In the year 1499 of the Sea Circle Calendar, an event occurred that would shake the entire world. The Grand Line, which had remained unconquered for 800 years, was finally claimed by the Roger Pirates.
After gathering the four Road Poneglyphs, Roger, with the assistance of Kozuki Oden, successfully reached the fabled island of Raftel, the true final destination!
At first, this news spread as mere rumor across the seas. However, as time passed, and more evidence surfaced, the World Government was forced to acknowledge that the Roger Pirates had indeed achieved this near-impossible feat.
The world at large may have been unaware, but the World Government knew all too well that Raftel held a massive secret, one so dangerous that it could never be revealed to the public. Fearing that the Roger Pirates had discovered this secret, the World Government launched an all-out effort to locate them, determined to eliminate the crew before they could reveal what they had learned.
"A bounty of 5.5648 billion berries... the highest in history. I've never heard of a bounty that high. Even Whitebeard's is only half that," Claudius muttered as he glanced through the newspaper in his hands, his tone filled with astonishment.
In its desperation to capture Roger, the World Government was pulling out all the stops. The massive bounty wasn't just for show, anyone who could contribute to Roger's downfall was encouraged to try.
The bounty had been raised from just over two billion to more than five billion in one fell swoop, with the sole goal being Roger's death, no matter the cost.
"Your Highness, didn't the Five Elders order CP-X to get involved too? We're supposed to capture Roger and bring him to justice," Stussy said with a playful smile as she stood beside Claudius.
In recent days, Stussy had been focusing on managing her business in Happy Street, which had reached a point of self-sufficiency. But now, not wanting to be "forgotten" by Claudius, she had hurried back to reassert her presence.
Claudius knew exactly what she was up to, but didn't mind her actions. After all, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
He chuckled at her comment. "Yeah, the Five Elders want us to act. Even though CP-X may not be as powerful or mysterious as the legends suggest, we still have to follow orders. But what does that tell you?"
"What does it tell me?" Stussy asked.
"It tells me that they're out of options. Roger is slippery like a damn eel. The Marines have been chasing him for over twenty years, and they still couldn't catch him. Now he's conquered Raftel. Honestly, if he decided to hide out there, who could ever find him?"
Claudius laughed as he spoke.
Stussy paused for a moment, considering his words, before asking, "So... are you saying it's impossible to capture the Roger Pirates?"
"Well, it's almost impossible. But Roger? Maybe. This could still be a defining moment for CP-X," Claudius mused with a thoughtful smile.
Catching the entire Roger Pirates crew might be a tall order. After all, by now they could have scattered across the seas, with each powerful crewmember hiding in various corners of the world. Claudius had some ideas about where a few of them might go, Rayleigh, for example, or Dr. Crocus. But the rest? He wasn't sure.
Crocus wasn't a threat, though. He had only joined to treat Roger's illness and had no interest in the pirate life. Claudius wasn't planning to go after him. As for Rayleigh, well... it wasn't worth the trouble right now, and there was no pressing need.
But Roger? He was the key target. Claudius's memories told him that soon Roger would travel to South Blue, to the island of Baterilla, where he would marry his lover, Rouge, and leave behind his bloodline. Then, before his illness could claim him, Roger would surrender himself to the Marines.
This would provide some relief to the World Government. They would be able to announce his capture, setting the stage for his execution in his hometown, the future legendary site of Loguetown in East Blue.
Of course, this entire narrative could be manipulated. Roger's self-surrender could easily be spun as CP-X's success in capturing him.
With this in mind, Claudius began plotting his next move. CP-X was developing well, but it needed more influence. And Roger could be the stepping stone to even greater power.
"If I play my cards right, I might even secure a position among the highest ranks of the Celestial Dragons," Claudius murmured to himself.
"What was that?" Stussy asked, having not quite caught what he'd said.
"Nothing. Just thinking out loud. There's a lot of potential here," Claudius replied with a smile.
Among the nineteen Celestial Dragon families, the Donquixote family headed by Lancelot held significant power. Claudius, however, operated mostly independently, with little connection to his family. In the past, Lancelot had never viewed Claudius as a threat. But by the time he realized Claudius had become a prominent figure in the eyes of the Five Elders, it was too late for him to do anything about it.
Claudius hadn't originally intended to oppose Lancelot, but now that their interests were once again colliding, they had become rivals. Claudius knew that in order to keep advancing, he would need to wrest control of the Donquixote family's power from Lancelot.
"I didn't think I'd have to waste time on such trivial matters," Claudius thought to himself, "but maybe I can use the momentum of current events to crush Lancelot entirely."
As he pondered this Nia entered the room holding a special edition of the newspaper. "Your Highness, you should take a look at this. Today's World News has just released a special issue. The World Government is officially calling Roger the 'Pirate King!'"
Claudius froze for a moment, then took the paper.
The World Government had already admitted that Roger had reached Raftel, but the title of "Pirate King" hadn't been used until now.
It seemed the World Government was growing desperate.
They were gearing up to "crown" Roger... and then destroy him.
Pirates were a proud and competitive bunch, especially the powerful ones. Now that a "Pirate King" had been declared, many of them would likely be itching to challenge Roger. If anyone could find him, they'd surely want to take him down.
"So, 'Pirate King—Gold Roger.' They've completely hidden the 'D' from his name," Claudius muttered quietly.
Roger's real name was Gol D. Roger. When he had first made a name for himself, the World Government had referred to him by his full name. But as his fame grew, they slowly began to obscure the "D," rebranding him as "Gold Roger" to hide his ties to the infamous "D" lineage. Now, as they pushed the narrative of him being the Pirate King, it was clear that they were doing everything they could to erase his real identity from the public's mind.
Over time, the world would likely forget the name "Gol D. Roger" entirely.
On an unnamed island in the New World a peaceful spring island with a mild climate that never changes, two of the most legendary pirates in the world were sitting under a sakura tree.
One of them was Gol D. Roger, recently crowned the Pirate King by the World Government. The other was none other than Edward "Whitebeard" Newgate, the man known as the world's strongest.
Newgate, a towering figure who looked almost like a giant as he sat beneath the tree, drank from a massive bowl of sake. By comparison, Roger appeared far more ordinary, his stature nothing remarkable. But the air around the two men buzzed with history, rivalry, and mutual respect.
They sat opposite one another, sipping from their bowls, chatting like old friends.
Roger and Newgate had a unique bond—rivals on the seas, but with deep mutual respect. This meeting wasn't for battle or business. Roger had come to say his final farewell.
"As for Oden," Roger began with a smile, "I'm pretty sure he's already back in Wano. He seemed to have some urgent matters to take care of. It looks like his father isn't going to return him to you. If you still want him aboard, you'll have to go to Wano and get him yourself."
Newgate drained his bowl in one gulp and grimaced. "What kind of booze is this? It's terrible!"
"Terrible?!" Roger looked offended. "This is from my hometown! I brought it with me all the way from East Blue. It's been aging for over 20 years. I saved it just for this occasion, to share it with you! And you call it terrible?"
Roger took another swig and smacked his lips. "Man, this taste really takes me back."
Newgate, despite his complaints, poured himself another bowl of the East Blue sake. He wasn't one to waste good liquor.
"How are Oden and the boy doing?" Newgate asked, his tone softening a little.
"They're doing well," Roger replied with a warm smile.
Newgate chuckled, a rare smile flashing across his face. "Good. Oden's not really cut out to be a pirate. It's best for him to stay in Wano. His journey ended with you, didn't it?"
Roger looked at him, then laughed. "Family's the most important thing, huh?"
"You got that right," Newgate nodded. "Oden's found his treasure. He doesn't need to keep searching for anything else."
Roger took another sip, smiling. "Well, I've told you what I came to say. You'll figure the rest out on your own."
The two pirates shared a few more drinks before Newgate finally shot Roger a look and asked, "So why'd you call me out here, anyway? Just to show off that shiny new title of yours? If you're here to rub 'Pirate King' in my face, I'll sink you to the bottom of the sea."
"Ahahahaha! You think you can manage that? My bounty is more than double yours now!" Roger laughed heartily.
Newgate scowled, not pleased. "You wanna test that out?"
Although Whitebeard didn't care much for titles, having Roger wear the crown of "Pirate King" irked him a little. If Roger kept bragging, he'd have no choice but to teach him a lesson.
But before Newgate could say anything more, Roger grinned and said softly, "I came to say farewell."
"Huh?" Newgate's grin faded, replaced by confusion. "What are you talking about? Are you afraid of something? Since when do you talk like this?"
"I don't have much time left," Roger said, his smile unwavering. "I'm not going to waste what little time I have left fighting with you over meaningless things."
Newgate's frown deepened as he tried to make sense of Roger's words.
"I'm terminally ill," Roger explained calmly. "It's been years since it started, and now I can't stop it anymore."
"That's why you were in such a hurry to find Raftel," Newgate said after a long pause.
"Exactly," Roger nodded. "You remember my real name, don't you?"
"Gold Roger?" Newgate raised an eyebrow.
"No, you idiot. It's Gol D. Roger. Don't you remember?" Roger laughed, but there was an intensity in his voice.
Newgate smirked. "The newspapers don't print it that way."
