https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-103-Whatever-Let-s-Find-a-Time-Machine-First/13535908/
Chapter 104: You Dare Call Yourself a Devil Fruit User Without Awakening?
Chapter 104: You Dare Call Yourself a Devil Fruit User Without Awakening?
These Sea Kings weren't just trash Lida had carelessly thrown away.
You can't walk by the river every day and expect to never get your feet wet.
Those who frequently traveled through the Calm Belt inevitably encountered Sea Kings, even if they were wrapped in Seastone.
Generally speaking, few dared to sail through the Calm Belt in ships, let alone such a small Warship.
Normally, Sea Kings devoured whatever vessel they encountered.
But this time, the Sea Kings had apparently miscalculated.
Kuro glared menacingly at the corpse. "We'll be having seafood for dinner tonight!"
Actually, he'd rather have monkey brains.
Harboring resentment toward Lucius Kro, Kuro returned to his office alone.
That oppressive aura could be felt even from a distance.
Lida and Klah exchanged glances before following him inside.
Kuro plopped into his chair, lit a cigar, and stared blankly into space.
He'd been in this daze for quite some time.
Finally, he broke the silence. "Klah..."
"Yes?"
"I've always trusted you."
Klah shivered involuntarily.
This tone always preceded some terrible news.
"Listen, I need a plan. How can I avoid staying at Headquarters?"
Attending that Summit Meeting of the Tops was just talk - obviously he'd avoid it if possible.
He couldn't figure it out alone, but that's why he had subordinates.
Even if Lida wasn't the brightest, three fools could still outwit one wise man.
And besides, there was Klah.
"In my eyes, your intelligence rivals that of Hugh Jack the Disaster."
"Who?"
Kuro corrected himself. "No, I meant Benn Beckman."
After thinking for a moment, he clarified, "The red-haired first mate of the Red-Haired Pirates."
Though in his opinion, this supposed genius didn't seem much different from Wolverine's reckless nature.
"You flatter me."
Klah adjusted his glasses. "I'm just an inexperienced junior officer. Compared to an emperor's first mate, I have much to learn."
Still, he felt touched.
Could it be that Mr. Kuro actually held him in such high regard?
"Forget it. Just think of something."
Kuro waved dismissively.
"Mr. Kuro, with all due respect", Klah said carefully, "you've inherited everything from the legendary pirate Shanks. Your swordsmanship, abilities, and unarmed combat techniques are no worse than the great pirate himself. Why do you still resent the Grand Line? With your strength, you should aim for a higher position."
Kuro stared at him. "Are you out of your mind?"
"What do you mean 'no worse than Shanks'? Have I even awakened my Devil Fruit ability? Can I even call myself a true Devil Fruit user without awakening? Am I the World's Greatest Swordsman? Do my bare-handed techniques rival Garp's? Is my physical strength comparable to Kaido or Charlotte Big Mom?"
"No! I have nothing! All I've got is a bit of swordsmanship and the ability to fly. That's it! That's all!"
This was his genuine belief.
Deep down, he truly felt inferior to those powerhouses.
At best, he could only scavenge for scraps.
And even then, his abilities weren't overpowered.
They weren't like those game-breaking Devil Fruits.
Pirate world battles weren't governed by some pure hierarchy where a slight strength advantage meant instant victory.
At certain levels, the gap between strong and weak wasn't that obvious.
It was more like the difference between an adult and a child - the adult could dominate, but the child might still land a hit if they fought dirty.
Even Admirals had to be careful on battlefields - a moment's carelessness could lead to losses.
Too dangerous. Far too dangerous!
"I'm sorry, I can't think of anything right now."
After some thought, Klah said, "There's no good solution at the moment."
Kuro waved him off. "Fine, get out. I need to cool down."
"Hey! What about me? Don't ignore me!"
Lida jumped up indignantly, feeling neglected.
"Oh? You have an idea?"
"Nope."
"Then go eat your snacks!" Kuro snapped.
After they left, Klah adjusted his glasses, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Seeing this, Lida raised an eyebrow. "What's that look? You've got a plan?"
"Of course, but not yet."
Klah said, "The problem is Mr. Kuro is too impatient right now. A mere major isn't enough. He could apply to become a base commander, but majors can't command Grand Line bases. As for the Four Seas, that's impossible - Mr. Kuro hasn't committed any offenses that would warrant a demotion."
If not for Kuro's strict orders against mentioning eliminating Shanks, this would be much simpler.
Still, Klah understood - openly talking about eliminating Shanks would only bring greater complications.
There were plenty of powerhouses on the Grand Line.
"Follow the plan. We'll find some pirates and help Mr. Kuro get promoted to Commander. Then he can request an external posting to command a Grand Line base. By then, Mr. Kuro's dream will be realized, and so will ours."
Kuro wanted safety and comfort.
Lida wanted safety and full meals.
As for him, Klah just wanted safety and peace.
Within the Navy, certain rules had to be followed.
But once they reached a certain rank, those rules became less binding.
Commander was enough for Mr. Kuro.
As for him, Klah only needed to reach captain.
At that rank, one had significant autonomy.
...
The next day at Marineford.
The Warship docked at the Headquarters port. A sergeant saluted Kuro and led the Navy personnel for training.
This vacation had been sufficient - Navy personnel couldn't become complacent.
"Go play on your own. I need to find Gramps."
Kuro clicked his tongue, dismissing Lida and Klah as he proceeded toward Headquarters.
Marineford was a Navy city, with Headquarters as one of its central districts. Naturally, there were shops and restaurants here.
Kuro headed straight for Lucius Kro's office.
Without ceremony, he pushed open the door. "Gramps!"
Inside, besides Lucius Kro sipping tea, there stood a tall figure wearing red loincloth.
"Yo, Kuro. Back already?"
Lucius Kro paused mid-sip. "Seems you've grown a bit taller."
"Have I?"
Kuro glanced at himself. He hadn't noticed that.
Sengoku eyed Kuro suspiciously. "This really is Kuro?"
"Oh? Let me introduce you. This is my subordinate, Sengoku. You two should get along well." Lucius Kro smiled.
Sengoku approached. "I am Sengoku, commander of the Navy's Science Division. I once encountered a pirate impersonating you, which is why I recognize you."
"A pirate impersonating me?"
Kuro blinked. "Wait, did you meet Bak Arlo?"
"Yes. I encountered him with Gramps. The pirate surrendered voluntarily after learning you were his superior. I greatly admire this display of justice!"
Sengoku spoke earnestly. "This is the kind of justice I shall strive to emulate!"
I'll emulate you with a Mmp!
Now he understood.
Meeting Lucius Kro really did mean certain death unless you surrendered immediately.
(End of Chapter)
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