Chapter 1067: Too Inexperienced
Chapter 1067: Too Inexperienced
To the Five Elders, few could resist such temptation.
After all, this was a young Admiral.
Hadn't Kuro always shown a desire for that position?
He had received the news, so logically, he should be secretly thrilled. That should have been his goal—why oppose it now?
Kuro took a deep breath and said, "Lucius Kro Admiral shouldn't retire so soon. It defies reason. He's only sixty. Retiring now would invite speculation from outsiders. He's an Admiral—wouldn't this make people think the Navy itself has internal issues, or lacks stability? The Navy is the World Government's prestige. If its leadership appears unstable, wouldn't that affect your credibility too?"
"Most importantly, my reputation feels insufficient. I haven't reached the level of renown that shakes the Grand Line. Even during the World Recruitment era, Vegapunk Admiral and Tatsumaki Admiral were already world-famous. I'm not there yet."
He was still struggling, sensing the Five Elders might be swayed. These men were notorious for changing their minds on a whim.
After Kuro finished speaking, the Five Elders exchanged glances. The Curly-haired Elder suddenly nodded, his expression showing quiet satisfaction.
"Good. You have such thoughts, Lucius Kro."
The Blade-wielding Elder then said, "We understand the matter. Return to your duties now."
The Bearded Elder added, "Yes. I hear today is Borsalino's birthday. Go prepare the celebration. Deliver our greetings too. From now on, you no longer need to announce your arrival here. Simply fly in directly."
"Right. That way, urgent matters can be reported immediately", the Red-Skinned Elder agreed.
"What reports? I said no retirement!" Kuro furrowed his brow, his voice deepening. "Lucius Kro Admiral absolutely cannot retire. I solemnly refuse to accept this!"
"Remember your place, Kuro!"
The Blade-wielding Elder snapped, "You're merely a Vice Admiral. We've already granted you extraordinary courtesy by receiving you here. You have no right to command us!"
"Command? This is advice!" Kuro barked, his temper flaring. "Lucius Kro's retirement will raise questions. He's still young! What's wrong with him wanting to remain an Admiral? What's wrong with it?!"
The five old men exchanged another glance. The Curly-haired Elder's lips curled into a faint smile. "Kuro, what exactly are you trying to do?"
"Nothing special. Just hope you'll deliberate carefully."
Kuro exhaled a plume of smoke. "Consider my proposal thoroughly."
Without another word, Kuro turned and departed.
As the door closed behind him, the Five Elders fell silent. Then the Curly-haired Elder spoke, "First impressions?"
"Positive", the Map Elder replied. "He genuinely considers our interests. He even anticipated potential damage to our reputation. Neither Kong nor Sengoku, not even Sakazuki today, ever thought this deeply."
"His prestige is strong too", the Red-Skinned Elder added. "Few would question his leadership. He's clearly loyal to us. As for his claim about insufficient fame, I suspect that's just grumbling."
The Blade-wielding Elder nodded. "True. We've blocked his path many times. When Borsalino wanted to retire earlier, we suppressed it. It's natural for this boy to feel resentment. Now we can grant him some freedom."
The Curly-haired Elder concurred, "Indeed. His victories over Blackbeard, facing two Four Emperors in Wano Country, and becoming the World's Greatest Swordsman—"
"Especially the World's Greatest title", the Blade-wielding Elder interjected. "That's the most valuable to publicize. We've suppressed the news of him defeating Dracule Mihawk for too long. This visit was clearly his clumsy attempt to remind us. Hmph! The boy's methods are still too crude."
They were old foxes. Even a blind man could see Kuro's true intent—to protest the suppression of his achievements, the lost opportunities for fame. Becoming Admiral without proper recognition felt bitter.
His earlier outburst was precisely about this. But he was still young—his tactics were too immature.
"But ultimately, his heart is with us", the Map Elder said.
"A pity his seniority isn't deeper", another added. "If he were, Sakazuki wouldn't be in the picture. Sakazuki's recently struggled with his identity. He fails to grasp that the Navy is merely the World Government's facade. Compared to Kuro, he's lacking."
"Then it's decided", the Bearded Elder declared. "Notify the media. Even though the Yonko escaped, Moer hasn't dared to fully provoke us. He'll stay silent about our suppressed news, so we'll take the lead in releasing it. He'll have no choice but to act."
The others nodded in agreement.
"So be it."
...
Kuro remained unaware of the Five Elders' decision. All he knew was sudden access to Mariejois—no need for announcements, no formal entry through the gates. He could simply fly in.
But he didn't value this privilege. Who in their right mind would constantly visit Mariejois without reason?
"I've argued, shown disrespect. These five old men value face, and I've slapped theirs hard. Hopefully Gramps doesn't retire now. At worst, maybe I'll get reassigned."
Lighting a new cigar, Kuro exhaled smoke, his brows furrowed with worry.
His desire for worldwide peace made confrontation unpleasant, especially toward his superiors.
But he had no choice. He didn't want to be an Admiral.
His attitude had been deliberately harsh. It wasn't like Sakazuki's position—where he could act however he liked as the World Government's personally chosen Fleet Admiral. Kuro had never been in the Five Elders' favor. This time, a few sharp words might even earn him reassignment.
That would be paradise! A dream fulfilled!
Any of the Four Seas would suit him—East Blue was his homeland, West Blue his foundation, North Blue had connections. South Sea? No experience there, but it hardly mattered. He'd create another 'Pegasus Island' anywhere.
With his current business scale, replicating that model in another sea region would be effortless.
"Back home first. Gramps deserves a celebration today."
Kuro exhaled a forceful jet of smoke, soared into the sky, and flew beyond the Red Line, then dove sharply toward the opposite direction of the New Marine Headquarters.
(End of Chapter)
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