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Chapter 1251: One Year Later
Chapter 1251: One Year Later
One Year Later.
Wano Country.
Stealth Port.
Ships disguised as World Government vessels split away from the waterfall into a hidden channel, ascended via the mechanical lift to Stealth Port's position, then waited there.
"This place feels much more prosperous than six months ago", remarked a hat-wearing World Government official. Before him stretched significantly expanded territory, transforming Stealth Port from a modest facility into a grand port's Flower Capital.
Outside the port, crowds bustled past stalls and shops. Wano Country locals in traditional attire and swords at their waists mingled with Navy officers in white uniforms, creating a lively scene.
Their purpose here was clear: to trade for Wano Country's weapons. This marked their second visit in six months.
A year had passed since Golden Lion took control of Wano Country. The region now merged seamlessly with the Navy's G-3 Base—or rather, the G-3 Base, located on an island beneath Wano Country, had been forcibly integrated by Kuro himself. Wano Country's acknowledged "Shinzo Genchū" Shogun Officer had fused the base with the nation, constructing a simple outpost on the lower island while abandoning fortress-building in Wano Country proper. Instead, he fortified the surrounding areas with artillery emplacements.
For twelve months, no pirate had breached Wano Country's defenses, allowing the region to flourish. Severed from World Government territories, Golden Lion ruled autonomously, even recruiting soldiers under his own authority. The Navy forces present were all newly recruited from Wano Country itself, forming Wano's own naval forces.
"Damn it, with so many Navy forces here, why won't they even escort us? Golden Lion grows more arrogant by the day", grumbled another World Government official, glaring at the bustling scene. "Every journey here feels like surviving hell. The world's changed—the new generation has risen. Luffy, Pirate Admiral, Death Surgeon Doctor, and former 'Four Emperors' Blackbeard have become the true 'Worst Generation,' dominating the Grand Line like the old Four Emperors. Golden Lion ended that era, so they don't call them 'sea emperors,' but it's practically the same."
"Worse yet, on our way here, 'Scorching Disaster' Kuzan and 'Plague' Quinn's pirate crew ambushed us like tigers blocking the road. We had to sneak through cautiously. Even the Seven Warlords of the Sea, deployed to hunt pirates in the New World, can't handle crews of that rank. Golden Lion didn't purge them properly back then—it's infuriating!"
"Not entirely", interjected the first official, pondering. "I heard our predecessors tried forcing Kuzan's capture, but he escaped and ambushed them at sea, forming this pirate crew."
"Forget it. Let's just trade", the disgruntled official shook his head, leading the group ashore toward their destination.
Though only their second transaction, the rules were clear from the first visit: weapons would be exchanged in a designated warehouse within Flower Capital. World Government would pay premium prices for Wano Country's supplies, while Wano Country received weapons in return.
As for why the World Government overpaid?
They were mere grunts handling logistics. Higher-ups negotiated these terms, unknown to them. Their job was simply to retrieve the required weapons.
"Speaking of, this place is unusually lively. Last time wasn't this crowded", the official mused.
"I heard it's a national custom—celebrating the year's end. Flower Capital's especially vibrant. Maybe we should stay a few days to witness the festival."
"Is that so?"
The group chatted, heading toward the designated warehouse.
Meanwhile, at Castle Tower's position.
Flower Capital's Castle Tower stood atop a colossal crescent-shaped tree, its branches merging with a towering white peak that seemed to pierce the heavens. Both the tree and peak symbolized Wano Country. After a year, the Castle Tower had expanded further, growing increasingly grand and luxurious.
The original five-level tower had transformed into a Marine Base, bustling with Navy personnel managing administrative and daily affairs across the vast territory. Today, countless Navy officers scrambled busily within Castle Tower, preparing for the upcoming "New Year" celebration as Golden Lion Admiral called it.
Last year's festival had been lively, but this year's promised even greater splendor. Golden Lion Admiral declared his intent to invite other Navy forces to celebrate "New Year" together—not just officers, but every subordinate, from high-ranking officials to janitors. Preparations for their arrival were underway.
In the fifth-level throne hall, Klah's hair had grown longer over the year, though still styled meticulously as an officer. He stood before the raised platform, reporting, "Kuro-sama, we've contacted Kuzan. He says he'll return this year."
On the platform's cushion sat a man unchanged from a year prior—his disheveled middle-parted hair framing a sharp, handsome face as he lounged, chewing a cigar.
"Damn pain in the ass to track down. Whatever—just as long as he comes."
This was Kuro, Wano Country's ruler for the past year. The only change was his new shoulder-plate design on his hooded cloak; otherwise, he remained the same.
A year was barely enough to change a man.
Yet the Grand Line had shifted dramatically.
Luffy still hadn't claimed the One Piece, continuing his adventures in the New World. Newspaper headlines frequently reported his victories, his fame growing alongside rivals Eustass Kid and Law. These three had clashed repeatedly in the Grand Line, joined by the relatively quiet Marshall D. Teach to form the New World's new powerhouses, replacing the old Four Emperors.
Kuro found this unsurprising.
After all, these very men had once stirred chaos in Wano Country, with Luffy defeating Kaido himself.
But none of it concerned Kuro now.
Life in Wano Country was too comfortable. Leveraging its unique geography and his own abilities, Kuro repelled any pirates attempting to exploit the region. None could even reach Carp Falls, and those few powerful enough to try were hurled back by Kuro's powers mid-ascent. Occasionally, Kuzan returned, holding an official position in Wano Country. Between travels, he'd stay a few days, using the time to eliminate random pirate threats in surrounding areas.
With a current Admiral and former Admiral ensuring Wano Country's safety, the World Government demanded little beyond weapons. Even when higher-ups ordered Kuro to handle World Noble affairs, he dismissed them with a "Wano Country requires my presence", continuing his leisurely days.
Though his rank had risen, drawing attention, Kuro achieved his goal. Looking ahead, he intended to remain in Wano Country indefinitely.
In a good mood, he decided to host a grand celebration—inviting his scattered subordinates and familiar Navy officers from across the Grand Line to celebrate New Year together in Wano Country.
(End of Chapter)
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