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Chapter 1198: Wano Country Is Entrusted to You
Chapter 1198: Wano Country Is Entrusted to You
Want Wano Country.
Kuro arched an eyebrow, instinctively glancing at the CP0 officer he'd kicked aside, who now lay panting on the ground.
"Make them a member state? Blackbeard's Giant Serpent failed, and people might not even recognize him as Shogun anymore, especially now that Kaido has collapsed."
Making Wano Country a member state wouldn't be difficult. The real challenge was choosing a Shogun. Previously, Blackbeard's Giant Serpent served as Shogun. No matter how unpopular, there had still been support—mainly because of Kaido's formidable military power.
Now that both had fallen, that legitimacy was gone.
Selecting a new Shogun would be tricky. Given Wano Country's current state of affairs, there was no guarantee it would even remain a member state.
The Red Scabbards were the instigators. Their loyalty was to Luffy's Crew. Moreover, Wano Country's location—deep in the mid-to-late reaches of the New World—placed it far beyond the World Government's direct reach. They couldn't exert control there.
The Transponder Snail spoke solemnly: "Kuro, you saved Wano Country. You defeated Charlotte Big Mom and Kaido. We've decided to entrust you with establishing its sovereignty and formally joining the World Government. Your former G-3 Base was destroyed by Marshall D. Teach, so we've discussed it—the new G-3 Base will be placed in Wano Country. From now on, that will be your jurisdiction."
Hmm?
Kuro blinked in surprise. "Wait, are you saying I should be stationed in Wano Country?"
"Exactly. We've thoroughly considered this. You're the only one suitable for the role—someone we can truly trust. We're entrusting everything about Wano Country to you. Request whatever resources you need. We'll permit you to recruit soldiers there if necessary."
The voice through the Transponder Snail grew firmer: "Will you accept this position as Shogun? We'll provide full power support!"
...
Mariejois, Pangu Palace, chambers of the Five Elders.
"Click."
The Transponder Snail snapped shut. In the room, five elderly men exchanged glances. After a brief silence, the curly-haired elder finally spoke:
"Never imagined he'd go this far with farming strategies."
The blade-wielding elder nodded. "It was inevitable. We've been watching the Float-Float Fruit's potential since Shanks' era. Red-Haired Shanks, that idiot, blocked him on the Grand Line, but not every moment brings great storms. Failure was inevitable. However, Wano Country's developments surprised us—we managed to capture both."
The bearded elder added, "Our original conservative plan was merely maintaining balance, optimistically hoping to capture Kaido. We never expected Big Mom to die there."
The red-skinned elder, hands in pockets with legs crossed, said, "We can't proceed further with operations. We must consider both failure and success probabilities."
The map elder, hands clasped to his mouth, nodded slowly: "Pirates can never be completely eliminated. Even if we deploy the Navy, we'd only get bogged down. Losing damages prestige, winning doesn't solve piracy, and only increases Navy prestige. Sakazuki's been getting more temperamental lately—we need to send him a warning."
"Agreed."
"Seconded."
"Hmph."
The elders nodded again.
The red-skinned elder asked, "Is entrusting Wano Country to Kuro alone acceptable?"
"It must be acceptable. We've granted him extensive authority. Only with him in Wano Country can we ensure its member state status", the blade-wielding elder replied.
"Heavenly Gold isn't required—consider it a benefit for Kuro. As long as Wano Country's weapon factories operate normally, that's sufficient", the map elder said. "Controlling them ourselves means we won't need to purchase from Wano Country anymore."
"Should we deploy CP to Wano Country?" the red-skinned elder asked.
"No need. Show Kuro more trust—he's proven himself well. The 'Sword' remains in his hands. Since we've granted him authority, we must grant him full autonomy. Let him make all decisions regarding Wano Country", the map elder insisted.
The bearded elder mused, "What about the New World's power balance? After Whitebeard's death, Red-Haired Shanks, Big Mom, and Kaido dominated. Marshall D. Teach is merely a recent addition—he doesn't represent the 'Four Emperors' anymore. The Four Emperors Era has ended. Chaos is inevitable. Whether we'll see 'new Four Emperors' or an entirely different power structure remains unclear."
The concept of Four Emperors was established after Red-Haired Shanks stirred the New World. They'd created the term to fuel pirate competition for the title.
Before the Four Emperors, powerful pirates were merely called 'Sea Emperors.'
But now the balance had shattered. They needed to consider the world's future direction.
"Though perfect balance is impossible, the world will inevitably seek balance. Seizing that balance point is key", the map elder continued. "The new generation of pirates led by the Worst Generation will undoubtedly shake the New World. They'll fight for territory and positions. Let them clash—we'll guide the outcome as needed."
The curly-haired elder allowed himself a slight smile: "Garp's become too bold, using his 'Navy Hero' title to ignore our commands repeatedly. He's spared many World Nobles, and we've been powerless to act. But our new 'Navy Hero' is one of our own."
The blade-wielding elder chuckled: "Times are changing. The Navy will produce a new generation who brings no headaches."
The red-skinned elder added, "Old traditions remain. Unlike those recruited from the World, personalities like Tatsumaki's suit Mariejois alone. That Lucci fellow might not fully obey our commands either. Most importantly, neither inspires the same trust as Kuro."
Lucius Kro—someone they were extremely satisfied with. Since joining Headquarters, he'd repeatedly earned combat achievements while maintaining humility and considering World Noble interests. Compared to those fixated on Navy Justice, this man aligned far better with their vision.
He was their sharpest blade!
...
"Click."
Kuro stared at the now silent Transponder Snail and clicked his tongue. He turned to the assembled officers: "Did you all hear? They've given me authority."
"Kuro, sir."
Klah adjusted his glasses, suppressing his excitement with a deep breath: "This is tremendous authority. If we can control Wano Country, then—"
"Then it'll become a massive headache", Kuro interrupted with a roll of his eyes. "What the hell? Does command have no one left? Dressrosa was about selecting leaders, but now we're not even choosing one? Giving so much power—do they expect me to become you?"
He turned toward the man serving as his seat cushion. The massive body stirred, Seastone chains clinking as the skull-shaped visage opened its eyes.
A deep, booming laugh erupted: "Ohohohoho! So the winner is you, Kuro?!"
This one had awakened.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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