https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-534-I-Will-Definitely-Fulfill-Your-Ambition-/13538236/
Chapter 535: Go Die, You Old Fools!
Chapter 535: Go Die, You Old Fools!
Kuro's anger had completely vanished after the commotion with Kas.
Becoming a Vice Admiral was set in stone—it couldn't be changed. The New World was a nightmare place; better not to go there at all. If he had to go, he needed thorough preparation to ensure absolute safety!
The long-standing sense of danger from his time in the Four Seas flared up to its maximum intensity.
Still, while he wasn't angry anymore, his mood remained sour.
Without greeting Gramps or attending the Fishman Island meeting, he left the office with his subordinates and headed straight for the port.
On the plaza, Kuro strode ahead with a cigar clenched between his teeth, his expression dark and brooding, flanked by his three subordinates.
"Kuro Vice Admiral!"
Koby suddenly popped out from nowhere, beaming with excitement. "Congratulations on your promotion! That was so cool earlier—you actually have so many achievements!"
Kuro shot him a glare with bloodshot eyes but said nothing, continuing toward the port.
"Eh?" Koby tilted his head, puzzled.
"He's in a bad mood", Klah said, patting Koby's shoulder before following after them.
"A bad mood, huh?" Koby murmured, watching Kuro's retreating figure grow distant. "Is it because he didn't get promoted to Admiral?"
With this question in mind, Koby sought out Garp.
At that moment, Garp was still locked in a contest with Sengoku over who could eat more donuts. His rice crackers were already gone.
"Garp Vice Admiral, Sengoku Inspector", Koby and Helmeppo saluted. Koby continued, "I just met Kuro Vice Admiral. He seems a bit unhappy."
"You should call him Golden Lion."
Sengoku corrected him, "That codename will be official soon. From now on, address Kuro using his codename. It's standard protocol."
"Yes, Sengoku Inspector!" Koby responded.
"As for why he's unhappy..."
Sengoku chuckled. "Probably because he didn't get promoted to Admiral."
"Puahaha! That little brat Kuro still has a long way to go before becoming an Admiral! Borsalino hasn't even retired yet!" Garp laughed, grabbing another donut.
"Hey, stop eating my donuts, you bastard!" Sengoku roared.
"I have a question", Koby said. "Why doesn't Headquarters promote another Admiral position? Then Kuro Mr. wouldn't be so unhappy."
"Puahaha! Impossible, impossible!"
Garp waved his hand dismissively. "That's just not going to happen."
Sengoku nodded. "Originally, Headquarters only had two Admiral positions. Later, to face the Great Pirate Era, the World Government expanded it to three positions—the Navy's Three Admirals you all know so well. But three is the limit. Increasing it further would create far more problems than just for the World Government."
Even if the World Government wanted to increase the number, it wouldn't be that simple.
Too many factors were at play.
While they outwardly united against pirates, internally, the Navy had many unresolved issues—philosophical differences, factionalism, territorial disputes, and more.
Over decades, the Three Admirals' core power bases and the old-school Navy factions had stabilized. Even when Sakazuki implemented the "World Recruitment" policy, it was only because Kuzan left a gap.
Even so, the new Admiral's authority was significantly weakened.
Adding another Admiral?
If promoted from the old guard, it would reignite factional disputes and require redrawing power balances—an enormous hassle.
Trying to replicate Vegapunk and Tatsumaki's approach would be worse—no one would accept it.
Even Sengoku himself would never agree.
"Kuro can only replace Borsalino. Forget about any other options."
Sengoku gazed out the window at the plaza below. "It's good for young people to be tempered. A twenty-something Admiral is too young. Borsalino won't approve either."
That old monkey would never step down for Kuro's sake, but now wasn't the time.
Borsalino was still in his prime and could protect Kuro for a while longer. Though his faction had already accepted Kuro, Kuro had never served as a Vice Admiral or handled New World issues. The timing wasn't right yet.
If he wanted to avoid becoming just a "hatchet man", steady, methodical advancement was best.
"Puahaha! Don't think about that stuff! Hey, Koby, Helmeppo—want to eat some donuts?" Garp waved a donut.
"Stop eating my donuts, you bastard!" Sengoku roared again.
Meanwhile, on a higher balcony overlooking the Fleet Admiral's office, Sakazuki and Lucius Kro stood side by side, watching below.
"Is Kuro angry?"
Sakazuki observed the small figure heading toward the port. "Is it about not becoming an Admiral?"
"Who knows?" Lucius Kro smiled. "The old man doesn't think so. Otherwise, he'd retire early to make way. After all, it's the young generation's era now."
"Not yet, Borsalino."
Sakazuki clenched his fist. "Now isn't the time to focus on internal Navy matters. Under the old man's leadership, the Navy is stronger than ever. Now, we must take the initiative!"
The impact of a high-level combat power was completely different.
Just like how Kuzan, that idiot, helped Blackbeard during the Final Showdown, leading to Blackbeard's decisive victory.
Kuro's existence not only added a decisive combat power to the Navy but also had another unique trait—evident from his record.
Why did Sakazuki publicly announce Kuro's achievements? Because all the powerful pirates Kuro had slain had escaped from Impel Down.
The sixth-level prisoners weren't just those Kuro had killed—many dangerous criminals now roamed the Grand Line.
"The old man will announce 'Golden Lion' to the entire Grand Line!" Sakazuki declared.
Not only would the Navy know, but the entire Grand Line must learn about Vice Admiral Golden Lion's achievements.
To warn those escaped old fools who refused to stay quiet.
Stay silent and wait to die, you rotten old ghosts!
This was Kuro's unique ability—the only one in the Navy qualified to intimidate sixth-level prisoners!
"This will make Kuro work very hard", Lucius Kro scratched his head.
"Navy doesn't care about hardship—it's all for Justice!" Sakazuki said firmly.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
