https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-356-How-Can-There-Be-a-Crown-Prince-for-Sixty-Years-/13536943/
Chapter 355: Sazil's "Daily Life"
Chapter 355: Sazil's "Daily Life"
Marineford Headquarters.
The scars left by the summit war were gradually fading from this island. While certain areas still bore deep, unhealable cracks, most of Marineford and its surrounding towns had been restored. Navy families who had evacuated to Sabaody returned to their former homes.
Headquarters had resumed its usual state.
To the civilians, peace had returned. The Whitebeard pirate, whose very name once terrified every commoner and served as a bedtime story threat to children, had been defeated by the Navy's Justice. The world would surely grow better from here.
But for Sazil·Kuro, this world had become a living hell.
Bang!
"Kuro! Get up! You call yourself Kuro? Then stand your ground! Even if you’re weak—so pathetically weak it makes my eye twitch—you’re still Kuro! Now fight back!"
That was Smoker.
"Oh? Kuro, huh? Tina’s interested! Come on, let’s spar and see what you’re made of!"
That was Tina.
"Junior Kuro! Time for training! Today, Officer Sengoku will teach you how to become the world’s strongest defender! Let’s go!"
That was Sengoku.
"Huh? You’re Kuro? I’d love to test my skills against you! Please, indulge me!"
That was Koby.
"Kuro? I don’t hate him or anything, but think about it—back in the East Blue Branch, he was just some lowly grunt! Now he’s a Commander? Meanwhile, I, Officer Helmeppo, despite my obvious superiority, can’t even get promoted! Hey Kuro, let’s duel! Wait, wait—Kuro, I can’t beat you! Forget it!"
That was Helmeppo.
Sazil had always believed he could never match famed Navy officers—Commanders at the very least.
Thanks to his "Nailsfist Technique", he navigated the Marine Headquarters’ training sessions with ease. As Klah had warned: "Don’t fall behind, but don’t shine either—stay right in the middle." At first, he struggled to follow this advice, but fearing another thrashing from Klah, he eventually mastered the art of mediocrity.
Through this relentless training, his control over strength improved significantly. While he still couldn’t rival powerhouses like Smoker, Tina, or Sengoku, did he really stand no chance against someone like Koby?!
In reality? He still lost.
Koby had awakened Observation Haki. Though Sazil initially held his ground, Koby’s attacks soon overwhelmed him.
As for Helmeppo…
He was Sazil’s only consolation. At least he’d managed to defeat someone connected to Lucius Kro.
But relief was short-lived.
"Oh~ You’re Kuro? Old man’s interested! Let’s spar!"
That was Lucius Kro.
"Kuro? Haha, what a fascinating name! Hey, wanna have a totally epic clash? Don’t worry—I’ll hold back!"
That was Kuzan.
"Kuro? You dare claim that title? Go train more!"
That was Akainu, after delivering a brutal beating that left Kuro crumpled on the ground, his sneer dripping with contempt.
"Puhahaha! You’ve got rotten luck, Kuro!"
As for Garp, he simply pointed at Sazil and laughed… before delivering another pounding.
The new generation of elites. The old guard’s titans. During his time at Headquarters, Sazil had faced them all—and suffered countless beatings in return.
His body was perpetually battered, dragged into training sessions the moment his wounds began healing. Pain became his constant companion.
Yet he did gain something:
Through the beatings, he awakened Observation Haki and learned Armament Haki.
But compared to the agony endured, he’d rather never have gained these powers at all!
Thankfully, this hellish routine was ending.
"Please, let me stay in the Grand Line!"
In Lucius Kro’s office, Sazil bowed deeply, his tone resolute.
As Klah’s direct subordinate—and possessing decent innate talent—Sazil had earned the privilege of entering Lucius Kro’s office. After all, a mere trainee at Headquarters wouldn’t normally receive such an audience.
"Oh~ You want to stay in the Grand Line?" Lucius Kro clipped his nails lazily, surprised by Sazil’s plea. "Why? You’re Kuro’s subordinate, aren’t you? Won’t you return to him?"
Return?
Return to get beaten again?
Sazil’s mind recoiled. Ever since learning Kuro’s unit had arrived at West Blue Station, he’d resolved never to go back.
As a direct subordinate, his position could be adjusted. This was his chance. Returning now would guarantee another beating from Klah.
During his time at Headquarters—whether training or enduring abuse—he’d accepted the truth: this name brought him nothing but misfortune.
Changing his name? Unthinkable.
A real man doesn’t run from his identity.
But compromise was possible.
"Yes, I want to prove myself! To stand alone! Staying under Commander Kuro’s wing only makes me complacent—he’s simply too strong!"
Sazil’s words dripped with righteous ambition, the model of a Navy officer eager to serve Justice. Indeed, this desire was genuine.
He was a Kuro—a name that demanded ambition. How could he not strive to surpass his superiors?
Once he became a higher-ranking "Kuro" than his commander himself… wouldn’t he finally escape this terror?
"Commodore."
Lucius Kro corrected him, setting down his clippers. "Kuro’s been promoted to Commodore. He hasn’t officially taken the post yet, but do mind your titles."
"Understood!"
"This isn’t unreasonable." Lucius Kro grinned. "Ambition’s admirable, old man approves! After all, who could deny a Navy officer’s wish to prove himself?"
"Thank you, Admiral Lucius Kro!" Sazil’s face lit with hope.
"But…" Lucius Kro’s smile widened. "You’re too late. Klah sent a telegram asking when you’d return. As Kuro’s subordinate and your direct superior, he’s summoned you back. Old man can’t interfere with that."
"Return?!"
Sazil’s face paled.
He couldn’t go back! That meant another beating!
"Indeed. Return." Lucius Kro nodded. "Major Klah mentioned the West Blue has encountered problems even they find tricky—tasks that only you can handle."
"My… my role is irreplaceable?" Sazil blinked, a flicker of warmth blooming in his chest.
Could it be Klah hadn’t just summoned him back to suffer?
Even the mighty Kuro had his limits?
"Understood, Admiral Lucius Kro!" Sazil straightened. "I won’t disappoint Commander Kuro—no, Commodore Kuro!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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