One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 164: Chapter 164: The World Government’s First Evil Dog?

Inside Claudius's palace, he sat in his study, a calm and refined atmosphere enveloping the room. Two teacups were placed on the table, and an expensive incense burned steadily, its soothing fragrance aiding concentration and tranquility.

In his hand, Claudius held a book he had brought back from Fish-Man Island. It detailed the customs and culture of the island, and at the moment, his attention was fixed on a section describing Fish-Man Street.

Fish-Man Street's history was neither too long nor too short. Years ago, it had already been the largest and most chaotic area on Fish-Man Island, a place crawling with troublemakers. At that time, it was barely under control.

A few years back, the royal palace of Ryugu Kingdom attempted reforms, transforming Fish-Man Street into the largest orphanage on the island, hoping to bring order to the chaos.

But corruption, as always, found its way. It wasn't unique to the World Government—every organization and nation was vulnerable. Even the Revolutionary Army wasn't exempt from traitors.

Due to mismanagement and a lack of oversight, the original chaos of Fish-Man Street returned. However, this time, the situation worsened.

When the orphans were relocated there, they became fresh recruits for the existing gangs and criminals, adding fuel to the fire. As a result, Fish-Man Street devolved into the most dangerous and anarchic place on Fish-Man Island. Previously, it had been somewhat manageable; now, even the royal palace was powerless against it.

"Failed reforms often lead to greater chaos. I guess that principle holds true no matter the world," Claudius murmured as he flipped through the book.

Combining what he read with what he had observed firsthand, he came to a conclusion. "The root of Fish-Man Island's problems is the absence of a strong leader. Without decisive leadership, situations like this are inevitable." He smiled faintly, his thoughts wandering.

While King Neptune of Ryugu Palace was a good ruler who genuinely cared about his people, he lacked the iron will necessary to deal with chaos. In such turbulent times, a strong hand was essential.

Claudius thought about Hody Jones, a figure who would rise in the future. Though Hody's goals were undeniably malicious, his methods were brutally effective. He captured pirates who dared to wreak havoc on Fish-Man Island and turned them into slaves, asserting a twisted form of order.

When Claudius compared Neptune to someone like Hody, he couldn't help but shake his head. Neptune, despite being born into royalty, almost had his reign ended by someone like Hody. If Neptune had adopted even half of Hody's ruthlessness, Fish-Man Island wouldn't have suffered so much under the pirates' exploitation.

But in the grand scheme of things, Claudius saw Neptune's weakness as an advantage for his own plans. A weaker king made it easier for Claudius to maneuver. "I have no intention of educating Neptune. As long as he follows my arrangements and helps me achieve my goals, that's enough. All I need is for Fish-Man Island to work under me."

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, there was a knock at the study door. Claudius's butler, Nia, entered and bowed slightly. "Your Highness, Fisher Tiger has been cleaned up. Should I bring him in to see you?"

Claudius nodded casually. "Let him in."

Nia nodded, stepped back, and moments later, Fisher Tiger walked into the room.

The towering Fish-Man, his red skin covered in whip scars, looked physically strong despite his weary expression. On his chest, the hateful symbol of a Celestial Dragon's hoof had been burned into his flesh. His eyes, filled with a mix of wariness and suppressed hatred, fixed on Claudius.

Despite the hatred gleaming in his gaze, Tiger stopped just inside the room, bent his knees slightly, and prepared to kneel. He had been a slave long enough to know the rituals necessary to survive in the presence of a Celestial Dragon.

Fisher Tiger was a man who could endure humiliation when it served his purposes. If kneeling to Claudius could give him a chance, he wouldn't hesitate. But in his heart, he swore: If I get the chance, I'll burn Mariejois to the ground.

Before his knees touched the ground, he felt an invisible force stop him mid-motion. Surprised, he hesitated as Claudius spoke, his tone calm and composed.

"There's no need for unnecessary gestures," Claudius said. "From the hatred in your eyes, I can tell you're not someone who's willing to bow to me. Kneeling would be meaningless. Take a seat."

If not for their opposing positions, Claudius would have admired Fisher Tiger. The man had the courage to set Mariejois ablaze and free countless slaves, showing extraordinary bravery and a sense of responsibility. That, in itself, was worthy of respect.

However, Claudius was still a Celestial Dragon, and someone like Tiger, who sought to destroy his "hometown," was ultimately a threat to his interests. Allowing Tiger's rebellion to flourish would disgrace the Celestial Dragons and the World Government, something Claudius would never tolerate.

Even so, Claudius believed in giving respect where it was due. There was no need to humiliate a man like Tiger by forcing him to kneel.

Fisher Tiger remained silent, his eyes now tinged with confusion. He studied Claudius for a moment before stepping forward and taking the seat across from him.

On the table before him was a cup of tea. Without waiting for Claudius to say anything, Tiger picked it up and drank.

"Although I don't know your intentions, I'll thank you for removing my slave collar," Fisher Tiger said after setting the cup down.

Claudius closed the book in his hands and smiled faintly. "I don't have a habit of putting collars on people unless it's absolutely necessary."

"That means, like the others, you keep slaves," Fisher Tiger said quietly.

Claudius didn't deny it. Although he rarely relied on slaves, it was true that he owned some. However, unlike others who enslaved innocents, Claudius only kept criminals pirates and other scum under his control.

"Yes, I do. But not many. And those I keep are hardly innocent," Claudius replied honestly.

Fisher Tiger was silent for a moment before nodding slightly. "Thank you for your honesty."

"Nothing to thank me for," Claudius said with a faint smile. After a brief pause, he added, "I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Donquixote Claudius, a Celestial Dragon here in Mariejois.

"I don't know how long you've been a slave, but if it hasn't been too long, you might have heard of me."

A sharp glint appeared in Fisher Tiger's eyes. Although he'd been given a bath and some clean clothes, this was the first time he learned the name of the man before him.

He had heard of Donquixote Claudius, a Celestial Dragon unlike any other. Claudius's reputation had reached even the darkest corners of the sea. He was the mysterious leader of CP-X, a man whose name alone inspired fear and awe.

"Donquixote Claudius," Fisher Tiger said softly, his tone heavy with meaning. "The legendary and elusive leader of CP-X. Your name is known across the seas, but your face... No one ever sees it."

Claudius smiled, pleased by the recognition. "So, it seems my reputation precedes me?"

"In our eyes," Fisher Tiger replied, his voice calm but cutting, "you're the World Government's most vicious dog. Now that I know you're a Celestial Dragon, the title suits you even more."

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