Chapter 408: Kurokuro, Promoted, Promoted!
Chapter 408: Kurokuro, Promoted, Promoted!
Klah managed to brush off the matter, tossing the "newspaper" he'd painstakingly acquired into a crumpled ball and throwing it into the trash.
Above all, Kuromr. must never find out.
However, information spreads fast, especially on a bustling island like Pegasus Island. The "Island of Song, Dance, and Hot Springs" naturally attracted crowds. News traveled quickly, including the report of Kuro's defeat of Lucius.
"Absolutely no boasting about this!"
At the port, Kas led an inspection team. He snatched the newspaper from a merchant's hands and carefully tucked it into his coat before sternly addressing the merchant: "Kuromr. never takes pride in such matters. Using this to flatter Kuromr. would only humiliate him!"
"After all, Lucius was just one man. Kuromr. is destined to become an Admiral. A mere Old Era Remnant isn't worth boasting about. Kuromr. despises discussing such things, so no one on this island should mention it. Respect for Kuromr. should remain in your heart!"
Falling for Klah's deception, Kas spontaneously began purging related news from the island.
Yet for others, this wasn't distasteful at all—it was praiseworthy.
Defeating such a notorious pirate while remaining humble? What a commendable Navy officer!
With Kuro on Pegasus Island, it would surely become the safest island in the West Blue.
Merchants and tourists were thrilled, with some even considering permanent residence. The locals were even more delighted.
Kuromr. not wanting attention was a blessing. If crowds came, what if Kuro was transferred? Who would protect them then?
As natives who'd endured war and pirate invasions, they understood peace's value.
Thus, the matter settled on Pegasus Island—everyone understood the unspoken rule, assuming Kuro himself remained unaware.
...
"Ah, Kuromr.! Try our newest sweet potatoes!"
The shop owner, now a renowned sweet potato merchant, enthusiastically offered Kuromr.
"Kuromr., this is our freshly brewed black tea. Care for a cup?"
A bearded owner of a cross-dressing bar enthusiastically served him, introducing himself as Yahara.
"Kuromr.!"
"Kuromr.!!"
"This feels... off."
Back in his office, Kuro inhaled deeply, clicked his tongue, and frowned.
"Why have the islanders been so unusually enthusiastic every time I've gone out recently?"
"That's natural, Kuromr. You're the island's guardian. Respect is deserved."
Klah wiped imaginary sweat from his brow.
"Is that so?"
Kuro raised an eyebrow, lighting a cigar and exhaling smoke. "No, something's off. They were always friendly, but never this enthusiastic. It's overwhelming—like there's something I can't quite place."
"It feels both right and wrong somehow."
Kuro rubbed his temples, watching Klah sweat profusely. "You're nervous?"
"No, not at all."
"Then why're you sweating so much?"
"Ah, maybe it's just hot."
"Hmm?"
Kuro narrowed his eyes at Klah for a long moment before suddenly declaring, "I know!"
"You... you know what?!" Klah stumbled backward.
"You dare hide this from me? Remember, I'm your superior!" Kuro exhaled more smoke, his face obscured by the haze. "Kuromr., hear my explanation—it wasn't intentional. The news was just too big, I didn't dare—"
"It's just a call and a newspaper. What's the big deal? You didn't show me, so no one else should mention it. If asked, I was busy, away, occupied, or bathing."
Before Klah could finish, Kuro interrupted.
"Ahh..." Klah blinked. "Understood, Kuromr. You're truly impossible to hide things from."
"Of course! I'm known as the Clever Kuro of East Blue for a reason." Kuro chuckled smugly. "I'm no demon—my privileges exist because I have support. As my deputy, you must handle these matters. We can't fall out of touch with Headquarters. I'm very understanding."
Kuro waved a hand to calm Klah. "Remember—maintain composure. There's an old saying: 'A man whose heart holds thunder yet whose face remains calm as a lake is fit to be called an Admiral.' As my strategist, you should embody that calm."
"By the way, what 'big news' were you afraid to tell me?"
"Kuro! Kuro!"
The door slammed open as Lida burst in, shouting, "Promoted! Promoted!"
Kuro froze. "What? Who gave birth? Boy or girl?"
"What?!" Lida rolled his eyes, then gestured. A group entered behind him.
Kas, Sazil, Donald, Ju Geng, and Fen Ni strode in, cloaked in Navy hooded cloaks.
"I meant our promotions!" Lida grinned.
"Huh?!"
Kuro nearly jumped from his chair. "What the f*?!"
"Ahh, what does that mean? Anyway, they're back."
Lida pointed to Donald, Ju Geng, and Fen Ni. "They've brought Headquarters' promotion orders."
"Kurocommodore, long time no see."
Donald, now cloaked, saluted sharply. "We've completed training at Headquarters and been evaluated. I'm now a Lieutenant—better equipped to serve you."
"Hahaha, I'm an Ensign."
Fen Ni, still in her figure-hugging black robe but now cloaked, waved playfully.
All eyes turned to Ju Geng, the deaf officer. She hesitated, then suddenly understood without prompting.
"I'm an Ensign", she stated.
Donald stepped forward, placing documents on Kuro's desk. "Headquarters recognized Pegasus Island's officer shortage and our outstanding performance. Here are our promotions—and others' as well."
Kuro quickly scanned the papers. The orders noted Pegasus Island's lack of officers beyond recruits, hence Donald's promotion. Though 3,000 recruits had joined the Navy, they remained at the lowest rank—unproven and untested. While they didn't require constant officer supervision, having none was problematic. Sending Kas or Sazil alone to command against pirates would be unreasonable.
Kuro sighed in relief. His name wasn't listed.
He sat back, regaining his calm, praising the three. "Not bad—earning hooded cloaks after visiting Headquarters. And Klah, you're now a Commander. Same for Lida and Kas."
He eyed the impassive, passionate-looking bearded Kas. "You too, promoted to Commander."
"Promoted? Thank you for your guidance, Kuromr.!" Kas stood rigidly.
"Ahh, not really my doing—your own efforts." Kuro scratched his head, secretly wondering if he'd doomed the poor bearded man.
Only one rank up?
Those 3,000 Clone Soldiers weren't fake. Such merit should warrant more. Vinsmoke must've interfered.
Vinsmoke's influence was at play. After all, these were his troops. The World Government had to consider implications—this promotion was already generous.
He guessed Headquarters had pressured the World Government to distribute the merit among his subordinates. Without that, they might not have advanced at all.
But this was good news!
No mention of himself meant Vinsmoke truly kept his word—no complaints, just action.
A medal ceremony in North Blue was deserved.
"Wait, Kurocommodore..."
Sazil hesitantly asked, "No promotion order for me?"
Kuro flipped the documents. "Seems not."
Sazil bit his lip, turning to Donald. "So during your Headquarters training... what were your performance rankings?"
"First." Donald stated.
"Third." Fen Ni smiled, pointing at Ju Geng. "Ju Geng was second."
Sazil: "..."
Why?! Why did they get top or bottom rankings while I'm stuck in the middle?!
Do you know how hard-won my Ensign rank was?!
Everyone else got promoted—why not me?!
He glared resentfully at Klah, who pretended not to notice, adjusting his glasses. "Promotion is a good thing."
"Right! Congratulations, Kurocommodore!"
Donald suddenly exclaimed, eyes shining. "I heard at Headquarters how you defeated Lucius alone! That newspaper photo of you was so cool!"
"Ah? What did you say?!"
Kuro leaned forward, his earlier smile frozen in shock, his expression twisting into something indescribable.
(End of Chapter)
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