Chapter 1216: What the Heck?!
Chapter 1216: What the Heck?!
Klah listened to Wilbur's speech, then summarized the key points like a meticulous clerk.
"First, we must ensure Kuromr.'s rule over Wano Country."
"Second, the conquest of West Blue and North Blue."
"Third, the surrender negotiations with Rabbit Onsen."
He spread a world map across the table and continued:
"The first objective is progressing steadily through our collective efforts in Wano Country. It's our top priority, but we need a dedicated person to take full responsibility."
"I'll handle it", Wilbur interjected. "Leave the specifics to me. Controlling Wano Country is my responsibility."
Klah nodded. "Then I won't elaborate further. All Wano Country personnel are present here. If you need anything, just speak up. Let's work together to stabilize Wano Country before Kuromr. returns. We must avoid leaving unresolved issues for Kuromr. to handle upon his return, which might raise suspicions from the World Government."
"Second", Klah continued, pulling out a pen to point at West Blue and North Blue's positions on the map, "West Blue's Luo Wei will conquer Flower Country, while North Blue's Four Nations alliance plus Vinsmoke will take surrounding territories, extending to the Calm Belt border."
He traced two lines on the map where West Blue and North Blue would breach the Calm Belt, targeting the central area between Dressrosa and Wano Country's controlled zones. "Dressrosa sits at the forefront of the New World, while Wano Country occupies its mid-to-rear section. Once West Blue and North Blue break through, they can station forces at the Calm Belt border. Given their geographical positioning..."
"If everything goes smoothly, West Blue and North Blue's combined strength can encircle and rapidly occupy half the New World!"
"I'll handle reinforcements", David's voice rang out. "I'll dispatch pirates to reinforce Luo Wei in West Blue and send support to Vinsmoke in North Blue."
Before Klah could speak, Kas stepped forward. "I'll oversee the Rabbit Onsen negotiations. I'll personally supervise the process to ensure Kuromr. doesn't suffer any disgrace."
This bearded man...
If not for Klah's role in coordinating the organization and Kas's temporary stay in Wano Country, he'd feel genuine pressure.
Unfortunately, Kuromr.'s right-hand man is me!
Klah pushed his glasses with his palm, his eyes flashing coldly.
I'm the one closest to Kuromr.!
He tapped the map with his pen. "However, once we divert forces to reinforce West Blue and North Blue, who will secure Wano Country's surrounding territories? This issue can't be ignored."
Time is critical. Though they hadn't received newspapers in Wano Country, David had received news about Kuromr. ending the Four Emperors Era. Pirates worldwide would surely mobilize upon hearing this. Kaido's former territories outside Wano Country would become prime targets.
If pirates seize those areas, Wano Country would face encirclement.
Are we going to become trapped turtles? Absolutely unacceptable.
But if the Navy can't intervene directly, we're already stretched thin...
Kuzan raised his hand. "I'll handle it."
"Kuzanmr.!" Kas exclaimed excitedly. "Never expected you to take such a critical responsibility right after joining. Truly inspiring!"
His eyes burned with passion, radiating an infectious fervor.
At least Wilbur felt his blood boiling.
Kuzan, however, scratched his head. "I can only stall temporarily. I guarantee pirates entering Wano Country's vicinity will be limited to a certain number, but I can't control everything else. After all, I'm just one person."
"That's enough!" Kas declared. "Once we stabilize Wano Country, we'll immediately reinforce you!"
"Whatever works", Kuzan shrugged. "Just keep in mind the pirates detained at Rabbit Onsen won't be easily swayed by words."
"I'll do my best!" Kas solemnly nodded. "Even if it costs my life, I'll make them understand what Justice is!"
...
A few days later.
At Marine Headquarters, a wispgolden figure descended from the sky. The guarding Marines initially tensed for battle, but upon recognizing the visitor, they immediately lowered their weapons and saluted. "Kuroadmiral!!"
The figure waved his hand. "Bring me a box."
This was none other than Kuro, who had flown nonstop from Wano Country for several days.
He still carried the cyan Devil Fruit with fleshy, leaf-like patterns and a grape-like shape.
Several Marines hurried to fetch an ornate wooden box. Kuro placed the Devil Fruit inside, grabbed the suitcase, and asked, "Is Sakazuki Fleet Admiral present?"
"He's in!" the Marines replied.
Nodding, Kuro waved them off and strode toward the towering headquarters castle.
In the top-floor office, Sakazuki sat chewing on a document—actually a cigar—while handling paperwork. Crane sat beside him, her expression as composed as ever.
"You two seem awfully relaxed", Kuro remarked as he entered, unceremoniously plopping onto the sofa. He pulled out a cigar, lit it, took a deep puff, and exhaled a thick wisp of smoke. "Man, I'm beat."
Crane smiled faintly. "You've done something extraordinary this time. Honestly, we didn't expect it either. Initially, I thought the best outcome would be dissolving Kaido and Big·mom's alliance and forcing them to retreat."
Who were Kaido and Big·mom? The legendary Four Emperors who had defied the Navy for so long. Yet now, they were gone—so decisively.
"Good job, Kuro", Sakazuki said, lifting his head with a rare smile that softened his stern face. "Our new 'Navyhero'."
Kuro hissed through his teeth, eyes narrowing as he grabbed the newspaper on the coffee table.
This was the World Government's recent publication—no filler content, just one story dominating every page:
Four Emperors Era End, New 'Navyhero' Emerges!
Kuro skimmed the article aloud: "Since Gol D. Roger's time, the Grand Line's sea emperors have reigned—Whitebeard, Beast King Kaido, Big·mom, Shanks. After the Summit War, the pirate era declined, and now Admiral Golden Lion has finally eliminated them, ending the Four Emperors Era forever. What the heck!"
He tossed the paper aside. "Look, I knew this would make headlines, but calling me a 'Navyhero' feels excessive. What does that make Garp?"
"Garp", Sakazuki snorted coldly. "The old era's over. The older generation must step down. The new era's rise is inevitable."
Crane shook her head with a bitter smile.
It felt like he'd included her in that statement.
"Regardless", she said calmly, "the World Government has set this narrative for you. You must accept it. 'Navyhero' isn't a bad title for you, Kuro."
(End of Chapter)
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