One Piece: King of the World

A few months passed quickly, and Mariejois, the Holy Land, became bustling with activity. Royal families from all over the world had begun arriving, gathering for the imminent World Summit.

At the port below Mariejois, luxurious fleets frequently docked. While some royals preferred to travel aboard Marine warships for safety, most arrived with their own grand fleets, escorted by their warships. For many, the World Summit wasn't just about diplomacy, it was also a stage to display their nation's strength and wealth. Their fleets reflected this, showcasing the most high-end ships to signify their power and prestige.

The Social Square in Pangaea Castle was already teeming with royals, mingling and chatting with one another. The Summit had essentially turned into a massive open-air aristocratic banquet. Even those nations with deep rivalries had representatives present, attempting to maintain decorum.

As the gathering continued, the doors of the House of God swung open, and Claudius emerged with his entourage.

Claudius was dressed impeccably, wearing an expensive white suit paired with a dark brown coat. His short blond hair was neatly styled, and perched on the bridge of his nose were a pair of refined black-framed glasses. A pen clipped to his chest pocket added to his noble appearance, lending him an air of elegance that far exceeded the average Celestial Dragon.

What drew even more attention, however, was the ornate cane he carried in his hand. While it wasn't necessary, the cane somehow enhanced his already sophisticated demeanor, making him appear even more dignified.

By his side was Stussy, equally dressed to impress. She wore a white hat adorned with a blooming flower, a delicate white waistcoat draped over her shoulders, and a delicate orange dress that accentuated her figure. A string of green jade beads adorned her wrist, and she carried a small handbag in her hand. Her slender waist, complemented by her full curves and red high heels, radiated charm and elegance.

Behind them was Nia, the ever-stoic butler, dressed in her usual maid outfit. Her cold expression showed no sign of emotion as she quietly followed Claudius. A group of guards and attendants dressed in black suits and sunglasses trailed behind them, completing the entourage.

The Social Square, located within Pangaea Castle and directly opposite the House of God, buzzed with activity as Claudius and his party appeared. Claudius was headed toward the port, responding to a call from Vice Admiral Garp. Garp had informed him that he was escorting the royal family of Fish-Man Island and asked if Claudius had any plans regarding their arrival.

After some thought, Claudius decided it was an opportunity to make a statement. The World Summit was a critical platform for Fish-Man Island to assert its standing among the nations. Claudius intended to publicly demonstrate his support for the island by personally welcoming King Neptune and his delegation. It was a calculated move to bolster their confidence and send a clear message to the other royal families: Fish-Man Island was under Claudius's protection.

As Claudius entered the Social Square, the gathered royals fell silent.

Claudius's presence carried an air of mystery. Few had ever seen him before, as no official portraits existed. Yet, his striking appearance and the sheer confidence of his entourage left no doubt that he was someone of extraordinary status.

Before anyone could question his identity, one of the black-suited attendants stepped forward and loudly declared, "Presenting Saint Donquixote-Claudius!"

The name sent ripples of shock through the crowd. In an instant, the square fell into complete silence as the royals parted to make way for Claudius, forming a clear path. Heads bowed, and no one dared to meet his gaze or look directly at him.

As Claudius walked through the square, the royals on either side knelt in deference.

Technically, during the World Summit, royal families weren't required to bow to the Celestial Dragons. However, the weight of Claudius's reputation was enough to make them cast aside protocol. Stories of the upheaval in Mariejois, during which Claudius had forced the Celestial Dragons to temporarily flee, had left a lasting impression. None of the royals were willing to take the risk of provoking him.

Claudius adjusted his glasses with a calm motion and said softly, "There's no need for this. Please, rise."

Though his tone was composed, it carried an undeniable authority. The royals obeyed, standing cautiously but avoiding any movement that might seem disrespectful. They didn't even dare brush the dust from their knees, afraid that even the slightest disturbance might offend the infamous "Demon King of Mariejois."

"Welcome to Mariejois," Claudius said casually. "I hope this World Summit yields results that satisfy you all."

His words were polite enough, but the tense atmosphere persisted. None of the royals dared to respond, so Claudius, finding it dull, decided to leave it at that. Holding his cane, he strolled through the square with a composed demeanor, exiting Pangaea Castle and heading for the port.

Only after Claudius and his entourage had completely left their sight did the gathered royals relax. The square, once tense and silent, slowly returned to its former liveliness.

"That was Saint Claudius. He looks nothing like the other Celestial Dragons."

"Did you feel that aura? I could barely stand when he passed by. His presence is overwhelming."

"Such a high-ranking Celestial Dragon… his demeanor is extraordinary. I thought I was impressive, but standing near him made me feel insignificant."

"I heard he might participate in this year's World Summit as well."

"Of course, he's the leader of the legendary CP-X. I've never seen him before today, but I've heard plenty of stories."

"What kind of person is he?"

"From what I've heard, his temper is… not the best. Otherwise, why would he have such a fearsome reputation?"

"In that case, we should tread carefully and make sure not to offend him."

"Exactly. Rumor has it that when he's angry, even other Celestial Dragons fear him. If we offend him, we might not even leave Mariejois alive."

Claudius, of course, was unaware of how intimidating his reputation was to the gathered royals. In his mind, he considered himself approachable—reasonable, even.

Meanwhile, as Claudius headed to the port to personally welcome the delegation from Fish-Man Island, another scene unfolded elsewhere in Mariejois. Deep within the "Holy Land," atop the Void Throne—a symbol of supposed equality among nations—a figure sat in silence.

This figure, their face obscured, radiated an air of mystery and authority.

Beneath the Void Throne knelt the Five Elders, the highest-ranking members of the World Government. Despite their immense power and influence, they bowed low in submission, greeting the figure with the utmost reverence.

"Lord Imu," they said in unison.

Atop the throne, Imu rested languidly, a butterfly perched delicately on their fingertips. They appeared indifferent to the Five Elders, their attention fixed entirely on the tiny creature.

The Five Elders, despite their usual air of authority, dared not speak further. They remained prostrate, silent and unmoving, as though any disturbance might incur Imu's wrath.

After what seemed like an eternity, the butterfly fluttered its wings and flew away. Only then did Imu withdraw their gaze and glance down at the Five Elders.

"Has anything significant happened in the seas over the past few years?" Imu asked, their tone calm and devoid of emotion, making it impossible to discern their thoughts.

One of the Five Elders immediately responded, "Nothing major, my lord. Only minor disturbances. The seas grow more restless by the day."

"I see," Imu replied indifferently, as though the chaos of the outside world held little interest for them.

"Yes, my lord," the Five Elders said in unison, keeping their heads bowed.

Rising from the Void Throne, Imu took a step forward, their movements deliberate. The Five Elders remained kneeling, not daring to lift their heads or move until their lord had fully departed.

But after taking only a few steps, Imu paused and looked back at them.

"How is Mariejois?"

***

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