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Chapter 1254: Chaos Continues
Chapter 1254: Chaos Continues
New World. Marine Headquarters.
Inside the highest tower resembling a Castle Tower within the largest building, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki resided—the central hub of the Navy’s highest authority.
“New Year celebration? We don’t have that tradition. The old man won’t go—there’s still work to do. Anyway, drop by Headquarters for your report. It’s been a year since I last saw you.”
As he spoke, he placed the receiver back into the Transponder Snail.
Kuro, sitting on the sofa ahead, cheerfully remarked, “A New Year celebration sounds nice. It’d be lively and boisterous.”
“You have that tradition?” Sakazuki glanced over.
Kuro shook his head. “Not really, but some nations do. Most are in the West Blue, with a few in the East Blue too. Wano Country observes it, and Kuro has his own customs. He’ll definitely organize one—didn’t he invite many people? Don’t ruin their fun.”
“I haven’t done anything.”
Sakazuki paused, then shrugged. “Fine, I’ll approve leave.”
Kuro chuckled. “He’s now the ‘Shogun’—should show some respect.”
“Hmph. First and foremost, he’s Navy.”
Sakazuki snorted, though his expression softened slightly. “Of course, he hasn’t forgotten his duty.”
The name Shinzo Genchū was merely a facade for the public. The higher-ups knew the truth—Kuro was Shinzo Genchū, the Shogun of Wano Country.
A Navy officer becoming a King? There was no precedent. The two roles were unrelated, unlike pirates. The Grand Line had a Pirate King, but no Navy King. If one became King, they’d likely resign from the Navy.
The World Government would never allow a Navy member to remain King. Member states and the government’s direct subordinate agencies couldn’t tolerate mutual interference.
Yet Kuro’s case was different. He wasn’t a hereditary ruler—his title was granted from above. As for the purpose…
Sakazuki snorted again, his previously softened expression hardening back into its usual stern, unapproachable demeanor.
What else could it be? They wanted his power. Where else could the Navy exercise its justice?
Compared to Kuro, things were better. Even after becoming Shogun, he prioritized the Navy, expanding its presence in Wano and eliminating pirates. Acceptable—he was practically a model Navy officer.
Even if Sakazuki himself took charge, he couldn’t have done better. No, if he tried, there wouldn’t even be this outcome.
The detailed reports on Wano Country lay on his desk. If it were his call, he’d have eradicated every evil long ago. But sometimes, such methods backfired.
Since becoming Fleet Admiral, many matters couldn’t be handled as they were during his Admiral days.
“Next year is the World Summit again,” Kuro murmured. “This time, we’ve submitted a solid report—ending the Four Emperors Era. But next year’s Summit won’t be simple either.”
The Four Emperors Era had ended, yet the Grand Line saw no peace—only escalating chaos.
Pirates clashed with pirates, islands with islands, kingdoms with kingdoms. Chaos never ceased, growing worse by the day.
Beyond pirate battles, the Navy could do little. As the World Government’s force, they couldn’t interfere with member states. Yet now, much of the Grand Line’s chaos stemmed precisely from conflicts between nations.
Faced with the current situation, Kuro could only sigh deeply.
“Before, I thought Dressrosa’s conquest of non-member states in the New World was good for us. Integrating them as member states meant even if they acted against others, the World Government wouldn’t react—so we wouldn’t either. But now, in the West Blue and North Blue, many imitate Dressrosa. The wars are spiraling out of control.”
Wars in the Grand Line were normal. Bartholomew’s homeland had frequent conflicts, but they were localized. This time, the Grand Line was different—far too frequent.
Some pirates had vanished, redirecting chaos toward the kingdoms.
Kuro lifted his head, sighing. “Chaos… is it unavoidable?”
Yet from his experience in the Grand Line, something felt wrong—but he couldn’t pinpoint it.
This chaos among nations wasn’t random. There was a key factor he hadn’t grasped.
“Chaos? How could it be avoided? The very purpose of our Navy’s existence is to stop evil and chaos!” Sakazuki’s voice rumbled low.
…
North Blue, near the Calm Belt, an archipelago nation had been peaceful until recently. Then Vinsmoke arrived with the combined forces of the North Blue’s Four Nations, plunging it into war.
On the frontlines, an island became a battlefield. Sparks flew, and massive stone fragments rained down, forcing the defending soldiers into a desperate retreat.
“Spark!”
A Shanks Man’s fist slammed into the chest of a burly man towering five to six meters tall. A burst of electricity erupted, sending the giant crashing backward, his eyes wide with shock.
“That’s the last one.”
The Shanks Man landed, flicking his wrist sideways to send another spark crackling.
This brute was the enemy commander. With him eliminated, the defense crumbled.
“About time.”
Gajeel approached, golden hair gleaming, his towering figure clad in a Battle Suit, gripping a long spear. “Their defense is completely broken. Next, we march straight to the nation’s capital. Our mission will be accomplished.”
“Tch, so boring.”
Yiji smirked. “Father, I heard Wano Country’s Shogun is hosting a gathering. Do we have a chance to go?”
“Kuro?”
Gajeel hesitated, then shook his head. “Focus on the task. The King will attend, but it’s not our time yet.”
They already knew who they served.
King David ranted about “Lord this” and “Lord that” whenever he had free time. Even in the Navy, Kas and Wilbur constantly referred to Kuro as “Lord” and “Mr.”—they knew who held true power.
Serving under him? Acceptable.
Years ago, they’d witnessed his overwhelming combat prowess and temperament. Now, he’d ended the Four Emperors Era and become Wano’s Shogun. Most importantly—he had ambition. Grand ambition!
Serving him wasn’t bad at all.
They no longer needed to obsess over current technology, backed by the massive nation of Dressrosa. His research could proceed unchecked.
Recently, that bastard Quinn had contacted him too, making Gajeel’s research even smoother. Two scientists of equal caliber working together created synergy—greater than the sum of their parts.
With a research environment and the freedom to pursue ambition, what more could they ask for? Except, of course, the ambition to rule the North Blue.
(End of Chapter)
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