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Chapter 1209: You All Have Responsibility!
Chapter 1209: You All Have Responsibility!
Inside Castle Tower, on one of the upper five levels, the Grand Hall once reserved for Kurozumi Orochi's Shogun Banquet Hall had been repurposed by Kuro as a temporary office.
He lounged in the Shogun Seat atop a raised platform. With his legs stretched out instead of crossed, his posture looked unusually relaxed. Beside him, Lida had claimed a luxurious floor cushion, casually munching on snacks.
A step below, Klah stood respectfully to the side, adjusting his glasses.
At the very bottom, Kas and Wilbur raised simultaneous salutes, excitement clear in their voices: "Mr. Kuro!!"
It had been ages since they'd seen their leader!
Reunited at last, how could they not feel thrilled?
"It's been a while. I'll trouble you two shortly - keep your eyes sharp. That applies to everyone", Kuro said, his gaze shifting toward the Seven Warlords of the Sea assembled nearby. "You're not just here to watch the execution. Your responsibility is to maintain security. Don't let any reckless fools try disrupting things."
The Warlords displayed varied reactions.
"Hmph, you're getting quite the leader these days, Kuro", Crocodile muttered around his cigar, smoke obscuring his expression.
Boa Hancock's elegant figure remained poised with arms crossed, her tone icy as she replied, "I'll follow the contract, that's all. Nothing beyond that concerns me."
She wanted no part in this!
This position should have belonged to Luffy's subordinate!
Without Kuro's interference, Luffy's officer might now be seated where Kuro sat, and she could be in that white-haired brat's place - perhaps even happily nestled beside Luffy's officer!
Yet this man was impossible to refuse.
The Seven Warlords' benefits had improved significantly under Kuro's arrangement. The Kusnake women no longer needed to raid for supplies - simply fighting pirates in the New World sufficed. Combat came naturally to these female warriors, and when provisions flowed steadily, their enthusiasm grew even stronger.
Joe Rudolph executed a perfect gentleman's bow. "As Seven Warlords of the Sea, we shall fulfill our duty." Their entire existence depended on Kuro's position. Without Kuro granting this status, Half-fishmen across the Grand Line would never have flocked to their banner. Now their numbers grew steadily. Stability had finally arrived.
Half-fishmen were loyal and grateful by nature!
William straightened his white necktie. "No objections from me." He seemed almost eager.
Though he'd fought in the New World since becoming a Warlord, his self-proclaimed status as Great Pirate had yet to face truly historic battles. He'd missed the Top War and Blackbeard's ambush at G-3 - events that had shaped the world. Now, finally, a grand occasion had arrived!
Wouldn't it be glorious to face some legendary figure and earn worldwide fame?
Buggy nodded solemnly, though truthfully he understood little. He'd come simply to witness Kaido's execution. Compared to the others who seemed privy to deeper schemes, his ignorance made him appear foolish. Best to pretend understanding.
Dracule Mihawk stood silently, motionless.
"All right, go prepare yourselves. Help escort Kaido. The Old Man will personally execute him shortly!" Kuro waved dismissively.
One by one, the Warlords departed. Only Dracule Mihawk remained, waiting until the hall emptied before speaking. "You captured Red-Haired Shanks, yet dare summon me here? You're not afraid I'll settle scores?"
Kuro rolled his eyes. "I knew you'd ask that. That fool who blocked my path deserved his lesson. Did you think me some clay figure to be pushed around? The Navy arresting pirates is only natural. And isn't this perfect? Whitebeard and Big Mom are gone, Kaido is captured, and now Shanks joins them - the four are complete!"
He leaned forward. "Besides, if you truly cared, you'd have rushed to Impel Down the moment you learned. The Grand Line's fate was sealed the moment each man set sail. No one escapes their path - not Shanks, not me, and certainly not you, Kuro. Eventually, we'll all be pulled down."
Dracule Mihawk paused before replying, "The Four Emperors' era fell by your hand alone. That, I hadn't anticipated."
Kuro shrugged. "If you truly pull me down, then do it. What else can I do?"
Even if some peerless genius emerged to dominate the Grand Line for centuries, what could he do about it? Such matters could wait.
"It's remarkable", Dracule Mihawk mused, "how the Four Emperors' era ended by your strength alone. Back in the East Blue, I remember thinking you should have already shaken the Grand Line. Now it seems your time came not too late after all."
You think I wanted this?!
Kuro inwardly fumed. This swordsman was one of those who'd set his fate in motion!
If Dracule Mihawk hadn't challenged him, Gramps would never have discovered his secret. Without that discovery, he might still be some obscure Navy officer, peacefully commanding some branch base in distant seas.
He'd come this far because everyone shared responsibility. Every single one of them!
Dracule Mihawk seemed to consider something. "With the Four Emperors gone, the Grand Line will descend into chaos. How can you be certain uniting the Seven Warlords won't backfire? There are ambitious men here."
"Why worry?" Kuro dismissed the concern. "If you had such ambitions, you'd have formed your pirate crew long ago. Boa Hancock concerns herself with Kusnake. Joe Rudolph focuses on his Half-fishmen. William seeks fame but lacks strength. Buggy's harmless."
He smirked. "Crocodile might have ambition. Though calmer now, this could become his opportunity. But he's clever - he understands the same things I do."
The Seven Warlords' combat strength was formidable. A single Warlord might struggle against Admirals, but three together could match one. The full seven together could rival two Admirals.
However, unity was the key - and that was impossible. Dracule Mihawk would never oppose him. Joe Rudolph stood firmly by his side. William feared him too much to rebel. Buggy lacked threat.
That left only Boa Hancock and Crocodile. Even if Boa Hancock risked losing Kusnake's loyalty to oppose him, what could she accomplish with just Crocodile? The latter was indeed clever, valuing the privileges his Warlord status provided. Such men used opportunities to strengthen themselves, not create unnecessary conflicts.
With Kuzan remaining to protect this new era, Kuro's position was secure.
(End of Chapter)
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