Chapter 563: Isn't That Perfectly Normal?
Chapter 563: Isn't That Perfectly Normal?
Marineford.
Pangu Palace.
Within the Rights Hall.
The Five Elders maintained their usual dramatic pose, as if frozen in time. Who knew how long they could hold such a stance? Before them stood Sakazuki, biting a cigar with his trademark arrogant smirk.
The Red-Skinned Elder spoke first: "So 'Silvers' Rayleigh finally vanished, huh?"
The Curly-Haired Elder added, "If we count him dead, having Lucius Kro handle the official report will boost the World Government's prestige."
The Bearded Elder nodded. "Agreed. The Navy's might will grow too, striking fear into pirates."
The Mapelderly Man suggested, "Let's publicize this thoroughly. Pirates will think twice before causing trouble."
The Sword-Bearing Elder concluded, "This will help maintain balance."
Sakazuki exhaled smoke. "As for G-3's position, Lucius Kro will take over. Any objections?"
The Five Elders fell silent briefly.
"No objections", the Curly-Haired Elder finally said after a pause. "But Garp's Vice Admiral rank should remain intact."
The Mapelderly Man agreed, "Indeed. Garp's title must be preserved. As for Lucius Kro taking G-3, that works—he can suppress those Grand Line outlaws. But who'll guard Shabondy?"
"Let Lucius Kro recommend someone", Sakazuki replied.
The Five Elders nodded in unison. "Only way to handle it."
Sakazuki blew another smoke ring. "Then it's settled. I'll take my leave, old men."
As he departed, the Five Elders exchanged glances. The Red-Skinned Elder murmured, "We must still watch the Navy's balance."
The Bearded Elder stroked his beard. "True. With Sakazuki and Borsalino's factions growing strongest, especially if Lucius Kro takes G-3, other factions must unite to form a triangular balance. We'll need to monitor this carefully."
The Mapelderly Man added, "Let Lucius Kro choose Shabondy's guardian. During his time there, he maintained stability between Shabondy and Marineford. Even the World Nobles praised him. Their trust will remain if he selects the replacement."
Adjusting his glasses, the Sword-Bearing Elder nodded. "Precisely. Considering his achievements, suppressing him further might breed resentment. The North Blue Four Nations incident already showed signs of unrest. Unlike Zeff, Lucius Kro supports the World Government wholeheartedly. No need to rein him in—we can trust him to handle matters appropriately."
The Curly-Haired Elder concluded, "Agreed. Let's publish the announcement."
...
Three days later.
At the Navy base plaza, Klah stood frozen, clutching two documents with a despairing expression. In his left hand: today's newspaper. In his right: a newly arrived official file. He stared at the base entrance, feet rooted to the ground.
"Hey, Klah! What're you doing?"
Lida approached, cotton candy in mouth, noticing his pale face. "What's wrong?"
Klah wordlessly shoved the papers toward her.
"Yikes!" Lida glanced down, recoiling as if burned. "Don't give this to me! Take it to Kuro yourself—I don't want him yelling at me!"
"Yelling?!" Klah groaned. "If I hand this over, he'll beat me senseless!"
No matter who received it, the outcome remained the same—Kuro's "special training" awaited him. Even Admiral Kuzan wouldn't save him now.
"Commander Klah! What're you dawdling for? We need to depart soon—we've got patrols to organize!"
Sengoku and Wilbur approached, their recent focus on securing Shabondy's perimeter. With pirate gatherings reaching peak season, heightened vigilance was critical, especially after Luffy's crew incident.
Spotting the newspaper and file, Sengoku nodded. "Ah, the transfer orders arrived?"
"You knew?!" Klah gaped.
"Of course. I submitted the report myself", Sengoku said proudly.
Wilbur snatched the paper, eyes widening. "The World Government published it! Kuro Mr.'s reputation's skyrocketing!!"
"Keep it down!" Klah lunged for the paper, but Wilbur raised it high—ten times enlarged, fluttering like a banner.
"Kuro Mr.! Kuro Mr.!!" Wilbur bellowed. "You're in the news again!!"
"Wilbur!" Klah clamped his mouth shut, face contorted. "What did I ever do to you?!"
Wilbur mumbled incoherently until freed. "Why so gloomy? Don't you want Kuro Mr.'s reputation to grow?"
Klah faltered. How could he explain? To someone who casually conversed with Admiral Kuzan, skepticism was inevitable.
"Enough squabbling!"
Kuro emerged from the base, cigar clenched, frowning at the commotion. "Why aren't you executing missions? What's all this shouting?"
"Kuro Mr., look!" Wilbur thrust the enlarged newspaper forward. "You're in the headlines again! Silvers Rayleigh's elimination made the front page!"
The bold headline pierced Kuro's eyes like daggers:
[Navy Vice Admiral 'Golden Lion' Slays 'Pluton' Silvers Rayleigh!]
Beneath it: detailed reports and a grainy photo of Rayleigh—wherever they'd dug it up.
Kuro exhaled smoke, glancing at the other document in Klah's trembling hands. "That's my transfer order, right? G-3 Branch Base Commander?"
Klah adjusted his glasses nervously. "Yes..."
Kuro nodded. "Understood. Such minor matters—why the commotion? Isn't that perfectly normal?"
Klah: "???"
Lida: "???"
Lida stared, scrutinizing Kuro as if he'd sprouted a second head. Finally, she blurted:
"Huh?!"
(End of Chapter)
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