Chapter 523: Devoting My Life to Kuromr.
Chapter 523: Devoting My Life to Kuromr.
"Pretty good choice."
Kuro glanced at the Devil Fruit, waved his hand, and said, "Fine, no one else wants it anyway. Here you go. Hope you keep up the good work."
He had just obtained the Multiply-Multiply Devil Fruit, which no one in his subordinates' chain of command had wanted. Since Wilbur was stationed at Shabondy permanently, giving it to him made sense.
This Devil Fruit was also excellent for defense. If cannonballs could be enlarged tenfold, their destructive power would be formidable.
"Thank you, Vice Admiral Kuro!"
Wilbur straightened his posture, took a deep breath, and stared at the Devil Fruit, his mind racing.
As he spent more time interacting with Kas, he learned more details about Kuro. When Kas had eaten his Devil Fruit, he’d shown immense courage. After all, Devil Fruits were said to house demons.
As a man of the sea, sacrificing the ability to swim forever on the Grand Line was something most people couldn’t bear. But Kas had done it willingly.
Just like Kas, to help Vice Admiral Kuro and spread the Justice he taught, even if it meant becoming a landlubber, even if it meant never setting foot in the ocean again—every sacrifice was worth it!
"Kas, with you as my example, I, Wilbur, will never falter!"
Wilbur’s heart roared with madness as he grabbed the Devil Fruit, shoved it into his mouth, and swallowed it whole in one bite. Most people in this world seemed to have the skill to swallow Devil Fruits whole—whether by talent or necessity, no one knew.
"Damn."
Watching this, Kuro grimaced. Another man who’d mastered the proper way to eat a Devil Fruit. One bite risked incomplete effects, but eating too much was agonizingly unpleasant—Kuro had firsthand experience. Swallowing it whole, however, dulled the taste. By gulping it down, the bitter flavor only lingered for a moment, no chewing required.
"Vice Admiral Kuro!"
After swallowing the Devil Fruit, Wilbur’s face flushed greenish-white. He staggered, then steadied himself, his eyes burning as he stared at Kuro. "This strength—I will use it wisely!"
"Oh, do your best."
Kuro nodded. "Work hard. I have high hopes for you—you’re already better than Kas."
"Kas?"
Wilbur’s face flushed with excitement. "Am I really better than Kas in some ways?!"
"Yes, in certain aspects, you’re far superior to Kas."
Kuro didn’t deny it. Wilbur was low-maintenance, while Kas—the hot-headed bearded man—was the kind of person who’d make you lose your mind entirely.
"I understand! I’ll give it my all!" Wilbur clenched his fist.
He wasn’t just acknowledged by Vice Admiral Kuro—he’d been told he surpassed Kas in certain aspects. Kas, the man he admired most! Could it be… he truly had the potential to fulfill his lifelong dream and become Kuro’s spear?
"Vice Admiral Kuro… no, may I call you Kuromr.?" Wilbur asked, his eyes brimming with hope.
"Hmm?"
Kuro raised an eyebrow. "Sure, I don’t mind."
"Thank you, Kuromr.!!"
Wilbur snapped a sharp salute. "I’ll never disappoint your expectations!!"
As he spoke, tears nearly welled up in his eyes.
"Cut it out, big guy. What are you crying for? Anyway, do your best. You’re dismissed." Kuro waved his hand, slightly annoyed.
Why was this guy getting so emotional? Just like Kas, that idiot.
"Understood!"
Wilbur saluted again, then practically skipped out of the office. He needed to share this good news with Kas immediately—tell him that he, too, had been acknowledged by Kuromr.!
As he ran, he clutched the book Justice Quotes tucked against his chest, feeling his heart burn with passion.
"Kas dedicates his physical strength to Kuromr.’s Justice. Now, I will show the world Kuromr.’s Justice philosophy, his noble ideals! For Kuromr., I will devote my entire life!!" he vowed silently.
"Achoo!"
Back in his office, Kuro sneezed again, a sudden chill running through him.
Rubbing his nose, he muttered, "Why have I been sneezing so much lately?"
Leaning back in his chair, he shifted into a more comfortable position—a perfect Xian Yu Slouch—and closed his eyes to rest.
…
Four months later.
Time passed as Kuro spent his days in the Xian Yu Slouch.
Wilbur visited regularly to report on Shabondy’s status and remind Kuro to return for duty reviews. Kuro ignored those reminders.
As long as Gramps was above him, he had nothing to worry about. But lately, things had changed.
"Hey, Kuro. The New Marine Headquarters is holding its inauguration ceremony soon. Aren’t you going?"
In the office, Lida asked eagerly, "I wonder how the food in the New Marine Headquarters’ Dining Hall tastes."
The New Marine Headquarters had been completed two months ago, but the ceremony was only now being held.
This time, Kuro had to attend.
Wilbur had come to remind him again, bringing a direct order from Fleet Admiral Sakazuki insisting on his presence.
Biting his cigar, Kuro nodded. "Can’t miss this. Fleet Admiral Sakazuki’s face needs saving."
Truthfully, he’d been anxious about receiving a promotion notice after the Wald incident. But four months had passed with no word—his blame-shifting had succeeded. His guard was finally down.
Besides, this wasn’t a routine review—it was a Navy-wide ceremony. Each base had to send representatives, while others watched via Transponder Snail.
He had to show respect. After all, Sakazuki was Fleet Admiral.
"Call Klah and have him prepare. Notify Mariejois to arrange ships and passage. You two will accompany me. The rest stay here to guard the base." Kuro ordered.
They had to pass through Mariejois to reach the New World.
Did he look like someone who’d take the Fishman Island route? As a Navy officer, why would he risk that place? Especially now that Charlotte Big Mom had claimed it, and Jinbei wasn’t exactly on friendly terms with him.
Plus, Kuro still had lingering fears about diving into the sea. If an accident happened, he’d end up buried in the ocean depths.
"Got it~"
Lida replied, pulling out her Transponder Snail. Suddenly, she asked, "Oh, should we invite Kas?"
"Huh? If he wants to go, he can. Though he’s my subordinate, he’s also the Base Commander of Pegasus Island. The choice is his." Kuro said.
"I see."
Lida nodded and dialed Klah’s number, relaying Kuro’s orders before hanging up.
"By the way, Kuro", Lida turned to him. "Lately, that bar in 13GR feels… different. I sensed a strong aura."
"That place?"
Kuro gazed out the window toward 13GR.
"Leave it be. As long as that old man doesn’t cause trouble, we’ll stay out of it."
(End of Chapter)
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