https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-289-Do-You-Know-Marineford-Yes-Make-It-Like-That/13536762/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-291-What-Decent-Person-Carries-Weapons-Anyway-/13536764/
Chapter 290: Kuro's Call
Chapter 290: Kuro’s Call
Kuro couldn’t possibly leave now—he had to ensure the residents could become self-sufficient.
Not that it would take long.
Under the town mayor’s leadership, a Marine Base had been renovated at the town’s center. Nearby areas were cordoned off for Navy housing. Along the coastline, two fortifications were constructed, armed with cannons forming a rudimentary coastal defense.
From his new office, Kuro gazed over the entire Pegasus Town. The base’s central location gave him a panoramic view of the settlement. It had been over half a month since Kas arrived.
The town’s people were gradually settling into stability. From below, streets bustled with townsfolk-turned-merchants peddling wares. Pegasus Island still held abundant resources. With pirates eliminated, the residents—whether for survival or other reasons—were now actively moving about. The island was on the mend, no longer needing constant supervision.
“Are you really going to Flower Country, Mr. Kuro?” Klah pushed up his glasses. “That place has unidentified strong fighters. They say there are nine naval forces alone, including the ‘Eight Treasures Navy.’ Their captain used to be a notorious pirate.”
“I’m not going there to fight pirates,” Kuro replied. “I just need to find some craftsmen and a chef. Who’d be crazy enough to seek out someone that troublesome?”
Chinjao’s worth was legendary—500 million in his prime, a match for Garp back in the day. But what did that have to do with Kuro? The man had retired ages ago. Did Kuro have a death wish seeking someone like that?
“If you’re here, Mr. Kuro,” Klah interjected, “we don’t need to seek out craftsmen deliberately.”
“You’re getting cocky again.”
Kuro shot him a look. “What’s so special about this island? Can’t cannons still blow up houses? Can’t bullets still kill people? No matter how capable I am, I can’t watch over them forever. I’m no guardian deity. Without proper coastal defenses, there’s no sense of security.”
This was the Grand Line era—cannons still packed a threat. Without Armament Haki or Iron Body, even Whitebeard could be wounded by blades or bullets. Garp once got his defenses shattered by an axe strike.
Say what you will about the mighty—sometimes a single bullet was all it took. And ordinary folks?
Craftsmen capable of building fortifications were a necessity. Even for luxury, a personal chef was non-negotiable.
Kuro had contacted Gramps for recommendations, but most renowned Navy craftsmen weren’t at Headquarters. For instance, Vice Admiral Confucius had a naval officer skilled in ship and base modifications, but he was a prized asset. Lucius Kro didn’t have close ties there—he was part of He Popo’s faction.
Asking favors in such a tangled web created debts, and debts meant trouble. Flower Country was close enough; a quick trip wouldn’t hurt. Kas could handle things here.
“I’ll go find Kas.” Klah turned to leave.
“No need.” Kuro waved him off, bellowing, “Kas! Kas!”
Boom!
The door slammed open as a steaming, amorphous figure burst in, hissing with visible heat. Kas stood rigidly, saluting with mechanical precision. “Commander Kuro, you summoned me!”
Klah frowned. “Weren’t you training at the plaza? Why are you here so fast?”
“Don’t underestimate a passionate fanatic,” Lida muttered. “Kuro’s call is practically divine.”
Even Kuro felt awkward. He glanced at his hands—no tentacles, no candy to hand out.
Living on the Grand Line brought its quirks. Lately, Kas had gotten increasingly eccentric, making Kuro wonder if he’d been indoctrinated by some ancient cult. Training at the plaza with his Navy crew had become a ritualistic spectacle.
“Prepare the ship. I’m heading to Flower Country. You’ll stay and defend the island—no pirates getting through.”
“Understood, Commander! I’ll stock up supplies. Personnel? Same as usual?”
As Kuro’s former aide, Kas knew his habits well. On voyages, Kuro packed ships to warship capacity, provisioning to the brim.
“Standard procedure.” Kuro waved him off.
“Aye!”
Kas saluted again, then vanished in a cloud of steam.
Klah sighed. “That Acceleration ability’s pretty handy.”
Envy was natural—he’d missed his chance back then. But his current power suited him fine.
“Hm?” Lida perked his ears, glancing out the window. “Kuro, a ship’s approaching.”
On the horizon, several vessels drew near. As they closed in, townsfolk spotted them—merchants, judging from the colossal commercial ships.
“Finally spotted land!” A merchant grinned. “Pegasus Island, huh? Rumor says pirates claimed it.”
“Boss, if there are pirates, should we even stop here?” a crewmate fretted.
“Worry about it later!” the merchant scoffed. “Who are we? Worried about pirates? Just need repairs. If they’re that reckless, we’ll flatten the island.”
He thumped the massive cannon on the bow, confidence oozing. “Ain’t scared of pirates? Let’s test-fire—sell better if they see its power!”
Kuro narrowed his eyes from the central area. At this distance, he could count the cannons on each ship—far more than standard cargo vessels should carry.
“With this draft, they’re loaded up. Merchants finally came calling, huh?” Kuro smirked. Traders were like dogs with a nose for profit—word must’ve spread about the Navy’s station here.
Boom!
As he mused, the lead ship’s cannon spat fire. A massive cannonball arced toward the town.
“What?” Kuro’s eyes widened. “Klah!”
“On it!”
Klah dashed forward, leaping through airwaves until a shockwave propelled him skyward.
“Iron Bodyfist Technique – Direct Nail!”
No need to close the gap. A single punch unleashed a piercing force that shattered the cannonball midair, fire and smoke erupting in the sky.
Klah landed, shaking soot off his fists. He glared at the ship, voice icy. “Cowardice won’t save you from the death penalty for ambushing the Navy.”
Only the old ones remember me, care if I’ve eaten or slept. A woman would only slow my sword speed.
(End of Chapter)
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