Chapter 164: Sea's Trash
Chapter 164: Sea's Trash
The Seven Warlords of the Sea were gathered at Mariejois, feasting together.
No wonder Jozu Major had hesitated to speak earlier.
Had Kuro known the Seven Warlords were here, he wouldn’t have bothered dining at this place. But since he’d already come, it didn’t matter much.
He was just here for a meal—what harm could come from that?
Listening to He Popo’s speech, Kuro could only offer a bitter smile.
“Stop teasing me, He Popo.”
Kuro raised his hand, signaling the Navy officer standing behind him. “Bring me a meal—large portions, and some wine.”
“Yes, sir!” The officer nodded and hurried out.
After speaking, Kuro glared at Bartolomeo Bear across the table.
But the towering figure sat silently, hunched over a book, apparently ignoring Kuro. He seemed barely conscious.
Suddenly, Kuro sensed a piercing gaze.
He turned his head and saw a man with hawk-like eyes leaning back in his chair, feet propped on the table, watching him with amusement.
Dracule Mihawk.
Seeing Kuro’s glance, the strongest swordsman smirked. “Long time no see.”
His eyes drifted downward, landing on Kuro’s waist. “It seems you’ve obtained a fine blade.”
“Nope. It’s inferior to yours.” Kuro shook his head hastily.
Great. He’s giving me that look—the one that says he wants to test me.
“Oh? A mere Navy officer recognizes him?” A tall figure nearby chuckled, crossing his legs casually on the table. His gold hair shone under the chandelier, and his pink-feathered coat shimmered as he adjusted his dark sunglasses. “Hohohohoho… How amusing.”
The man’s aura was the most dangerous in the room.
“Tian Yecha” Donquixote Doflamingo.
Among the Seven Warlords, he was the most unpredictable.
Beside him, Marshall D. Teach—Blackbeard—gnawed on a cherry pie, his missing teeth visible as he laughed.
Nearby, a lanky man with bandages over his head and a neck stretching like a demon’s—Gecko Moria.
The other two Warlords, Bartolomeo Bear and Mihawk, made five present.
Kuro ignored Doflamingo. Interacting with these dangerous men wasn’t his style.
He’d planned to provoke Bear, but the latter was practically unconscious now—no need to waste effort.
Shabondy must’ve taught him a lesson already.
The food arrived. Kuro grabbed a roasted leg bone and devoured it in seconds.
He Popo watched Kuro’s ravenous eating, shaking her head with a smile. Then she glanced at the Warlords. “How did you find your encounter with Whitebeard?”
Kuro paused mid-bite. So the upper brass knows.
He swallowed before replying. “Powerful. Without certain factors, I wouldn’t have returned.”
He referred to Whitebeard, and since the brass already knew, there was no need to hide.
Kuro’s priority was avoiding promotion. Other secrets weren’t worth guarding—his strength was no longer a mystery.
Defeating Shanks? He’d deny it. The Navy had no evidence to pin that “merit” on him. If they pushed, the Marine Headquarters would face embarrassment.
He Popo nodded. “Given who he was, it’s natural. Still, I’m glad you survived. Youngsters must shoulder responsibilities. The future depends on you.”
Kuro shoveled rice into his mouth, then tore into a roasted suckling pig. Chewing, he muttered, “He Popo, spare me. You know my stance—no desire for promotion.”
“Lazy bastard.” He Popo scoffed fondly. “Do as you please. Just remember your justice.”
The Navy had others like him—most notoriously, his own superior.
He Popo didn’t mind. Diversity in ideals was natural. As long as they served the Navy, their strength bolstered it.
Rubbing her temples, He Popo regarded Kuro thoughtfully.
Chaos always birthed new threats—two years ago, Fire-Fist Ace; this year, the Worst Generation. Every year, prodigies emerged.
The Navy, however, lagged in fresh blood compared to pirates.
Garp’s grandson showed promise, but needed time. Smoker and Tina had risen but lacked decisive influence.
Kuro, though lazy, was the brass’s recent consensus favorite. A veteran with ten years’ service, deeply loyal despite his sloth. His combat power overshadowed his apathy.
“Ugh, so boring. Where’s that woman?” Doflamingo groaned, his laugh echoing. “I’m growing impatient, hohohoho!”
“Patience is key, brother,” Blackbeard chuckled, licking pie from his fingers.
“Two are missing,” Kuro muttered, raising his wine.
Suddenly, a glass clinked his.
Mihawk. He raised his cup, smiling.
Kuro hesitated, then tapped glasses with him, draining the drink.
“Snake Princess Boa Hancock is en route. Before arriving, she visited Impel Down for unknown reasons. As for Jinbe, he’s cooling off in prison for opposing us.”
He Popo’s gaze hardened. “Pirates earn official status through the World Government. Defying orders revokes that status.”
"A warning, He Popo?" Doflamingo laughed. "Relax—we’re not opposing the Government. Not yet."
“Shishishishi! Whitebeard’s corpse—I’d collect it if possible,” Moria cackled.
“Hahahaha! Bold move!” Blackbeard grinned.
“Enough games,” Doflamingo snarled, his finger twitching.
A Navy Vice Admiral nearby stiffened, rising abruptly.
“My body—what’s happening?!” he screamed.
“Doflamingo!” Another Vice Admiral shouted, “What did you do?!”
“Hohohoho! Let’s liven things up!” Doflamingo’s finger moved again.
The possessed Vice Admiral lunged at his comrade, sword swinging.
“I can’t control myself! Duck!”
The targeted Vice Admiral dodged, drew his blade, and parried the attack.
“Perfect!” Doflamingo grinned. “Perform for me!”
“Hahahaha! What a show!” Blackbeard laughed.
“Shishishi!” Moria’s grin dripped malice.
As the officers clashed, Doflamingo’s finger froze. Sweat beaded his brow.
Moria choked mid-laugh, as if strangled.
“Looks like the show’s over,” Blackbeard mumbled, wiping sweat.
All eyes turned to Kuro, who calmly dabbed his lips with a napkin after finishing the suckling pig.
A killing intent erupted from him, tangible and crushing, slamming into the Warlords.
He glared at the provocateurs. “I’m in a foul mood today. Let me finish my meal in peace, you sea trash.”
---
Don’t blame me, alright? I have money to earn—why wouldn’t I cash in?
Truly exhausted. I know you lords are impatient, but Fish Head writes slowly, and today’s been brutal.
As for those whining about the cliffhanger—no comment. Pointless.
Fish Head’s collapsing. I’ll nap, then set an alarm for 3 AM to finish the remaining three updates.
I can’t promise fixed update times, but I’ll ensure I never fall too far behind.
Each day, I’ll update as much as I finish.
(End of Chapter)
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