https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1086-Wait-Until-You-Become-an-Admiral-Then-Transfer-Me-Over/13541215/
Chapter 1087: A Subordinate Must Have This Awareness
Chapter 1087: A Subordinate Must Have This Awareness
Kuro fell silent after hearing those words. He tilted his head back, exhaling a puff of smoke that coiled upward like steam.
"Hey, don’t just go quiet on me", Smoker said.
"What do you want me to say?"
Kuro shrugged. "First off, I don’t even know when I’ll get promoted. Second, I’m not Kuzan—his authority lets him do whatever, but I can’t just waltz into Wano Country like some pirate meat grinder. Why not let them tear each other apart? What’s the point of barging in?"
Kuro couldn’t wrap his head around this decision. In his view, it made more sense to let the pirates sort out their own battles first.
What was One Piece anyway? Just a flashy title. The real bosses were easier to handle than the grunts. Especially on the Grand Line, where survival was as brutal as a Soulsborne game.
Once the New World’s second half settled and a single victor emerged, wouldn’t it be better to gather forces and take that winner down all at once? Charging into a bloodbath now—especially as a Navy officer—would just make you a target.
"I have someone I need to arrest myself", Smoker said solemnly. "I’ve got a feeling—if I miss them in Wano Country this time, I’ll never get another shot."
Kuro paused, suspicion creeping in. "...Luffy?"
Smoker nodded.
"Why do you keep fixating on that guy?" Kuro rolled his eyes. "What’s so special about him? You’ve been obsessed since East Blue. There are tons of pirates out there—why not chase someone else?"
"He’s different. You know this, Kuro. You’ve seen him. If we let him run free, he’ll stir up even bigger chaos. I don’t hate him, but he’s a pirate, and I’m a Marine. My job’s to bring him in!"
"Please. That little nobody’s only got your attention because you’re sentimental. What, does he share your taste in cigars or something?"
Kuro sighed. "Luffy’s not cut out for this. It’s not vision—it’s just recklessness. You think yelling 'I’m gonna be King of the Pirates!' makes it happen? If that worked, the title’d be worth nothing. Use your head, Smoker. Focus on getting stronger yourself."
"Last time, Donquixote Doflamingo nearly killed you. You’re a Logia user—shape up! After Kuzan left, you became the Navy’s last hope for your generation. Show some grit! Know shame! Obsessed with hunting everyone, but if your diamond drill’s dull, stop pretending you can do fine porcelain work. Keep this up, and Koby’ll surpass you."
"Hey, I didn’t come here for a lecture!" Smoker snapped, a throbbing vein pulsing on his forehead. "Besides, there’s no way Koby could ever beat me! I’m not weak!"
"Sure, sure. Whatever you say. If you’re dead-set on Wano, let’s table it for now. The current situation’s like a minefield. One misstep, and the whole pirate world blows. Sending someone random there would just ignite a war. If you go declaring you’re after Luffy, who’d believe you? You represent the Navy." Kuro crossed his arms.
He and Smoker had no need for formalities. Straight talk suited them best.
"You’re against it?" Smoker asked.
"I’m not an Admiral yet. Let’s revisit it later", Kuro waved him off.
"Tsk. You’ve gotten cautious since climbing the ranks", Smoker scoffed, storming out of Kuro’s room without another word.
"Hey, what’s that supposed to mean—cautious? I’ve never backed down from anyone! Don’t smear my name!" Kuro called after him without rising from his seat, watching Smoker disappear. Once gone, he exhaled deeply, leaning back on the couch, his cigar clenched between his teeth, lost in thought.
Hardly any time passed before Klah entered.
"Mr. Kuro, the venue’s been rearranged. Should we prepare for the next round?"
"Ugh, another dinner? Why did they have to say seven days? Seven days is forever." Kuro groaned.
"Mr. Kuro, rest if you need. I’ll handle anyone who’s not critical."
"Like hell you will!" Kuro shot him a glare. "A promise’s a promise—spit and it’s sealed. Who’s ‘critical’? The entire Navy’s important. Suck it up. If someone gives you face, return it. You think everyone’s like that blunt Smoker, pissing off the higher-ups? He thinks he can just waltz into Wano? Does he even know how he became G-5’s Base Commander? If Kuzan hadn’t pulled strings—and if Vergo hadn’t been a traitor—he’d still be stuck in East Blue."
"Smoker’s a Vice Admiral now?" Klah adjusted his glasses. "What happened?"
"He begged me to transfer him to Wano." Kuro chuckled. "Running straight into that hellhole? He’s got a death wish. The guy’s a pariah—too hot-headed. Only Tashigi ever covered for him, cleaning up his messes. Without her faction backing him, Smoker’d still be rotting in East Blue."
"G-5’s setup? Kuzan only agreed because Smoker was desperate. Even then, he was just a Vice Admiral—Vergo’s downfall gave him the opening. But the brass has been gunning for him ever since. Sending him to Wano’s basically exiling him. No one’ll care if he dies—everyone’ll just scramble for his G-5 post. Don’t think the Navy’s full of saints. Sure, we’re all on the same side, but given the chance, everyone’s ready to bite. That’s why factions exist."
The Grand Line was merciless. Kuro understood its cruelty well—no side was some fairy-tale paradise.
That’s why he’d always aimed to be a local warlord. Not that it meant he ignored reality.
"Just like Gramps..." Kuro muttered, then smirked bitterly. "Well, he’s free now. About time—he’s sixty, been dragging himself for fifteen years. What’s the point keeping him around? He didn’t even mention retirement before calling it quits. He’s done. So I’ll take the baton now. A subordinate must have this awareness."
"Mr. Kuro?!" Klah’s eyes widened.
Awakening?! No, not quite—but this speech spoke volumes.
"Klah." Kuro smiled, clapping his subordinate’s shoulder. "Looks like you’ll be working harder from now on."
Harder, indeed. There’d be plenty for Klah to handle. Kuro had no intention of drowning in trivialities anymore.
Klah straightened, his expression sharpening. "It’s no burden—serving you means everything!"
No need to hide anymore? Not yet—but this was the green light to act openly.
Klah understood. He understood everything.
(End of Chapter)
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