One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 297: Marine’s Canine Culture?

Still speaking, Claudius moved away from the topic of the Calm Belt and returned to discussing the upcoming Reverie.

"But it may be too early to say this. I can't promise anything on behalf of the World Government for the time being, but there may be some changes in this Reverie," Claudius chuckled.

Hearing this, Otohime and Neptune were momentarily stunned.

A grand conference that would change the world and shape the future era?

Recalling the deeper implications behind Claudius' earlier words, it wasn't difficult to imagine perhaps this Highness truly intended to go further?

With that thought, Neptune asked cautiously, "Saint Claudius, do you have certain aspirations for this Reverie?"

"Your Highness seeks greater authority?" Otohime also inquired softly.

Claudius did not deny it. Instead, he smiled and nodded. "Everyone has their own ambitions, don't they? As the saying goes, people seek higher places, just as water flows downward. Naturally, I am no different."

"Your Highness, you are already a high-ranking Celestial Dragon. If you take one step further..." Neptune hesitated, his gaze flickering.

"Oh, I'm getting old," Claudius said with a smile.

Whether he was referring to his approaching forties in 1506 or lamenting the advanced age of the Five Elders, it was unclear.

However, to Otohime and Neptune, it was apparent, Claudius sought to challenge the authority of the Five Elders.

This was a monumental event. Could they, mere figures from Fish-Man Island, truly afford to get involved?

Yet, upon further reflection, if Claudius succeeded in rising to power, the benefits for Fish-Man Island would be tremendous.

After all, were the Five Elders truly immutable?

At this moment, Neptune and Otohime understood Claudius' implication, Fish-Man Island had his full support in their quest to reach the surface, but in return, they would need to back him when the time came.

For Fish-Man Island, for greater benefits, Neptune and Otohime exchanged a look. This might be the greatest opportunity in centuries, if they missed it now, who knew how long they'd have to wait for another?

And Claudius was their only bridge to the World Government not supporting him would be foolish.

"I wonder what Your Highness would have Fish-Man Island do?" Neptune finally asked, his voice deep and steady.

"Your Highness has shown great kindness to Fish-Man Island. If we can repay that kindness, we would be more than happy to assist you," Princess Otohime added softly.

Claudius smiled at their response. "You're overthinking it. I merely need your public support when the time comes. There's no need for Fish-Man Island to pay any major price."

He would even eliminate his own men if they failed to uphold justice.

As Onigumo stepped onto the dock, two other Vice Admirals also disembarked.

One was Vice Admiral Doberman, known for his fierce demeanor.

The other was Vice Admiral Dalmatian, a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user with the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Dalmatian, making him one of the Marines' most skilled Zoan users.

Interestingly enough, it seemed that "dogs" held a special status within the Marines.

Many officers had dog-related names or emblems.

Take Monkey D. Garp, for example. His nickname was "Hero of the Marines", but he also embraced the name "Dog-Head Vice Admiral", even modeling his personal ship after a dog biting a bone.

Similarly, Sakazuki was known as "Akainu", the Red Dog. Even though pirates often mocked the name, he took pride in it.

Then there was Dalmatian, who, as his name implied, had a canine-themed Devil Fruit.

And of course, Doberman, his name spoke for itself.

Among Marines, Doberman was often called "Mad Dog" behind his back. He had an unfiltered mouth, a reckless attitude, and would bite into a fight without hesitation, whether or not he could win.

Even in the face of Whitebeard, he wouldn't back down.

As they met on the dock, Doberman glanced at Onigumo and greeted him. "Onigumo, you're back?"

Onigumo nodded, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Admiral Sakazuki ordered me back immediately. Same for you?"

Dalmatian lit his own cigar, biting it between his teeth as he chuckled. "Yeah. Not just us. I saw Vice Admiral Momonga heading in first."

Hearing this, Doberman smacked his lips. "Something serious must be happening."

"Who knows? The Reverie suddenly doubled in size, maybe it's connected," Dalmatian mused.

"Enough speculation," Onigumo said, striding forward. "Let's go see Admiral Sakazuki. He'll tell us everything."

Without further discussion, the three Vice Admirals made their way into Marineford.

***

This book is completed so you can read all chapters on: /Blownleaves.