The tax reform plan in Claudius' hands was drafted by Tesoro, who had worked tirelessly on it, refining every detail to ensure it aligned with the average economic level of each nation.
Of course, this so-called "average" was somewhat misleading.
It was like saying if Claudius, in his past life, averaged his wealth with that of Jack Ma, he too would be counted among the top ten richest people in the country.
But in practical governance, average economic levels were crucial.
If tax policies were tailored individually for each nation, giving special treatment to poor countries while heavily taxing the rich ones, resentment would inevitably build over time.
Sure, Claudius had the power to force compliance, but deep-seated discontent would only grow.
Thus, a unified taxation standard was essential. Once that was set, economic aid and poverty alleviation could be implemented as needed. That way, no one could claim unfair treatment.
Even though Claudius had just overthrown the Five Elders, and the 100 allied kings each had their own agendas, taxation was a matter of national survival.
Even with Claudius' authority, they couldn't just blindly approve it—they had to review and debate every detail carefully.
After all, submission didn't mean immediate surrender.
This process would take time. But the World Summit wasn't meant to be rushed, there were too many new policies to establish, and Claudius was in no hurry.
Previously, Tesoro wouldn't have even been allowed to attend the World Summit.
But now?
With Claudius controlling the entire venue, Tesoro walked in freely.
"You'll oversee the discussions on economic development, tax reform, and other related matters," Claudius said quietly to Tesoro. "I have something else to take care of."
Tesoro, despite being the ruler of Gran Tesoro, felt a little nervous.
Suddenly being asked to set global tax policies for a hundred kings? That was a whole different level of power.
But he knew this was only the beginning.
Claudius, wise and powerful as he was, couldn't handle everything alone.
Now that he was King of the World, he had to oversee the entire World Government.
He would need people like Tesoro to support him.
This was a test—an opportunity to prove himself.
Tesoro quickly nodded. "Understood, Your Majesty. I will do my best."
Claudius patted his shoulder. "Don't stress too much. These guys won't dare push back too hard."
With that, Claudius turned and walked over to Fleet Admiral Sengoku and the top Marine officers.
"I'm going to check on the Five Elders first," he said quietly. "And see if Lord Imu decides to show himself."
Sengoku nodded. "We'll be ready at any time."
"Mm."
Claudius didn't even acknowledge the gathered kings. Without another word, he left the venue, Rob Lucci following silently behind him.
The kings were curious about what Claudius was up to, but no one dared to ask.
Instead, they buried themselves in reviewing the tax reform plans.
---
At this moment, the Five Elders were being held in a room near the conference hall.
Two CP-X agents stood guard outside, not that they were worried about the Elders escaping.
After all, Fujitora was casually eating noodles just downstairs.
There were no harsh restrictions placed on them.
Inside the room, they were free to move around. There were drinks, tea, snacks, and desserts available.
Still, the atmosphere was heavy.
The sword-wielding Elder, drained from overusing Haki, lay motionless on a sofa. His body was weak, though he felt no pain.
His expression, however, was dark and grim.
The bald Elder, Nusjuro, sat on another sofa, his elbows resting on his knees, fingers interlocked under his chin.
His body was slightly hunched. His expression?
Ugly. Somber. Even... sorrowful.
And why wouldn't he be?
He was the closest to Claudius among the Five Elders. He had watched Claudius grow up, treated him as a future leader.
Yet, that heir had now become the enemy, a villain in the eyes of the old order.
Who wouldn't feel sad about this?
The room remained eerily silent.
No one spoke for a long time.
Finally, the blonde Elder at the desk broke the silence.
"He came fully prepared."
He let out a sigh.
"The CP agencies haven't responded at all. No reinforcements. No counterattack."
"That leaves only two possibilities," the bearded Elder added with a sigh.
"Either they were wiped out... or they switched sides."
Both conclusions were equally disastrous.
If CP hadn't intervened, it meant they had been neutralized beforehand, either through force or political maneuvering.
Either way, Claudius had planned too far ahead.
The curly-haired Elder, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.
"All these years, we saw Claudius as competent and reliable."
"But we never truly felt the pressure he could bring."
His voice was filled with emotion.
"Now, standing against him, I finally understand… just how terrifying he really is."
"He had a plan from the start," the bearded Elder admitted helplessly.
"And we were completely unprepared.
He had everything calculated… while we never saw it coming.
From the moment this began, our fate was sealed."
The sword-wielding Elder, still lying on the sofa, let out a weak chuckle.
"For decades, we thought ourselves wiser than him.
Now, we've lost everything in a single day."
It was impossible to guard against someone like Claudius.
A man they had believed to be one of their own had turned the tables so suddenly… it felt unfair.
"Right now, we're cut off from the outside world," Nusjuro suddenly spoke.
"No information flow. No updates.
What about Lord Imu?"
His words brought complete silence to the room.
A heavy, suffocating tension filled the air.
After a long pause, the blonde Elder's gaze flickered slightly.
"At this point," he murmured, "there's no point hiding our thoughts from each other."
"We've worked together for decades. Surely, there's some trust between us?"
"So let's be honest…"
His voice lowered.
"If you had to choose, who do you hope wins this battle?"
Silence.
No one spoke.
The blonde Elder chuckled bitterly.
"Still acting like cautious old foxes, huh? Fine, I'll go first."
The other four stared at him, waiting.
Then—
"Claudius."
The moment that name left his lips, the other four visibly reacted.
Their expressions shifted briefly before returning to neutrality.
It was strange.
They had fought Claudius at every step. Tried to stop him.
Yet, when it came to choosing the final victor…
The blonde Elder had picked him.
Nusjuro fell silent for a moment before speaking.
"Claudius."
The bald Elder scoffed and crossed his arms, turning away.
He didn't say anything, but… his attitude said enough.
The remaining two exchanged glances before softly uttering.
"Claudius."
Their reasoning was simple.
Yes, Claudius had committed treason, overturning everything they once ruled.
But at the end of the day, they knew him.
They were still alive because of him.
Imu, on the other hand?
A god. A ruler beyond mortal comprehension.
To Imu, they were nothing more than pets.
And between choosing to live under a man… or a god.
They chose the man.
***
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