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Chapter 441: Upholding Principles in Life
Chapter 441: Upholding Principles in Life
"What the hell are you getting so worked up about?" Kuro eyed Wilbur suspiciously, the latter practically vibrating with excitement.
"I'm just overwhelmed by your trust in me!" Wilbur exclaimed, tears actually welling up in his eyes.
"This poor kid..." Kuro shook his head. Must've gotten roughed up bad at Marineford, he thought. Crying over a tiny promotion? That explains his pathetic situation there.
"Alright, alright, go handle business. Don't waste time." Kuro waved him off.
"Yes, sir!" Wilbur wiped his tears. "Oh, and besides transferring to Shabondy, I also brought a message from Fleet Admiral Akainu for you."
"Huh? What does he want?" Kuro perked up.
So he didn't call or send a telegram... Kuro's mind raced. He sent a Navy officer to deliver it personally? That means it's bad news!
Akainu's always been rigid. He probably wanted to promote me, but this time it's worse than just no promotion. Maybe I got demoted? That'd explain why he's too embarrassed to say it directly.
Even Gramps hasn't sent any word!
"Spit it out, spit it out!" Kuro leaned forward eagerly.
"Er..." Wilbur lowered his head guiltily. "Fleet Admiral said he hopes you'll keep working hard at Shabondy, and that you did well handling the Shabondy situation."
"That's it?!" Kuro's eyes widened with disbelief. "Where'S MY Demotion Notice?! Where'S MY Transfer Order?!"
"There's nothing like that, Kuro Vice Admiral."
Wilbur hesitated, then added gently, "I understand your frustration. You restored order in Shabondy, yet there's been no promotion. Headquarters' inaction is truly disappointing. But I believe Headquarters has its reasons. I'm on your side, Vice Admiral! I'll always support you!"
Is he... sarcasm?
But then again, Kuro's grip tightened. After what I did in Shabondy, being called a 'mass murderer' for Justice's sake, not even a promotion? Headquarters really is despicable!
They've already branded me a one-man Pacifista. Rumor has it I killed thousands in three days at Marineford. The pressure must be unbearable.
No reward for my Justice...
Of course I'm furious.
Fleet Admiral probably knows this, which is why he sent you to deliver this message.
"What the hell are you supporting me about, damn it!" Kuro snapped, suddenly feeling drained by Wilbur's clueless guilt.
"Just get out for now." Kuro waved him off wearily.
Wilbur saluted and quietly left.
"Hey Kuro, weren't you saying something about eating the table last time?" Lida teased.
"Shut up!" Kuro growled. "That was a metaphor! Obviously Navy words can't be taken literally!"
He launched into a string of incomprehensible explanations about "figures of speech" and "rhetorical devices", filling the office with absurdly cheerful energy.
Then he got even more pissed!
Bang!
His fist slammed the desk, causing a "-1" mark to appear on the surface along with a faint, puzzled sound.
"What the hell was that?!" Kuro roared. "That Scum Survivor's a damn World Noble! I threw his lapdogs out already! Doesn't he care about losing face?! Come after me then! Are World Nobles so powerless now they can't even get a Vice Admiral transferred?!"
Lida stared blankly.
Vice Admirals come in different tiers, you know.
You're always bragging about being Lucius Kro's direct subordinate and 'Lucius End'... Do you really think ordinary Vice Admirals compare?
"If they don't transfer you, what now?" Lida asked. "You've already cleaned up Shabondy. Another purge would endanger civilians."
"I'm not that heartless!" Kuro glared, plopping into his chair to light a cigar.
"Hey Lida... Could they be keeping me stuck here?" He exhaled smoke thoughtfully. "Did I cause too much trouble last time? I heard Headquarters is unhappy with me."
"How should I know?" Lida shrugged. "But staying here isn't bad. Shabondy's fun."
"Use that brain of yours for once! Please!" Kuro sighed.
"I've always been useful!" Lida protested.
"Whatever. Go find that idiot Klah. Stop him from playing 'military-civilian camaraderie' again."
"Fine."
Lida left and quickly returned with Klah.
"Kuro Mr., you called?"
"Analyze this - Could the Vinsmoke family's complaint from North Blue be why I'm stuck here?" Kuro blew another smoke ring.
"Possibly. They do have influence", Klah adjusted his glasses. "Their clone soldiers and combat power make them valuable to the World Government. Otherwise... Kuro Mr., you'd probably be an Admiral by now."
"Don't say scary things!" Kuro interrupted. "So you're saying World Nobles can complain effectively, but I'm still stuck here for some reason?"
"Possibly. World Government decisions aren't easily reversed. Considering what we did in Shabondy, you should've been promoted..."
"Stop saying scary things, bastard!" Kuro glared. "You wanna get punched?!"
Klah pressed his lips together. "In short, World Government might've pinned you here. Fleet Admiral Akainu and Admiral Lucius Kro might've avoided contacting you directly to prevent misunderstandings. Your half-command over Marineford is probably Headquarters' compensation."
"I don't want compensation!" Kuro rolled his eyes, leaning back. "If they just don't promote me, staying in Shabondy forever works."
Time's on my side.
Eventually, I'll fulfill my goal.
"But I need to play this carefully", Kuro mused. "After these two incidents, I've made enemies. If I play it right and World Government gets tired of me, they'll leave me be. Whether they transfer me or keep me stuck in Shabondy, either works."
His eyes lit up. "That's it! Go get me a plaque - 【Safety's Justice】. I'm a Vice Admiral now, so I need proper decorum. A man must uphold principles!"
(End of Chapter)
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