As soon as he pushed open the door to Gion's office at the Marine base, Claudius saw three familiar figures—Kuzan, Borsalino, and Gion.
"Hahahaha, it's been a long ti, Gion." Claudius laughed as he stepped inside.
When he spoke, he completely ignored Kuzan and Borsalino.
Gion's expression showed a hint of excitent, but she quickly suppressed it, adjusting her posture to sit properly.
"Your Highness," Kuzan and Borsalino both stood up, greeting Claudius with smiles.
Claudius waved a hand and said, "When it's just us, no need for formalities. Just make yourselves comfortable."
After having them sit back down, Claudius suddenly sniffed the air and asked with so confusion, "What's that sll? Smoke?"
Hearing this, Gion's expression shifted slightly, and she imdiately turned to look at Borsalino. Borsalino, surprised by her sudden glance, was just about to ask why she was looking at him when Gion spoke up.
"Borsalino, how many tis have I told you not to smoke in here? You never listen. Now look what you've done…" Gion scolded him in irritation.
Borsalino looked aggrieved. When did I ever smoke? Sure, he was a bit lazy, but he still had standards. He would never just light up in front of a lady.
In fact, when he first walked in, he had been wondering the sa thing, why does this room sll like smoke? Was it Kuzan? Did Kuzan smoke in here?
Before Borsalino could defend himself, Kuzan chuckled and said, "Yeah, Borsalino, smoking so much isn't good for your health~"
Hearing this, Gion gave Kuzan a subtle but knowing glance he understands . anwhile, Borsalino, feeling wronged, could only sigh and nod.
Claudius, on the other hand, shot a playful glare at Gion, making her feel a little embarrassed. But since he didn't say anything more, she let it slide.
Claudius casually walked over to the sofa, sat down, picked up the cup of tea that had been poured for him, took a sip, and let out a satisfied sigh.
"This is nice."
"A little nap before the battle?" Kuzan asked with a smirk.
"More like a warm-up." Claudius replied, smiling.
Then, he continued, "This mission is pretty straightforward—three of us teaming up to bully an idiot."
"Your Highness, Weevil is very strong," Nia standing behind Claudius, whispered.
"Yeah, but he's still an idiot." Claudius replied casually.
"Although it's not exactly polite to mock soone's intelligence, Your Highness is right. It really is just bullying a fool," Kuzan agreed with a nod.
Ordinarily, they wouldn't speak so crudely about soone, but Edward Weevil was a full-fledged pirate and worse, he had severed Zephyr's arm. Among those present, aside from Nia, everyone had been ntored or deeply influenced by Zephyr.
Even Borsalino, despite his obsession with Devil Fruits and occasional disagreents with Zephyr, still respected him. Since Zephyr had remained in the Marines, Borsalino maintained a decent relationship with him.
As a result, no one here had any sympathy for Weevil. Their words reflected that.
At so point, Borsalino pulled out a nail clipper and leisurely began trimming his nails as he asked lazily, "Since Your Highness is in charge of this mission, what's the latest intelligence on Weevil?"
Claudius wasn't bothered by Borsalino's laid-back attitude, he was used to it. Having worked with the Marines many tis, he knew that as long as their relationships were solid, there was no need to nitpick over small things.
Seeing Claudius extend a hand, Nia promptly placed a Den Den Mushi in his palm.
Claudius casually dialed a number.
Before long, the call connected.
From the other end, Spandine's irritating voice ca through.
"Your Highness! Ah, Saint Claudius, I trust you're doing well?" Spandine greeted with a fawning tone.
Claudius chuckled. "I'm doing fine, Spandine. How's that task I assigned you?"
"Rest assured, Your Highness! When have we ever let you down? We've got eyes on him at all tis, and Lucci's team is tailing him as we speak," Spandine quickly reported.
"Good. So, where is that bastard now?" Claudius' tone grew serious.
"Polani Island, Your Highness. We've already drawn up a plan for you. If I'm not mistaken, you're currently at the G-1 Marine base, correct?" Spandine inquired.
Claudius nodded. "Yeah, Kuzan, Borsalino, and I are all here."
"In that case, a warship or Protheus would be too conspicuous. Weevil's old hag of a mother is a cunning and cautious woman. I recomnd that Your Highness and the Admirals first head to Pori Island. From there, you can take the sea train directly to Polani Island.
The travel ti is quite short. If you leave today, you'll arrive by nightfall at the latest," Spandine suggested respectfully, checking the notes he had written.
"Hahaha, you're getting more ticulous these days. Not bad, I'm impressed," Claudius praised.
Spandine's old face lit up with joy, and he replied eagerly, "It's an honor to be of service to Your Highness!"
After asking for additional details, Claudius ended the call.
"I have to admit, while Spandine has his quirks, his ability to get things done is impressive," Kuzan remarked thoughtfully.
"No wonder His Highness trusts him with important tasks," Borsalino agreed.
Spandine wasn't particularly well-liked within CP organizations, as he often caused trouble there. However, in Marine circles, he had a strong reputation.
He had assisted the Marines in completing several difficult missions. Even Kuzan and Borsalino had worked with him on occasion, and they found his efficiency reliable.
Claudius grinned and said, "The guy is quite capable. As for his minor personality flaws well, nobody's perfect. As long as he gets results, that's all that matters."
After a brief pause, Claudius asked, "So, you two professional pirate hunters—got any ideas?"
Kuzan and Borsalino exchanged a glance and both chuckled.
After a mont, Borsalino said, "Your Highness, your record in catching pirates isn't any worse than ours. Kuzan and I have never caught a Pirate Emperor, after all."
"Hahaha, fair enough. I think Spandine's suggestion is solid. Let's go with that," Claudius said with a grin.
"Agreed," Kuzan and Borsalino nodded.
At that mont, Gion spoke up in frustration, "Can't I co too?"
Claudius rolled his eyes. "Co on, aren't you busy enough already? Before Marineford gets wrecked, I hope you can at least finish your work. Otherwise, Sengoku might go bald from stress!"
Gion knew her work was important, but she still pouted slightly in dissatisfaction.
Claudius winked at her, and Gion blushed.
"Let's rest for the night and leave tomorrow," Claudius decided after a mont of thought.
After all, he had just arrived and was already leaving again, it was a bit exhausting. A night's rest wouldn't hurt.
However, Kuzan and Borsalino seed to misunderstand sothing. They exchanged knowing looks before Kuzan suddenly stood up and said, "Borsalino, feel like getting a drink?"
"Of course," Borsalino replied, just as quick-witted.
Claudius, unaware of their train of thought, said, "I'll co too."
"No, no, please rest well, Your Highness," Kuzan quickly waved him off, giving him a look that all n understand.
Claudius was left speechless.
**
This book is completed so you can read all chapters on: /Blownleaves.
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