One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 237: Tangled Claudius

After confirming the plan, Sengoku stated that he would dispatch personnel to Water Seven as soon as possible to deliver the seastone environmental fusion technology to Tom. Tom would then collaborate with members of the Marine Science Division to develop a new generation of sea trains. The goal was to implement this project in the Calm Belt as quickly as possible.

The Aqua Laguna arrived two days earlier than usual this year. The heavy rain hadn't stopped, and the tsunami was already roaring. Standing in the tallest building in Water Seven, Claudius marveled at the massive waves generated by the Aqua Laguna.

What surprised him even more was the tsunami's peculiar behavior.

Instead of a single wave crashing head-on, it created a panoramic scene where huge waves rose all around the city, eventually converging in the heart of Water Seven.

"This is incredible," Claudius muttered in amazement. "For a city like Water Seven to withstand this year after year without sinking into the ocean, it's as if it's truly protected by the gods."

At first, Claudius thought the massive tsunamis would collide violently within Water Seven, but to his surprise, the city's intricate waterway system dramatically reduced the impact. By the time the waves reached the lower three levels of the city, most of their force had been dispersed. Instead of a catastrophic collision, the lower levels were merely submerged, with no significant destruction.

Claudius didn't understand the science behind it, but he couldn't help but feel impressed. "This is on another level. A city of water that has stood strong for centuries, it's unbelievable."

The tsunami flooded the lower three levels of Water Seven, and due to the rising sea levels during this period, the tides wouldn't recede until Aqua Laguna subsided completely in a few days. Aside from the breathtaking view of the initial tsunami, there wasn't much to see afterward.

Smaller waves would continue rolling in, but they posed no real danger. From his vantage point, Claudius could even spot thrill-seekers surfing amidst the choppy waters.

"This sea really is full of strange people," Claudius murmured to himself.

After lingering in Water Seven for a few more days, the Prometheus, a massive sailing warship, finally departed the city. Its next destination was the prehistoric island, Little Garden.

For some reason, the sailors couldn't shake off a strange feeling of familiarity about the route they were taking.

Sitting in the ship's spacious library, Claudius held an atlas filled with detailed information about ancient creatures, most notably dinosaurs. The book featured descriptions and stunning illustrations of various dinosaurs, even including photos taken on the prehistoric island.

However, Claudius seemed distracted. Though his eyes were fixed on the pages, he didn't flip to the next one for nearly half an hour. His thoughts clearly weren't on the book in front of him.

Robin, who had grown into a young woman by this time, was also in the library. She wore a lavender knit sweater, her figure already fully developed. She had added a pair of black-rimmed glasses to her usual attire, a simple combination of jeans and sneakers, perhaps to match her scholarly demeanor.

"Doflamingo?" Robin asked, her brow furrowing. "Don't you two get along well? Did something happen?"

Claudius let out a soft laugh and shook his head. "No, nothing like that. I just feel... a little guilty."

Robin tilted her head slightly, clearly intrigued, but before her curiosity could deepen, Claudius made up his mind. "Hesitating isn't like me. I'll just call him."

Though she was still curious about his cryptic words, Robin decided not to press further. Her momentary interest in his mood had already faded. She nodded and picked up the book Claudius had set down, retreating back to her reading.

Claudius, meanwhile, picked up his transponder snail and called Doflamingo.

Since the events on Minion Island, he had avoided contacting his younger cousin. Deep down, he didn't know how to face him.

Even though Claudius hadn't directly plotted against Doflamingo, he couldn't deny his role in Rosinante's death. He could have intervened and changed the outcome, but he had chosen not to.

The memory of Stussy telling him about how Doflamingo had cradled Rosinante's body and wept still lingered in his mind, filling him with an unshakable sense of guilt. Though Doflamingo likely had no idea about Claudius's involvement, the weight of it was something Claudius couldn't ignore.

When the call connected, Doflamingo's surprised voice came through. "Cousin?"

"It's me," Claudius said softly before forcing a more cheerful tone. "How have you been?"

Doflamingo chuckled. "Business is good, the crew is strong, and our influence in the underworld is growing steadily. Even the pirate business is booming."

"Good, good," Claudius said with a faint smile. He already knew all of this, having kept tabs on Doflamingo despite their lack of contact.

After a brief pause, Doflamingo added, "Cousin... were you worried about me?"

"...Yes," Claudius admitted after a moment's hesitation.

Doflamingo sighed, then let out a soft laugh. "It was hard at first, but I've moved on now."