Chapter 529: What Does My Wealth Have to Do With You Treating Me?
Chapter 529: What Does My Wealth Have to Do With You Treating Me?
Back then, among the three of them, Tina had the brightest prospects.
She was a hot candidate to succeed the Crane faction, naturally personable, and well-connected within the Navy.
Smoker, on the other hand, was always a walking disaster—his abrasive personality and lone-wolf tendencies made him a pariah.
As for Kuro, he was a complete unknown in those days. Even after joining Headquarters, only the highest echelons knew his true strength. Back then, Tina had no idea how powerful Kuro really was.
It wasn’t until they spent more time together that she realized—oh, this guy’s a sly old fox.
Kuro’s meteoric rise came when he defeated Lucius Kro. That’s when the entire Navy learned that Admiral Lucius Kro had a young, terrifyingly powerful subordinate lurking in the shadows.
Time has a way of fading legends. While Kuro’s exploits on the Grand Line are no longer whispered about, the Navy still remembers.
Unlike that brat Koby, who earned the title of "Navy Hero of Logy Port" after teaming up with Law. Koby’s reputation is mostly for show—since he’s still active on the Grand Line, fighting pirates aggressively.
As for Kuro, he’s been holed up in Sabaody lately, deliberately keeping a low profile.
With the world in such chaos, most people outside the Navy have stopped talking about him.
As long as he doesn’t stir up trouble again.
But now, in terms of status, Kuro’s the one with the most clout.
Everyone in the Navy agrees he’s the clear successor to Admiral Lucius Kro.
Kuzan’s gone, a new admiral has taken over, and the old factions are gradually dissolving. Most have either aligned with Lucius Kro or followed Garp, while others just do their own thing.
Sakazuki’s side hasn’t found a replacement yet. The faction still exists, but no one strong enough to become an admiral has emerged.
Only Lucius Kro’s camp remains stable.
The more stable things are, the more unshakable Kuro’s position becomes.
Tina knows this. She’s privy to many Navy secrets, even ancient ones like the "Rocks" incident that even younger officers don’t know about.
So she understands the true strength hidden behind this man’s perpetually smug expression.
The same goes for the higher-ups eyeing the Donquixote Navy Division. Even Fleet Admiral Sakazuki hasn’t dared to consider transferring that unit.
Transferring it? This man hasn’t given the go-ahead, so it’s impossible.
“Transfer my unit?” Kuro rolled his eyes. “What are you thinking? Has the Navy run out of men? Let Kas stay in the West Blue. The pirates there aren’t weak—you were born in the West Blue, don’t you know that?”
Transfer a unit?
Who gets the credit for achievements then?
Besides, while he doesn’t crave fame, he won’t let others take advantage either.
Doesn’t everyone know he’s the East Blue’s notorious revenge-seeking prince?
You think a World Noble’s orders would work? Not a chance.
“Tina’s not involved in that. But I do want to borrow your unit,” Tina said.
“You? Sure.” Kuro lit another cigar. “You’ve helped me enough. Lending a unit’s no problem. Actually, while you’re at it, could you make me some more? My stock’s running low.”
“I knew it,” Tina sighed, shaking her head. “I’ll make some for you later. But Kuro, listen—this investigation the higher-ups are doing on you? It’s serious. It’s probably the World Government. Everyone knows your hostility toward CP.”
Everyone in the upper Navy knows that Admiral Lucius Kro despises CP and government officials.
“What’s there to investigate about me?”
Kuro leaned back, unfazed. “I don’t steal, I don’t rob, I don’t embezzle. I’m just shining brightly for the cause of Justice every day. Gramps hasn’t mentioned it, so no worries.”
“Could it be a promotion review?” Smoker suddenly asked. “I went through one when I was transferred to G-5 and promoted to Vice Admiral.”
“Hah!” Kuro laughed. “What nonsense are you spouting now, Smoker? Me? Merit? Performance? Since when did I ever have those? Promotion? If that were the case, I’d have heard about it already. No news at all? How could it be a promotion?”
Promoting from Vice Admiral to Admiral is a massive leap. It’s not something decided by a phone call or a Fleet Admiral’s word. That’s the real upper echelon.
If there were a review, he’d know immediately—it directly affects him.
“Hmm?”
Kuro glanced uncertainly at Klah. “You’re not hiding anything from me, are you?”
“No.” Klah shook his head firmly. “I haven’t heard anything like that either.”
“Really?” Kuro narrowed his eyes.
“Really.” Klah pushed up his glasses, a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead.
“Then why are you sweating?” Kuro asked suspiciously.
How could I not sweat under your stare?!
Klah pressed his lips together. “Mr. Kuro, there’s truly no such news. Maybe CP just dislikes you so much they’re trying to dig up dirt to attack you.”
“Hmm?” Kuro’s eyes widened, then he grinned. “That’s great then! Wait—so why don’t you feed them some rumors about me? I’d love to see what CP’s planning.”
Whatever they want, he’ll give it to them.
He can’t leave the Navy anyway.
If they really demote him, he’ll personally deliver a flower basket to thank CP.
What a nice guy!
“I understand, Mr. Kuro.”
Klah nodded, almost excited. “I’ll handle it.”
Need rumors? I’ve got a mountain of ironclad evidence!
Stubborn and disobedient.
Defiant of orders.
Maintaining a black gang.
Massacring innocents.
Abusing subordinates!
Abusing subordinates!
Abusing subordinates!
Say it three times for emphasis.
If they want dirt, Klah could rant for hours without repeating himself.
You think you’re different from Smoker?
Smoker’s a thorn in their side, but you? You’ve got mountains of support. Without that, you’d be—
Well, there’s nothing they can do.
But getting to openly vent about his superior? Klah’s seizing this opportunity with both hands.
“Alright, we’re done eating. Scram! I’m going to find Gramps. You two—report to your superiors or go shopping or whatever.”
Seeing they’d finished their meal, Kuro clapped his hands. “Boss, come settle the bill!”
The yakiniku restaurant owner seemed to be waiting by the door. At the sound of Kuro’s voice, he rushed in, rubbing his hands together with a sycophantic smile. “Thank you, sirs! That’ll be 560,000 Beri.”
This place is high-end, so the prices naturally reflect that.
“Get him.” Kuro pointed at Smoker and stood to leave.
“???”
Smoker’s head sprouted several question marks, a faint blue vein popping on his forehead. “Hey, Kuro! You said you were rich!”
“I’m rich, but why should you treat me?” Kuro waved a hand. “You’re a Vice Admiral, higher rank than us. Isn’t it normal for a superior to treat the juniors? Should I, a Vice Admiral, be the one paying? That’d be awkward, Smoker.”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
