https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-2-Unenlightened-Divine-Wind-Murderous-Sword/13535706/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-4-We-Are-Navy-We-Won-t-Be-Afraid/13535708/
Chapter 3: White Phantom's Treasure
Chapter 3: White Phantom's Treasure
Kolmo's death left the remaining pirates with no will to resist, surrendering meekly.
Inside the office, Kas—his mustache trembling with excitement—had just finished wrapping his wounds.
"Sergeant, six million pirates defeated! This is a tremendous achievement—you're sure to be promoted again!"
"Sergeant Kass", Kuro replied solemnly, "remember this isn't my glory alone. Countless Navy comrades contributed. You saw how you all wounded Kolmo, how you all killed him. My role was but a small, insignificant part."
Kuro's words struck true.
Kas's eyes welled with emotion again.
A veteran Navy himself, Kas had seen too many superiors who took sole credit for crushing pirate gangs—boasting about their unmatched combat prowess or brilliant command.
Yet Kuro actually acknowledged the collective effort of the Navy. How rare! How noble!
"I understand, Kuro Sergeant!"
Kuro nodded approvingly. "Then go out and tally the spoils."
"Yes, sir!"
Once Kas exited, Navy officers were already ferrying loot from the pirate ship, laughing and chatting.
Though Kolmo's bounty would decrease by 30% now that he was dead, they'd still collect a substantial reward. Wanted posters weren't initially created solely for bounty hunters—their original purpose was to motivate Navy crews. Bounty hunters emerged later.
"Sergeant Kass! So much treasure! Combined with Kolmo's head, this is a huge success for the crew!"
A sailor grinned widely.
"That's right! Sergeant Kass, when we return, I should get promoted! This was a major pirate!"
A recruit beamed.
"Idiots! Don't get arrogant!" Kas roared. "Think—was this victory yours? No! It was Kuro Sergeant who led the charge against that monster! Did you let your superior take all the risks? Do you even deserve to wear the Navy uniform?!"
Guilt flashed across the sailors' faces.
"Yet despite that..." Kas's voice cracked as tears streamed down, "Kuro Sergeant still remembers every one of you! He claims this victory is yours! Even though he bore the worst injuries and sacrificed the most, he still honors your contributions! How can you think of personal glory with such a commander? Where is your Navy honor?!"
"Kuro Sergeant..."
"Waaah! Kuro Sergeant's such a noble officer—I'll follow him my whole life!"
"Right! With a commander this great, I'd gladly stay a recruit forever!"
"Waaaah! Kuro Sergeant, I'll work hard and never disgrace you!"
Sobs erupted from the crew like a fountain.
"A man of such glory cannot remain a mere sergeant! We must let all the East Blue know Kuro Sergeant's name!" Kas declared fiercely.
"Let the East Blue know Kuro Sergeant's name!!!"
The deck erupted into chaotic cheers.
...
"Those idiots are making noise again."
Tschk.
Kuro struck a match, lit his cigarette, and frowned at the commotion outside.
People in the pirate world were all mad—crying, shouting, overreacting constantly.
He exhaled a smoke ring, leaning back comfortably.
"My performance should have been decent. Let the crew split the credit for Kolmo's capture. Downplay my role, and I'll stay out of the spotlight. Pirates captured, the sea calmer, and my safety secured. Perfect."
The 'Shen' technique was one of the Imperial Wind Style Azure Dragon Secret Technique's moves. Originally paired with 'Jiao' as 'Jiao Long' (Twin Dragon), it manipulated the target's blood to cause hallucinations and internal rending.
Even Kolmo's bulletproof thick skin—no weapon could harm him. Kuro had merely manipulated his blood to explode.
You think Kolmo's injuries were your doing?
No—it was all me, Kuro.
After a while, Sergeant Kass knocked again.
"Enter."
"Sergeant, the spoils inventory is complete—200,000 Beri and various treasures."
Kuro nodded. "Proceed with standard protocol."
"Understood!"
Navy protocol meant submitting the loot to headquarters. The government was wealthy, but the Navy shared in that wealth—30% deducted from submitted spoils, the rest distributed among the crew.
No need for messy resale of stolen goods.
Being a Navy officer was convenient, especially for those avoiding hard labor.
"Also, there's a Treasure Map."
Kas hesitated before placing the map on the desk.
"A Treasure Map?"
Kuro perked up, but his interest vanished upon seeing it.
"White Phantom's treasure? Who still believes in that?"
The map was crude—its stick-figure-like navigational routes vaguely outlined local waters, pointing toward an island.
The legend of White Phantom, a notorious pirate who supposedly plundered an entire kingdom's treasure, had circulated for years.
Such maps surfaced occasionally—each different in location. Kuro had seen countless ones, none genuine.
Yet some hopeful fools kept collecting them, deluding themselves they'd find the mythical treasure.
"I also find it unreliable", Kas admitted. "Shall we return to headquarters?"
Kuro nodded. "Then let's—"
"Report!"
A Navy officer burst through the door, snapping a salute. "Kuro Sergeant! Sergeant Kass! Headquarters sent a fax—Roronoa Zoro has been captured!"
"Hmph? The famed pirate hunter? Why arrest him?" Kas frowned.
"Apparently, he offended Helmeppo Young Noble."
"That damned Helmeppo again!" Kas muttered.
"Sergeant", he sighed, "if only you were Commanding Officer..."
Kuro interrupted dryly. "Let's proceed to the Treasure Map's location first."
"?!"
"Kuro Sergeant?" Kas blinked, confused.
Kuro's tone burned with conviction. "Sergeant Kass, never underestimate such maps! White Phantom's treasure resurfaces yearly. If these maps were fake, why do people keep collecting them? We are Navy—we must act thoroughly. Even if it's false, it takes effort to disprove. But if true—a kingdom's treasure! How many people suffered, starved, because pirates stole it? Ending pirate evil and protecting civilians—this is Navy's duty!"
"Understood, Kuro Sergeant! I'll adjust course immediately!"
Kas snapped a sharp salute. Navigational Skills were rare, and none on this ship surpassed his expertise.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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