"That's because the World Government has been hiding it," Roger explained. "It's connected to Raftel. There's a massive secret there. But we were too early. The world's not ready for what we found. Maybe in 20 years, everything will change."
Newgate stared at Roger, his expression unreadable. "What are you getting at?"
Roger's eyes twinkled mischievously. "You want to know the secret of Raftel? I could tell you. Want to hear it?"
Newgate looked like he was ready to punch Roger in the face. But instead, he shook his head. "If I want to know, I'll find Raftel myself. I don't need a dying man to tell me."
"Still so proud," Roger chuckled. "But that's why I like you. We all have our treasures to find on the sea, don't we? Yours is your family. You've already found it, haven't you?"
Newgate ignored the question, taking another sip from his bowl.
After a moment of silence, Roger spoke again. "But I'll tell you one thing—it's no secret, but the name 'D' is special. You should pay attention to it."
"D?" Newgate frowned. "I've got a guy on my crew with that name. Teach."
"Maybe someone like him will find the treasure I've left behind. I'm waiting for that person," Roger said with a soft smile.
"Waiting, huh?" Newgate muttered, not asking any more questions.
After a few more words exchanged between them, Roger downed the last of his sake, and Newgate knew what that meant. Roger was about to leave, and this would be the last time they would ever meet.
"Ahahahaha! So, how was it? The sake from my hometown wasn't so bad, right?" Roger asked with a laugh.
Newgate finished his drink as well, smiling. "Just like you—unforgettable."
"That's good to hear. I've told you enough, and I've had my fun. Now, it's time for me to go. The Roger Pirates... we're disbanding. This sea belongs to you now."
"Get the hell out of here," Newgate grinned. "You trying to piss me off with that line?"
Roger didn't respond. He simply stood up, and with his trademark carefree swagger, walked away. When he was almost out of sight, he waved, not looking back. That was his goodbye.
"Farewell, Roger," Newgate whispered softly, watching his old friend disappear from view.
At the port of Marine Headquarters, Marineford, Claudius had just disembarked from a warship. Walking beside him was Vice Admiral Garp, who had been chattering non-stop since they'd set foot on land.
Holding his forehead in frustration, Claudius sighed. "Garp, I've told you countless times, I don't know where the Roger Pirates are. Why do you keep bothering me?"
"It's not about the Roger Pirates as a group. They've already disbanded. Everyone knows that," Garp said, waving his hand dismissively. "Breaking up has its advantages, sure, but it also means news will leak more easily. Aren't you CP-X guys supposed to be good at gathering intel? Just tell me if you hear anything especially about that b*****d Roger."
"I'm as anxious as you are. The Five Elders have been breathing down my neck about this. Why do you think I came to Marine Headquarters in the first place? I'm here looking for information too," Claudius replied.
"Pfft, information? More like you're just here to visit Gion," Garp teased, waving him off.
In truth, while Claudius had good relationships with figures like Sengoku and Zephyr, there was always a sense of formality and distance in their conversations. They respected him but treated him differently because of his Celestial Dragon status. Garp, on the other hand, couldn't care less about Claudius's noble blood. He spoke to him like he would anyone else, without any regard for rank or title. Oddly enough, this made Claudius feel more comfortable.
Initially, Claudius and Garp weren't particularly close. Before the capture of Shiki, they were barely acquaintances, just two people who knew of each other without much interaction. But after Shiki's arrest, they found themselves working together more frequently. Over time, Garp came to realize that Claudius wasn't your typical Celestial Dragon. The man didn't act like one at all. In fact, in many ways, they got along quite well. Their relationship grew quickly, as if they had been friends for years.
Now, Garp treated Claudius like an old buddy, completely informal. He would casually slap Claudius on the shoulder or pull him by the arm, behavior that would have been unthinkable for others when dealing with a Celestial Dragon.
"I'm serious, I really am just here for information..." Claudius repeated, a bit exasperated.
"You sure? You're not lying to me?" Garp asked, staring at him with narrowed eyes.
"What would I lie to you about?" Claudius responded, rubbing his temples.
Scratching his chin, Garp muttered, "Strange... Gion's beautiful, capable, and has a bright future in the Marines. Plenty of people want to chase after her, so why are you not showing any interest?"
"Maybe because I'm not in the Marines?" Claudius shot back, feeling a little annoyed.
Garp grinned and mumbled to himself, "Maybe I should tell Gion not to waste her time on you..."
"What was that?" Claudius asked, not catching what Garp had said.
"Ahahahaha, nothing! Forget it! Let's go, let's go. I'll show you what you want to see," Garp laughed awkwardly, changing the subject and pulling Claudius along by the arm.
Once they were inside Garp's office, Claudius sat down and sipped some tea while Garp looked at him with confusion. "What's this about? You seemed like you were in a rush back at the port. Weren't you looking for some information? Now you're acting all casual."
Claudius chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "Well, I was just trying to strengthen my position, you know. Anyway, don't change the subject do you have what I'm looking for or not?"
Garp paused, his expression serious for a moment. "You're talking about that new scientific unit Marine established, right? It's supposed to be top secret. How did you find out about it?"
Claudius smiled slyly. "Come on, Garp. Did you forget who I am? I might not be able to gather intel like we do for the public, but I have access to a lot of information within the World Government. My authority lets me know more than you think."
Garp shook his head in resignation. "I swear, Claudius, you've got all these skills, but you never use them for anything productive. You've got your eye on Marine all the time. Why don't you focus on finding Roger instead of digging into our stuff?"
"I'm working on it! Maybe I'll have Roger in chains in a few days," Claudius muttered, his patience wearing thin. It felt like everywhere he went, someone brought up Roger.
Garp's expression grew serious again. "Claudius, let me remind you, don't get too cocky just because you helped capture Shiki. Roger is a different beast. He's incredibly dangerous. If you find any leads on him, cooperate with Marine Headquarters. You've got talent in your CP-X team, but you're still growing. You don't want to end up on the wrong side of Roger."
After a pause, Garp added, "Of course, if you don't want to involve too many people or risk losing credit, you can always come to me directly. I'll help you, and you can take all the glory for capturing him."
Claudius gave Garp a withering look. "Do you really think I'm that shameless?"
Before Garp could respond, Claudius quickly changed the subject. "Forget about Roger. Let's get back to what we were talking about the scientific unit."
"Well, it does exist, but even with your authority, you're not allowed to visit. You'd need authorization directly from Fleet Admiral Kong. If you get that, I'll help you out. Until then, no dice," Garp said, waving his hand dismissively.
"If I had the authorization, I wouldn't be here asking you about it," Claudius muttered under his breath. "Anyway, I'm not asking to visit. I just heard that you guys are working on something related to Devil Fruits, turning them into equipment."
Garp's eyes widened in shock. "How do you know about that? Do we have a spy inside?"
"No, no, calm down. I heard it from the Five Elders," Claudius said casually, using the Elders as a convenient excuse after all, no one would dare question that.
Garp let out a sigh of relief. "You scared me for a second there."
Claudius then reached into his coat and pulled out a Devil Fruit, placing it on the table. Garp eyed it curiously. "What's this?"
"This," Claudius said with a grin, "is the Logia Swamp-Swamp Fruit. I need a favor. I want your scientific unit to help me turn it into something like a wallet or a backpack. You know what I mean."
Garp blinked, then scratched his head. "Turning a swamp into storage equipment? Huh, that's actually pretty clever..."
Claudius smirked. "Just don't try to use it as an excuse to steal it or anything."
Garp chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "What kind of person do you think I am? Am I really that shameless?"
Claudius rolled his eyes. "The way you're laughing says it all."
"Haha, well... fine. I'll take care of it. Just leave it to me. You'll get your swampy wallet or whatever," Garp said with a laugh. It had been some time since Roger declared himself the Pirate King on the Grand Line. Since the disbandment of the Roger Pirates, the World Government had been scrambling to track him down. They had no idea that Roger was nearing the end of his life.
In their eyes, Roger's disappearance was the prelude to some grand conspiracy, a ticking time bomb. They believed he was hiding, biding his time for something massive, so every second counted. They couldn't afford to give him any breathing room.
As a result, Marine Headquarters was in overdrive. Admirals and officers were constantly on the move, being deployed to investigate any disturbance, no matter how small.
The CP agencies weren't any different. They, too, were spread thin, tasked with hunting down rogue scholars and other potential threats. Ironically, their workload was so heavy that they had eased up on certain operations, giving some of these scholars more time to escape unnoticed.
In the Holy Land of Mariejois, in front of the towering World Government headquarters, Stussy stood quietly, waiting for someone. The soft wind rustled through her hair, brushing against her face as she gazed down the long road leading to the building.
As officials passed by, many of them greeted Stussy warmly. It wasn't just because of her striking beauty though that certainly helped, but also because of who she represented. Stussy was known to be Claudius' right-hand woman, and Claudius himself was a rising star in the eyes of the Five Elders.
The more perceptive officials had already started to treat Stussy as if she were more than just an aide. They whispered that she might be Claudius' lover, not just his subordinate. After all, how could someone as charming and influential as Stussy be just a colleague to someone like Claudius?
