One Piece: King of the World

After ending his call with Doflamingo, Claudius picked up his phone snail again, this time dialing a line to Water 7.

Water 7 had flourished in recent years, thanks in no small part to the dominance of Tom's Shipbuilding Company. Without any anti-monopoly laws in this world, Tom's company had effectively monopolized the city's shipbuilding industry. Backed by Claudius, a Celestial Dragon, Tom's company grew wealthy and powerful.

During the economic downturn that had gripped Water 7, Tom aggressively acquired smaller shipbuilding firms on the island. With Marine and CP-X providing a steady stream of orders, business was booming. The city itself had become practically synonymous with Tom's Shipbuilding Company.

When Tom answered the call, his voice was brimming with gratitude. He first thanked Claudius sincerely for everything he had done for Fish-Man Island and for liberating the Fish-Man slaves in Mariejois.

Claudius accepted the thanks without reservation, then listened as Tom reported the company's latest financial figures. The company was raking in massive profits, and Tom detailed every aspect of their growth.

Claudius listened politely, though not too attentively. Once Tom had finished his report, Claudius offered a few words of praise before cutting to the main topic.

"Tom, the World Summit is just a few months away," Claudius began.

Tom, momentarily puzzled, asked, "Your Highness, what does that have to do with us? Is Water 7 expected to participate? As you know, while our city is under the banner of the World Government, we're not part of the system of franchise countries. We're classified as a municipality and don't meet the qualifications to attend, right?"

Tom was correct. Water 7 was under the World Government's protection but was not considered a franchise country. Unlike the 170 franchise nations, municipalities like Water 7 operated independently, electing their own leaders and governing themselves. Currently, Tom was the de facto leader of the city, as the shipbuilding industry was its lifeblood.

Claudius chuckled. "You're right, Master Tom. Under normal circumstances, Water 7 wouldn't qualify to attend the World Summit. However, you're one of my people now, and CP-X does have the authority to participate."

Tom's shipbuilding company had been fully acquired by Claudius and integrated into CP-X's operations. While Tom himself hadn't officially joined CP-X, he was essentially an employee of Claudius, serving as his chief shipwright.

Tom didn't argue, though he remained curious. "So, what does Your Highness need from us? Is there something specific you'd like us to do at the summit?"

"Exactly," Claudius replied with a nod. "We're going to make some money and expand our business. I've heard the sea train technology has been successfully tested?"

Tom's eyes lit up at the mention of the sea train. "Yes, it's in the trial stage. There are still some minor details that need adjustment, but overall, it's functioning well."

"In terms of safety and speed, the technology is reliable?" Claudius asked.

"Absolutely," Tom said confidently. "The system is both fast and safe. Just a few tweaks, and it'll be perfect."

"Good. In that case, I'm placing an order on behalf of the World Government," Claudius declared. "I want you to use the sea train technology to connect Water 7 to Enies Lobby as quickly as possible. From there, the tracks should extend to Marine Headquarters at Marinford, with the final stop being Mariejois. Can you handle this?"

As Claudius spoke, his tone was decisive. He didn't hesitate to exercise CP-X's authority, which allowed him to act on behalf of the World Government without seeking further approval.

Tom was stunned for a moment before replying enthusiastically. "Of course, Your Highness! We've already built the first-generation trains. All that remains is to lay the tracks. Construction should move quickly, I guarantee everything will be ready before the World Summit begins!"

"Excellent," Claudius said. "Once the tracks are finished, we'll present sea train technology at the World Summit and sell it to other countries. I have no doubt it'll bring us a lot of business."

This project served multiple purposes for Claudius. On one hand, it was a lucrative opportunity. On the other, it was a practical advancement that could change the world's infrastructure. And finally, it gave him a chance to showcase his achievements at the World Summit, proving to the Five Elders that he was a capable and effective leader.

---

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters in Marinford, a private meeting was underway in the office of Fleet Admiral Kong. The room was filled with Marine top brass, all gathered to discuss upcoming operations.

"The World Summit is fast approaching. The escort list for this year's attendees will be finalized in a few days," Kong said, addressing the group. "Sengoku, I trust you'll handle the arrangements?"

Sengoku, who was busy scribbling in a notebook, replied without looking up, "Understood."

Kong glanced curiously at Sengoku, wondering what had him so absorbed, but decided to let it go for the moment. He continued assigning tasks to the other officers in the room.

Turning to Zephyr, Kong asked, "What's the status of the Smoke-Smoke Fruit?"

Zephyr smiled. "The candidate hasn't been finalized yet, but I expect it'll go to the top recruit from this year's training camp. There's a young Marine named Smoker who shows a lot of promise. I'm keeping an eye on him."

"Good," Kong replied. "If he can develop into someone like Sakazuki or Kuzan, it'll be a great addition to our ranks."

The conversation continued for a while, with Kong delegating responsibilities and finalizing plans. However, his curiosity eventually got the better of him. He turned back to Sengoku and asked, "Sengoku, what are you working on so seriously?"

Without looking up, Sengoku replied, "I'm drafting plans to add 200 new warships to the fleet over the next three years. I also want to establish seven new Marine branches and repair sixteen existing ones. I'm just finalizing the numbers."

The room fell silent.

Kong nearly spat out the tea he'd been drinking. "Two hundred warships!?"

Marine warships weren't just ordinary ships. They were massive, heavily fortified vessels equipped with advanced weaponry and coated with seastone. Each ship cost approximately 200 million Berries, according to the current rates from Water 7.

Sengoku's request for 200 new warships alone amounted to 40 billion Berries. Adding seven new Marine branches and repairing sixteen others would push the total cost well past 100 billion Berries. Combined, Sengoku was effectively proposing nearly 200 billion Berries in additional expenses.

Even Kong, a seasoned leader, was left speechless. Around the room, the other officers were equally stunned. Garp, always one to break the tension, burst into laughter.

"Pfft! Sengoku, have you lost your mind? Do you think we've got a mountain of gold lying around? Where are we supposed to find that kind of money? Did someone promise you a massive budget increase or something?" Garp teased, slapping the table as he laughed.

Sakazuki, Kuzan, Borsalino, and even Gion were visibly shocked. Only Tsuru remained calm, clearly aware of the underlying details.

***

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