Chapter 1: Celestial Dragons - A New Beginning?

Let's talk about the New World. It encompasses the entire Grand Line... No, it's better to say that it's the most dangerous sea area in the world. The sea here is incredibly violent, and every day brings forth different wonders. Sailing in this region, no matter how seasoned a sailor, death could come at any moment. After all, everything here defies the understanding of all navigators.

Whether it's an island floating in the sky, a sea surface suddenly splitting, or a sudden hailstorm larger than a ship under a clear sky, you name it, and it can happen in the New World. Even the sea turning into hot magma, swallowing everything in its path, is a common occurrence here.

Yet, despite the sea's impartiality, it is ruthless to all, regardless of identity. Whether one is a pirate, Marine, adventurer, noble, or caravan, in the eyes of the sea, everyone is equal; they are all its subjects.

Now, in the waters of the New World portal area, on an unknown island, there is a man who survived against all odds.

Survival, however, is not merely luck. To be precise, this man died once, only to be reincarnated by a soul from the Otherworld, embarking on a new journey of life.

At this moment, on the shore of this unknown island, stands a youth who appears to be in his teens. He is broad and stout, dressed in tattered clothes. Yet, beneath the rags, one can discern remnants of former grandeur: long, pale blonde hair, and a face with a hint of dominance, despite its slightly pallid complexion.

At first glance, it's evident that this young man hails from an extraordinary background. He likely belonged to some mediocre noble family, ignorant of the world beyond his comforts, his life confined to indulgence.

And indeed, this is the case. This portly youth boasts an illustrious lineage, enjoying every luxury life had to offer from birth to death. The Master of unparalleled power, a privilege reserved for the nobility of nobilities: the Celestial Dragons.

Ah, the Celestial Dragons, those haughty beings who reign supreme over the world of nobles. The mention of nobility invariably harks back to a time 800 years ago when the royal families of twenty nations united to form a new world order: the World Government. The descendants of these twenty kings were bestowed grand titles like 'Descendants of the Creator' and 'Descendants of God.'

These illustrious descendants, collectively known as the 'world nobles,' or Celestial Dragons, serve as the legal embodiment of the World Government. For it was the ancestors of the Celestial Dragons who laid the foundation of this governing body.

Moreover, the highest echelons of the World Government have always been dominated by powerful Celestial Dragons. Thus, over the past eight centuries, the Celestial Dragon class has continually 'ascended,' enjoying privileges and perks beyond the reach of ordinary folk.

Consider, for instance, a Marine Admiral, second only to the Fleet Admiral. They wield immense power and influence, capable of condemning islands to annihilation with a mere decree. Indeed, their strength places them among the elite of the world.

And yet, even such formidable figures pale in comparison to the status of Celestial Dragons. Within their ranks, an Admiral is but a 'bodyguard.'

Yes, for Celestial Dragons, be it the Marine headquarters that commands the seas or the enigmatic CP organization, these entities are mere 'servants.' Should a Celestial Dragon face any threat, the mightiest of Admirals must be summoned to safeguard their honor.

Indeed, the world is unjust. Yet, it is precisely this injustice that has propelled the Celestial Dragons to 'ascend' over the past eight centuries, turning a blind eye to the plight of others. To them, only fellow Celestial Dragons matter; all others are but 'slaves.'

Some even go as far as wearing bubble hoods out of sheer arrogance, unwilling to breathe the same air as the 'untouchables.' Ridiculous as it may seem, it underscores the haughtiness of the Celestial Dragons.

And here, on this nameless desert island, resides a Celestial Dragon of the highest order.

"Donquixote·Claudius... The name sounds imposing, but the man himself seems rather foolish, wouldn't you agree? But then again, aren't these lower-tier Celestial Dragons all brawn and no brain?" mused the youth seated upon a rock by the shore, lamenting his predecessor's inadequacies.

Needless to say, Donquixote was an authentic Celestial Dragons family. Eight hundred years ago, the royal family of Dressrosa, later the progenitors of the World Government, allowed the Donquixote family to ascend from Dressrosa to the hallowed grounds of Mariejois, thus becoming the nineteenth member of the Celestial Dragons family.

Indeed, they were nineteen, for one of the twenty royal descendants, the Nafirutari royal family of Alabasta, chose not to relocate to Mariejois. Consequently, they remained outside the Celestial Dragons' realm, emerging as the 'earth masters' over the course of eight centuries.

Yet, despite his prestigious lineage, this stout youth, a scion of the Donquixote family, found himself on the lower rungs of Celestial Dragons' hierarchy. Unlike the esteemed Five Elders who steered the World Government with wisdom and experience, he was akin to a 'waste' waiting for death, unworthy of his noble blood.

Observing his reflection in the rippling tide, Claudius pondered for a moment before nodding in resignation. "Fundamentally salvageable, albeit excessively boorish... With a change in demeanor and physique, my handsome soul might yet be redeemed."

For Claudius, though born into the lowest ranks of the Celestial Dragons, possessed the innate potential to reclaim his former glory. With diligent effort and temperance, he could shed the layers of indolence and decadence that shrouded him, emerging as a paragon of nobility.

After all, his illustrious cousin, Donquixote·Doflamingo, epitomized the height of elegance. Unlike the decadent Celestial Dragons of Mariejois, Doflamingo's upbringing in a different environment imbued him with unparalleled charisma. A fate Claudius hoped to emulate, lest he remain a mere relic of a bygone era.

"And so, Claudius finds himself marooned after a shipwreck, a twist of fate that prolongs his existence. For he should have perished long ago," Claudius murmured wistfully, his eyes betraying a glimmer of hope amidst the tangled web of destiny.