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Chapter 491: Crimson-Black Gold
Chapter 491: Crimson-Black Gold
Kuro’s sincerity wasn’t feigned.
For Yi Xiao, who had mastered Observation Haki, sensing others’ emotions came naturally. Though Kuro’s thoughts remained opaque—his formidable mastery of Observation Haki shielding his innermost intentions—his earnestness was unmistakable.
This was genuine.
"Am I truly that important?" Yi Xiao asked hesitantly.
The Navy had approached him before, merely offering him a position. For someone like Yi Xiao, who had spent years alone, that arrangement felt unsuitable. To pursue his ambitions, status was nonnegotiable.
Then he’d heard the Navy had already conscripted an Admiral. The other name that came to mind was Lucius Kro, the man he’d encountered in the Insect Country. The Navy’s World Recruitment meant the final Admiral seat would inevitably go to him. Yi Xiao had abandoned any hope of joining.
Which made Lucius Kro’s personal visit all the more surprising. Did he no longer desire the Admiral title?
As if sensing Yi Xiao’s confusion, Kuro grinned. "Brother, I’m Admiral Lucius Kro’s subordinate. Even if I were to become an Admiral, it’d only be after my old man retires. But right now, the Navy desperately needs men like you—champions of Justice. Think about it."
He slung an arm over Yi Xiao’s shoulder. "I know you’ve got a soft spot for gambling, but relying solely on Observation Haki? That’s cheating, not fun. But as an Admiral, you’d earn a hefty salary. Gambling with that money? Fun and Justice, all in one. No downsides."
"But won’t you mind if I become an Admiral?" Yi Xiao asked.
"Not at all! What kind of person do you think I am? They call me the East Blue’s Tolerant Little Prince, after all. Imagine this: you’re a powerful Devil Fruit user, and I’ve got the Float-Float Fruit. If we’re both Admirals, working side by side, we’d crush pirates and villains alike. Unstoppable!"
Kuro continued, "Brother, we’ve crossed paths before. You know me, I know you. Joining the Navy benefits both of us. Why hesitate?"
"You put it that way…" Yi Xiao paused, then nodded. "If Brother Kuro has no objections, I won’t either."
"Absolutely none! I’ve always seen you as family. From now on, we’ll be brothers in arms, fighting for the Navy together!"
"Then…" Yi Xiao stepped back, bowing deeply. "As a new recruit, I’ll rely on you all."
"No, no—we’ll rely on you, Brother!" Kuro quickly steadied him, beaming.
Mission accomplished.
After all, someone like Yi Xiao—so driven by Justice—would inevitably be pulled into the Revolutionary Army’s orbit if he stayed independent. Or worse, he might do something reckless and end up branded a criminal by the World Government. Kuro trusted Yi Xiao’s judgment, and the World Government wasn’t foolish, but… what if?
Creating a formidable enemy unnecessarily would be disastrous. If Yi Xiao roamed the New World, it might not matter. But if he operated in the Grand Line, how many forces would it take to stop him?
Joining the Navy? A perfect solution.
"Alright, Brother! Come with me. We’ll stop by my place, then I’ll arrange a ship to Headquarters", Kuro said.
"I’ll impose on your hospitality, then."
Yi Xiao nodded, then turned to the trembling, bewildered casino manager. "Oh, one more thing—mind exchanging my chips?"
Winning money meant nothing without chips. Gambling with Observation Haki—betting on big or small—was no different from cheating. Kuro knew this all too well. He’d done it himself years ago, back when his salary was meager and he’d needed to exploit the system. But those days were long gone.
---
New Marine Headquarters
Lucius Kro set down his wrist communicator, sipping tea leisurely. "He did it."
Sakazuki, seated at the office’s head, smirked. "Of course. Sending Kuro was the right call."
"Oh? Scary, isn’t it? You, Sakazuki, actually scheming?" Lucius teased.
"Don’t joke, Borsalino. As Fleet Admiral, the old man isn’t just focused on crushing evil—he’s shaping the Navy’s future. Yi Xiao, ‘Tatsumaki’… even the World Recruitment candidates pale compared to those we cultivate ourselves. Kuzan betrayed us, quitting on a whim. Who knows what’ll happen next?"
"The old man won’t let Kuzan’s betrayal repeat itself. Kuro’s only a Vice Admiral now, but when our generation steps down, he’ll inherit the Navy’s mantle steadily."
Lucius shrugged, his teacup’s rim curving upward. "True. Kuro becoming an Admiral? We all know it’s off-limits for now—not just because he’s my faction’s man, but the World Government won’t risk an Admiral who’d dare challenge the Four Emperors alone."
But Sakazuki’s vision ran deeper. Beyond Admiral lay Fleet Admiral. Yi Xiao and Tatsumaki, as World Recruitment picks, might’ve vied for the title without Kuro. But with Kuro in play, the Fleet Admiral seat would inevitably be his.
Kuro and Yi Xiao had already bonded. If no accidents arose, installing this ‘Admiral’ as a stepping stone, backed by their faction, Kuro’s rise to Fleet Admiral would be seamless. No policy clashes, no betrayals like Kuzan’s.
A lesson Sakazuki had never forgotten.
---
Above the Grand Line
Kuro’s Warship sailed homeward, Yi Xiao’s recruitment secured.
"Brother Kuro", Yi Xiao asked, now seated in the Warship’s office after a tour. "What’s your philosophy of Justice?"
Kuro had shown him around, then ordered Ju Geng to prepare a meal, personally hosting Yi Xiao in his office.
"Safety", Kuro replied instantly. "A safe Justice—my Justice. Everything starts with safety. How can the world, the Navy, or civilians thrive without it?"
"Safety, huh? That explains…" Yi Xiao nodded, realization dawning.
Through his perception, Kuro’s aura had always been strange—red, yellow, and blue blending into pitch-black. Yet within that darkness, a wisp of golden light shimmered. And within that gold? A trace of crimson, transforming it all into Crimson-Black Gold.
In Yi Xiao’s world, color revealed character.
"No wonder you defeated Lucius…" Yi Xiao mused. "Brother Kuro, working with you feels… effortless. Perhaps you’ll help me fulfill my wish."
(End of Chapter)
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