On the docks of Sabaody Archipelago, Claudius stood watching Sengoku as he hurriedly boarded a warship bound for Marineford. With a smirk, Claudius called out, "Sengoku aren't you supposed to report back to Mariejois first?"
Sengoku, halfway up the gangway, paused and turned. "No need for that. I'm just an errand runner on this mission, after all. The real responsibility lies with you, Your Highness. CP-X is spearheading this operation now. As for me, I've got urgent matters back at Marineford that require my attention."
Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Urgent matters, huh?" he muttered under his breath. This guy spent all of Fish-Man Island talking about Whitebeard being his top priority. Now that he smells money, Whitebeard's nothing more than a minor distraction. Typical.
Still, Claudius decided not to tease him about it further. He waved a hand in casual farewell and said, "Alright then. I'll handle Mariejois. Good luck with your, ah... important matters."
Sengoku nodded but couldn't help throwing in a subtle reminder. "And Your Highness, please keep this operation discreet. You know what I mean."
"Don't worry, it's all under control," Claudius replied with a reassuring smile.
"Very well. By the way, what about you? Heading back to Mariejois as well?" Sengoku asked.
Claudius shook his head and stroked his chin in thought. "Not just yet. I'll check on the changes here at Sabaody Archipelago first. Maybe drop by for a drink with a certain someone's wife."
Sengoku froze, staring at Claudius with a peculiar expression. After a moment, he chuckled awkwardly and muttered, "Your Highness, you make me grateful I don't have a wife." With that, he waved goodbye, adding, "Take care, Your Highness. May fortune favor you... or whatever it is you're seeking."
Claudius stood there, scratching his head as Sengoku's warship departed. "Fortune favor me? What the hell does that mean?" He shrugged, dismissing the odd comment, and turned toward the illegal zone of the Archipelago.
This time, he was determined to pay a visit to Rayleigh. The man had evaded him the last time, and Claudius couldn't help but feel intrigued. It wasn't about hunting him down or squeezing information about Laugh Tale—it was simple curiosity.
Stussy, Nia, and the others had chosen to stay behind, busying themselves with shopping and sightseeing around the Archipelago. Alone, Claudius wandered into the illegal zone. He noticed the changes immediately.
The once-chaotic streets were far quieter. Slave merchants were nowhere to be seen, and pirates, who used to roam freely, now seemed reluctant to leave their ships docked in the illegal harbors. The atmosphere was tense, and Claudius could guess why. The fallout from the head-on pikes, no doubt. It's amazing what a little display of brutality can accomplish.
After a leisurely stroll, Claudius arrived at the infamous Shakky's Rip-Off Bar. As always, the place stood isolated on a hill, with no activity around it. He walked up, knocked on the door, and then, without waiting for a response, pushed it open and stepped inside.
The bar was as empty as ever. Behind the counter, Shakky stood lazily leaning against the shelves, cigarette in one hand and a glass in the other. She glanced at Claudius and smiled wryly.
"No customers, huh?" Claudius remarked, glancing around the room.
Shakky chuckled and replied, "Thanks to your efforts, my business is practically dead."
Claudius grinned and shrugged. "Who knew pirates could be so timid these days?"
He approached the bar and took a seat. Shakky poured him a drink without needing to ask, sliding the glass over to him. "I get the feeling that was a bit of a double entendre," she said with a smirk.
"Hahaha, sharp as ever, Shakky. Is Rayleigh around? Or is he still in hiding?" Claudius asked, taking a sip of his drink.
Shakky exhaled a puff of smoke and shook her head. "If you're on the island, you can bet Rayleigh won't show his face. Seems like he's determined to stay out of your way."
"That's a shame," Claudius said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I was hoping to run into him. Nothing serious, just curiosity."
Shakky raised an eyebrow. "Curiosity? That's a dangerous word coming from someone in CP-X. Don't tell me you're planning to use him to find Laugh Tale or something?"
Claudius laughed and shook his head. "Laugh Tale? Don't be absurd. I'm not a pirate, Shakky. I have no interest in the One Piece or any of that nonsense. I just think Rayleigh is an interesting guy. That's all."
Shakky studied him for a moment before shrugging. "Suit yourself. But I doubt you'll catch him. Rayleigh knows how to keep a low profile."
After finishing his drink, Claudius asked, "How much do I owe you? I wouldn't want to leave without contributing to your struggling business."
Shakky smiled playfully. "200,000 Berries."
"Still charging outrageous prices, I see," Claudius said, shaking his head with a grin.
"I charge based on the customer," Shakky replied with a wink.
Claudius handed her the money without complaint. As she counted the bills, she added, "Since you're my first customer in two days, I'll give you some free intel. Consider it a token of appreciation."
"Oh? And what intel would that be?" Claudius asked, intrigued.
"There are rumors of a Logia Devil Fruit appearing on Spring Island. Thought it might interest you," Shakky said casually.
"Logia, huh?" Claudius raised an eyebrow. Logia fruits were rare and powerful, so naturally, he was curious. "What kind of ability?"
"They're saying it's the Smoke-Smoke Fruit. Hasn't been seen in years. If the rumors are true, it's probably legit," Shakky replied.
Claudius's initial interest faded instantly. "Smoke-Smoke Fruit? Really? Thanks for the tip, but I think I'll pass."
Shakky looked at him, surprised. "No interest? It's still a Logia."
Claudius waved her off as he stood up to leave. "Logia or not, it doesn't appeal to me. Thanks for the drink, Shakky. Take care."
***
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