Chapter 490: Navy Sent Me With a Message
Chapter 490: Navy Sent Me With a Message
Spring Queen City, San Borabra.
Several Warships docked at the Port, drawing curious glances from nearby residents.
Kuro stepped off first, followed by Klah and Lida. Behind them, Sazil, Ju Geng, and Fen Ni all wore navy-hooded cloaks that billowed in the wind.
Leading the group, Kuro and his Navy squad marched forward like a sharp awl.
Residents nearby quickly scattered to the sides, watching warily as the Navy personnel advanced.
Navy officers weren’t uncommon here—usually on vacation—but this many Warships arriving at once? Rumors of pirates in town began circulating, though no such news had surfaced.
“Hmph.”
Kuro suddenly sighed mid-stride.
“What’s wrong, Kuro?” Lida asked.
“I’m just… confused,” Kuro muttered, stroking his chin. “This place calls itself the Spring Queen City—all about springtime and queens. I expected something refined, maybe even a hub for those who abhor gambling and drugs. But it’s just a bustling, ordinary town.”
“Abhor gambling and drugs?” Lida tilted her head, puzzled.
Klah caught the reference immediately. “You forgot to mention the ‘yellow’ part, Kuro.”
“I, Huang Kuro, abhor gambling and drugs!” Kuro declared, deadpan.
Klah: “…Right.”
The group pressed on until they reached a grand, palace-like building—the largest casino in San Borabra, as Klah explained. Though he hadn’t spoken, Kuro had already sensed the powerful aura inside using Observation Haki. There was only one such presence in Saint Borabra.
“Some of you come with me. The rest, surround the building,” Kuro ordered.
The Navy swiftly encircled the casino as Kuro’s squad pushed open the doors, storming inside.
The moment they entered, raucous cheers erupted from gamblers crowded around tables.
Kuro scanned the room, spotting a purple-robed, blindfolded man shouting enthusiastically at a craps table—Yi Xiao.
“Big! Big! Big!” Yi Xiao bellowed, his expression mirroring the other gamblers’. Aside from his towering frame, he looked like any other compulsive bettor.
“Clearing operations!” Klah barked. Navy officers with rifles surged forward.
“Hey, what’s the big idea?!”
“We’re just gambling! Not criminals!”
“Why are you kicking us out?!”
Patrons protested, but Navy guns left little room for argument. One by one, they slunk out, grumbling.
A nervous casino manager approached Klah, hands clasped. “Officer, we’re a legitimate business. No offense intended to the Navy—could this be a misunderstanding?”
“No misunderstanding. We’re here for someone else. Don’t interfere with Navy operations,” Klah snapped. “Everyone else—out!”
The remaining crowd scattered like birds.
“Navy operations, huh?” Yi Xiao leaned on his cane-sword, preparing to leave.
“Not so fast, Brother,” Kuro blocked his path, grinning. “I’m here for you.”
Yi Xiao’s eyes flickered open, revealing pale sclera. “Kuro… Brother? Didn’t expect you.”
“Long time no see,” Kuro flashed his white teeth. “Heard you’re still a law-abiding citizen?”
“Of course. What’s this about?”
Kuro’s grin widened. “The Navy asked me to deliver a message: Surrender—no, join us. Beri rewards await!”
He gestured grandly. “With your strength, Admiral rank’s within reach. The Navy’s holding a World Recruitment drive—Justice-seekers like you are exactly what we need!”
“Navy values me?” Yi Xiao raised an eyebrow. “But Sakazuki just conscripted a new Admiral. Why another?”
“One spot remains,” Kuro said. “Sakazuki’s World Recruitment lets anyone with strength join. Positions are yours for the taking.”
Kuro privately scoffed at the World Recruitment. True Navy loyalty took years to cultivate. This sudden influx felt more like hiring mercenaries—no faction ties, no real integration. Even as a ten-year veteran, he preferred the old ways.
“Surely you’re a candidate, Lucius Kro Brother?” Yi Xiao mused. “You defeated Lucius. Even a blind man like me hears tales.”
“Not me,” Kuro shook his head. “Just a Shabondy Base Commander—Vice Admiral at best. The Admiral seat? That’s yours, Brother.”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
