https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1285-Sakazuki-s-Old-Man-Disagrees/13542336/
Chapter 1284: Once It's Gone, It's Forgotten
Chapter 1284: Once It's Gone, It's Forgotten
Whether Pirates would ever be completely eradicated, Kuro didn’t know, nor had he ever considered the question.
Given the vastness of the Grand Line and the distances between islands, the concept of "Pirate eradication" would never truly vanish. However, their arrogance could certainly be crushed.
In Kuro’s eyes, eliminating that troublemaker Luffy had ensured the Grand Line would remain peaceful—at least until the next troublemaker set sail.
When Law disappeared, the Pirates who had concentrated on this island scattered like panicked rats. Those who resisted were eliminated by the Navy, while those who tried to flee were captured without exception.
As the battlefield cleanup continued, Lida approached Kuro, who was resting. "Kuro, when exactly did your sword turn into a dragon?"
"When I picked it up", Kuro replied casually, sitting on a large boulder and puffing on a cigar. "Actually, that was the first test run. The power was impressive—Vegapunk did well."
"A sword that transforms into a dragon? That’s Zoan-type Devil Fruit ability. The Human-Human Fruit also belongs to the Zoan class."
Lida narrowed their eyes suspiciously. "Kuro, you’re not planning to make Autumn Water eat a Devil Fruit, are you?"
"What are you talking about?" Kuro rolled his eyes. "Do you think Zoan-type Devil Fruits grow on trees? Why would I make Autumn Water eat one? A sword is just a sword. A lifeless object remains lifeless. You think a Devil Fruit grants sentience? Impossible. This blade is merely infused with my Killing Intent, making it appear lively under my control. Once I release it, it’s just steel again."
"I see…"
Lida nodded thoughtfully. "Still, Kuro, your bloodlust was unusually intense this time. You used to be so indifferent—letting enemies escape without a second thought."
"I have a mission to complete, and I’m tired of this nonsense", Kuro exhaled smoke. "Dealing with these pests nonstop is exhausting. They stir up trouble every three days, escalate it every five, and occasionally cause explosions. Now they’ve even reached Mizu Saki Island! If they really gather all the Poneglyphs or—worse—find Laugh Tale, would I actually have to chase them all the way there?"
If he went to Laugh Tale, those people above would certainly eliminate him. The situation would spiral into chaos. All he wanted was a peaceful, comfortable life—not to wage endless wars like some David-like hero.
"Everything’s done now. Let the Grand Line restore its peace."
Kuro sighed. "If I were still a Commander—or even a Vice Admiral—this wouldn’t fall to me. Who cares what happens to the Grand Line? But my position demands it. No choice but to finish it decisively."
As he spoke, he suddenly grabbed Lida’s shoulder bag and rummaged through it.
"Hey, that’s my snacks!" Lida protested.
Kuro soon pulled out a red, heart-shaped Devil Fruit.
"The old man knew it—this gamble paid off."
Balancing the Devil Fruit in his palm, he shook his head. "As for that kid Law… While he wasn’t a complete villain, circumstances forced my hand. Our goals clashed, and his survival would’ve caused more trouble. Now that he’s gone, this problem’s solved."
Lida obtaining this Devil Fruit wasn’t surprising, but it made sense given their nature.
With their "luck", acquiring multiple Devil Fruits wasn’t unusual—Surgery Fruit included. While weak in combat power, its unique ability—granting a form of immortality—made it dangerous.
Kuro himself had no interest in immortality, but the World Nobles certainly would. This fruit could drive them to madness, provoking untold chaos.
After Law’s death, the Surgery Fruit could’ve remained hidden in the Grand Line for years. Without him, those seeking immortality would lose their target. Even if someone consumed it, they might remain hidden indefinitely in the vast Grand Line.
Now that it was in Kuro’s hands, the solution was simpler.
Golden light rained from the sky like snowflakes—Golden Powder. It enveloped the Surgery Fruit, forming a golden sphere. With a flick of Kuro’s wrist, the sphere soared into the heavens.
"Now it’s gone", Kuro said, exhaling smoke. "No more worries. This Devil Fruit will vanish from the Grand Line forever."
Eliminating unstable factors now ensured future stability.
Kuro crushed his cigar underfoot and barked, "Klah!"
A shadow materialized instantly. "Yes, Kuro-sama! I’m here."
"Any news on Luffy’s location?"
"None at all, Kuro-sama. Finding Luffy will be difficult—he doesn’t care for territories. All those claims by his Grand Fleet are self-proclaimed. This past year, there’s been no report of him lingering on any island. He’s just sailing straight ahead."
Unlike Kuro, who idled in Wano Country, Klah had to gather intelligence. The Worst Generation’s brats were making waves, and information flowed freely. Eustass Kid and Law had acted like Kaido and Big Mom, carving out territories. But Luffy? No trace—only his Grand Fleet’s antics. Without a central base, tracking him was impossible.
"What about Marshall D. Teach? Back at Beehive Island?" Kuro asked, then shook his head. "No, don’t rush him. That bastard’s tricky. I’ll need backup for this one."
Teach’s Dark-Dark Fruit nullified abilities—half of Kuro’s combat power relied on them. Charging into Beehive Island would be like biting steel.
"Blackbeard hasn’t been seen at Beehive Island either. He vanished after the Mizu Saki battle", Klah added.
Kuro nodded. "Then we wait for the Navy to advance. I’ll deal with Teach then."
Luffy was easier prey, but without a location, he was untouchable. Even if Teach were present, Kuro wouldn’t act rashly. That bastard was different from ordinary Pirates—he might not even want the One Piece. To Kuro, Teach was the most authentic Pirate he’d seen since Rocks: a Pirate in the purest sense.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
