Chapter 21: What a Coincidence

Chapter 21: Chapter 21: What a Coincidence

On the top floor of Marineford's Naval Headquarters Hospital, in the most advanced ward equipped with the best medical technology, Claudius lay on a hospital bed in a patient gown, looking relaxed. It would be hard to believe that just a few hours ago, he had been fiercely battling Gion in a high-stakes training match, narrowly winning with a risky, self-sacrificing move.

The aftermath of that fight had nearly given several bystanders a heart attack especially those aware of Claudius's true identity. Zephyr himself had almost suffered a heart attack from the shock.

After all, Claudius was pretending to be a CP-0 recruit. If he were genuinely just a potential agent, even with all his promise, an accidental death during training wouldn't have been the end of the world. Marineford could handle that without too much pressure.

But Claudius wasn't just any recruit he was a Celestial Dragon. If he were injured, people might grumble, but if he died, it would be an entirely different story. The fallout would be catastrophic.

Despite the tension, after Claudius had executed his "mutual destruction" move and pierced both himself and Gion, he still managed to stand victorious. Zephyr, using his seasoned eyes, could see that though Claudius was seriously injured, it wasn't life-threatening. To avoid exposing Claudius's identity, Zephyr had to restrain Nia, Claudius's panicking butler, as well as Stussy, who had been quietly freaking out.

Zephyr's impression of Claudius had shifted over time. When they first met, Zephyr had pegged him as just another spoiled Celestial Dragon, a troublemaker. But after their encounter in the New World, Zephyr had seen a glimpse of Claudius's potential and had passed down to him valuable training techniques.

Now, after seeing Claudius fight again, Zephyr's opinion had changed dramatically. Claudius wasn't just talented he was fearless and ruthlessly determined. The fact that Claudius was willing to stab himself to ensure victory in what was essentially a sparring match left a deep impression.

At that moment, Zephyr realized that Claudius wasn't just a typical Celestial Dragon. He was the kind of person who had the grit and drive to push through pain, hardship, and limitations. He had both talent and tenacity, a combination Zephyr admired. If Claudius had been a Marine, Zephyr would have groomed him to become a future Admiral, maybe even a Fleet Admiral. It was a shame such potential was locked within the confines of the Celestial Dragons.

By Claudius's bedside Nia attended to him, offering him tea and keeping him comfortable. Despite the battle he had just endured, Claudius appeared at ease, though there was still a hint of soreness in his movements.

However, Nia's expression darkened every time her eyes flicked to the other bed in the room. Under her breath, she muttered curses aimed at its occupant.

This was a three-person ward, the most elite medical facility in Marineford. Normally, only top officers like Admirals or the Fleet Admiral would use it. But in cases of injury, it was also made available to those Marines deemed promising future leaders.

Lying on the other bed was none other than Gion, the Commodore who had been defeated by Claudius in their intense sparring match. Despite Claudius winning the bout, Gion's physical condition was far superior to his, thanks to her Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit abilities, which granted her enhanced vitality and recovery.

Even so, Gion had suffered a serious wound from Claudius's Shinsō. While Zoan fruits, especially the Mythical ones, were known for their incredible resilience, she was still too injured to be up and about. Thus, Gion had been placed in the same elite ward as Claudius to recuperate.

As Dragon quietly read a book, his serious expression gave off a scholarly air. He didn't resemble the man who would one day be the leader of a worldwide revolution. Without the familiar blood-red tattoos on his face courtesy of Garp's infamous slipper discipline Dragon looked more like an intellectual than a soldier.

Claudius, watching Dragon out of the corner of his eye, couldn't help but laugh inwardly. "What luck! I was just wondering how I could get closer to this guy, and now we're stuck in the same hospital room! Patient friends, huh? Perfect."

Indeed, before coming to Marineford, Claudius had prepared himself for a potential encounter with Dragon, though he hadn't expected it to happen so soon or under such circumstances.

Putting thoughts of Gion aside, Claudius shifted his focus to Dragon. He had to make his move carefully, so as not to waste this golden opportunity.

"Now that Dragon's here, Gion's not my priority anymore," Claudius mused. He turned to his butler and said, "Nia, could you grab that book I brought with me? I'd like to read a bit."

Nia, quick as always, nodded and asked, "Which one would you like to read, Mr. Crow?"

Claudius pretended to think for a moment before replying, "Hmm... How about 'Civil Rights'?"

As soon as Claudius said the title, Dragon's eyes flickered with interest. Though he tried to maintain his composure, Claudius noticed his subtle reaction.

Nia hurriedly fetched the book from Claudius's bag and handed it to him. Smiling, Claudius opened the book and casually read aloud a famous quote: "The people are the most valuable, society comes second, and the ruler is the least important..."

Dragon's eyes sharpened at the words, his curiosity clearly piqued.

Unable to hold back any longer, Dragon leaned forward slightly and asked, "My friend, what book is that you're reading? And where can I find a copy?"

Claudius smiled inwardly. "Hook, line, and sinker."

Feigning mild confusion, Claudius looked up at Dragon and replied, "Oh, this? It's called Civil Rights, but I doubt you can find it in any stores..."