Chapter 1063: I Think of Happy Things
Chapter 1063: I Think of Happy Things
"Out, out, out! What are you standing around here for? Get lost before Old Man sees you, and go change your clothes!"
Kuro's mind was a tangled mess as he glared at Sengoku, then kicked him in the shin.
"Oh, right! Got it, big brother! I'll go buy new clothes right away!"
Sengoku scratched his head, looking wronged, then turned to leave.
"Wait", Kuro called. "Once you're out there, check behind Headquarters. Later, coordinate with Klah. I've reserved all the restaurants behind Headquarters. You'll be the receptionist this time."
"All the restaurants?"
Sengoku pondered for a moment, then nodded firmly. "Understood, big brother!"
After Sengoku left, he looked up at the sky and grinned. "Heh, big brother's still celebrating after all."
Alone, Kuro sank into the main seat, leaning back with his head tilted up. The tip of his cigar glowed as he took a deep puff, exhaling smoke that billowed like steam into the air.
He stared blankly at the curling smoke for a long while before spitting out a curse:
"F*ck!"
Shaking his head, Kuro activated the Transponder Snail on his wristwatch and dialed Klah.
"Come to the Grand Meeting Room at Gramps' estate."
"Understood, Kuromr."
Klah arrived promptly at the meeting hall entrance but froze upon stepping inside. Sweat beaded his forehead.
Kuro sat slouched in the main chair, head tilted back as he exhaled another thick cloud of smoke. Though his expression remained hidden in the haze, his foul mood was palpable.
Klah hadn't seen Kuro like this since his promotion to Vice Admiral.
This couldn't be good.
"Kuromr., I'm here." Klah forced himself forward cautiously.
No response.
Kuro continued puffing his cigar like nothing mattered.
Klah pressed his lips together and edged closer. "Kuromr.?"
Kuro's eyes flicked sideways. "Why are you standing so far away?!"
"I'm not! I'm coming closer!"
Klah wiped his brow and took another step forward.
"Did you finish the task?" Kuro asked through another smoke ring.
"Yes. I've begun initial negotiations. All the restaurant owners agreed." Klah hesitated. "But should I try negotiating lower prices? Renting all the venues will cost quite a bit."
"Don't bother." Kuro waved dismissively. "This is Gramps' grand birthday celebration. Spare no expense. And stop hiding behind that furniture!"
Klah grimaced, closed his eyes, and took a bold step to stand beside Kuro.
Kuro exhaled slowly. "Besides Gramps' birthday, there's another explosive announcement – he's retiring."
"Retiring?!" Klah's pupils constricted. After a stunned moment, his lips curved upward.
So that meant...
"Old Man's taking over. Unless some accident happens, Old Man's probably becoming Admiral", Kuro murmured.
Klah's grin widened until his teeth showed.
So it finally came down to this!
Kuromr. actually succeeded in his schemes!
Klah kept silent, letting Kuro glance at him. The sight of Kuro's twisted, toothy grin made him frown.
"You seem awfully happy", Kuro said suspiciously.
Startled, Klah straightened his expression. "Of course not."
"You're definitely smiling!" Kuro snapped.
"I was just thinking about something joyful", Klah replied solemnly.
Kuro raised an eyebrow, gritting his teeth. "Trying that act with me? If you tell me it's because your wife gave birth, I'll punch you. You don't even have a wife!"
Klah: "...What kind of logic is that?!"
"Forget it. I don't have time to argue with you. The main reason I called you here is to discuss this: I'll have to take the Admiral position whether I want to or not. Gramps is stepping down, so the position's mine. No one can take it."
Biting his cigar, Kuro continued, "But think – is there any way to convince Gramps to stay? There's still time to change things."
Klah hesitated. "Perhaps we can contact the World Nobles? I remember your relationship with..."
"Don't even think about it", Kuro interrupted. "World Nobles can't influence this. If they could, the Navy would've collapsed already. Besides, Old Man and those World Nobles get along like oil and water. I don't want to end up with my grave dug up and hung from a streetlight one day."
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "The Five Elders? I barely know them. We don't even have direct contact. Admirals have to visit them personally. They're the ones who reach out, not the other way around."
Was he really going to have to make a trip to Mariejois?
"This is Gramps' birthday celebration, after all..."
Kuro suddenly stood. "I've already assigned Sengoku to assist you. Get everything ready. I'll go to Mariejois myself."
With his flying ability, reaching Mariejois wasn't impossible.
"Understood, Kuromr. I'll handle everything." Klah pushed his glasses up with determination.
Kuro glared. "No mistakes at Gramps' birthday! As for those who refuse to come, leave them to me. I'll invite them personally, even if they've retired. If anything goes wrong with this celebration, I'll make you regret it!"
"Yes", Klah replied, lips pressed tight.
When have I ever failed your orders?
This is your own Gramps' birthday. Did you really need to handle it yourself?
"Fine. I'm leaving first."
Kuro waved and strode out, launching himself into the sky.
Klah watched his figure disappear, standing motionless for a long moment before bursting into laughter.
"Ha! Hahaha!"
His pupils gleamed ominously as he pulled out his Transponder Snail and dialed David directly. The moment the call connected, he declared:
"Kuromr. is becoming Admiral."
...
Meanwhile, in the North Blue.
David stared at the Transponder Snail on his flagship as it finished relaying the message. Stunned, his eyes gradually ignited with wild excitement.
(End of Chapter)
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