Chapter 48: Wait a Minute, Wait a Minute!
Chapter 48: Wait a Minute, Wait a Minute!
Ignoring the call was impossible. Kuro and Lida hadn't been exploring Water 7 for long when his phone rang.
"Oh my, an accidental call earlier", the old man's voice crackled through. "You must've arrived at Water 7 by now. Here's an address—go there. Someone will meet you."
Click.
Kuro hung up immediately, not sparing another word for the damned old man.
He clicked his tongue in irritation. "I'll never understand—what does this have to do with that old geezer anyway?"
The Pluton project, Water 7, CP9, Carla... Weren't these matters the World Government's responsibility? Admiral Kuzan was supposed to assist discreetly, especially since he'd provided the Pacifista blueprints to Spandam.
So what business did Lucius Kro have butting in?
"Maybe the Admiral wants to give you a promotion?" Klah mused.
"Huh?"
Kuro turned toward him, suddenly sensing danger. Promotion?
The thought stunned him. If this weren't a story where protagonists always triumphed, but rather treated as ordinary pirates—what if they actually succeeded? He'd probably get promoted anyway for 'protecting hostages,' even if he did nothing at all.
Kuro gritted his teeth. "That old bastard's still trying to use me as a tool."
"Aren't we going?" Lida asked.
"We are. This is our only chance. It took forever to get this old coot's permission to move freely—we'd be fools not to make contact. Just a little contact, that's all."
The plot would definitely fail anyway. He had no intention of getting involved. Let them handle it themselves.
Want to promote me?
Not in this lifetime!
The group proceeded to Lucius Kro's specified address—a bar. Despite it being midday, the establishment was nearly empty except for a burly man with ram-like horns combed back, silently polishing glassware.
Upon seeing Navy uniforms approach, the man paused before muttering, "Please wait a moment."
Bruno.
CP9 agent. Working undercover at Water 7's bar.
And Kuro's designated contact.
Shrugging nonchalantly, Kuro seated himself like an ordinary tourist. "Bring us some alcohol, and get her a soft drink", he pointed at Lida.
"I'm of age!" Lida puffed her cheeks indignantly.
"Of age? Look at yourself! Eating more than anyone, sleeping longer than anyone—good girl, just drink your soda!" Kuro shot her an unimpressed glare.
"I want to drink! I want to drink! I want to drink!" Lida pounded the table wildly.
"That's totally mature", Kuro deadpanned, rubbing his temples. "Not happening."
"Tightwad!" Lida stuck out her tongue, eventually giving up when he refused.
"Wine, and a soda."
Bruno materialized silently beside them, deposited the tray's contents, then returned to the counter as though he'd never noticed them. Which he technically hadn't.
Dusk approached. The bar filled with noise.
"Bruno, another round!"
A booming voice announced their approach before Kuro even saw them. A man with golden hair slicked back into a pompadour strode in, goggles perched on his head. Two others followed—a shipwright with a pigeon perched on his shoulder, and a square-faced man whose elongated nose made Kuro think of Pinocchio.
"Oy Bari, tab again?" Bruno asked slowly, polishing glasses.
"Don't be stingy, Bruno! No paycheck yet—buy me a drink! Or you treat us, Lucci!" Bari slung an arm around Lucci's shoulders.
The pigeon ruffled its wings, cawing, "Pauper! Pauper!"
"Hey! Just one drink!" Bari protested.
"Ha! Because Bari IS a pauper!" the long-nosed man laughed.
"Kaku!" Bari turned red-faced.
"Allow me", Kaku clapped Bari's shoulder, smiling. His gaze flicked subtly toward Kuro's table.
Lucci's group never approached Kuro, departing after a few rounds at the bar. As the crowd thinned to just Kuro's table, Bruno approached, collecting empty glasses. "We don't need weaklings. Weaklings get in the way."
Rejection?
Kuro glared. Bruno met his eyes, silent. "If you want to report, go ahead."
Suddenly, Kuro reached out. Bruno clenched his fist—then froze as Kuro grasped his hand firmly.
"Don't worry!" Kuro grinned wide, "We'll leave right away, no trouble at all!"
Who'd expect CP9 to reject them?
Logically, Enies Lobby and World Government Headquarters were peer institutions—no hierarchical relationship. Of course they didn't need Navy interference. Perfect!
No need to interfere at all!
Not retreat—he'd been rejected!
"Lida, stop eating. Klah, help them tidy the bar. We've been mooching drinks and food all afternoon—we should reciprocate."
"Why me?!" Klah sweatdropped, reluctantly rising to clear the mess.
Bruno watched him work silently, then abruptly turned to the back hallway.
Kuro shrugged. In his view, CP9 simply wanted them gone.
When Klah finished, Bruno emerged again.
"Hey bro, we're all cleaned up! Thanks for your hospitality! Next time you need help, just call me—I'll handle it personally!"
Kuro waved cheerfully.
"Wait."
"Huh? Something else, bro?" Kuro turned, puzzled.
Bruno nodded. "We discussed it. While you can't participate directly, you may join the fleet. A Navy Commander is en route to Water 7. I've relayed the order—you'll join his command."
"What?"
Kuro blinked. "You mean you called ahead and assigned us to work under some Navy Commander's fleet? That's what you're saying?"
Bruno nodded solemnly. "Your mission will be completed. You won't face reprimand."
"Wait a minute, wait a minute—I'm confused! You didn't even consult me before suddenly running off to make a report and assigning us to a unit?! I'm trying to help tidy your bar and this is how you repay me?!"
"It was me who tidied", Klah muttered weakly.
(End of Chapter)
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