Chapter 37: Defining Strength
Chapter 37: Defining Strength
Even if it was him, ultimately, wasn’t this all Klah’s fault?
If Klah hadn’t been there at the time, he wouldn’t have mentioned Klah’s name when facing Hawk-Eye, and if he hadn’t said the name, none of this would’ve happened. There might’ve been other solutions.
Yes, exactly like that.
Kuro glared at Klah, his expression unmistakable.
Solve this now!
Klah caught the look and rolled his eyes internally.
“I’d really like to be, but that person isn’t me. I don’t use swords. Officer, you’ve mistaken me.”
Klah continued, “I’m just a Branch recruit. How could I possibly be acknowledged by the World’s Greatest Swordsman?”
Hearing this, the officer’s face fell. He released Klah’s arm and studied him again. His frame was slender, his hands lacked calluses from gripping a blade, and while he radiated explosive power, it seemed to stem more from his legs than his arms.
He might be skilled in hand-to-hand combat, but certainly not a swordsman.
Was he really mistaken?
The officer sat down. “You’ve got a point. Just a coincidence with the name. I heard that Klah is also in the Navy. Didn’t he come to Headquarters? What a shame. Someone like that should be on the Grand Line. Couldn’t Headquarters spare him?”
If Headquarters could dispatch him, they’d have to find the right person first.
The name itself was fake. Knowing only that he was in the Navy and with someone deliberately hiding his identity, of course it’d be hard to track him down.
Klah wasn’t the so-called Greatest Swordsman, so the officer naturally lost his earlier enthusiasm. After registering them, the three left the reception area, where Navy personnel arranged accommodations.
Though Kuro was an Ensign, that rank wasn’t considered an officer—it was just a soldier, especially as a Branch Ensign. There’d be no premium housing. He and Klah were assigned to the same dormitory, while Lida went to the female quarters.
Within Headquarters, there was another distinction between regular officers and high-ranking officers. The Navy’s senior officers formed the true backbone, while Admirals held the status of governors, ranking just below Fleet Admirals in the hierarchy.
But none of that concerned Kuro. His only goal was to reach Headquarters Lieutenant. With that rank, he could command a warship to patrol the Four Seas. So Fenbodi had been his former target, and with Commander Smoker watching over him, he’d be secure.
According to Klah’s plan, there shouldn’t be any issues.
The trio proceeded to the cafeteria. Headquarters’ dining hall was massive, naturally. It was lunchtime, and the noisy chatter of Navy members mingling with the sizzling of cooking created a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.
“Smells amazing!”
Lida’s nose twitched rapidly as the rich aromas of food flooded her senses, her eyes practically glowing.
“Smells amazing!”
Kuro, too, was stunned by the intense fragrance.
No wonder—Marineford was the Navy’s stronghold. This cafeteria was leagues beyond Base 153 or Loguetown’s facilities.
“That one’s the best!”
Lida, snuffling like an excited puppy, lunged toward a stewing pot of meat. “That! That one! All of it’s mine!”
The chef, a burly man, saw the little girl and smiled warmly.
“You’ve got a keen nose and good taste. You’ve got potential—how about learning to cook from me?”
“No way! I just want that meat!”
“I’m the best chef here. You’re sure you don’t want to learn?” the chef chuckled.
“Meat!” Lida’s eyes sparkled, ignoring his words completely.
“Alright, alright. It’s done. I’ll give you extra.”
The chef laughed as he reached for a spoon, but Lida couldn’t wait. She leaped, snatched the massive stew pot—nearly her height—with both hands, and carried it to Kuro’s table.
“Kuro, this pot’s the best. Trust me!” she declared proudly.
How could he not trust her? Her nose was practically a dog’s.
Kuro rolled his eyes and tapped her head. “How many times must I say it? Eat like a lady. In this huge cafeteria, are you scared there won’t be enough food?”
Still, he felt relieved. Headquarters was truly wealthy, unfazed by how much someone ate. At least he could save some coin now.
Since Lida arrived, his money had practically vanished. Finally, liberation!
Eat! Stuff yourself! If you bankrupt Headquarters, I’ll challenge the World’s Greatest Swordsman myself!
Kuro thought spitefully. He couldn’t believe Lida might actually bankrupt Headquarters, but even then, he’d take on Hawk-Eye just to support this glutton.
Of course, Headquarters’ reserves were too vast for Lida to deplete.
This time, she was thoroughly satisfied.
“Ah, Headquarters’ food is incredible! Even better than Baratie’s. I could live here forever.”
Stepping out of the cafeteria, she rubbed her belly contentedly.
“Hey, Kuro, what if we just stay at Headquarters?”
“Don’t even think about it. What’s so great about Headquarters? Think—Headquarters faces the Grand Line’s elite pirates, all freaks. This place has the most Devil Fruit users. Who knows what bizarre abilities you’ll encounter. Even Zeff—”
Kuro abruptly stopped, glancing around. “Anyway, we must stay low. Our goal is to return to the East Blue. No showing off.”
“But you’re already so strong,” Lida asked.
“Huh? Me, strong?”
Kuro exaggeratedly pointed at himself. “Can I defeat Hawk-Eye? Even if I miraculously beat Hawk-Eye, can I handle the Four Emperors’ crews? Not just one—could I take on all four crews?”
“Mr. Kuro… what’s your definition of strength?”
Klah adjusted his glasses, asking the question he’d long wanted to pose.
Kuro rubbed his chin solemnly. “Only someone who defeats the Four Emperors’ crews And the Seven Warlords of the Sea can be called strong.”
“???!”
This response left not just Lida, but even Klah, baffled.
It wasn’t their fault—they were the ones with questions. It was Kuro.
Kuro truly believed this. The sea was dangerous. Even if he couldn’t defeat Hawk-Eye now, being stronger wouldn’t guarantee survival. Admirals were powerful, and even Zeff, mighty as he was, lost an arm while training recruits against pirates.
Though that pirate was special, and there were hostages on the ship.
But who could’ve predicted that?
The sea held endless surprises.
Could Kuro guarantee he’d never meet another monster like that? What if he encountered someone even worse? He might not even match Zeff, let alone survive.
In the end, he wasn’t strong enough.
“Still, since we’re at Headquarters, such a rare opportunity… I should find someone who knows the Six Styles and swindle a few techniques from them.”
Kuro muttered to himself.
(End of Chapter)
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