Chapter 381: Goodbye
Chapter 381: Goodbye
With Garp on leave, Kuro had no choice but to return with Koby.
Considering the time he’d just spent stationed at Pegasus Island, it had been nearly a year since he last visited Headquarters. The only one who’d returned during that time was Kas, promoted to major, though even his visit was months ago.
This time, the entire base would mobilize.
Three majors—Lida, Klah, and Kas—were heading back, and once they departed, their direct subordinates would follow.
Lida’s subordinate was Ju Geng, while Kas’s was Donald. Kuro had assigned Donald to Kas specifically to keep an eye on him. After all, hadn’t things been peaceful lately without any chaos?
Klah’s subordinate was Sazil, the highest-ranking officer among them, now an Ensign. Even he had to return.
Additionally, Fen Ni would return to Headquarters for training.
Two warships departed Pegasus Island, sailing toward the Grand Line.
Crossing the Calm Belt, they entered the Red Line, passing through Mariejois before reaching the first half of the Grand Line, finally arriving at Marineford.
“Headquarters, huh…”
Stepping off the ship, Kuro gazed at the restored, newly renovated buildings. “Feels like ages since I’ve been back.”
“Klah, you’ll handle the reports. While you’re at it, have the new recruits complete the paperwork for Headquarters training. I’ll go find Sengoku.”
With that, he headed straight to the Fleet Admiral’s office.
Upon arrival, he found Sengoku buried in paperwork. As if sensing his presence, Sengoku looked up just as Kuro reached the doorway.
“Hey, Fleet Admiral Sengoku, long time no see!” Kuro raised a hand lazily.
“Kuro…”
Sengoku set down his brush, shooting him a glare. “The old man thought you’d died in the West Blue.”
“Haha, you joke, Sengoku. I’m just here to live a safe life.”
Kuro strolled over, sitting across from Sengoku. His gaze flickered to Sengoku’s now-white hair, his expression twisting oddly.
This old man was seventy-eight this year. Last year, his hair was still black, but now it was fully white. Kuro couldn’t help suspecting he’d been dyeing it all along.
“You’ve got the nerve to come back?!”
Sengoku’s eyes narrowed. “How many times did I call you? You never answered unless it was ‘convenient.’ What, you don’t want to be in the Navy anymore?!”
“Don’t say that, Fleet Admiral. I’m a veteran,” Kuro replied flippantly. “Eleven years in the Navy—this place is my home.”
“A veteran?!”
Sengoku’s temper flared. He barked at Kuro:
“You dare call yourself a veteran? Look at yourself! Smoker’s already a Vice Admiral, and you’re still a Commodore, dragging your feet on returning for reports. What exactly are you scheming?!”
I don’t want to go to the New World. I don’t even want to be in the Grand Line. I just want to relax at my base.
Kuro smirked inwardly, forcing a smile. “I’m working hard, but promotions depend on historical currents. You can’t force it.”
“Stop joking around, you sly brat.”
Sengoku snorted. “Anyway, your affairs no longer concern this old man. Deal with the new Fleet Admiral from now on.”
“Stepping down?” Kuro asked.
“Mm.”
Sengoku, uncharacteristically, smiled. “The old man’s retiring. Some handover remains, but once the new Fleet Admiral takes over, I’ll be gone. After all these years, it’s time to rest. Garp’s on leave at your island, right? Later, this old man’ll go play too.”
His face seemed relaxed, but to Kuro, it was clear he’d lost his former vigor.
“Alright, go submit your report. Don’t bother me—I’ve got work.” Sengoku waved him off.
“Can I skip the promotion?” Kuro tested.
“Get out!”
“Got it.”
Kuro obediently stepped out.
“Wait, Kuro.”
“Hm?”
“If you see Zeff… act like you don’t.” Sengoku said slowly.
Kuro shrugged and left.
Not that he needed to be told. If he ran into Zeff, he’d naturally pretend not to see him.
The old man was ancient, with asthma—how much longer could he last? If he wanted to do something in his final days, let him.
Stepping outside, Kuro glanced at the sky, sighing.
There were only a few factors that weakened people:
Injury, willpower, and time.
Garp had lost his drive when he arrived. Now Sengoku was the same. Zeff, distrustful of the Navy…
“The old generation’s stepping down entirely.”
Muttering, Kuro turned toward another building—Lucius Kro’s office.
When Kuro arrived, Lucius Kro was lounging, legs crossed, trimming his nails.
“Oh~ Kuro, you finally came back. The old man missed you.”
Seeing Kuro, Lucius Kro grinned. “You’ve grown a bit taller.”
“Long time no see, Gramps.”
Kuro pulled up a chair. “The cigar stash you gave me ran out. Send more to my island later.”
“Oh~ that’s easy.” Lucius Kro set down his clippers.
He poured Kuro tea, smiling. “You’re just in time. The old man needs a favor.”
Kuro stiffened.
He raised a palm. “I’m here for my report and to visit you. Nothing else. Goodbye.”
“Not so fast, Kuro. The old man can’t think of anyone else. Sengoku’s on a mission, and things are… complicated.”
Lucius Kro pointed ahead—the largest building at Headquarters, symbolizing the Fleet Admiral’s seat.
“Sakazuki’s set to become Fleet Admiral, but Kuzan opposes him fiercely. They’ll settle it through battle. The entire Navy’s mobilized to ensure safety. We’re stretched thin—even Sengoku’s out there.”
“The old man’s helpless. Since you’re back for your report, run this errand. It’s not in the Grand Line—North Blue. Once you’re done, you can go home.” Lucius Kro explained.
“I knew coming back meant trouble!”
Kuro grumbled.
Lucius Kro chuckled. “You’ve no choice. The old man’s your superior. You’ll honor this request, won’t you?”
“Fine, fine. What’s in North Blue?” Kuro groaned, massaging his temple.
“Ever heard of the Vinsmoke Family?” Lucius Kro asked.
“Huh? You want me to handle the Vinsmoke? Aren’t they a World Government allied nation, even without territory?” Kuro blinked.
“That’s not it.”
Lucius Kro spread a map, tapping a spot in North Blue.
“The Germa Kingdom’s at war with four nations, but that’s not our concern. Our World Government intelligence agents—and Navy personnel—disappeared there. No word, no matter how many we send. With the Navy stretched, you’re free. Go check what’s happening. For you, it’ll be a breeze.”
“Gramps, aren’t you free too? You’re fast—why not go?”
“Oh, the old man’s watching the New World. Blackbeard and Marco had a big war—Marco lost badly. Some folks are getting restless. Or… you could join me to watch certain people?” Lucius Kro grinned.
“Goodbye. I’m going to North Blue.”
Kuro straightened, bowing briefly before leaving immediately.
Join him in the New World?
The targets were obvious—Kaido or Big·Mom.
Neither was a fight he wanted.
(End of Chapter)
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