Having money is a good thing, no doubt about it. The Donquixote Family is already wealthy enough, so they don't need to rely on excessive tributes or oppressive taxation. Instead, they only require a symbolic collection of the Heavenly Tribute, which is perfectly acceptable.
But capital can't just sit idle forever, right?
Massive amounts of wealth continue to accumulate, and there must be a way to circulate it. Otherwise, if all the world's money keeps flowing toward the Donquixote Family unchecked, it will eventually destabilize the global economy.
After considering this, Claudius realized he needed to find an outlet for this wealth.
At the same time, the world is constantly changing. Right now, Claudius can predict trends because he has knowledge of the future. But he isn't an actual prophet, and one day, that foresight will fade.
If he loses the ability to anticipate the future, he will miss opportunities. If he misses opportunities, he will fall behind.
Take the shipbuilding industry, for example. Decades ago, it completely dominated maritime transportation. But now, with the emergence of the Sea Train, that monopoly has begun to weaken.
Although the shipbuilding industry hasn't collapsed yet, as the Sea Train network expands, its influence will inevitably decline.
And who's to say that even the Sea Train won't become obsolete in the future?
Claudius has reason to believe that someday, technology might advance to the point where spacecraft or even portal technology become reality. Given that the Lunarians exist, he wouldn't be surprised if such innovations eventually rendered the Sea Train irrelevant.
This is how the march of technology reshapes the times. If the Donquixote Family's wealth fails to evolve alongside these changes, then decline will be inevitable.
However, by making strategic investments, the risks can be minimized.
By spreading capital and casting a wide net, one of the most powerful ways to maintain dominance is through cutting-edge scientific research.
The Donquixote Family has money. If they can establish control over an elite research institution, continuously drive innovation, and stay ahead of the times, then won't their influence reach unimaginable heights?
Claudius believes that this type of investment is the safest. There's no such thing as a waste of money when it comes to scientific research—he has endless funds to pour into it. As long as it yields even the smallest results, the Donquixote Family's position will be further secured. And that alone is more than worth it.
And when it comes to scientific research, who in the world has greater investment potential than Dr. Vegapunk—the man whose genius is five centuries ahead of his time?
No one!
Claudius intends to invest in Dr. Vegapunk, tying this formidable scientist to the Donquixote Family and ensuring their collaboration.
By merging scientific prowess with capital and political power, they will forge the most promising research organization in existence!
With the backing of the World Government, coupled with advancements in scientific research, capital, military strength, and personal power, Claudius can't fathom a scenario where the Donquixote Family doesn't grow stronger over time.
As long as they don't self-destruct, they will become an unshakable force.
Even if Claudius never becomes King of the World, the Donquixote Family will still be the hidden rulers of the world!
Of course, these far-sighted ideas are beyond the understanding of most people, but that doesn't matter.
So, speaking in a tone filled with righteousness, Claudius declared:
"The World Government is under immense financial strain and can't allocate more funds to your research department... but that doesn't matter! I, Claudius, am willing to fund it myself!"
Look at that! What kind of spirit is this? A fearless, self-sacrificing leader who stands for the advancement of the world! How could anyone not want to follow such a person?
Sengoku felt himself getting emotional, and even Sakazuki was silent.
Meanwhile, Dr. Vegapunk was completely stunned. He never imagined that Saint Claudius would be such an idealistic, ambitious, and forward-thinking person!
He had already warned Claudius that investing in scientific research is a bottomless pit, where funding can disappear without producing results. And yet, His Highness still dared to invest without hesitation!
For a moment, Vegapunk was deeply moved. With sincerity, he declared:
"Your Highness, with such a grand vision, I, Vegapunk, am willing to serve as your pioneer!"
Vegapunk didn't overthink it. He simply saw Saint Claudius as a good person.
After all, this deal had no downsides for him. The Donquixote Family had money to spare, and they were investing directly in his research. Why would he refuse?
With adequate funding, he could finally bring his ideas to life. After all, dreams alone don't put food on the table—someone has to fund them!
Seeing that Dr. Vegapunk agreed, Claudius was extremely satisfied.
As expected, my prestige is unmatched! Just one declaration from me, and the world's greatest scientist willingly pledges his allegiance!
Thinking of this, Claudius smiled and said,
"Excellent! I'll begin arranging the construction of your new research facility immediately. Doctor, where would you like it to be built? I think the Red Line is an ideal location—it's close to Mariejois. What do you think?"
Vegapunk had no particular preference. As long as the equipment and funding were in place, he could conduct research anywhere.
With that, the deal was set. Claudius would invest heavily to construct a state-of-the-art research base, where Vegapunk would take up his new position.
"Additionally, the World Government needs to establish a new scientific research division. Although my Donquixote Family is funding this endeavor, the World Government must still play a role, it can't be entirely dependent on us."
Claudius' words made sense, and the Marine higher-ups nodded in agreement.
After all, this matter was outside the Marines' jurisdiction. Even Sengoku had no authority over it. Whatever Saint Claudius decided, they would simply nod and comply.
Thus, the World Government would oversee a secondary research division, recruiting and training fresh talent.
Meanwhile, the Donquixote Family's scientific institution would serve as a higher-level research facility, selecting only the best minds for advanced training.
This arrangement ensured mutual benefit and consolidated the hierarchy between the two organizations.
After finalizing this matter, Claudius had nothing more to discuss with Vegapunk.
His purpose for coming here was twofold, to inspect the PX-Pacifista project and to recruit Vegapunk. Now that both goals were accomplished, there was no reason to linger.
As a pragmatic scientist, Vegapunk was also eager to return to his work.
With the meeting concluded, Claudius and the Marine top brass left the research facility, heading toward the Justice Building of the new Marine Headquarters.
There, they would discuss military strategies, particularly concerning the gathering of the three Pirate Emperors in the New World.
The World Government recognized that time was on their side, but the Emperors' growing alliance was a significant concern.
With the New World being the primary battlefield for the next era, both Marine Headquarters and the World Government needed a solid strategy.
This was why Sengoku had accompanied Claudius—to ensure the Marines were prepared for what lay ahead.
Additionally, since the new Marine Headquarters had been established for some time now, it was about time for Claudius, as a top-ranking authority, to finally visit.
(To be continued.)
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