One Piece: King of the World

Chapter 274: 'Go Kill Moria for Me and Prove Your Worth, Teach!

Hearing Claudius's words, Teach felt a jolt of shock. "Damn... Did he see through me that quickly? Did I expose my ambitions so easily?"

But he didn't dare to say anything.

If he denied it, it might come across as an attempt to deceive Claudius, and Teach wasn't sure about this man's temperament yet. If he miscalculated and offended him, wouldn't that be the end of the road? He might not even make it out of here alive.

If he didn't deny it but didn't know how to respond either, that would just leave him awkwardly stuck.

As Teach struggled with how to react, Claudius spoke again.

"You want the Dark-Dark Fruit?" Claudius asked casually.

Teach exhaled in relief. This was a chance to shift the conversation. He nodded immediately and answered, "Yes, Your Highness. I want to obtain the Dark-Dark Fruit."

"A good idea," Claudius replied in the same indifferent tone.

Teach remained silent, standing respectfully.

Claudius stroked his chin, then smiled and said, "But tell me... why should I give it to you?"

Teach's heart tensed.

Claudius paused briefly before continuing, "Or rather, what value do you bring to me?"

Licking his lips, Teach quickly responded, "I am willing to serve Your Highness. To be your vanguard."

Claudius suddenly laughed.

"Hahahahaha!"

Teach felt uneasy. What's so funny?

"It seems my instincts were correct," Claudius said with amusement. "That strong stench of ambition is coming off you in waves, Teach."

"Your Highness has sharp eyes, like a torch illuminating the truth," Teach said, smoothly shifting into flattery. He wasn't about to argue.

Claudius chuckled and continued, "You're from Newgate's ship, yet you say you want to pledge loyalty to me? Hahaha... That's amusing. A 'vanguard' for me, huh? You do realize that there are countless people on this ocean who would love to work under me. What makes you think you deserve my favor?"

"Because I have confidence," Teach said without hesitation. "I won't let you down!"

"Confidence is good..." Claudius mused. He then leaned forward slightly and asked, "Even if I told you to go against Whitebeard?"

Teach felt an immediate headache at those words. "If I could take on Whitebeard right now, I wouldn't need the Dark-Dark Fruit in the first place!"

"This..." Teach hesitated, but then steeled himself and replied, "If Your Highness wishes to deal with him, I am willing to serve!"

The wording was carefully chosen, he wasn't saying he could take Whitebeard down. He was simply implying that he would be willing to assist in some way if Claudius needed him to.

Claudius stared at Teach for a long moment.

Even after forming the Seven Warlords, even after launching military operations against Kaido, the results had been lackluster.

And Moria? He had done nothing of value. He barely left the Florian Triangle these days. His reputation was fading instead of growing.

To Claudius, a useless asset was a liability.

So why keep him?

Better to eliminate him and replace him with someone better.

Hearing the utter indifference in Claudius's voice, Teach was taken aback.

Damn... This guy's ruthless. He really just disposes of people once they lose their value?

...But Teach liked that kind of thinking.

Claudius's voice snapped him back to reality.

"Are you hesitating?" Claudius asked, his tone now slightly impatient.

Teach flinched. "No hesitation at all, Your Highness. I'll get it done."

Claudius nodded, then gave him a pointed look before smirking.

"If you kill Moria and prove your worth," Claudius said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, "then perhaps I might consider making you the new Warlord in his place."

Bait the horse with a carrot.

It wasn't just about ordering Teach to kill Moria. It was about offering rewards worth chasing.

Teach's heart stirred.

A seat among the Seven Warlords of the Sea... That was no small thing.

He hadn't thought about this before, but now? The Warlord title could serve as a stepping stone—an opportunity for him to build his power, to move freely, to get closer to his real goals.

Teach made up his mind instantly.

With a deep bow, he said, "I am honored by your generosity, Your Highness."

Claudius waved a hand dismissively.

"Don't waste my time with empty words. Go. Kill Moria. Show me what you can do."

Teach's grin widened.

"I won't disappoint you, Your Highness."

Claudius simply waved him off.

"Good. I'll be waiting for the good news."