https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-117-Pirates-Should-Be-Eliminated-by-the-Navy/13535930/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-119-True-Men-Ride-on-Cannonballs/13535932/
Chapter 118: That Man Will Definitely Come!
Chapter 118: That Man Will Definitely Come!
A war against the Sea Emperor—no one foolish enough to think it would be simple.
A single move could unravel everything, and this was exactly what the Navy needed to consider.
They weren’t pirates, free to act without restraint. The Navy existed to uphold the world's order. If they acted recklessly, chaos would follow. Their true adversaries weren’t just the Sea Emperor, but every pirate in the world.
When the World Government and Marine Headquarters decided to launch this war, they prepared for a battle against two Four Emperors simultaneously. With the Three Admirals deployed, the Seven Warlords of the Sea summoned, and elite Navy forces from Headquarters Ensigns and Branch Majors upward mobilized, this would be no ordinary campaign.
This formidable lineup wasn’t assembled to fight just one Four Emperors faction—it was meant to crush two Four Emperors at once. Akainu would lead the charge against Whitebeard, while Lucius Kro and Kuzan held the rear to counter any second Four Emperors force.
As for why the Navy didn’t station troops to monitor New World pirates but instead concentrated everyone at Marineford, the answer was simple: their opponent was Whitebeard. Underestimating him could lead to disaster.
“We must win,” Sengoku said gravely. “Whether it’s one Sea Emperor or two, we cannot afford complacency. We’re facing the strongest man in this world! If we fail, the Navy’s authority will vanish, the world will plunge into chaos, and victory is our only path to Ending the Great Pirate Era!”
Eliminating two Four Emperors would leave the remaining two vulnerable. The Navy could then mobilize fully, wiping out the pirate elites entrenched in the New World, and crushing piracy’s dominance once and for all. Even defeating just one Four Emperors would create such an opportunity.
The Great Pirate Era, sparked by Roger, would finally see an end after twenty-two years.
“Admiral, what if Whitebeard doesn’t come?” a Vice Admiral interjected.
Sengoku shot him a glance. “Edward Newgate isn’t that kind of man. That man—he will definitely come!”
Just as Garp once chased Roger across the Grand Line, decades ago, Whitebeard’s greatest rival had been Sengoku himself. Sometimes, an enemy understood you best.
Sengoku knew Edward Newgate well—a man with the gallant spirit of a true hero. He would come.
The meeting lasted the entire morning before finally adjourning. As others left to prepare, Sengoku asked Lucius Kro to stay back.
“The announcement has been published by news birds to the world. In one week, we will execute ‘Fire Fist’ Ace.”
“Borsalino, you have the best mobility. Monitor the New World in the meantime to prevent interference from other pirates—especially other Four Emperors.”
Sengoku continued.
Lucius Kro sipped his tea leisurely. “Oooh~ How scary. Are you saying the old man’s going to face a Four Emperors? Kuro, you’ll be with me, right?”
“Hmph.”
Lucius Kro didn’t leave, and as his direct subordinate, Kuro couldn’t either. Standing behind Lucius Kro, cigar in mouth, he smirked at the comment.
“Gramps, I’ve got this disease where I’ll die the second I step into the New World. Pass.”
“These kids these days—so lazy! Fine, the old man can go alone.” Lucius Kro shrugged indifferently.
No one rivaled Lucius Kro in mobility. His presence could stall enemy forces. Most of the Navy’s forces had already gathered at Headquarters long ago. Even if Whitebeard mobilized immediately upon hearing the news, they wouldn’t fear him—better yet, a hasty attack would only increase his chances of defeat.
“Lucius Kro…”
Sengoku had long noticed the young man behind him. “Heard your name before. A swordsman praised by Hawk-Eye—not an easy feat. Looking forward to your performance in this war.”
My performance?
What performance?
But this was Admiral Sengoku. He couldn’t say that. Kuro thought briefly. “I’ll strive to live up to Admiral Lucius Kro’s standards.”
Sengoku nodded. “By the way, bringing him to the meeting—preparing a successor, Borsalino?”
Lucius Kro grinned. “Who knows~”
Kuro tensed instantly.
Successor?
Dream on.
As long as he avoided achievements, promotions would never come. Besides, Gramps was still young—barely sixty. At the usual retirement age for elite Navy officers, he had decades left.
Garp was 76. Sengoku was even older.
Neither had retired yet. What right did Lucius Kro have to step down? Another twenty years, and Kuro would already be back in the East Blue, retiring peacefully.
“Report!”
The door burst open as a Navy officer in a Justicehooded cloak rushed in, snapping to attention. “Admiral Sengoku! The World Noble in Shabondy was injured by Luffy, and he’s taken the World Noble hostage!”
“What?!”
Sengoku clutched his head, a headache forming. “That brat again? Making trouble without end! What’s going on with that family?!”
The officer continued. “According to reports, besides Luffy’s crew, Eustass Kid and several companions, plus Trafalgar Law and his allies, thirteen bounty criminals total—five with bounties over 100 million. The main culprit is Monkey D. Luffy, who directly attacked the World Noble.”
“The guards at the Human Auction House—or ‘Career Stability Center’—have gone silent. Presumed wiped out. In short, three World Nobles are now hostages. An unprecedentedly severe incident.”
Sengoku scowled. “Any demands?”
“None yet.”
“Just my luck…” Sengoku gritted his teeth. “Why now? Why not stay quietly in Mariejois like decent guests?!”
“Admiral, what do we do?”
Sengoku groaned. Normally, pirates attacking World Nobles wouldn’t faze him—he might even celebrate before capturing and executing the culprit. Such pirates couldn’t go to Impel Down, but killing them was simplest.
But this troublemaker was Garp’s grandson. Without a major scandal, Sengoku preferred to ignore it.
Last time at Enies Lobby, things blew up so badly Sengoku only acted after learning the brat was with Moria—then he sent Bartholomew Kuma alone.
If Luffy was caught, let him rot in Impel Down. If he escaped, no big deal.
But this was different—World Nobles were involved.
World Government law was clear—no matter how distasteful, they had to act.
“Oh? The brat who destroyed Enies Lobby? How scary~” Lucius Kro suddenly chimed in, turning to Kuro. “Didn’t you meet him before?”
“Twice.” Kuro nodded.
“Old man should go.” Lucius Kro sipped tea. “Attacking World Nobles—can’t ignore that, Admiral Sengoku.”
Any attack on World Nobles required Admirals or CP0 to mobilize—that was World Government protocol. After all, the Navy was the World Government’s direct arm.
Lucius Kro stood. “Old man, get moving. Kuro, you’re with the old man.”
(End of Chapter)
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