Inside Claudius' palace in Mariejois, Claudius was staring at the little girl standing before him with an expression of surprise.
After dealing with the ss involving Charros, Claudius had decided he'd had enough of the slave market and returned directly to his palace, accompanied by his "trophies" and the newly purchased Hancock and her sisters.
As for Charlos, the expected retaliation never ca. It seed even his father, Saint Rosward, had accepted the reality of the situation. Facing Claudius' wrath again was not worth the trouble, and the last thing Rosward wanted was for Claudius to go on another rampage.
Claudius hadn't given it much thought. What was a Celestial Dragon anyway? Just another obstacle to kick out of his way.
After returning, he had instructed Nia to have the newly acquired subordinates cleaned up. They were filthy after their ordeal and needed fresh clothes and care. The four young children he had picked up were the first to be attended to, as they required less ti and attention. Most of them were simply regular kids, but one of them stood out to Claudius.
The little girl standing in front of him was unexpectedly familiar. At first, Claudius hadn't noticed anything unusual; she looked just like an ordinary, albeit unusually cute, little girl. But as he questioned her, Claudius began to realize why she was different.
This girl's na was Koala. It might not have ant much by itself—nas repeated often enough across the world but the fact that she was captured and sold from an island called Foolshout Island made Claudius take a closer look.
"What's with today? It's like the slave market is full of hidden treasures," Claudius thought, mildly amused.
First, he had stumbled upon Fisher Tiger, locked up in a cage, then the Boa sisters. Not long after, he had encountered the tragic couple, Tesoro and Stella. Now, while looking for a few playmates for Ace, he had unintentionally discovered Koala.
If Claudius' mory was correct, this Koala would grow up to be an important figure in the Revolutionary Army, known affectionately as "The Second Sister."
Koala, at this mont, didn't bear the sa hardened, resolute deanor she would co to have after being rescued by Fisher Tiger in the future. But she was visibly nervous, which was hardly surprising given her situation. Claudius could only imagine the darkness she must have endured to end up here.
"I really have found another gem," Claudius thought, a smile playing on his lips.
In the future, Koala would be known for her incredible skills, even learning fish-man karate, which spoke to her talent and adaptability. Claudius figured that if she could master that, then with the right training, she would pick up other forms of martial arts, like the Rokushiki, with ease. She might not be far behind Rob Lucci, another talented young protégé of Claudius' who was currently training under Spandine.
Returning his attention to Koala, Claudius considered her future potential. She wasn't just skilled in combat; she had an impeccable knack for organization and reliability. In the Revolutionary Army, she was known for her uncanny ability to manage tasks so efficiently that Sabo would often joke about having nothing left to order her to do because she had already done it.
This made Claudius smile inwardly. Ace, although young, was showing signs of being highly capable, but there was still that spark of "wildness" in him. Even as a baby, Ace had shown a rambunctious side. He wasn't one to play quietly with plush toys but had an imdiate interest in toy swords and guns.
Ace was now three or four years old and was polite and well-mannered, but Claudius could still see the fire in his eyes. He had always thought about finding soone to complent Ace's strengths and cover his weaknesses, soone who could be a trusted ally. Until now, no one had seed suitable. But Koala might be the answer.
"If they grow up and develop feelings for each other, and end up as a pair, that would be perfect," Claudius mused, smiling to himself. Then he paused as the thought took root, realizing the implication. If Koala ended up with Ace, that would an the "Second Sister" would beco the "Sister-in-law."
Claudius burst out laughing at the thought.
Startled, Koala took a nervous step back before realizing what she had done and hurriedly stepped forward again, eyes fixed on the floor.
"Koala, isn't it?" Claudius said, his voice softening. "There's no need to be afraid. I'm not going to hurt you. This place is your ho now, so relax. From today onward, you're no longer a slave. Let's see... you can think of as your godfather."
Of course, Claudius ant this in a strictly paternal sense, not in any dubious way. From this day forward, Koala would be under his protection. As for the Revolutionary Army and whatever influence Dragon might have, Claudius didn't care. If Dragon couldn't grow the Revolutionary Army without Koala, that was on him.
As for Sabo, well, if he found himself without a partner because of this twist of fate, it was just as well that Ace gained a valuable companion. Claudius felt no guilt over it.
Koala stayed silent, the nervousness still etched on her face despite Claudius's attempts to reassure her. After a few more monts of comforting words, he dismissed her to rest.
With that taken care of, Claudius stepped into the courtyard for a walk. Nia followed closely behind, ready for whatever task might be needed.
"It's customary to mark them, isn't it?" Claudius remarked.
"Yes, Your Highness," Nia replied. "The three sisters, Tesoro, and Stella already bear the mark of the Celestial Dragon's hoof. It's the common branding, of course."
Claudius touched his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... Koala will have to bear a mark as well. But branding is too cruel. Let's use a tattoo instead. Sothing elegant that symbolizes she's under my protection."
Nia's lips curved in a small smile. "She might not understand the significance now, but when she grows up, she'll know what an honor it is."
Claudius nodded. "And as for the others, have the hoof of the Celestial Dragon covered with the crest of the Donquixote family. It's ti they bore my na instead of that symbol of oppression."
"Yes, Your Highness," Nia replied, already ntally arranging the task ahead.
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