https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-526-Tashigi-Your-Hairstyle-is-Dangerous/13538112/
Chapter 527: The Higher-Ups Are Investigating You
Chapter 527: The Higher-Ups Are Investigating You
【Justice Bbq】.
The group entered a hybrid restaurant-tavern establishment and requested a private room.
“Boroboroboro.”
No sooner had they sat down than the Transponder Snail in Smoker’s coat began ringing. He pulled the snail from his chest, leaned back in his chair with one leg casually crossed over the other, bit down on his cigar, and answered with his usual smug expression.
“What?”
“Smoker? I see your ship’s docked. Where are you?” A familiar female voice crackled through.
“Tina? I’m at—” Smoker glanced at Kuro. “A place called ‘Justice Bbq.’ Kuro’s footing the bill. You coming?”
“Oh? Kuro? That’s rare. I’ll drop by.”
The call cut off.
“Kuro, you don’t mind an extra guest?” Smoker asked after hanging up.
“You already invited her. What am I supposed to say?” Kuro rolled his White Eye, slouching in his chair as he exhaled a plume of smoke from his cigar. “More people, more fun. We haven’t all gathered like this in ages. Tina’s been stationed near Arabasta, right? That’s her jurisdiction.”
He didn’t care—actually, he had a favor to ask from Tina. His stock was running low, and he needed a fresh supply.
Devil Fruit creations could be either permanent or temporary. Boa Hancock’s pink arrows or Wald’s enlarged constructs fell into the latter category. Their effects vanished if their abilities were nullified—whether through defeat, unconsciousness, or physical exhaustion.
But Tina’s creations were different. Once made, they existed permanently. That’s why Kuro coveted her ability the most.
“Kuro Vice Admiral!” Tashigi blurted excitedly. “Hearing you defeated Lucius was incredible! Truly incredible! When I heard the news, I was genuinely thrilled for you. With your strength, you deserved to shake the Grand Line long ago. Better late than never—this is fantastic!”
“Great, great. Go polish your sword or something.” Kuro’s eye nearly rolled into the back of his head.
Was that praise? It felt like she was prying open an old scar!
“Got another rumor for you,” Smoker exhaled smoke, eyeing Kuro. “The Four Emperors’ Big Mom. Heard a big commotion, but I’m not sure if it’s true. Since you’re here, I’ll ask.”
“You should be hunting pirates at G-5, not gossiping. You some kind of woman?” Kuro snapped.
“Kuro Vice Admiral, I don’t gossip!” Tashigi automatically defended herself.
Kuro: “……”
“So? Is it true?” Smoker pressed.
“True enough. Tina can confirm.”
The private room door swung open as Tina strolled in, cigarette dangling from her lips. “Kohaku told me everything. I know Kuro visited Big Mom personally. That’s no small matter.”
“Tina, you’re here.” Smoker greeted.
“Long time, Smoker. What’s with the scar on your forehead?”
Tina scanned him before adding, “Long time, everyone.”
“Hey, Klah Captain!”
Zangao and Fenbodi followed her in. Zangao waved at Klah.
“Call me Commander!” Klah shot him a glare. “After all these years, still can’t break that habit?”
“Haha, old habits. I’ve always hated pirates the most!” Zangao bellowed.
“Hey, Zangao, you were a pirate!” Fenbodi elbowed him.
“Eh! Right, I forgot!”
“No worries, partner! Just dance, and all troubles vanish!” Fenbodi began swaying.
“You two doing stand-up?” Kuro rolled his White Eye. “Sit down and stop clowning around.”
“Yes, Kuro Vice Admiral!” They saluted and obediently took seats.
Respect for rank—Vice Admirals weren’t to be trifled with. Fenbodi, a veteran Marine, naturally obeyed hierarchy. Zangao, once under Klah’s command, followed suit.
“Kuro, your recent exploits shocked me,” Tina said, leaning forward. “Lucius, Charlotte Big Mom, Buggy the Clown—you’ve eliminated two and crossed paths with another. Plus Shanks and Luo Shen from Insect Country. All legendary pirates. All your doing.”
“Listen,” Kuro arched a brow. “Since when are you an intelligence expert? Where’d you dig up all this?”
“Forgot? I’m under Kohaku,” Tina replied, twirling her cigarette. “Shiranami’s intelligence network flows through her, and we women love to gossip. Daily chats revolve around Grand Line intel—turning secrets into rumors.”
“My underwear’s practically stripped off by you lot,” Kuro grumbled.
Why did the Navy brass know everything he’d done? Every kill, every move tracked. He was just a lowly Vice Admiral! What was the obsession?
I’m a Vice Admiral who bickers daily, slacks off, and avoids promotions.
What’s with this surveillance?
Kuro slouched, eyes rolling.
“Tina only learned recently,” Tina added. “The higher-ups are investigating you.”
“Kuro, anything to hide?” Smoker chimed in.
“After Shabondy’s massacre, an investigation’s expected,” Smoker added.
The entire Navy knew. Shabondy, once pirates’ halfway haven, had become a peaceful sanctuary under Kuro. Hawks faction revered him as a legend. Doves disliked his methods but appreciated the calm. Fish faction? Indifferent.
Kuro was their future leader. Whatever he did was right.
“Investigating me?” Kuro blinked. “For what? I’ve done nothing!”
Still, he shrugged. With Gramps covering him, he feared nothing. Not some rookie under World Recruitment scrutiny.
Dismissal? Impossible. They’d already stuck him in Shabondy. What worse could they do?
Reassignment or demotion? Bring it on.
He’d welcome it.
(End of Chapter)
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