Chapter 247 - Welcome to CP-X!

Fujitora smiled to himself.

At this moment, he found himself genuinely intrigued by CP-X—or at least by the version of CP-X that Claudius had described.

It didn't sound like a purely violent organization, but rather one that worked quietly behind the scenes to benefit the people. The idea that a faction of the Celestial Dragons could represent the will of the World Government for reform? That was something remarkable, almost destined.

The only thing holding him back was the thought of the Marines. If he joined CP-X, wouldn't that mean he was giving up any future with the Marines?

For years, Fujitora had dreamed of joining the Marines, upholding justice and protecting the innocent. That aspiration had been a driving force in his life. The idea of abandoning it entirely stirred a faint sense of reluctance.

But the thought of CP-X kindled an unfamiliar enthusiasm within him. After all, joining CP-X would still be a way of serving justice, wouldn't it?

It wasn't that he doubted Claudius, how could someone of such high status need to trick him? Fujitora was confident in his own abilities, but he wasn't so conceited as to think he was the most important person in the world. A Celestial Dragon had no reason to spin an elaborate tale just to deceive him.

Besides, he could always approach this cautiously. He could join CP-X, observe its operations firsthand, and make a decision from there. If CP-X turned out to be a morally bankrupt organization focused only on maintaining the World Government's authority, then he could always walk away. And if it came to that… well, joining the Revolutionary Army might still be an option.

Yes, that was the plan.

What Fujitora couldn't have known, however, was that Claudius already had certain ties to Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army. If Fujitora had stopped to consider Claudius's words more deeply, he might have realized that Claudius, a Celestial Dragon who kept pirate allies, might also have connections to revolutionaries.

But that possibility was too far-fetched to be believed. It never even crossed his mind.

Having made up his mind, Fujitora prepared to express his willingness to join CP-X.

However, before he could speak, Claudius beat him to it, sighing regretfully. "Everything I just said was simply for the sake of conversation. I hope you don't take it the wrong way. If you're not interested in CP-X, I won't pressure you to join. After all, a forced outcome rarely yields sweet results."

Fujitora froze, dumbfounded. Was this some kind of joke? After all that talk, Claudius was going to act indifferent now? Where was his persistence? His integrity?

A forced outcome might not be sweet, but it certainly quenches thirst!

The truth was, Claudius didn't feel the need to force Fujitora to join CP-X. He saw the blind swordsman as a man of lofty ideals, someone who shared similar aspirations for justice. Even if Fujitora didn't join, Claudius still regarded him as a potential ally.

Simply introducing CP-X and its principles had been enough. Claudius believed his influence would leave a lasting impression on Fujitora.

What Claudius didn't realize, however, was that he'd left much more than just an impression, he'd nearly convinced Fujitora to bow and swear allegiance on the spot.

As Claudius finished speaking, he noticed Fujitora's expression, a mixture of surprise, confusion, and even disbelief.

Claudius hesitated. Did I say something wrong? Everything I said felt perfectly reasonable. I even went out of my way to leave room for mutual respect. Why does he look so stunned?

Does he really think all Celestial Dragons are arrogant, manipulative scoundrels who only resort to coercion? Wait… is that how we actually come across?

Claudius's thoughts paused. Or could it be that this guy was moved by what I said? Is he really this straightforward?

Fujitora's reputation preceded him. He was known as a man of strong will, someone who had once risked everything on the slim chance of becoming a Marine Admiral. It was that same strong will that had led to his ongoing conflict with Sakazuki. Claudius found this kind of determination admirable but had underestimated how well it aligned with his own ideals.

Still, Claudius wasn't entirely sure how to proceed. He felt as though backtracking might compromise his own dignity, but he couldn't just leave things hanging awkwardly.

Fortunately, Nia who had served Claudius for years, immediately picked up on the situation. As an experienced and perceptive attendant, she spoke up in a soft tone. "Your Highness, you seem to admire Lord Fujitora greatly. Meeting such a talented individual amidst the vastness of the seas is no small opportunity. Wouldn't it be worth helping him, perhaps by recommending him to the Marines?"

Nia's suggestion provided a graceful way forward. Claudius gave her a subtle look of approval before turning his attention back to Fujitora.

Fujitora, meanwhile, was momentarily stunned. Was he really this sought after?

Claudius nodded and said, "Nia makes a fair point. Whether you join CP-X or the Marines, you'd still be working for the World Government and striving to make the world a better place.

"I do have some influence within the Marines. If you're interested, I could recommend you for a position, though I'm afraid the best I could manage is getting you appointed as a Rear Admiral. Beyond that…" Claudius trailed off, shaking his head slightly.

Rear Admiral? Fujitora's heart stirred. Claudius's words carried a casual tone, but they revealed just how much power and influence he wielded.

After a brief pause, Claudius's eyes lit up. "You know, CP-X and the Marines frequently work together. If you're hesitant, you don't need to rush. Join CP-X for now, and when the time is right, I'll help you build the trust and qualifications you need to transfer to the Marines. Who knows? You might even become an Admiral one day!"

Claudius chuckled, clearly joking, but Fujitora found his words oddly compelling. This was the best of both worlds, wasn't it? Joining CP-X would allow him to test the waters, and if it didn't align with his ideals, he could still leave. On the other hand, if CP-X turned out to be the organization he hoped it was, then he'd have no reason to go anywhere else.

Having thought it through, Fujitora smiled and said, "Your Highness Claudius, after all you've said, how could I refuse? To do so would make me seem ungrateful."

"Hahaha! That's excellent to hear," Claudius replied with a grin. He extended his hand. "Welcome to CP-X."

Fujitora clasped Claudius's hand with a firm grip, sealing their agreement. In that moment, a new superior-subordinate relationship was born.

***

For every 200 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on patreon to read 50+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves.