Chapter 521: Choosing a Codename Carefully
Chapter 521: Choosing a Codename Carefully
Historical truths, the Blank Century—Kuro couldn't care less. What use was knowing such things? Would it change the world? Obviously not. It was all nonsense.
But things hadn't turned out as badly as Kuro had expected. The World Government hadn't disclosed anything, the Navy hadn't pursued it, and intelligence suggested Kuzan and Blackbeard were cooperating—though Kuro had no clue what that madman actually wanted.
"Whatever, it's none of my business. Go cause chaos in the New World, you bastards. Just stay the hell away from me."
Kuro tossed aside the newspaper, propped his legs up, and leaned back in his chair, eyes closed as he watched colorful bubbles rise outside the window. While this place was far noisier than Pegasus Island, settling into a stable routine wasn't so bad. After all, a man should know contentment.
...
New Marine Headquarters.
The construction of the New Marine Headquarters was nearly complete. The massive structure's scaffolding had thinned, though recently, some had been added back due to unexpected damage. The current Navy Fleet Admiral Sakazuki had, in a fit of rage, burned down his office and scorched part of the building.
"Kuzan, that bastard!"
Every time Sakazuki saw the newspaper, his fury boiled over. Even now, he felt his blood pressure rising. How could Kuzan partner with the Blackbeard Pirates? No matter the reason, cooperating with pirates was unforgivable.
"Oh~ scary indeed", Lucius Kro mused, setting down his teacup. "Let's table Kuzan's issue for now. Wald's dead—Kuro's report claims Dracule Mihawk did it. We haven't released the report yet. Should we revise it?"
"Dracule Mihawk?" Sakazuki turned to Lucius Kro. "Dracule Mihawk is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. While the World Government has conscripted them, this matter can't be left solely to the Seven Warlords. Did Kuro's report only mention Dracule Mihawk? What about himself?"
"Not a word." Lucius Kro shook his head. "Not sure if it's true or not, but the old man thinks we can 'adjust' it."
"I see your point", Sakazuki nodded. "Kuro, as Shabondy's Base Commander, has already proven himself. The World Government wouldn't want the Seven Warlords to overshadow the Navy. Let's rewrite the report. That brat's already eliminated several old-timers—adding one more won't hurt."
Some kills Kuro claimed, others he didn't. But either way, he'd taken down plenty of veterans. Shanks, Lucius, Luo Shen of Insect Country, Buggy the Clown—four pirates who once dominated the Grand Line in the Old Era, two of whom were former crewmates of Rocks. One more, one less—it hardly mattered.
Sakazuki clenched his crimson-glowing fist. "That little brat Kuro deserves a 'codename' already!"
"Oh~ a candidate?" Lucius Kro mused, nodding. "The old man agrees. No rush to send him to Shabondy. He's earned this status."
The Navy shouldn't be limited to the 'Three Admirals.' Having 'Three Candidates' made sense. With only two current Candidates, adding a third would balance things perfectly.
"Draft the report. No—better yet, the old man should go to Mariejois and discuss it with the Five Elders." Sakazuki stood abruptly. With his temperament, once decided, action followed.
"The old man can ponder Kuro's codename. Golden Lion? Sounds good?" Lucius Kro stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Why not let the old man decide?"
A snow-white head peeked through the doorway—Sengoku.
"Oh~ Sengoku-san!" Lucius Kro grinned. "Any suggestions?"
"Hahaha, Borsalino, you're too hasty", Sengoku chuckled. "The World Government might not even agree. Though I think they will. How about 'Ni'?"
"Ni?" Lucius Kro tilted his head. "Oh, that's vivid!"
"Yes! A sheep's head, a dragon's body, resembling a lion—a mythical beast. Perfect for that brat", Sengoku explained.
The Ni was a legendary smoke-breathing, smoke-loving, sedentary creature—just like Kuro. The Navy's naming tradition was clear: the original Three Admirals—Akainu, Lucius Kro, Kuzan—represented dog, monkey, rooster. The two Admiral Candidates—Momousagi, Tatsumaki—rabbit and boar. The new Admirals—Vegapunk, Tatsumaki—tiger and ox. All drawn from the Twelve Earthly Branches. Kuro's name, too, aligned with the "sheep" branch.
Lucius Kro marveled, "Sengoku-san also believes Kuro will become an Admiral?"
"Hahaha, you know best, Borsalino", Sengoku laughed. "When you retire, he'll take your seat."
Lucius Kro chuckled noncommittally. "Golden Ni' sounds promising. Wonder if Kuro will like it? He once complained to me about Lida's codename."
"Oh? You mean 'White Butterfly'? Most pirates call her 'White Whale' instead", Sengoku smirked. "Trust me, the old man's choice will please him!"
...
"Achoo!"
Back in Shabondy, Kuro sneezed, rubbing his nose and glancing outside. "Who the hell's thinking of me? A beauty?"
Klah twitched his lips. Beauty? Unlikely. More like someone cursing his name across the Grand Line.
"Fleet Admiral Sakazuki went to Mariejois", Klah reported.
"So? A Fleet Admiral visiting Mariejois to bicker with those five old men? Normal enough", Kuro lit a cigar. "Being a Fleet Admiral or Admiral's a pain—answerable to the Navy, then reporting to Mariejois. Garp stayed smart, never climbing ranks to avoid that hassle."
He exhaled smoke, musing, "Kuzan once followed Garp, huh? No wonder he partners with pirates. Same bloodline. Thinks Marshall D. Teach will become the Pirate King?"
(End of Chapter)
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