https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-278-Without-Crisis-Awareness-You-ll-Crash/13536743/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-280-You-Might-Be-Making-a-Killing-But-Kuro-Never-Loses-/13536751/
Chapter 279: My Student Kuro, With Admiral Potential
Chapter 279: My Student Kuro, With Admiral Potential
Though Kuro said this, he knew even if he did object, the old coot probably wouldn't take it off anyway.
Removing the mechanical arm was a hassle.
"Fine then."
Kuro nodded.
Whoosh!
The moment he spoke, Zeff suddenly surged forward. His mechanical arm's gears whirred as it thrust outward, unleashing a wisp of tremendous force that smashed straight toward Kuro's face.
Bang!
The blow sent Kuro skidding backward, his feet carving twin gashes across the ground.
Crossing his arms in an X-shape, he blocked his face. His Armament Haki flared across his forearms, then spread to his entire body. A violet cross-shaped mark flickered at his brow, while two tear-like streaks glowed faintly beneath his eyes.
He lowered his arms, irritation creeping into his voice: "Old man, could you not hit the face?"
What was with these people?
Silvers Rayleigh, who hadn't even gone to meet his old captain yet, had slashed his face with a sword during their first meeting. Now this geezer from the same era was pummeling his face with fists mere minutes after they'd met.
I know I'm good-looking, but you don't have to be this jealous.
"Ah, sorry. I just get worked up imagining you're one of Borsalino's lackeys", Zeff said without a shred of apology.
Kuro: "..."
If I don't steal your techniques today, just you wait—I'll break off another arm.
"Oi! Come on!"
Not giving Kuro time to brood, Zeff launched forward again. Stomping his foot, he swung his massive mechanical arm, whooshing through the air as it aimed straight for Kuro.
"No abilities! No swordsmanship! Just unarmed combat techniques! Let me see your weaknesses!"
Kuro narrowed his eyes, flicking away the cigar between his lips. He extended one hand, palm flat against the incoming arm.
Boom!
The shockwave rippled from his feet, sliding his body sideways slightly.
"Strength's not bad!"
Zeff chuckled, nodding as Kuro blocked his mechanical arm with one hand.
This wasn't ordinary strength—the arm contained Seastone. The steel rods stabilizing the machinery were forged from Seastone, which drained Devil Fruit users' powers and left them weak.
But there was nuance.
Ordinary Devil Fruit users would weaken instantly.
True warriors, however, weren't so easily felled by mere Seastone.
Through training, they could endure the power suppression. While abilities became null, physical strength and Haki could still shine—albeit at varying levels depending on the individual.
Undeniably, those who could still fight under Seastone's influence were elite.
"But resisting Seastone's suppression through sheer strength? That's not enough!"
Zeff lunged forward, exploiting the opening from Kuro's block. His left fist, coated in black Haki, slammed into Kuro's abdomen before he could react.
Crash!
"Tch!"
Kuro gritted his teeth, barely suppressing the pain radiating from his stomach. He kicked out, his toe striking Zeff's wrists and forcing the arm upward. Using the momentum, Kuro twisted his body, spinning twice midair before landing.
Even weakened, this old man wasn't to be underestimated. Especially in unarmed combat, his strikes packed a punch.
Zeff, meanwhile, showed faint astonishment. Looking at his hand, he noticed small cuts across his knuckles—like scratches from blades.
"This feeling..."
An ancient memory stirred.
Back during the Rockspirate Gang days, there'd been a crew member who left a deep impression.
"Nailfist Technique? How do you know it? And wasn't that meant for attacks? Using it defensively with Haki... Your unarmed combat talent really is impressive."
"Decent enough", Kuro shrugged, rubbing his stomach. "I've been researching it. The results are decent."
"Good. Now let's see about your speed." Zeff raised his mechanical arm, crouching into a stance. "Now it's your turn to attack me."
"Old man, you better watch out—I'm fast."
Kuro twisted his neck, bending his knees as a confident grin spread across his face.
Whoosh!
A breeze stirred.
As the wind blew, Kuro vanished from Zeff's sight. A chill swept from his side, and Zeff's pupils constricted. He raised his mechanical arm just in time.
Crack!
Kuro's foot slammed onto the arm. He stepped forward, leaping upward as his legs spread wide. His Haki shimmered under the sky like a wisp of battle-axe energy.
Wanna hit my face?
I'll split you in half too!
Zeff's lips curled into a smile: "Decent speed. Not bad for one of Borsalino's men."
Smack!
As he spoke, Zeff's hand shot out, gripping Kuro's leg mid-kick. With a sharp twist, he hurled Kuro sideways. The force sent him flying toward distant structures.
Thud!
Kuro's foot stamped into the building's wall, leaving a deep dent before landing. He glared at Zeff, frowning.
"Your attack patterns are too one-dimensional. You've got a long way to go before mastering unarmed combat. Relying on solo training won't cut it against true experts."
Zeff sighed, shaking his head: "A pity. You should've come to Headquarters sooner. Staying in East Blue for ten years? The Government's grip there's too tight."
Kuro joined the Navy at fourteen. Had he started training then, he'd be far stronger now.
"Roger alone kept East Blue quiet for years. Pirates there were pathetically weak, making it the most peaceful of the Four Seas—but also the hardest place for Navy to rise."
"If you'd been born in West Blue or North Blue, fighting pirates constantly, you'd have reached Headquarters long ago."
Seeing Zeff's regretful expression, Kuro smirked: "Guess I'm lucky I wasn't born there, huh? What a shame."
West Blue or North Blue?
East Blue was already hell.
Did he mention how hard he'd worked to avoid promotions?
He'd pretended to be pirates, then Navy. Constantly seeking solo missions, slaughtering every pirate he found before they could report his deeds—only then could he maintain Lucius Kro's decade of peace.
Battle was indeed the path to growth.
His swordsmanship cultivation was satisfying, but its experience came from countless East Blue pirates—either reduced to sea-bleached bones or swallowed by sea beasts.
How many he'd killed, even Kuro had lost count.
"Anyway, it's not too late now. Come on—show me what other flaws your unarmed techniques have!" Zeff adjusted his stance, challenging Kuro.
...
Dusk fell.
Klah returned with a group of Navy officers for rest.
"What happened here?"
Lida stared at the ravaged town, then at Kuro—slumped against a wall, smoking a cigar and covered in bruises.
"Zeff-sensei!"
Ai En rushed to the other side, where Zeff leaned against a building, spraying healing mist over his wounds.
"Did Ehrnando attack you?" she asked, concerned.
"No", Zeff replied after catching his breath. Finishing the mist, he looked at Kuro and grinned: "I just took a new student. He's got Admiral potential!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
