https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1296-The-Fleet-Admiral-s-Position/13542623/
Chapter 1297: Sakazuki... Defeated?
Chapter 1297: Sakazuki... Defeated?
Me?
Me, become Fleet Admiral?
Kuro stared blankly for a moment, shaking his head like a rattle drum. "Come on, Tina! Don't joke around! How could I possibly become Fleet Admiral?"
Slam!
He smacked the table, his voice righteous and firm.
"Changing commanders mid-battle is a cardinal sin. The war isn't over yet—we can't switch leaders now. And once the war ends, Sakazuki Fleet Admiral has the achievement of ending the pirate era. Why would he be forced to resign? I, Kuro, absolutely won't allow it!"
He wouldn't allow it!
He refused!
"Eh, Kuro, why are you so worked up? What if it's not you becoming Fleet Admiral?" Lida asked curiously.
"How could that happen."
Kuro rolled his white eyes, leaning back in his chair with a scornful gaze at everyone present. "No offense to anyone here, but all of you—no, the entire Navy—are trash."
"Hey!" Smoker's vein throbbed on his forehead. "Aren't you going too far!"
"Then why don't you become Fleet Admiral, you bastard?"
Kuro snapped, "Even your ass could figure out the next Fleet Admiral is me."
This was common knowledge within the Navy, and Kuro knew it well.
Among the entire Navy, the only one capable of succeeding Sakazuki was him, Kuro.
Everyone belonged to traditional factions, old Navy members from the pre-World Recruitment era.
The Moderates had their Fleet Admiral in Sengoku.
The Radicals had theirs in Sakazuki.
Now it was the Neutrals' turn.
With no other factions having viable candidates, Kuro understood this perfectly.
"Eh, but besides you, there are two other Admirals..." Lida pointed out.
"Hah!" Kuro laughed outright.
"What are you laughing at?" Lida frowned.
"I laugh at Vegapunk's lack of wisdom, and Tatsumaki's lack of strategy!"
Yi Xiao Brother?
Too inexperienced, no one would respect him.
Tatsumaki?
Most of the Navy hadn't even seen the man. After becoming Admiral, he secluded himself in Mariejois, refusing to emerge even if approached. He was too lazy, with no real credentials.
As for the remaining two Admiral candidates—
One must first become an Admiral to become Fleet Admiral. Candidates weren't Admirals yet.
Looking at the Navy, whether considering factional politics, strength, experience, or prestige, after Sakazuki stepped down, the only one capable of succeeding him was Kuro.
So Kuro couldn't possibly let Sakazuki retire.
Gramps had retired without hesitation, but that was his personality—he never sought power, gladly passing the torch to enjoy his later years.
Sakazuki wasn't that type. He had ambition. No, he was a man with dreams and ideals, someone who had transcended base desires.
He himself wouldn't willingly step down, and once he won this war—defeating Luffy and Marshall D. Teach, crushing the pirate era's influence to its lowest point—he would have the prestige to remain Fleet Admiral until eighty!
No, ninety!
The longer, the better.
As for succession, once peace was established, taking office wouldn't matter much. After a few years in power, finding a successor would let him retire gracefully, carrying his vast wealth to a comfortable retirement base. How splendid!
"Is that your plan? It does seem possible..."
Tina pondered, then suddenly frowned. "But the higher-ups are getting more divided. If they decide to replace Sakazuki and make you Fleet Admiral, would you continue leading the Navy into battle?"
She secretly worried—if the World Summit forced Sakazuki's abdication and installed Kuro, would he keep fighting?
Everyone knew Kuro had good relations with the upper echelons. He might retreat to deal with the Revolutionary Army, but after coming this far, retreating would be too wasteful.
"First, there will be no replacement. I'll support Sakazuki Fleet Admiral to fight to the end. I've already eliminated two pirates. Defeating two more will end this war!"
Kuro clenched his fist, his expression darkening. "Even if the Heavenly King himself came, we must win this war!"
Boroboroboro!
The Transponder Snail on his wrist suddenly rang loudly, drawing everyone's attention.
"Who's calling at this hour?"
Kuro frowned, activating the Transponder Snail on his wristwatch. "Hello, this is Kuro."
"Kuro! Head to Haisong Port immediately—go reinforce Sakazuki!" The voice from the Transponder Snail was serious. From the tone, it seemed to be one of the Five Elders.
"Eh?"
Kuro blinked, uncertain. "Fleet Admiral... what happened?"
"Vegapunk just reported—Luffy confronted them, and Marshall D. Teach appeared too. Together, they defeated... Sakazuki!"
Whoa!
This news didn't just shock Kuro. Everyone at the table shot to their feet, faces filled with disbelief.
"You've got to be kidding!" Smoker shouted. "This can't be real!"
"Tina... shocked her pupils dilated, her voice disbelieving.
As for Kuro, he stood frozen, his eyes wide with incredulity.
"You're joking, right?" Kuro blinked rapidly, a forced smile forming. "Tell me, is the World Summit having some fun? Have you five finally learned how to joke around?"
"This isn't a joke, Kuro. Sakazuki was defeated. Vegapunk is barely holding on. Without immediate rescue, both might..."
Slam!
Kuro cut the call short, turning sharply to stride outside.
"What the hell kind of joke is this! How could Marshall D. Teach, that bastard, team up with Luffy! Even if they forced an alliance, this is too absurd! Fleet Admiral actually defeated..."
Kuro gritted his teeth, roaring. "Move out! Everyone, mobilize immediately! Destination—Haisong Port! Someone, get me the Log Pose! Smoker, Tina, you two handle logistics and command! Klah, plan the deployment—fastest possible! Mobilize all forces at Red Port now! Move, move, move!"
Sakazuki defeated?!
This sounded like utter nonsense, like a fairy tale.
That was Fleet Admiral!
On par with the Four Emperors!
Same level!
Suddenly, Kuro understood something. When Kaido was defeated by Luffy, he hadn't felt much at the time—he was there to seize opportunity. But now, seeing how quickly these young pirates had emerged to defeat Sakazuki...
Back then, during the Summit War, Sakazuki had nearly killed Luffy!
Suddenly, Kuro grasped the mindset of Kaido's subordinates.
Back then, Kaido had knocked Luffy unconscious with a single blow. Yet not long after, Luffy had been able to duel Kaido one-on-one.
Incredible, but undeniable—because damn it, that was reality!
Sakazuki's defeat meant the situation was now completely out of control!
(End of Chapter)
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