Chapter 5: The End of Sea Circle Calendar 1490?

When the desert island appeared in the view of the warship, Admirals Zephyr and Kuzan's expressions were both stunned. They saw black smoke rising from the desert island, which generally means that someone is lighting a fire on it.

"Isn't it? Is it possible that I actually bumped into that one in ten thousand probability?" Kuzan whispered in disbelief.

Zephyr's gaze flickered, and then he said, "Perhaps it really happened. Quickly, order the warship to speed up!"

"Is it possible that it was a lightning strike or something? I feel that even if thunder fell to ignite the trees of Yamanaka... the probability is higher than the chance of Saint Claudius being alive..." Kuzan mused, smacking his lips.

"Whatever it is, I have to go up and have a look!" Zephyr nodded and said quickly.

Then the huge warship sailed towards the desert island at very fast speed.

At this time on the top of the mountain, Claudius was grilling the huge wild boar meat he brought back, while observing the surrounding sea from the highest point on the island. As far as he could see, he also found several warships moving fast, heading towards his direction.

Taking a bite of the wild boar that tasted very unpalatable, Claudius sighed softly and murmured, "Well, it's worth waiting for so long. Are those bastards finally willing to send someone to 'save me'? Or... send someone to officially confirm my death?"

There was no rush. Claudius, being a Celestial Dragon, didn't feel the need to hurry to meet the warship that came for his rescue. He just sat there calmly, waiting. It was enough for them to come and see him. Although this behavior seemed arrogant, it was befitting of a Celestial Dragon's status.

Therefore, Claudius continued to sit there calmly, no longer eating the unappetizing wild boar. After all, once he was on a warship, he could enjoy food that tasted better than this.

The Marine's warship quickly arrived on the shore of the desert island, and then Admiral Zephyr, accompanied by Kuzan and a large group of marines, quickly landed on the island and ran towards the top of the smoky mountain.

When they reached the summit and had a broad view, Zephyr finally saw the mission goal of his trip. It was a figure that looked very disheveled, but there was no doubt that it was Claudius Saint who had been shipwrecked for two weeks!

When he got close to Claudius, Zephyr also slowed down his pace. In fact, he felt a bit uneasy. Although he had never seen this Claudius Saint before, he had heard of him. After all, he ate a Devil Fruit. Celestial Dragons had their fair share of rumors.

Among the various rumors, it was said that although this Claudius Saint was young, he was considered a waste. He was not capable and had a very bad temper. The Marines only came to the rescue after two weeks. Zephyr couldn't help but wonder how angry the old master Claudius might be, and if they would face some unpleasant consequences when they met him.

Approaching with some anxiety, Zephyr looked at Claudius, who was looking back at him. Zephyr swallowed and said softly, "Claudius, I'm sorry for what you've been through. As the Admiral of Headquarters, I deliberately led the fleet to come to your rescue. I'm glad to see you're well."

When Zephyr saw Claudius, Claudius naturally saw Zephyr. When their eyes met, Claudius felt that this guy was familiar, and he had some guesses in his heart. As expected, it was really the famous Marine Admiral, Zephyr!

As Zephyr spoke, he bowed respectfully. As a Marine Admiral, the World Government would still grant some respect, and the Celestial Dragons naturally reciprocated, so there was no need for them to kneel down.

However, Rear Admiral Kuzan next to Zephyr and the other Marine soldiers did not receive the same treatment. Although he felt a little unhappy, Kuzan lowered his head and prepared to give a formal salute.

However, at that moment, Claudius said softly, "Generals can be excused. There's no need for formality."

At his words, Zephyr and Kuzan were stunned, and some Marine officers were also surprised. As for the other soldiers, they remained respectfully bowed on the ground before their Celestial Dragon master.

Watching this scene, Claudius's heart was quite complicated. Although there were often people kneeling to please him in his memory, it was just a memory. The real scene was the first time he saw it now, and those who kneeled were all Marines, carrying out justice at sea and upholding the banner of justice. It showed how subservient Marines were in front of Celestial Dragons, and how arrogant Celestial Dragons could be.

As for exempting Kuzan and others from the formal salute, Claudius weighed it in his heart. If they gave him a formal salute, besides feeling a bit pleased with himself, he wouldn't gain any real benefit. Not only that, it would likely cause Kuzan some discomfort in his heart.

As for Kuzan, a man with potential who would likely become a Marine Admiral in the future, Claudius still admired him a little. Rather than making him kneel down and feel aggrieved, it was better to subtly sell him a favor. It wouldn't be so awkward when they met in the future.

