https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-204-Becoming-One-Piece-Requires-Time-Travel-First/13536459/
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Chapter 205: Don't Dump the Remaining Pirate Ships
Chapter 205: Don’t Dump the Remaining Pirate Ships
Kuro originally had no intention of leaving Marineford. After all, the war had just ended, making it a very safe place. But upon second thought, the entire area was now covered in destruction. Everyone was busy with repairs, making the atmosphere anything but lively. Even grabbing a drink meant no decent place to sit.
Worse yet, Gramps had dropped a bombshell—after visiting Mariejois, Kuro would be assigned to monitor Kaido.
This triggered a memory for Kuro. While Shanks had stopped Kaido from attacking Marineford, Kuro knew the pirate’s temperament. He might still try to charge straight into the Marine Headquarters like a suicidal fool.
That meant Marineford wasn’t safe either.
Kuro had already slashed Kaido a few times. If the pirate showed up now and recognized him, it’d be extremely dangerous.
On top of that, Kuro had fought several intense battles in the past few days. He had no desire to fight someone like Kaido again. Life would be over if that happened.
Without hesitation, Kuro accepted Gramps’s order and set sail with Lida and Klah.
Before departure, he visited the armory. All the damaged weapons, firearms, and broken equipment were sent skyward in a flash of light.
Letting these go to waste for recycling was pointless. Better to keep them for himself—the World Government had enough money to spare. They could just manufacture new ones.
Now that his powers were exposed, there was no need to hide. Anything deemed unnecessary was sent into the sky, adding to his stash.
Only after this did Kuro proceed to the harbor. As a commander, he no longer needed to settle for cramped, eighty-man patrol ships. His assigned Warship was a medium-sized vessel with a standard crew of 250, expandable to 300.
“Why isn’t the crew fully staffed?”
Boarding the ship, Kuro summoned the sailors and raised an eyebrow at the turnout—barely over a hundred men.
“Reporting, Kuro Commander!” a Lieutenant saluted. “Headquarters is severely understaffed. Some sailors are injured, others have been assigned to Vice Admirals.”
“Fine. Just make sure supplies are fully stocked.”
Kuro waved dismissively. Looking closer, he noticed nearly half the crew wore bandages. Even the Lieutenant had injuries.
Gramps had handed him a crew of wounded soldiers for patrol duty—clearly expecting him to do the heavy lifting.
Still, these were minor injuries. They could handle normal sailing and basic combat.
Unlike the smaller patrol ships, this Warship was spacious, with a luxurious officer’s cabin.
“I’ll leave navigation to you.”
Kuro told the Lieutenant, then headed to his office.
The Lieutenant saluted again, watching Kuro enter the central Warship fortress. He exhaled in relief and turned to the crew.
“We’re safe now with Kuro Commander aboard.”
“Right, that’s Kuro Commander—someone who fought Whitebeard himself. This voyage won’t have many problems with him here.”
The crew murmured in agreement.
Kuro, of course, heard every word. Shaking his head, he entered his office and slumped into his chair, massaging his temples. His head throbbed with a headache.
“Kuro, you’ve gotten famous,” Lida said, crunching an apple.
“Obviously.”
Klah adjusted his glasses. “Kuro Mr.’s high level of involvement in the war ensured widespread recognition.”
Not to mention the live broadcasts.
“Quiet, both of you!” Kuro snapped, then sighed deeply.
Becoming well-known was inevitable once he decided to join the war. Still, he wasn’t world-famous yet—just a moderately known Navy officer, like Smoker. His reputation might grow a bit, but he planned to keep it at that.
Lower-ranking Marines would recognize him now, so he’d avoid seeking attention. Staying at this “moderately known” level meant no pressure to climb toward “world-renowned.”
There were plenty of officers at his level, from Smoker to various Vice Admirals. If needed, he could always transfer to a new base.
Staying low-key and avoiding the spotlight, he could blend in like the other Headquarters officers—unremarkable and stress-free.
As for Luffy, Kuro planned to deal with him years later in the New World. Since that region was dominated by pirates, the Navy could stay hands-off. Let the kid wreak havoc elsewhere.
Thus, Kuro’s plan was to find a quiet posting and coast through life—safe and stable.
…
The Warship’s journey through the Grand Line was aimless. They followed the Log Pose to Headquarters, with no fixed routes. The Grand Line was neither too vast nor too small, but navigation relied entirely on Log Poses, especially now. Pirates and Marines both navigated blindly.
“Commander!”
Less than half a day into the voyage—just past the triangular spiral waters of Marineford and Enies Lobby—the Lieutenant burst into the office. “A Pirate Ship has been spotted!”
Kuro had his legs propped on the desk, leaning back and snoring. Lida munched snacks, while Klah skimmed the latest newspaper. The war’s aftermath had already made headlines worldwide, dubbed the Top War.
Klah wasn’t interested in the obvious details—being a participant, he already knew them. Instead, he searched for hidden intel in smaller articles.
Startled awake, Kuro shook his head. “A Pirate Ship?”
“Yes, one ahead.” The Lieutenant confirmed.
“Which crew?”
“The Flame Sword Pirates, led by the 180-million-Berri bounty captain Flame Sword Chernor.”
“Then sink it. Why wake me? Klah, handle this.”
“Understood.”
Klah adjusted his glasses and left.
Kuro was about to resume his nap when he paused. “Lida, tell Klah—don’t destroy the Pirate Ship completely. Save the ship and their weapons. Wrap them up like dumplings—I’ll collect them after my nap.”
“You’re so lazy, Kuro.” Lida rolled his eyes.
“Then why do I have underlings? Hurry up!” Kuro waved him off, closing his eyes again.
“Lazybones.”
Lida exited, muttering.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Outside, cannon fire erupted.
Kuro wasn’t worried. With Klah’s strength, defeating a 180-million-Berri pirate was a joke. If he failed, it’d be a laughingstock.
…
The previous chapter number was incorrect. This is Chapter 203, with one more chapter remaining.
(End of Chapter)
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