https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1075-Furrowing-the-Brow-Not-Simple/13540958/
Chapter 1076: You're Not the Type to Take a Loss
Chapter 1076: You're Not the Type to Take a Loss
Kuro acknowledged that the incident with Marshall D. Teach happened suddenly, no complaints there.
As for confronting Kaido and Big Mom, he had his reasons—better to land the first punch than deal with a hundred later. Once you finish someone off, nobody dares target you again.
Dracule Mihawk was a different story—pure helplessness, really. He just needed to stop that idiot from entangling him further.
But Kuro thought these events had already been reported. Otherwise, how would anyone in the Navy know?
Suddenly re-airing them now, and so intensively? What’s the deal?
Isn’t this too late? News should be first-hand. If you release it this late, it’s not news—it’s old news.
He wasn’t panicking, just puzzled. Why now?
Kuro instinctively lit a cigar, glancing at the newspaper again. Seeing only those stories, he casually tossed it aside and looked at the others. “Hey, you guys aren’t hearing this for the first time. Don’t act so shocked.”
“No, we’re just admiring,” He Popo chuckled. “You might seem to move slowly, but when you put it all together, it’s all huge headlines. Looking at your achievements in three years alone… they might even rival ours, and we’re old-timers.”
In just three years, Kuro had surpassed most veteran Navy officers who’d served decades.
“Hey, He Popo, I take offense at that ‘three years’ crack! I’ve been here thirteen!” Kuro smirked. “Don’t dismiss the East Blue Navy! I worked diligently there!”
Worked diligently without ever chasing promotion!
He Popo smiled. “If you’d come to Headquarters earlier, the world order might’ve shifted a bit.”
“Yeah right. One person’s efforts can’t change the world,” Kuro replied, blowing smoke. “I’m no art school dropout with a mustache, and I never wrote a memoir titled My Struggle.”
“Still, what’s with this newspaper? The World Economic News Bureau? Moer Gangs isn’t hiding from the World Government’s pursuit? Why release this now?”
Kuro glanced at the paper again, clicking his tongue. “Does that dead pigeon have no news left? Rehashing old stories will tank sales.”
“He’s got a point, Kuro,” He Popo said slowly. “There’s meaning here. You should understand by now—being an Admiral isn’t just about combat strength. Strategy matters too. Klah can assist with that, but feel free to ask us old folks when you’re bored.”
“Moer Gangs being hunted is just surface-level. Deeper down, the World Government and him still cooperate. If the Five Elders approved, Moer Gangs would publish it. He wouldn’t risk burning bridges with the top brass. This news was delayed, but you should’ve wondered why they held it back. Now you see—Borsalino’s retiring, and this story builds momentum for you.”
“Tonight, Borsalino officially retires. You’ll take his place as the new Admiral.”
He Popo spoke freely, unafraid. Here sat the Navy’s core leadership—this was the place for such talk.
“?”
“???”
Kuro tilted his head, staring blankly at He Popo, eyes unfocused. After a stunned silence, he shot up, face flushed. “Wait, He Popo, what Admiral?! What do you mean?! How are you so sure I’ll get promoted?! I just told the Five Elders today that Gramps shouldn’t retire! They didn’t even consider it!”
He’d only argued this today—how could the Five Elders decide so fast?!
Too quick!
“Borsalino’s retirement is inevitable. Who else would replace him?” Sengoku grinned. “This line of succession needs you. We won’t recruit from the outside. And Borsalino’s stepping down—you’ve got no rivals.”
Kuro froze.
It felt like an emperor’s death, with the crown prince inheriting. Worse, the emperor only had one son!
Refusing succession meant either collapse or the prince’s death.
The Navy won’t collapse, and Kuro won’t die.
He’d always thought the Five Elders might reject him, forcing him to retire peacefully. But now…
He’d fought so hard, worked so diligently, for what?
To find a place to slack off and retire peacefully!
His shoulders slumped, posture softening. After a long sigh, he glared at them. “You knew all along, didn’t you?”
“Old man knows nothing,” Garp grinned, crunching senbei.
“Not asking you! Eat your snacks, not my food!” Kuro snapped, cursing under his breath.
“Guessed a bit,” Sengoku admitted. “Your actions made waves. The World Government had no reason to hold you back. If they did, it’s because they’d reward you. You’ve always had better ties with the top brass than us.”
True enough. Even Borsalino lacked Kuro’s connections.
This guy’s too cozy with the World Nobles. They’d heard the Five Elders praising him often.
So when the World Government delayed news, none doubted they’d treat him fairly.
“Exactly,” He Popo added, studying Kuro. “You’re not the type to take a loss. You won’t tolerate sand in your eyes. If they didn’t publish this, you’d be furious. Last time you were angry, you killed dozens at Sabaody. The World Government wouldn’t forget that. And your calm demeanor? They probably see it as confidence.”
“Hahahaha! Yeah, if I hadn’t begged mercy for my old face, my grandson’d be dead,” Garp laughed.
Sakazuki snapped, “Don’t boast about that! It’s humiliating enough, Garp! You’re a Navy hero!”
“Old man’s a grandfather too!” Garp grinned, unbothered.
Kuro’s always been the type to take action—not let someone offend him and live comfortably. Who survives crossing him?
Back at Sabaody, Silvers Rayleigh gave him a sword slash years ago. Kuro repaid the favor, cutting him down, hand and foot. Now he’s barely surviving, life uncertain.
Kuro himself seems so calm, but He Popo knew—even without checking with the Five Elders, Kuro’s attitude alone confirmed the promotion. Especially when Borsalino started paving his retirement path, she’d been certain.
“No, wait—let me think. Me, calm?”
Kuro spread his arms, gesturing wildly beside his head, face twisted.
Calm?
He doesn’t know anything!
(End of Chapter)
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