https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-15-The-Man-Challenging-the-Title-of-World-s-Greatest-Swordsman/13535720/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-17-A-Man-Like-You-Can-t-Be-Hidden/13535726/
Chapter 16: Are You That Klah?!
Chapter 16: Are You That Klah?!
Loguetown belonged to East Blue and should have been under the jurisdiction of the East Blue Branch. However, Smoker was essentially exiled here, choosing to station himself at the Grand Line's eastern entrance. This also served to prevent East Blue pirates from easily entering the Grand Line.
The weakest sea?
The weakest sea had produced both the Pirate King and Navy heroes.
Who knew what East Blue pirates could achieve once they reached the Grand Line.
Like becoming the Fifth Emperor?
But that wasn't Kuro's concern.
His current goal was to become an ordinary Navy officer—neither overly ambitious nor complacent. Since he had to go to Headquarters eventually, he'd find a way to make it work.
If he could return, great. If not, there were always alternatives.
Like Fen Bushi, the Iron Fist, a Navy Headquarters Lieutenant who amused Kuro. Despite sharing the same nickname as Garp—"Dadan's Little Brother"—he loafed around East Blue, ignored by Headquarters. He spent his days capturing minor pirates, dining with beauties, and living comfortably.
A true role model!
In the base office, Kuro met Smoker, and Smoker finally met Kuro.
"There's no ship to Headquarters right now. Wait for the conscription vessel. Headquarters won't send a warship just for one person. Understand?" Smoker advised.
"Totally understand."
Kuro even seemed delighted. This meant Headquarters didn't care about him!
Smoker glanced at him, puzzled. Usually, Navy officers who earned merits strutted around proudly. It was rare to find one indifferent to both glory and disgrace.
"Smoke?" Smoker offered a cigar.
Kuro raised an eyebrow and accepted. He first lit the match, swept it around, then lit the cigar.
He'd always wanted to try cigars before. Back then, to stay low-key, he couldn't openly smoke them, and his rank wasn't high enough either. Now as an Ensign, cigars replaced cigarettes.
"Navy without cigars has no soul!"
"It's top-notch. Headquarters Commander's taste never disappoints", Kuro praised.
Smoker ignored him, flipping through Kuro's file.
Lucius Kro, 24. Enlisted at Base 153 at 14, promoted to Sergeant after a decade. Recently captured a 60 million bounty Devil Fruit user during the Mongar incident, earning an Ensign promotion and a Headquarters training invitation.
Despite glowing reports from Base 153...
"Pretty average", Smoker noted.
"You captured Krieg's pirate crew? Lucky break."
"Not me. When we arrived at Baratie, someone else had already defeated Captain Krieg. We just collected the prize."
Kuro quickly denied. No way he'd chase a 170 million bounty pirate.
"Rewards won't vanish regardless. I don't want the credit anyway."
Smoker nodded. "You lack the strength, but at least you're honest. That's how Navy should be."
Putting down the file, he asked, "Who are the two with you?"
"They're Justice-aligned civilians. I wanted them to join. You can process their applications together."
Kuro handed over pre-prepared documents. As a Branch Ensign, he couldn't directly recruit, so Smoker had to handle it.
"The short one is Flo Lida from Gelmoro Island. Don't let her height fool you—she's an adult with Navy loyalty."
"The other is Klah. You wouldn't believe his misfortunes."
Kuro recycled his previous pitch about Kas.
"Klah? This name..."
Smoker frowned at the documents. "That Klah?"
Kuro nodded. "Yes, the same name as 'Hundred Plans' Klah. Tragic case. I can't bear to look."
"No, I meant—"
Before Smoker could finish, a loud voice interrupted from outside.
"Klah! You'RE That Klah?!"
In the Navy training yard, Tashigi stared in shock at Klah.
Klah instinctively tensed. Exposed?
Earlier, chatting with Kas while watching Navy drills, Kas's casual mention of his name had drawn attention from the sword-wielding female officer.
"Damn, this is Loguetown. If I'm caught, even Kuro might not save me. No choice but to escape."
He concealed his presence, preparing to flee.
Dashing forward, Tashigi exclaimed, "You're the one Hawk-Eye called worthy of challenging his throne?!"
"Eh? What are you talking about?"
"The one Hawk-Eye compared himself to—the Klah deemed worthy of becoming the World's Greatest Swordsman!"
Klah blinked, pointing at himself. "Me? That Klah?"
He quickly waved his hands. "You got the wrong—"
"Ahem!"
A cough echoed from above. Kuro and Smoker stood at a window, Kuro sending a warning glare.
"Right. I'm that Klah", Klah immediately corrected.
"Truly you! Both from East Blue, right?"
Tashigi's eyes sparkled, suddenly drawing her blade. "Please, spar with me!"
"Eh?"
Klah froze at the sword. "I don't use blades."
"Am I too weak?"
Her face fell. "Guess I'm not qualified yet."
"No, seriously, I don't use swords!" Klah insisted.
"Then I'll make you fight!"
Gripping her sword, she slashed. Klah dodged, stammering, "I really can't use swords!"
"I'll force you to reveal your skill! Accept me!" she attacked relentlessly.
"Damn you think I'm easy prey!" Klah hissed. Vanishing, he left an opened suitcase.
Five Blazing Sword Beams erupted toward Tashigi.
Clang! Her Cat Claw parried the strike, staggering her backward.
"So you finally drew your weapon! Strange weapon indeed. This is what made Hawk-Eye acknowledge you, right, Mr. Klah?"
"You refuse reason? Then I'll teach you a lesson!" Klah lunged, claws extended.
(End of Chapter)
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