Teach's eyes darted around. He wasn't exactly sure why, but his instincts told him that whatever was happening, it had something to do with them.

"Are they trying to make an example out of us?" Teach wondered.

Newgate didn't dwell on it. Tossing the newspaper aside, he turned toward Teach and asked with a grin, "Kuhahahaha! Teach, how's that Dark-Dark Fruit treating you?"

Whitebeard didn't ask how Teach had obtained the fruit from Enel, nor did he care about the details.

His sons were grown men, he wasn't about to micromanage their choices.

Before Teach could answer, Marco smirked and commented, "Honestly, Pops, I don't think it's that great. It's a Logia, but it can't even turn the user into an element. Sounds like a downgrade to me."

"Ze hahahaha! Maybe, but it does have some crazy abilities. It lets me absorb a ton of damage, right?" Teach said with a wide grin.

"Yeah, but you also feel twice the pain," Jozu pointed out. "Not exactly a great trade-off."

Whitebeard chuckled and asked, "The Devil Fruit Encyclopedia says that it can nullify other Devil Fruit abilities. That true?"

He had the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, but he had never paid much attention to the Dark-Dark Fruit. The book had only vague details about it.

Teach nodded. "Of course it's true, Pops! That's why I wanted this ability in the first place!"

"But you have to make physical contact with your opponent, right? If you can't touch them, it's useless," Marco analyzed. "For non-Devil Fruit users, it doesn't mean much either. Still, for someone like you, Teach, it's a pretty solid ability."

Of course, Teach wasn't about to reveal everything.

His fruit could actually absorb abilities at range, but he chose not to display that yet.

As far as Marco and the others knew, his nullification only worked in close combat. This way, they wouldn't see the full potential of his power.

On the surface, it seemed strong but not overpowered.

Whitebeard nodded. "In the end, it's not about the fruit itself. It's about how you use it."

"Exactly! It's not like nobody else ever had the Tremor-Tremor Fruit before you, Pops," Teach said, laughing. "But only you became the Strongest Man in the World!"

Maybe it was his habit of sucking up to Claudius, but Teach was getting really good at flattery.

Whitebeard, amused, let out a hearty laugh. "Kuhahahaha! Well said, Teach! The power of a Devil Fruit depends on its user!"

The crew continued chatting, and after a while, Marco suddenly patted Teach on the shoulder.

"Teach, now that you have the power you wanted… why don't you take up the position of Second Division Commander?" Marco suggested.

Newgate turned toward Teach and smiled. "What do you think? Interested?"

Teach had been part of the Second Division for years. Since the position of Commander had remained vacant for so long, there was no reason not to promote him.

To Whitebeard, it seemed like the natural choice.

Teach hadn't originally planned to take the position, but now that he thought about it…

Wouldn't being a commander make his plans easier?

For example, if Marco or Thatch went out for a drink, he could follow them without raising suspicion. And if he needed to disappear later, being a commander might grant him more freedom.

With that thought in mind, Teach grinned and said, "Ze hahahaha! Pops, I refused before because I didn't think I was strong enough. But now that I've got the Dark-Dark Fruit, I feel invincible! I'll take the position!"

His arrogant words made the others chuckle, no one took them seriously. They just assumed he was in high spirits.

Whitebeard nodded. "Alright. From today forward, you are the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Teach."

"Ze hahahaha! Thanks, Pops!" Teach said, putting on an exaggerated show of excitement.

Marco clapped his hands. "Well then, since Teach finally got his Devil Fruit and we filled the Second Division spot, how about we celebrate with a banquet?"

"Yeahhh!!!" the pirates cheered.

Whitebeard laughed. "Kuhahahaha! Young ones! Break out the sake! Let's drink!"

In high spirits, he threw a punch into the air.

The sky split apart. The sea churned violently.

The Whitebeard Pirates erupted in cheers. The energy was electric.

But Teach…

Teach stood there, watching the distant tsunami waves.

