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Chapter 1049: Breaking the Title
Chapter 1049: Breaking the Title
"Alright, that’s settled then."
Kuro waved his hand, signaling Klah to leave. "Everyone out. I need a rest—I’m feeling worn out after that workout."
This could barely qualify as exercise.
You’ve truly regressed into an old man, haven’t you? Stretching feels like a health regimen now?
Klah twitched his lips but said nothing, stepping out quietly.
Lida didn’t linger either—hungry, she headed to the Dining Hall.
Outside the office, Klah glanced at the sky. Sunlight reflected off his glasses, creating a glare. After a long silence, he walked to the ship’s deck. Amidst the Navy’s salutes, he waved dismissively, cleared the area, then pulled out a Transponder Snail. Dialing a signal, he waited.
The Transponder Snail’s distinctive ring echoed briefly before the call connected.
"David", Klah spoke first.
The line crackled faintly before David’s steady voice emerged: "Klah? What’s up?"
Klah’s tone flattened. "Kuromr. mentioned the Dougleg Squadron. You understand?"
A pause. Then, firmly: "Understood. Tell the lord not to worry!"
"Good." Klah hung up, exhaling.
Such calls couldn’t drag on. Too much talk would seem unprofessional. Kuromr. trusted him implicitly, but oversharing was unwise.
...
Near the Astartes border, David stared at the silent Transponder Snail, deep in thought.
The Dougleg Squadron… Kas’s elite force. Clones, if I recall. From the Vinsmoke Family in North Blue.
He envied their disciplined army. If Dressrosa had such troops, conquering would be effortless. Now, though, manpower shortages plagued them.
Not enough high-tier combatants. Not enough soldiers. Nothing but shortages. Without these constraints, David’s conquest wouldn’t have slowed.
Vinsmoke…
The name lingered. Suddenly, his eyes brightened. Lord wants to eliminate them? I heard the World Government disowned them. Taking them out wouldn’t bother the World Government. No—just their technology. Even safer.
The Vinsmoke assassins were legendary, but their numbers and lack of territory made them elusive. North Blue was vast.
But the lord’s command? A goal.
Otherwise, why mention the Dougleg Squadron?
Lord’s a lord. Even now, he still looks out for me.
Suppressing emotion, David fixed his gaze on the emerging coastline ahead. I’ll finish this first, then head straight to North Blue. If I have to dig, I’ll unearth the Vinsmokes myself!
His destination: Astartes’ Faya Principality.
Not for conquest, but to meet the "emperor." If persuasion worked, he’d recruit him into Debang as a strategic ally. If not, he’d find a proxy.
...
Half a month later, the warship finally returned to Headquarters.
Kuro slowed the pace, casually eliminating a few reckless pirate crews. The merits? Naturally distributed to subordinates. After all, they were Marine Elite—how else to reward them for mopping up minor pirates?
He’d reached the summit. Lida and Klah had too. Merits meant little now.
Docking at Headquarters’ port, the ship’s side lowered a ramp. Kuro strolled down, cigar between his lips, nodding to the Navy soldiers saluting at the port. Stepping past the welcome party, he sighed, "Home again. This trip’s drained me. You two, take leave. Gather everyone. After I report, we’ll find a place to drink."
"Understood. I’ll notify them." Klah adjusted his glasses.
Kuro nodded. "Call everyone."
"Roger."
Lida, meanwhile, turned straight to Ju Geng.
Kuro headed to the tallest building in Headquarters—the Castle Tower. A familiar face was on duty.
"Minorin?"
"Eh, Kurovice Admiral."
Minorin greeted him with a nod.
"On watch today?"
Kuro tossed a cigar from his box. "Is the boss around?"
The nickname amused him. Few in Navy higher-ups used Sakazuki’s full name. Kakubrother called him "President", Yi Xiaobrother "Sakazukifleet Admiral." Adding "Sa Zong" wasn’t excessive.
Minorin lit the cigar, smirking. "He’s waiting for you. Heard you’re back. By the way, you’re the World’s Greatestgreatest Swordsman now. Impressive."
"Spread that fast?" Kuro raised a brow. "Who said?"
"Hawk-Eye admitted it himself. Said you defeated him. From now on, you’re the World’s Greatestgreatest Swordsman." Minorin grinned proudly. "Our Navy’s got a true legend now!"
"Nothing to brag about." Kuro waved it off. "I’ll head over. Later chat."
He’d expected this.
Defeating Dracule Mihawk, claiming the title… That man’s nature ensured he’d admit defeat openly. But no newspaper coverage? Strange. Did Navy suppress it?
That’d be ideal.
If they kept it quiet, Kuro would be thrilled.
A small circle sufficed. Dracule Mihawk was one man. Though blunt, he wouldn’t blab in newspapers. Even if he announced his loss everywhere, the ripple effect would be minor. Most swordsmen still saw him as the Greatest. Kuro achieved his duel’s purpose. No hassle. Perfect.
Not mortal enemies. A formal duel was unavoidable. If fire broke out, Kuro doubted he could hold back.
That man fought to the death. Such a swordsman’s strike might cripple him.
What’s the point of victory if all you gain is a title?
(End of Chapter)
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