"I think the concept of the Seven Warlords of the Sea is fascinating. Legal pirates? That's certainly a unique approach," Dragon said with a slight smile.
If one were unaware of Claudius' deeper intentions, they might think this was just the World Government's attempt to divide pirate forces, creating a schism between allies and enemies.
But Dragon knew Claudius too well. To him, the Seven Warlords of the Sea represented something far more significant. It was a calculated move by Claudius, a strategy to build his personal powerbase under the very banner of the World Government itself.
Normally, the Seven Warlords of the Sea were tools wielded by the World Government. But in Claudius' hands, this system had the potential to become a blade aimed back at the heart of the government itself, a force that could betray them from within if necessary.
"Well, yes, I do work for the World Government. Naturally, I should be doing my part to ease their burdens. In this age of rampant piracy, one has to find ways to patch the leaks in the ship, don't you think?" Claudius said with a casual smile, his tone so genuine that it seemed as though he had no hidden agenda.
Dragon smiled too but made no effort to expose Claudius' "mask."
"So, do you think we can place one of our people within the Seven Warlords of the Sea?" Dragon asked, his tone light but purposeful.
"You mean Bartholomew Kuma?" Claudius raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly. Considering his reputation and strength, he seems to fit the criteria for the Seven Warlords of the Sea, doesn't he?" Dragon nodded.
"Oh, he certainly fits the profile," Claudius acknowledged. "But let me make one thing clear, Dragon. By pushing Kuma into this position, you're essentially slipping a piece of your puzzle into my hand. And while that's a tempting offer, it's not enough compensation for what you're asking."
Bartholomew Kuma, or "The Tyrant," was infamous across the seas. Though ruthless toward other pirates, he rarely targeted civilians or caused unnecessary destruction. His calculated approach had earned him fear and respect, making him a prime candidate for the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
However, Kuma wasn't one of Claudius' people. While Claudius didn't need all the Warlords to be under his control, he certainly intended for most of them to be. He even had plans to include Dracule Mihawk in the group, not because Mihawk was someone Claudius could manipulate, but because Mihawk's apolitical and solitary nature would reassure the World Government that the Seven Warlords weren't entirely Claudius' pawns. Mihawk was a perfect "mascot" for the organization an unassuming, neutral figure.
As for the rest of the Seven Warlords, Claudius already had his own list in mind. Crocodile was a guaranteed choice, as was his own cousin, Donquixote Doflamingo—two seats filled.
Other candidates like Gecko Moria didn't interest him, and Jinbe, though notable, had no immediate relevance since he was still loyal to Ryugu Kingdom. The remaining slots were tentatively assigned to Hancock, Enel, and Ace. That left one final position, which Kuma could potentially fill, but only if Dragon made it worth Claudius' while.
"Don't you think you're being a bit greedy? 'Not enough compensation,' really?" Dragon frowned.
"Greedy? You must be joking," Claudius retorted. "Do you think Seven Warlords of the Sea positions are like cabbages sold on the street? That there's an endless supply? I'm holding onto a limited resource here, Dragon."
Dragon rubbed his temples, clearly annoyed but unwilling to argue further. After a moment's thought, he sighed. "Fine. What do you want? How much is it going to cost me?"
Claudius smirked. "Simple. After Kuma joins the Seven Warlords of the Sea, I get a share of whatever benefits your Revolutionary Army reaps from his position."
"You're not even trying to hide your greed, are you?" Dragon raised an eyebrow. "Do you even know what we intend to use Kuma for?"
"I don't know, and frankly, I don't need to. But whatever it is, I'm sure it'll pay off handsomely for you, won't it?" Claudius replied, still smiling.
Dragon didn't deny it. Although Claudius didn't have all the details, he had a general idea. Dragon intended to use Kuma to infiltrate the Marines' scientific division and exploit its resources. That was likely just one piece of Dragon's larger scheme, but it was enough to justify Claudius' terms.
Claudius himself had some influence over the Marines' scientific division, but directly utilizing it would draw too much attention from the World Government. If he wanted to keep certain gains hidden, he needed a proxy like Kuma.
After a long pause, Dragon finally nodded. "Fine. Let's do it."
"What, no counteroffer?" Claudius asked, genuinely surprised.
"Would it make a difference if I tried?" Dragon replied, giving Claudius a sharp look.
"Not at all," Claudius said with a grin. "Business is business, after all. Mixing it with personal relationships only complicates things."
Dragon snorted. "I figured as much. Still, don't think you've won here. The next time you need a favor, don't blame me if I make you pay dearly for it."
"Hahaha! I'll take my chances," Claudius laughed heartily.
The two continued to discuss the arrangement briefly. Claudius assured Dragon that Kuma's position in the Seven Warlords of the Sea would be reserved, but reminded him that the plan was long-term. Dragon would need to be patient and allow Claudius to move at his own pace.
Dragon had no choice but to agree. He could only urge Claudius to expedite the process as much as possible.
Changing the subject, Dragon casually poured himself a cup of tea and asked, "What's the deal with Crocodile going to Alabasta? What are you plotting?"
Claudius raised an eyebrow as he sipped his tea. "What do you mean, 'what am I plotting'? Crocodile went there on his own. Why are you poking your nose into this?"
Dragon set the teapot down and, after a brief silence, said, "Let's not beat around the bush. The Nefertari royal family in Alabasta, they're good people. Are you planning to target them?"
Claudius was quiet for a moment before placing his teacup on the table. Meeting Dragon's gaze, he replied, "And if I said yes?"
A glint of understanding flickered in Dragon's eyes, and he asked, "Is there no way to avoid this?"
Claudius sighed, feigning helplessness. "It's not entirely up to me, you know. I am still a servant of the World Government, after all. And the Nefertari family... well, let's just say their refusal to fully cooperate with the Government has made them a target. They've been talking about reducing their Heavenly Tribute payments. You can imagine how well that went over."
In truth, the Five Elders hadn't explicitly ordered an attack on Alabasta. But Claudius didn't hesitate to use them as a scapegoat, framing his own plans as mere obedience to higher orders.
Now, it wasn't about what he wanted to do to the Nefertari family. It was about following the will of the World Government. Surely, Dragon could understand that Claudius had no choice in the matter... or so Claudius wanted him to believe.
***
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