https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-534-I-Will-Definitely-Fulfill-Your-Ambition-/13538236/
Chapter 533: Kuro, Please Sit
Chapter 533: Kuro, Please Sit
Kuro stared at the first seat to his right, the position that felt like an abyss's seductive pull. Once seated, there would be no turning back—he would be completely swallowed by the abyss.
The Navy officers beside him watched with smiles.
But to Kuro, those smiles felt like demons beckoning him, waiting for him to fall and become one of them.
A chill ran down his spine.
Vice Admiral?!
He'd been promoted straight to 'Admiral Candidate' status as a Vice Admiral?!
Just one step below Admiral—reaching the pinnacle in an instant!
For others, this might be a dream come true, a position of power and prestige like Kaku's—wealth, authority, and leisure. But Kuro didn't want this!
At his current position, he already had everything. Becoming a Vice Admiral would mean leaving Pegasus Island behind, even Shabondy wouldn't be safe. He'd have to go to the New World!
That meant facing the Four Emperors directly!
Add in the countless dangerous pirates lurking there—
That place... that place...
He absolutely refused to go!
"Kuro, please sit", Zoro pointed at the first seat, grinning. "Why hesitate?"
Kuro's lips trembled. Under the gaze of the crowd, he moved like a puppet, stiffly approaching the chair. He reached out, one hand gripping the backrest, the other pressing against the seat, then slowly lowered himself down.
Plop.
The chair creaked under his weight.
Kuro sat there like a man recovering from a severe illness, panting heavily.
"Too excited, Kuro?" Zoro chuckled.
Excited?
I'm excited about this?! Like hell I am!
He regretted it!
He resented it!
Why had he come to this ceremony?!
Even if a promotion was inevitable, couldn't it have been done quietly? In secret? Wouldn't that have been better?
Now they'd paraded him in front of the entire Navy, shoving this promotion down his throat!
This... this...
This was worse than social death!
Twelve years!
Twelve long years of carefully guarding his reputation, and now it was all ruined in an instant by these demonic monsters!
How could he face anyone again?!
How could he look the people of his hometown in the eye?!
"Kuro, there's no need to be so overwhelmed", Sakazuki said with a smile. "This is your rightful honor. Say a few words to the Navy."
Say a few words?
You want me to die, don't you?!
Kuro sat motionless, his face blank, his heart already dead. His eyes were dull, like a broken doll.
Sakazuki didn't press him, assuming Kuro was simply too overwhelmed to speak.
"Men of the Navy!" Sakazuki faced the Transponder Snail's lens, biting his cigar. "In the name of 'Absolute Justice,' we shall eradicate all wickedness!!!"
"In the name of 'Absolute Justice'!!!"
The Navy officers in the plaza stood at attention, roaring in unison.
Across the world, countless Navy personnel stood straight, shouting at the videos broadcast through Transponder Snails.
The sound shook the heavens.
This was Sakazuki's declaration.
To solidify the Navy's belief, to purge all thoughts of wickedness!
The meeting concluded with Kuro's appointment as Vice Admiral.
It was a completion ceremony, using Kuro as an example to announce the Navy's new strength.
"Congratulations, Kuro", Kaku grinned as the Transponder Snail retracted. "We'll be working together now. Looking forward to it—we've got plenty to talk about."
Kaku wasn't part of Gramps' faction, though his style was similar. He'd always been his own man.
"Right, we should spar sometime. You're a Greatest Swordsman too", Zoro said with a smile, his hand instinctively brushing the hilt of his 'Kinpura' sword.
The standard 'beautyswordsman'—if he added a bit of muscle, he'd become a Straw Hat Pirates magnet.
Zoro wasn't part of the Crane faction either, though he got along well with Crane. He was his own man too.
"The Navy's last weakness is finally gone", Aokiji stood up, biting his cigar. For once, his cold, stern face softened into a smile toward the seated Kuro. "Looking forward to your performance, Lucius Kro Vice Admiral."
The Navy had three Admirals but only two candidates—something that had always been awkward.
Now, the final vacancy was filled by Kuro.
From top-tier combat power to the lowest ranks, the Navy was now complete.
As a Hawk faction member, Aokiji was naturally pleased to see the Navy advancing under his leader's guidance.
Besides, Kuro was no problem for him.
The entire Hawk faction felt the same.
As for the Dove faction, their influence had been waning.
And the neutral Lucius Kro faction? Naturally delighted.
Didn't you see Storbery already beaming with joy?
"Kuro, what's wrong? You're so quiet", Storbery, who'd been smiling all along, noticed Kuro's daze. "Too excited? Kuro, you're an Admiral Candidate now. That's official. No need to worry."
Kuro snapped back, giving Storbery a subtle glare.
But those words sparked a realization.
He turned to Sakazuki. "Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, you say I'm an Admiral Candidate—what about my codename? Without a codename, this isn't official. I'm just a Vice Admiral. You can't act recklessly—you should consider the World Government's opinion. You can't promote me without their approval."
His tone clung to this last straw.
Maybe this was just Sakazuki's impulsive decision, acting first and asking questions later.
That wouldn't surprise him.
If the World Government hadn't approved, he'd still be a Vice Admiral. Everything would stay the same.
"Oh~ Of course there is one."
This time, it was Gramps who spoke.
Kuro's last straw vanished with the wind.
Lucius Kro chuckled. "Codenames aren't announced publicly—they're meant to hide your identity. Don't you remember the assassination attempt, Kuro?"
Codenames had been established long ago after Zeff's family was targeted by pirates.
The Navy could know, but pirates couldn't.
As Kuro's face turned ashen, Lucius Kro added casually, "Your codename was decided long ago—'Golden Lion.' From now on, you're Golden Lion Vice Admiral."
They actually gave me a codename?!
Kuro felt his teeth ache.
He clenched his jaw, eyes wide, frozen in his seat like a stunned idiot.
"What's wrong? Doesn't 'Golden Lion' sound good? It suits you—majestic like a lion, calm like a seated dragon, fond of smoking. Just like you, Kuro", Lucius Kro laughed.
You actually made sense...
Kuro pressed his lips together. "Can't we discuss my position again? I don't think I'm qualified."
"This is the Navy's unanimous decision."
Sakazuki stood, solemn. "No need for humility, Kuro. You've more than earned this!"
(Regarding the external issue mentioned above, this truly isn't within my control. I've already reported it to the editor, who said it'll be fixed in the next update. For now, lords, please bear with it.)
(End of Chapter)
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