There was greed in his eyes. A hunger that burned deep inside him.

The Dark-Dark Fruit was already his. Now, the next step was the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.

Of course, when he was buttering up Whitebeard earlier, he had said, "The Tremor-Tremor Fruit is only the strongest because it's in your hands, Pops!"

But deep down, Teach knew—

The Tremor-Tremor Fruit was the most powerful Paramecia ability.

And he had spent decades watching Whitebeard wield its terrifying power.

He had no doubts, if he could seize that fruit, he wouldn't even need to master it.

With just a little time to combine its power with the Dark-Dark Fruit, he would become unstoppable.

No one in the world could rival him.

Teach had spent years analyzing Whitebeard, his strengths, his weaknesses.

There was no question, Whitebeard's greatest strength was his devastating attack power.

When he went all out with the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, it felt like he could shatter the world itself.

But his weakness…

Newgate's physical endurance wasn't on the same level as the other top monsters of the sea.

Kaido had his immortal body.

Big Mom had her iron-like defense.

But Whitebeard? His raw durability was not his strongest trait.

And that was the flaw Teach planned to exploit.

His plan was simple:

Use the Dark-Dark Fruit for defense, absorbing and negating damage.

Use the Tremor-Tremor Fruit for offense, unleashing destructive force.

Together, they would make him invincible.

Just thinking about it made his heart race.

His blood boiled.

His ambition burned.

He wanted to strike now but Marco suddenly handed him a sake cup.

"Come on, Teach! Let's toast! Today's a good day!" Marco grinned.

Teach snapped out of his thoughts, suppressing his emotions.

A sinister grin spread across his face. "Ze hahahaha! You're right, Marco! Today is a good day!"

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Chapter 294: Restlessness in Impel Down!

Beneath the deep sea, Prometheus rode the ocean currents, heading toward Fish-Man Island.

At the railing, Nia and Robin leaned forward, admiring the deep-sea scenery together. While Nia was simply enjoying the view, Robin was carefully observing the bizarre deep-sea fish.

From time to time, she would exclaim in surprise, then sigh and murmur things like "Kawaii~", leaving Nia occasionally glancing at her with a puzzled expression.

Not far from them, Claudius lounged in a sun chair, a newspaper in hand, scanning its contents with interest.

> "The second division captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, a position that has remained vacant for many years, has now been assumed by the previously unknown Marshall D. Teach."

> "According to the World Economy News Paper, Teach has been a veteran member of the Whitebeard Pirates, having joined Edward Newgate over twenty, nearly thirty years ago, earning the trust of the legendary pirate himself."

> "Teach, also known as 'Blackbeard,' previously had no bounty. However, as soon as he assumed the role of second division captain, Marine Headquarters promptly issued a bounty of 200 million berries on him."

> "In terms of bounty growth rate, Teach has skyrocketed from zero to 200 million in an instant. Yet, considering his years at sea, it has taken him nearly three decades to reach this point."

> "Currently, the extent of Marshall D. Teach's true strength remains unknown. However, based on our investigations, this once low-profile man possesses formidable power. The scar over the left eye of Red-Haired Shanks was left by Teach himself."

> "Not long ago, Teach clashed with Shanks once again on the island of Versailles. The battle also saw the involvement of Thunder God Enel, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

> "The final outcome of the battle remains unclear. However, given that Teach has successfully claimed the position of the Whitebeard Pirates' second division captain, one conclusion can be drawn, he is a man who can retreat safely even after facing both Red-Haired Shanks and Thunder God Enel."

> "It is rumored that Marshall D. Teach possesses a Logia-type Devil Fruit—the Dark-Dark Fruit. While its full capabilities remain a mystery, Logia-type fruits are known for their immense power. Perhaps we can look forward to Teach's potential in this regard?"

> "With Teach filling the long-vacant role of division captain, Whitebeard's forces are now more unified and stronger than ever, reinforcing the belief that 'This is the Era of Whitebeard.'"

