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Chapter 1014: Kuro, You'll Have to Handle This
Chapter 1014: Kuro, You’ll Have to Handle This
Kuro strode directly through the wide-open entrance of the Fleet Admiral’s office, spotting Sakazuki seated at his desk. “You called for me?”
Sakazuki, chewing on a cigar, lifted his chin as Kuro entered, his rugged, unshaven face looking especially rough. If Kuro hadn’t known better—that expression always meant business—he might’ve turned back around.
“Kuro,” Sakazuki acknowledged, flicking a document across the desk. Kuro caught it mid-air as it floated toward him.
“What’s this? Shanks? Marshall D. Teach?” Kuro’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the names on the paper.
The document detailed Shanks’ recent movements—how he’d stirred trouble in Marshall D. Teach’s territory, specifically in the region called ‘Astartes.’ Two of the three nations there had long flown Blackbeard’s flag, but now, due to Shanks’ interference, one was on the brink of collapse. The other nation, unwilling to get dragged into a conflict between two Four Emperors, had secretly reached out to the World Government, seeking member state status.
“So,” Kuro said, sinking into a nearby chair and lighting a cigar. He exhaled a plume of smoke, his expression darkening. “Are we declaring war on Shanks?”
“No,” Sakazuki replied gravely. “The higher-ups want to avoid an all-out war. Our task is to contact the nation seeking to join the World Government. Let Shanks and Blackbeard’s pirates fight it out.”
Kuro furrowed his brow, considering the implications. Avoiding a full-scale conflict was a relief—it was the Navy’s chance to chip away at the Four Emperors’ influence. But if things escalated, it could spiral into a Navy vs. pirates showdown. Would Blackbeard ally with Shanks? What about Kaido and Big Mom? With the battle in Wano Country already brewing, any movement here could ripple across the Grand Line.
Still, if not a full mobilization, then a targeted operation was needed—someone strong, someone discreet.
Before he could dwell, Sakazuki spoke the words Kuro dreaded: “Kuro, you’ll have to handle this one.”
“Huh?” Kuro’s head snapped up. “Me?”
“The old man specifically asked for you,” Sakazuki said, his tone flat. “The Navy can’t go all-in. Go observe the situation, meet with the nation’s king, and gather intelligence on Shanks. Ideally, capture him.”
“Wait, are you serious? You think I can just arrest a Four Emperor? Why not send someone to Mariejois while you’re at it?!”
“Lucius Kroadmiral’s busy,” Sakazuki cut in, his words as sharp as his magma. “Borsalino’s tied up. You’re the one going.”
Kuro’s lips twitched. Arguing with Sakazuki was pointless—like trying to reason with a wall. Letting out a resigned sigh, he muttered, “Fine. I’ll go.”
It wasn’t a direct confrontation. Just a diplomatic mission to secure an alliance. Blackbeard was likely hiding somewhere, and Shanks probably wouldn’t show up.
“Headquarters only has you qualified for this,” Sakazuki added with a nod.
Kuro said nothing, turning toward the door. Watching him leave, Sakazuki exhaled slowly, his face unreadable. “This is the best the old man could do.”
This mission was the only thing urgent enough to pull Kuro out of his quiet routine. Borsalino’s influence was waning, and Kuro needed to rise in rank—especially with the Admiral Position vacancy looming.
The rights of the “Sword” and the Seven Warlords of the Sea were already vested in Kuro. Six months of quiet buildup, coupled with Borsalino’s deliberate retreat, had brought them to this tipping point. Just one final push…
Sakazuki picked up the Transponder Snail, dialing a number. “Prepare a ship to Mariejois for the old man.”
…
“I knew it!” Kuro muttered as he stepped out of Sakazuki’s office.
Of course it wasn’t good news, but he couldn’t say he was surprised. As a Vice Admiral—and an Admiral candidate—such responsibilities came with the title. Refusing wouldn’t stop the world from turning.
With Vegapunk and Tatsumaki occupied, and Gramps out of the picture, who else could handle this?
“Months of peace, and still I land in trouble,” Kuro grumbled, relieved at least that Sakazuki hadn’t ordered a direct clash with Shanks. Their goal was simply to protect the nation seeking to join the World Government, ensuring it stayed intact.
Back in his office, Kuro lit another cigar, leaning back in his chair. After a long silence, he called out, “Klah, tell me about Astartes. The current situation, not just the emperor’s history.”
“At once, Kuro-sama.” Klah nodded. “Astartes was once a unified kingdom. Over a decade ago, the crown prince died of illness, leaving King Alexander Francising without an heir. The king passed shortly after, grief-stricken. The nobility fractured, splitting Astartes into three principalities: the ‘Saima Principality’ in the northwest, the ‘Feldan Principality’ in the northeast, and the ‘Faya Principality’ covering the entire south.”
“Originally under Whitebeard’s dominion, Blackbeard seized the region after his death. Faya Principality declared independence, avoiding Blackbeard’s flag. Blackbeard, unconcerned, let it be.”
Kuro nodded. The document had mentioned contacting Faya Principality.
“Shanks, that bastard, arrived in Astartes, occupying Feldan Principality. Now Faya Principality seeks our aid,” Kuro said. “Klah, get the ship ready. We’re heading out.”
“Shanks?” Klah’s voice tightened. “Are we declaring war?”
“War? You think he’s coming here to fight me directly? He’s too busy chasing that idiot Blackbeard,” Kuro scoffed, rolling a White Eye. “We’re just observing. Shanks is targeting Feldan. We’re meeting Faya. Neutral ground. Shanks isn’t the type to attack an uninvolved party.”
(End of Chapter)
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