Stussy was well aware of the rumors, but she didn't bother correcting them. She knew the power of perception and how dangerous it could be, especially among the Celestial Dragons. Being misinterpreted as Claudius' woman was far safer than drawing the unwanted attention of other ambitious or lecherous nobles.
Still, there were moments like this where she couldn't help but notice the way the world seemed to shift around her. The wind picked up, tangling the strands of her hair slightly. Stussy murmured to herself, "The wind today is a bit noisy..."
No sooner had the words left her lips than Claudius' voice called out behind her.
"Since when did you start waxing poetic?" Claudius asked with an amused expression, walking up to her.
Startled, Stussy turned around, embarrassed that she hadn't noticed him approach. She smiled awkwardly, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Your Highness, you've been getting quieter. I didn't even hear you coming..."
Claudius let out a booming laugh. "Hahahaha! Well, I've had to get stronger. In this era, those who can't protect themselves will get swept aside."
"Surely Your Highness has no need to worry about that," Stussy teased lightly. "You've already got more than enough strength to protect yourself."
Claudius shook his head, a serious look crossing his face. "It's not enough, Stussy. My goal isn't just to protect myself. I want to lead this era."
Stussy smiled knowingly. "That sounds more like the Claudius I know."
Claudius gave a satisfied nod and motioned for her to follow. "Come on, the meeting's done. Time to head out."
As they walked, Stussy glanced at him. "What did the Five Elders have to say?"
Claudius grinned, his tone brimming with pride. "What could they say? When someone like me makes a move, they have no choice but to agree. As long as I can bring in Roger, they've promised to promote me to the rank of Upper Celestial Dragon."
"The Five Elders must be very nervous about Roger if they're offering you that," Stussy remarked thoughtfully.
"Of course they are," Claudius said, nodding. "They've heard rumors that Roger knows some dangerous secrets. That only makes this better for me. The more of a threat he is, the more valuable it is when I capture him. A promotion to Upper Celestial Dragon isn't just a symbolic title it's a huge step forward in power."
Stussy's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Who would've thought? Just a few years ago, you were one of the lowest-ranking Celestial Dragons, and now you're on the verge of joining the elites."
"And this is just the beginning," Claudius said with confidence. "There are still plenty more surprises to come."
The two shared a few more casual remarks as they approached the port. There, a large ship bearing the World Government flag awaited them. On its deck stood Crocodile and Enel, both looking expectant.
At the bottom of the boarding ramp, the ever-loyal butler Nia waited patiently, ready to assist her master.
As Claudius approached, Nia held out a thick mink coat with a respectful bow. She used to help Claudius put it on herself, but now that he had grown, it was a task she could no longer easily manage due to her height.
"Your Highness, the sea breeze is quite cold once we set sail. Please, wear this," Nia said softly.
Claudius smiled and draped the coat over his shoulders. "Thank you, Nia. Let's board, then. It's time to set sail."
As the ship began to pull away from the dock, Crocodile, leaning against the railing, glanced over at Claudius. "So, are you going to tell us where we're headed now?"
Claudius chuckled. "What's the rush? We're headed to South Blue this time. There's plenty of fun to be had there."
"South Blue?" Crocodile raised an eyebrow. "I thought we were going after Roger. Doesn't that mean going to the New World?"
Claudius shrugged dismissively. "Who says Roger has to be in the New World? He could be anywhere. Even South Blue."
"But for pirates, the New World is the safest place to hide. It makes more sense for him to be there," Crocodile replied, sounding exasperated.
Claudius waved his hand, clearly not concerned. "Relax. We're just taking a little detour. What could possibly go wrong in South Blue? Besides, Nia, you checked the almanac, right?"
Nia, always prepared, nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. It's an auspicious day for travel."
Claudius laughed heartily. "See? No need to worry. All is well. Set sail, men! South Blue awaits! Let's call this a 'mission vacation!'"
At Naval Headquarters in Marineford, in Admiral Sengoku's office, a small group had gathered: Garp, Tsuru, Zephyr, Gion, Kuzan, and a few others. This wasn't an official meeting, just a casual get-together during a rare break in their busy schedules.
For almost a year now, they had been relentlessly chasing leads all over the world, trying to find Roger. As a result, they hadn't seen much of each other lately. So, now that everyone happened to be in the same place, they decided to gather in Sengoku's office to catch up and share any new information.
"There were rumors that Scopper Gaban was in West Blue," Kuzan said lazily. "I went there, checked it out, but found nothing. It was a complete waste of time."
Gion teased, "If you had found him, maybe you would've been defeated."
"Hey now, I'm pretty strong, okay?" Kuzan shot back with a grin. "You're looking at an Admiral candidate here. Speaking of which, we've got two open Admiral slots, why not just give me one?"
Sengoku rolled his eyes. "You're still too green, Kuzan. Sure, you've got the strength, but you lack experience and the other qualifications. Be patient and wait your turn."
"See? You guys keep saying you want to fill all three Admiral positions, but here I am, offering myself up, and still no takers," Kuzan said, waving his hand dramatically.
Of course, he was joking. Kuzan knew perfectly well that he still had a lot to learn before taking on the mantle of Admiral.
"I ran into Douglas Bullet in the New World," Garp said between bites of senbei. "But since he's been away from Roger's crew for a long time now, I didn't bother with him. The priority is still finding Roger."
"There have been rumors about Pluton and sightings of Silvers Rayleigh in the Sabaody Archipelago. I spent a long time staking it out, but I couldn't find him. Still, I have a feeling something's off," Tsuru said, frowning slightly.
"Sabaody Archipelago?" Sengoku blinked in surprise. "If that's true, Rayleigh's got some nerve. Showing up right under our noses?"
"Maybe he thinks the most dangerous place is the safest," Tsuru said with a sly smile.
"Then he's got some serious guts, hiding out in Sabaody," Zephyr added with a laugh. Zephyr had been staying at Headquarters lately, training new officers and bringing fresh blood into the Marines now that he'd stepped down as an Admiral.
As they continued talking, it became clear that no one had made any significant progress in their search for Roger. Sengoku sighed and asked, "So, what about the CP agencies? Any word from them?"
"I wouldn't count on it. We don't have the best relationship with them," Garp said carelessly. "Even if they have found something, they're probably keeping it to themselves, worried that we'll steal the credit."
The others nodded in agreement. It was an open secret that the CP agencies were always playing their own games, even in times like these.
"Typical. We're all trying to catch Roger, and they're still worried about their own glory," Sengoku grumbled.
At that moment, Gion seemed hesitant, but eventually spoke up. "What about CP-X? Do they have any news?"
Garp burst out laughing. "Ahahahaha! Gion, are you asking about Roger or about Claudius?"
Gion shot him an annoyed glare. "Why are you so irritating, Garp?"
Garp just laughed it off, unbothered, as always. The two of them had a good relationship, so she knew he was just teasing.
Gion composed herself and said, "What's wrong with asking about both? I heard that before His Highness Claudius left Mariejois, he had a conversation with the Five Elders. I'm curious if he discovered anything, and if it might be related to Roger."
No one else teased her like Garp did. Sengoku smiled and said, "Actually, I do have some news about that."
"Huh?" Gion looked at him with interest.
"Before leaving Mariejois, Claudius asked the Five Elders if, by capturing Roger, he could become one of the upper Celestial Dragons. And the Five Elders agreed," Sengoku said with a smirk.
"The upper Celestial Dragons?" Tsuru raised an eyebrow. "That's ambitious. There are only four upper Celestial Dragons in all of Mariejois. Most of the Celestial Dragon families don't even get close to that kind of power."
"Keep this under wraps, though," Sengoku warned. "It's still a secret. Claudius might be preparing to make a move against the Donquixote family."
"Don't worry. We Marines have no interest in getting involved in Celestial Dragon politics," Zephyr said, waving his hand dismissively.
After a moment, Zephyr remembered something. "Oh, Tsuru, I heard you're about to be promoted to Chief of Staff?"
"Yes, but that'll have to wait until Roger is dealt with... if we can even manage that," Tsuru replied calmly.
"Hold on, weren't we talking about CP-X?" Gion interrupted, trying to steer the conversation back on track.
"Hahaha, you're really interested in Claudius, aren't you?" Sengoku teased with a smile.
Before Gion could respond, Sengoku continued, "Unfortunately, there hasn't been much progress on Claudius's end. It's been three months, and he doesn't seem to be making any serious efforts. I've even fed him some rumors about Roger, but he hasn't shown any interest in following up. For the past few months, he's been hopping from island to island in South Blue. Honestly, it looks more like he's on vacation than anything else."
"Vacation?" Tsuru added dryly.
"Yeah, vacation," Sengoku nodded. "I heard he lost more than two billion berries gambling while rolling dice in South Blue..."
Gion sighed, exasperated. While they were all working hard, Claudius seemed to be taking it easy. An unbalanced feeling crept into her chest. "So he's just living it up while we're out here sweating? Must be nice, being a CP agent under the Celestial Dragons."
Garp, never one to miss an opportunity for mischief, grinned and said, "Sengoku, you're pretty handsome yourself. Why don't you head over to Mariejois and find yourself a Celestial Dragon wife? Then when you become Fleet Admiral, we can all take it easy like Claudius."
