If there's ever been a villain who embraced his ambition, Spandine certainly fit the bill. Ever since aligning himself with Claudius, his confidence in his position had grown immensely. It wasn't uncommon for him to clash with other members of the Cipher Pol organization, conflicts were practically routine.
However, with Claudius backing him, Spandine was untouchable. The Cipher Pol agencies had tried complaining to Claudius several times, only to receive nothing more than a laugh in response.
Punishment? Out of the question. This was his loyal dog, someone with sharp instincts and an excellent ability to execute tasks. As long as Spandine didn't cross an irreparable line, Claudius would clean up any mess he made.
Spandine, as Claudius's first and most devoted subordinate, was a master at reading his superior's preferences. For instance, since the Marines tended to play by the rules and had cooperative relationships with Claudius, Spandine often directed credit for achievements their way. This habit won him favor within the Marines, who frequently reported to Claudius how competent and dependable Spandine was.
As for the Cipher Pol agencies? Spandine had long understood that Claudius held a certain disdain and suspicion toward them, especially the older factions. Knowing this, Spandine showed no mercy to the "old guard" within Cipher Pol, often treating them harshly and keeping them on edge.
He had learned that as long as he didn't overstep and avoided disrupting Claudius's plans, the Cipher Pol agencies could complain all they wanted. Claudius wouldn't bat an eye, and Spandine would remain untouchable.
With a satisfied smile, Spandine put away the Den Den Mushi and glanced at Lucci. "You heard His Highness's orders, didn't you?"
This time, Lucci responded directly, his cold voice devoid of emotion. "Of course."
"Good. Just follow the instructions. This never happened. Make sure Tom is protected and eliminate any loose ends or potential leaks. Got it?" Spandine's tone was sharp and commanding.
Lucci remained composed. Clearly, this wasn't the first time they'd handled such delicate tasks. "Understood. But… what are you so happy about?" Lucci asked, his cold demeanor giving way to a hint of curiosity as he observed Spandine's unusually cheerful mood.
Though Lucci typically maintained a detached and stoic personality, he had a fairly close relationship with Spandine, who had mentored him and treated him as a protégé. Spandine's plan to groom Lucci as a potential successor had fostered a level of camaraderie between them.
Spandine's grin widened. "Didn't you hear? His Highness said he'll have my son serve him! Isn't that incredible?"
Lucci raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "That's what you're so excited about? You call that a 'high-end profession'? Can't you have a little more ambition?"
"You don't get it," Spandine said with a smug expression. "Haven't you heard the saying, 'A servant of a duke is greater than a viscount'? Now imagine being a servant to His Highness! Sure, serving tea may seem trivial, but it's all about who you're serving. Take Butler Nia, for example, she's just a maid, right? But even Fleet Admiral Sengoku greets her with a smile and respect!"
Lucci thought about it for a moment and begrudgingly acknowledged the point. When he saw Nia, he always nodded politely out of respect, even if it felt odd.
After a moment of reflection, Lucci said with a sharp tone, "If you want your son to be like Nia, you'd better start by making him a woman."
Spandine was taken aback, momentarily speechless. He quickly recovered and retorted, "What does that even have to do with anything? I think you're just jealous."
After a brief pause, Spandine looked at Lucci with an uncharacteristically sentimental gaze. "Sometimes, I think… if only you were my son, wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Lucci shivered and replied in disgust, "Don't look at me like that. It's revolting."
Spandine blinked, stunned by Lucci's bluntness. Quickly brushing off the awkward moment, he waved his hand dismissively. "Enough of this nonsense. Back to business. His Highness wants us to shift the Ancient Weapon narrative toward Alabasta. That's your job."
Spandine understood that Alabasta was part of Claudius's plans. Crocodile had recently gained a foothold there, becoming a noble, and the nation's internal situation had grown increasingly unstable ever since. While Spandine didn't know the full details, he trusted that Claudius had his reasons. His only responsibility was to execute the task flawlessly.
Claudius had mentioned the possibility of Ancient Weapon-related rumors in Alabasta, so Spandine knew they needed plausible evidence to back it up. If no evidence existed, they'd simply manufacture it. That part, he left to Lucci.
Lucci nodded, fully grasping the objective. The task was to frame the Nefertari royal family by spreading false rumors. A simple enough job. "Consider it done," he said.
Having settled the matter, Spandine wasted no time calling his son. He instructed him to start learning proper etiquette and even suggested he take lessons in tea preparation. "If that boy can't even serve tea properly, I'll skin him alive!" Spandine muttered to himself.
---
Meanwhile, aboard the Prometheus, Claudius sat deep in thought about the Ancient Weapons.
It hadn't been long since he'd left Water 7, where he'd built a close relationship with Tom. On several occasions, Claudius had noticed that Tom seemed to have something important to say but always hesitated to bring it up.
Claudius guessed that Tom likely possessed the blueprints for Pluton, the Ancient Weapon. However, Tom's kindhearted nature would make him reluctant to reveal them, as he understood the devastating potential of such a weapon.
Claudius respected that sentiment and wasn't in a hurry to force the issue. Besides, even if he acquired the blueprints now, it wasn't the right time to act. If he tried to construct Pluton in secret, the World Government would almost certainly find out. At best, they'd confiscate the plans; at worst, it could jeopardize the fragile trust between Claudius and the Five Elders.
For now, Claudius needed to maintain that trust. He was still assessing whether the Five Elders were worthy of his continued alliance, or if they were better off discarded in the future.
As for Pluton, Claudius knew he'd need to solidify his control over the Marines first before even considering any action. There was no need to rush.
Tom still had an important role to play in the meantime specifically, building the sea train project in the Calm Belt.
"Pluton," Claudius murmured under his breath.
"Your Highness, do you plan to return to Water 7?" Nia asked, having overheard Claudius's earlier conversation with Spandine.
Claudius raised an eyebrow at her question. "Why would I do that?"
"For the Ancient Weapon," Nia said hesitantly.
Claudius chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "What's the big deal? It's just a ship, after all."