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Chapter 41: I'll Definitely Stop You from Returning to East Blue!
Chapter 41: I'll Definitely Stop You from Returning to East Blue!
Bang!
Bangbangbang!
Koby gasped for breath, and Kuro mimicked his panting rhythm.
"How is this possible? How is this possible?"
Koby gritted his teeth. He'd grown so much stronger—it would take more than an ordinary Navy officer to beat him now. But what did that matter?
Why couldn't he still win?!
Yet he had to admit—he'd already given it his all. Even his strongest attacks couldn't budge Kuro's Iron Wall defense, as unshakable as ever.
It felt exactly like back then—just that tiny sliver of difference.
Just that tiny gap!
The distance between his thumb and index finger when pinched together—but he couldn't cross it!
Staring at Kuro, who seemed both exhausted and stubbornly defiant, Koby suddenly understood.
"Mr. Kuro, I deeply admire your fighting spirit. But I won't surrender either!"
Koby steeled himself and resumed the battle.
Just like old times, the fight raged until training concluded.
"That was one hell of a fight, Koby. You've gotten much stronger."
Kuro extended a hand in false camaraderie.
Not that he cared whether Koby improved—either way, the kid was about average. Might as well keep things polite.
Koby forced a smile. "No, Mr. Kuro, it's you who's grown stronger. I realize now how narrow-minded I've been. Don't worry, Mr. Kuro—I understand your request. I'll do everything I can to help."
"Really?"
Kuro perked up. "You actually understand what I want?"
"Of course. From your words just now, I figured it out."
Kuro's face lit up. "Great! Then leave East Blue to you!"
As Koby served under Vice Admiral Garp, his words carried weight.
Add Smoker to the mix, and returning to East Blue was practically guaranteed.
Seeing Kuro's joyful expression, Koby felt lucky he'd met Garp. Otherwise, even after growing so strong, he'd still be worrying about staying in Headquarters. How pitiful.
"Leave it to me!" Koby vowed solemnly.
Kuro's expression told him he'd already won.
I'll definitely return to East Blue!
I'll definitely stop you from returning to East Blue!
Koby silently swore.
After parting ways with Koby, Kuro turned to see two hesitant figures watching him. He grinned. "What's with those faces? Smile! Show some happiness!"
"Mr. Kuro, that person..."
Klah hesitated, but Lida kicked him discreetly before he could speak.
"No, nothing", Klah said hastily. "Kuromr., your long-held wish is finally coming true. I'm genuinely happy for you."
Better keep quiet. If Kuro flew into a rage, they'd both suffer the consequences.
Kuro wouldn't dare harm Lida, after all.
---
Headquarters Conference Room.
Around the long table.
Crunch!
Crunchcrunch!
"Garp, stop crunching those senbei so loudly! And those are my senbei!"
A man with braided whiskers trailing to his waist, medals plastered across his chest, and a seagull perched on his hat barked angrily.
"Pfft, don't be such a tightwad, Sengoku! Just a little senbei—how can it taste good if you don't crunch it? Right, little Tsuru?"
Garp laughed heartily.
Tsuru sighed at him but said nothing.
Beside them, Kuzan yawned boredly. "Calling a meeting this late at night? Let's finish quickly."
"Strange timing too", muttered a sleazy-looking man in a yellow suit, dropping a folder on the table. "Just held the Seven Warlords of the Sea meeting this morning, and now another one? This time about a Navy officer."
"Lucius Kro", Sengoku scanned the file. "East Blue Base 153 Navy. Possesses strength rivaling Hawk-Eye's, yet remained hidden in East Blue for ten years. If not for you two, I'd suspect he infiltrated the Navy with some ulterior motive."
"Smoker told me", Kuzan lazily pointed at Lucius Kro. "But this guy just happened to be in my office when I heard about it. Come to think of it, he acts suspiciously similar to you. Could he be your secret love child?"
"Oooh, nasty rumors", Lucius Kro chuckled, studying Kuro's photo. "Though we're equally handsome."
"...Right."
Tsuru coughed softly. "Safety-obsessed Justice—those seeking security in Navy institutions are common, but few possess his caliber of strength. He clearly lacks confidence in the Navy's system. But judging his actions, he upholds Justice principles."
"Paranoia isn't always bad. Back when Zeff..."
Sengoku trailed off. "Forget it. Let him operate freely. We're not pirates—we'll follow protocol. Promote him for merit, demote him for misconduct. No favoritism."
Lucius Kro smirked. "New saplings need Protecting, after all. I find him fascinating."
"Take him then", Kuzan yawned again, heading for the door. "Putting him in my unit would just make him slack off like me. I don't need another slacker."
"Kuzan! You're slacking again!" Sengoku roared.
But Kuzan had already vanished.
"Everyone's such a headache."
Sengoku grumbled, turning to Tsuru. "What about his companion, Klah?"
Tsuru mused. "No bounty anymore. Let's pretend we don't see him. With that kid's strength, that little pirate won't cause trouble."
---
Kuro was ecstatic. He'd finally survived Headquarters.
Now came the blissful days of returning to East Blue.
No one would disturb him ever again!
"See? We don't have to pretend anymore. From now on, we'll be the most Comfortable, safest Navy officers around!"
Kuro gestured proudly at training Navy personnel.
After Branch Navy graduation, trainees entered a vacation period before receiving assignments—free to do as they pleased.
Kuro led Lida and Klah on a casual stroll, waiting for orders.
No word from Smoker yet.
But it didn't matter. Smoker never broke promises.
If he said he'd find a safe place, it'd be safe.
Coupled with Koby's guarantee—total peace of mind!
"Mr. Kuro! Mr. Kuro!"
As he thought of Koby, the voice rang out.
Koby sprinted over, face alight. "Your transfer documents came through!"
"Oh, Koby! You—" Kuro's joy faltered as he noticed Koby's attire.
Uniform regulations required standard issue—no modifications.
Yet Koby looked like he'd been promoted, dressing casually.
"Mr. Kuro, you're safe!"
Koby's words shoved Kuro's confusion aside.
"Safe?!" Kuro nearly leapt with joy.
"Safe indeed! I personally sought Vice Admiral Garp yesterday. Your documents cleared today—the East Blue issue is resolved. You can—"
"You can?"
Koby gazed at Kuro's blissful face, tears welling. "Mr. Kuro, you've finally achieved..."
"Achieved what?" Kuro bared his teeth.
"To stay permanently in Headquarters!"
(End of Chapter)
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