> "We eagerly anticipate Teach's future exploits, perhaps he will one day become a legend in his own right?"



The rest of the article contained follow-up speculations, various deductions, and even some trivial gossip about Teach such as rumors of him paying for information.

It was clear that the World Economy News Paper held Teach in very high regard.

"That damn bird-man Morgans... he always loves to stir up chaos." Claudius smirked.

That guy had a habit of hyping up people without hesitation.

First, he hyped Teach.

Then, in the future, he'd hype up another so-called "Fifth Emperor"—Luffy.

That nonsense made Kaido bash Luffy's head in.

"So, Teach became the second division captain, huh?" Claudius muttered to himself, feeling a bit emotional. He hadn't expected this turn of events. The position had remained empty for so many years, and in the original timeline, it was supposed to be filled by Ace.

However, in this timeline, Claudius had taken Ace in as his own younger brother. Naturally, that meant Ace wouldn't become Whitebeard's "son," nor would he seek out the Whitebeard Pirates upon entering the New World.

Now, Ace had grown into a powerful pirate in his own right. The Spade Pirates were well-known throughout the New World, and with his Logia-type Flame-Flame Fruit, Ace was young, strong, and full of potential.

Many people believed that given a few more years, he could rise to become one of the great pirates of this era.

Despite his initial surprise at Teach assuming the role, Claudius wasn't particularly concerned. After all, he knew exactly what kind of person Teach was an ambitious wolf, always waiting for the right moment to strike.

There was no doubt in Claudius's mind, Teach would betray the Whitebeard Pirates.

Not because of any external influence, but purely because of his own ambitions.

Teach would be the blade that ultimately stabbed Whitebeard in the back.

"Your Highness, we're almost at Coral Hill." Nia called out from the railing.

Hearing this, Claudius folded the newspaper, having lost interest in the rest of its contents.

He turned to Nia with a smile.

Sure enough, just ahead, he could already see figures of fish-men and merfolk swimming through the deep sea. In the distance, the vibrant Coral Hill waved them a silent welcome.

Claudius took a sip of tea, then stood up and walked over to Nia.

Meanwhile, in the Great Prison of Impel Down, one of the three great strongholds of justice.

Inside the chief warden's office, Shiryu of the Rain sat back in his chair, looking as fierce as ever. A cigar dangled from his lips as he leaned back, legs propped up on the desk.

At his waist hung a sword, a blade exuding an ominous aura, its scabbard resting against the chair while the hilt swayed slightly with his movements.

This was Thunderstorm (Raiu), one of the most infamous demon swords in the world.

Rumors said that once drawn, Thunderstorm absorbed moisture from the air, causing water droplets to form along its blade.

After drawing blood, the water would wash away the stains on its own.

Every swordsman who had wielded Thunderstorm in the past had, without exception, succumbed to its influence, gradually becoming more bloodthirsty, eventually descending into madness and slaughter.

This was why the blade was feared as a cursed sword.

Impel Down followed a dual-leadership system, governed by both the Chief Warden and the Vice Warden.

The Chief Warden, of course, was Magellan.

The Vice Warden? Shiryu.

Together, they formed the infamous Twin Walls of Impel Down, ensuring the prison's absolute security.

However, while they worked together, their relationship was far from good.

Magellan was a strict, upright man, while Shiryu was cruel and merciless.

The two despised each other.

Magellan believed Shiryu's methods were too excessive.

Shiryu believed prisoners had no rights, killing a few now and then would simply reduce the prison's food costs.

Though technically second in command, Shiryu still ranked below Magellan. Only if something happened to Magellan would Shiryu gain full control over Impel Down. Otherwise, he was merely an assistant.

And in terms of strength, Magellan was undeniably stronger. Shiryu's swordsmanship was powerful, but Magellan's Venom-Venom Fruit abilities were overwhelming. The few times they had clashed, Shiryu had always been the one to lose.

