Chapter 163: I'm So Screwed
Chapter 163: I'm So Screwed
Never mind the thoughts of those fools in Marineford. After a grueling overnight journey, Kuro finally reached the Holy Land Mariejois.
Though he'd been swatted away by a bear, the beast hadn't struck him in a straight line—otherwise, Gramps wouldn't have reached him in a single day.
"Let's rest in Mariejois first."
Lucius Kro glanced at Kuro's battered body and suggested, "Mm."
Kuro nodded. He was barely holding on. Strictly speaking, the last thing he'd eaten was in Kusnake Town—these past few days had been pure starvation.
Two battles, especially the one against Kaido, had drained him completely. Exhausted and famished, he needed treatment immediately, then food.
Descending from the sky, Kuro flicked his wrist. Two swords trailed behind him.
"I'm so screwed."
He clicked his tongue. The fight had left him with nothing but his sea water reserves. He didn't dare venture into the New World to retrieve his remaining supplies.
"Gotta rebuild my stash. Knew that tiny stockpile wouldn't cut it." He mused as they landed.
Mariejois felt different today. The golden palace bustled with Navy personnel. Lucius Kro signaled, and a major snapped to attention before approaching.
"Admiral Lucius Kro!" The major saluted.
"This is Commander Kuro, the old man's subordinate. Follow his orders. I'll take my leave first."
He turned to Kuro, "Kuro, rest up here in Mariejois. He Popo's here—once you're recovered, proceed to Headquarters with her."
With a wave, he added, "The old man needs to return to duty. No time to linger."
"Got it, Gramps. You go ahead."
Kuro nodded vigorously.
"Oh, and Major Job, keep an eye on him. Don't let him out of your sight—make sure he follows through with He Popo."
Lucius Kro tossed that last remark over his shoulder before departing.
"Understood, Admiral Lucius Kro!" The major saluted again.
Kuro's face darkened. Had the old fox figured out his plan? He'd intended to stall in Mariejois indefinitely.
As Lucius Kro vanished, Major Job glanced nervously at Kuro's stormy expression.
He tore off his shattered golden earpiece and flung the cloak, earpiece, and his two signature swords, Sakujū and Kigō, at Job.
"Bring me fresh clothes! That earpiece is ruined—Mariejois must have decent craftsmen. Get a replacement! And a premium cigar box!"
"Yes, Commander!" Major Job cradled the cloak and weapons, snapping to attention.
He escorted Kuro to the infirmary. The diagnosis was grim—cracked skull, fractured ribs, displaced organs, and massive internal injuries. This was his "spoils" from battling Kaido? Not a single gain, just a total loss of supplies.
After hours of treatment, Kuro lounged on the bed as nurses wrapped his wounds. One dabbed his forehead with antiseptic, her perfume lingering.
"Miss", he smirked, "free tonight?"
"I'm married, Commander Kuro." She giggled.
"Even better—wait, never mind."
He backtracked as Major Job entered with Navy personnel bearing clothes, a new cloak, earpiece, sheathed swords, and cigars.
A Navy officer snapped open the cigar box, lit one carefully, and placed it in Kuro's mouth.
"Ahhh." Kuro exhaled smoke. Days without tobacco had been torture.
"Naughty, Commander—it's no smoking here." The nurse tightened his head bandage, swatting smoke away. "All done!"
"Relax, I'm the only patient." He grinned, eyeing his new attire.
The nurses unfolded a golden dress uniform. As they fastened the earpiece and slipped on his polished shoes and cloak, Kuro admired his reflection—sleek, dignified, and intimidating despite the forehead bandage.
"Looking sharp!" He smirked. Slipping his swords, Sakujū and Kigō, onto his belt, he growled,
"Where's the mess hall? I'm starving!"
"Well, the thing is—" Major Job hesitated, but Kuro was already marching out.
"Lead the way! 'But' my foot—I'm dying here!"
"Yes, Commander!" The major saluted, rushing ahead.
...
In Mariejois' banquet hall, Navy officers stood rigid, sweating under the gaze of several colossal figures devouring food. At the opposite table sat Vice Admirals, with He Popo at their center—fingers steepled, chin resting on her hands, exuding command.
The atmosphere tensed as the doors creaked open. A golden silhouette stepped in—Kuro.
He paused mid-stride, then resumed walking.
"Kuro Commander, I'll stay here." Major Job halted at the door, too nervous to enter.
"Back so soon?" He Popo smiled, recognizing him.
Kuro glared at one of the Warlords of the Sea, then pulled up a chair beside He Popo.
Across the table sat the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
