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Chapter 508: The Arrogance of the Old-School Navy
Chapter 508: The Arrogance of the Old-School Navy
Hawk-Eye Dracule Mihawk.
The man known as "Hawk-Eye", the World's Greatest Swordsman.
This epithet, like those of the veteran Seven Warlords of the Sea, carried intriguing weight. Similar to the Three Admirals, their titles were all animal-inspired: Bear, Hawk-Eye, Boa Hancock, Whale Shark, Black Bat, Flamingo, and Crocodile.
For over a decade, these individuals had dominated the Grand Line with overwhelming authority.
But ever since Luffy's rise, the Seven Warlords' prestige had steadily crumbled.
As Sengoku once warned:
"Stop losing. If we keep failing, there'll be no reason for the Seven Warlords of the Sea to exist at all."
As one of the World Government's three pillars, the Seven Warlords were meant to deter the countless pirates stirring in the Grand Line. Fundamentally, they could not afford defeat.
Let alone situations like now, where three new members had been hastily added.
Three new ones.
The World Government had even retained the vacant slot of the now-mindless Bear, ensuring the veteran Seven Warlords still held four positions. If too many new faces occupied the title, the Seven Warlords' reputation would no longer hold sway over the Grand Line.
"You showed up too." Kuro leaned back in his chair, biting a cigar as he eyed Dracule Mihawk. "Strange. I never thought you'd attend a meeting like this."
Dracule Mihawk pulled out a chair and sat beside Kuro. "Only because of you, Lucius Kro. Though you're no longer a pure swordsman, there's hardly anyone left on the Grand Line worthy of crossing blades with me."
"Don't flatter me. I'd never beat the World's Greatest Swordsman. Besides, I'm not above cheating."
Kuro waved a hand dismissively. "Let's keep the meeting moving. Three Seven Warlords are here, and if one more answers the summons, we'll have four. That's enough."
While Boa Hancock and Dracule Mihawk alone would be more than sufficient to handle Wald,
There was another presence in the room—Law.
Kuro simply didn't respect him.
Not because Law lacked strength. Back in the Sabaody Archipelago, Law had proven his might, and a year and a half had only sharpened his edge. Especially with the Surgery Fruit's power, carelessness could prove fatal.
Kuro, by nature, approached such threats cautiously.
Yet his old-school pride remained.
Whether Navy or pirate, he only acknowledged those who'd carved reputations and survived decades on the Grand Line.
As for newcomers? They hadn't earned his respect—especially not when their abilities were already known.
Like the old-school Navy's attitude toward new recruits—annoyance, not fear—Kuro felt the same. These upstarts lacked the qualifications to impress him.
In his eyes, Buggy posed more of a nuisance than Law.
While Buggy's strength was lacking, his prestige had rallied escaped convicts from Impel Down. Those fugitives were no small headache.
This was old-school pragmatism. After surviving twenty years here, arrogance came naturally.
Once the Navy Commander—the "meeting-obsessed" officer—finished briefing Wald's situation, Kuro cleared his throat, stood, and strode before the grand curtain.
"This meeting's been entrusted to me by Headquarters, so let me outline a few points."
"Buggy the Clown is a major threat to the Navy, pirates, and civilians alike."
"You must cooperate to eliminate him swiftly. This is precisely why the Seven Warlords exist. This time, it's up to you all—show me what the Seven Warlords of the Sea are worth."
"What about you?" Boa Hancock arched a brow. "What will you do?"
"Me? I'll return to Sabaody to guard the gates." Kuro replied. "Just in case—should you fail to stop him, I'll hold the final line."
Technically, the Navy was supposed to assist.
But Kuro had no intention of helping.
Guarding the gates? That was just lip service.
The Seven Warlords could handle this. These old-line Grand Line veterans were the most reliable.
If even this many Seven Warlords couldn't defeat Wald?
Then Kuro might as well retire and chase the One Piece himself.
"Bro-bro-bro!"
The Transponder Snail suddenly rang. Kuro raised his brow and turned.
Not a Navy line.
Boa Hancock's giant serpent coiled beside her, its head now bearing a tiny Transponder Snail.
She was calling.
Boa Hancock frowned, lifting the receiver.
The snail crackled with an old woman's panicked scream: "Boa Hancock! It's terrible! Sanda Sonia and Marigold have been captured!"
"What?!"
Boa Hancock's eyes widened as she pressed the receiver tighter. "What did you say?!"
"Buggy the Clown has taken Sanda Sonia and Marigold!"
"How could they be captured?! Did Wald invade Ku Snake Island?!"
"No, it was that straw—"
Before the voice could finish, Boa Hancock interrupted. "I'm in the middle of a Navy meeting, Granny Niu!"
Kuro glanced her way but said nothing.
The snail fell silent briefly before continuing: "Sanda Sonia and Marigold were out hunting when Wald spotted their ship. He discovered they were your sisters and took them. He said—he said if you want your sisters back, you must come alone."
"I understand, Granny Niu. Bring the ship to pick me up."
Boa Hancock slammed down the receiver, her teeth gritting in fury. "Damn you, Wald!!"
She turned sharply and stormed out.
"Hey, Snake Princess! Where do you think you're going mid-meeting?" Storbery called.
"I'm going to save my sisters. I don't have time to play with you!" Boa Hancock tossed the words over her shoulder as she vanished outside.
"Conscripted."
Storbery opened his mouth to protest, but Kuro shook his head. "Forget it, Brother. Let her go. The Seven Warlords are all temperamental bastards."
"Right."
Law stood as well, heading for the exit. "This sounds entertaining. I'll join the fun."
Only Dracule Mihawk remained seated. His sharp eyes flicked toward the door, then his head dipped slightly, his face obscured by his hat's shadow.
"Regardless, at least they're moving."
Kuro glanced at Dracule Mihawk, saying nothing further. There was no point ordering the Seven Warlords around—they weren't Navy.
Especially Dracule Mihawk, the lone wolf.
Still, it was good the Seven Warlords were taking action.
In Kuro's mind, it was already settled. Boa Hancock alone would suffice. That Luffy would likely intervene too.
Anyone dragged into the movie version was doomed to misfortune.
All under control. No need for him to get involved.
"Hey, Kuro."
Dracule Mihawk suddenly spoke, his legs now propped on the table. "Let's have a match."
"Declined."
Kuro flatly refused.
Did he think he could just challenge me?
Do I look like I have no pride?
...
Grand Line.
"That's all."
Two ships floated on the sea as the towering figure carelessly tossed the bound Sanda Sonia and Marigold onto the deck. He faced the three standing before him. "I'll leave them to you, Sebastian, Gairam, Nacin."
"Consider it done!"
The man with a Square Hammer strapped to his back thumped his chest proudly.
"Boss Jack, we're off."
The giant man addressed the frail old man perched on his shoulder, then boarded the other ship. Its bow bore a massive cannon.
(End of Chapter)
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