Chapter 179: The Disaster of North Blue—The Outbreak of Amber-Lead Disease!

Tesoro truly seemed to have a talent for finance. While his initial progress was slow due to his lack of a foundation, once he grasped the basics, his growth became rapid. Over the past two years, he had absorbed knowledge that even skilled teachers might struggle to impart.

With a significant amount of spare gold in his possession, Claudius decided it was time to expand. On one hand, he planned to strengthen CP-X; on the other, he was preparing to entrust a portion of his wealth to Tesoro.

"I have a large amount of gold in my possession," Claudius said, his tone calm yet encouraging. "I'm going to hand it over to you, Tesoro. This world is vast, you should go out and see it for yourself."

Tesoro didn't hesitate, responding with conviction, "Your Highness, I promise you won't regret this."

Claudius smiled. "Good. What you choose to do with it is entirely up to you. Just remember: don't disappoint me."

Claudius's confidence in Tesoro wasn't unfounded. After years of mentoring and training, he had every reason to believe in him. Tesoro wasn't stepping out into the world empty-handed. With Claudius's backing, both financial and in terms of connections—failure seemed highly unlikely.

Of the 23 ships laden with gold under Claudius's control, five were assigned to Tesoro. Another five were handed to Stussy to further expand operations on Happy Street.

Three ships were allocated to Enel to help with his development, and two were given to Crocodile to aid his continued operations in Alabasta.

Out of the remaining eight ships, three were earmarked for Spandine to strengthen CP-X's secret service network and further infiltrate the World News. The last five ships were set aside as reserves for emergencies and for the planned joint development of the Calm Belt with the Marines.

After receiving his assignment, Tesoro left Mariejois with his wife, Stella, as well as a team of CP-X personnel. What he intended to do with the resources, Claudius left entirely up to him.

In the courtyard of his palace, Claudius sat by the pool, watching the water ripple. Without turning around, he said, "What are you staring at me for?"

Behind him stood Hancock, silent and pensive. After a moment, she asked, "What you said earlier—was it true?"

"What did I say?" Claudius replied with a faint smile.

"That you'd help Nine Snake Island's development?" Hancock asked, her voice soft but serious.

"Ah, that," Claudius said with a small laugh. "Yes, the plan is to include Nine Snake Island in the Calm Belt development. But it's not purely an act of help, it's a mutually beneficial arrangement. We need a foothold in the Calm Belt, and Nine Snake Island is an ideal location. Plus, having allies like you makes the partnership natural."

"Why did you choose Nine Snake Island?" Hancock asked, her voice quieter now.

Claudius turned to look at her, his gaze warm as he smiled. "Because of you."

Hancock's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing slightly. Before she could say anything, Claudius continued, "Don't overthink it. The truth is, I don't know of any other inhabited islands in the Calm Belt. Of course, your presence played a role too. Because of you, Nine Snake Island and I are natural allies."

"Do you think I'll help you?" Hancock asked sharply, her voice rising.

"Of course," Claudius said casually. "Won't you?"

Hancock's gaze wavered, and though she seemed flustered, she eventually nodded. "I will."

A moment later, she added in her usual haughty tone, "But don't misunderstand! I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it for Nine Snake Island. As its crown princess and first in line to the throne, I have a duty to ensure its prosperity."

"Ahahaha, then I owe my thanks to Nine Snake Island," Claudius said with a hearty laugh.

Hancock scowled at his teasing tone but said nothing. Over the time she had spent with him, she had realized that Claudius loved to poke fun at her. Yet, despite his jokes, she knew he was someone she could rely on.

After a moment of silence, Hancock asked quietly, "Like Mero and Lenny, will it be time for me and my sisters to regain our freedom when you enter the Calm Belt?"

Claudius looked at her in surprise. "Why would you think that? Haven't I already told you?"

"Told me what?" Hancock asked, her brow furrowing. She searched her memory for any mention of her freedom but came up empty.

"Didn't I say you'd never escape from the clutches of this great demon? Hahaha, don't you remember?" Claudius laughed, clearly enjoying himself.

Hancock's expression froze before her face twisted in frustration. "Claudius! With words like that, I won't help you anymore!"

"But you'll still help Nine Snake Island," Claudius said with a knowing smile.

Hancock opened her mouth to retort but found herself at a loss. Her face flushed with anger—or perhaps embarrassment—and she stormed off, her long black hair swishing behind her.

Claudius chuckled as he watched her go. "You didn't say you wanted to leave me specifically, though," he murmured to himself.

After Hancock left, Claudius remained by the pool, gazing at the swimming fish with a faintly melancholic expression. One by one, those close to him were leaving. He had already sent Lenny and Mero away, Tesoro and Stella had departed, and soon, Hancock and her sisters would leave as well. The circle around him was growing smaller.

As he lingered in this introspective mood, the phone snail in his hand suddenly rang. Glancing down, Claudius frowned slightly before picking it up.

"Spandine? What is it?" he asked.

"Your Highness," Spandine greeted, his tone respectful. "I wanted to consult you about something before proceeding."

Claudius's brow furrowed. "What's the issue?"

"There's been an incident in North Blue," Spandine began. "The Amber-lead disease in White Town—Flevance—has finally been exposed. A large-scale epidemic has broken out, and the situation has spiraled into riots. The CP agency has been tasked with handling the matter and has requested CP-X's assistance. Should we get involved?"

Claudius was silent for a moment before responding in a low voice, "If it's not absolutely necessary, don't involve yourself. Focus your efforts on finding the Mera-Mera Fruit instead."

"Understood, Your Highness," Spandine replied immediately. "I'll decline the request."