Chapter 276: Sengoku – "That Sounds Like a Mess!"

Sengoku didn't need to meet at the library. Instead, Claudius was waiting for him at an ocean-view restaurant, prepared to have lunch together.

The entire restaurant was surrounded by a massive aquarium, creating an elegant ambiance. In fact, the aquarium itself served as the source of many of the restaurant's ingredients.

Dining here felt like eating at the bottom of the ocean, a novel experience.

Claudius was already seated, casually nibbling on some snacks. Before long, Nia entered with Sengoku.

Unlike when she had greeted Teach, where she kept a cold and distant demeanor, things were different this time. Teach was a pirate, and Nia knew that no matter what, Claudius would never truly bring that man under his command. So, she had maintained a stern expression and an aloof attitude the entire time.

Of course, Teach was shrewd enough to know his place, he could bend when necessary and endure when needed.

Sengoku, however, was another matter entirely. Nia knew he was an "old friend" of His Highness, with an unusual relationship that went beyond rank and status, they were genuine acquaintances.

Thus, her demeanor was far more welcoming now. She wore a pleasant smile and even engaged in small talk with Sengoku along the way.

Sengoku, for his part, understood very well that Nia was someone deeply trusted by Claudius. She was privy to almost everything, and in all likelihood, she was something even more significant to him. His wife? That might be a stretch. Mistress? That didn't sound quite right either. Whatever the case, men understood these things.

If Claudius had known what Sengoku was thinking, he probably would've snapped, What the hell do you know? Go deal with Tsuru first before you talk to me!

Regardless, Sengoku didn't underestimate Nia simply because she was a butler. On the contrary, he enjoyed the conversation, exchanging a few lighthearted jokes with her along the way.

Upon reaching Claudius's table, Sengoku chuckled and said, "I'm not even here yet, and you've already started eating, Your Highness?"

"I keep a strict schedule for my meals. Ever heard of obsessive-compulsive disorder?" Claudius replied with a grin, setting down the half-eaten pastry in his hand.

"I don't buy that for a second," Sengoku muttered, shaking his head.

With that, he pulled out a chair and sat across from Claudius. Nia, ever attentive, promptly refilled both their cups with hot tea.

Sengoku didn't particularly mind that Claudius had already started eating.

"Haha, I heard the Marines are planning to relocate their headquarters to G-1?" Claudius asked, smiling.

Sengoku picked up a small pastry from the table, took a bite, and smacked his lips. "So, Gion really couldn't keep it to herself, huh? Leaking confidential information to you already? Tch, I suppose I should start reconsidering a few things..."

Claudius rolled his eyes. "I didn't even complain about you transferring her to a branch."

"It's not a demotion. It's an important mission," Sengoku explained instinctively. But then he paused, realizing something, and chuckled. "Why am I even explaining myself to you? Looks like Gion really has found herself a backer."

"Hahahaha! What do you think?" Claudius laughed heartily.

After exchanging a few more jokes, Sengoku got to the main topic. "Gion told me that Your Highness has come up with a plan to deal with Newgate?"

Claudius turned to Nia. "Bring out some hot dishes."

Nia nodded and left to handle it. Claudius then turned back to Sengoku and smiled. "Let's eat while we talk."

As their meal began, the two of them indulged in a lavish lunch. At a nearby table, Robin and the others were dining separately.

Between bites, Claudius began outlining his thoughts and strategies to Sengoku.

Sengoku took a piece of juicy sea beast meat, chewed twice, and then furrowed his brows. "From the inside?" he asked in surprise.

"Exactly," Claudius said. "The biggest problem with the Whitebeard Pirates is that they're too spread out, it's impossible to catch them all at once. If a direct fight turns unfavorable, Newgate can simply retreat. But if we attack from within, the situation changes."

He took a sip of tea and continued with a smirk, "If we can secure the right hostages, we'll have all the leverage we need."

Sengoku narrowed his eyes. "And who exactly do you plan to take hostage, Your Highness?"

"Only the most important ones. When we're ready to act, we'll seize Weibull first. Then, we go after the Whitebeard Pirates' key captains—Marco, Jozu, Thatch, Vista. Every single one of them," Claudius said casually, taking another sip of tea.

He paused briefly before adding, "With both his adopted and biological sons on the line, do you really think Newgate will just sit still?"

Sengoku exhaled sharply. "Weibull isn't necessarily Newgate's son..." He trailed off, then shook his head. "Not that it matters. No one can prove it either way. If nothing else, we can frame it as retribution for Zephyr."

He tapped his fingers on the table. "But capturing Marco and the others won't be easy. You do realize they rarely leave Newgate's side?"

"That's exactly what I wanted to discuss today." Claudius leaned forward slightly. "I've already turned one of Newgate's 'sons' against him."

Sengoku, who had just raised his tea cup, nearly spilled it in shock. "You're serious?"

"Why would I lie?" Claudius nodded.

The Whitebeard Pirates were famous for their loyalty and camaraderie. The Marines had tried to sow discord among them before but never succeeded. Yet now, Claudius was claiming to have flipped one of them?

"Who is it?" Sengoku asked quickly.

"Teach. Marshall D. Teach," Claudius said in a low voice.

Sengoku blinked, momentarily puzzled. Who?

Then, realization dawned on him, and he chuckled bitterly. "An ordinary crew member? Sure, he calls Newgate 'father,' but—"

"He's not just some random crew member," Claudius interjected. "He's been with Newgate for decades. He's close to Marco and the others. Recently, there was that Dark-Dark Fruit incident at sea, you've heard about it, haven't you?"

Sengoku frowned in thought, then nodded. "Right... that was Enel, wasn't it? I heard Marco and Shanks almost fought over it. We Marines intended to intervene, but by the time we got there, the situation had already settled. Enel's presence made things even messier, so we decided to back off."

Claudius smirked. "What you might not know is that the whole incident was triggered by Teach. He wanted the Dark-Dark Fruit, and that's what set everything in motion. That fruit is in my possession now, that's why I was able to turn him."

Sengoku stroked his beard thoughtfully. "And you trust him?"

"When the time is right, I'll have Teach capture a Whitebeard captain and deliver them to us. We'll then stage a public execution, forcing Newgate into an all-out war," Claudius said firmly.

Sengoku's eyes gleamed with interest. He tapped the table lightly before nodding. "In other words, you want me to start making preparations now?"

With careful planning and an element of surprise, the Marines could amass their full strength and crush the Whitebeard Pirates in one decisive battle. They would have to be patient, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

And when that moment came, with both an internal defector and external pressure, victory would be within reach.

Sengoku had to admit, he was tempted. The Marines had already built up considerable power, and they were preparing to relocate their headquarters into the New World. If they could eliminate the Whitebeard Pirates beforehand, wouldn't that be the perfect prelude?

Marching into the New World with such momentum, who would dare challenge the Marines?

"Yes," Claudius said. "But this plan requires careful coordination. We'll need to move step by step. I've already ordered Teach to prove his worth by taking out Moria first."

Sengoku nodded. "That makes sense. We can't entrust him with such a critical mission without seeing his capabilities first."

As for Moria? Neither Claudius nor Sengoku cared about him in the slightest. His fate was already sealed.