Chapter 198: The Seven Warlords of the Sea Summoning Order

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, within the headquarters of the World Government, the Five Elders were gathered, deep in discussion.

"Sengoku is making an effort to establish himself," said the bald elder softly.

"The plan he presented does seem feasible," added the elder with a long mustache.

After a brief exchange of opinions, the blond elder concluded, "Let them meet and refine the proposal further. If it holds up, we'll approve it. This could open a pathway for us into the New World."

With that, the Five Elders gave preliminary approval to Sengoku's plan to strengthen Marine operations. They also instructed Claudius to cooperate with the Marines when appropriate. The aim was to organize joint missions to counterbalance the growing chaos after the fall of Charlotte Linlin's Big Mom Pirates.

Following the directive from the Five Elders, Claudius issued the Seven Warlords of the Sea summoning order for the first time. This was an unprecedented move, calling together Doflamingo, Crocodile, Bartholomew Kuma, and Dracule Mihawk. Additionally, Enel and Tesoro were included as unofficial participants.

Though Charlotte Linlin's tea party invitations had already been sent out, the event itself was still months away, scheduled for the latter half of the year.

Claudius understood the importance of such events. The Big Mom Pirates weren't just inviting Tesoro; many influential figures in the underworld had also been called. Allowing enough time for everyone to prepare was both strategic and a show of respect. It was impossible to expect such prominent figures to drop everything and show up within days of receiving an invitation.

By giving everyone six months' notice, Charlotte Linlin was allowing them to adjust their schedules accordingly while also asserting her own influence.

For Claudius and Sengoku, this delay was advantageous. It gave them ample time to develop a comprehensive plan before making their move against Charlotte Linlin and her territories.

As the preparations continued, Crocodile, Doflamingo, and others began to arrive at Mariejois. Mihawk, who was already nearby, was the first to appear. Kuma didn't need to travel as he was stationed at Marineford. Enel's involvement was voluntary, as he wasn't officially part of the Seven Warlords system, but he chose to join the group for this mission.

The only one feeling awkward was Tesoro. His recent interactions with Claudius had been tense due to a misunderstanding. Tesoro, uncomfortable with some rumors, had repeatedly clarified to Claudius that he had no intention of becoming Charlotte Linlin's ally or potential son-in-law. Claudius, amused by the situation, assured Tesoro that he had never doubted him in the first place.

With the group assembled, Claudius led them, including Mihawk and Tesoro, to Marineford. Over the past months, Claudius had frequently traveled there and had grown accustomed to the route. Instead of taking a ship, they boarded the sea train, which was both faster and more efficient.

At this moment, Claudius stood outside a private compartment of the train, smiling as he spoke into a Den Den Mushi.

Inside the compartment, Doflamingo and Crocodile sat across from each other, playing chess. Although they didn't particularly like each other, their hostility hadn't reached the point of open conflict. Their chess game was evenly matched, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage.

Mihawk, sitting nearby, occasionally offered unsolicited advice, much to the irritation of both players. "If you're not playing, then stay quiet," they snapped at him.

Stussy, seated gracefully by the window, observed the lively scene with a faint smile. Peeling an orange, she handed the slices to Claudius while casually discussing underworld affairs with Tesoro.

"You're asking me what this is about? Didn't Kuma tell you?" Claudius asked over the Den Den Mushi, a playful tone in his voice.

"You know how difficult it is for him to contact me from Marineford," came the reply. "He only managed to inform me that you've activated the Seven Warlords summoning order. So, what's the plan?"

Claudius chuckled. "Of course, it's a major operation!"

On the other end of the line, Dragon sighed in frustration. "No kidding. The Seven Warlords, CP-X, and Naval Headquarters all involved, this is obviously something huge. What exactly are you up to?"

Claudius smirked. "Relax, it has nothing to do with your Revolutionary Army. For now, your issues fall under the jurisdiction of the CP organization. Neither CP-X nor Naval Headquarters is currently concerned with you. Go about your business."

Dragon remained skeptical. "Should I be relieved by that?"

"Of course! Just pray this assignment doesn't land in my lap; otherwise, you'll be in trouble!" Claudius teased, laughing.

Dragon, unimpressed, asked directly, "Is there anything in this for the Revolutionary Army?"

Claudius raised an eyebrow. "You've got guts, trying to profit off this situation when Naval Headquarters is involved. Aren't you afraid of getting caught in the crossfire?"

Dragon replied nonchalantly, "Isn't that what you're here for? To make sure we don't get burned?"

Claudius muttered under his breath, "You really do trust me, don't you?"

Returning to the topic, he added, "Alright, here's the deal: we're planning a strike against the Big Mom Pirates. Whether or not we manage to take out that old witch, we'll definitely hit her hard. Totto Land might collapse in the aftermath. If your Revolutionary Army is interested, you can swoop in and take advantage of the chaos."

Dragon clicked his tongue. "So, you want us to act as cannon fodder?"

Claudius laughed. "You're the one offering. I'm just giving you the opportunity. Take it or leave it."

"I'll think about it," Dragon replied cautiously, ending the conversation on a vague note.

Switching gears, Claudius asked, "Has Kuma provided any updates on the research?"

Dragon sighed. "Not much yet. Isn't it still too early to expect results? Be patient."

"You never know. If I don't ask, you might assume I've forgotten and leave me in the dark," Claudius said casually.

"Am I that unreliable?" Dragon retorted, clearly annoyed.

"A little," Claudius replied with a grin.

Dragon, ignoring the jab, shared what he knew. "Apparently, Marine's scientific division is working on some kind of advanced war weapon. I don't have the specifics yet. Give me more time."

"Weapons of mass destruction?" Claudius murmured, deep in thought.

"It doesn't sound very humane. You're not actually planning to use something like that, are you? Show some restraint," Dragon advised cautiously.

Claudius scoffed. "Restraint? If this kind of weapon is used against pirates, who cares about humanity?"

Dragon hesitated. "What exactly do you mean?"

"I'll be in Marineford soon. Once I meet with Sengoku, I'll dig a little deeper. If the Marines really have developed something like that, I'll make sure Charlotte Linlin is the first to feel its effects," Claudius said with a cold smile.

***

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