Chapter 103: Spandine: I’m About to Make It Big!

Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Spandine: I'm About to Make It Big!

At the port of Ohara, Spandine stood in stunned silence as a line of heavily armed soldiers moved stacks of books from the island onto a large ship anchored nearby.

"Who are these people? And what the hell are they doing?" Spandine muttered, glancing questioningly at a subordinate beside him.

The subordinate quickly responded, "Sir Spandine, I heard it's His Highness Claudius who's on the island."

Spandine felt a pang of dread. The presence of Celestial Dragons complicated everything. Even though he hadn't seen this particular ship before, the flag it bore was unmistakable, no one in their right mind would dare interfere.

"Why didn't anyone inform me sooner?!" Spandine snapped, masking his unease. "Get moving, take me to him at once!"

Meanwhile, inside the Tree of Knowledge, Claudius was gazing around in awe at the massive, hollowed-out tree that served as Ohara's legendary library. Shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls stretched up to the ceiling, housing humanity's forgotten cultures and wisdom. The sheer volume of knowledge amassed here was breathtaking.

As he observed, Stussy approached quietly, stopping beside him. "Your Highness, our men have found the renegade Giant Vice Admiral—Jaguar D. Saul—hiding on the west coast."

Claudius glanced at her and nodded. "I see."

"Do you wish for him to be apprehended?" Stussy inquired.

Claudius shook his head dismissively. "Let's not get sidetracked. The priority right now is to evacuate all these books from the Tree of Knowledge. Also, hand me the Den Den Mushi."

Stussy handed over the Den Den Mushi she carried, and Claudius dialed a number. After a few rings, a lazy voice picked up, sounding as though the speaker had just been woken up.

"Kuzan?" Claudius greeted with a slight smile.

At that moment, Kuzan was lying sprawled out on the deck of a warship stationed around Ohara, a sleep mask pushed up onto his forehead. Recognizing the voice on the line, he seemed a bit surprised.

"Your Highness Claudius?"

"That's me," Claudius replied with a grin.

"So... you're actually on Ohara?" Kuzan asked, amused.

"Of course. If you're all planning to blow this place to pieces, someone has to be here to rescue these precious artifacts before they're lost forever. You know me, always looking out for the world's cultural treasures," Claudius joked.

Kuzan chuckled. "I didn't think of that angle."

"Well, I didn't call to discuss my library. Sengoku requested that CP-X assist Marine with a certain... problematic situation. Specifically, your wayward friend, Jaguar D. Saul. If I remember correctly, you two were close, right?"

Kuzan fell silent, clearly uncomfortable. After a moment, he admitted, "Yes... Saul and I are good friends. We've been through a lot together."

He knelt down beside Robin, speaking softly. "Robin, I've entrusted you to this gentleman. His status is very high, he'll keep you safe. From now on, stay close to him, do as he says, and don't cause any trouble, alright?"

Robin looked at him with teary eyes. "What about you, Grandpa Clover?"

Clover forced a gentle smile. "I'm staying here in Ohara, my dear."

"But... I want to stay too," Robin said, her voice trembling.

He hugged her tightly, whispering in her ear, "Robin... from now on, you are Ohara."

Claudius gave them a moment, his gaze drifting back to the diminishing rows of books. Just then, an overly familiar, sycophantic voice grated on his ears.

"Your Highness, there you are!"

Claudius turned to see Spandine hurrying over, practically tripping over himself in his eagerness.

"Hahaha, Spandine," Claudius greeted him with a knowing smile. "Looks like you're the CP lead for this operation?"

Spandine, ever obsequious, nodded rapidly. "Yes, thanks to Admiral Sengoku's recommendation, I was assigned as the overseer for this Buster Call. Quite an honor."

"Well, do a good job and it might get you some recognition back in Mariejois," Claudius replied, nodding.

Spandine laughed nervously, quick to agree. Then, after a moment of hesitation, he cautiously asked, "If I may... Your Highness, what exactly are you...?"

"Oh, this?" Claudius gestured to the books being loaded onto his ship. "I'm simply salvaging some of these cultural artifacts. No need for you to concern yourself, go ahead and complete your mission."

Relief flooded Spandine's face. "Of course, Your Highness. Thank you for clarifying."

Just as Spandine was about to turn away, Claudius spoke up again, as if remembering something. "By the way, Spandine, have you ever considered a position in CP-X?"

Spandine's eyes widened in shock, his face lighting up with excitement. "Your Highness... are you serious? A chance to serve directly under you?"

Claudius clapped a hand on Spandine's shoulder, smiling in that charming yet unreadable way. "I've always appreciated your skills and loyalty. I think you'd fit right in."

In that moment, Spandine's mind whirled with thoughts of his impending success. There was only one thought echoing in his head: I'm about to make it big!

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