The moment Garp said this, Sengoku shot him a deadly glare. He then subtly glanced at Tsuru, as if hoping she hadn't heard Garp's ridiculous comment. But Tsuru didn't even acknowledge it, much to Sengoku's silent relief.
After a bit more chatter, Garp pulled out a sleek black wallet from his coat and said, "Since things have been quiet lately, and we're all kind of at a standstill, I think I'll head down to South Blue. I've got some business to take care of with Claudius anyway." In the South Blue, a small cruise ship drifted leisurely across the vast sea.
Though the ship was small, it had all the comforts of a luxury yacht. On the deck, Claudius lay back on a sun lounger, a glass of freshly squeezed juice in one hand and a book in the other. His entire demeanor radiated laziness as he soaked up the sun.
Not far from him, Crocodile and Enel sat at the edge of the deck, each holding a fishing rod, seemingly focused on catching something. Both of them were far more relaxed than usual.
Stussy and Nia were nearby, both dressed in bikinis, exuding elegance and beauty. Nia was busy cutting fruit, while Stussy leaned casually against a cannon, holding a Den Den Mushi, presumably giving instructions to her subordinates on Happy Street.
The whole atmosphere on the ship was incredibly laid-back, no one would guess they were supposedly on a mission to track down Roger. It looked more like a vacation than anything else, and no one could argue otherwise.
"Lift the rod, you idiot!" Crocodile barked, knocking Enel on the head before raising his own fishing rod.
A massive fish dangled from the end of Crocodile's line. Enel's eyes lit up with excitement. "I did it! Lunch is here!"
"Hmph, if I hadn't helped you, that fish would've gotten away," Crocodile scoffed, grinning slightly.
Enel glared at him. "I could've caught it on my own without your help!"
The two started bickering, as they often did, and Claudius chuckled at the sight. He closed his book and looked up just in time to see Nia place a plate of freshly cut fruit on the small table beside him.
"Your Highness," Niya asked softly, "are those two fools interrupting your reading? I can make them quiet down if you'd like."
Claudius waved his hand, still smiling. "No, no, let them be. It's all in good fun."
He gazed out at the seemingly endless expanse of the ocean and sighed contentedly. "What a beautiful view. No matter how many times I see it, I never get tired of it. There really is something magical about the sea."
Stussy, having finished her conversation on the Den Den Mushi, walked over with a smile. "Maybe it's because your heart is as vast as the sea, Your Highness?"
Claudius chuckled. "Stussy, your flattery is getting better and better."
He paused before adding, "But I have to admit, I like it! Hahaha!"
As they laughed and chatted, Stussy's eyes narrowed slightly, focusing on the horizon. "Your Highness, it seems we have a visitor."
Claudius, noticing the distant silhouette of a small boat approaching, grinned. "Well, well... I didn't expect to run into *him* here. It's been years."
A small sampan was making its way toward their ship, carrying two figures, one ordinary in size, the other towering and imposing.
As the boat drew closer, a familiar voice called out. "An old friend's come to visit. Won't you let down the ladder and invite us up, Your Highness?"
Claudius remained in his lounger, his smile widening. "You've gotten cheekier since you revealed your true identity."
In a flash, one of the figures appeared beside Claudius, it was Dragon, the man Claudius hadn't seen in years.
"It's a bit surprising to hear someone like you talk about 'cheekiness,' Claudius," Dragon said with a smirk.
A moment later, the other figure landed heavily on the deck, his presence imposing Bartholomew Kuma. Claudius recognized him immediately. Kuma, the future revolutionary and infiltrator of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, known to many as "Tyrant Kuma."
Dragon, now fully relaxed, smiled as he spoke. "I just came to South Blue for some business and got wind that you were hanging around here. I decided to swing by, and lucky me, here you are."
Nia hurried over, placing another sun lounger beside Claudius. Dragon, without any hesitation, plopped down into it.
"I have to say, Claudius, you Celestial Dragons really know how to live. Meanwhile, I've been busting my ass trying to build something from scratch these past few years. It's rough out there."
Dragon leaned back, looking at the clear blue sky. "What about you? What are you doing in South Blue? Are you on vacation? Because it sure looks like you're on vacation."
Claudius couldn't help but laugh. "Which one of your eyes thinks I'm on vacation?"
"Both," Dragon shot back with a grin.
"You're seeing things," Claudius replied. "I'm actually on a very important mission."
Dragon raised an eyebrow. "A mission? Is this that so-called 'amazing CP-X' I've been hearing about? Come on, how did you manage to catch Shiki? Did the Marines give you credit for something they did?"
Claudius sat up and looked at him seriously. "Do you really think I'd take credit for something I didn't do? No, I caught Shiki with my own hands. As for CP-X, it's still pretty new, nothing impressive yet. Honestly, it's like your revolutionary army at the moment, just a bunch of rookies trying to find their footing."
Dragon laughed. "Hey, don't lump us in with that! Our revolutionary army is coming along nicely. By the way, do you know who this is?"
Dragon gestured toward Bartholomew Kuma, who had been silently observing the interaction from a distance.
Claudius chuckled. "Do you take me for a fool? Of course, I know who he is. Bartholomew Kuma, former king of the Sorbet Kingdom. After offending the World Government, he was overthrown, and now he's known as 'Tyrant Kuma.'"
Dragon was taken aback. "You really are well-informed, Claudius."
"Who do you think I am? I'm the head of CP-X," Claudius said smugly.
Kuma, who had remained silent until now, eyed Claudius with a hint of suspicion. Claudius noticed the cautious look in his eyes, Kuma clearly wasn't thrilled to see a Celestial Dragon, and he seemed puzzled as to why Dragon would associate with someone like Claudius.
"Dragon, aren't you going to introduce me to Mr. Kuma?" Claudius asked with a smirk.
Dragon grinned back. "I was just talking to Kuma about a few things. He's recently joined our revolutionary army. I hadn't mentioned much about you yet, but now's as good a time as any. Better to clear up any misunderstandings."
He turned to Kuma and pointed at Claudius. "Kuma, this is someone you need to know. Let me introduce you properly."
Kuma's eyes narrowed, his voice low but steady. "I already know who he is—Donquixote Claudius, the man who's made waves across the seas these past two years. Leader of the mysterious CP-X."
Dragon nodded. "Yes, that's true. But there's more to him than just the titles you've heard. Let me explain..."
After a long conversation, Bartholomew Kuma looked at Claudius with a mixture of surprise and disbelief. He finally asked, "Mr. Dragon, are you telling me that the books authored by the 'Sage Claudius' were actually written by him?"
Dragon nodded. "That's right. Well, to be precise, the first two were entirely his work. The last three were a collaboration between the two of us. It was an exchange of ideas, though we do have some significant differences. He advocates for reform from the top down, while I push for a revolution from the bottom up. In that sense, we don't really see eye to eye."
Dragon smiled and continued, "In fact, before I learned his true identity, I was planning to recruit him as a mentor for the revolutionary army."
Claudius laughed heartily. "You trust me that much? Aren't you afraid I'll betray you? Hahaha!"
Dragon waved dismissively. "Ideas can't be betrayed."
Claudius smiled at Dragon's remark, knowing that Dragon's words were more polite than sincere. Sure, Dragon said Claudius was "trustworthy," but Claudius knew that deep down, Dragon wasn't naive enough to put all his faith in him. Dragon undoubtedly had contingency plans and safeguards in place, as any smart leader would.
Claudius was certain that if Dragon didn't have such precautions in place, he'd consider Dragon a fool, unfit to lead. But this was the natural way of things between them, each watched the other carefully, slowly building a fragile trust while remaining cautious.
For now, they were friendly, and who knew? Maybe their relationship would deepen in the future. But for now, there was no need to pick apart every unspoken detail. Both men understood the game they were playing.
After a bit more conversation, Kuma had a clearer understanding of Claudius. Like many, Kuma had heard of Claudius by name: the Celestial Dragon who captured Shiki, helped take down John, and became the leader of CP-X. Based on these achievements, Kuma had assumed Claudius was just another powerful figure serving the World Government.
But after meeting him in person, Kuma found his assumptions challenged. Claudius was different. If it weren't for the fact that he knew Claudius was a Celestial Dragon, Kuma might've mistaken him for a revolutionary thinker himself.
The three of them continued to chat, with Claudius and Kuma establishing a friendly rapport. After a while, Dragon seemed to remember something and shifted the conversation.
"By the way, you never did tell me why you're here in South Blue. You're not on vacation?"
"I told you, I'm on a mission," Claudius replied nonchalantly. "I'm here to catch Roger, the Pirate King."
Dragon blinked, then looked at Claudius as if he were insane. "You? Catch Roger? In South Blue?"
Claudius frowned, a little annoyed. "Why is that so unbelievable?"
Dragon gave him a skeptical look. "Well, for starters, Roger's likely hiding out in the New World right now. And even if he weren't, you think you can catch Roger? The Pirate King? My father's been chasing him for years and has fought him countless times. Roger's no joke, Claudius. He's on another level."
"Are you looking down on me?" Claudius replied, clearly displeased.
