In addition to the growing number of familiar faces in the crowd, Crocodile had also blended into the sea of onlookers. His once straightforward demeanor had started to evolve, as he leaned more and more into the image of a pirate. Standing not far from him was a man with an imposing and ominous figure, Moria. His sharp, ghastly appearance made him stand out, and like everyone else, he seemed eager to witness the execution of Gol D. Roger.
Above them all, perched on the roof of a nearby building, stood a man in a kabuto cap and a long cloak. It was none other than the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Dragon, watching everything unfold with quiet intensity.
Claudius, unaware of Dragon's presence, was engaged in conversation with his cousin, Doflamingo. However, Dragon's sharp eyes had already spotted Claudius among the crowd. His gaze shifted to Doflamingo, and a slight frown crossed his face.
"So, he's connected to the Donquixote family of North Blue," Dragon muttered to himself. "Could Doflamingo be the hidden power backing Claudius? But from what I remember, the Donquixote family wasn't supposed to be particularly influential anymore..."
Since Roger's capture, Dragon had been suspicious that Claudius possessed some secret force that allowed him to achieve what no one else had. Now, seeing Doflamingo and his entourage, Dragon's suspicions only deepened. Still, even with this realization, he couldn't quite figure out how Claudius had managed to capture Roger.
Meanwhile, Claudius and Doflamingo continued their conversation.
"Cousin," Doflamingo began with a grin, "after Roger's execution, I plan to enter the Grand Line as a pirate."
"Oh? You're leaving North Blue behind?" Claudius asked with an amused smile.
"North Blue is too small," Doflamingo replied, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "I've stirred things up enough there. It's time to head to the Grand Line—and eventually, New World. Once I've built up enough power, I'll return to claim what the Donquixote family once owned."
Claudius raised an eyebrow. "Ah, I see. You mean Dressrosa—the kingdom that was once ours, back in the day?"
"Exactly," Doflamingo said, a dangerous light flickering in his eyes. "Eight hundred years ago, we ruled Dressrosa. If I can't return to Mariejois, then I'll take back what rightfully belongs to us. It's time."
Claudius chuckled, impressed by his cousin's boldness. "You've got a point. If you manage to seize Dressrosa, I'll make sure the paperwork goes through properly. I'll see to it that you're recognized as the rightful king."
Doflamingo laughed, his trademark grin widening. "Furafurufurufu! Then I'll owe you one, cousin. It seems you've solidified your standing in Mariejois. Has that rat Lancelot been giving you any trouble?"
At the mention of Lancelot, Claudius's expression darkened for a moment, before he waved it off with a smirk. "Give me trouble? Do you think I'm still the same as I was back then? I'm an upper Celestial Dragon now. Lancelot should count himself lucky if I leave him alone. He's in no position to give me trouble."
Doflamingo's eyes widened in surprise. "Upper Celestial Dragon? Already?"
Claudius nodded, looking satisfied. "I made a deal with the Five Elders. If CP-X could capture Roger, they'd promote me to the upper ranks. They've fulfilled their end of the bargain."
Doflamingo's grin returned, sharper than ever. "So, cousin, does that mean you'll finally deal with Lancelot? After all, he caused you quite a bit of trouble back in the day."
Claudius's eyes gleamed dangerously. "I've moved past what happened back then. But if Lancelot crosses my path or gets in my way... well, accidents happen, don't they? Especially with things about to get chaotic."
Doflamingo smirked knowingly. "It sounds like you've already got something planned."
Claudius chuckled darkly. "I wouldn't call it a plan just yet, but let's just say the idea is taking shape. Why? Were you thinking of handling him yourself?"
"Is there an opportunity?" Doflamingo asked, his ambition barely hidden.
"There will be," Claudius replied, his voice low. "When the time comes, I'll let you know."
Doflamingo's grin grew even wider. "I'll be ready, cousin. Thank you for keeping me in mind."
Their conversation continued for a few more minutes, until Claudius casually asked, "How's Rosinante doing these days? I haven't seen the kid in a while."
Doflamingo's cheerful expression faltered for a brief moment. He sighed, shaking his head. "He's still the same. We... don't see eye to eye on many things."
Claudius nodded, sensing there was more to the story but deciding not to press further.
Just then, a commotion rippled through the crowd, and both Claudius and Doflamingo turned their attention toward the square.
Marine soldiers had formed a path through the throngs of people, separating the square in half. The road they had cleared led directly to the execution platform, where Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, Gion, Kuzan, and other Marine officers stood at the ready. Although a rescue attempt was unlikely, the Marines weren't taking any chances. Their presence was meant to discourage anyone from trying to disrupt the execution.
Soon, the square grew quiet, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Claudius and Doflamingo, both standing tall, could see over the heads of the crowd, their eyes locked on the far end of the street.
"It's time," Claudius murmured.
Doflamingo nodded silently. The sound of clanking chains echoed through the air as the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, finally appeared.
Roger's wrists and ankles were shackled, the chains jangling with each step he took. Despite the restraints, he moved with an air of confidence, his burgundy captain's coat trailing behind him. He didn't look like a man walking to his death—he looked like a king ascending to his throne.
Doflamingo's eyes widened in awe. "So that's the Pirate King... what presence."
Claudius nodded. "Yes, that's Roger. An extraordinary man. It's a shame."
"What's a shame?" Doflamingo asked curiously.
"It's a shame that he's about to die," Claudius said softly. "The world will be a little less interesting without him."
Doflamingo glanced at Claudius, surprised by the hint of sadness in his cousin's voice. He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but for a moment, it seemed like Claudius truly lamented Roger's fate.
The crowd watched in silence as Roger walked down the road, his eyes fixed ahead, his expression calm. Even in chains, the Pirate King exuded a power and charisma that left everyone in awe.