One Piece: King of the World

Claudius hadn't seen Sakazuki in quite some time. When he finally did, he couldn't help but feel amused.

The last time they had worked together was back on Whole Cake Island. Back then, Sakazuki had charged in like a raging beast, directly facing off against Big Mom, a true display of unrelenting aggression.

Though he had suffered severe injuries in the end, there was no denying that Sakazuki had played the role of a frontline tank perfectly. He was fearless, unyielding, and never backed down.

Of course, Claudius liked people like that.

Why?

Because now, they were about to go up against Whitebeard, the strongest man in the world, an even greater threat than Charlotte Linlin.

In terms of sheer durability, Charlotte Linlin was likely superior to Whitebeard.

But when it came to raw offensive power, there was no comparison, Whitebeard was on an entirely different level.

Now, as they prepared to engage this high-damage boss, what was Marine missing?

A tank, of course.

And who better for the role than Sakazuki?

---

Claudius took a sip of tea, then smiled as he addressed him.

"Sakazuki, it's been a while.

How have you been?

We're about to go to war with Whitebeard and the entire Whitebeard Pirates.

You're one of the Marine Admirals, you'll be a key player in this battle.

Make sure you're in peak condition. If you need to delegate more tasks to your subordinates, do it.

You need to be at your absolute best."

There was no way for Sakazuki to know just how manipulative Claudius was being.

He was too straightforward, too direct.

So, to him, this simply sounded like genuine concern from an old comrade.

The usually grim-faced Admiral even attempted a stiff smile, though it looked more like he was in pain than anything else.

With a nod, he responded, "I appreciate your concern, Your Highness. Rest assured, I'm in top condition. I'm ready to head to the battlefield at any time!"

"Ahahahaha! That's the spirit!" Claudius laughed.

"This is what I expect from a Marine Admiral, fierce, determined, never compromising, always striking evil down with full force!"

Sakazuki nodded solemnly, his sense of duty unwavering.

"A soldier's duty is to protect the seas and eradicate evil. That is my lifelong mission!"

Claudius smirked. "I like that attitude.

Sengoku is getting older. In a few years, he'll probably retire.

When the time comes, I think you have the best chance of succeeding him.

So, keep working hard—make sure you prove yourself!"

Sakazuki's expression became serious. He didn't bother hiding his ambition.

Across the room, Sengoku let out a long sigh.

"Seriously, Your Highness? Kong hasn't even retired yet, and you're already calling me old?"

Since taking on the role of Fleet Admiral, Sengoku had worked closely with Claudius, and Marine Headquarters had grown stronger than ever.

His leadership, combined with the overwhelming support Claudius provided, had increased his prestige significantly.

He had personally led the takedown of Charlotte Linlin, further solidifying his reputation.

Within this timeline, Marine Headquarters had undergone drastic changes.

In the past, due to the chaotic state of the seas and the lack of major victories, Marine influence had remained relatively weak.

This had resulted in deep internal divisions, factions constantly at odds, each pushing their own vision of justice.

Sakazuki and Kuzan had been the most divided, with their ideologies clashing openly.

But now, things were different.

With a clear leadership structure and a rapidly expanding force, there was no time for infighting.

Though Sakazuki and Kuzan still held different views, they were no longer bitter rivals.

The once-divisive struggles for control had settled, and the unity within Marine Headquarters had solidified under Sengoku's command.

Because of this, when Claudius made his playful remark about Sakazuki's future promotion, Sengoku didn't feel offended, he simply saw it as friendly teasing.

---

Kong chuckled. "Well, well, looks like my wings have gotten old, huh?

Tell you what, if you actually manage to take down Whitebeard this time, I will retire and hand you my position as Supreme Commander!"

Sengoku waved his hand dismissively. "No thanks, I'm not that ambitious."

Meanwhile, a different figure sat silently in the room—Gis.

The masked CP official remained quiet, but under his mask, his expression was shifting rapidly.

"Commander-in-Chief of the entire military… that's the position I want."

But seeing how Marine Headquarters was dominating the discussion, he realized just how much influence Claudius had given them.

The odds of him securing that position… were shrinking.

---

Claudius shifted the conversation.

"Alright, enough about that.

Let's talk about Newgate.

They call him the Strongest Man in the World.

His strength must be something else, huh?

I've never fought him myself, but Marine Headquarters must have experience with him."

After a brief pause, Claudius turned to Sakazuki with a grin.

"Marine Admirals represent the highest combat power of the World Government.

Sakazuki, what's your assessment of Whitebeard?

Think you can take him?"

Sakazuki furrowed his brows slightly.

As an Admiral, he had absolute confidence in his strength.

But he wasn't arrogant enough to claim he was the strongest in the world.

So, after a moment of thought, he replied,

"I'd say… we're about even."

Claudius blinked.

Something about that answer felt oddly familiar...

"Is he seriously pulling a 'We go 50-50' line right now?"

He almost expected Sakazuki to follow up with "But he's often single-killed by me."

Feigning relief, Claudius nodded.

"Ah, so you can handle him.

That puts my mind at ease.

I'll leave the main assault to you, then.

We'll back you up, let's take him down in one go!"

Sakazuki's blood boiled at the thought.

He didn't care if there was some hidden catch in Claudius' words.

Even if Claudius hadn't assigned him the role, he would have thrown himself into the front lines anyway.

There was no way he could stand by and do nothing while Whitebeard stood before him!

So, the moment Claudius finished speaking, Sakazuki straightened his back and declared,

"Your Highness, you have my word, I will bring you Whitebeard's head!"

Claudius burst into laughter.

"Hahahaha! That's the kind of talk I like to hear!"

Across the table, Sengoku shook his head helplessly.

"Sakazuki is still too young. And Claudius… he's completely shameless."

Was he seriously just baiting Sakazuki into rushing headfirst into battle?

It was a classic case of manipulation, encouraging the hotheaded Admiral to volunteer for the most dangerous role.

But then again, Sengoku couldn't say anything.

After all, Sakazuki would charge in regardless.

And if he wanted to be at the front lines… well, why stop him?

---

As they continued chatting, Stussy quietly checked her pocket watch.

Then, leaning close to Claudius, she whispered, "Your Highness, it's almost time."

Claudius raised an eyebrow.

Sure enough, he soon heard footsteps approaching from the hallway.

Moments later, the doors swung open.

The Five Elders had arrived.

As silence filled the room, even Garp put away his senbei, his usual carefree attitude replaced with formality.

Nusjuro entered alone.

Upon seeing Claudius, he smiled.

"It's been a while. What have you been up to?"

Claudius smirked.

"Naturally, I've been busy working toward world peace."

Nusjuro chuckled.

"You always have a way with words."

Then, taking his seat, he knocked on the table and said,

"Alright, everyone's here. Let's skip the nonsense.

The meeting on the Whitebeard Pirates' crusade plan begins now."