Chapter 356: How Can There Be a Crown Prince for Sixty Years?
Chapter 356: How Can There Be a Crown Prince for Sixty Years?
A few more days passed, and the Navy on Pegasus Island had grown accustomed to Donald and Ju Geng. Once the initial shock wore off, they noticed something peculiar.
Ju Geng still remained the gentle goddess, but Donald... seemed perpetually unlucky. Fish bones or random bones would get stuck in his throat while eating, flowerpots or fruit cores would drop on his head while walking, and even while sleeping, he'd occasionally catch fire for no apparent reason. His colleagues started keeping their distance.
This guy's just cursed.
Kuro, however, found it amusing.
Cursed? Cursed was good!
A cursed person sent on missions would surely fail.
"Where's that idiot Kas? Why hasn't he returned yet?" Kuro grumbled impatiently in his office, having waited days without news.
"The pirates probably haven't been completely cleared out yet. You know how he is—he won't stop until the job's done properly", Klah replied casually.
"This is getting ridiculous. Klah, you'll lead a team out—take Ju Geng and Donald with you. Find them promotion opportunities so they can start leading squads later."
"Understood", Klah said, adjusting his glasses.
"Bororo..."
Suddenly, the Transponder Snail on the desk buzzed.
Kuro picked up the receiver. The snail's surface shimmered into the image of a grizzled-bearded man.
"Commander Kuro!" The voice carried unmistakable excitement, making Kuro's heart sink.
What now? Did you catch another weirdo?
"What's up, Kas?" Kuro asked through gritted teeth.
"There's something I need to report—Twin-Horse Kingdom's old king has passed away", Kas's voice turned solemn on the other end.
"You killed him?" Kuro's first thought.
"Of course not! The old king died naturally. The new king wants to invite you to attend Twin-Horse Kingdom's coronation ceremony—he asked me to deliver the message."
Hearing Kas hadn't started trouble this time, Kuro relaxed slightly.
"A new king?" He mused, then nodded. "Fine, I'll attend the ceremony. You can tell them that."
"Understood, Commander Kuro!"
After hanging up, Kuro rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Why invite me to a coronation?"
"You're the only Navy Commander stationed nearby, and this island used to belong to Twin-Horse Kingdom", Klah explained. "I've heard things about them—the old king lived too long. He ruled during Twin-Horse Kingdom's golden age when young, but grew senile in old age, leading to wars and the loss of Pegasus Island."
"He ascended the throne at 18, fathered a child in his twenties... but reigned for eighty years. That crown prince waited sixty years for his turn!" Klah chuckled. "They probably want us there to share in the celebration."
Kuro's expression twisted.
Great. How can anyone be a crown prince for sixty years?
"Going to rename the Kingdom Army as Royal Army, huh?" Kuro joked.
"Eh? Not sure about that", Klah shrugged. "What's the difference anyway?"
"Whatever. Prepare for departure. Notify everyone—we're going to the ceremony."
"Leave no one behind for defense?"
"Not necessary. Since that idiot Kas left, not only pirates—haven't seen a single suspicious face around here. Basic security should suffice", Kuro decided. "Think of it as a vacation."
"Twin-Horse Kingdom? Never visited despite being so close. They must have great food", Lida's ears perked up as she munched on Ju Geng's homemade jerky.
"Food, food, food! Can't you think about anything else?!" Kuro snapped.
"Barbecue? What barbecue?" Lida blinked innocently.
Kuro: "...You've caught Ju Geng's habits."
"Bororo..."
The Transponder Snail buzzed again.
Kuro twitched his lips in irritation. "What now, Kas?!"
"Oh~ Kuro, bad day?" The snail transformed into a lecherous-looking, pouting uncle with heavy-lidded eyes.
"Gramps?!" Kuro blinked.
"An old man's been bored, figured I'd patrol by your place and drop off Sazil", Lucius Kro said casually.
"Sazil? Oh right, he was returning. Come ahead."
After ending the call, Kuro told Klah, "Admiral Lucius Kro's arriving in three days. Prepare the welcome."
"Understood. Admiral Lucius Kro deserves top honors", Klah nodded solemnly.
Three days later, a massive warship approached the port. The entire Navy, led by Kuro, stood at attention to greet the legendary admiral.
As the warship docked, Lucius Kro stepped off the gangplank—wearing a yellow suit over a sweater, hooded cloak flaring, glasses perched on his nose, hands casually in pockets.
"Kuro! Long time no see", Lucius Kro grinned. "You've grown taller."
"Good food and sleep will do that", Kuro smirked. "Welcome back, Gramps."
"Kuro big brother!" A guttural voice roared from behind. Sengoku, wearing a loincloth and hooded cloak, hefted a massive axe.
"You're in the Navy now? You've officially joined?" Kuro raised an eyebrow.
"Science Division doesn't count as real Navy", Sengoku declared proudly. "From today on, I'm the strongest defensive force in the Navy!"
"Great. More power to you", Kuro deadpanned.
"Commander Kuro, I've returned", Sazil strode forward, snapping a sharp salute.
"Sazil? Wait, don't tell me this is—"
"Nothing like that medal ceremony", Lucius Kro chuckled. "An old man just wanted to check on you."
"Good. Regulations are regulations. Medal ceremonies require Headquarters approval", Kuro nodded firmly. "I'd have to return to Headquarters for proper recognition."
Lucius Kro scratched his head, scanning the base. "You've improved things nicely. This place used to be a dump", he mused. "Impressive, Kuro."
"Decent. No pirates around, and we even found a hot spring. Once developed, I'll show you around, Gramps."
"Looking forward to it!"
"Commander Kuro, Admiral Lucius Kro mentioned you have a mission for me?" Sazil couldn't contain his anticipation.
"A mission?" Kuro feigned forgetfulness before snapping fingers. "Ah right! Join the squad first—details later."
"Understood!" Sazil beamed.
Of course! Kuro needed him! This Navy needed him! Not just for taking hits!
(End of Chapter)
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