https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1059-Tomorrow-You-Will-Change-Into-Proper-Uniform-/13540867/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1061-The-Yellow-Robe-is-Placed-Upon-Him/13540869/
Chapter 1060: Gramps, You Forgot Your Hooded Cloak
Chapter 1060: Gramps, You Forgot Your Hooded Cloak
Kuro had the qualifications to scold them. As the next faction leader secretly chosen by Lucius Krofaction, he commanded respect through his battle records.
The Navy had deep-rooted issues with seniority-based hierarchies, a legacy from the Sengoku Era. After Sakazuki’s "World Recruitment" initiative brought in younger, powerful recruits without established ranks, the system improved slightly.
Still, within the old guard of the Navy—those who joined young and climbed the ranks step by step—seniority remained paramount. They could fight alongside the recruits from the "World Recruitment", work together on missions, and even be friends.
But the core faction? They’d never gain access to that inner circle. That was the pride of the old guard.
Kuro was different. First, his Navy tenure rivaled the old guard’s. Though he’d joined at the minimum age over a decade ago, he hadn’t yet reached thirty.
But that alone wasn’t enough. What truly earned him respect—from both faction members and the Navy at large—was his combat power and the legendary feats it produced!
Famous Great Pirates worldwide had fallen to his blade, their defeats carved in undeniable battle records.
With unmatched combat power, legendary achievements, and old-guard status, Kuro’s words carried weight. His sharp tongue and blunt mannerisms were simply the quirks of a strongman—perfectly normal, really.
After all, strong men often had quirks.
Sakazuki was impulsive and hot-tempered, merciless in battle, with a daily passion for tattoos and flower arranging. Borsalino’s hobby was slacking off everywhere, always leaving room for mercy in his actions. Kuzan loved napping, lazy and lacking fighting spirit. Yi Xiao enjoyed gambling and frequenting pleasure districts. Tatsumaki didn’t eat much. Kaku liked recruiting outsiders. Zoro, a woman, loved sake and often visited flower districts—not as a courtesan, but as a geisha.
Their Golden Lion Vice Admiral? His hobbies were yelling at people and flying into rages over trivial matters.
After years at Headquarters, everyone knew these "celebrities" and their quirks by heart.
Kuro had every right to scold them. The only one immune to his criticism was Storbery, who sat upright with proper decorum.
"Seriously, the Navy should act like the Navy. Let’s keep this meeting serious. Don’t act like bandits", Kuro scoffed, blowing another puff of smoke, his expression arrogant. "Are we Navy or bandits? Don’t follow G-5’s idiotic examples."
At his words, many Navy officers straightened their postures. Some old habits lingered, leaving a few slumped sideways, but at least they sat up. Kuro didn’t press further. He nodded, looking for a seat, only to find none left.
"Where’s my seat?" he barked. "Make room for me!"
"Big brother Kuro", Sengoku interjected, "Gramps said if there’s no seat, take the main one."
"Eh?"
Kuro glanced at the massive main seat, shrugged, and sat down. As Gramps’ direct subordinate, he had the authority to speak here. Second-in-command of the faction? Sitting here was fine. Gramps could reclaim it later. He’d stood behind Gramps during countless meetings before—this wasn’t a big deal.
"Alright. Let’s have a quick preliminary meeting before Gramps arrives. Posture? Don’t slouch too much, but I won’t push. Just dress decently—no eccentric outfits."
"I know you all have your styles, but dress like normal people. I won’t demand formal uniforms—every Navy officer should already own one—but use some common sense."
"Yes!" The officers shouted in unison, sitting even straighter.
Kuro nodded, then fell silent, glancing at Storbery. "Brother, say something?"
Gramps hadn’t arrived yet, and Kuro had no idea what the meeting was about. He’d never attended a formal gathering of Gramps’ faction, assuming Gramps didn’t hold meetings at all.
Turns out there was one, but he had no clue what to discuss. Sitting awkwardly wasn’t his style—better to pass the baton.
Storbery, having served under Gramps the longest, should know what to say.
But Storbery shook his head. "Kuro, this time it’s your speech. Get used to it. You’ll lead many meetings like this in the future."
Me lead?
Kuro leaned back instinctively, bewildered. Lead what? And did this mean he’d have to chair meetings from now on?
He’d joined Gramps’ faction over three years ago, never attending a single meeting until now. This was his first.
"Fine. I’ll take charge from now on." Kuro nodded.
Meetings were rare anyway. What did it matter if they happened every few years?
"O~h, lively crowd."
A voice echoed from the corridor behind the main seat.
Hearing it, Kuro stood abruptly, facing the entrance.
From the doorway emerged a figure.
Lucius Kro’s silhouette materialized—a flash of yellow dress uniform over a high-necked sweater, hands in pockets, strolling in with a relaxed gait.
But...
"You forgot your hooded cloak?" Kuro blinked in surprise.
Gramps actually left his hooded cloak behind?
As Lucius Kro approached, Kuro stepped beside him, removed his own hooded cloak, and draped it over Lucius Kro.
"Gramps, you left something behind", Kuro muttered.
"Oh~ So thoughtful, Kuro", Lucius Kro chuckled. "Alright, old man, I’ll borrow this for now. I’ll return it later."
Sitting at the main seat, Lucius Kro gestured casually. Kuro, biting his cigar, stood behind him as always.
"Alright, let’s begin the meeting", Lucius Kro scanned the room, smiling. "Old man rarely hosts meetings, unlike Sakazuki. When I do, they’re small. But today’s gathering’s unusually large—summoned you all for one announcement."
An announcement?
Kuro glanced at Lucius Kro. What could he not know? Why call a meeting for it? Usually, he’d already know such things.
Now someone kept secrets from him?
Kuro studied the others. Most looked as baffled as him. Only Storbery remained expressionless, his face always unreadable.
(End of Chapter)
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