https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-521-Choosing-a-Codename-Carefully/13538077/
Chapter 522: Can I Choose This One?
Chapter 522: Can I Choose This One?
Mariejois, Pangu City, between the rights.
Five old men had been posing nonstop from the start of the year to its end.
"Sakazuki, regarding Lucius Kro's promotion..."
The five old men faced Sakazuki. The curly-haired one declared, "We've agreed."
"As it should be", Sakazuki replied, biting his cigar. "You should've agreed long ago."
"Don't misunderstand", interjected the old man with a map-shaped mark on his head. "Buggy the Clown's defeat must be claimed by the Navy, not pirates—even the Seven Warlords of the Sea can't take this credit. We've reviewed Lucius Kro's original report, and it wouldn't pass our standards. On that point, you did well."
"The witnesses also claim Lucius Kro confronted Buggy the Clown", added the long-bearded elder. "So it's not solely Dracule Mihawk's achievement. That little brat is just too honest—he wouldn't even speak up about it."
"And his strength is sufficient", nodded the sword-bearing old man. "His reputation within the Navy is solid. We'll proceed as you suggested, Sakazuki."
"Then it's settled. For once, you've made the right call", Sakazuki said, satisfied.
"Mind your position, Sakazuki", the curly-haired elder snapped. "You have no authority to criticize us. The Navy is merely the World Government's facade."
"Say what you will. As long as my goal is achieved."
Sakazuki snorted coldly and strode away.
"That damned Sakazuki", the map-marked elder growled. "His attitude's changed drastically since becoming Fleet Admiral."
"It's his nature", the long-bearded elder replied. "We chose him as Fleet Admiral precisely because of his personality."
"Enough about Sakazuki", the sword-bearer said. "Let's discuss Lucius Kro. We can't afford to overlook him again—he's been denied twice already."
"Exactly", the curly-haired elder agreed. "After Lucius's last incident and the Charlotte Big Mom affair, we suppressed that brat's merits and achievements. If we do it again, resentment will grow."
"Buggy the Clown's case leaves us no choice", the curly-haired elder continued. "That damnable Sakazuki published the Navy's resolution in the official notice. If we deny Lucius's promotion now, we'd be admitting the Navy failed to defeat Wald, and that Dracule Mihawk—the Seven Warlords of the Sea representative—took the credit instead."
"In the end, the credit must go to Lucius Kro", the red-skinned elder said, arms crossed. "That brat's influence can't be contained anymore. Besides, he was personally designated as the next Admiral by that old monkey. After the Four Nations incident, many in the Navy already grumbled. We can't repeat the Zeff debacle. Lucius is fundamentally loyal to us, evident from his attitude toward the World Nobles."
"True", the curly-haired elder nodded. "Charloss even praised him recently."
"Then it's settled. Approve his promotion to Vice Admiral and list him as an Admiral candidate. Codename: Golden Lion."
...
"I'm just a commoner today, but I'm truly happy!" Kuro lounged in his chair, legs crossed, humming contentedly.
Since the Wald incident, the world had returned to a fragile peace—at least on the surface. Everyone resumed their routines. For the Grand Line's first half, things were quiet now. Pirates? Lida, Klah, and Sengoku handled patrols, crushing threats before they reached land, leaving Kuro blissfully idle. He spent his days napping, traveling, sipping drinks in scenic spots—life couldn't be more comfortable. Except for Shabondy's inconvenient location, nothing else mattered. He even had vacation time to return to Pegasus Island, but he rarely bothered. Sitting high in his office, blowing smoke rings, seemed the perfect choice. Life was too good.
"Vice Admiral Kuro!" Wilbur entered, saluting.
"Oh, Wilbur", Kuro glanced lazily. "What's up?"
"Your Transponder Snail was unreachable", Wilbur reported. "Headquarters contacted me directly—they've summoned you for a report."
"Huh?" Kuro blinked. "A report? Didn't I just submit one? Let Klah handle it. Gramps will cut me some slack."
Since stationing at Shabondy, he'd let resentment fester. Last time, he'd sent Klah in his place. After all, his direct subordinate, plus Gramps's leniency, made Headquarters indifferent. He'd decided then to let Klah handle all future reports—every time he went personally, trouble followed.
Wilbur hesitated. "Headquarters insists you come in person."
"Fine, fine. Got it", Kuro waved him off.
"That's all", Wilbur said, lowering his head but stealing glances at the Devil Fruit display beside Kuro.
Noticing his gaze, Kuro mused, "You've worked hard lately. Pick one as a gift."
Wilbur's eyes lit up. Kuro had high standards—Wilbur never caused trouble, completed tasks diligently, and admitted mistakes humbly. His combat potential wasn't impressive, but Devil Fruit power could change that.
"Just don't eat that one", Kuro warned, pointing at a sea-blue banana-shaped fruit. "That Fish Fish Devil Fruit's useless. Take any other."
After Wald's death, Lida's bag hadn't yielded his Devil Fruit—a bittersweet loss. Disappointing because it could've boosted anyone's power. Relieved because if Lida's bag held more Devil Fruits, he'd live in constant fear. If that bag had a 100% drop rate, everyone would covet it.
"Thank you, Vice Admiral Kuro!" Wilbur beamed. "I won't disappoint you!"
Devil Fruit! Vice Admiral Kuro was giving him one! This was the secret to power—the ultimate recognition!
Trembling with excitement, Wilbur approached the display. He selected a Devil Fruit and turned, eyes shining. "Can I choose this one?!"
(End of Chapter)
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