One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 249: Just?

While Claudius was enjoying a relaxing vacation with his companions, Spandine was aboard a sea train, sitting in a luxurious VIP private room, frowning as he reviewed the documents in his hands.

Every sea train had such exclusive private rooms, designed for nobles and high-ranking officials. As the foremost loyal subordinate of Claudius, and since the sea train network was built by CP-X, Spandine naturally had the privilege to enjoy such accommodations.

Dressed in a sharp black suit, Spandine exuded an air of authority and reliability. When he wasn't around Claudius, he actually looked quite respectable, far from the sycophantic image he portrayed in front of his master.

Across from him sat Rob Lucci, his expression as cold as ever. With his sharp, godlike features, he wore a spotless black suit, complete with a neat tie and a top hat. On his shoulder perched a little pigeon, also dressed in a tiny suit.

Spandine carefully read through the report that Lucci had handed him before asking seriously, "Lucci, are you certain about this?"

Lucci remained still, not uttering a word, but the pigeon on his shoulder spoke instead: "Kalifa and the others handled this matter. The intelligence is reliable, and there's been no leak. I made sure to deliver it to you as soon as possible."

Spandine was well aware that the pigeon wasn't alive but was just an outlet for Lucci's odd hobby, his ventriloquism. He didn't particularly care, though. Instead, he mulled over the situation before ordering, "Classify this as top secret. Destroy all operational data. Inform your team that this investigation never happened. Understood?"

The pigeon responded once again, "No need to tell me, I've already made those arrangements."

Spandine didn't mind Lucci's dismissive tone. He was long accustomed to it.

Satisfied with Lucci's response, Spandine glanced back at the document.

It contained startling information: Tom, the legendary shipwright of Water 7, was highly likely to possess the blueprints for the Ancient Weapon Pluton!

CP-X, Spandine's unit, often operated on behalf of the World Government. Their missions came directly from the higher-ups, including the Five Elders themselves. Claudius rarely needed to intervene in such matters, as Spandine handled these assignments independently.

The World Government had been searching for the Ancient Weapons for a long time. As tensions at sea escalated and the balance of power became increasingly precarious, there had been a growing push within the government to shift from suppressing and hiding the Ancient Weapons to actively locating and utilizing them.

Of the three Ancient Weapons, Uranus was the World Government's ultimate trump card, seldom deployed. Poseidon was tied to the royal lineage of Fish-Man Island, and due to recent lack of contact, the World Government had no clear information on its status.

That left Pluton, the ancient warship whose destructive capabilities were well-documented in World Government records. They had long desired to locate and control it.

The task of finding these weapons was shared across Marine forces, the Cipher Pol organizations, and CP-X. Yet, despite their efforts, there had been little progress, until now.

Spandine was stunned by this discovery. If the blueprints for Pluton were indeed in Tom's hands, this was no small matter.

Claudius was pleased. "Very good, Spandine. Do you know what I like most about you?"

"Your Highness likes my obedience?" Spandine guessed.

"No, I like that you're smart. You know how to balance things and act appropriately. By the way, how old is your son now?" Claudius asked, suddenly changing the topic.

Spandine was delighted. "He's twenty this year. His name is Spandam. Your Highness even remembers his name!"

Claudius chuckled. "Twenty, huh? Not too young. Do you think he's ready for a position?"

Spandine hesitated, reluctant to sound overly self-serving. "Your Highness, to be honest, he's not very capable..."

"Hehehe, at least you're honest," Claudius said, amused.

"How could I dare lie to Your Highness?" Spandine replied humbly.

"Fine, when I return to Mariejois, send him over. He can start with some basic duties, serving tea and running errands."

"Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you for your kindness!" Spandine said, overjoyed.

Claudius shifted back to the original topic. "As for Tom and Water 7, if you've uncovered this, it means others might too. Tie up all loose ends and ensure no other organizations get wind of this. Understood?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Spandine replied immediately.

"Report to the World Government that the whereabouts of Pluton might be in Alabasta," Claudius instructed.

"Yes, Your Highness!" Spandine acknowledged without hesitation.

"Good. And Spandine, tone down your arrogance. The CP agencies have complained about you several times. Watch your attitude."

"Yes, Your Highness. I'll improve," Spandine promised quickly.

***

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