Claudius had an excellent relationship with the Marines, and his status was exceptionally high. The people gathered around Zephyr's ward were all Marine officers of considerable rank—ordinary soldiers weren't allowed to visit. Those present were individuals who had a close rapport with Claudius.
As soon as they heard Spandine's voice announcing Claudius's arrival, they instinctively stepped aside, clearing a path.
Claudius strode in, his tall figure exuding urgency as he moved through the crowd toward Zephyr. The mont he saw the chanical prosthetic arm attached to Zephyr, a hint of regret flashed across his face.
"Already? That fast?" Claudius asked in surprise.
He hadn't expected that in the short ti since Zephyr lost his arm, the replacent would already be in place.
Zephyr was montarily taken aback. What does he an by 'fast'…?
But when he saw the genuine concern in Claudius's expression, he felt ward. Despite having stepped back from the front lines years ago and no longer being of much help to Claudius, it was clear that this young Celestial Dragon still held deep respect for him.
Collecting his thoughts, Claudius asked with concern, "Teacher Zephyr, how do you feel? Is the injury healing well?"
Zephyr flexed his new chanical arm, then smiled and replied, "It's nothing serious. Thanks to Garp arriving in ti to protect our Marine recruits, the damage was kept to a minimum. Losing an arm isn't much of a price to pay."
Due to Garp's swift intervention and Zephyr's own efforts to buy ti, Marine's recruits had suffered minimal losses. A few had died, but Zephyr, as a seasoned Marine veteran, understood the brutal reality of combat at sea. He wouldn't allow himself to drown in grief over casualties.
Claudius could tell that Zephyr truly didn't care about losing his arm. His priority had always been his students. Seeing this, Claudius felt a deep sense of admiration.
He really is a remarkable teacher. No wonder so many Marine officers respect him so much.
Nearby, Garp chid in with a few boastful remarks, but Claudius paid him no attention. Instead, he eyed the massive chanical arm with curiosity and said, "It's pretty cool, Teacher Zephyr."
"Hahaha! I guess you could say I fulfilled my childhood dream. When I was a kid, I used to strap wooden stakes to my arms and pretend to be a cyborg. Never thought it'd actually happen," Zephyr said with a chuckle, his tone laced with nostalgia.
Claudius laughed along before comnting, "I don't know if I should congratulate you or not, but… isn't this arm a little too big? It looks impressive, but doesn't it get in the way? Don't they have a smaller version?"
As he spoke, Claudius turned his gaze toward the scientist standing beside Zephyr. The man, clearly nervous to be addressed by such a high-ranking Celestial Dragon, stamred, "S-Saint Claudius, I… I didn't design it! I only installed it!"
Claudius waved a hand reassuringly. "Relax, I'm not blaming you. I'm just curious."
The scientist exhaled in relief before explaining, "Well… this chanical arm wasn't originally designed for Zephyr."
"Huh? What do you an?" Claudius asked, intrigued.
"It was actually ant for individuals over six ters tall," the scientist clarified.
"Six ters?" Claudius repeated, his gaze shifting to Zephyr. The forr Admiral stood at just over three ters, half the intended size. If the design was ant for soone that large, then…
Bartholow Kuma?
Claudius quickly put the pieces together. So Marine's science division has started working on the Pacifista project?
It was becoming clear that the next stage of Marine developnt would involve mass-producing modified cyborg soldiers, powerful weapons of war. This chanical arm was likely an offshoot of that research.
Marine's funding must be substantial if they can afford to push the Pacifista project forward so aggressively.
Claudius was certainly interested in the technology, but he had no intention of developing it himself. Why go through all that trouble when Marine was already doing it for him? Once he had Marine fully under his control, all their advancents would be his to command.
After discussing the chanical arm for a bit longer, Claudius's expression darkened slightly. A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he said, "Zephyr, don't worry—I'll personally ensure that Edward Weevil pays for what he's done. CP-X has already deployed a vast network to track him down. The mont we find him, I'll personally lead the charge to cut him to pieces."
Zephyr was visibly moved by Claudius's determination, but he quickly shook his head and cautioned, "Your Highness, don't be too reckless. This isn't sothing that should be rushed."
Before Claudius could respond, another voice spoke from the doorway.
"Zephyr is right, Your Highness. This isn't sothing we can handle impulsively, we need a long-term strategy," said Sengoku as he stepped into the room.
Zephyr had been in the hospital for several days now, and Sengoku had visited multiple tis. Upon hearing about the chanical arm installation, he had finished his work early to co observe.
Surveying the room, Sengoku saw that many high-ranking Marines had gathered. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed them. "You've all seen what you ca to see. Get back to work."
Among the departing officers, Yamakaji muttered sothing about heading to the Calm Belt for another ore transport mission. He bid farewell to Zephyr before leaving.
Soon, the room felt much emptier.
At the mont, none of the three Admirals were present, likely occupied with important assignnts. Only Garp remained, seated comfortably with no intention of leaving.
Spandine, ever the sycophant, took the hint and exited. Sengoku couldn't very well expect Claudius or Zephyr to pour tea, and Zephyr's new chanical arm had likely ended his tea-serving days for good. As for Claudius—he was their guest now, and even Sengoku didn't have the nerve to make a Celestial Dragon serve tea.
After glaring at Garp, who remained oblivious, Sengoku sighed and poured himself a cup of tea.
anwhile, Garp walked up to Claudius and said, "Claudius, since CP-X has eyes everywhere, I need a favor."
"Ah, don't worry. I'll do my best to track down Edward Weevil," Claudius replied.
Garp waved his hand. "No, it's not about that. I want you to help find Red-Haired Shanks."
At that, Claudius blinked in surprise. "What do you need him for? Do you two have bad blood?"
"It's not just bad blood, it's a grudge as deep as the ocean! I can't wait to smash that despicable bastard into the ground. Listen to —he's doing this on purpose. This is all revenge against !" Garp fud before launching into a rant about how Shanks had ruined his life.
When Claudius heard that Shanks still had both arms and had still managed to steer Luffy toward piracy, he nearly burst out laughing. But one glance at Garp's seething expression made him hold it in.
Once Garp finished venting, Claudius, barely suppressing his amusent, patted the old Marine on the shoulder and said, "Alright, alright. I'll see what I can do."
Garp narrowed his eyes. "Are you trying not to laugh?"
Claudius imdiately adopted a serious expression and replied, "How could I? Am I the type to kick soone while they're down?"
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