Chapter 439: If They Don't Transfer Me, I'll Eat This Table!
Chapter 439: If They Don't Transfer Me, I'll Eat This Table!
"You!"
The black-clad man clutched his stomach, glaring at Kuro. "You'd better think carefully, Lucius Kro! This attitude toward us will have consequences you can't imagine!"
"I'm a Vice Admiral!"
Kuro straightened up, hands slamming on the desk as he roared at the two black-cloaked figures. "Do you even know who you're talking to?! Did you even file a report before barging in here?! Questioning me? Questioning the current base commander of Shabondy? Questioning me, a Navy Vice Admiral? Me—the Navy that just crushed Lucius? Me, the direct subordinate of Lucius Kro Admiral?!"
A hint of Killing Intent laced his words, silencing the two men momentarily.
The black-cloaked man opened his mouth weakly. "No, I just meant to represent the World Noble—"
"I already said to let the World Nobles handle their own complaints!"
Kuro's eyes flared. His Killing Intent surged, nearly crushing the men into unconsciousness.
"Listen up—Marine Base is Marine Base. World Government's exclusive jurisdiction is their own damn business. Otherwise, why even have the Navy? Let the World Government handle it themselves! Klah, throw them out."
With that, he shoved the window behind him open.
Klah strode forward, grabbed both men by their collars, and hurled them through the window without hesitation.
Afterward, Klah hesitated slightly. "Kuro, sir... doing this might provoke the World Government—"
"World Government my ass."
Kuro rolled his eyes. "I wish they'd sue me already! Let them complain about how annoying I am in Shabondy! Let them transfer me! Even to the Outer Sea—I'd gladly go!"
Though he despised Massey's character, he desperately wanted Massey's fate.
As the famous line goes—I'd trade places with him any day.
I really mean it! I'd swap with Massey in a heartbeat!
Kuro had Klah shut the window and ignored the commotion outside. Sitting back down, he lit a cigar and muttered, "I've done so much—reported my name, rank, and even filed a formal complaint. I hope they handle it properly this time."
"Did you have to make such a big scene?" Lida munched on potato chips. "I think Shabondy's great! It's fun and the food's amazing."
"You don't know what you're talking about!" Kuro shot her a glare. "You can have fun and food anywhere! The key is safety—safety, understand? This cursed place gets purged every year! Back when Headquarters was in Marineford, pirates were a constant nuisance. Now that Headquarters is gone, you think things have improved?!"
"At this rate, I'll get promoted for sure! If I rise again, I'll become Vice Admiral. Do you even get what that means? Vice Admiral! That's dangerous as hell! With the slightest disturbance, I'll be shipped straight to the New World from the first half of the Grand Line!"
"But you're the base commander now, right? Transfers aren't that easy. They can't just replace you overnight", Lida countered.
As a commander herself, she understood the Navy's structure well. Transfer orders were rarely changed quickly once issued. Lower ranks could be adjusted easily, but high-ranking officers required complex procedures. Even relocating Headquarters required months of negotiations, as seen when Akainu coordinated the move. Vice Admirals commanded major bases, and their positions were entrenched. Changing that meant navigating political factions.
Similarly, Kuro had developed Pegasus Island during his time as Commander and Commodore, making it his personal stronghold. Even if transferred, the Navy would still consider it his domain unless he willingly relinquished it for greater gains.
This was how factional politics worked within the Navy—business as usual.
Thus, if Kuro remained in Shabondy long enough, it would eventually become his new stronghold.
Though the taxes here were tempting, he honestly had no interest. Pegasus Island alone was more than enough for him.
"According to my calculations", Kuro continued, stroking his chin, "the World Government will definitely pressure Headquarters. Since they sent envoys from the World Nobles, they'll push harder. Even Sakazuki, for all his stubbornness as Fleet Admiral—"
He paused. "The Fleet Admiral position isn't easy. Unlike regular Admirals, Fleet Admirals have to coordinate too many factions. Even he might buckle under pressure sometimes."
Take Zeff, for instance. Headquarters certainly didn't want him to resign, but the World Government's foolish moves bypassed Marine Headquarters entirely. The Seven Warlords of the Sea were a direct subordinate branch of the World Government, equal to the Navy. The Navy could voice objections but couldn't change the old men's decisions. They'd have to comply, even half-heartedly. Teaching the World Government a lesson? Forget it.
That's exactly why he made such a big fuss—so they'd complain about him.
"You might not realize", Kuro added, "but no one can resist complaints from merchants, the wealthy, nobility, and World Nobles. We call these people 'reckless monsters.' Promotion aside, if they don't transfer me this time—I'll eat this table whole!"
His words rang with conviction, as if sealing his fate.
...
Mariejois.
Pankan City.
Among the Holy Lands.
Five old men struck poses in the dimly lit chamber.
The two black-cloaked men had returned, and the news reached here instantly.
"Shabondy's had quite the commotion lately", said an elderly man with a map-like marking on his head, scanning a report. "That Lucius Kro—his methods are too brutal."
"Not advisable", the long-bearded elder shook his head. "While Lucius Kro's approach was harsh, it aligns with a Navy's duty. He even ensured a safe environment for the World Nobles. Charloss himself acknowledged Kuro's concern, advising him not to cause trouble in Mariejois."
"Is this Orlacks Sharp truly that powerful? Or did he obtain a Devil Fruit during his escape last year?" asked a red-skinned elder, skeptical.
"Dead men need no discussion", scoffed an elder with glasses and a sword. "Lucius Kro claims credit, but everyone knows that brat pirate killed him. So desperate for merit?"
"Perhaps that young Navy officer believes himself a Vice Admiral already", another curly-haired elder mused. "He's making a show for us. Regardless, Shabondy's environment has changed. With so many complaints, we can't ignore this. Send a message to Sakazuki—let him handle it."
(End of Chapter)
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