https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1148-I-Also-Represent-The-Future-/13541454/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1150-The-Situation-in-Wano-Country/13541461/
Chapter 1149: Man Conquers Heaven
Chapter 1149: Man Conquers Heaven
If youth truly embodies the future, then Kuro himself was still young.
His greatest advantage wasn’t even his flying techniques or swordsmanship—it was being damn young.
Red-Haired Shanks was forty-one now, while Kuro, at twenty-eight, was the youngest Admiral. Shanks, meanwhile, remained the youngest among the Four Emperors.
What did this mean? In thirty years, Kuro would be fifty-eight—still in his prime. Shanks, at seventy-one, would be as old as Whitebeard. The difference? Right now, Kuro had a decent chance of defeating Shanks even on land. When Kuro reached his physical peak and Shanks aged further, he’d have even less to fear.
Similarly, in thirty years, Kaido would go from sixty-one to ninety-one, and Charlotte "Big Mom" from seventy to a hundred. Though their abilities were hard to gauge precisely, their current strength wouldn’t last. Kaido was still at his peak, but Big Mom’s power had already begun declining with age.
In thirty years, it wouldn’t be the Navy avoiding trouble—it’d be the Navy causing it for them.
Another thirty after that? When they reappear in the Grand Line, they’d be shredded into pieces, scattered and unrecognizable, all devoured by sea beasts like snacks.
"Future… huh?" Shanks mused, the word lingering. Suddenly, Yi Xiao interjected, "For the future? Luffy won’t lose."
"Interesting", Kuro scoffed. "Half a year ago in Wano, he was still a fledgling. I’d love to see how much he’s grown in that time. Did dragging it out a few days really let him defeat Kaido?"
Kuro snorted contemptuously. "If he had that skill, I’d personally rip Kaido’s head off. What a disgrace."
"Don’t underestimate Grand Line pirates, Kuro", Shanks replied meaningfully. "Pride breeds carelessness and defeat. You’ve grown far prouder than before, but honestly, I’ve always seen you as one of our generation."
Kuro exhaled smoke. "Old Man, I’m a young man, not middle-aged. Spare me the lecture."
Just then, Klah glanced out the window. "Kuro, sir", he reported. "They’ve arrived."
Kuro looked up. A fleet of ships had appeared in the distant sea. As they drew closer, their silhouettes resolved—entirely Navy warships.
"Here they come."
Kuro stood, casting a glance at Shanks. "Save your lectures about pirate futures. What glory does the pirate future hold? Becoming the Pirate King changes nothing. Don’t tell me you’ve even been to Laugh Tale? Even if you had, what difference does it make? Your vice-captain Silvers Rayleigh visited it, yet he’s still out there drinking and gossiping all day."
He shook his head. "You lot heap absurd hopes on some D’s Family prodigy, sacrificing lives for him. I’ll never understand—since you’re so willing to die, why not do it yourselves? You’re not even as pragmatic as Dragon. He doesn’t chase Laugh Tale myths, and though his methods are flawed, at least he acts."
Rubbing his chin, he added, "Come to think of it, if Garp weren’t such a reckless old man, I’d think he was surnamed Zhuge."
Garp was Navy—a Navy hero. The World Government cleaned up after his every move.
His son? A Revolutionary Army commander, determined to topple the World Nobles. The World Government treated him like an existential threat.
His grandson? A pirate aiming to be Pirate King, recklessly defying the World Government—burning their flag at Enies Lobby, freeing prisoners in Impel Down, stirring chaos at Marineford.
He’d provoked all three World Government pillars: Navy, Impel Down, and Enies Lobby. He’d even struck World Nobles themselves.
Each generation grew more absurd. The Monkey family dominated Grand Line influence entirely.
"Time will tell", Shanks stood, smiling. "The wait’s been long enough. Once we reach Wano, you’ll be amazed."
"Hmph. You haven’t even seen him lately. I’ve met him more times than you. Fine—wait for your amazement. Let me startle you now. Let’s go."
Kuro walked behind Shanks, escorting him outside toward the deck.
The warships soon surrounded Golden Lion, encircling it tightly.
Though massive, the Navy ships were dwarfed by Golden Lion—like officers next to a child.
A smaller vessel docked at Golden Lion’s side. The ship summoned an elevator, connecting to the Navy ship like a bridge.
Kuro watched the figure ascending the steps and frowned. "Brother, quite the spectacle you’ve brought."
The newcomer wore purple robes, a hooded cloak draped over his shoulders. Eyes closed, he tapped a cane rhythmically against the deck as he approached.
Vegapunk. Yi Xiao.
"After all, it’s the Four Emperors." Yi Xiao tilted his head toward Shanks. "‘Shanks’… Red-Haired Shanks. It’s been a while."
"Indeed, Yi Xiao Brother", Shanks grinned. "Never thought you’d join the Navy. I figured your free spirit would suit piracy better."
"You know each other?" Kuro asked.
Yi Xiao nodded. "Before joining the Navy, we had a brief encounter."
Kuro nodded too. They all operated in the New World. Yi Xiao had been renowned even before the Navy recruited him. Exchanges between legends were only natural.
"Thanks for handling this", Kuro said. "Must’ve been inconvenient, dragging you away from other duties."
"Sakazuki distrusts others with such matters", Yi Xiao replied. "I happened to be nearby. Otherwise, he’d have come himself."
"This is quite the show."
Kuro surveyed the fleet—over forty warships, lined with Vice Admirals, plus an Admiral. Even a Yonko group led by Four Emperors wouldn’t intimidate them now.
"Take him then", Kuro shoved Shanks forward. "I’ll continue my voyage."
"Acknowledged", Yi Xiao said gravely. "But Kuro, Wano Country is perilous. Whether facing Four Emperors or Luffy, tread carefully."
Kuro smirked. "You think Luffy can win too?"
Yi Xiao fell silent, recalling that cheerful, enigmatic figure. He’d never seen his face—Observation Haki couldn’t "see" it, just as he couldn’t perceive Kuro’s features. With eyes, he’d have long wished to meet this young man.
"That young man… can spark miracles", Yi Xiao murmured.
Kuro said nothing. Clenching his cigar, smoke wreathed his face as he shielded his eyes with a veil of gray.
He removed the cigar, tapping ash from its tip.
"One after another… I still refuse to believe it."
Even Yi Xiao saw him as a miracle? Or rather, saw Luffy as the Grand Line’s miracle? But Kuro alone refused to yield!
A wind blew through, fluttering Kuro’s hooded cloak and tousling his hair.
Facing the breeze, his voice was slow yet unshakable—pride etched in every word.
"Events are shaped by people. Man conquers heaven."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
