Chapter 1212: You Can't Feed Him Enough!
Chapter 1212: You Can't Feed Him Enough!
Shinzo Genchū?
Me?
Kuro stood frozen for a long moment before suddenly grabbing Klah by the collar and yanking him forward, snarling, "So why the hell is it me?!"
Klah nearly choked from the abrupt pull, his face inches from Kuro's ferocious glare. He forced a smile and quickly replied,
"Mr. Kuro, this is exactly what you ordered! Only this way can we stably rule Wano Country. You yourself said pirates can become Navy, so why not a Shogun? Originally, we planned for a temporary transition—Mr. Kuro as acting Shogun, then returning power once a suitable successor was found. But you killed Kurozumi Orochi before he could even finish speaking..."
"What, are you blaming me now? It's your incompetence, not mine! Even if I told you to handle everything, does that mean I asked for this?!"
Despite his words, Kuro finally released Klah.
Klah exhaled in relief—the crisis had passed.
"I actually think it's not bad", Kuzan interjected. "You being Shogun isn't impossible. Wano's Farming Region can't be entrusted to just anyone. The World Government probably only wants its weapons and craftsmanship. They might even support you as Shogun."
"Easy for you to say, Kuzan. Why don't you take the job instead?" Kuro shot him a glare.
Kuzan shrugged. "Who told you the higher-ups like me? Besides, if you're becoming Shogun, you wouldn't mind giving me a position here, right?"
"What do you want?" Kuro narrowed his eyes. "You're quitting piracy? Then why not rejoin the Navy instead of coming here for a position?"
"You know..." Kuzan scratched his head. "I still have my pride."
Kuro raised a brow. "Oh? So you're done chasing Justice now? Too late. Positions are gone."
What position could there be left for Kuzan? Kuro couldn't give up his Admiral role—it was tied to his entire faction. Would Yi Xiaobrother and Tatsumaki step down? Unlikely. The World Government wouldn't create a fourth Admiral position either. Starting as Vice Admiral again? Kuzan probably wouldn't accept that.
"Meh, I've given up on that. Besides, I never really wanted to return to the Navy. Anyway, what about the Beasts Pirates? How do you plan to handle them?" Kuzan asked.
"No idea. Got any suggestions?"
Kuro walked back from the balcony, pulling out a cigar and lighting it.
"Not really", Kuzan mused. "But maybe you could recruit them. If you're settling in Wano Country, this small Navy force won't be enough. The World Government won't send large forces to the New World—it'd trigger a full-scale war."
"You're really talking nonsense today", Kuro rolled his eyes. "I just killed Kaido, and you want me to recruit the Beasts Pirates? Did your brain freeze with your powers? You wanted a position here? Go try convincing them to surrender. Every pirate you recruit can be your own. I'll authorize you to form a pirate crew under me. You can be my Ming King of National Defense while I'm Shogun."
As if he had the leverage to convince anyone. Did Kuzan think everyone could be persuaded so easily? Did he plan to vet each pirate's background?
Still, Kuzan had a point. With the World Government's recent orders, Klah's chaotic maneuvering, and Kuro's own interest in Wano's strategic location, staying here required more than just Navy presence. He needed unconventional strategies.
But the thought alone made Kuro's head throb.
How could he possibly become Shogun?
"I'm an outsider! Not trying to be humble, but there's no way the Wano people would accept me as Shogun. They'd revolt!" Kuro groaned.
...
Two days later.
Mariejois, the Sacred Land.
Five elderly men struck solemn poses.
"Kuro seems to have resolved Wano's situation", Curly-Haired Elderly Man said slowly. "CP0 reports he's taken the title 'Shinzo Genchū' and become Shogun."
The Red-Skinned Elder pondered, "But this won't be recognized. Kuro's an outsider, and Wano's always been closed off."
Bearded Elder sighed. "He's done much for our command."
Map Elderly Man nodded. "Kuro is trustworthy. This move might let us avoid formally recognizing Wano as a member state. If it's under his direct rule, we gain control. He's done well."
What use were member states when direct control offered more benefits? If Kuro's rule meant they could take anything they wanted, why bother with formalities?
Blade-Wielding Elderly Man added, "Using 'Shinzo Genchū' was clever. Wano's isolation keeps outsiders from knowing the truth. We'll trade with 'Shinzo Genchū' directly—even at premium prices. Let Kuro handle the difficulties. Treating him as a sovereign ruler is no loss."
Map Elderly Man Yi Xiao agreed. "With our support, Wano can remain under our control for generations. Let Kuro's descendants inherit the position. This is our reward to him."
"Seconded."
"Seconded."
"Seconded."
Curly-Haired Elderly Man looked around. "Then we'll announce the end of the Four Emperors Era."
The World Government's release of this news spread like wildfire across the Grand Line, sparking immediate uproar.
For member states, it signaled the World Government's growing might, ensuring their safety.
For pirates, the Four Seas' confidence plummeted—yet ambition-seekers saw opportunity.
The Four Emperors Era ended!
Those aiming for the New World now had a chance to claim the Four Emperors' thrones.
In the New World, rebellion erupted.
Pirates long suppressed by the Four Emperors surged forth, attacking territories and each other to seize their place in the coming upheaval.
In Impel Down's deepest prison, chains rattled violently as a grotesque laugh echoed.
In a massive cell bound by thick chains, Donquixote Doflamingo thrashed wildly, drawing guards' wary stares.
"Bravo! Absolutely brilliant, Kuro!" He held up a fresh newspaper, his grin stretching to his ears. "Kaido and Big Mom dead, Shanks captured, and Blackbeard's Teach defeated—this Four Emperors Era is over! Hahaha! Why didn't the report say where Kaido died? I remember news of him and Big Mom teaming up. The Moe Gang's report said those brats entered Wano, yet Kuro killed them all. What does that mean?"
"Kshhhkshhkshh! You can't fool me! You've conquered Wano, haven't you?!"
Doflamingo looked up at the guards, his laughter growing. "Let me guess who rules it now! Hahahaha! You'll regret this! You'll all regret it! That man is the greatest ambition-seeker in eight centuries! He's bared his fangs! You can't feed him enough! That little meat won't fill his belly! He's lurking now, still growing—but the day will come! The day will come when you all become his feast!!"
Clang!
The chains shook violently as Doflamingo writhed, screaming, "Let me out! Take me to Wano! I want to join him! I want to see you all dragged down!!!"
(End of Chapter)
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