Chapter 285: Tension

At the entrance of the World Government's headquarters in Mariejois, Fleet Admiral Sengoku stood with his arms crossed, maintaining a relaxed posture as if waiting for someone.

As for the Marine officials he had brought with him, figures like Sakazuki, Garp, and others they had already followed Kong into the building. By now, they were likely seated in the conference room.

Sengoku, however, remained outside, clearly waiting for a specific individual.

Before long, a familiar figure approached, the noble silhouette of Saint Claudius, walking at a leisurely pace. Following close behind him was Queen Stussy.

Sengoku smiled, stepping forward to greet him.

Claudius also grinned, quickening his stride. When they met, Sengoku was the first to speak.

"Your Highness, it's only been a few days, yet you seem to be in even better spirits."

Claudius chuckled. "Good news tends to have that effect on people. With the way things are progressing, I'm about to change the entire landscape of the New World. Of course, that makes me happy."

"Hahahaha! A grand ambition, but a tough battle lies ahead," Sengoku replied with a laugh.

Claudius patted him on the shoulder and smiled. "With thousands of Marine elites at your command, why should I fear a few pirates? Besides, I have you, don't I?"

"You have my word, we won't let you down," Sengoku assured him.

After exchanging greetings with Stussy, Sengoku walked alongside Claudius, and the three of them entered the headquarters building.

---

Inside, security was as strict as ever, and the halls were filled with high-ranking officials and nobility.

Seeing the Fleet Admiral and Saint Claudius walking together, many of those present instinctively felt that something significant was about to unfold.

Speculation ran through their minds, perhaps it was related to the upcoming Reverie?

But guessing was pointless. They had no choice but to continue their own business while waiting for news.

Sengoku led Claudius to the conference room. The door was open, indicating the meeting had yet to start. The Five Elders had not yet arrived.

However, even before stepping inside, they could feel the tension in the air.

Inside, the CP agency representatives were in a heated dispute with Marine Headquarters.

"Commander Kong, you're biased toward the Marines just because they're your people!

Three times now, we've requested Marine reinforcements. If they had arrived on time, the damn Revolutionary Army wouldn't have escaped!"

A masked CP official slammed his hand on the table in frustration, glaring at Garp, Sakazuki, and Tsuru on the other side.

Garp, however, was completely unfazed. He casually sipped his tea and munched on his senbei, paying no attention to the outburst. His thick-skinned attitude made it clear, he couldn't care less.

Tsuru also remained indifferent, her expression calm as she sipped her tea. If you want to complain, go ahead. I won't waste my breath arguing with you.

It wasn't that Marine Headquarters feared the CP agencies, far from it. They simply didn't see the need to engage in pointless arguments.

Besides, the current Marines had a sense of superiority.

At present, the Marines had everything, funding, manpower, resources, and overwhelming military strength. Their forces exceeded a million soldiers.

In contrast, these CP agents were nothing but bureaucratic loudmouths. Why bother taking them seriously?

Tsuru was patient. Garp was indifferent.

Sakazuki, however, had no such restraint.

The moment the CP agent finished speaking, Sakazuki scoffed coldly.

"Watch your tone before you speak.

Marine Headquarters is not your subordinate organization don't forget that.

The Revolutionary Army is your responsibility. You failed. Don't try to dump your mess onto us.

Requesting reinforcements is just that, a request.

If Marine has available forces, we help. If not, we don't. There's no rule that says we have to clean up after you."

Sakazuki's words were sharp and unforgiving.

His belief in absolute justice made him intolerant of incompetence, and he had never been one to hold back his opinions.

The CP agent was momentarily stunned, unable to argue back.

After all, Sakazuki was right. Their request for Marine assistance was just that, a request. There was no obligation for Marine Headquarters to comply.

And at this moment, Marine's full focus was on the Whitebeard Pirates. They had no time to concern themselves with CP's failures.

Kong chuckled, knocking on the table to get everyone's attention.

"This meeting isn't for useless bickering," he said.

"Right now, we need to cooperate. The Three Great Powers must work together on this operation.

Set aside your petty grievances for now.

And be warned, if anyone causes unnecessary problems, they'll answer to me.

Marine Headquarters has nothing to lose here. If this operation falls apart, it won't be our reputation on the line."

The CP agents fumed silently.

They had already failed multiple missions against the Revolutionary Army, leading to growing frustration. Now, they were expected to work with the very Marines who barely tolerated them?

And to make matters worse, Kong was clearly favoring Marine Headquarters over them.

But they had no choice but to hold back their resentment.

Just as another CP official was about to argue, the sound of approaching footsteps silenced the room.

Claudius stepped inside with a broad grin.

"Hahahahaha! I could hear you all from outside, sounds lively in here!"

---

The moment Claudius entered, the masked CP agent known as Gis immediately straightened up. The other CP agents followed suit, standing at attention with visible respect.

Not just them—Garp, Tsuru, even Sakazuki stood up as well.

Sakazuki, who once had strong opinions about Claudius and the Warlord of the Sea system, no longer held any resentment.

Because now, this Celestial Dragon was Marine Headquarters' greatest financial backer.

Billions of Berries flowed into Marine funding every year, thanks to Claudius.

Under his influence, Marine forces had expanded, strengthened, and prepared for greater battles.

With each passing year, Sakazuki saw a Marine force more capable of executing absolute justice.

To him, this was what a Celestial Dragon should be. If all Celestial Dragons were like Claudius, the world would already be at peace!

Kong greeted him warmly. "Saint Claudius, welcome."

Claudius chuckled. "No need for formalities, everyone, sit down and relax."

With that, he and Sengoku made their way to their seats. As always, Claudius took the position directly opposite the Five Elders, with Stussy to his left and Sengoku to his right.

Once seated, Claudius turned to Gis.

"Gis, today's meeting is CP-X's responsibility. Whatever tensions exist between you and Marine, settle them later.

This operation is too important for anyone to screw up.

If anyone causes problems, don't expect me to be merciful."

Gis's heart tightened.

It was clear—Claudius was warning them.

The CP agencies might serve the World Government, but Claudius and Marine Headquarters were working as one.

If they made trouble here, they wouldn't just be angering Marine, they'd be crossing him.

Though unsettled, Gis quickly responded with deep respect.

"Understood, Your Highness. We will prioritize the greater good."

Claudius smirked. "Good."

Leaning back, he pulled out a cigar, lit it, and took a slow drag.

The Five Elders had yet to arrive, but there was no rush.

For now, Claudius was content to chat with the assembled powerhouses, easing the tension in the room.

With him present, the hostility between Marine and CP agencies gradually faded.

***

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