Chapter 111: Akainu Smiled at Me
Chapter 111: Akainu Smiled at Me
Lucius Kro stepped onto a massive warship with Kuro in tow, his Vice Admiral coat flapping in the sea breeze.
"Lucius Kro! You made it!" Vice Admiral Garp's booming laughter echoed across the deck as he munched on senbei. His eyes landed on Kuro behind Lucius Kro. "Hey, that young fellow looks familiar."
Kuro's lips twitched. Right, like this senbei-obsessed idiot hadn't known exactly who he was.
"Vice Admiral Garp, it's an honor to make your acquaintance", Kuro gave a polite bow.
"Hah! A respectful junior officer!" Garp roared with laughter.
"Long time no see", a tall, lanky figure waved lazily as he approached.
"Kuzan", Kuro murmured to himself.
"Say, Lucius Kro", Vice Admiral Kaku stood beside them, her eyes narrowing at Kuro, "you actually brought an aide to this meeting? I've heard your name for some time, young man. You seem quite capable."
Kuro tilted his head slightly to see another figure leaning against the second-floor railing, his navy cloak billowing in the wind. Navy Hat Sakazuki - Akainu.
Their eyes locked. Sakazuki's lips curled into the faintest smile, approval glinting in his eyes.
Akainu smiled at me? Must be a trick of the light. We've barely crossed paths before. Besides, we're not even the same breed.
Kuro kept his smile polite as he positioned himself behind Lucius Kro. Better keep quiet in this company of heavy hitters.
The warship cut through the waves toward its destination. The Headquarters' flagship was massive, easily dwarfing a thousand souls on deck, with luxurious accommodations inside.
Kuro now found himself in a grand dining hall with the Admirals and Vice Admirals.
"Sure wish Sengoku would come to Headquarters for once instead of making us trek to Mariejois", Garp grumbled while devouring a bone the size of his head. "He goes back and forth like a postal dove!"
Kaku kept her hands clasped on the table, silently observing Garp's antics.
Kuzan chewed thoughtfully. "I wanted Smoker to come, but he refuses to set foot in Mariejois."
"Pfft! He actually said that out loud?" Garp chuckled.
Lucius Kro feigned shock. "Today's kids sure are bold."
Sakazuki sat with arms crossed, his hat casting shadows over his eyes. A nervous Vice Admiral ventured, "Is it wise to discuss Mariejois so openly?"
"Can't talk about Mariejois now?" Garp blinked.
"The World Nobles reside there..."
"Those trash? Ignore what you heard", Garp waved dismissively.
The surrounding Vice Admirals sweated profusely at Garp's brazenness, but the top brass remained unfazed.
Kuro kept his head down, focusing on his food. Better not get involved in this conversation.
Kaku finally spoke, "This meeting in Mariejois decides the course of our war against Whitebeard. Don't grow complacent."
Akainu turned his gaze to Kuro. "Pirates deserve to die. We'll win. You agree, right, Lucius Kro?"
Why're you looking at me? I'm just here for lunch.
Kuro froze mid-bite, caught between chewing and choking.
Kaku turned to him with a smile. "Didn't expect you to step onto this stage so soon. Makes me feel old when the young take charge."
"I was dragged along for a meeting, nothing more", Kuro finally replied.
"Spoken like you, Lucius Kro", Kaku said.
"Of course", Lucius Kro smiled. "The old man's favorite protégé."
Akainu leaned forward. "The old man says you show no mercy to evil. That pleases me. You handled Morgant admirably."
Kuro glanced at Lucius Kro.
"Wasn't me", Lucius Kro shrugged.
Akainu studied Kuro. "Eliminating the Prince of Pleasure who manipulated his people's minds and colluded with the underworld, plus that former New World pirate hiding in East Blue... You did well."
"Killing a prince could've caused problems, but your willingness to go to any lengths against evil impressed the old man. You're an exceptional Marine."
"And taking out multiple pirates in Loguetown - the old man fully approves. Evil has no place in this world."
Akainu sighed. "Pity Borusarino. If you were my subordinate instead of Lucius Kro's, you'd be an Admiral by now."
"Actually", Kuzan cut in, "if you ever get tired of working under Lucius Kro, feel free to join me. We'd have plenty to discuss."
Unlike Akainu, Kuzan saw Kuro as a Marine who balanced justice with compassion. He protected civilians, only taking necessary actions.
Akainu admired how Kuro risked punishment to eliminate Morgant's prince. Kuzan appreciated how Kuro's actions freed the brainwashed citizens without harming a single civilian.
"If it weren't for my laziness, you might've ended up under my command", Kuzan added.
Lucius Kro scratched his head. "My subordinate being fought over by two Admirals? Today's youth are terrifying. But it's not like the old man won't promote him - he just refuses it."
"No promotion?" Garp laughed. "Good! Being an Admiral's too much work. You're quite the interesting kid."
"Justice should protect the innocent", Kaku nodded. "Have more confidence. You're not fighting alone."
"Not yet. Not yet", Kuro chuckled awkwardly, lighting a cigar to hide his embarrassment.
If he could punch the Four Emperors and kick these Admirals' butts in one go, he'd have more confidence alright.
(End of Chapter)
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