https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-27-Might-as-Well-Start-the-Top-War-Early/13535748/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-29-Safe-Secure-and-Absolutely-No-Fame/13535750/
Chapter 28: The Troublesome Man
Chapter 28: The Troublesome Man
Kuro's plan was doomed from the start - Ace ran off and never returned.
"Isn't this fine? Only an idiot would follow Whitebeard into a fight."
After looting the unconscious men's money, Kuro's group departed.
Lida had been quietly anxious beforehand. She'd fled to the East Blue precisely because the Grand Line terrified her, and truth be told, she'd become oddly comfortable by Kuro's side recently. So comfortable, in fact, that she'd started relying on him.
But the thought of Whitebeard soured her face instantly.
"Kuro... will you really protect me? I eat too much and cause trouble. Maybe I should just return to the East Blue alone." Lida suddenly blurted while walking.
Her deep gaze toward Kuro betrayed a flicker of longing.
Kuro wouldn't be surprised if she stayed - he'd been through similar situations before. He'd grown accustomed to it.
At least he wouldn't drag her down.
"What nonsense are you thinking about all day?!" Kuro sighed, "I'm Navy! Whether you're Navy now or just a civilian from before, protecting civilians is what Navy does, right?"
Lida bit her lip, nodded firmly, then suddenly declared, "I'm holding you to this! If you betray me, I'll never forgive you!"
"Brat, what are you talking about? Forgiveness? Who even thinks about that at your age!"
Back in his previous life, eighteen was carefree and blissfully naive. Here, plenty of sixteen-year-olds risked their lives becoming pirates.
What a messed-up world.
Like a father from another era, Kuro ruffled her hair and dashed ahead.
"Kuro!"
Lida growled, storming after him with clenched fists.
Klah watched the playful pair, pushed his glasses up, and smiled slightly as he followed. This life wasn't so bad - better than being a pirate, at least. Less worries.
After pawning the gold and silver donated by that "kind-hearted person" at a pawnshop and buying Lida some snacks, they encountered Navy personnel who summoned them back.
Smoker sat on a broken wall, staring at the sea. After a long silence, he asked, "What do you think about Vivi Princess associating with Luffy's crew?"
"Something's definitely fishy", Kuro answered.
"Speak like a human." Smoker glared.
"How should I know?" Kuro rolled his eyes.
"Klah Crocodile", Smoker said, chewing on his cigar. "He's the only pirate here. Luffy's crew came for him. Find Klah Crocodile, and everything will make sense."
You had an opinion and still asked me?!
Kuro smirked, "Seven Warlords of the Sea work with us. Why provoke trouble with one?"
He wanted nothing to do with the Seven Warlords, not even a passing encounter. He'd already had enough trouble dealing with Hawk-Eye. Did Smoker want him dead?
"I distrust the Seven Warlords. Regardless of their status, pirates remain pirates. That man's always been calculating - staying in one country too long means trouble." Smoker stood abruptly, "To Rainbase. I need answers."
Kuro shrugged silently.
Smoker glanced, surprised, "I thought you'd object."
"Navy protects people from pirates. It's our duty", Kuro declared nobly.
In reality, he just wanted to hit Rainbase's casino to earn some starting funds. Disguise himself, activate Observation Haki, make a quick fortune, and vanish. Who would recognize him?
The group headed to Rainbase. The moment they arrived, Kuro vanished.
This time, he brought no one. Though he'd comforted Lida, she clearly had that mischievous glint in her eyes again.
Absolutely no chaos!
To prevent trouble, he even left the【Huazhou】with Klah. The blade belonged to their subordinate's officer - better not get recognized.
He changed into a suit, donned sunglasses and a fake beard, and reused the gold chain and watch saved from his robbery. He strutted with swaggering confidence, limbs swinging, mimicking Donquixote's flamboyance.
A perfect arrogant nouveau riche.
This disguise would fool even his past parents - and if they recognized him, they'd probably disown him on sight.
While Kuro played gambler, Smoker's group began investigating Rainbase.
Inside a hidden casino office, a woman in provocative white attire and a matching hat smiled, "Luffy's crew and Vivi arrived - interestingly, Navy too. Their leader is Smoker."
"Smoker..." Klah Crocodile puffed his cigar darkly, "He's hated me since forever. Ignore him. Seven Warlords and the government work together. If he keeps meddling, arrange an 'accidental death,' shall we, Nico Robin?"
"Wasn't I told not to use that name?" Robin smirked, "Still, someone demands attention. I heard 'Klah' and checked with my ability - that man carries a Famous Blade. It belongs to our Mr.11, supposedly captured by Navy. And he's the one Hawk-Eye praised as challenging his World's Greatest title."
"Klah?" Klah Crocodile's face darkened, "I know him - a Navy officer from East Blue."
Robin raised a brow, "Isn't it natural for him to advance to Grand Line?"
Klah Crocodile recognized Hawk-Eye's strength, though unfazed. But if this man praised by Hawk-Eye interfered... trouble.
"Our plan nears. No accidents. If Navy causes trouble, I'll handle them personally!" He stood, eyes narrowing dangerously, "Even if it means burning Rainbase to the ground!"
"Achoo!" Klah sneezed randomly, "Who's cursing me now?"
"Kuro went off to play without me!" Lida pouted, kicking pebbles.
Tashigi commanded Navy troops to track Luffy's crew. Smoker had chased someone off - no one knew where.
...
"Big!" Kuro shoved all his chips forward in the casino.
"Roll... Big!"
The dealer revealed the dice, shouting, "Big Win!"
With Observation Haki, gambling became effortless. Kuro never lost. To avoid suspicion, he cashed out after each win and switched games.
But his perfect streak attracted followers hoping to ride his luck - quite the nuisance.
"About 30 million profit. Time to quit."
As Kuro collected his chips, a thunderous explosion shook the building.
Boom!!!
The hall quaked violently.
"An earthquake!"
Panic erupted. Patrons stampeded, chaos reigning.
Kuro held his chips, surveying the empty hall, then asked a fleeing employee, "Can I keep playing? Everyone's gone!"
Now was his prime time to shine!
(End of Chapter)
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