Chapter 1290: The World Government Has No Shame, It's None of My Business
Chapter 1290: The World Government Has No Shame, It's None of My Business
The Five Elders could do nothing but accept this situation. Meanwhile, Kuro wandered around outside for a while before eventually returning to Wano Country.
Kas and Wilbur arrived almost immediately after him.
They had set off as soon as they received the summons, following the pre-set route and capturing many escaped pirates along the way. When they learned that Kuro had returned, they turned back immediately and arrived in Wano Country right after him.
The captured pirates were no longer sent to Impel Down but were directly transported to Rabbit Onsen to provide additional labor for the minefield and Weaponfactory operations.
Though they were technically prisoners like the rest, Yamato—who had practically become the head of Rabbit Onsen—accepted them all without hesitation.
Rabbit Onsen was now her domain, and she could do as she pleased there. Whether she wanted to conduct rule experiments on the prisoners or anything else, no one would interfere.
Not only did no one interfere, but Kuro occasionally dropped by to chat with her about managing prisoners.
"Pirates are free-spirited people who drink and eat heartily. To mold them into the desired shape, you need to use harsh methods."
"You must make them understand that success doesn't come from brute force alone."
"Should they be reformed through labor?"
"Of course, they get paid for their work. But the money isn't given directly to them—it's managed by the Navy overseeing Rabbit Onsen. Prisoners can submit requests to the Navy, who will handle purchases on their behalf. This prevents other issues from arising within Rabbit Onsen."
"Like gambling in prison, for example."
"Other than their lack of freedom, their daily life is similar to ordinary people. They study daily lessons on how to become proper citizens and abandon their pirate habits."
Yamato found this particularly fascinating. As she put it, "I aim to become the next Oden and Wano Country's Shogun. I must learn how to govern properly. It's not something I can achieve with military force alone."
Kuro remained noncommittal. As long as she did her job, he didn't care about her personal motivations.
For these strong-willed prisoners who refused to surrender, Kuro had no easy solutions. Killing them seemed wasteful—they hadn't committed any major crimes. Letting them live only meant they'd keep opposing him.
In the end, he decided to let them be. Things had improved now. Though they refused to surrender, they were essentially working for him anyway. It made no difference. Kuro was surprisingly lenient in this regard. As long as they could contribute, he didn't care about their personal beliefs.
Thus, the current system emerged: captured pirates, rebellious samurai, and lawbreakers were all sent to Rabbit Onsen. Upon arrival, Yamato and the stationed Navy would screen them. Those with severe crimes were executed immediately, while others served prison terms and performed labor accordingly.
"Kuro, Mr.!"
At this moment, Kas and Wilbur stood in the grand hall, saluting Kuro with excited expressions.
Kuro raised an eyebrow. He never understood why these two always got so worked up whenever they saw him.
They looked more excited to see him than they would their own father. It was like witnessing a long-dead ancestor suddenly rise from the grave—like a Bartolomeo cat on display.
Kuro nodded and said, "You've come a long way. The battlefield situation requires observation for now. Rest here first."
"Observation?"
Kas frowned. "Has something happened on the frontlines? We seem to have stopped advancing recently."
Kuro's expression darkened. "The Member States ran into trouble—the Revolutionary Army is stirring up chaos there. Dragon, that bastard, is surprisingly clever."
Choosing this moment to cause trouble was perfectly timed.
But it also left the World Government struggling to manage both ends. They had to protect their core interests.
The World Government's true core interest wasn't Wano Country—it was the foundation of their rule over the Member States. If that were compromised, the World Government would indeed face a dilemma.
Now, they were the ones who wanted war, and they were the ones pushing for peace.
Kuro pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "It's not that simple to just walk away."
Kas and Wilbur exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with understanding but saying nothing.
"Alright, go out", Kuro waved his hand. "You can take a vacation in Wano Country, but don't neglect the Navy's training. We won't retreat."
"Yes, Kuro, Mr.!"
They saluted and left.
Soon, the sliding door opened, and a tall, thin figure in traditional Wano Country attire walked in.
"Ahh, well, you seem troubled", Kuzan greeted.
"You're the one enjoying yourself now that you're no longer in the Navy. You can do whatever you want", Kuro rolled his eyes.
"Ahh, well, are you jealous? Want to quit like me?" Kuzan grinned.
"Don't joke. I'm not as reckless as you. There are too many eyes on me. I can't just resign on a whim", Kuro snapped.
He and Sakazuki were nothing alike. If he resigned, his faction would almost collapse. Though his position remained unchanged, his influence had significantly diminished.
If he left, who would take over his faction?
Would it just disband?
Or could the Storbery Brothers carry the torch?
Besides, he was doing fine where he was. Why would he leave?
If he stepped down, he wouldn't even be allowed to stay in Wano Country.
Kuzan shrugged. "Just kidding to lighten the mood. The war situation is tense enough as it is."
Kuro pulled out a cigar and lit it. "From your old Navy perspective, how do you think this will end?"
"Mmm..."
Kuzan scratched his head. "That depends on Sakazuki. From what I know, he's not like Sengoku-san. He might not retreat at all. The Navy is currently at a stalemate on the frontlines—they might still be arguing with the Five Elders."
Indeed, the two were different. If it were Sengoku, he would focus on minimizing the situation's impact after receiving orders, negotiating with the Five Elders.
But Sakazuki only had two options: either withdraw completely or fight to the bitter end.
The Navy's current immobility was precisely because Sakazuki hadn't made up his mind yet. He was probably arguing with his superiors.
Kuzan looked at Kuro and asked, "If you were Fleet Admiral, what would you do?"
"I am Fleet Admiral."
Kuro hesitated, then shook his head. "I'd never take that position. This has nothing to do with me. If we can fight, we fight. If not, I'll handle it myself. I didn't start this war. If the World Government doesn't care about its reputation, why should I bother defending it? Whether they want peace or not is their problem. I don't care who becomes the Pirate King. Just find Luffy and Marshall D. Teach and finish them off. These high-ranking troublemakers pop up every year—there's no way to deal with them all."
That was the truth. With the full-scale war ongoing, his current goal was Luffy and Marshall D. Teach. Once they were eliminated, he wouldn't care what happened afterward.
The old and new generations of heavyweights were nearly wiped out by him. That was more than enough.
(End of Chapter)
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