One Piece: I Just Want To Retire And I Am Forced To Become A General Chapter 45: A Small Request - Novel Cool

Chapter 45: A Small Request

Chapter 45: A Small Request

For several days afterward, Kuro had been idly visiting Lucius Kro's office, mainly because the transfer order was with Lucius Kro. Kuro wanted to return to East Blue, but that required Lucius Kro's cooperation.

Without his tacit approval, Kuro wouldn't be able to sail out to sea.

Without permission from the Headquarters Ensign, he couldn't even apply for a ship.

Luckily he was serving under Lucius Kro. Admirals generally didn't go on expeditions personally. If he were under ordinary officers, he might already be out at sea.

So Kuro was staying safe, planning to obtain a warship before the Top War, which would secure his position in East Blue.

The Top War consisted of elite Navy forces from various regions. Kuro wasn't an elite himself, and his rank was pretty low. If they wanted to conscript him, they'd still have to follow proper procedures, right?

This was precisely why Kuro kept visiting Lucius Kro - to build up rapport. When the time came, the old man wouldn't have any reason to summon Kuro from distant locations.

So Kuro definitely wouldn't seek any merits or go anywhere for the time being.

He hadn't even seen Luffy's bounty increase yet. The Enies Lobby incident hadn't occurred. No need to rush things - he could just slack off here for now.

In the office...

Kuro was lounging in a chair, tilting his head back with a cigar in his mouth. Across from him, Lucius Kro was trimming his nails.

Kuro exhaled a smoke ring and asked, "Old man, how can I become as strong as you?"

"How strange, you actually asked such a question. I suppose it's about that sense of security. I suggest you fight against people of different types. You might gain better insights that way."

Kuro waved his hand dismissively with a face full of rejection.

Fighting was meant to take on pirates, right? Fighting pirates meant earning merits. Earning merits meant promotion. Don't make me laugh about getting promoted!

Lucius Kro said, "Well, you could also eat a Devil Fruit. They possess power beyond miracles. But are you willing to eat one? Your swordsmanship is already so strong. Aren't you aiming for the title of World's Greatest Swordsman?"

The reason Hawk-Eye was widely recognized as the World's Greatest Swordsman had two aspects. First, his swordsmanship was indeed the strongest. Second, he relied solely on swordsmanship - pure, unadulterated swordsmanship.

Kuro had no interest in that title. Such a dangerous position? Let whoever wants it take it.

He just wanted to become stronger - the stronger he became, the safer he would be.

Besides, Lucius Kro already knew about this. Talking about it wouldn't expose anything new.

"Devil Fruit, huh..."

Kuro thought for a moment and replied dejectedly, "It seems like all the impressive ones have already been taken."

He didn't mind eating a Devil Fruit at all. If it could make him stronger, all the better. But if he were to eat one, it had to be absolutely safe.

Logia?

That would definitely be the first choice. However, the top-tier Logia fruits had already been consumed.

The Magma Fruit, Diamond-Diamond Fruit, and Ice-Ice Fruit.

These were the most powerful ones, representing the greatest terrors of nature itself.

The Goro Goro Fruit?

That one would be nice. He might still have time to reach Skypiea. The problem was even if he defeated Enel, there was no guarantee he would obtain the Rumble-Rumble Fruit. If someone else got it, another Admiral would rise, and if that person wasn't from the Navy, Kuro might encounter them somewhere. That would just be asking for trouble.

Better to let Enel keep that fruit and go to the Moon, removing one potential threat.

As for other Logia fruits, Kuro wasn't sure what powerful ones were left.

The Steam-Steam Fruit?

Did that one even exist?

Regardless, even if it did exist, Kuro wouldn't eat it.

He didn't plan to open a bathhouse after retiring.

Paramecia?

Those were tricky abilities, but the problem was they were too unpredictable. The sea was vast, and where could he find one that would actually enhance his strength? He didn't want to end up weakening after eating it.

After all, Devil Fruits had one major drawback.

Zoan?

If developed to the peak, they could grant the strongest regenerative abilities and enhance one's physical constitution. But normal and ancient types were too weak for Kuro's standards. Mythical Zoan might be worth considering, but those were even rarer than Logia fruits.

Truly, there wasn't a suitable Devil Fruit for Kuro.

"Don't be in a hurry. You're only in your twenties. At my age, I wasn't as strong as you. These young people these days are truly frightening", Lucius Kro said.

"This sea has never been calculated this way."

Kuro smirked. If you really wanted to, why don't you go fight the Super Novas in the future?

"Alright, I'm leaving."

Kuro grabbed another box of cigars from Lucius Kro's desk and prepared to leave.

"Wait a moment."

Lucius Kro opened a drawer and pulled out a large gift box. "If you like cigars, here's some for you."

"Hehe, Old man, you're so generous. I'll definitely take care of you in your old age."

Kuro chuckled as he took the gift box without any hesitation.

"By the way, regarding your matter, I've approved it. I'm granting you freedom of movement. You can go wherever you want."

Lucius Kro suddenly said.

"Eh?!"

Kuro's eyes widened. "Really?"

This was precisely his main purpose for coming these past few days.

"Really. But..."

But?

"Goodbye, Old man."

Kuro turned to leave immediately. He knew nothing good would follow that "but."

"Come on, under my command, I've been quite lenient toward you. Can't you fulfill this small request from an old man?"

Lucius Kro looked pitiful. "I've always treated you like my own son."

"Stop joking."

Kuro turned back around. "Speak. I won't do anything dangerous."

"Not dangerous at all. In fact, it's very low-key and suits you perfectly. Have you heard of Pluton?" Lucius Kro said.

"One of the three ancient weapons that dominated the world. Who hasn't heard of it?"

"The information about Pluton is in Water 7. I want you to go to Water 7 to assist our spies there. Your low rank makes you perfect for this kind of operation. You just need to help them escape. Isn't that safe enough?"

Kuro pondered silently.

Dangerous?

Not particularly. Just needed to assist them. No need for actual combat. And even if there was, he wouldn't be the one fighting. He was going to Water 7, not Enies Lobby.

If there was any danger, it would be Luffy and his crew. They would definitely come this way, and Kuro really didn't want to meet those troublemakers. He had a feeling something bad would happen.

To be safe...

Kuro was about to refuse when Lucius Kro said, "For the assistance mission, I'll grant you discretionary authority."

Discretionary authority meant he could do as he pleased.

After completing the task, he could sail to East Blue and ride out the Top War, even staying there permanently if Lucius Kro remained in his position.

"Fine, I'll do it. But we have to be clear, Old man. I'm only responsible for the assistance", Kuro said.

"Agreed. Here's your Transponder Snail."

Lucius Kro handed Kuro a Transponder Snail and a note. "It's exclusive for you. It has my contact number. Contact me if anything happens."

Sure, I'll contact you if something happens.

And absolutely nothing will happen.

Kuro accepted the Transponder Snail. It was in a watch-like form, convenient to carry.

"Farewell, Old man."

Kuro waved and walked out.

Lucius Kro watched his back disappear, chuckled lightly, picked up his teacup, and continued trimming his nails.

"Ah, it's almost time for lunch. Should I go find Sakazuki?"

(End of Chapter)

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