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Chapter 412: Marineford is Also Entrusted to You
Chapter 412: Marineford is Also Entrusted to You
After spending several days at the base, Garp and Sengoku finally confronted Kuro, who had been delaying his departure.
"It's time you left", Sengoku said to Kuro, who was lounging in the office. "Who have you chosen for the garrison officer? We'll report it for you."
"I genuinely believe I've sustained severe injuries", Kuro replied with exaggerated sincerity.
The two old men ignored him completely, staring straight at Kuro.
Kuro sighed. "Fine, Kas then. Kas and his direct subordinates will remain in West Blue. The rest will accompany me."
This was a decision he had already made.
Lida was out of the question. First, he didn't trust her not to squander this golden opportunity, and second, Lida herself had no interest in staying.
Klah was his go-to scapegoat, and too useful to let go.
The only viable option was Kas.
Stationing Kas in West Blue meant that with Pegasus Island's current peaceful environment, he'd have little chance to prove himself.
Leaving Kas in West Blue would also rid Kuro of a lifelong rival. Let him stay there with his sycophantic army forever.
As for the others, Kuro would take them aboard a warship bound for Shabondy.
Of course, before that, he needed to return to Headquarters for a promotion ceremony.
Additionally, Akainu had requested a meeting.
Marineford
Due to the gradual relocation of Headquarters, the number of Navy personnel at Marineford had significantly decreased. Most had already moved to G-1 Headquarters in the New World under the leadership of Vice Admirals.
However, due to administrative duties, Akainu and Lucius Kro remained at Marineford.
Kuro visited Lucius Kro's office first.
"Oh~ Kuro, you're here."
Lucius Kro was trimming his nails. Seeing Kuro's gloomy expression, he put down the clippers and asked curiously, "Who upset you?"
Kuro rolled his eyes, pulled up a chair, and sat down unceremoniously, slinging one leg over the other. "What else could it be? I was perfectly content in Pegasus Island. Why did they drag me back and promote me to Vice Admiral? Hmph."
"So you're holding a grudge."
Lucius Kro nodded. "Unfortunately, this was a decision by the World Government. The Navy has little say in opposing it. Besides, you're still my subordinate. Jumping straight to Admiral would be difficult."
Of course, he was furious.
He had been happily dreaming of a peaceful, uneventful career when a newspaper article shattered his tranquility. Anyone would be upset.
If those Four Kingdom Kings hadn't made their announcement, his dream might have come true.
Lucius Kro chuckled. "Still, well done. Eliminating Lucius gave the Navy quite the morale boost."
Like hell I want to jump to Admiral!
Admiral? I'd rather be Admiral with a side of scallions.
"I can't talk to you seriously."
Kuro waved his hand. "By the way, Gramps, why haven't you left yet? Isn't the Headquarters relocation underway?"
"Oh~ I was waiting for you, of course. Otherwise, we might not meet for a long time. Now that I've seen you, this old man will depart tomorrow to station at the new Headquarters." Lucius Kro replied.
Like I'd miss you.
Kuro pursed his lips. He'd visited Headquarters countless times, and nothing good ever came of it.
If he hadn't come to Headquarters last time, he wouldn't have been sent to North Blue. If he hadn't gone to North Blue, he wouldn't have encountered Lucius. If he hadn't met that old devil, he wouldn't have been promoted.
"Fine, I won't bother you. I'll go find Fleet Admiral Akainu first." Kuro stood up to leave.
"Wait a moment, Kuro."
Lucius Kro stopped him. "Sengoku has officially joined the Navy. Originally, I chose him as the base commander for Shabondy, but since you're going, I'll place him under your command instead."
"Oh? Vegapunk released him?" Kuro asked, surprised.
"Yes. With the weaponry production on track, we need to test it. Shabondy is an excellent location."
"Fine. Let him come directly to me when ready."
Kuro waved his hand and left Lucius Kro's office.
"Oh~"
Lucius Kro watched his retreating figure and shook his head. "He's definitely holding a grudge. The World Government's actions were quite excessive."
...
Akainu's Office
Having succeeded Sengoku, Akainu now occupied Sengoku's former office. The plaque above the door had changed from "Heavenly Justice" to "Absolute Justice."
Perhaps due to the sun's position, the room was dimly lit, making it hard to see the face of the man seated inside. Only the glowing tip of a lit cigar was visible.
When the figure finally lifted his head, Kuro saw the face of a man beginning to grow a beard.
"Oh, you're here, Kuro."
As Akainu spoke, the scar running from his face down to his neck twisted slightly.
The battle with Kuzan had left him severely injured.
"Fleet Admiral Akainu."
Kuro stood in the room and saluted.
Akainu gave a slight smirk and tossed him a cigar. "Try it. My taste is a bit different from Borsalino's. You might like it."
"Then I won't be shy."
Kuro caught the cigar, pulled up a chair, and lit it casually.
The smoke was harsh at first, with a spicy bite, but beneath it lingered a subtle sweetness.
Just like Akainu's nature.
"Not bad." Kuro bit down on the cigar, leaning back. "So, what did you call me here for?"
"Just a word of advice." Akainu began. "Though you're only a Vice Admiral now, don't forget the Navy's Honor."
"Huh?"
Kuro tilted his head, puzzled.
What did that mean?
"Given your achievements, you could have been promoted directly to Admiral under current circumstances. However, I'm sure you've heard the World Government has its own considerations."
As he spoke, Akainu unconsciously clenched his fist, the red glow of his Devil Fruit power spreading across his gloves. A burnt smell rose from the desk.
"Don't lose heart in Shabondy. There will be opportunities for you there."
Akainu smiled at him. "In any case, you've been promoted, Lucius Kro."
That old man...
Kuro looked at Akainu as if seeing him anew.
Has he changed?
Could such a fiery man really say something so gentle?
To someone else, it might not sound gentle, but given Akainu's nature, it was significant.
A man who would never back down from what he believed was right, saying such words...
The position of Fleet Admiral must be taking its toll.
"I understand, Fleet Admiral Akainu."
Kuro nodded. "I'll do my best."
Akainu nodded. "Good. Besides the Shabondy base, you also have direct command authority over Marineford. Consider this compensation from Headquarters. Go forth and make your mark! The first half of the Grand Line is entrusted to you!"
(End of Chapter)
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