https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1004-Maybe-Kuro-Isn-t-That-Strong/13540700/
Chapter 1005: Shit, Big Brother
Chapter 1005: Shit, Big Brother
Shabondy.
Ever since William's escape, Shabondy had entered a repair phase.
Repairs were necessary—those eerie, high-impact steam blasts had reduced many buildings to rubble.
Now, a Capital Ship docked at Shabondy's port.
Sengoku, clad in his signature loincloth and navy hooded cloak, stood waiting by the port with his axe slung over his shoulder, surrounded by Navy officers.
From the ship’s side, a golden staircase extended downward. A man in a golden uniform, with a cigar dangling from his lips, descended, followed by a white-haired little girl with a stoic expression.
As his boots hit the pier, the waiting Navy officers saluted in unison.
Sengoku greeted him with a grin: “Big Brother.”
“What a mess.”
Kuro scanned the visible buildings, his gaze lingering on the distant structures still under repair.
“You let William escape unscathed here? And you lost two Pacifistas?” he asked, quirking an eyebrow.
When he’d heard of William’s reappearance and escape, Kuro had decided to drop by. He wanted the Navy to monitor William’s movements—since he’d come to Shabondy, his next stop was likely Fishman Island before proceeding to the New World. Letting him go to the New World wasn’t a bad idea. With that strength, only the Seven Warlords of the Sea could handle him in the Paradise. Why keep him here to enjoy himself?
“Big Brother, that pirate’s too slippery!”
Sengoku grumbled, scratching his chin. “I thought a 30 Million bounty pirate would be easy pickings for the Pacifistas, but they got wiped out! I chased him myself, but he’s a Logia user with Haki—dodged all my attacks. And those steam blasts kept blowing up, blocking my view. Had no choice but to retreat.”
“Forget it. Let him suffer in the New World,” Kuro said, exhaling a puff of smoke. “He’s my hometown buddy.”
“Hometown buddy?”
Sengoku rubbed his beard, nodding slowly. “Got it. I’ll keep quiet. He didn’t use a coated membrane this time. Next time he shows up in Shabondy, I’ll—”
“Next time he comes, if you don’t teach him what danger feels like, I’ll teach you!” Kuro glared.
“Huh? But isn’t he your hometown buddy?” Sengoku scratched his head, confused.
“Because he’s damn well my hometown buddy!” Kuro snapped. “Why do I have to risk my neck every day, while he gets to gallivant around safely? He’s a pirate—a pirate who lives on the edge every day! If the Old Man doesn’t stop him, let William rot in the New World. If he dares show his face here again, if you don’t cripple him or crush half his influence, the Old Man will flay you alive!”
“G-Got it, Big Brother,” Sengoku stammered, taking a wary step back. Though bewildered, he knew better than to question Kuro’s orders.
“Big Brother, why’d you come here this time?”
As they walked away from the port toward the Navy base, Kuro shrugged. “Nothing to do. Heard some interesting news, so I dropped by. Figured I’d kill time here.”
“Long time since you’ve been to Shabondy. No World Nobles causing trouble lately, right?”
Sengoku shook his head. “Nope. Since you scared off Charloss the Holy last time, rumors say Shabondy’s dangerous. World Nobles haven’t come down since. Can’t promise they never will.”
Kuro nodded. “Good. Let them stay in Mariejois.”
They were among allies—no need to hold back. Sengoku, a loyal Navy officer, harbored no love for World Nobles. Kuro’s actions had created this peaceful status quo, and Sengoku had no intention of letting it collapse. If World Nobles returned, they might resurrect that cursed “Occupational Stability Bureau.” Better to leave things as they were.
This place was Kuro’s territory. And territories in the Navy came in many forms. A Base Commander’s influence vanished after retirement or reassignment. But as one of Lucius Kro Admiral’s direct subordinates, Kuro’s control over Shabondy was permanent—no other faction would ever replace him. Unless he stepped down voluntarily, Shabondy’s taxation and profits were his. Sengoku got a cut too, though a small one. The World Government didn’t care—the Navy only controlled islands, while their true wealth came from member states. The income from these territories barely covered the Navy’s massive expenses, all paid by the World Government.
“C’mon, let’s eat. Wait, no—you’re buying.”
Kuro clapped Sengoku’s shoulder. He’d intended to offer but remembered Sengoku’s wealth—despite joining the Navy, he still ran the Science Division, raking in cash.
“Fine, Kuro Big Brother,” Sengoku sighed, tossing his axe to a nearby officer and following Kuro barehanded.
Lida, hearing “eat,” perked up and trailed behind them.
Inside a high-end Shabondy restaurant, the trio settled into a private room for food and drinks.
“Big Brother, I don’t drink.”
Sengoku waved off the cup Kuro slid toward him.
“You’re thirty?! Don’t give me that!” Kuro shoved a bottle in front of him. “Look at your sister—first thing she hears ‘drinks,’ she’s like ‘Shit, Big Brother!’ But if you call me ‘Shit,’ I’ll punch you. Drinks, though? Down them like there’s no tomorrow.”
Sengoku, 37, Kuro, 27—three years had passed since the Top War.
Sengoku was ten years older, but after a duel when they first became Gramps’ subordinates, he’d been stuck calling Kuro “Big Brother” ever since.
“...Shit, Big Brother?”
Sengoku muttered, puzzled but used to Kuro’s baffling remarks. Arguing would only earn him “special training.” He wasn’t stupid.
But with his physique, a few drinks wouldn’t hurt. Might as well drink.
(End of Chapter)
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