https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-561-Won-t-Recover-Without-Resting-for-Years/13538542/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-563-Isn-t-That-Perfectly-Normal-/13538544/
Chapter 562: Who Can Replace Garp?
Chapter 562: Who Can Replace Garp?
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office.
Garp had already walked in, while Sengoku stood outside leaning against the wall, gazing at the sky in silence.
Inside, Sakazuki sat at the head of the table with Lucius Kro beside him. Seeing the visitor, Lucius Kro first let out a surprised sound:
"Oh~ Fleet Admiral Garp, long time no see. You've certainly stirred things up this time. Kuro just became an Admiral candidate, and in his first campaign, he let a mere pirate with only 400 million bounty escape. If this news spreads, it would severely damage the Navy's prestige."
"Puhahaha! Even an old man deserves to spoil his grandson, right? Borsalino." Garp laughed heartily without a care.
"Garp!"
Sakazuki's voice deepened as he rebuked, "You're the Navy's hero. Your duty is to execute Justice. Or have you forgotten your mission for the sake of family ties?"
"Puhahaha! An old man's getting too old anyway. Isn't it time for him to step down?" Garp countered with a grin.
This made Sakazuki and Lucius Kro fall silent.
They both knew he couldn't actually retire.
Retirement of high-ranking officials wasn't their decision to make - that authority belonged to the World Government. Such a minor matter certainly wouldn't force Garp's resignation.
"Puhahaha! No need to be so serious. The old man can handle it." Seeing their silence, Garp waved his hand and said with a smile, "The old man owes Kuro a favor. Kuro previously reminded me that he needs a foundation if he wants to enter the New World. So here's the deal - G-3's rotation will be handled by Kuro as the new Base Commander, while the old man can focus on training new recruits."
Lucius Kro raised his eyebrows, "Oh~ Is that really acceptable, Fleet Admiral Garp?"
"The old man's just tired." Garp chuckled.
"Fine. Since you insist, Garp, I'll grant your request." Sakazuki nodded. "G-3 will go to Lucius Kro. You continue training the new recruit camp. The old man will personally explain the details to the Five Elders."
"Hahaha! Handle it however you like, Sakazuki."
Garp laughed again, then said, "The old man won't keep you two company anymore", before turning to leave.
Lucius Kro narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched Garp's retreating figure, sipping tea from his cup. "Oh~ That saved some trouble."
Sakazuki remained silent, clenching his fist until a wisp of red light flared from his palm.
"The Navy led by this old man will surely bring this so-called pirate era to an end!"
...
"Achoo!"
In Shabondy, Kuro suddenly sneezed for no apparent reason.
He turned his head toward the window, where a gentle breeze drifted through the open frame, making him feel rather comfortable.
"I wonder if Garp put in a good word for me to stay in the first half of the Grand Line."
Kuro murmured, "If I can't stay, I'll just set up a small base near the Red Line in the New World. Preferably behind the Headquarters - that would be much safer."
Beside him, Klah pushed up his glasses and pressed his lips together without speaking.
Kuro turned to him, "You should help the old man calculate - if I can't stay in the first half, where would Headquarters send me?"
Just as Headquarters had been evaluating Kuro's base assignment, Kuro himself was also considering his options.
Truthfully, there was no available position left.
"Kuro, Sir, this is Headquarters' decision. We cannot speculate", Klah replied.
"Hmm..."
Kuro pondered for a moment before suddenly suggesting, "What if I apply for Marineford? A different location would work. It's a Vice Admiral stationed base in the first half."
"That won't work", Klah responded bluntly.
Marineford had been given to the Storbery Brothers as compensation for Kuro killing Lucius Kro without receiving a promotion. Though no longer the official Headquarters, its influence remained strong. Long-term, it had become a gathering point for the Storbery faction.
Such a prime location would indeed be ideal if he could station there.
While its defensive strength couldn't match the New Marine Headquarters, the old Headquarters' lingering prestige made Marineford an absolutely safe choice.
"Forget it. It wouldn't be appropriate. We're from the same faction. Why make things difficult for Gramps? Headquarters probably wouldn't approve anyway. If the Storbery Brothers take offense, that would create even more problems."
Kuro shook his head, "I'm not in Gramps' position. I'm still a rookie. It wouldn't be right to take territory from veteran officers. Better to fight for my own faction's resources."
At this, Klah thought, Are you joking?
You might not be at Lucius Kro's Admiral level, but you're still formidable. As the "crown prince" of the Lucius Kro faction, your reputation in the Navy is well-established.
Taking territory from your own faction?
Even if Lucius Kro agreed, you couldn't do that.
What's going on? Is the crown prince really losing face to this extent?
Or has the Lucius Kro faction's prestige declined?
Or worse - is Headquarters looking down on you?
"True."
Klah suppressed most of his thoughts before saying, "Storbery Vice Admiral can stay in Marineford because he's part of the intellectual faction."
That was correct. Though Storbery possessed strong military power, he was a standard intellectual faction member who relied on his mind.
"I'm like that too!" Kuro suddenly said, "I rely on my brain too!"
Klah: "..."
What does that have to do with anything?!
You don't even know your own reputation in the Navy!
You're as pure a martial faction member as they come!
"There's nowhere else besides Marineford."
Kuro rubbed his chin, "The number of branch bases under Headquarters is limited. Now that the New Marine Headquarters has moved to the New World, those branch bases have been rotated too. All the famous Vice Admirals have already taken over the branch bases in the New World. Surely the old man wouldn't take the bases they've worked so hard to establish? That wouldn't be appropriate."
The relocation of the New Marine Headquarters wasn't just about moving the main base itself. When Headquarters moved, the important branch bases guarding the Grand Line's navigational route also needed relocation. They were no longer suitable for staying in the first half of the Grand Line and had all been moved to the New World.
Every faction in the Navy had already occupied their positions.
Where could he possibly go?
"What about G-5?" Klah thought for a moment before asking.
"No way. Smoker has already claimed that location. Kuzan's faction is watching it closely." Kuro shook his head.
"G-3?" Klah continued.
"Are you kidding me?"
Kuro rolled his eyes, "Garp won't be stepping down. The Navy hero title is still very useful. The World Government won't let Garp retire either. G-3 is one of the few important bases that was originally in the New World. If Garp steps down, unless someone can firmly replace him and guarantee stability in the surrounding sea area."
"Pirates in the New World are completely different from those in Paradise. There are too many who actively attack Marine Bases, trying to seize reputation, territory, and Navy weapons."
Who can replace Garp?
No one, that's who.
(End of Chapter)
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