"I'm just being realistic," Dragon said. "I don't know how you managed to catch Shiki, but don't let that go to your head. Roger's a different beast entirely. And, as your friend, I'm advising you, if you plan to take him down, you'd better have more than just your little crew here. You're going to need serious firepower."
Claudius sighed. He understood that Dragon was offering genuine advice, out of concern. But what Dragon didn't know was that Claudius wasn't planning to rely on brute force to capture Roger. He had an ace up his sleeve: Vice Admiral Garp, one of the few men capable of standing toe-to-toe with Roger.
Still, Claudius wasn't about to explain that to Dragon. "Yeah, yeah," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "I hear you. Don't worry, I won't be reckless."
Dragon eyed him suspiciously but didn't press the issue. Instead, he changed the topic. "Actually, since we've run into each other, there is something I could use your help with."
"I figured as much," Claudius said with a smirk. "So what is it? You didn't just come all the way to South Blue for no reason, right? What's the favor?"
Dragon took a sip of his drink before speaking. "It's about Kuma. He's no longer a king, he's become a pirate, but that's not really what he wants. He's been using his time fighting off pirate forces in South Blue, which is how he earned the nickname 'Tyrant Kuma.'"
"Okay, go on," Claudius nodded.
"Well," Dragon continued, "I'm just letting you know he's on our side. He's working with the revolutionary army now. If you can, I'd appreciate it if you'd keep an eye out for him. Make sure he doesn't get into any trouble with Marine or the World Government."
Claudius chuckled. "You're really dumping this on me? Why not just ask Garp? He's the Marine hero."
Dragon smiled but shook his head. "Positions matter, Claudius. Kuma's officially a pirate, which makes him an enemy in the eyes of the Marines."
"I see," Claudius murmured, nodding. "Alright, I get it. I'll do what I can to keep Kuma safe."
"Thanks," Dragon said sincerely. "The plan is for Kuma to continue playing the role of a pirate for now. It's a good cover, and if there's anything we, the revolutionary army, need done that's too risky, we can use him to handle it."
Claudius raised an eyebrow, catching Dragon's meaning. Dragon was subtly hinting that if Claudius needed any discreet favors in the future, Kuma could help out, no strings attached. It was an offer to deepen their alliance.
Claudius smiled to himself. Dragon might not fully realize how strong Kuma was, but Claudius did. He had just been offered the assistance of one of the most powerful figures in the revolutionary army, and it was clear this "favor" could prove very useful in the future.
Their conversation didn't last much longer. After a bit more chatting, Dragon and Kuma prepared to leave. As Dragon climbed back into the small boat, he called out with a grin, "Good luck catching the Pirate King, Claudius."
With that, Dragon and Kuma sailed off, as swiftly as they had appeared.
After they were gone, Claudius smiled to himself and stretched lazily on his sun lounger. "Alright, it's time to move. Anchor up. Let's head to Baterilla Island. I've heard the scenery there is stunning, and who knows? Maybe something interesting will happen."
Baterilla Island, located on the outskirts of the South Blue, was a small, peaceful place. The island had a single small town with few residents. The climate was perfect, the scenery picturesque, and the pace of life was unhurried. It was the kind of place where people lived simply, with everything self-sustained, and there was little need for outside trade or tourism.
As Claudius's small cruise ship slowly docked at the island's port, it became clear just how quiet this place was. The only other boats around were small fishing sampans. No large ships or merchant vessels, no tourists bustling about. This was a place that time seemed to have forgotten.
"What's so special about this place? It's just some backwater island," Crocodile grumbled as he stepped off the boat, taking in the surroundings with an unimpressed scowl.
"You need to clear your head, Crocodile," Claudius snapped, shooting him an irritated glance. "Don't forget, you lost over two billion to me in that dice game back on Ricklandy Island. Consider this a chance to cleanse your filthy, gambling-addicted soul before you throw it all away in another casino."
That's right. Crocodile had a bad gambling habit, the kind of person who just couldn't stop once they got started. Back on Ricklandy Island, he had gotten carried away, losing over two billion berries to Claudius in a single night. Claudius had nearly lost his mind right then and there.
Rubbing his eyes sheepishly, Crocodile mumbled, "It's just two billion. Once I get back to sea, I'll pay you back in no time. Don't be so stingy, Claudius. You're a Celestial Dragon, after all..."
"Oh? Really?" Claudius smirked. "I can't wait to see you fulfill that promise. In the meantime, let me give you some advice, stay out of the casinos until you've paid me back. You might just lose whatever little you have left."
"You're so uptight!" Crocodile growled, clearly annoyed. "One day, I'll just open my own casino, and then it won't matter how much I lose, it'll all come back to me, right?"
Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? And I suppose that's your grand plan?"
In truth, Crocodile wasn't far off. Later in life, he did open a massive casino in the rain-battered region of Alabasta. That casino, named Rain Dinners, became the largest in the first half of the Grand Line, raking in more money than most could dream of.
As they strolled into Baterilla Island, Claudius surveyed the area, glancing left and right as if he were looking for something specific. Stussy, walking beside him, noticed and asked, "Your Highness, what exactly are you searching for?"
"Huh? Didn't I tell you before we came here?" Claudius asked, genuinely surprised.
"Tell us what?" Stussy responded, tilting her head in curiosity.
"I'm here to find Roger, of course," Claudius said casually. "Didn't I say I came here to catch him?"
At that, Stussy burst out laughing. She wasn't the only one. Crocodile snickered, and even Nia couldn't help but smile as she tried to hide her amusement. Enel, not quite understanding what was going on but sensing the mood, also grinned awkwardly.
"What's so funny?" Claudius demanded, clearly annoyed. "What's wrong with what I said?"
"Oh, nothing," Stussy said, trying to suppress her giggles. "But, Your Highness, why do you think Roger would be on this tiny island? He's the Pirate King! It seems a little far-fetched, doesn't it?"
"Yeah," Crocodile chimed in. "Are you really suggesting that the Pirate King, Roger, would be hiding out on some tiny island like this? What, did he decide to retire here and live the simple life as a farmer?"
"I mean, come on, if you really want to find Roger, we should be heading to the New World," Nia added, her voice gentle but clearly unconvinced by Claudius's logic.
Claudius waved them off. "Forget the New World. I've got a bad feeling about that place, nothing but trouble there. Look at me: I've been in South Blue for months, and it's been smooth sailing, not even a storm. What does that tell you? It means South Blue is my lucky spot. I'm staying put."
He then crossed his arms confidently. "And as for Roger, everyone thinks he's in the New World. But he's too clever for that. He'd never hide where people expect him to. So, I bet he's here, on this quiet little island, living a peaceful life. Maybe he even found a woman, got married, and settled down."
Nia gave a small, indulgent smile, not bothering to argue further. She knew Claudius had his whims, and there was no point in trying to change his mind once he'd set his sights on something.
Stussy, however, wasn't going to let it go that easily. With her hands on her hips, she challenged him, "Your Highness, no offense, but there's no way Roger's here. I'd bet my life on it."
"Oh?" Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting a bet?"
Stussy grinned. "Yes, a bet! If I win, you owe me a favor, one condition that I can ask for at any time, no questions asked."
Crocodile immediately jumped in. "Count me in! If I win, I don't owe you that two billion anymore."
Claudius looked at them both, then turned to Nia and Enel, raising his eyebrows. "What about you two? Care to join the bet?"
Enel shook his head, saying, "I trust Your Highness."
Nia smiled politely. "Everything I have is already yours, so I'll sit this one out."
Claudius laughed. "You two are smart. Alright then, it's a bet! Crocodile, if you lose, you'll owe me another four hundred million berries. And Stussy..." He trailed off, his eyes glancing over Stussy's figure with a mischievous grin. "If you lose, you'll owe me a little favor. Something... personal."
Stussy felt a shiver run down her spine at his suggestive tone, but she was confident in her victory. With a smirk, she accepted the terms. "Deal!"
Crocodile nodded in agreement, grinning. "Let's find out where Roger's hiding."
Claudius stood tall and stretched. "Alright then. Let's go find Roger, shall we? Hahaha!"
Crocodile was in an excellent mood. He felt like he was about to wipe out his two billion berry debt. If Claudius kept betting with him like this, maybe after a few rounds, he'd even have Claudius owing him money.
"Sigh," Crocodile let out a contented sigh, lost in thought.
Claudius glanced at him, his expression curious. "What are you sighing about? Feeling good, huh?"
"I was just thinking," Crocodile began with a smug grin, "if I'd been betting with you from the start, I wouldn't be in debt at all. You'd be the one owing me money by now."
"Oh? Is that so?" Claudius chuckled. "Well, Crocodile, let me give you some advice, don't get too happy just yet."
"Hahahaha, what are you talking about?" Crocodile laughed, feeling even more confident. "I'm about to win back more than two billion berries!"
"Or maybe you're about to lose 400 million more," Claudius said, his voice laced with amusement as he gave Crocodile a mischievous smile.
"You really think so?" Crocodile scoffed. "No way. Stussy agrees with me, right?"
