https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1085-What-Does-Vice-Admiral-Kuro-Like-/13541214/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1087-A-Subordinate-Must-Have-This-Awareness/13541216/
Chapter 1086: Wait Until You Become an Admiral, Then Transfer Me Over
Chapter 1086: Wait Until You Become an Admiral, Then Transfer Me Over
Kuro's preferences were pretty well known among those who often worked closely with him.
Firstly, his love for luxury was undeniable. He also enjoyed sharing the spoils—his subordinates always got their fair share of the benefits.
As he often said, if pirates could live so comfortably, there was no reason the Navy had to suffer. After all, if you compared the two, everyone would just become pirates. What good were orders and more orders if they couldn't fill your stomach? Real sustenance came from tangible benefits. If you wanted your horse to run, you had to feed it hay—no ifs, ands, or buts.
The World Government actually did this part well, paying their Navy handsomely and even granting vacations. But Kuro went above and beyond for his subordinates.
Secondly, Kuro had a reputation for being obsessed with face. Refuse to acknowledge his authority, and he'd turn on you like a viper. Petty-minded and vindictive, he held grudges longer than most.
He also had a tendency to fly into rage-filled tirades, hurling insults that made little sense but stung just the same. He even dared to criticize the World Government openly—a habit that made his disdain for World Government officials widely known.
Materially speaking, though...
There wasn’t much he lacked. His latest obsession seemed to be gold. Everything from his attire to his ear accessories screamed golden hues. With "Jin" (gold) in his name, his preference for gold was as clear as day.
"Gold, you say! Got it! Thanks, Sazil! Definitely help me out—I'll save a portion for you. I'll head out first!"
The Navy Commander hurried off at these words, and the surrounding officers, having overheard, scattered just as quickly. They'd only prepared one gift each—some recruited through World Government channels, others from traditional Navy ranks. But regardless, they all knew Kuro valued face. When he personally sent out invitations, he clearly wanted support. That meant showing up with proper gifts was non-negotiable.
"Gold, huh?"
A man with three cigars dangling from his lips strolled over, grabbing the retreating Navy Commander by the arm. "So it's true? Kuro's started collecting gifts now? I didn't bring any gold. Hey, you'd better save me a portion too!"
"Vice Admiral Smoker!"
The Navy Commander blinked in surprise. "You...you want one too?"
"What, I'm not allowed? Don't worry, I'll pay. I just didn't have time to get any gold yet."
The visitor was none other than Smoker. Having received Kuro's notice while nearby, he'd arrived within a single night.
"Of course, I'll handle it."
The Navy Commander pressed his lips together, his expression turning grim. That made three people now. And the gold gifts for Smoker and Sazil couldn't be smaller than his own. One had leverage over him, the other held Vice Admiral rank—neither could be slighted.
Gift-giving etiquette was such a headache.
Not that Smoker cared much. He just wanted someone to buy him a share.
Releasing the Navy Commander, Smoker headed straight for Sazil. "What? Did Kuro send you here to collect gifts?"
"Vice Admiral Smoker", Sazil greeted with a grin. "Don't be silly. Vice Admiral Kuro never said anything like that. It's just..."
"Face, right? I get it."
Smoker rolled his eyes. "That face-obsessed bastard must be having a field day. Hmph, an Admiral now, huh? Perfect—I need to ask him for a favor. He's inside, isn't he?"
"Inside, yes." Sazil nodded, providing an address. "You can keep guarding this spot."
Smoker exhaled a plume of smoke and strode inside, following the address to Kuro's temporary residence and heading straight for the top floor. Before even reaching Kuro's room, he heard the muffled sound of someone ranting inside.
"I never told you to bring gifts! Who the hell told you to bring gifts? You're one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, a pirate, not Navy! I didn't invite you!"
"But Vice Admiral Golden Lion... no, Admiral Golden Lion, we all know you're about to be promoted. Surely you'll forgive a small token of appreciation for your hospitality?"
"Appreciate this, you idiot! Fortify your damn defenses! If you're not out fighting pirates or squabbling in the New World, what the hell are you doing meddling with my tastes? What? Cigars? Fine, two boxes. No more. What? You want to give me gold? Alright, alright—don't make it a habit."
Slam!
The sound of a call being disconnected echoed inside. Smoker pushed open the door at that moment, finding Kuro slumped on the couch in an utterly disheveled posture.
"Smoker?"
Kuro spotted him, snuffed out his cigar butt, then flicked his fingers. Smoker's own cigars flew from his chest pocket and landed neatly in Kuro's hand.
"What the hell are you doing?" Smoker snapped. "I heard you found an amazing cigar maker—better than the special imports. Why're you stealing mine now?"
"Eh, trying street vendor stuff occasionally keeps you grounded. Too much luxury makes you arrogant."
Kuro bit down on the three cigars bundled together and lit them with a lighter.
Smoker dropped into the seat opposite him, eyes narrowing. "So you're mocking World Nobles now?"
"What nobles? Talking about them just embarrasses me", Kuro scoffed, blowing out a cloud of smoke.
"You're still as cowardly as ever. Only you'd dare say things like that openly", Smoker muttered helplessly.
Though he shared the sentiment, Smoker kept his thoughts private. As a traditional Navy man—not one of those World Government recruits—he still held reverence for the World Government.
"By the way, what was that about the Seven Warlords of the Sea?" Smoker asked.
"Yeah, the Seven Warlords. 'White Admiral' Sam William—my little hometown buddy. Got some rumor that the Old Man's becoming an Admiral and decided to send a gift."
Kuro gritted his teeth at the thought. "Official documents haven't even been released yet! Who made them so sure it's me?"
"Who else could it be?" Smoker leaned back comfortably. "You're taking over Admiral Lucius Kro's position. No one else has the qualifications. When I heard Lucius Kro was stepping down, I knew it'd be you next. Congratulations, finally climbing the ladder. Though you're still younger than me—how'd you become Admiral so fast?"
"You've got some nerve standing there and saying that!"
Kuro rolled his eyes. "You want the job? No way. My faction would gut you. This position's mine, and mine alone."
"I hate hearing that crap. What do you want—food or a fight?" Kuro snarled.
"A little of both", Smoker replied evenly, exhaling another plume of smoke. "I want to go to Wano Country. New World's chaos is getting worse, while we Navy stay idle. That's not right. We shouldn't wait for their battle to decide the outcome—we should strike first."
"Just a Vice Admiral now", Kuro sighed.
"Not for long. Once you become Admiral..." Smoker's voice darkened, "...transfer me over."
(End of Chapter)
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