Chapter 44: Never Seeking Merit, Even If Killed!
Chapter 44: Never Seeking Merit, Even If Killed!
Whoosh!
A flash of light appeared above Kuro’s head, materializing into Lucius Kro wielding a Light Sword as he slashed downward.
“Shinmeiryu Style Ultimate Technique·Genbu!”
Lucius Kro’s Light Sword struck an invisible air shield. He let out a soft exclamation, his left foot glowing as he kicked forward. A wisp of radiant energy shot out, exploding before Kuro.
Boom!
The beam detonated inches from Kuro, revealing the shield’s true form—a colossal tortoise shell swirling with a giant serpent coiled around it.
The serpent’s gaping maw locked onto Lucius Kro. The moment those serpentine eyes met his, Lucius found himself paralyzed.
The Genbu Mystic Art—Shinmeiryu Style’s sole non-lethal technique. The tortoise shell represented absolute defense, while the serpent bound his opponent’s movements.
“Haa!”
Seizing the opening, Kuro swung his blade downward in a furious arc.
At the final moment, Lucius Kro broke free from the serpent’s grasp, vanishing in a flash of gold and reappearing at a distance. His fingers brushed the wound on his face as he remarked, “Truly terrifying—the way you’ve surpassed ordinary swordsmanship.”
“Even the Mystic Arts can’t handle you, old man.”
Kuro spat, already forced to use two of his Mystic Arts. It was expected—Lucius Kro was one of the ocean’s few true Monsters. Kuro never imagined a single Mystic Art would fell him.
Lucius Kro whistled. “Seems I need to take this seriously after all. Otherwise, I might actually get killed by you, kid.”
“Cut the jokes, old man.” Kuro leveled his blade, his voice steady. “Still, I’m confident I can hurt you.”
“Oh? How scary indeed.”
Lucius Kro pouted, his tone playful but his stance sharper than before. Kuro sensed the shift—Lucius was no longer holding back.
A grin tugged at his lips. The fight was on.
Lucius Kro was one of the sea’s rare Monsters, a peerless master of both body and will. Kuro wanted to test his limits, see where the gap truly lay.
His duel with Hawk-Eye had never let him fight to the end…
Kuro inhaled deeply. His Armament Haki surged, crawling up his arms and legs like black mist. The pressure thickened as the Haki extended from his shoulders, tendrils spiraling across his chest. His legs coiled with energy at his waist, forming a jagged, jet-black armor.
“My my, such terrifying Haki.”
Lucius Kro’s voice held genuine surprise.
Kuro tightened his grip on the blade. “Careful now, old man.”
“Ooooh~ This is terrifying. Old man’s calling it quits.”
Kuro froze, then snapped, “You got me fired up, and now you’re backing out?!”
“Maa, just testing your strength. After all, I am your direct superior. This was just a sense of duty. Don’t get so angry. Come inside, have a cup of tea.”
Lucius Kro vanished into the hole he’d torn through the wall.
Kuro stood frozen, blade raised. Should he strike? Should he hold?
Just like that?
But Kuro wasn’t done yet.
This frustration burned!
Yet Lucius had retreated, leaving him with no choice but to cool his heels.
Lucius’s actions spoke volumes—the Admiralty’s upper echelon alone knew the truth. Since they hadn’t summoned him, Kuro’s actions were tolerated, even condoned.
His cover remained intact.
Yet pushing further might earn him infamy in the Navy.
Most crucially…
“Still a Monster. Even after that, I can’t see his depth.”
Kuro sighed, dissipating his Haki as he sheathed his blade. With a fluid Moonstep, he entered the high-rise office building.
Inside, Lucius Kro had already poured tea.
“Please.”
Lucius pushed the teacup forward.
Kuro glared, snatched the cup, and downed it in one gulp.
“Ooooh, the tea cooled your temper a little?” Lucius crooned with a grin.
Kuro rolled his eyes, then mused, “Old man, I’ve no grand ambitions. Just want to live safe. I know you’re easygoing—what if you treated me like a normal subordinate?”
“Maa, that works.”
Lucius’s reply surprised Kuro, yet it felt inevitable. That was Lucius Kro through and through.
Kuro gave a thumbs-up. “Loyal as ever, old man. I half-thought you’d make me your tool, letting you clock in and out, smoke cigars, sip tea, and trim your nails all day. But with that promise, when you retire, I’ll take care of you.”
He’d already forgotten Lucius’s earlier provocation.
“Touching indeed. The first to offer such kindness, Kuro. Should I thank you?” Lucius’s tone remained unchanging.
Kuro shrugged nonchalantly.
“Maa, forget it. From the moment I first saw you, I liked you. We’re cut from the same cloth. Since you’re offering to care for me, how about being my son?”
Lucius spread his hands, asking casually.
You think you’re Whitebeard?!
Kuro smirked, stood, and casually snatched the cigar box from Lucius’s desk. “Well, I’ll take my leave then, old man. Catch you for tea sometime.”
Admiral’s cigars—prime stuff.
Without waiting for a reply, he strode out.
Lucius watched him go, whistling. “Such an intriguing youth. Terrifying indeed… Admiral-level potential. Should I report this to Sengoku?”
He paused, then grinned. “Naaah. Kuro might get angry if he finds out.”
His gaze drifted to the high wall behind him, where the words “Vague Justice” loomed. For a moment, his thoughts drifted.
Outside, Lida spotted Kuro humming as he emerged.
“Admiral summoned you? I heard the commotion—did anything happen?”
“Old fool insisted on sparring. Got me riled, then quit. Annoying. Still, Lucius Kro’s not bad. Better under him than others—under his wing, my safety just got safer.”
As an Ensign transferred to Headquarters, he needed a superior. Better Lucius Kro than some random officer.
The old rogue mentoring the young rogue? Perfect.
Besides, Lucius was preoccupied with guarding Vegapunk. Chasing pirates was secondary. Kuro had no rush.
Confidence surged. “As long as I never seek merit, danger can’t touch me.”
Merit? Impossible. In this life or the next.
No promotions meant no assignments from Headquarters. As Lucius Kro’s direct subordinate, he could refuse orders from others—let them take it up with Lucius.
And no one would bother an Ensign like him for major matters.
The Navy had procedures.
Even Admirals needed merit to promote someone—they had to file reports with the Government.
No merit, no fame? Who’d come knocking?
Thus, I—Kuro—swear it:
Never Seeking Merit, Even IF Killed!
(End of Chapter)
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