https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1069-Lively-and-Chaotic-Perfectly-Fine/13540946/
Chapter 1070: Wielding a Blade, the Heart Turns to Bloodshed
Chapter 1070: Wielding a Blade, the Heart Turns to Bloodshed
“I feel the same way. This kind of joy? It’s something entirely new to me too.”
Moer fixed his gaze below, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Kuro glanced at him sideways. “Haven’t seen you around in ages. Klah told me—wherever you go lately, trouble follows. Watch the Navy’s reputation, you bastard.”
“Hey, don’t blame me! I never asked for it! I was just having a drink. How was I supposed to know that waitress had mountains of debt and some black gang came knocking? I just had a surge of Justice, and next thing I knew, the whole place was in ruins! It’s all the black gang’s fault! If they hadn’t stirred things up, nothing would’ve happened!”
Moer protested with an exaggeratedly innocent expression. “And then at another place—imagine my luck! Who knew a bunch of pirates would choose that exact spot to open fire? As a Navy officer, I had to step in. Those pirates caused way too much destruction, but I really didn’t want to get involved!”
Kuro stared silently.
“Do you have any tips? Any tricks of the trade? Teach me something.”
This guy’s misfortune was legendary.
But how did he always avoid getting hit by it himself?
If only he had even a fraction of Moer’s luck, he’d have returned to the Four Seas ages ago. He wouldn’t be tangled in this Admiral mess at all.
“You’re mocking me, aren’t you? Kuro.” Moer’s lips curled.
“No, I’m serious. Teaching you? Fate’s unpredictable. But whatever happens, don’t cause me any trouble today. There are Navy officers everywhere—you won’t even find a place to stir up trouble. After this is over, I’ll give you some money to apologize to every shopkeeper cursed by your misfortune. Don’t do anything to lose face.”
Kuro bit down on his cigar, exhaling a rugged plume of smoke. “My reputation still carries some weight.”
“Relax, I’ll save your face. I’ll just drink a little less.” Moer raised an eyebrow.
“If you can’t hold your liquor, go sit at the dog’s table.”
Kuro rolled his eyes. “Would I ever hold your drinks back? Go on and enjoy yourself.”
“Got it—gladly following orders from my superior.”
Moer chuckled, then vanished in a flash of white light.
“That guy…”
Kuro shook his head, the cigar still dangling from his lips as he lifted his gaze to the sky, squinting slightly.
Moer had always been mysterious. Beyond the stories he told, there were others recently uncovered.
According to intelligence gathered since Moer took command of the ‘Sword,’ he’d once been connected to the Revolutionary Army. That was a long time ago, though—back in the same era as Dragon.
These days, the rumors were fewer, but still simmered beneath the surface.
The connection was tenuous, not an official Revolutionary Army alliance. Otherwise, CP wouldn’t have extended him an invitation in the first place.
With abilities like his, it was only practical.
The underlings he’d personally recruited were eccentric to say the least. But truth be told, nearly every one of them had a shady past.
Lida once left an entire island starving—nothing catastrophic, but it taught him a lesson.
Klah used to be a pirate captain, no slouch when it came to taking down enemies.
Sazil was a trainee pirate who nearly doomed an entire crew.
Ju Geng didn’t do much else, but he was the first to break laws in his environment.
Fen Ni’s mistake sparked an animal uprising in an entire country, nearly wiping the nation off the map.
But who could separate all that black and white? Humanity itself wasn’t so simple—most people existed in the gray areas. And that required a balanced perspective.
No matter how despicable someone was, if they treated another person kindly, that person had no right to speak ill of them.
A husband who burns and pillages for his family—every victim and onlooker has the right to demand justice. It’s only natural.
But the family itself? They can’t turn on him.
A father who steals and ruins his reputation to provide for his children—everyone in his hometown can despise him, but his children never could.
It’s because of them that these people keep surviving.
Don’t say "they have hands and feet, why can’t they do honest work?" The family or children never asked for it.
The world doesn’t work like that.
If there were another path, who would choose a life of disgrace?
Not every criminal starts out chasing dreams or ambitions. Many pirates? At first, they just wanted to eat. They joined a pirate captain’s crew for a meal, nothing more.
“Oh? Am I late, old man?”
Suddenly, a voice rang out from behind.
Kuro turned. It was He, accompanied by two Navy officers carrying a grand gift box.
“He Popo, perfect timing. You’ve come all this way.”
He waved, dismissing the two Navy officers as they set down the gift. He strolled beside Kuro, gazing at the view below. “What’s on your mind, Kuro?”
“Hmph.”
Kuro exhaled another puff of smoke. “Just thinking about a saying—when you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Some people, once they gain power, lose their sense of direction. They think everyone’s fair game for a little bullying. That’s where damn pirates come from.”
“A hammer? Nails? Interesting metaphor. Your philosophy?” He chuckled. “Makes sense. The Grand Line thrives on that exact principle—those with strength do as they please. That’s why the Navy exists.”
“These people? Not impressive. Not impressive at all.” Kuro shook his head again. “Having power and wanting to dominate others? That’s a beast’s instinct, not a human’s. Even if you’re a hammer, you should restrain yourself instead of going around smashing nails. What kind of life is that—wielding a blade, letting bloodlust take over?”
“Want to change the status quo?” He smiled at Kuro.
“I don’t have that power. Just thinking aloud. The Navy’s better off in the Grand Line. In the Four Seas, there are plenty who grew complacent, then reckless. Complacency itself isn’t bad, but recklessness crosses a line. It’s inexcusable. Those people need reprocessing.”
Kuro continued. In the East Blue, the same applied to a certain evil dragon. The other seas had their share too. With some effort from the Navy, such issues couldn’t be eradicated entirely, but they’d drop drastically.
Of course, the World Government played its part.
When that Lan Pao joined the Seven Warlords of the Sea, one of the conditions was letting certain groups operate unchecked. The World Government tacitly allowed these outlaws to exist.
Who could say if the World Government was foolish or just too lenient?
Toward enemies, they truly were damn generous.
“It’s good to have ideas. The Navy’s future lies with you, with your generation. We’re old now.” He sighed. “The future’s yours.”
Yes, they were old now. With Lucius Kro stepping down, their entire generation was retiring. Sakazuki had already become Fleet Admiral—Kuzan left, Lucius Kro stepped back. The next generation would take over.
(End of Chapter)
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