https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1306-Five-Elders-and-Five-Magistrates-at-Your-Disposal/13542748/
Chapter 1307: The Rehiring of 'Kuzan'
Chapter 1307: The Rehiring of 'Kuzan'
"Let me manage Wano Country?"
Yamato blinked in surprise. "Will you be too busy after becoming Fleet Admiral? Don't you have subordinates for this?"
That bespectacled Navy officer with the Dogo Dogo Devil Fruit managed Wano Country just fine. Why would she be needed?
"Temporarily. If you agree, I'll accept one of your requests in return, as long as it's reasonable."
Kuro turned his gaze away from Yamato toward the minefield. "For example, I'll release the Kozuki Clan members. Of course, they won't retain their daimyo status—they'll just be civilians. But I'll grant them freedom to live normally in Wano Country instead of digging here."
Wano Country had been under strict rule for two years now. The governance system was deeply entrenched, with no rebellions. Many former samurai had even joined the Wano Country Navy. Compared to the powerless legacy of the Kozuki name, Kuro's dominance was unquestionable.
After all, Kozuki Oden was merely a daimyo—his father was the shogun. By Momonosuke's generation, this was already the third generation. A ten-year-old child with a mature appearance? So what? His governance ability was zero. Would he rely on the Red Scabbards? That was absurd.
His sister grew up as an oiran, lacking political acumen. Giving them Wano Country would be like handing a child a sword.
If Kuro hadn't been present when Luffy defeated Kaido, returning the nation to Momonosuke would have led to disaster. People would gain freedom, but nothing else.
Oh, so it's about swinging from Kurozumi Orochi's tyranny to another extreme of freedom?
That would be chaos.
Yamato was different. Raised under Kaido's influence with a rebellious streak, she opposed everything Kaido did. Kaido thrived on chaos, so she pursued order. Kaido enforced isolation, so she advocated opening the country. At the very least, she understood how to maintain Wano Country's current stability.
Besides, it wouldn't be for long. Kuro's budget allowed six months to a year.
Once the pirate era ended, Klah could return to govern. Since this location served as both Wano Country and G-3, Kuro—now Fleet Admiral—would naturally appoint Klah as Base Commander. Only Kuro could ensure this arrangement.
"You'll really release Momonosuke?" Yamato asked excitedly. "Won't they cause you trouble?"
"You still have a conscience. Good thing I let you manage Rabbit Onsen as a prisoner. I keep my word. Help me govern Wano Country, and I'll restore Momonosuke's freedom. I'll even grant yours—no problem leaving the sea. After this, you can do as you please, provided you remain Wano Country's official."
Yamato managed Rabbit Onsen well. Expanding her role to govern Wano Country wouldn't be difficult, especially with two years of local officials already in place.
"I agree!" Yamato nodded firmly. "As long as you free Momonosuke and restore my freedom, I accept!"
"Good. Prepare yourself and report to Flower Capital. I'll inform the others. It's settled."
Kuro finished his grapes and flew away.
"Hey, Peach!"
Yamato waved joyfully at Momonosuke. "Great news! Come quick!"
...
Leaving Rabbit Onsen, Kuro headed straight for Flower Capital, landing atop the castle tower.
"His Lordship Shogun."
Baohuang, who managed the palace, knelt and bowed as Kuro entered.
"Where's Kuzan?"
Without ceremony, Kuro sat on the throne cushion.
"Officer Kuzan's sleeping", Baohuang replied crisply.
"Wake him. Bring him here."
"Yes, Shogun."
Baohuang pressed his temple, using the eye paper to notify others nearby. Soon, Kuzan shuffled in, yawning.
"Ah well, you're back already?" Kuzan asked. "Didn't you go looking for Luffy and Blackbeard?"
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Kuro glared. "I left you in charge of the Grand Line blockade. Why were you sleeping?"
"Ah, I heard other news and decided to wait. Like..."
Kuzan grinned. "Congratulations, Kuro. I heard you're Fleet Admiral now."
"Who told you? Bochi? I haven't even taken office yet."
"Close enough. No one else is in line. Ah well, you're Fleet Admiral now. Remember when you were just a junior officer under Borsalino's command?"
Kuro rolled his eyes. "Stop talking like we're old friends. You're not retired yet. I need your help."
"Sakazuki became the Fleet Admiral, and he suggested I rehire you. I agree. You have no bounty. After decades in the Navy, you can't say you have no feelings. Come back."
"This is unexpected..."
Kuzan scratched his head, patting his ice-sculpted leg. "I'm not exactly mobile."
"Cut the act. For someone who can shape-shift, a leg's nothing." Kuro ignored the prosthetic.
Some Devil Fruits possessed such power—especially those with shaping abilities like ice, lava, or mud. Even Paramecia like Big Mom's eldest son could function normally without limbs. True, Kuzan's strength suffered at this level. Sakazuki's frostbite injuries also weakened him, but not enough to matter at the Admiral level.
"Rehiring me might be awkward. I just left the Navy. Rejoining so soon would be embarrassing."
"Cut the drama. Consider your previous mission as undercover work against Blackbeard. Now it's time to return—Admiral 'Kuzan'!" Kuro declared.
Rehiring Kuzan was easy. Deep down, he was Navy through and through. Better than wandering the seas as a vagabond.
When Yamato arrived, Kuro ordered Baohuang to announce her temporary governance of Wano Country, then left with Kuzan.
Meanwhile, Klah's Navy searched the Grand Line for a week without finding Luffy or Blackbeard. They had to return to Headquarters.
Kuro's Fleet Admiral inauguration ceremony was too important to miss.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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