However, when Crocodile turned to his "comrade-in-arms" for confirmation, he noticed something strange. Stussy wasn't laughing or smiling; instead, her eyes were fixed on a distant fruit stand, her expression frozen. Confused by her silence, Crocodile followed her gaze.
And then he saw it.
His face paled, his heart skipped a beat, and his lips quivered as he whispered, "No way... Is that really him?"
Stussy looked at Claudius with wide, astonished eyes, as if seeking confirmation. Claudius patted her gently on the shoulder and said with a satisfied grin, "See? When have I ever been wrong? Trying to sneak one by me never ends well."
Stussy, still shaken, asked, "Your Highness, you've been with us the entire time. You didn't gather any intelligence or do anything out of the ordinary. So how in the world did you know Roger would be on this remote island?"
Claudius simply smiled, offering no real explanation. "Ah, who knows?"
That mysterious smile sent a shiver down both Stussy and Crocodile's spines. Over the years, they'd spent a lot of time with Claudius, thinking they had a good grasp of his capabilities. But in this moment, they realized how little they truly understood about him.
"For someone in charge, it's important not to show all your cards," Claudius said with a chuckle. "Keep your subordinates guessing."
Whether it was their imagination or not, both Stussy and Crocodile found themselves feeling a new level of respect, or perhaps fear toward Claudius.
At a humble fruit stand nearby, a scruffy-looking man sat with his legs propped up and a cheap bottle of wine in hand. He wore an old vest, his hair long and unkempt, and his whole appearance screamed "sloppy drunk." Yet, despite his disheveled look, the woman sitting beside him was a stark contrast—beautiful, graceful, and with a gentle smile.
The scene looked odd, almost surreal. The woman, with her beauty and calm demeanor, seemed entirely out of place next to such a scruffy man. It was like seeing a beauty and a beast together.
Claudius recognized her instantly, Portgas D. Rouge, the woman who would one day be known as the mother of Ace. And the man sitting beside her, despite his ragged appearance, was none other than the most wanted man in the world: Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King.
Roger's once-legendary presence was now buried under layers of grime and weariness. His face was thinner, his beard much longer, and his aura once so commanding was now subdued. Yet, even with his unkempt appearance, Claudius could still make out the unmistakable features of the Pirate King.
It seemed that no one else on the island had recognized Roger. He was hiding in plain sight, blending into the peaceful life of the island. But Claudius, who had come specifically to find him, saw through the disguise immediately.
Roger, too, noticed Claudius's group staring at him. His carefree expression tensed as he recognized the Celestial Dragon. He had seen Claudius before, back on the Sabaody Archipelago. And with Claudius's reputation growing in recent years, there was no mistaking him.
Roger wasn't worried for himself, he had faced countless dangers before. But now, for the first time in a long while, he felt anxiety. Not for his own sake, but for Rouge. His family.
His fingers tightened around the neck of the cheap wine bottle, and his piercing eyes locked onto Claudius as the distance between them closed.
Claudius approached the fruit stand, grabbed two oranges from the table, and casually said, "Two oranges, please."
Rouge, still smiling warmly, reached out to take payment. But just as she extended her hand, Claudius glanced up and said, "I didn't expect to find you here, Roger."
At those words, Rouge froze mid-movement, her hand hanging in the air. Before Roger could say anything, she quickly tried to recover. "You must be mistaken. My husband's name isn't Roger. He's just a simple man."
But Roger interrupted her, his voice calm. "No, Rouge, it's no use."
He turned to Claudius, offering a faint smile. "Long time no see, Claudius. Or should I say, Your Highness?"
"Call me whatever you like," Claudius replied with a grin as he began peeling one of the oranges. He popped a slice into his mouth, his eyes lighting up. "Mmm, not bad! The perfect balance of sweet and sour. I like it."
Roger laughed heartily. "Ahahaha, my wife grew those herself. Impressive, isn't she?"
Claudius nodded appreciatively. "Very impressive. I have to say, I'm a little envious. A scruffy guy like you managed to find such a beautiful wife."
Roger, now fifty-three years old, looked every bit his age, while Rouge appeared no older than twenty-four or twenty-five. The age gap was almost comical. Claudius couldn't help but be amazed that Roger, in his later years, had managed to win over someone so much younger.
It was clear that Roger, the "old cow," had found himself some "tender grass," and Claudius couldn't help but feel a little envious.
Roger rubbed his scruffy beard, grinning cheekily. "Maybe it's because I'm handsome."
Claudius gave him a look of disdain. "Is that why they call you the Pirate King? Because of your thick skin?"
Roger laughed even harder. After taking a swig from his bottle, he stretched his neck and asked, "So, what's the plan, Claudius? Are you here to catch me?"
Claudius tossed the orange peel into a nearby trash can, his expression casual but his intent clear. He didn't try to hide anything.
Roger was caught off guard by Claudius's words. Before he could speak, Claudius casually shook the orange in his hand and asked, "These oranges are delicious. Mind packing a few for me? And how about we find a place to sit down and have a drink? I don't have much money on me, but I'll treat you."
Roger wasn't sure what Claudius was up to, but he didn't want to escalate things. He knew that Claudius, having appeared here and discovered his family, meant there were now dangerous variables in play. Sure, Roger could probably kill Claudius and his entire group right here, but there was no guarantee that Claudius hadn't left behind some kind of contingency plan.
After all, Roger knew his days were numbered, he couldn't protect Rouge forever, especially with her being pregnant. That only increased his worries. So, instead of being overly aggressive, he decided it was best to hear Claudius out.
With a smile, Roger said, "I've never shared a drink with a Celestial Dragon before. Since you're offering, I won't refuse."
Claudius smiled back. "It's my first time on this island, so you'd know the best spot. Why don't you lead the way?"
Roger stood, turning to Rouge. "I'm going to have a drink with this friend of mine. If you're tired, go ahead and close up the stall and get some rest."
Rouge gave him a worried glance but eventually nodded. "Just take care of yourself. Don't drink too much, okay?"
Roger smiled softly, his eyes full of warmth. "Don't worry. I know my limits."
Claudius, already standing, glanced over to his group. "You all stay here and help out. If this beautiful stall owner wants to pack up, give her a hand. After all, I did eat two oranges for free."
Though Stussy was concerned about Claudius going off with Roger, she kept quiet. His confidence reassured her, and if things went south, she had no problem with taking matters into her own hands, Roger's wife could make a good hostage if needed.
"Understood, Your Highness. We'll take care of Miss Rouge," Nia responded promptly.
Roger gave a quick look around, recognizing the unspoken arrangement. Claudius was leaving Rouge in the care of his people as a form of leverage, but Roger didn't comment on it. He simply nodded to Rouge before heading off with Claudius.
The tavern they found was small and shabby, with rickety tables and chairs that looked as old as the town itself. The owner, an elderly man, was sitting half-asleep behind the counter. When he saw them enter, he lazily pointed to the bottles on the wall and mumbled, "Help yourselves. Just pay before you leave."
Roger, accustomed to the laid-back vibe of the island, grabbed two bottles of wine, placed them on the table, and invited Claudius to sit. "So, how did you know I was here? I didn't tell anyone about this place. Not even Rayleigh knows where I am."
Claudius uncorked the bottles, pouring a glass for each of them. "Who do you think I am? I'm the head of CP-X. Do you really think it's that hard for me to find you?"
Roger raised an eyebrow as he took a sip of his drink, listening carefully.
"I've actually known where you were for a while now," Claudius continued. "I've been hanging around South Blue for months, but I didn't come to you immediately. I wanted to give you some time to be with your family."
Roger's eyes softened for a moment, but then he chuckled. "Well, I guess I should thank you for that, then. It seems you really are the one who caught Shiki after all. I wasn't sure if I believed it before."
Claudius feigned surprise. "You didn't believe it?"
"Of course not," Roger replied bluntly. "CP-X just pops up out of nowhere? You don't expect people to be suspicious?"
Claudius laughed heartily. "Fair point. If you hadn't run so fast that day, I might've caught you too."
Roger grinned. "I suppose I should count myself lucky."
The two men, who by all appearances should have been enemies, sat together drinking as if they were old friends. They chatted freely, and for a while, it seemed like they were just two regular men reminiscing over past adventures.
Eventually, after one of the bottles had been emptied, Roger leaned back and asked, "Earlier, you said, 'It's almost time.' What did you mean by that? You didn't come all this way just to have a drink with me, did you?"
Claudius poured another round and looked at Roger seriously. "I meant exactly that. I will eventually arrest you. I just don't think the time is right yet."
Roger was momentarily stunned. "You'll arrest me? When?"
Claudius took a sip from his glass, glancing over at Roger. "Whenever you're ready. After all, I can see you're not in the best shape these days. You've lost a lot of weight since I last saw you. Not to mention, your wife's warning not to drink too much."
Roger's face tensed for a moment before he let out a heavy sigh. "Yeah, you're right. I don't have much time left. I'm terminally ill."
"Figured as much," Claudius said calmly.
Roger looked at him with surprise. "You're not shocked?"
"What's there to be shocked about? Birth, aging, sickness, death—it's all part of life. Just because you're the Pirate King doesn't mean you can escape it. You're still just a man, Roger," Claudius said, waving it off as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Roger let out a deep, booming laugh. "Hahahaha! You're right, after all. I'm still just a man."
