Chapter 57: But, I Refuse!
Chapter 57: But, I Refuse!
Besides him, there were Lida and Klah, who had also been promoted.
Lida became a Headquarters Sergeant, and Klah a Headquarters Corporal – one an army sergeant, the other a corporal.
Kuro thought their promotions made sense. They’d captured several pirates attempting to enter the Grand Line alongside Tashigi in Loguetown. Their promotion from recruits was reasonable. After all, their previous positions were too low. Advancing slightly was beneficial; stagnation wouldn’t have been good. Plus, promotions from recruit to sergeant were common and unremarkable.
But how had he been promoted?
He hadn’t caught any pirates.
Had someone resurfaced the incident with Crocodile’s blade?
Impossible. The government had already credited that achievement to Smoker and Tashigi. Whatever rewards existed had vanished long ago, with nothing left to claim. That definitely wasn’t the reason.
His performance during Headquarters training had been average. Even though he’d defeated Headquarters Sergeant Koby in the final match, Koby had since been promoted to Headquarters Ensign, which meant Kuro hadn’t earned any formal credits.
Could the fight with the old man count?
No way. Even the government followed procedures. Besides, that battle had been unofficial – no one knew about it.
What about escorting Robin?
Forget it. Enies Lobby had been destroyed, CP9 had vanished under disgrace, and if their group had succeeded in an escort, they might’ve earned some credit. But now, with everything erased, simply avoiding charges was a blessing.
So… why the hell was I promoted?!
Kuro sat staring at the documents, hands instinctively covering his head, his face tilted sideways like a Dodrio.
Lucius Kro observed his expression and explained, “It’s East Blue, you see. Your former subordinate used your reputation to boost Navy morale in East Blue, capturing many pirates – all small-time, but numerous enough. Even though you weren’t directly involved, Headquarters recognized how your unique reputation in East Blue contributed to these achievements. Thus, you’ve been promoted one rank.”
East Blue?
East Blue!
Kuro’s eyes widened. A man with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a full beard immediately flashed through his mind.
“I…”
He swallowed the curse word, took deep breaths, then grabbed the teacup on the desk and drank it all in one gulp.
I’m already in the Grand Line, far away from you. Can’t you leave me alone?!”
Kas!!!!
“Hmm, are you speechless from happiness?” Lucius Kro watched him, smiling cheerfully. “It’s understandable. If I had such a capable subordinate, I’d save so much effort.”
Happy like hell!
Kuro angrily snatched the documents, nearly tearing them in his rage.
“By the way, there’s something important I must share with you,” Lucius Kro continued. “Three days ago, Portgas D. Ace – captain of the Whitebeard Pirates’ Second Division – was captured by the Blackbeard Pirates’ captain, Marshall D. Teach. Teach has since been granted the title of Seven Warlords of the Sea. Do you understand what this signifies?”
Kuro’s expression darkened. “This has already happened?”
“Well, Blackbeard has created a dilemma for us,” Lucius Kro said. “But after deliberation, Headquarters and the World Government have decided to detain Portgas D. Ace. You understand what this means, Kuro.”
“If we hand Ace over, the Navy’s authority will suffer severe damage,” Kuro replied. “If we refuse, Whitebeard will undoubtedly attack. Headquarters has already prepared for this, haven’t they?”
“Exactly,” Lucius Kro nodded. “Headquarters has decided to use this opportunity – to lure Whitebeard into battle, and finally eliminate one of the Four Emperors of the New World, the strongest man alive.”
Lucius Kro leaned closer to Kuro. “I know your nature, but if you participate this time, your status will rise significantly afterward. After all, status is crucial. If you become an officer, you’ll wield immense power. With my protection, you’ll have absolute freedom to do as you please.”
Kuro’s eyes gleamed. “That does sound tempting. Even the most rebellious ensigns have limits, but officers? They can do anything.”
“Exactly!” Lucius Kro encouraged. “If you participate, I guarantee your advancement. Just say the word.”
“But I Refuse!”
Kuro suddenly snapped, his face twisting. “The thing I enjoy most is telling arrogant people ‘no!’”
Lucius Kro tilted his head, lips pouting behind his sunglasses. “Hmm, strange words. You truly won’t participate?”
“It’s just… I’m not ready,” Kuro replied, pulling a cigar from his pocket and placing it in his mouth.
“Ready for what?” Lucius Kro asked.
“The readiness to defeat Whitebeard,” Kuro admitted honestly.
“Hmph,” Lucius Kro chuckled. “Marine Headquarters has that readiness. You needn’t worry.”
“I’m not talking about Headquarters,” Kuro clarified. “I mean my strength isn’t sufficient. I haven’t yet prepared myself to defeat Whitebeard.”
“Defeat Whitebeard?” Lucius Kro raised an eyebrow, adjusting his sunglasses downward.
“Exactly,” Kuro nodded. “Without the strength to defeat him, participating in this war is too dangerous. What if Whitebeard kills me in battle? His division commanders aren’t weak either. If they surround and kill me, that’s a real possibility. I’m simply not strong enough. I’ll pass on this dangerous endeavor.”
Without the power to take down Four Emperors, what business does one have fighting in the Top War?
Too risky!
Lucius Kro fell silent for a moment before sighing oddly. “These young people nowadays are frightening. Setting such high standards for themselves? Well then, if you refuse, you refuse. Your current position doesn’t qualify for mandatory mobilization anyway.”
He was under Lucius Kro’s direct command – a position where Lucius could forcibly recruit him for this top-tier war. But why would Lucius bother?
…
After leaving Lucius Kro’s office, Kuro quickened his pace until he found Lida and Klah resting.
“Lida, Klah! We’re sailing out! Back to East Blue!”
I must return to East Blue immediately!
Lucius Kro’s words had triggered his alertness. His current position didn’t qualify for mobilization. But what if it did?
Following standard procedures, he would be required to join. If he didn’t stop Kas from creating chaos, who knows how high his rank might rise before the Top War?
No more promotions!
With Lucius Kro’s authority, his application for a warship was approved instantly. Requesting a small warship required crew assignments, but nobody dared obstruct him. Standard configuration required 80 personnel, but cautious as always, Kuro prepared 100 full crew members before immediately heading for East Blue.
Headquarters’ ships possessed Seastone technology, allowing them to bypass Grand Line’s conventional routes and the Reverse Mountain passage. They could directly cut through the Calm Belt to reach East Blue.
Their speed would be swift.
“As long as I stop that idiot Kas from causing trouble,” Kuro mused happily, “I’ll be perfectly safe. Then I can follow Fenbuddy’s example – sailing through East Blue on a warship, sipping wine, living comfortably and safely.”
Lida suddenly pointed at the horizon, shouting excitedly, “Kuro! Look! A meteor!”
“A meteor?” Kuro turned to see an irregular shape streaking across the sky, vanishing in an instant.
“Actually a meteor! Make a wish!” Lida urged.
Kuro clasped his hands, staring solemnly at the fading light.
“Let me live safely forever!”
...
Above the clouds, several massive connected islands floated. On the largest one, a figure hovered in the sky, watching another island crash downward, his expression cold as cruel laughter escaped his lips.
“East Blue!”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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