Seeing Zephyr and Kuzan's somewhat surprised expressions, Claudius waved his hand and said, "Well, Your Highness is grateful for your efforts in finding this deserted island and coming to rescue me. This wretched place, I don't want to spend another second here. Lead the way; I want to return to Mariejois!"

Not only was Claudius not embarrassed or cursing, he was quite gracious in avoiding their formalities, which truly surprised Zephyr, the Marine Admiral who had prepared for the worst.

But now that Saint Claudius had spoken, Zephyr dared not delay. He nodded quickly and said, "Please, Saint Claudius, come with me. We Marines will do our utmost to escort you back to Mariejois."

While speaking, Zephyr glanced at the roasted wild boar meat and observed the surrounding environment. It seemed that there were still a lot of bones. It appeared that the Celestial Dragon master had indeed been self-reliant on this desert island during this period.

"I always feel that Claudius's image is different from the rumored image. He doesn't have the usual arrogant and domineering demeanor of ordinary Celestial Dragons," Kuzan thought to himself.

Indeed, Claudius didn't want to stay on this desert island for another second. He just wanted to return to Mariejois quickly and enjoy the luxurious life he remembered.

Soon, after Claudius boarded the warship, under Zephyr's orders, the Marine fleet began moving towards the Red Line at a very fast speed, heading for the Holy Land, Mariejois.

At the same time, Naval Headquarters and the

 Holy Land, Mariejois, also received contact via Den Den Mushi from Zephyr, and news about the successful rescue of Celestial Dragons and Claudius Sanctuary, who had been shipwrecked two weeks ago, quickly reached the ears of relevant individuals.

But no one who knew of such a thing was not surprised.

"Well, that's right. Claudius is the only survivor. For the specifics, after I return to Marineford, I'll discuss it with you, Sengoku," Zephyr whispered into the Den Den Mushi, and without waiting for Sengoku's response, he hung up naturally.

At that moment, Kuzan in the cabin was very curious and asked, "Mr. Zephyr, I always feel that this Claudius Saint does not match the rumored image?"

Zephyr rubbed his chin, nodded as he listened to Kuzan's words, and then said, "It is indeed a bit different, and the Celestial Dragons I have encountered before are not like this. But... maybe the recent ordeal has affected him in some way, right? That could be why..."

After a brief pause, Zephyr shook his head, chuckled, and said, "Why dwell on it? Just get Saint Claudius back to Mariejois. Maybe we won't ever have to see each other again, so don't overthink it."

Kuzan nodded at the words, smiling as he said, "It seems so, hahaha. But because I rarely encounter Celestial Dragons, I can't help but be curious."

"This time is an exception. When you really meet those... masters, maybe you'll never want to see Celestial Dragons again," Zephyr smiled and said.

At the same time, in a cabin of the warship, Claudius was soaking his body in a bathtub, enjoying the long-lost comfort.

Although Claudius had managed to find a water source to clean himself on that damned deserted island, he couldn't obtain any toiletries. Therefore, he was grateful for the luxurious bath aboard the ship. It was a relief from the filth he had endured.

"Zephyr and Kuzan are here... well, I feel relieved now. With the two of them, how can I not be safely sent back to Mariejois?" Claudius whispered softly.

Though he hadn't exchanged a word with Kuzan, Claudius recognized him at first sight. After all, his height was quite distinctive.

After enjoying the bath and relieving the fatigue of the past few weeks, Claudius stood up, walked to the bathroom mirror, and took a look at himself.

"I've changed somewhat from two weeks ago," Claudius mused as he touched the fat on his stomach.

If two weeks ago he was still a fat and greasy Celestial Dragon, now although he still had some fat, his appearance wasn't as repulsive. He had indeed lost some weight, and his arms and calves had gained some muscle.

"If I continue exercising, I might be able to shed the 'greasy' label," Claudius smiled to himself.

Feeling lighter after donning the luxurious clothes that the Marines had specially prepared for him, Claudius couldn't help but wonder if the two weeks of doing nothing on the island were spent decorating this warship.

Without looking back, he said to the Marine standing outside his door, "Go and prepare a good lunch for me, and then invite Admiral Zephyr to join me."

The Marine soldier didn't dare to object and quickly replied, "Yes, Saint Claudius. Please wait a moment; I will convey your request."

Claudius nodded and waited for the Marine to leave. He picked up the teacup that had been poured on the table, took a sip of hot tea, and murmured, "At the end of Sea Circle Calendar 1490... I know some things, but I still need to confirm them with Zephyr."