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Chapter 357: The "Manly" Man
Chapter 357: The "Manly" Man
Sazil’s training performance at Headquarters had been mediocre, earning him no special rank. However, since he’d been personally trained by numerous veteran Marines, he graduated with the honorary position of First-Class Private at Headquarters and returned to Klah’s command.
He had always been Klah’s direct subordinate.
By the way, Ju Geng was under Lida’s direct command.
As for Donald, Kuro planned to pair him with Kas, making Donald Kas’s direct subordinate.
Having such a straightforward and obedient man around would not only replace Kas but also keep him in check.
After showing Lucius Kro around, the two entered the office.
“By the way, Gramps, you’re here just in time. Send me a batch of craftsmen—I want to reinforce the Marine Base. This current structure is a recycled old building, way too fragile and unsafe.”
Kuro gestured for Lucius Kro to take his seat, then sat on the sofa himself and lit a cigar. “Also, my cigar supply’s running low. Make sure to send me a new stock later.”
“Oh~ you can afford them yourself now, Kuro,” Lucius Kro chuckled.
“That’s not the same. Yours are Admiral-grade special imports. The quality’s completely different from what I can buy,” Kuro shook his head.
“If you want them so badly, why don’t you become an Admiral yourself? Then you’d get top-tier supplies automatically,” Lucius Kro said, watching him closely.
“Cough! Cough! Cough!”
Kuro nearly inhaled the cigar smoke into his lungs. He quickly corrected himself—cigars weren’t meant to be inhaled like cigarettes.
“Don’t joke around, Gramps. You haven’t retired yet, and besides, my merits and strength aren’t enough. You’re basically forcing me into a corner here. The World Government would never approve it either, absolutely never!” Kuro shook his head furiously, like a drum.
Are you kidding me?! I haven’t even attended the Medal Ceremony yet, and you want me to become an Admiral now?!
Hell no! Who’d be dumb enough to take that job!
He then eyed Lucius Kro suspiciously. “Gramps, you’re not here just to test my reaction, are you? No need. People shouldn’t, at least shouldn’t be pushed like this. I’m perfectly fine staying on Pegasus Island. If anything happens, wait until you’re really about to collapse. I’d rather enjoy some peace and quiet!”
He said that, but even after Lucius Kro retired, Kuro had no intention of taking over. It would be at least a decade before Lucius stepped down, and by then, he was sure the Navy would have new monsters ready. What business did he have with this?
“Meh, just asking.”
Lucius Kro shrugged, poured himself tea, and continued as he poured, “Speaking of which, Teacher Zeff met you before, right?”
“Yeah. He taught me a few tricks. I heard that old man and you don’t get along?” Kuro asked.
“It’s not that we don’t get along.”
Lucius Kro raised the teacup, took a sip, and glanced upward thoughtfully. “That serious man just disapproves of the old man’s methods. But regardless, he’s still a teacher.”
Putting the cup down, he added slowly, “The World Government recently proposed new candidates for the ‘Seven Warlords of the Sea.’ It’s not finalized yet, but it’s practically decided. One of them, if he joins, might shake Teacher Zeff’s beliefs.”
Kuro narrowed his eyes, feigning ignorance. “Oh? Who is it?”
“Edward Weeble.”
Lucius Kro smirked. “The Edward surname is unforgettable, especially for a man with a white beard. That feature alone is… terrifying.”
“Whitebeard’s surname? I heard that old ghost didn’t have a biological son,” Kuro exhaled a smoke ring.
“Well, who knows?” Lucius Kro said. “But one thing’s certain—Teacher Zeff’s rookie ship back then was ambushed by him. That man possesses the peak strength Whitebeard had in his youth.”
“Oooh, sounds scary indeed,” Kuro nodded in agreement.
“The World Government’s decisions aren’t our place to question. Right now, Mr. Sengoku is negotiating with the higher-ups. But in the old man’s eyes, it might be meaningless. That group excels at maintaining balance.” Lucius Kro chuckled.
The Navy was the World Government’s direct organization, but sometimes, the World Government’s decisions seemed absurdly illogical to the Navy. However, from the World Government’s perspective, these decisions served their interests by maintaining global balance.
The Navy’s victory over Whitebeard had boosted its reputation and power, which the World Government saw as beneficial for enhancing its global status. But after such a boost, the World Government needed to ensure the Navy’s influence didn’t grow too large—otherwise, pirates might unite, causing political instability.
Thus, the Seven Warlords of the Sea became another balancing force.
After the Summit War, many Warlords were removed.
Marshall D. Teach, the “Blackbeard” who’d ventured into the New World to claim territory.
Jinbei, who openly rebelled during the Summit.
And Gecko Moria, who was executed on orders.
Now, only Hawk-Eye, the Snake Princess, and the Heavenly Yaksha remained among the Seven Warlords—less than half the original number.
This gap needed filling.
Edward Weeble claimed to be Whitebeard’s son. Whether true or not, the World Government would treat him as such. If he became a Warlord, it would serve two purposes: strike pirates and curb the Navy’s prestige.
After all, this was the son of the “Whitebeard,” a top-tier pirate whose defeat during the Summit cost countless lives. If he joined the World Government’s direct institution, the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Navy’s prestige would take a significant hit.
Of course, there was a benefit—portraying the “son of Whitebeard” as having “abandoned piracy for justice” would demoralize pirates.
In the end, the World Government would still be the winner.
There was just one thing they didn’t understand.
Even the most gentle-hearted, easygoing person would eventually lose their temper when pushed to the edge.
Or rather, those who usually had no temper were the most terrifying when they finally did snap.
Kuro narrowed his eyes. “Gramps, you’ve noticed too, right? Teacher Zeff’s beliefs are now like a candle in the wind.”
“Of course. Considering his age, his spirit has weakened. That’s why the old man came. He heard of that man’s traces in the West Blue, so he’s here to check on you and hunt that man down,” Lucius Kro smiled.
“By the way, if you meet him, do something about it,” he added.
“If I meet him…” Kuro nodded.
He didn’t mind stabilizing the Navy a bit. Zeff was pitiful enough—no need to push him further. If he encountered that man, he’d have to intervene.
After all, if someone was eliminated before the World Government made their final decision, the Seven Warlords’ lineup would have to change again.
As for the rumors about that man possessing Whitebeard’s peak combat power in his youth…
If he had the Quake-Quake Fruit, Kuro would retreat immediately and call for backup.
But if he had nothing special…
Then let’s see how strong this Edward Weeble really is.
(End of Chapter)
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