Chapter 59
Chapter 59
Navy Hero
Rocks
The world-renowned top event "Rocks" being shouted out in excitement by a Branchensign always felt off to Kuro.
On one hand, he felt unworthy of such a title.
On the other, this "Rocks" bounty was only 2.5 million.
"No, something's wrong."
Kuro suddenly realized, turning serious toward Chatham. "It wasn't me who defeated them. It was you. We had nothing to do with it."
He'd almost forgotten this crucial detail.
What was 2.5 million? Even a small bounty was still worth something. The merit could be shared, but claiming it all for himself? Kuro wouldn't do that.
"But it was your rescue that let us win—"
"No buts, no rescues either. This was your victory. I won't take credit", Kuro said firmly.
What a decent guy!
Without Kuro, they'd definitely have lost. Combine Kuro's reputation and power, and this merit should've been his entirely. Chatham admired Kuro, and every Navy member on this ship did too. In their eyes, this was already Kuro's solo achievement.
Yet Ensign Kuro still pushed the credit onto them, acknowledging their struggles.
Truly worthy of the title "Navy Hero."
Chatham's face hardened as he nodded sharply. "Understood, Kuro Ensign!"
Kuro nodded in satisfaction. "Good. I need to head to Base 153 for a mission. Don't let me delay you."
"Understood!"
The entire ship's crew saluted Kuro.
Kuro hurriedly signaled the sergeant to get the ship moving.
As Kuro's Warship drifted farther away, an injured sergeant on board asked:
"Ensign, is Kuro Ensign really giving us the credit?"
"Idiot!" Chatham snapped, turning around furiously. "Kuro Ensign's the reason we ordinary Navy members ever get merit in the first place! That's why he's been stuck at Ensign for so long!"
The East Blue's hero—the embodiment of indomitable will—who faced Devil Fruit user pirates, unyielding no matter how many times he was wounded, defeating them through sheer willpower.
When facing Mongar Commander, he'd even concealed his swordsmanship's side effects, choosing unconsciousness over letting Mongar escape.
How could such a person remain stuck at Ensign forever?
"Report the truth about this incident. Since Kuro Ensign remembers us, we must repay his kindness!" Chatham declared.
He watched the disappearing Warship, silently vowing: "Kuro Ensign, I Chatham will always be your most loyal follower!"
Those like Chatham weren't few.
After passing through 155 Branch's waters, Kuro reached 154 Branch, where he encountered another Navy unit locked in battle with pirates—and losing badly. This time it was a boarding battle, though Kuro didn't need to act. The moment the Warship docked, Headquarters soldiers stormed the scene like tigers among sheep, swiftly defeating the pirates.
Same as before, the 154 Cruiser's leading sergeant kowtowed upon hearing Kuro's name, his face glowing with the same excitement as Chatham.
Finally breaking free from 154 Branch's waters, Kuro inwardly cursed.
What had Kas said about him?!
The way these Navy members looked at him was unsettling!
...
After sailing for some time, the Warship reached Base 153's jurisdiction. Fortunately, the waters were calm and peaceful, no pirates encountered.
"Hey, Kuro, since we're back in East Blue, when are we going to Baratie again?"
On the ship, Lida drooled just thinking about Baratie.
"Baratie's fine. Once we find Kas in Shelz Town, I'll take you there."
Kuro thought. He missed Baratie's flavors too. This time, there wouldn't be any Hawk-Eye troubles—he could finally enjoy the meal peacefully.
"Deal then! Baratie, Baratie~"
Lida hummed happily, pacing the deck.
Klah sat by the railing, adjusting his glasses while enjoying the sea breeze.
East Blue was peaceful indeed.
The Grand Line was full of nightmares.
Staying with Kuro was the right choice—they'd survived Headquarters' training, and now returning here meant a tranquil life.
After half a day's sailing, the Warship arrived at Shelz Town.
"Though only a few months have passed, it feels like ages."
Kuro sighed, watching the familiar town emerge.
Finally, his hometown—Shelz Town.
"By the way, you lived here all your life, right Kuro? What about your family?" Lida asked curiously.
"Died of illness. I gave them their final send-off myself."
"I don't have parents either", Lida said glumly. "They abandoned me as a child."
Kuro looked at her, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Why dwell on sad things? Just be happy, brat."
"Stop messing up my hair, you jerk!" Lida kicked him, puffing her cheeks angrily.
The Warship docked. The group disembarked, arriving in Shelz Town.
A Navy Warship's arrival naturally drew a crowd. Seeing the crew, townsfolk smiled warmly.
"It's Kuro!"
"Kuro, long time no see! Heard you went to Headquarters—congrats!"
"Hey, Kuro, want to try my apples?"
Having lived here over twenty years, Kuro was well-acquainted with Shelz Town. Every townsfolk recognized him.
Kuro greeted them all, proceeding through the crowd toward Base 153.
Without Mongar, Shelz Town and Base 153 had taken on a brand-new look.
In Mongar's time, Base 153 and its jurisdictional waters suffered heavy taxes and tributes. Now with Mongar gone, life had improved. Inside the base, the atmosphere was relaxed too.
"Kuro!"
The base Navy members greeted him enthusiastically.
Kuro got straight to the point. "Where's Kas?"
One Navy member thought. "Sergeant Kas? Haven't seen him in days."
Not at the branch?
Kas had been promoted, now commanding his own ship. Given his hotheaded personality, he was likely away.
"What about Lieutenant Kurepa?"
"In his office."
Leaving the Navy members, Kuro headed straight to the office.
Now leading Base 153 as its highest officer, Kurepa had been promoted to Commander for overseeing Mongar's capture.
Though Mongar eventually escaped, that wasn't Li Pa's fault.
Li Pa was now Base 153's highest officer—and quite comfortable.
Thanks to Kas, who loved fighting pirates and protecting peace, Base 153's jurisdictional waters remained tranquil.
And Kas's success stemmed from Kuro's influence.
"Kuro should be shining in Headquarters. I wonder if his physical condition's improved. Worried about him..." Li Pa gazed out the window thoughtfully.
"Lieutenant Kurepa."
Suddenly, the door opened. The very person Li Pa was thinking about stood before him—Kuro.
"Kuro!" Li Pa stood, surprised. "You're back in East Blue? On leave?"
No—Kuro was here to settle scores with this good-for-nothing!
Kuro twitched his lips, resisting the urge to act on it.
After all, Li Pa wasn't entirely blameless for his promotion to Headquarters...
So much so that Kuro felt murderous rage.
(End of Chapter)
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