Chapter 531: Could You Possibly Be Talking About Me?
Chapter 531: Could You Possibly Be Talking About Me?
After Momousagi came Storbery.
He exchanged a greeting with Kuro before taking a seat on the right.
Next arrived Borsalino and Togeko. As former core members of the Kuzan faction, they naturally possessed formidable factional strength.
All five former Vice Admirals of the Pacifista faction were now present.
Vice Admirals continued filing into the chamber.
Dalmatian.
Gumier.
Stress.
And other renowned Vice Admirals took seats either on the left or right.
The chamber gradually filled, yet the first seat on the right remained vacant.
"Who's that reserved for?" Kuro asked curiously.
An Admiral?
Impossible.
Vegapunk and Tatsumaki wouldn't occupy that position. If they attended, they'd sit alongside Gramps.
Besides, both were currently ineligible to participate in such meetings.
Kuro knew Yi Xiao had completed his training, but was still acclimating to Navy administrative duties. As an Admiral, he remained in Mariejois with Tatsumaki and wouldn't attend.
Moreover, all seated below were Vice Admirals.
Could it be...
Minorin?
Mosambia?
No, those two weren't qualified to sit here yet.
Garp?
Though semi-retired like Sengoku, he technically held the Vice Admiral title but had gradually withdrawn from public affairs.
He wouldn't come.
Still, for courtesy's sake, a seat should be reserved for Garp.
If he attended, he'd rightfully take the first seat on the right.
The tradition of honoring the right side persisted in this world, especially during Navy meetings.
The left side housed the intelligence faction, comparatively less militarily formidable than the right.
Zoro, the strongest on the right, surprisingly occupied only the second seat.
Perhaps the first seat truly belonged to Garp.
If that eccentric man ever felt bored and decided to drop in, this position must be his.
As for Sengoku—
A properly retired figure, he'd long since ceased attending.
Even the kanji on his hooded cloak had changed from "Justice" to "Retired."
Sakazuki, seated at the head, lit a cigar with a flick of his flaming finger.
As he inhaled, the assembled Navy officers followed suit, lighting cigars or cigarettes.
Kuro himself bit into a cigar, sparks flying as he ignited it.
"They've all arrived."
Sakazuki lifted his gaze, surveying the chamber with a calm declaration.
The Navy officers raised their heads in unison, puffing arrogant plumes of smoke.
Even Kuro tilted his chin up, exhaling a slow, deliberate stream of smoke.
This didn't resemble a Navy meeting.
It felt more like a yakuza gathering.
"Then let's begin." Sakazuki said simply.
Blamenco stepped forward, drawing aside a curtain to reveal a Transponder Snail. The device projected a glowing hologram, illuminating the chamber. Simultaneously, another Transponder Snail emitted light, scanning the entire Navy office and bathing everyone in its glow.
The curtain displayed the grand plaza below.
There, countless hooded figures formed a sea of white cloaks.
At least Commander-rank Navy officers stood rigidly at attention, their expressions solemn.
Outside the fortress's tower, a massive curtain hung, allowing the plaza's Navy to view the proceedings.
"Look, there's Kuro."
Lida pointed at the projection, nudging Klah in the crowd.
"Silence, Lida! This is serious." Klah adjusted his glasses, whispering sternly.
No one else dared speak—every face wore the same solemn expression.
Except for the Summit War, he'd never witnessed such an occasion.
This was a historic gathering!
How could anyone act so undignified?
"Kuro!!"
As he thought this, an excited voice erupted beside him.
Klah turned to see Kas, the bearded man he hadn't seen in ages. The thick-bearded figure had shaved his chin beard but grown an even denser mustache.
He radiated an aura of unyielding steel.
"Kuro!!" Kas shouted, eyes blazing. "I've changed so much! Look at me now!!"
"Quiet! He can't hear you!" Klah jabbed Kas's ribs, hissing.
"Ah, sorry. Got carried away." Kas forced himself to calm down. "Klah, sometimes I envy you—always by Kuro's side, receiving his guidance. I've missed that chance so much!"
You'd gladly trade places?
Klah rolled his eyes.
Who actually wants to hear Kuro's lectures? Every time that man opens his mouth, trouble follows.
Come to think of it, Kas had never actually been lectured by Kuro...
Back in the chamber, the Transponder Snail's lens focused on Sakazuki.
"Men!" he declared, his crimson fist glowing. "The New Marine Headquarters stands in the New World, built by the old man's vision! The pirates of the New World threaten us all!"
"The Great Pirate Era should've ended with Whitebeard, yet fools still chase the 'One Piece'—insulting our Navy!"
"Relocating Headquarters to the New World proves our resolve! In the name of 'Absolute Justice' and 'Thorough Justice,' we shall crush all wickedness!"
"For Justice!!"
The plaza erupted in thunderous roars, shaking the island to its core.
These officers commanded entire sea regions, wielding life-and-death authority.
Yet here, they were merely Navy.
This was the foundation of the World Government's might!
The unshakable pillar of global supremacy!
"Additionally", Sakazuki continued, "during this World Recruitment, one officer has earned distinction—a veteran who served ten years, now promoted to Vice Admiral despite his youth!"
Ten years?
Kuro blinked in surprise.
Another survivor of a decade's grind?
Who?
"He served ten years in the East Blue, slaying countless pirates. At Headquarters, he distinguished himself further. During the Summit War, he fearlessly confronted Whitebeard and gravely wounded Shanks!"
Kamekame, back then at the Summit...
So many Navy officers were present. Besides me, someone else actually did that? Why didn't I notice?
Kuro pondered.
"Wounded Shanks."
Sakazuki's next words stunned Kuro.
He instinctively turned toward the Admiral.
You've gotta be kidding...
Could you possibly be talking about me?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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