Chapter 424: If You've Got the Guts, Transfer Me Already
Chapter 424: If You’ve Got the Guts, Transfer Me Already
Boom!
Boom! Boom!!
Xiong’s palm launched cluster after cluster of needle-point energy spheres, firing rapidly at Kuro.
But with Kuro’s continuous dodges, the spheres struck empty ground or the Grand Line itself, leaving massive craters in the terrain or sending faint ripples across the sea.
Swoosh!
Kuro flashed to a new position, narrowly avoiding an incoming energy sphere. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, then slashed his blade upward in a reverse grip, unleashing Armament Haki to intercept the sphere.
Boom!!!
The energy sphere was deflected by the Haki, soaring into the sky where it exploded in a burst of impact, radiating transparent ripples outward.
“Slash Wave!”
Kuro followed through with a downward slash toward the ship docked at the shore.
In an instant, Xiong vanished from his spot and reappeared in front of the vessel. Clapping his hands together, he thrust them outward toward the golden slash, deflecting it away with sheer force.
“So your priority is the ship, huh? Xiong, you bastard, did you really have to go this far?”
Kuro narrowed his eyes, raising his hand skyward. “Let the rain fall.”
Pattering!
Torrents of rain poured down, drenching the battlefield.
“You probably don’t even realize the special nature of this seawater rain, Xiong. Without consciousness, you might as well be without it. Clinging to this pointless resistance only makes you look pathetic.”
He sheathed his Black Blade, the final inch sliding in with a sharp click.
“Mystic Art!”
Hiss! Hiss! Hiss!!
Each raindrop striking Bartolomeo’s body transformed into a razor-sharp blade, slicing through his mechanical form. The wounds left by the rain-needles corroded further as the blades churned inside him.
In an instant, Bartolomeo stiffened, his entire body riddled with cuts. Sparks of mechanical failure erupted around him before he collapsed with a heavy thud.
“He actually… defeated him!”
Max Commander’s eyes widened. “We couldn’t finish him despite exhausting all our strength. No wonder Kuro Vice Admiral defeated Lucius!”
“So foolish… Xiong. Your final act of defiance was for pirates? If you’d died for any other cause, I might’ve respected you a little.”
Kuro dissipated the rain, gazing at Bartolomeo’s motionless body. “The Revolutionary Army’s officer ends up guarding a pirate’s ship until the end? Even if he’s the ‘Prince,’ is it really worth this?”
These were the Seven Warlords of the Sea—powerful figures of the Grand Line.
“Ah well… Everyone has their own path.”
Shaking his head, Kuro turned and strode in the opposite direction.
“Vice Admiral Kuro, what should we do with the ship?” Massey hesitated before asking.
“Do whatever you want. I’m tired.” Kuro waved him off. “Head back to base. My official duty here is done.”
Without waiting for a response, he left with his subordinates toward Area 60.
“Hey, Kuro… Are you angry?”
Lida followed closely, cautiously tugging his coat.
Kuro exhaled a plume of smoke from his cigar. “Just some idle thoughts. This world… Everyone clings to their goals so stubbornly. What’s so special about a pirate? Or is the ‘Chosen One’ really destined to be the Chosen One?”
He glanced toward the sky. “The world’s fate isn’t decided by one person or one crew. They’re too idealistic. One Piece? Hmph! I don’t believe in such nonsense.”
Lida tilted her head, watching Kuro quicken his pace. After a brief pause, she hurried after him.
…
Area 60 was divided into 60GR and 69GR. The GR zones were massive tree trunks serving as central hubs and entry/exit points for the Navy and World Government.
Proximity to Marineford and Mariejois meant the area had a significant Navy presence, though most were either recovering from injuries or guarding critical locations.
Leaving the area unguarded would be a disgrace if pirates invaded.
“Vice Admiral Kuro, I’ll formally bid you farewell.”
Wilbur accompanied Kuro to the base, saluting him.
“Mm, thanks for your help.” Kuro waved dismissively. “Do your best. I’m rooting for you.”
Vice Admiral Kuro is rooting for me?
Wilbur’s heart warmed, standing even straighter.
Once back, he’d request a transfer. Serving under such a noble officer would make his life truly fulfilling!
After Wilbur’s departure, Kuro entered his office. “Bring me all intelligence reports on Shabondy from last year and this year.”
“At once!”
Massey saluted and returned shortly with a stack of documents.
“Klah.”
Kuro leaned back in his chair, cigar in mouth.
Klah adjusted his glasses, accepting the files. Vice Admiral Kuro never bothered reading such reports himself—Klah always handled the analysis and summarized it briefly.
As for Lida, the other aide, she lounged on the sofa, rummaging through her snack shoulder bag for cookies.
Totally useless.
Klah rolled his eyes internally before beginning.
“Compared to last year, Shabondy’s situation has deteriorated drastically.”
“Area 70, the hotel district, used to repel pirate intrusions successfully, with only a few Super Novas appearing in the parks of Area 30 or the tourist zone of Area 40. But this year, pirates have flooded in. Areas 30 and 40 are now pirate-infested, and some are even attempting to breach the coated membrane in Area 50.”
“This indicates pirates have sensed Shabondy’s weakness.”
“Additionally, recent reports show numerous disappearances. These are likely orchestrated by black gangs and criminals emerging from Area 10.”
“Vice Admiral Kuro, Shabondy’s condition is dire. A full-scale cleanup will be necessary.”
Kuro glared at Massey. “So when you confronted Xiong earlier, couldn’t you have considered Shabondy’s current state? There are plenty of Navy forces here. Pirates are one thing, but how did we let disappearances happen?”
The towering officer stiffened. “Reporting, Vice Admiral Kuro! We’ve searched extensively, but the perpetrators hide too well. We couldn’t locate the missing individuals.”
“Fine, you’re dismissed.”
Massey exited with a wave.
Kuro scoffed. “What’s the real cause?”
“Mostly slave trafficking.” Klah adjusted his glasses. “Besides the World Nobles, many wealthy elites and nobles here are involved.”
“Understood. Request reinforcements from Headquarters. Conduct a full sweep. Treat all suspected slaves as pirates—arrest them for screening. Free the slaves, prosecute the guilty.”
“Vice Admiral Kuro, won’t this offend the higher-ups?” Klah hesitated.
“Offend who? The World Government abolished slavery long ago—it’s illegal. I’m simply ensuring Shabondy’s safety and eliminating pirates. As for those idiots upstairs? Who cares? If they’ve got the guts, let them transfer me! Send me back to the West Blue if they dare!”
(End of Chapter)
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