One Piece: King of the World-Chapter 357: Lord Imu!?

After wrapping up the discussion, the Five Elders spoke again.

"Sengoku, you and Stussy may leave first. We have something to discuss with Claudius alone."

Sengoku nodded. "Understood."

Claudius added, "Stussy, take Fleet Admiral Sengoku to my residence. Once I'm finished here, I still have matters to discuss with him."

He said this openly, without the slightest attempt to conceal anything. The Five Elders didn't think much of it. After all, the war at Marineford had just ended, it was only natural for the key figures involved to have further discussions.

"Yes, Your Highness," Stussy responded with a nod.

With that, Sengoku and Stussy left the room.

Once they were gone, the atmosphere in the chamber became noticeably more relaxed. Claudius casually picked up his wine glass, found a sofa to sit on, and waited for the Five Elders to speak.

Not wasting any time, the elder with the topknot, Ochoku, spoke up.

"Despite some minor deviations in the Battle of Marineford, the overall outcome was satisfactory. We are quite pleased."

Claudius smiled. "It was all for our sake."

"Indeed, all for our sake," the bearded elder echoed with a smile.

Nusjuro took a sip of tea before speaking in a calm tone.

"When we discussed this war earlier, do you remember what we promised you?"

A glint flashed in Claudius's eyes. He nodded slightly and replied, "Of course. You mentioned that after this, you would recommend me for an audience with an important figure."

"That's right," Nusjuro confirmed.

"You must have heard some rumors, haven't you?" the blonde elder suddenly asked.

Claudius didn't try to hide anything. "Indeed. The five of you are the highest-ranking Celestial Dragons, and since you mentioned introducing me to an important figure, then logically, this person can only be the one rumored to be at the top, the so-called 'King of the World,' correct?"

Lord Imu.

Among the Celestial Dragons, the existence of Imu wasn't exactly a secret. Many had heard of this mysterious figure, but the information existed more as an "urban legend" something discussed in hushed tones but rarely taken seriously.

The Five Elders were well aware that they could never completely suppress such rumors, so they opted to neither confirm nor deny them, allowing the mystery to persist. Over time, Imu became an obscure myth that few truly believed in.

Since they had personally brought it up to Claudius, it was only natural for him to reach this conclusion.

Thus, they didn't find his response suspicious.

Nusjuro nodded. "Yes, he is the true ruler of the world, and his name is Imu."

"Lord Imu…" Claudius muttered under his breath, raising an eyebrow slightly.

This was the first time he had officially heard the name from the Five Elders themselves.

"Lord Imu thinks highly of you and is very pleased with your actions."

"After all, the five of us are getting on in years.

The future belongs to the younger generation.

It's a pity…

Over the years, we haven't seen many Celestial Dragons with your level of talent.

Otherwise, perhaps we could have retired already.

But that's not important.

What matters is that you continue to work hard."

Nusjuro spoke gently, but his words carried an obvious implication, if Claudius could gain Lord Imu's favor, then a seat among the Five Elders would be reserved for him in the future.

Claudius put on an expression of excitement, though in truth, he wasn't interested in such a position.

The Five Elders were merely Imu's servants, wielding power only at his discretion.

Claudius had no desire to be anyone's lackey. His interest lay in Imu himself.

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"Thank you for your support, but I believe the five of you are still in your prime," Claudius said modestly. "I am young and inexperienced, I lack the depth and wisdom that you possess. I still have much to learn."

"Haha, it'll only take a few more years," Nusjuro said with satisfaction.

"Claudius, Lord Imu is not like us. We've watched you grow up, so we allow you certain liberties.

But you must not approach Lord Imu with the same mindset.

You must be respectful and restrained.

When we introduce you to him, be sure to act accordingly." The bearded elder reminded him seriously.

"Understood," Claudius nodded solemnly.

"In short, prepare yourself.

Even though you don't plan to attend the Reverie, since you played a leading role in the war, you'll still need to make an appearance and speak about it.

Once the conference is over, we will recommend you for an audience with Lord Imu."

Nusjuro continued.

Claudius sighed in feigned helplessness before nodding.

"Alright, alright. I suppose I was born to work hard."

"Hah, playing the victim even as you benefit," Nusjuro chuckled.

Afterward, the conversation shifted to casual topics.

As they talked, Claudius felt a slight sense of hesitation.

Even now, he hadn't fully decided what to do with the Five Elders.

It was clear they genuinely saw him as their successor.

Over the years, they had mentored and protected him, treating him with a mix of trust and affection.

Though their relationship was intertwined with political interests, there was also a level of genuine camaraderie.

Could he really bring himself to eliminate them?

"Forget it," Claudius thought to himself. "I'll take it one step at a time. For now, let's just keep them in check."

The Five Elders had a great deal on their plate, as did Claudius. After chatting for a while longer, he took the initiative to excuse himself.

---

Meanwhile, in the courtyard of Mariejois, Sengoku had been arranged to rest there.

He was engaged in conversation with a young swordsman with green hair.

When he learned that this was Claudius's disciple, he became more interested.

"I actually know Kuina. She's a colonel at Marine Headquarters, stationed alongside Gion. Would you like to meet her?" Sengoku asked with a smile.

Zoro, unconcerned about rank or status, merely saw Sengoku as an old man making conversation. He nodded and replied,

"Yeah. I went to sea to find her, I want to settle our duel. But before that, I plan to hone my skills under Claudius."

On the other side of the courtyard, Nami was reading a book on meteorology.

Surprisingly, sitting beside her was none other than Nico Robin, the former "demon child" who had spent years in hiding.

The two seemed to get along well.

While nibbling on an orange that Nami had brought, Robin remarked,

"Weatheria is the world's leading research island in climatology. Among scholars, it's as revered as Ohara was in its time."

Nami looked at the book in her hands and sighed with envy.

"Weatheria must be amazing."

"If you ask His Highness, he could probably arrange for some scholars to teach you," Robin suggested with a smile.

"Or, we could send you there to study for a while. I can arrange that for you, added Nia as she walked over with Stussy."

Just then, Claudius entered the courtyard.

He looked at Sengoku and greeted him.

"Have you been waiting long, Fleet Admiral?"

Then his gaze shifted to Zoro and Nami.

With a smirk, he waved at them.

"Oh, you two. How are you finding your stay here?"

***

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