Holy Land – Mariejois
At this moment, Claudius had returned to Mariejois.
He couldn't stay at Marine Headquarters indefinitely—after all, he had too many responsibilities to handle.
For instance, regarding the potential entry of Elbaf, the land of giants, into the World Government, Claudius had to personally oversee and sign off on the necessary procedures.
It had already been several days since he had instructed Spandine to investigate Bullet's involvement in the so-called Pirate Expo.
Finally, today, Claudius received accurate intelligence.
There was no denying that Spandine was highly skilled in intelligence work. Ever since he took control of the CP agencies and Happy Street, and with the additional backing of the World Economy News Paper, his ability to gather information had become incredibly fast—almost unnervingly so.
"Your Highness, to be precise, this event is called the 'Pirate Expo.' On the surface, it appears to be a grand gathering of various pirate factions in the New World. The main activity revolves around a treasure hunt," Spandine reported through the Den Den Mushi.
Claudius nodded. There was nothing surprising about that. Pirates gathering for a major event—what else would they be doing if not treasure hunting?
"Have they released any information about the treasure?" Claudius asked.
"Not yet, but we've already gathered solid intelligence.
Douglas Bullet has been searching for something ever since he escaped from prison over two years ago.
He eventually teamed up with Festa, and it seems they've finally found whatever it was they were looking for. Although we can't confirm exactly what it is, the intel suggests that it's likely one of the Roger Pirates' treasures.
After all, Bullet was once a member of the Roger Pirates. It's not surprising that he would know about their hidden treasures, so this claim carries a certain level of credibility," Spandine swiftly responded.
"A treasure from the Roger Pirates?" Claudius muttered to himself.
He had to admit that Bullet was quite impressive. With the tides of history shifting so drastically, he still managed to track down a Log Pose. Quite the talent.
Before Spandine could say anything further, Claudius asked, "Tell me, do you think the Four Emperors would be drawn to the Pirate Expo if Roger's treasure is used as bait?"
Spandine was momentarily stunned by the question but quickly composed himself and replied, "Your Highness, based on the current situation, I believe it's unlikely.
For ordinary pirates, Roger's treasure would indeed be an irresistible temptation. However, for those four, I doubt it holds the same appeal.
Shanks might take an interest since he was once part of the Roger Pirates, but as for the other three, I don't think they'd be bothered. They wouldn't take such a risk for something like this."
"Is that so?" Claudius stroked his chin, deep in thought.
Spandine remained silent, patiently waiting on the other end of the Den Den Mushi for Claudius's next instructions.
After a long pause, Claudius finally spoke. "Seems like we'll have to give them a little push."
"What are your orders, Your Highness?" Spandine asked immediately.
"When they begin promoting this Pirate Expo, make sure to slip in some additional… details," Claudius instructed after a moment's thought.
"What kind of details?" Spandine inquired.
"Spread a rumor that the so-called treasure of the Roger Pirates… is actually a permanent Log Pose leading to Laugh Tale. Make it sound as if whoever obtains that treasure will have the key to becoming the next Pirate King. Leak it as a rumor, something unconfirmed but enticing." Claudius spoke calmly.
Spandine, listening through the Den Den Mushi, was momentarily shocked. He had no idea whether a permanent Log Pose to Laugh Tale even existed, but he had to admit, his Highness had an incredibly devious mind.
If such a thing were to leak out, wouldn't it cause an absolute frenzy among the pirates?
Before he could fully process the implications, Claudius continued, "That alone might not be enough, so let's add another piece of information. Spread the word that the scholar Nico Orbia, who escaped imprisonment, has also been drawn to the Road Poneglyphs."
"Make it seem subtle, not too forced. You're an expert in this field—handle it as you see fit."
Nico Olvia, the "sole surviving" scholar of Ohara who specialized in ancient texts, continuing her research was entirely reasonable. It was only natural for her to be interested in the Road Poneglyphs.
By tying these elements together, it would make the story more believable.
Hearing this, Spandine couldn't help but admire Claudius's strategic mind. Though this setup appeared simple on the surface, the more straightforward it seemed, the more effective it would be.
Pirates dreamed of becoming the Pirate King.
If they hesitated, someone else might seize the opportunity first.
And once a gap was created, it wouldn't be so easy to close.
If the conflict escalated further, it could even fracture the alliances formed among the Emperors of the Sea.
More importantly, this wasn't even a trap—it was an open conspiracy. The bait was laid out in the open. Anyone who wanted it could take the risk…
But who could truly resist?
"I understand, Your Highness. I will ensure these rumors spread seamlessly, leaving no traces behind," Spandine responded swiftly.
"Good. Once this matter brews for a while, we'll move to the next phase," Claudius said in a low voice.
"Understood, Your Highness," Spandine confirmed.
After discussing a few more details, Claudius ended the call.
Sitting in his office at the World Government headquarters, Claudius took a sip of tea and reviewed everything in his mind. Finding no flaws in the plan, he let out a small chuckle.
"There's nothing to worry about with something like this. It will naturally play out as it should. The situation hasn't changed much… in fact, it's steadily improving…"
As Claudius was lost in thought, Robin walked in.
She was dressed in a black business suit and wore a pair of plain glasses, further accentuating her scholarly demeanor.
Seeing her, Claudius couldn't help but feel a bit moved.
Robin placed a stack of documents on his desk and said, "These are the reports you need to review and approve today.
They include matters related to Elbaf, as well as issues concerning several directly governed islands and the Seven Jurisdictions.
By the way, we still haven't appointed a direct leader for the last jurisdiction.
Dragon hasn't been able to find a suitable candidate. Do you have any thoughts on this?"
At this point, Robin was serving as Claudius's secretary, though their relationship had yet to develop beyond a professional capacity.
Of the Seven Jurisdictions, five were managed by the Five Elders. Claudius oversaw one himself, and the remaining one had been entrusted to former Fleet Admiral Kong at Dragon's request.
That left just one final jurisdiction without a designated overseer.
Claudius rubbed his chin in thought before answering, "Let's hold off for now. Once Doflamingo is ready, he can take the position."
Robin nodded without further inquiry. However, after a brief pause, she looked at Claudius with a complicated expression and asked, "Does a permanent Log Pose to Laugh Tale really exist?"
Claudius was momentarily surprised by the question. Looking at Robin, he smirked and asked, "Why? Are you interested? Thinking of becoming a pirate?"
Robin shook her head. "That's not it. It's just that, based on the Poneglyphs brought down from Skypiea, Roger was definitely there. He even left an inscription."
"'Guiding the way to the final island'?" Claudius asked with a knowing smile.
"Huh? You know about that?" Robin was surprised. "It's something along those lines. That's why I suspect Laugh Tale might contain a complete Poneglyph inscription. You know I'd be very interested in that."
"If the opportunity arises, we'll get our hands on the permanent Log Pose to Laugh Tale. Then, you can see it for yourself," Claudius said with a casual wave of his hand before returning to his work.
(To be continued.)
***
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