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Chapter 451: The Spear and the Shield
Chapter 451: The Spear and the Shield
Half a month later.
A Navy warship docked at Shabondy’s port.
A group of Navy officers disembarked, escorting a man dressed in a chef’s suit.
“This is Shabondy, huh?” Olga glanced at the iridescent bubbles floating in the air before popping, then at the sparse pedestrians. He frowned slightly. “I heard Shabondy’s supposed to be bustling. Why does it feel so quiet?”
In his memory, Shabondy should have been a lively hub. The current atmosphere left him puzzled.
“That’s because not long ago, Kuro Mr., the island’s base commander, launched a massive purge against pirates and black gangs,” a bearded man beside him explained, admiration in his voice. “He slaughtered criminals indiscriminately, risking the wrath of powerful elites. Over ten thousand died, all to restore peace to Shabondy. Such resolve and conviction… truly admirable!”
“I agree,” said a burly man behind the bearded man, gripping a cross-tipped spear. “When I first heard of it, I was deeply impressed.”
“Ten thousand…” Olga’s eyes widened, sweat trickling down his neck. “You’re saying a bloodthirsty monster like that is your superior? You actually admire him?!”
“Bloodthirsty monster?!” The bearded man scowled. “Kuro Mr. did everything for Justice and peace. It’s fine if you don’t understand, but don’t slander him.”
“Apologies,” Olga quickly replied, offering a sheepish bow.
“Hey, Kas!”
Suddenly, a voice rang out from ahead.
Klah approached with a group of Navy officers. “Long time no see.”
“Ah, it’s Klah Mr.!” Kas snapped a crisp salute. “It’s been ages, Klah Mr.!”
Klah nodded, glancing at Kas’s waist. “How’s your injury?”
“Thanks for your concern. It’s almost healed,” Kas replied, bowing his head. “But I’m still ashamed I couldn’t protect Pegasus Island immediately. We had to rely on reinforcements… I’ve failed Kuro Mr.’s expectations.”
“Didn’t Kuro Mr. already tell you not to dwell on it?” Klah sighed.
As he spoke, Klah suddenly stepped aside, gesturing to a Navy officer behind him. “This is Wilbur Commander, the officer in charge of Shabondy’s Navy base. He’s currently Kuro Mr.’s deputy, and he’s been eager to meet you.”
At his words, a wisp of white whirlwind surged forward, swiftly reaching Kas before he could react. A pair of hands clasped his own.
A burly man shorter than Kas gripped his hand, eyes shining. “It’s you! You’re Dougleg·Kas Commander, right? The shield of Kuro Vice Admiral! I’m Wilbur—I want to be the spear that fights alongside him!”
“Oh!!” Kas’s eyes lit up. He tightened his grip. “So you share that ambition! Let’s strive together!”
“Kas Senior!” Wilbur exclaimed, voice trembling. “Teach me how to serve Kuro Vice Admiral!”
“Just call me Kas. When it comes to serving Kuro Mr., there’s no hierarchy,” Kas declared passionately. “Let’s fight for a glorious tomorrow under Kuro Mr.!”
“Kas Commander!!” Wilbur’s eyes brimmed with tears.
“Wilbur Commander!!” Kas matched his tears with his own.
“This is so moving!” Donald nearby clutched his chest, overcome with emotion.
“Alright, alright, save the lovey-dovey stuff for later.”
Klah wiped a bead of sweat from his temple, then turned. “Where’s Olga?”
“Uh, that’s me.” Olga stepped forward, scratching his head.
“Come with me. Lidamiss wants your donuts. I’ll take you to the Navy cafeteria, and let our head chef observe your skills.” Klah adjusted his glasses. “As for you, Kas—weren’t you looking for Kuro Mr.?”
“Oh right! I need to see Kuro Mr.!”
Snapping back to reality, Kas reluctantly released Wilbur’s hand. Together, they followed Klah toward the Navy base.
Kas wasn’t stationed in Shabondy—he’d only come to Headquarters to receive his Commander rank. When Kuro learned of this, he’d ordered Kas to bring the “legendary” Olga along, saving a trip to Pegasus Island.
Inside the office.
Kuro sat at his desk, chewing on a cigar as he puffed out a cloud of smoke. He tossed aside a Navy internal fax, scoffing.
“Hmph. Knew this damned thing would go sideways.”
“What’s wrong?” Lida asked, peering over.
“The transport ship carrying Snug and Rezan was ambushed by the Big Mom Pirates. They’ve been taken,” Kuro muttered.
“Eh? Even with Sengoku and Garp?” Lida blinked.
“Nah, that’s the thing.” Kuro shook his head. “They’d already been handed over to the World Government. Then their ship got ambushed. Happened too fast—attacked in the New World before even reaching Headquarters. If there’s no foul play here, I’ll eat my hat. But… it’s normal.”
“The World Government? They’re all about stability. If they’d actually captured Snug, who knows how the Big Mom would’ve reacted? Another ‘Top’ war? If that broke out, I’d be dragged in for sure. Let the Four Emperors tear each other apart in the New World—that’s where they belong.”
The New World was chaos. Several Super Novas had broken through—Urouge defeated Snug, and the red-haired Eustass Kid even seized a few of Big Mom’s ships. Interesting times. Let them play. The Navy had no jurisdiction there anyway.
The World Government’s control barely extended to the Red Line’s edge in the New World. Their stronghold lay in the Four Seas and the Grand Line. Decades ago, they’d tried expanding into the New World, but after heavy losses and no results, they retreated.
So this wasn’t Kuro’s problem. Even if he wanted to meddle, it wasn’t his jurisdiction.
“Kuro Mr.,” a knock echoed. Klah entered. “Kas Commander’s here.”
“Kuro Mr.!!”
Kas strode to the center, snapping a tearful salute. “Dougleg·Kas reporting for duty!”
“Stop, stop, stop.” Kuro massaged his temples, already feeling a headache. “You’re here, that’s enough. No need for formalities. How’s your injury?”
“Thanks to your grace, I’ve fully recovered. Pegasus Island’s thriving better than ever—busier than when you were there!” Kas declared proudly.
So when I was there, it sucked? Kuro rolled his eyes. “Good. Stay for a meal, then head back.”
“Yes! Kuro Mr.!”
Kas’s heart pounded.
A meal?!
Kuro Mr. was inviting him to eat?!
Another step closer to earning his recognition!
…
Outside, at the Navy base.
Several Navy officers lay unconscious, stripped of their uniforms.
Figures in stolen Navy coats stood over them. One adjusted his hat, shadowing his eyes, lips curling into a malevolent grin.
“Begin the operation.”
(End of Chapter)
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