https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-291-What-Decent-Person-Carries-Weapons-Anyway-/13536764/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-293-The-Lasting-Benefits-of-a-Loyal-Dog/13536786/
Chapter 292: Handling Navy Matters Isn't About Coveting Weapons
Chapter 292: Handling Navy Matters Isn't About Coveting Weapons
"How can you just slander someone's integrity out of nowhere?" Kuro widened his eyes in protest.
"Slander? Two days ago, I personally saw you take off with a pile of scrap Weapons into the sky! You're clearly after their Weapons!"
Hearing this, Kuro's face flushed crimson, veins bulging on his forehead as he retorted:
"Handling Navy matters isn't about coveting someone else's Weapons!"
He continued with a string of confusing phrases like "contributing to the Justice cause" and "combating Evil", which drew mocking laughter from Lida. The office was filled with a lighthearted atmosphere.
While Kuro ranted, Navy had already bound and escorted all the unconscious individuals from the merchant ship below deck, then began searching the vessel.
Besides the large-caliber heavy cannons, they discovered an enormous stockpile of Weapons in the ship's hold!
Or rather, aside from essential supplies, the entire ship was packed with Weapons!
Back in the office, Kuro picked up a blade for inspection. The reflection off the Katana's edge shimmered against his eyelashes. Beside it lay a saber and a Broadsword.
Setting the blade down, Kuro lifted a long rifle, aimed it forward briefly, then returned it to the table with a scoff.
"Damn it, these are Weapon dealers!"
With the entire ship filled with Weapons, what else could they be besides dealers?
Moreover, the quality of these Weapons was exceptional.
Kuro dragged his fingertip along a Katana blade resting nearby, noting its numbing effect. "The ore used for crafting these Weapons seems unique. Strange..."
He vaguely recognized the ore but couldn't place it.
Adjusting his glasses, Klah reported, "Eighty heavy cannons, five thousand blades, three thousand firearms, and countless lead bullets. This firepower could wage a war capable of toppling nations."
"Several countries in West Blue are currently embroiled in wars, including this island's former ruler, the Twin-Horse Kingdom. However, the largest conflict is between the Flower Country and the Insect Country."
"Mr. Kuro, these Weapons are likely destined for that battlefield."
As a major power in West Blue, Flower Country's warfare intensity far surpasses the small-scale battles of the Twin-Horse Kingdom. Naturally, they'd require substantial Weapons.
"Have they regained consciousness?" Kuro asked thoughtfully.
"They're awake now, guarded by Kas at the plaza", Klah confirmed.
Kuro nodded, rising to his feet. "Let's go check on them."
He pulled out a cigar, lit it, and descended from the office, heading from the base toward the plaza.
...
In the plaza, a group of bound individuals struggled under Navy supervision. Naval officers formed a circular wall of armed guards around them.
"Let me go immediately, you Navy scoundrels!"
From the crowd, a rotund merchant in luxurious attire writhed violently.
"We're law-abiding civilians! Arresting us will get you disciplined! I have connections with high-ranking World Government officials—we're personal friends! If you harm me, you'll all face repercussions!"
"Silence!"
Kas stood before him, his bearded face stern and unyielding. The merchant faltered, momentarily silenced by the imposing figure.
"Navy of Justice isn't intimidated by chaotic villains like you!" Kas jabbed a finger at him, his voice filled with righteous indignation.
"It wasn't intentional! I heard pirates occupied this island, so I only wanted to eliminate them. I'm a good person, a good person!" the merchant protested.
"Save it! 'Good people' don't attack Navy warships. We found massive Weapons on your ship—you're definitely a criminal!" Kas declared firmly.
"Listen! The World Government never banned Weapon trading. Even if I collect and sell Weapons, so what!" the merchant roared defiantly.
Kas hesitated—wasn't that technically true? The government never prohibited Weapon sales, and Navy had no jurisdiction over commercial regulation.
"Are you still trying to justify ambushing Navy forces?!"
Suddenly, the crowd parted as Kuro, cigar clenched in his teeth, strolled through with a laid-back swagger.
"Commander Kuro!"
Kas instinctively saluted upon seeing him.
"Commander?!"
The merchant blinked in shock, staring at the arrogant-looking man. "Listen, Commander—you must understand this! Arresting me is baseless. I've caused no real damage to your Navy. If you harm me, the World Government will demote all of you!"
He dismissed Kas, the lower-ranking officer, but a Commander carried weight. This young Commander's rank made him cautious about potential repercussions.
Kuro approached, blowing smoke into the merchant's face until he coughed violently. "Ambushing Navy forces isn't enough? Now you're threatening Navy personnel? Pretty gutsy."
"Cough cough! Don't act so arrogant, Navy! You can't charge me. Once I return, you'll face consequences!"
"Really? If you can have me demoted, I'll even return 10% of your Weapons", Kuro offered casually.
The merchant froze mid-rant. "Wait—return 10%? What did you do to my precious goods, Navy!"
"Eh?" Kuro scratched his ear, feigning ignorance. "Your goods? How should I know? Oh right, my Pegasus Island Marine Base recently acquired a new batch of Weapons. What's that got to do with you?"
No way he'd return them. Once something entered Kuro's possession, it never left.
"Don't play dumb! Those are Wano Country's specialty. The World Government trades with me—think carefully, Navy!" The merchant threatened, "This could get you expelled from the Navy altogether. Release me now, return my goods, and I'll pretend none of this happened."
Wano Country's specialty?
Kuro paused, then suddenly slapped his palm, realization dawning. "Ah! Now I remember—this must be 'Sake Iron Ore.'"
A Wano specialty, the ore used in those Weapons produced a numbing effect. But regarding Wano's Weapon sales rights...
"Confirmed—it's destined for Insect Country."
Those sales rights were controlled by the Joker, Donquixote Doflamingo himself. And Doflamingo was among those who ensured Flower Country's defeat by supplying massive Weapons to their enemies in the underworld.
"Release them. Leave one ship, confiscate everything else."
Kuro waved dismissively, not sparing the merchant a glance as he turned to leave.
"Mr. Kuro..."
Klah followed closely, whispering, "Are we really letting them go? Why not..."
His eyes flashed with menace.
"What? They're not pirates. Possessing the goods is enough. Besides, I have my own plans. Just follow orders."
Kuro smirked, anticipation glinting in his eyes.
Didn't the merchant himself say he'd appeal to the World Government? Demotion?
What a great opportunity! He'd welcome it—if only it'd work. Even if it failed, stealing so many goods would leave the merchant seething. They'd surely return for revenge, bringing more Weapons.
Then Kuro could repeat the cycle—capture, release, capture again. Infinite Weapons!
Why worry about losses when Kuro always profited?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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