Chapter 402: Kuro's Three Pillars
Chapter 402: Kuro's Three Pillars
Lucius Kro, as a person, was not merely a subject of research for the Revolutionary Army and pirates. Even before the Summit War, many had already taken notice of him. These veteran Vice Admirals had attended the highest-level meetings and knew that under Admiral Lucius Kro, a particularly formidable Navy force had emerged. However, they hadn't fully grasped the extent of his strength until the Summit War era, when he first entered the Vice Admirals' field of vision.
A ten-year Navy veteran, he was a pure-blooded officer tested by time. From the moment he entered Headquarters, he began earning merits. During the Summit War, he had dared to venture alone into the New World to ambush Whitebeard, even clashing with Kaido, one of the Four Emperors. His bloodthirst and courage were unquestionable. Rumors even suggested he had defeated Shanks, though no evidence existed, and he always denied it outright. Regardless, his Devil Fruit ability was no fabrication. With immense power, exceptional swordsmanship, formidable unarmed combat techniques, and impressive Haki, recent reports even claimed he had trained under Zeff, placing him among their ranks. Whether by seniority or strength, he was a Navy officer these Vice Admirals could acknowledge.
Both the Hawks and Doves held favorable opinions of Kuro. "Commodore Kuro's strength is indeed formidable. He walks the same path as us", Doflamingo remarked with satisfaction. As a Hawk, he had heard rumors that during Kuro's time in the East Blue, in the country of Morgant, he had dared to confront the royal family in the name of Justice, and had a kill-all-pirates stance. Meanwhile, the Doves admired his attitude toward civilians, which aligned with their Justice philosophy. He also respected rules—Pegasus Island in the West Blue was a prime example, having transformed from an "Evil Island" into a peaceful, prosperous haven under his protection.
Togeko and Borsalino also held him in high regard. As for the Moderates, Storbery's gaze toward Kuro was like watching one's own child grow into excellence. Before becoming a Vice Admiral, he had been Lucius Kro's subordinate, a core member of his faction. Naturally, he firmly stood by those from the same faction. While the Moderates weren't strictly Lucius Kro's faction, most of his faction were Moderates—this group was essentially Kuro's stronghold.
Crane glanced toward the rear where Kuro's warships were positioned. His subordinates were also growing stronger. Take Flo Lida, for instance. Her unarmed combat techniques were formidable. Rumors suggested she was the current King Luo Wei of Insect Country's younger sister—the Luo Family's talent in unarmed combat was exceptionally strong. However, before that, the Luo Family's rules were said to be quite harsh. No one knew exactly how Kuro had recruited her. But given time, she would undoubtedly become a core strength of the Navy.
Klah, though once a minor pirate, had proven himself through actions during the Summit War, eliminating many of Whitebeard's captains. Plus, he seemed to have consumed an ancient-type Devil Fruit, giving him room for growth, and his mind was quite sharp. Then there was that surprising bearded man—though not particularly powerful himself, his ability to unite the willpower of ordinary people was rare and precious. Such strength even surprised Crane, let alone others.
"If Zhuge Liang had half his ability, perhaps he wouldn't have been so eager to prove himself", Crane shook her head with a bitter smile. That child who wanted to prove intelligence could determine battle outcomes—what a pity. If intelligence could determine everything, Sengoku wouldn't be so troubled.
But these three, once they matured, would become Kuro's most formidable subordinates—the Three Pillars. Moreover, their newly recruited subordinates seemed quite capable as well. Sazil·Kuro, Crane had heard of him before. Back at Headquarters, she'd heard many rumors about him—he was often looked after by other Navy officers. His unarmed combat techniques were decent, and his innate talent was good too, having awakened both Armament and Observation Haki.
Donald, the famous wanderer from Flower Country in the West Blue—Crane had long heard of his reputation. She never expected him to join the Navy. Ju Geng, from Insect Country, had excellent marksmanship and strong Observation Haki. Recently, there was also a Fen Ni from the West Blue, rumored to be able to create miraculous serums.
From every angle, this man was gathering his own strength. "Hehehe, truly a humble little brat. 'Safety's Justice'—not bad at all", Crane looked at Kuro with satisfaction. Gathering strength and waiting for its growth—indeed, a safety-oriented strategy. It seems he's always been steadfast in upholding his own Justice.
"Hmm", Kuro muttered after using 'Black Tortoise', suddenly shivering and clicking his tongue as he looked at the sky. "Unpredictable weather isn't good either. Staying too long might give me a cold."
"Are you joking, Kuro?" Lucius Kro floated lightly, "This is a rare sight—the spectacle of people at this level clashing head-on."
The title 'Monster' might terrify ordinary people, but to them, it was a compliment. Few in Navy history had earned the 'Monster' title. Currently, only the three of them bore the 'Monster' name. The sight of them going all-out was indeed rare. During the Summit War, only Akainu shouldered everything alone. Everyone else, including Kuro himself, had coasted through. Such a scene was indeed rare.
But Kuro wasn't particularly interested in watching. They weren't even the same type. Besides, Haki and unarmed combat techniques couldn't be understood just by watching. Without personal combat experience, there was no way to enhance them. At this level, what else could they do besides test each other?
"Who do you think will win?" Lucius Kro asked.
"How would I know?" Kuro spat out the cigar butt and lit a new one. "Right now, nothing's clear. Both sides are fighting fiercely yet effortlessly. Without exhausting their physical strength, it's impossible to determine who is superior."
"Huh? The original plot? You can't always take that seriously. Although Kuro always considered it his biggest advantage, when push came to shove, who knew what might happen. Just like he hadn't expected Lucius to come running to the West Blue."
"What do you think, Gramps?" Kuro countered.
"Sakazuki", Lucius Kro looked toward the island's center. "As for Kuzan, he's still a bit young. But until the final moment, it's truly impossible to tell."
"Is that so?" Kuro bit his cigar, slightly shaking his head inwardly. They all believed in Akainu that much? Well, thinking about it, he himself also felt the Grand Line needed more intensity these days. Pirates had already become chaotic—Navy had no choice but to adapt. Though he felt he could relate to Kuzan better, in this matter, he stood on Gramps' side. Provided it didn't involve him personally, a Navy that rigid—having a few slackers here and there wouldn't hurt, right?
(End of Chapter)
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