Chapter 1048: Kuro's Hidden Intent
Chapter 1048: Kuro's Hidden Intent
Unarmed combat techniques and swordsmanship can certainly be combined with Haki, but that's fundamentally different from the Second Form. One is an attack, the other is a transformation state—they're completely distinct concepts.
Lida's current ability to generate the 'shockwave' effect purely stems from her reaching this stage of cultivation. Once someone attains this farming step, even an idiot could develop such techniques. Of course, Lida's innate talent accelerated her progress significantly.
Once Lida stabilizes this technique, her strength will firmly place her among the top three of the original Seven Warlords of the Sea. She'll be able to rival Hawk-Eye, the Snake Princess, and even the former Xiong.
As for Klah, after his transformation, his abilities are advancing steadily. He might grow to match veteran Vice Admirals' strength—or possibly challenge the Seven Warlords of the Sea tier.
When it comes to elite Vice Admirals in the Navy, even if they fought veteran Seven Warlords of the Sea, they'd likely lose. But "likely losing" doesn't mean they can't fight at all—it's two different matters.
If we must compare, it's like lightweight and middleweight boxers from my past life fighting. You can't just assume the lighter fighter will automatically lose.
This Grand Line has never had absolute rank suppression. Even if someone completes the Second Form and wields Catastrophe-level combat power, if their opponent finds an opening, they'll still get struck, injured, or even killed.
That's just how this world works—no guarantees.
"Anyway, train hard", Kuro said, exhaling smoke toward both of them. "Once we return, I'll help design your training regimen. I've got nothing better to do anyway."
"Nothing better to do?" Lida frowned. "You're slacking again, Kuro."
"Slacking? How dare you say I'm slacking?" Kuro retorted. "Look at my combat record—I've never slacked off. Don't focus on the process, look at the results! Across the entire Navy, who matches my achievements?"
He rolled his eyes. "I've cut down more people than ordinary Navy officers kill in their entire careers. Now that I'm old, with this aching back and sore joints, why can't I rest? I'm not idle—I still go out when headquarters assigns missions!"
"Wait—the process doesn't matter?" Lida blinked, stroking her chin. "But last time you said results didn't matter, only the process did!"
"Everything has two sides—you must view things dialectically! Why do you remember my words so precisely?"
Leaning back in his chair, Kuro continued, "Take Kas, that idiot. He overthinks everything, and I still get nervous around him. Speaking of which, what's he up to lately? Klah?"
Here it comes!
Klah straightened his posture.
Kuro's question was coming. Earlier, when Kuro dispersed everyone, Klah had thought nothing of it—maybe Kuro truly grew tired of Kas.
But now he realized—this might've been a calculated move all along.
How could they deceive outsiders without first fooling their allies?
This seemingly casual inquiry, this perfect segue into the topic—it was all premeditated by Kuro. Klah's role was simple: follow this script and perform flawlessly until Kuro grew tired of the charade.
Pushing up his glasses, Klah replied, "Kas? Recently, he's been busy training Dressrosa's military forces."
"Training troops? What troops? The Dougleg Squadron?" Kuro asked in surprise.
That genetically engineered unit barely required training. The Vinsmoke-designed clones were already top-tier human weapons—excellent physical specimens, but their potential had limits. They'd make outstanding Navy soldiers, but only Navy soldiers.
"Actually", Klah clarified, "he's helping train Dressrosa's national army."
Kuro nodded. "David's been conquering territories aggressively, right? They're short on manpower, so he asked Kas for help."
"Exactly. Being a Vice Admiral, I suppose he can do as he pleases", Kuro shrugged.
Navy Vice Admirals wielded immense autonomy, especially those commanding New World bases. Headquarters might know about such activities, but they'd barely care—training foreign armies wasn't a capital offense.
Stroking his chin, Kuro pondered, "David's conquests are getting too aggressive. Sure, his subordinates live well, but this expansion risks backlash. If surrounded, my business interests would suffer."
Dressrosa's territories kept expanding, and Kuro's share of the commercial profits kept flowing—though he hadn't originally wanted it. But David insisted so enthusiastically that refusing felt like an insult.
Reluctantly, Kuro had accepted the money. After all, the larger the territory, the greater his profits.
"Should we ask David to hold back?" Klah asked.
"Who am I to say? He's a King, I'm just a Navy officer—we're independent. He could even lodge complaints with the World Government if he wanted", Kuro rolled his eyes. "Still, managing this massive operation won't be easy. I heard he's short on manpower."
Klah nodded. "Yes. During my last inspection of the 'Sword' members, David mentioned this. He desperately needs personnel but can't recruit recklessly—it would damage Dressrosa's hard-earned reputation. Now he's searching for disciplined, obedient soldiers to fill their numbers."
Technically, David never said that directly. But when Kuro posed this question, there was hidden intent behind it—best to simply play along.
On the Grand Line, many islands only had thousands of inhabitants. Manpower shortages were inevitable. Finding quality soldiers wasn't easy.
Take Arabasta—a relatively peaceful nation that only recently began experiencing internal strife. Despite being considered a "great nation" with ten million citizens, its total military forces during the civil war reached a million—ten times the population ratio that nearly bankrupted Arabasta.
Thankfully, it was only a civil war. If they'd built such massive armies through external conflicts, Arabasta would've collapsed entirely.
Other islands had even smaller populations. This explains why pirates grew so arrogant—they could dominate entire regions with crews of just dozens. For these islands, a few dozen combat-capable individuals could be overwhelmingly powerful.
Even the Navy's global forces probably didn't number a million.
A pirate crew with thousands of members qualified as a true Grand Fleet.
"Forget it. David should solve his own manpower issues", Kuro shook his head. "Just tell Kas to focus on training his Dougleg Squadron. No need to meddle in David's affairs—he's Navy, after all."
Klah adjusted his glasses, his gaze gleaming beneath the lenses. "Understood. I'll deliver your message to Kas immediately."
The clone Navy soldiers—mentioned twice now.
(End of Chapter)
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