https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-168-I-Have-No-Interest-in-Swords/13536134/
Chapter 167: I Will Bear the Burden
Chapter 167: I Will Bear the Burden
Kuro never figured out whether Boa Hancock was wearing anything beneath her robes, and Boa Hancock, for her part, didn’t actually gouge out Kuro’s eyes.
Because this was Mariejois.
With a major battle looming, no one wanted to stir up trouble.
As soon as Boa Hancock arrived, the group set off. They departed from Mariejois via the elevator to Shabondy, then sailed from Shabondy’s port to Headquarters.
Upon arrival at Headquarters, the Seven Warlords of the Sea were escorted to their accommodations by the Navy, while Kuro, who had been preparing to search for Lida, was led by Kuzan into the Meeting Hall.
Inside the Meeting Hall, the Navy’s top brass gathered.
Sengoku, Garp, and the Three Admirals were already seated.
“Kuzan, you’ve arrived,” Sengoku greeted as they entered, then turned his gaze to Kuro behind Kuzan. “You’re back too. I’ve heard about what happened.”
At those words, the Admirals exchanged amused smirks.
“Puhahaha! You really stirred things up this time, kid!” Garp roared with laughter.
Kuro rolled his eyes but said nothing, instinctively taking his place behind Lucius Kro.
“Enough. We’ll deal with that later. Let’s focus on the matter at hand.”
After confirming Kuzan had taken his seat, Sengoku’s expression hardened. “We’ve received intelligence—the Red-Haired Pirate Crew and Kaido have clashed in the New World.”
“Kaido?” Akainu adjusted his hat, pulling the brim low to hide his expression.
“Oh my~ How terrifying! Two of the Four Emperors at each other’s throats? That leaves Whitebeard as the sole Emperor on that side,” Lucius Kro said, feigning alarm.
Sengoku nodded. “Even better. That was always our target. This conflict will ease the pressure on us. But don’t grow complacent. Whitebeard is no ordinary foe. The more we can weaken him, the better our chances.”
He paused. “Whitebeard will likely deploy all his forces. Besides his captains, his entire pirate fleet will join the fight. Shanks can be useful here.”
Kuzan pondered. “Pirate Shanks… I recall he once rivaled Roger, didn’t he?”
“This is actually Kuro’s merit.”
Sengoku turned to Kuro. “From the intercepted Transponder Snail messages, the Twelfth Crew Captain Harta mentioned Shanks’ name, which reminded me of his history. Once an independent pirate captain, he was defeated by Roger, and his crew was annihilated. That man holds a grudge against Roger.”
“Huh?”
A giant question mark hovered over Kuro’s head.
My merit? That has absolutely nothing to do with me! You can’t just blame me for everything, old man Sengoku!
Sengoku continued. “In any case, we can use him to weaken Whitebeard.”
Kuzan hesitated. “But is this… honorable for the Navy?”
“Cast honor aside, Kuzan,” Akainu interjected, fixing Kuzan with a steely glare. “These pirates operate at that level—no need to play fair. Pirates must be eliminated. Let me bear the burden of honor and condemnation.”
He turned to Sengoku, his voice resolute. “I’ll handle it.”
“Sakazuki…”
Sengoku studied him for a moment before nodding. “Very well. It’s in your hands.”
The detailed battle plan had already been outlined in the previous meeting. After a final round of instructions, the assembly disbanded to deploy the arriving Navy forces.
Kuro was finally dismissed. As he stepped out of the Meeting Hall, he sighed, gazing down at the sea of personnel below from the upper levels.
The conscripted Navy recruits had fully assembled.
“A storm is approaching… indeed.”
Kuro lit a cigar and watched a distant squadron of Navy soldiers. A large group stood at attention, their leader pumping his fist and shouting something, rallying the troops into a fervent chorus.
Quite passionate.
Kuro shook his head with a grin. “Better hope you all survive.”
But war wasn’t that simple. Ensuring everyone’s survival was clearly impossible—not even the Admirals could pull that off, let alone Kuro.
Becoming a Navy soldier meant accepting the risk of death. Kuro understood this all too well.
Descending from the building, he wandered into Marineford’s cityscape. Families of Navy personnel were boarding warships one by one.
Kuro flagged down a Navy officer. “Where are they headed?”
“Reporting! These families will be evacuated to Shabondy en masse!” The officer saluted sharply.
Kuro scanned the crowd. “When will the evacuation finish?”
“By tomorrow morning!”
“Understood. Get back to work.”
“Sir!”
“Kuro!”
As he turned to leave, a small figure waved at him from the harbor.
“Lida?”
Kuro blinked and walked over. “What are you doing here?”
“As you can see, I’m directing the families onto the ships.” Lida faced him. “Where were you posted? Haven’t seen you in days. Any trouble?”
Trouble? You’ve got no idea!
Thinking back, Kuro glanced around and gritted his teeth. “Where’s that idiot Klah?”
“Klah? He’s over there.”
Lida looked around and pointed to a nearby warship where a figure stood cloaked in a navy-hooded cape over his black suit.
Klah, noticing their gaze, turned and strode over with a nod. “Kuro, Mr.”
“Nice hooded cape. Got promoted, didn’t you, Major Klah?” Kuro bit out, emphasizing the title.
“Indeed. Capturing a few pirates earned me the promotion. But I must apologize, Mr. Kuro. It seems I caused some trouble for your plans.”
Oh? He even knows to apologize?
Kuro raised an eyebrow, studying Klah’s earnest expression.
“Forget it. As long as you understand my position, promotion or not doesn’t matter. Major rank is fine—I only advanced one grade myself. But in this battle, don’t draw attention from the Whitebeard Pirates.”
“Tomorrow’s deployment—both of you stay at the edges. Don’t play hero in the center.” Kuro stared at him.
“Understood, Mr. Kuro. I know what to do.” Klah adjusted his glasses, exuding confidence.
“You two stay busy. I’m off to sleep.”
Tomorrow’s battle demanded he stay sharp. To coast through smoothly, he needed rest. Letting his guard down and accidentally killing a few pirates would only complicate things.
With this warning to Klah, Kuro could rest assured—Klah wouldn’t stir up chaos. Just coast through the battle, no problem.
As for the Whitebeard Pirates…
With so many troops, tracking him down in the chaos would take ages. Besides, facing ten thousand Navy elites, if they couldn’t even locate him, how could they hope to rescue a son?
“Perfect. Tomorrow’s battle won’t require my skills at all!” Kuro chuckled.
Behind him, Klah watched his retreating figure, his glasses reflecting a cold glint.
Just as I thought. Mr. Kuro’s plan is to kill as many pirates as possible without exposing himself. After the war, promotions will follow smoothly.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