After sharing a few more drinks in silence, Claudius asked softly, "How much time do you need?"
Roger studied Claudius for a long moment, then spoke, his voice tinged with emotion. "You're really something else, you know that? Back in the day, I thought there was something different about you, even though you're a Celestial Dragon. Looking back now, I regret not taking you on my ship. We could've been great friends. Imagine the adventures we'd have had."
Claudius nodded as Roger spoke, listening quietly without interrupting.
After a few more moments of reflection, Roger shook his head and sighed. "I don't know how much longer I have left, but it won't be long. When the time comes, I'll come to you. I'll surrender."
Roger had already decided this was his fate. Since Claudius had shown him this level of respect, Roger would reciprocate by turning himself in to him when the time was right.
"Really?" Claudius replied with a grin. "You're the one calling the shots here. I couldn't beat you in a fight anyway, so whatever you say goes. I'm not in a rush."
They drank in silence for a little while longer until Roger's expression grew heavy again. "Rouge is innocent, you know that, right?"
Claudius set his glass down and looked at Roger. "She's married to the Pirate King, isn't she? From what I can tell, she's pregnant too, isn't she? It doesn't matter if she's innocent or guilty. The world won't see her that way."
Roger's face darkened. He knew Claudius was right. As Claudius finished speaking, Roger's expression turned somewhat resigned. He took two more sips from his glass, sighed deeply, and said, "By your reasoning, of course, she's guilty. In fact, it's a serious crime, a capital offense."
Claudius nodded, not denying anything. Just the fact that Rouge had hidden Roger here was already enough to warrant a death sentence, let alone marrying him.
"You're right. Rouge is pregnant. I've been holding on, hoping to meet my child, but I'm starting to think I won't make it in time. My body just doesn't have much left to give," Roger said softly, a hint of sadness in his voice.
Claudius nodded again, saying nothing.
Roger took another drink, then smiled at Claudius. "But at least... the child is innocent, right?"
"If you weren't the Pirate King, then maybe. But now? He carries the blood of Gol D. Roger. It doesn't matter if he's innocent. Do you really think the World Government would let him live?" Claudius sighed, shaking his head.
Roger's hand tightened around his glass, and in a moment of suppressed anger, he crushed it in his grip. Shards of glass cut into his palm, and blood mixed with the wine on the table. His fury was clear, but he didn't lash out. As a pirate, he might have done so, but now he was more than just a pirate. He was a husband, and soon to be a father.
"Is there really no way around this?" Roger asked, his voice low, his eyes locked on Claudius.
Claudius picked up another glass from the table, filled it with wine, and set it down in front of Roger. Then, rubbing his temples, he replied, "What exactly do you want me to do?"
"If it hadn't been for you finding us, I was planning to leave my family in Garp's hands. Even though we're on opposite sides, I've always believed Garp's someone I can trust. He would've protected my child," Roger said quietly.
"Are you sure you'll get the chance to meet Garp?" Claudius asked with a slight smile.
"Of course. As soon as I'm arrested, Garp will come. I'm certain of that," Roger said confidently.
"It seems like you've got Garp wrapped around your finger," Claudius chuckled, shaking his head. He couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for Garp, knowing Roger would drag him into this mess.
Neither of them could have known that Garp was already in the South Blue, supposedly taking a vacation. And at this very moment, his small boat had docked at Baterilla Island. In typical Garp fashion, he was traveling alone, piloting nothing but a small boat through the vast seas.
Roger didn't respond to Claudius' remark, instead continuing, "But now that CP-X has discovered us, my previous plan is full of holes. If you're involved, even Garp won't be able to protect my family."
"That's true," Claudius admitted. "So, what do you want me to do?"
"Are you really willing to help me? We're not exactly friends," Roger said, though there was a glimmer of hope in his voice.
"I did eat two of your oranges," Claudius replied with a casual wave. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "And you're right, at least the child is innocent."
Roger's face lit up. "I knew I wasn't wrong about you, hahahaha!" He laughed heartily, taking a long drink from his glass. "You're one of the Celestial Dragons, right? No one would question you. That makes things much safer. I was hoping you could help protect my wife and unborn child—"
"Hold on," Claudius interrupted him without hesitation. "I only said the child is innocent. As for Rouge, I can promise I won't report her, but I'm not offering her any protection. If you want someone to protect her, go find Garp."
Claudius knew he was treading carefully here. While he was willing to take care of the child maybe even raise him as his own and steer him away from the path of piracy, Rouge was a different matter. She was a liability. She knew too much about Roger and his secrets, and harboring her could easily backfire.
Even if no one knew her identity now, there was always the chance that something from her past could surface. If the World Government caught wind of her, Claudius would be dragged into the mess, and that was a risk he wasn't willing to take.
And besides, Claudius didn't need Rouge. She was just a civilian, a weak woman. What benefit could she possibly bring him? None. In fact, keeping her around would only cause problems. He wasn't a fool, and he wasn't about to complicate things unnecessarily.
Roger, hearing Claudius' blunt refusal, fell silent. He knew this was likely Claudius' bottom line. After all, they weren't friends; they were enemies. The fact that Claudius was willing to look after his child was already an unexpected kindness. Asking for more was likely too much.
"Not reporting Rouge... maybe that's enough. If she's lucky, she could live a peaceful life," Roger said quietly.
"If that's the case, I'll make sure your child gets to see her regularly," Claudius replied.
"Thank you. I never imagined that in the end, the one I could rely on would be a Celestial Dragon," Roger said with a rueful laugh. "Life's full of surprises, isn't it?"
Claudius was about to respond when the door to the pub suddenly swung open. A large, muscular man walked in, dressed in a loud, colorful beach shirt, shorts, and flip-flops. His entrance was as boisterous as his outfit, and he greeted the half-asleep tavern owner with a booming laugh.
"Hey, old man! I just got to this island and I'm looking for someone. Have you seen a tall, blond guy? He's probably with two lovely ladies. I've got something to deliver to him."
The tavern owner lazily pointed to the bottles on the wall and mumbled, "Help yourself. As for your friend, look around."
Roger and Claudius both froze in place. Neither of them had expected to run into Vice Admiral Garp here, of all places!
The man standing at the door was none other than Garp himself. He had heard Claudius was on this island but hadn't managed to find him. He thought he'd stop by the pub to gather information and grab a drink. But instead, he stumbled upon a scene he never could have imagined: Claudius, a Celestial Dragon, sitting at a table with Roger, the Pirate King, sharing drinks like old friends.
For a moment, even Garp was speechless. What in the world was happening here? Roger!!!" Garp bellowed as soon as he snapped out of his shock, preparing to charge at him.
At that moment, Claudius quickly intervened, "Garp, why don't you join us for a drink instead?"
Hearing Claudius's calm words, Garp hesitated. Then Roger chimed in, "It's been a long time, Garp. Won't you sit and have a drink with me?"
Although Garp was still reeling from the sight of a Celestial Dragon sharing drinks with the Pirate King, he ultimately held back his instinct to fight. He took a deep breath, grabbed a bottle of wine from the wall, and, with a frown, plopped down beside Claudius.
"What are you even doing here in this remote backwater?" Claudius asked curiously.
Garp scratched his head, then slapped a worn, black wallet onto the table. "Isn't this what you asked for? It's your fault. That Marsh Fruit of yours? It was in here. Take it, and don't lose it again."
Claudius's eyes lit up. He grabbed the wallet, gave it a brief look, and pocketed it without further inspection.
Still grumbling, Garp added, "Back in Marineford, I told you, if you got any news about Roger, let me know immediately. But no, you CP-X guys tracked him down without a word. And now, here you are, drinking with him? Do you even know who he is?"
Claudius chuckled awkwardly. Being caught like this was more than a little embarrassing. "I came here to arrest him," he said with a smile. "Figured it wouldn't be necessary to trouble you."
"Arrest him? Look at him. He's sitting here drinking with you. What kind of plan is that? You didn't spike the wine, did you?" Garp eyed the glasses suspiciously.
"I've decided to surrender to Claudius, Garp," Roger said suddenly.
Garp froze, staring at Roger in disbelief before turning to Claudius. "What did you put in his drink? He must be drunk, talking about surrendering like that."
Claudius sighed, irritated by Garp's bluntness. "Roger's terminally ill. He doesn't have much time left."
Garp's expression shifted. He looked at Roger, his disbelief giving way to sadness. "So, you're really dying?"
Roger waved off Garp's sympathy. "If I get captured, I'll die either way. Why the sudden concern? You're making me sick with all this sentiment."
Garp shrugged, shaking off his momentary sadness. "Yeah, you're right. You're a despicable bastard. The world'll be better off without you. Why should I feel sorry?"
The conversation between the two old rivals took a lighter turn as they continued to talk. Once Garp understood that Roger truly intended to surrender, he seemed to relax. Just as Roger had trusted Garp, Garp trusted Roger enough to believe him. There was no need to rush the arrest.
Claudius, leaning back in his chair, puffed on a cigar as he watched these two lifelong enemies drink and chat like old friends. He couldn't help but marvel at the surrealness of it all. If he hadn't been here, he might never have believed that such a scene could even exist.
