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Chapter 442: What Dangers Could Exist in the Four Seas?
Chapter 442: What Dangers Could Exist in the Four Seas?
Safety’s Justice was Kuro’s creed.
Truthfully, he was just following the trend—after all, every moderately famous Navy officer swore by some form of Justice and proudly proclaimed it.
As a Vice Admiral, he could at least voice his own Justice too. Not to hide his cowardice—no, to protect the essence of safety.
A facade was always useful. It justified so many things.
Right now, he was stuck here by his superiors. In a way, this suited his preferences. The longer they kept him here till the sky turned old, the better. If they couldn’t hold him and transferred him elsewhere, that worked too.
Of course, to avoid being sent to the New World, he’d have to play some games. Pirates followed old rules, after all.
As for the people in Shabondy, he needed to maintain strict control, ensuring constant complaints. That way, the World Government would keep getting headaches.
This place required an iron grip. Only after three or four years of pressure would the slave trade improve, and the wealthy nobles would stop scheming here—or just move to new islands, letting Kuro forget them entirely.
But beyond Shabondy, other regions might not enjoy such safety.
Under pressure, even if pirates came yearly, following old rules—executing or releasing as needed—wouldn’t make him seem overly ambitious for merit.
In the end, two outcomes awaited: either he stayed put, or he was transferred or demoted to some remote outpost. Either was acceptable.
This was the most prudent solution he could devise.
“Hmphahaha! Finally found a decent path!”
He couldn’t help laughing aloud.
“What are you laughing at?” Lida asked curiously.
“Laughing at your lack of wit, and Klah’s lack of strategy.” Kuro rolled his white eyes. “After all this time, I still have to handle it myself.”
“You’ve changed. You didn’t shout at me like this before,” Lida pouted.
“Shoo, stop acting cute. Go eat something. Shabondy has enough food to stuff your mouth?” Kuro waved his hand dismissively.
“Speaking of food, Kas sent a report about Pegasus Island recently. Besides normal development, a new artisan who makes amazing donuts arrived. I want to go back and taste them!” Lida’s mouth watered at the thought.
“Just have him ship some over, or bring the artisan here. Why go through the hassle?” Kuro replied.
“Shipped donuts take days to arrive—they’d be stale! These need to be eaten hot. And the artisan refuses to leave Pegasus Island. Kas said he’s smitten with the island’s environment.” Lida explained.
“Pegasus Island’s so well-developed thanks to me. Of course people want to settle there,” Kuro boasted proudly.
“Then I’ll return for a visit. I want to try those donuts.”
“Fine. But take full precautions—use my fleet, pick the largest warship, full crew, proper logistics. Inform Kas when you leave, and tell him I said hello. Also, keep an eye on Kas. Make sure he doesn’t do anything reckless.”
“I understand. But Kas should be safe on Pegasus Island, right?” Lida asked.
“Better safe than sorry. Warn him. Even if the West Blue’s calm now, no pirate dares approach Pegasus Island.”
Kuro bit his cigar. “After all, in the Four Seas, who’d be foolish enough to attack a place as heavily fortified as Pegasus Island?”
This had been proven over time.
During his eight months there, countless pirates had attacked—none successfully landed.
Either Aokiji’s Ice Age stopped them, or they fled in disgrace. No third option existed.
“And with that idiot Kas there, even if attacked, he’d crush them in minutes. Though he’s a pain, he’s more reliable than any of you.”
This frustrated Kuro. Those who understood him were useless. Those who misunderstood him were oddly dependable.
Where was the logic in that?
…
West Blue.
Pegasus Island.
After Kuro left, Pegasus Island remained peaceful, growing ever more prosperous.
In fact, under Kas’s leadership, the island became even more vibrant.
When Kuro was in charge, he ignored most affairs, focusing only on safety. Once pirate threats faded, he practically abandoned his duties.
This set a precedent. Even with Kas present, the navy focused on base training or hunting pirates, neglecting internal affairs.
But Kas’s approach differed.
He was determined to excel. This was Kuro’s legacy—Kuro Mr.—entrusted to him. He’d not only maintain it but elevate it further!
If islanders faced issues, the navy intervened.
If disputes arose, the navy mediated.
Even harvesting crops, the navy helped if possible.
Over time, the navy and islanders grew closer, creating a safer, more harmonious environment.
This attracted more settlers.
One recent arrival became a local celebrity.
Tourist Street, Pegasus Island.
A shop displaying countless donut varieties had endless queues.
In line stood Kas himself. When his turn came, he stood firm and shouted, “Chef Olga!”
“Oh, it’s you again, Commander Kas.”
Olga, wearing a white chef’s coat and tall hat, was gaunt with dark circles under his eyes.
“Yes! Chef Olga, please visit Shabondy. Someone there longs to taste your craftsmanship.” Kas pleaded.
“I’ve said I’m not going anywhere.” Olga waved him off. “This place is safe. I’ll stay here. I even bought property and pay taxes yearly. You navy won’t abandon me, will you?”
“That’s not the case. I just want you to visit Shabondy to honor my most respected superior’s subordinate.” Kas insisted. “Safety isn’t an issue. If you’re worried, I’ll send half my forces under Donald to escort you.”
“I don’t want to go!” Olga snapped. “The sea isn’t safe. No matter how strong your defenses, you’re crammed on one ship! I barely escaped from… Forget it. You can’t convince me. If he wants to taste my donuts so badly, let him come here. I’ll make my best for him.”
“But that won’t fulfill my wish!” Kas declared. “I want to personally lead a delegation, return to my most revered superior, and report everything about Pegasus Island face-to-face!”
He bowed deeply. “Please, Chef Olga! If you have any difficulties, tell me. I’ll resolve them!”
“You…”
Olga stared at Kas, then sighed. “You’re a stubborn man.”
He turned to the crowd. “Closed for today! Come back tomorrow!”
“What? No way! I’ve been waiting so long!”
“You can’t just close shop! Don’t customers matter? Aren’t we gods?”
“I’ve waited two hours!”
The crowd erupted in complaints.
“Closed today! No arguments!” Olga roared, yanking the door halfway shut.
Seeing his resolve, the crowd dispersed, grumbling. They’d grown used to this—Olga frequently closed shop without warning.
But his donuts were worth the hassle.
Once alone, Olga sighed at Kas still bowing. “I truly can’t go. Not out of fear, but because the Grand Line is dangerous. Even your navy can’t handle it.”
“There’s nothing the navy can’t handle!” Kas straightened. “If it takes fighting evil, I’ll sacrifice my life!”
“You can’t handle this,” Olga shook his head. “I won’t leave because of the Four Emperors’ Big Mom.”
…
Grand Line.
A pirate ship sliced through waves.
“Pegasus Island’s ahead. That famous island.”
A man peered through a telescope.
“Mother wants that person. They won’t escape.” Another, arms crossed, nodded grimly.
(End of Chapter)
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