Lately, Shiryu could feel Magellan's patience wearing thin.

If things continued like this, sooner or later, Magellan would lock him up as a prisoner.

Shiryu tried to suppress his bloodthirsty urges, but for how long?

Gazing at the oppressive darkness of Impel Down, Shiryu felt a growing restlessness.

Even though he held a high position, wasn't this prison just another kind of cage?

"My sword is already hungry and thirsty." Shiryu exhaled a plume of smoke, whispering to himself.

His eyes then drifted toward a fresh newspaper on the desk.

With little entertainment in Impel Down, reading the news was one of his few pastimes.

Casually flipping it open, his gaze sharpened.

"Blackbeard… Marshall D. Teach?"

------------------
Chapter 296: How About Moving Fish-Man Island to the Calm Belt?

Princess Otohime smiled, unfazed by Claudius's brief distraction, and continued, "Thanks to Your Highness, Fish-Man Island has become what it is today. Both Neptune and I are deeply grateful."

As soon as she finished speaking, Neptune nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes, I never imagined things would go so smoothly."

Of course, if someone other than Claudius had attempted these changes, it would have been far more difficult after all, they wouldn't have had the necessary resources at their disposal.

Hearing their words, Claudius smiled and said, "No need to be so polite. Our relationship with Fish-Man Island is mutually beneficial. I've gained a great deal from Fish-Man Island as well, benefits I wouldn't have even dared to imagine before."

After a brief pause, Claudius continued, "King Neptune, Princess Otohime, you may have already received the news, next year's Reverie will be attended by one hundred participating nations. And among them… is Fish-Man Island."

Neptune nodded, his expression filled with curiosity and confusion as he asked, "Yes, we've received the notice from the World Government, but this is the first time such a situation has occurred. Why has the Reverie's scale suddenly doubled?"

Claudius's lips curled into a subtle smile, and he replied softly, "There's a very important reason for it."

"We value this Reverie immensely."

"Personally, I believe this could be a meeting that will reshape the entire world one that will rewrite this era. That's why I hope both Princess Otohime and King Neptune will attend."

"Reshape the world? Rewrite the era?" Neptune and Otohime were visibly surprised.

Although they had speculated that this would be a major event, they hadn't expected even someone of Claudius's stature to regard the Levely with such importance.

Perhaps… something truly monumental was about to happen?

After a moment of contemplation, Princess Otohime asked, "Your Highness, could you tell us more about this?"

Claudius smiled, an enigmatic glint in his eyes, but instead of answering directly, he changed the subject.

"Princess Otohime, do you still intend for Fish-Man Island to move to the surface?"

Although she wasn't sure why Claudius had suddenly shifted the conversation, Otohime immediately responded with conviction, "Of course! The eight-hundred-year-old wish of Fish-Man Island has always been to live under the sun!"

Claudius nodded knowingly. He understood all too well, this was part of Joy Boy's legacy.

After a moment of thought, he asked again, "Then, Princess Otohime, how do you plan to accomplish this? Are you thinking of relocating the entire population of Fish-Man Island to the surface, abandoning this deep-sea home? Or..."

Before Otohime could answer, Neptune quickly waved his hands, "Your Highness, I'm afraid you've misunderstood!"

"While we do wish to live on the surface, Fish-Man Island is our homeland our roots."

"Abandoning it is out of the question."

"In truth, not everyone on the island even wants to go to the surface."

"There are two main schools of thought here, one group, like us, longs for the sea above. But the other believes that fish-men and merfolk should remain in their natural habitat, deep underwater."

Princess Otohime nodded and added, "Yes, Your Highness. But these two perspectives aren't in conflict because we never intended to force anyone to go to the surface. It may seem a bit greedy, but in reality..."

At this point, she hesitated slightly, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Claudius wasn't surprised at all.

Even if he put himself in their shoes, he found it puzzling why so many of them wanted to leave the ocean.

If he were a fish-man or a mermaid, he'd never have such an idea.