The three of them sat there from dawn until dusk. Finally, they stepped out of the shabby tavern together. Roger waved to Garp and Claudius before heading home.
Claudius, meanwhile, was preparing to take Garp back to his ship for the night. After all, the man had gone out of his way to deliver something for him; it was only polite to show some gratitude.
As they walked side by side along the quiet country road, Garp suddenly chuckled to himself. "Who'd have thought that scoundrel Roger would settle down on some forgotten island, fall in love, and even have a kid?"
Claudius smirked. "Don't you regret coming here now?" he asked.
Garp didn't answer right away. He'd already been roped into Roger's plans, agreeing to look after Rouge until the baby was born. Once the child was born, Garp would hand the child over to Claudius for safekeeping. The World Government's investigations would be thorough, and perhaps one day, after things had settled, the mother and child might be allowed to reunite. But deep down, Claudius knew it was unlikely. The world was harsh, and Rouge would likely meet a tragic end trying to protect her unborn child, just as the stories had foretold.
After a long silence, Garp finally spoke. "That guy Roger... He's something else, isn't he?"
Claudius raised an eyebrow, then nodded. "Yeah, he's a pirate, but I can't help but like him. He's the kind of person you'd want as a friend. Imagine that."
"Yeah, I've spent half my life fighting him," Garp muttered. "Back during the God Valley Incident, I ended up owing him a favor. He's about to die now, so I guess if I don't repay it soon, I never will. That's why I promised to help him."
Claudius glanced at Garp, then shook his head with a wry smile. "You're a fool."
But somehow, this kind of fool was exactly the kind of person you could trust. Claudius didn't mind it.
For the next month or so, Claudius and Garp stayed on the island, wandering around, fishing, and occasionally dealing with small-time pirates. They never saw Roger again, and both sides kept a respectful distance. Roger and Rouge spent their days quietly, cherishing their time together, while Claudius and Garp enjoyed a peaceful, if unusual, break from their duties.
One morning, as Rouge prepared breakfast, Roger sat at the table, coughing violently into a handkerchief. When he pulled it away, the white cloth was stained with blood.
"Rouge, I regret it," Roger said softly, his voice weary. "What if... what if I hadn't become a pirate? I could've married you sooner, and we could've had our child by now."
In the kitchen, Rouge froze. She understood what his words meant. A tear slipped down her cheek, and with a trembling voice, she replied, "But I fell in love with the big, heroic pirate you were, didn't I?"
Roger smiled faintly. "Yeah. If I hadn't been a pirate, a beautiful girl like you probably wouldn't have even looked my way. After all, Claudius said I'm just a scruffy old man."
Rouge chuckled, though it was bittersweet. "Well, he wasn't entirely wrong."
They ate their breakfast quietly, the atmosphere warm but tinged with sadness. When Rouge noticed Roger had cleaned his plate, she forced a smile. "You ate so much today. You're not leaving anything behind?"
Roger gave a weak smile in return, but his eyes were filled with unspoken emotions love, regret, and a heavy sense of finality.
Rouge didn't say anything for a while, but then she softly asked, "Are you leaving?"
Roger nodded slowly. "It's time, Rouge. I have to go." In the Holy Land, Mariejois, within the headquarters of the World Government, the Five Elders were gathered. Representing the highest authority, the five of them sat quietly, listening to the voice of a Den Den Mushi. Their expressions were a mix of disbelief and intrigue.
"We're currently on our way back to Mariejois," Claudius's voice came through the phone. "And as luck would have it, I ran into Garp while he was on vacation in South Blue. So, rest assured, security won't be an issue. The news is confidential, and no one is likely to stir up trouble."
The bald Elder leaned forward, his tone incredulous. "Claudius, this isn't something to joke about lightly. Are you seriously saying you've captured Roger?"
"Of course, I'm not joking," Claudius replied with a chuckle. "How could I face the five of you if I dared to lie about something like this?"
The Elder with the beard spoke up, his voice sharp. "You didn't just find someone who looks like Roger, did you? Roger's been a ghost for years, neither the Navy nor the CP agencies could catch him."
Claudius sighed in mock exasperation. "I'm not an idiot. I can tell the difference. And even if I somehow got it wrong, do you think Garp would make the same mistake?"
After a pause, Claudius continued, "Didn't I tell you before? CP-X was created to handle what the Navy and the CP agencies can't. It wasn't impossible to catch Roger, it was just a matter of time. Oh, and speaking of impossible, I've been to the sky too."
The bald Elder couldn't help but laugh. "You really are proud of yourself, aren't you? But if this is true, then you've certainly given us a monumental surprise. CP-X didn't disappoint. When you return, we'll increase our support for your organization. And as promised, your ascension to the highest rank among the Celestial Dragons won't be overlooked."
"Thank you, Your Excellencies," Claudius responded, his voice smooth with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters in Marineford, Fleet Admiral Kong sat stunned, listening to Garp's report through a Den Den Mushi. Around him, high-ranking officers like Sengoku were gathered, all wearing expressions of disbelief. They had spent so much time hunting for Roger without success, and now, Garp who was supposed to be on vacation was telling them that Claudius had captured him?
"So, you're saying Roger has been captured and you're on your way back?" Admiral Kong asked, still trying to process the information.
"I already told you, I didn't catch him. Claudius did. I went to South Blue to deliver something to him, and by sheer luck, I stumbled into him capturing Roger. He actually pulled it off," Garp said, sounding both amused and frustrated.
Sengoku raised an eyebrow, his voice filled with suspicion. "Garp, don't tell me you knew Claudius was onto something, and that's why you went to South Blue?"
"Are you kidding me?" Garp barked into the Den Den Mushi. "Would I ever do something like that?"
Of course, Garp conveniently forgot the conversation he'd had with Claudius not long before, where they'd discussed keeping Roger's whereabouts between them. For now, Garp played the part of the innocent vacationer who just happened upon a great event.
After a few more words, Garp confirmed that they would return to Mariejois as quickly as possible and then ended the call.
Sengoku and the other high-ranking officers stood in silence for a moment, struggling to wrap their heads around the situation.
Fleet Admiral Kong, still staring at the now-silent Den Den Mushi, finally muttered, "Is CP-X really that capable?"
Sengoku stroked his chin, clearly puzzled. "As far as I know, they weren't supposed to be that powerful. On paper, they've developed a bit, but I thought they were mostly a shell organization. This whole thing with Roger, it doesn't make any sense."
Chief Staff Officer Tsuru, who had recently been promoted, glanced at Sengoku thoughtfully. "Perhaps we've underestimated them. After all, the operations within Mariejois have always been somewhat... unconventional. CP-X isn't under our command, nor are they subordinates. We really don't know how capable they might be."
Sengoku frowned, processing her words. "Are you suggesting there might be unknown powers or assets under Claudius's control?"
"Who's to say?" Tsuru replied cryptically.
At that moment, Zephyr, now serving as the Marines' chief instructor, smiled and chimed in. "Come on now, is it really so strange that CP-X might have capabilities we don't know about? Think about it after all these years, has anyone ever fully understood the scope of the CP agencies? It's pointless to overthink this. And besides, Claudius isn't our enemy. If CP-X is stronger than we thought, that's a good thing for us."
Fleet Admiral Kong nodded and knocked on the table with his knuckles. "Zephyr's right. Claudius and CP-X aren't like the rest of the CP agencies. He has a solid relationship with the Navy, and if they're stronger than we thought, that only benefits us. There's no need to pry into it any further."
Sengoku took a deep breath and nodded in agreement. "You're both right. The fact remains, this is a good thing for us."
After a moment of silence, Sengoku spoke again. "We need to start preparing. Fleet Admiral, you'll need to contact the higher-ups. We have to decide what to do with Roger. Are we taking him to Impel Down, or are we moving straight to execution?"
"Roger's not just any pirate," Tsuru interjected. "Since he became the Pirate King, the number of pirates in the world has skyrocketed. I think it's highly likely they'll want to make an example of him. An execution seems more probable."
"No need to discuss that further," Fleet Admiral Kong said, waving a hand. "The decision's already been made. Roger must die. Start making preparations for his execution."
Sengoku nodded. "Understood. I'll order the recall of all our forces currently searching for Roger. We need to focus our efforts on his execution. There can't be any slip-ups, especially with the threat of a prison break or a public rescue attempt."
"Agreed," Fleet Admiral Kong said. "I'll confirm the location of the execution with the higher-ups as soon as possible. Once we have the details, I'll let you know. In the meantime, make sure everything else is in order."
Sengoku nodded and began making plans. He couldn't help but smile as he said, "In the last few years, we've managed to take down some of the biggest names Ochoku, John, Golden Lion, and now Roger. Once Roger's executed, things should calm down. Maybe those big players in the New World will finally settle down."
Zephyr chuckled, joining the conversation. "Yeah, after this, we might finally be able to catch our breath."
Little did they know, an unprecedented storm was quietly building. The execution of Roger, the Pirate King, wouldn't calm the seas, it would ignite them, setting the stage for the most chaotic era the world had ever seen. The Marines' battle was far from over. In fact, it was just beginning.