Chapter 1263: Wait for Me to Get My Blade, Then I'll Slaughter You All
Chapter 1263: Wait for Me to Get My Blade, Then I'll Slaughter You All
The World Government's decision to launch a preemptive strike caught Kuro completely off guard.
If they were going to stir up the already chaotic New World by taking aggressive action, it would only force the pirates to unite against them. Wano Country, which he had under control, would inevitably face repercussions.
"Any objections?" Hak asked.
Kuro shook his head, exhaling smoke. "I was thinking we could wait a bit longer—let the pirates exhaust themselves first. But then again, there's always a new generation rising. Fine. We strike. I'll lead the charge from Wano Country."
"Exactly as planned", Sakazuki smirked. "You'll attack from within the New World's heart, while we handle the frontal assault."
Hak nodded. "That's why we're assigning you this primary role, Kuro. As an Admiral, and with Kuzan assisting you, your mission is to capture Luffy and Blackbeard. Destroy their cores while we contain the battlefield. We won't let concentrated pirate forces interfere with your operations."
Though the World Government issued the orders, the Navy maintained autonomy over strategic decisions. The ultimate authority rested with the Fleet Admiral, Admirals, and Chief of Staff.
"It's really going to be this intense? Once this starts, it won't be easy to rein in", Kuro muttered, still uneasy.
The other two remained silent, but their expressions spoke volumes.
Kuro crushed his half-finished cigar into the ashtray. "Once my blade is ready, I'll begin operations."
Hak's lips curved slightly. "That's precisely why we're entrusting you with this. Your strength ensures no mistakes."
After ending the Four Emperors Era, Kuro was the perfect man to dismantle this new generation. They all knew why he'd entrusted his legendary sword to Vegapunk for a year. Eliminating the pirate era entirely would bring tangible benefits—most importantly, a more stable world.
Pirates could never be eradicated completely, but their influence could be curbed. Leaning forward, his hands obscuring his mouth, Kuro's voice darkened:
The pirate tide ignited by Roger has reached its twilight. Fewer pirates believe in the One Piece now—that's a promising sign. The brats rising in the New World are the last true believers. Find them. Destroy them. Erase Roger's legacy completely, and we'll finally achieve lasting peace.
Sakazuki's grin widened. "Precisely!"
Stability in Wano Country would secure Kuro's personal ambitions—a peaceful life fulfilling his dream. A brief period of chaos would buy three decades of pirate suppression. The math was simple.
"Let's do it", Kuro declared, his resolve hardening. Sakazuki and Hak exchanged satisfied smiles. The turbulent pirate era was finally nearing its end.
...
The intelligence about the Mizu Saki Island battle reached the underworld within days of the World Government. The Great Pirates naturally learned of the clash between two of the Grand Line's four titans, though specifics remained unknown. Wano Country received the report as well.
Klah sat in his office for two hours, intelligence in hand, his brow furrowed. Across from him, Kuzan lounged lazily on the sofa.
"Hey, Klah-bro, this intel's pretty wild", Kuzan yawned.
With the New Year celebrations over, Navy officers had dispersed to their missions—Lucius Kro to his "kindergarten project", while Kuzan, recently returned from his travels, found himself bored after tiring of the Grand Line. These days, he spent more time with Moer, frequenting female quarters together.
"Luffy's come this far already?"
Klah set down the report. "Based on your Admiral experience, what's your take on the aftermath?"
Kuzan struggled upright, adjusting his posture. "Depends on how the World Government reacts. Mizu Saki Island is the rumored Final Island. If they've reached it, they probably deciphered some Road Poneglyphs—maybe even multiple. That puts them closest to the One Piece. The World Government won't stand idly by."
Roger's Great Pirate Era began the moment he was executed—but it was when he claimed the Laugh Tale that the World Government truly feared him. The Laugh Tale remained their greatest taboo.
"Intervention", Klah mused.
"Exactly. A full-scale war between the Navy and pirates—the likes of which we haven't seen in decades."
Kuzan continued, "This place won't escape unscathed either. But with us here—me, you, and Kuro-san's presence—no one will breach Wano Country. If they do, I'll gladly hand you my head", Klah scoffed.
A serving Admiral, a former Admiral, Lida, and Wano's growing Navy forces, bolstered by allied pirates—failure would mean losing face as Kuro's steward and strategist.
"Ah well, we'll wait for Kuro's lead. He's the Admiral—news will come from him. Still..." Kuzan grinned, "preparations wouldn't hurt, would they? War is a wonderful opportunity."
Klah's eyes narrowed. "Indeed. The pirates are one step from claiming the One Piece. The World Government is one step from crushing their ambitions. And we're one step from seizing our place in the world."
(End of Chapter)
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