As soon as the Den Den Mushi was answered, Crocodile's deep, slightly raspy voice came through.
"Tesoro, I need 500 billion Berries in funding," Crocodile said flatly.
Tesoro's expression turned bitter.
Damn it, again with the 500 billion…
Did these people think 500 billion Berries was just pocket change? Was it as easy as asking for five billion?!
"Boss Crocodile, do you think I'm running a charity?" Tesoro groaned.
"I know you have your own difficulties, but Marine Headquarters is expanding.
Claudius wants me to supply warships and Marine equipment.
Even with my Alabasta system, supplying the Marines is a massive undertaking. Expansion is necessary."
This time, Crocodile actually took the time to explain himself patiently.
---
Meanwhile, downstairs in the World Government headquarters…
Spandine was making his way into the building.
He wore a black suit, a cigar clenched between his teeth, and draped over his shoulders was the dark brown fur cloak Claudius had gifted him years ago.
Under his arm, he carried a thick file folder, his footsteps steady as he walked toward the elevator.
Just as he stepped inside, he saw Dragon exiting the building with someone, carrying a stack of thick documents.
It looked like he was busy as well.
Upon seeing Dragon, Spandine grinned and greeted him.
"Minister Dragon, busy as always?"
Dragon glanced at Spandine and chuckled.
Back when he was leader of the Revolutionary Army, Dragon hadn't interacted much with Spandine, aside from gathering intelligence on each other.
But now?
Now they were all part of the same government. Their relationship had naturally improved.
Without bothering to hide anything, Dragon raised the files in his hand and said:
"Orders come from above. We just do the running around."
---
In the World Government, "above" always referred to Claudius.
People like Dragon, Spandine, and Tesoro were all high-ranking officials, they only answered to Claudius himself.
So Dragon's words were obviously teasing Claudius, but Spandine didn't mind.
After all, Dragon and Claudius were close friends in private, beyond their official roles.
A little lighthearted mockery was harmless.
Spandine smirked.
"Big task? Or another anti-corruption operation?"
Since Dragon had brought most of his former Revolutionary Army members into the government, their main task had been anti-corruption efforts.
For some reason, this job had ended up under the Ministry of Civil Affairs—probably because the new government structure was still being adjusted.
At the same time, CP-X, under Spandine, played a crucial role in investigating and arresting corrupt officials.
So it made sense for Spandine to ask.
Dragon shook his head.
"No, not anti-corruption. That's already running smoothly on its own. I don't need to oversee it personally anymore."
Then, he added:
"Haven't you heard? Claudius is establishing seven new administrative districts.
We're cutting certain islands directly under World Government control into these new jurisdictions.
I'm currently working on forming the leadership teams for them."
Spandine raised an eyebrow.
"Oh yeah, I heard about that. Wasn't Water 7 officially classified as a directly governed island this morning?"
"Yep. I imagine Tom is swamped with work because of it," Dragon replied with a grin.
Spandine sighed.
"Everyone's running around like crazy these days…"
He flicked the ash from his cigar and asked:
"So, who's going to be in charge of these jurisdictions? His Highness must be looking for experienced people—people who can actually hold things down."
Dragon smirked.
He pointed upstairs and said:
"The Five are already in Claudius' office. I just need two more."
Spandine froze.
"Wait… Claudius is finally calling them out after nearly two years?"
Dragon nodded.
"Honestly, was it that unexpected?"
Spandine thought for a moment, then nodded as well.
"I suppose not. We all knew His Highness would make use of them eventually."
The "Five" he was referring to were, of course, the Five Elders.
Claudius had actually treated them fairly well.
Even when he removed the Celestial Dragons from power, he allowed the Five Elders to save their immediate families.
Instead of punishing them, he granted them the titles of "Five Great Nobles" and ensured they received yearly tributes.
The only real change was that they were relocated—moving from the Void Throne Palace to the House of Gods.
In fact, Claudius still dined with them from time to time.
There was no denying that the Five Elders were immensely capable.
If they hadn't been, Imu never would have trusted them with absolute authority in the past.
However, despite their intelligence, their positions as Celestial Dragons had restricted them.
There were too many obstacles preventing them from making meaningful reforms.
But now?
Claudius had already cleared away all the corruption.
After letting them stay idle for two years, and cutting down most of their old power base, he had finally decided to put them back to work.
The seven jurisdictions were a major project.
Especially in this early phase, experienced leaders were needed, people who had actual governing experience and the authority to command respect.
In truth, Claudius didn't have many such people on hand.
But the Five Elders were perfect candidates.
All he needed was two more, and Dragon could finalize the appointments.
And trust?
It might seem odd, but Claudius trusted them completely—just as they had once trusted him.
Spandine was curious.
"Aside from the Five Elders, who are you considering for the other two spots?"
Dragon sighed.
"Good question. That's my biggest headache right now.
Honestly, you know this government better than I do. Got any recommendations?"
Spandine thought for a moment.
"It's really just a matter of prestige.
As long as the person commands enough authority, the actual administration won't be too difficult.
After all, Claudius will be running things directly.
For at least the next five to ten years, the seven jurisdictions won't have much autonomy anyway."
Dragon nodded.
"You really do think like Claudius. No wonder you've been by his side for so long."
Of course, Dragon understood the plan perfectly.
Claudius was centralizing power, concentrating everything under his direct control so that he could push through major global reforms.
At this stage, there was no way he'd decentralize authority.
Maybe in the future, when things had stabilized, he'd consider delegating power.
For now? Everything remained under his rule.
Spandine had nailed it, what mattered most was prestige and experience.
After thinking for a moment, Spandine said:
"What about Commander Kong?"
Dragon's eyes lit up.
After a moment of contemplation, he nodded.
"I'll look into it.
He just retired not long ago, though. Maybe he should be allowed to rest.
But if no better candidates turn up, I'll ask him personally."
Spandine shrugged.
"Well, that's your problem. I won't keep you. I'm off to see His Highness."
Dragon smirked and shook his head.
"You really know how to dodge work."
Spandine laughed.
"Hey, I'm a spy chief. This isn't my department!"
With that, Dragon returned to his tasks while Spandine continued toward Claudius' office.
(To be continued.)
***
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