Living underwater was objectively more advantageous and natural for them, wasn't it?

After a brief awkward silence, Otohime continued, "What we want is to establish a stronghold on the surface. Those who wish to live there can do so, while those who prefer to stay can remain on Fish-Man Island. The two communities will stay connected—that's the plan."

Claudius nodded in understanding, then said, "That seems reasonable. But you must also be careful, it could lead to a new form of separatism."

He didn't elaborate further. This was Fish-Man Island's internal matter, and he had no interest in interfering.

It was true, though while maintaining two settlements might seem fine in the short term, over time, they might evolve into two entirely separate societies.

Neptune nodded solemnly, "We're aware of this risk and will take necessary measures to prevent such divisions."

Seeing that, Claudius didn't press the issue further. Instead, he smiled and said, "In that case, perhaps I can help with this endeavor."

As soon as he spoke, both Otohime and Neptune seemed visibly excited.

Princess Otohime quickly asked, "Your Highness, do you have a proposal in mind?"

Claudius smiled and said, "You're both aware of the development in the Calm Belt, aren't you?"

Princess Otohime nodded, "Of course. Many of our people return to Fish-Man Island for extended vacations every month."

The Calm Belt development project operated in shifts, Claudius couldn't really treat the fish-men workers like slaves. Their rights had to be protected.

The system worked as follows:

Workers had weekly two-day rotations and were divided into twelve shifts per year.

Every month, a different batch would take a one-month-long break and return home.

While back on Fish-Man Island, they could spend their savings and maybe even find themselves a wife.

Because of this system, the island naturally received plenty of firsthand reports about the developments in the Calm Belt.

Both Neptune and Otohime were well aware of the situation.

"The Calm Belt isn't far from Fish-Man Island," Claudius continued.

"With your island's capabilities, the round trip would take only three to five days."

"This would significantly reduce the issues caused by distance, and the Calm Belt itself is a vast, empty area—untouched by external forces."

"The only existing power there is Amazon Lily. And in terms of alliances, it's safe to say that the Kuja Tribe has one of the most harmonious relationships with Fish-Man Island."

"Perhaps, rather than starting with the surface, the best first step for Fish-Man Island is to establish itself in the Calm Belt?"

Claudius's tone was casual, but his words carried weight.

Princess Otohime's eyebrows raised, surprise flashing in her eyes. "Your Highness… Are you saying you're willing to support Fish-Man Island's development in the Calm Belt?"

Claudius nodded. "That's right."

Neptune hesitated before speaking, "Your Highness… Our goal in reaching the surface is to integrate into the world. But isn't the Calm Belt even more isolated than Fish-Man Island?"

"If you simply move us there, isn't it still just another kind of isolation?"

Princess Otohime shot Neptune a glare. "Neptune, what do you understand? Do you think the Calm Belt is the same as it used to be?"

"His Highness sees the bigger picture!"

In this regard, Otohime had far greater foresight than Neptune.

The Calm Belt wasn't fully developed yet.

But its potential was enormous.

Claudius wouldn't waste such a valuable region.

Sooner or later, it would become a major center of activity.

Hadn't sea trains already started running there?

In the future, even ordinary ships might be able to navigate it freely.

If Fish-Man Island moved into the Calm Belt now, they'd gain a first-mover advantage.

Claudius chuckled, "Yes, the Calm Belt is a top priority for the World Government's future plans."

"I won't let such a valuable area go to waste. Significant investments will be made to develop it further."

"And once that happens, it will not remain the Calm Belt as we know it today."

Neptune's expression shifted slightly.

"A top priority of the World Government?"

Hadn't the development of the Calm Belt been a secret from the World Government?

So why was Claudius saying this now...?

Meanwhile, Princess Otohime's eyes gleamed with realization.

If Claudius's own influence grew further, wouldn't Fish-Man Island. his solid ally reap even greater benefits?

And in her heart, she knew…

She absolutely supported that.