https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-527-The-Higher-Ups-Are-Investigating-You/13538115/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-529-What-Does-My-Wealth-Have-to-Do-With-You-Treating-Me-/13538134/
Chapter 528: Lucius Kro's Crown Prince
Chapter 528: Lucius Kro's Crown Prince
After some small talk, the boss arrived beaming with sycophantic glee, followed by servers carrying dishes.
This was a classic Japanese yakiniku restaurant, where light seasoning let the ingredients shine. The meats served were all beast cuts, meticulously trimmed and presented with refined simplicity.
Rice was served on the side, though that was reserved for the finale.
"Come on, let's have a drink!" Kuro uncorked a premium bottle of wine, poured himself a glass, and raised it. "It's been ages since we last gathered. Cheers!"
The others lifted their glasses in response, except Lida, who frowned.
"Why am I still stuck with juice?" she grumbled, eyeing her glass.
"What kind of question is that? A child drinks juice", Kuro said, downing his cup. "It's sweet, isn't it?"
"Hey, Kuro!"
Lida instantly transformed into her maiden form, thrusting her chest forward and sending a ripple through the room. "I'm twenty already!"
"Right, right. This whole bottle of juice is yours tonight. No one's stealing it, so sip slowly", Kuro replied dismissively, refilling his own glass.
"Speaking of which... two years ago, you were still just a kid. Feels like yesterday", he added, his tone softening as he emptied the cup again.
Compared to the decade of quiet stability in East Blue, the past two years had been a whirlwind—enough to make one's hair stand on end.
And just like that, he'd turned twenty-six. In this world, thirties and forties still counted as youth. Sengoku was thirty-four, but with that clueless look, he could pass for twenty-four without a second glance.
"Time flies. Two years since we met", Smoker said, raising his glass. "You've climbed fast—from Ensign to Vice Admiral."
Among the guests, most were now Marine Admirals. Smoker commanded G-5's forces as Vice Admiral, Tina patrolled the jurisdictional waters near Arabasta, and Kuro oversaw Shabondy. Each a regional power. Well, except Smoker, technically.
"Smoker, when are you getting transferred out of G-5?" Kuro asked.
As G-5's Vice Admiral, Smoker should have been a Base Commander. But G-5 already had one, making Smoker's position temporary—especially since Kuzan's departure. Normally, he'd have moved to a New World base by now.
But with Kuzan gone, Smoker was stuck in limbo. Though his reputation as an old-school Marine was shaky, he had allies. Tina would back him, and Kuro would too if asked. A Vice Admiral deserved his own command.
"Not anytime soon", Smoker said, leaning back. "You might not know G-5's situation, but the Marines there are decent. Combat-ready. I'll see my mission through here."
He clenched his fist, voice hardening. "I don't believe Luffy's gone for good. He'll resurface—especially in the New World. When he does, I'll be the one to arrest him."
From 30 million to 400 million in a year. At Marineford, Luffy had even shown Conqueror's Haki potential. Such a dangerous man had slipped through East Blue under his watch. It had to end with him.
"Good luck", Kuro said, popping a slice of grilled meat with wasabi into his mouth. "Tastes great. Lida, eat more."
Not that Kuro needed to say it—after finishing her first glass of juice, Lida was already devouring the food like a whirlwind.
"G-5", Tina drawled, cigarette dangling as she leaned back. "Those Marines are infamous even among the Navy. Perfect fit for you, Smoker."
Smoker shot her a glance, cigar clenched between his teeth. "My subordinates aren't 'scum.' They just survive differently—closer to pirates, sure. But they're still 'Justice.' After a recent sea disaster near G-5, they kept searching for survivors long after hope was lost. They earned their Navy stripes."
Tina shook her head. "Do what you want. I'm just tired of hearing about it."
G-5 was a black mark across the Navy. A dumping ground for misfits and troublemakers, where the only difference between Marines and pirates was the uniform. Tina couldn't stand their lawless ways.
"Infamous? Who else makes the list?" Kuro asked.
Tina paused, then smirked. "Your subordinate Kas's 'Dougleg Navy Corps' also ranks up there."
Kuro grimaced. "Forget I asked."
The Navy had famous units beyond Admirals. G-5's reputation was built on chaos—rowdy, corrupt, and violent, yet shockingly effective. They operated like pirates, but their combat prowess kept them in the New World's frontlines.
The Dougleg Navy Corps, however, was different. Clones with flawless coordination, moving as one under the shield-wielding Kas. From West Blue to the Grand Line, they were legendary.
"Crane even mentioned how officers want to poach your crew from Pegasus Island. But your reputation keeps them in line."
Kuro's name carried weight now, whether he liked it or not. Gramps treating him like family alone kept rivals at bay. Add his track record, and "Lucius Kro's Crown Prince" wasn't just a title—it was a fact.
(End of Chapter)
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