https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1060-Gramps-You-Forgot-Your-Hooded-Cloak/13540868/
Chapter 1061: The 'Yellow' Robe is Placed Upon Him
Chapter 1061: The 'Yellow' Robe is Placed Upon Him
"What's going on, Gramps?"
Curious, Kuro leaned close to Lucius Kro's ear.
"You'll see, Kuro. It's good news", Lucius Kro chuckled.
Good news?
With such a grand gathering, it must be positive. No way would they pull a prank like this.
"You're springing a surprise, huh?"
Kuro exhaled a puff of smoke, stepping back to watch what Lucius Kro would do next.
Lucius Kro cleared his throat, grabbed the Transponder Snail on the table, and held the microphone to his lips.
"Hello, hello – can everyone hear me?"
His voice boomed through the Meeting Room via the Transponder Snail's speaker. After testing the mic twice, he continued,
"Old man became an Admiral over ten years ago. I'm fifty-nine this year, and today's my birthday. After today, I'll officially turn sixty."
Huh?
Kuro's eyes widened. Gramps never mentioned this. So today was his sixtieth birthday?
No wonder everyone was gathered.
Come to think of it, Gramps never celebrated his birthday before. No one even knew.
Birthdays weren't a big tradition among them.
But a sixtieth was worth a grand celebration.
Nodding, Kuro stepped away, heading to the back door. He tapped his wristwatch's Transponder Snail to make a call.
The screen flickered, showing an idiotic-looking assistant wearing glasses.
"Kuro, Mr.?"
"Reserve every restaurant behind Headquarters. Start with the largest one so Gramps and I have space to eat. Then invite all the ranking Navy officers. The banquet should last seven days – gives stragglers time to return. My Gramps's sixtieth birthday deserves full honors."
"A birthday? Understood, I'll handle it right away", Klah replied.
"Also notify Kas and Wilbur. Seven days is plenty. If some still can't make it, we'll make up for it later." Kuro hung up and strode back inside.
Inviting just his faction would be too small. Better gather everyone for a proper celebration.
"Time flies. Some of you grew under my watch, and now many of you are in your forties. As for me, sixty feels like the right time to slow down. These young folks are terrifying these days. But lucky for us, one of them is on our side."
As Kuro re-entered, Lucius Kro's words drew all eyes to him.
Their gazes brimmed with admiration, excitement, and respect.
Storbery stroked his beard, beaming with pride.
The older Vice Admirals showed similar respect – Kuro, part of the new generation, had achieved unmatched feats.
The younger Vice Admirals looked positively starstruck.
The Navy prided itself more than pirates. Even veterans like Storbery, though respected, faced competition from Admirals with equally impressive records.
But Kuro was different.
Talent alone wasn't enough. Even terrifying combat records wouldn't sway everyone.
Kuro held legitimacy.
The Sword title was secret from most Navy, but the higher-ups knew its weight.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea were legendary – Kuro's association with them cemented his authority.
As Headquarters' Admiral candidate, defeating countless Great Pirates and wielding unmatched strength, Kuro had been destined for leadership since joining Lucius Kro's faction.
Lucius Kro's speech hinted at retirement – the Admiral had been stepping back recently, signaling his intentions.
Now it was clear. No objections. The younger Vice Admirals, especially, were thrilled.
They knew Kuro valued his subordinates. Under his leadership, their autonomy and influence would expand dramatically.
Kuro, meanwhile, stood there puzzled.
Why are they staring at me?
He ambled back to Lucius Kro's side, confused by the attention.
Just a young guy getting a compliment – normal at a meeting like this.
"Kuro."
Lucius Kro rose, gesturing to the main seat. "Sit here."
"Me? Gramps, I don't think that's appropriate. I've nothing to add – everything important's already been said before you arrived."
Lucius Kro just smiled, silent.
"Sit."
Storbery suddenly spoke. "You deserve this seat."
"Right, sit down! Vice Admiral Kuro, you've earned it!"
"Agreed!"
The other Admirals chimed in.
"Big brother, you must sit there!" Sengoku shouted from the back.
"What the – suddenly I'm supposed to sit here?"
Kuro rolled his eyes, dropping unceremoniously into the main seat. Grabbing the mic, he declared,
"Today's Gramps's birthday – what's all this about seats? I already said my piece earlier. Let me remind you all – I don't care what you wear normally, but dress like decent people for this event!"
"Especially you, Sengoku! Change clothes immediately after the meeting! If you can't find something, buy it! If Gramps sees you in that loincloth again, he'll skin you alive!"
The room straightened instantly, every officer snapping to attention.
"Aye, sir!" they shouted in unison.
Storbery rose last, saluting with a grin. "Aye."
A sudden weight landed on Kuro's shoulder. He turned to see Lucius Kro removing his hooded cloak, draping it over him. Then, addressing the room, Lucius Kro finally fixed his gaze on Kuro.
"Well, old man's retiring. From now on, it's your turn to lead, Kuro."
"?"
A giant question mark seemed to appear over Kuro's head, multiplying rapidly.
"????!!"
Eyes wide, mouth agape, Kuro's face contorted in disbelief.
"Retire? Retire?!"
---
The author took a break for some meetings, delaying updates. Back late tonight – restoring regular chapters now. Lords, please bear with me. Fish Head bows gratefully.
(End of Chapter)
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