Chapter 308: Reverse Operation
Chapter 308: Reverse Operation
Inside the Warship, in the office.
Kuro placed the microphone down and stared at the sleeping Transponder Snail, his expression darkening. "Martial Arts Grand Tournament?"
"There's a tradition for it", Klah replied after a moment's thought. "Every three years, Tui Town sends out invitations to the world's strongest unarmed combatants to participate in this grand event. The winner receives a generous monetary reward from the Luo Family, plus the privilege of demanding one favor from them."
Kuro raised an eyebrow. "You're saying this Martial Arts Grand Tournament is famous?"
"It's not about fame, Kuromr. The Luo Family is one of the top mercenary clans in West Blue. The money matters little—they’re the real prize. If you secure their favor, you could topple a nation if you play it right."
"So they didn’t even show me respect? I have to fight for it myself?" Kuro asked.
"In theory, yes, Kuromr." Klah pushed his glasses up.
"There’s that saying again", Lida chimed in, peeling a banana. "You know, Kuro, that one you always quote—'Life’s full of disappointments, but don’t fear them. Ignore them, and they’ll never threaten you.' It was something Tree Man Xun said."
Kuro stared blankly. When did I ever say that?
Wait, Tree Man Xun’s words have nothing to do with me!
"You’re learning the worst stuff! Why can’t you ever pick up the good parts?!" Kuro snapped, glaring at her.
"Be serious, Lida! This is about your future safety!" he continued. "Can’t you use that food-obsessed brain of yours to think for once?"
Lida shrugged and turned to Klah. "Klah."
Klah cleared his throat. "The Martial Arts Grand Tournament is strictly for unarmed combatants. Blades are forbidden on the battlefield. Devil Fruit users can compete, but only through physical attacks. Perhaps you could abandon Autumn Water and participate?"
"Are you speaking snake language?!" Kuro rolled his eyes. "I’d never part with Autumn Water! And some flashy tournament isn’t for me. If it’s as influential as you claim, winning would mean fame. I’m trying to vanish from the world’s eyes, not chase after publicity."
"And since when do I play by their rules?" Kuro declared boldly. "If they won’t free Lida, I’ll tear their entire operation down!"
"Kuromr., doing so would invite complaints", Klah warned. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku specifically mentioned not causing trouble. Another complaint could lead to your demotion."
"Hmph?" Kuro paused, then suddenly struck his left palm with his right fist. "Wait! That’s it!"
Of course!
The World Government can demote me!
He’d been transferred from Headquarters to West Blue after the Moe Island incident. The higher-ups regretted it, but the World Government remained oblivious.
To them, every Navy officer craved promotion. None would suspect someone actively seeking demotion.
Since the Summit War, Kuro had tried lowering his profile and rank. Once, he’d sought stability—low-key work, quiet growth, avoiding attention. But after the war, he’d entered dangerous eyes. Total obscurity was no longer viable.
Even if he stayed quiet in West Blue, he wouldn’t last long. Sengoku was stepping back, lax on Navy protocol. But when Akainu took over? His zealotry would see Kuro punished for the smallest merit.
Accidents happened. One safeguard wasn’t enough.
Now, Klah’s words opened a door to the New World.
He could provoke trouble!
"Analyze this", Kuro mused. "If I irritate the World Government, they’ll block my promotions. Even if I accidentally earn merit, complaints would keep me grounded, right?"
"Kuromr., drawing their ire is unwise", Klah advised.
"Nonsense! Take Smoker—he’s a lone wolf, constantly clashing with orders, yet stuck in East Blue for years. If he can do it, so can I."
Kuro’s eyes gleamed. "Smoker’s under Kuzan’s faction as his friend, and Zeff’s apprentice. Deep connections protect him despite his rotten temper. But me? I’m Gramps’ subordinate, part of the Lucius Krofaction. Technically Zeff’s apprentice too. And unlike Smoker, I’ve got great relations in the Navy! Haven’t offended a soul, have I?"
…
You have good relations in the Navy?
Where’s this illusion coming from?
Do you even know half the young officers—including me—want to punch you?
Klah bit back the thoughts, lowering his head to hide his smirk. Speaking up might keep him from leaving the office upright.
Seeing Klah’s silence, Kuro grew bolder. "Smoker survives despite constant gripes! If he can irritate the World Government and stay safe, why not me?"
Cause chaos, but stay within the World Government’s tolerance. Pair it with his usual caution—avoiding merit, sabotaging foes and allies without gaining advantage. If someone survived that and wasn’t crushed or exiled, he’d never sleep soundly again.
"Hmm… This feels familiar." Kuro frowned, sensing déjà vu.
…
"Achoo!"
In Pegasus Town, Kas sneezed, rubbing his nose. "Strange weather", he muttered, glancing at the clear sky. "No rain… and I never get sick."
"Keep training!" he barked at the Marines. "We were beaten by one man! This humiliation must fuel us! Next time, we won’t lose so easily!"
"Yes, Lieutenant Kas!" The Marines roared, redoubling their drills.
…
"Decision made", Kuro declared. "The Martial Arts Grand Tournament will attract pirates, black gangs, and underworld scum. As a Navy officer, I can’t ignore evil! Even if Insect Country protests, I’ll fulfill my duty—disrupt the event, drive these criminals out!"
Drive out, not capture.
Klah caught the subtle shift, adjusting his glasses to hide a smirk. Sure. For Navy duty. Right.
You just want those complaints, don’t you?
"As you wish", Klah replied blandly. "I’ll prepare the orders immediately."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
