https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1057-Does-Kuro-Want-to-Become-an-Admiral-/13540865/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1059-Tomorrow-You-Will-Change-Into-Proper-Uniform-/13540867/
Chapter 1058: The World is About to Change!
Chapter 1058: The World is About to Change!
Besides Crocodile, there were others who had their guesses.
On a remote island in the New World, a sea breeze gently swept in, tugging at the black hooded cloak of a man from Shanks' crew standing on the island's cliffside.
His other intact arm held a newspaper as he gazed silently toward the Grand Line.
"Hey, Red-Haired Shanks, aren't you going to keep attending weddings?" Ben Beckman approached from behind, saying, "You're impossible to find anywhere."
Red-Haired Shanks smiled faintly. "A banquet's just about having fun. You all enjoy yourselves. No need to worry about me."
This wedding was for one of his crew members marrying someone they loved. They had chosen this island to hold the ceremony.
Pirates were still humans—they needed to marry, and there were people willing to marry them.
"What are you thinking about?" Ben Beckman took the newspaper from Red-Haired Shanks' hand, glanced at it, and said, "New Seven Warlords of the Sea? White Admiral?"
Everyone knew Kuro was obsessively searching for the next Seven Warlords of the Sea. This time, the new appointee was particularly formidable—Joe Rudolph was no ordinary name.
"Sam William? The man with a bounty of 100,000,000 Beri. He seems to have come from the East Blue. To earn the title of Seven Warlords of the Sea, and with Kuro's standards? This person's strength must be undeniable."
Ben Beckman continued, "But this shouldn't be troubling you this much."
"Who said I'm troubled?" Red-Haired Shanks smiled thinly. "Think again. This newspaper, and the ones before it—something's missing."
"Missing?"
Ben Beckman flipped through the newspaper again. The headlines seemed unremarkable.
Besides the announcement of "White Admiral" Sam William becoming the new Seven Warlords of the Sea, the remaining news included:
The Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates continue their alliance.
The Astartes "Emperor" claims legitimacy, issuing documents demanding the other two nations to cease hostilities.
Dressrosa's "King Conqueror" enters the North Blue.
These were the major updates. The rest were trivial matters.
"Nothing unusual here?" Ben Beckman frowned.
"Think harder. About Kuro", Red-Haired Shanks pressed.
This question made Ben Beckman's expression shift. He glanced at the newspaper again. "Strange—the recent papers haven't mentioned Kuro defeating Dracule Mihawk. That would be huge news. The World Government shouldn't have missed it. Dracule Mihawk himself admitted defeat openly. The World Government should know by now. Why no announcement?"
"Exactly. That's the problem", Red-Haired Shanks sighed. "That guy's recent appearances are unusually scarce. But when he does show up, it's always at a crucial moment. While this hasn't been widely published, the smaller circles have already spread whispers. Those who should know, already do."
"That duel..."
Ben Beckman exhaled smoke. Frankly, he refused to acknowledge that duel's legitimacy. Though the battle between the two men was perilous in his eyes, it lacked true honor.
But this was a personal agreement between Dracule Mihawk and Kuro. He couldn't protest. The title of World's Greatest Swordsman had already changed hands.
But the issue now wasn't about the duel—it was the absence of news coverage.
"Come to think of it", Ben Beckman recalled, "recent newspapers show Navy Admirals like Vegapunk and Tatsumaki, but no mention of Lucius Kro. Kuro's appearances are rare too. And now so much news is being suppressed... Could it be?"
Red-Haired Shanks chuckled. "The times are always changing. The Navy must renew itself with new blood. Nothing's impossible. Kuro crippling Marshall D. Teach wasn't publicized either. His trip to Wano Country, facing both Kaido and Charlotte Big Mom—still no reports. The current World's Greatest Swordsman faces the same. Perhaps a storm is brewing."
Ben Beckman remained silent this time, merely puffing on his cigarette alongside Red-Haired Shanks as both gazed toward the sky, letting out a heavy sigh.
...
Impel Down.
Sixth Level.
Inside a vast isolated prison cell:
Clang!
Clang!!
The sound of clashing chains grew louder within the prison, intensifying with each second, accompanied by eerie laughter.
"Humming a tune, Kshhhkshhkshh!"
The laughter and rattling chains drew the attention of numerous Impel Down guards. As heavy footsteps approached, the guards gathered at the prison door, eyeing the man inside warily with a mix of fear.
This cell, large enough to contain a giant, held only one prisoner. The man lay sprawled on the ground, his torso bound tightly in chains, limbs similarly restrained, with chains extending to the four walls.
Each movement of his body sent the prison's chains into chaotic clatter.
"Donquixote Doflamingo!"
One guard clutched his rifle tightly, shouting, "What are you planning?!"
Though restrained by Seastone chains and seemingly helpless, the guards still feared this man.
This was the former Seven Warlords of the Sea!
And he remained extremely dangerous!
They'd seen countless prisoners, but in terms of sheer menace, this man ranked among the top ten!
"Kshhhkshhkshh! Can't you see? Can't you see?!"
Donquixote Doflamingo waved a newspaper in his hand, grinning maniacally.
When captured, he'd requested only one thing—to read newspapers. A small demand the World Government had granted.
"Golden Lion, Kuro! That man's becoming an Admiral! After all this scheming, he's finally taking that step. Kshhhkshhkshh! The Astartes' 'Emperor'? Weren't the newspapers saying the Faya Principality would become a member state? Led by Kuro, right? Their king died, but this Faritear now claims legitimacy! A civilian dares to claim authority, and just when Kuro arrived there!"
"Kshhhkshhkshh! Colossal Shield Kas' base is Green Bit, right? He's got Vinsmoke's clone soldiers. And Pansha went to the North Blue—what's he up to? Vinsmoke's in trouble! Their own fault for being stripped of World Government status!"
"Now! Now! With all these maneuvers, Kuro's becoming an Admiral! Kshhhkshhkshh!!"
His excitement boiled over. Donquixote Doflamingo thrashed wildly against his chains. "Hey! Let me out! Let me out! I can help Kuro! The Seven Warlords of the Sea still have one empty seat—the spot's mine! Let me keep playing! How could you exclude me from tearing down those high-and-mighty bastards?!"
Clang!!
The chains continued their frantic clatter, making the guards tense with cold sweat dripping down their faces. Rifles aimed squarely at the prisoner.
"Shut up, Donquixote Doflamingo!"
Suddenly, a booming voice echoed from outside. Hannyabal strode in, pointing at the prisoner.
"Hey! Show some respect for your new warden! You're a convicted criminal—stop making trouble!"
"Kshhhkshhkshh..."
Donquixote Doflamingo lifted his head, staring at Hannyabal with a meaningful grin. "You still don't get it? The world... is about to change!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
