Chapter 592: Kuro, You Take Half
Chapter 592: Kuro, You Take Half
"It shouldn't be that easy to destroy, right?"
Lucius Kro spoke up: "Even that uncle of yours took a direct hit from an Explosive Rock's Explosion. Even he couldn't walk away unscathed, could he, Kuro?"
Kuro nodded. "He did take one blast and escape. His mobility might be compromised."
"Not that simple."
He suddenly interjected, his voice sharp. "Everyone here has some connection to that man. You should know this already—those little tricks won't defeat him. Z. No, the former Admiral, Zeff."
His words plunged the Navy into silence.
Doflamingo closed his eyes, exhaling a sigh.
Beyond the Meeting Room, Navy personnel watching the live feed let out scattered sighs of resignation.
"Regardless", Sakazuki declared, his fist shifting from searing heat to a scorching form, leaving a wisp of black smoke where it touched the table. "We must reclaim the Explosive Rock. Perhaps he once showed us mercy, but now—he's the enemy."
"Zeff. No, Z and his so-called 'New Navy'—under the banner of Justice, we'll crush them all!" His voice darkened. "Mobilize the entire Navy. We'll recover the Explosive Rock and hunt down Z and his followers!"
He nodded. "There are two islands—one a town, the other a Navybase. Both critical. But we don't know which is the target. We must split forces. We can't risk concentrating everything on one battlefield—it's too dangerous."
"Borsalino, you defend the Navybase island. Kuro—" He turned to him.
"Eh?"
Kuro frowned. Since when did he get roped into this?
From memory, wasn't the plan to all converge on the final battlefield and finish off the old man together?
Three of his disciples would handle it: Akainu's orders, Lucius Kro's strike, Kuzan's grave. All neatly wrapped up.
"You take the town island", He continued. "Both of you have strong mobility. If combat erupts, you can provide rapid support."
"I understand."
No refusing this.
The previous barren island was fine—no civilians.
But this old man's next target? Definitely people in the crosshairs.
Better to act before it happens. Maybe the old man still had a chance to change.
After all, Sakazuki's command was to reclaim the Explosive Rock—not to kill him. If he'd just stop being stubborn...
"Dismissed."
Sakazuki declared. "Borsalino, Kuro—each of you lead a force to your assigned island. Stop Z at all costs!"
The meeting ended. Kuro sighed, rising to leave.
"Kuro, wait."
Suddenly, He called from behind.
"Eh?"
Kuro turned. "He Popo?"
"When you reach the town, someone will contact you. Monitor their recent movements. Report any issues immediately."
He's gaze was meaningful. "We assigned you there because of that man. He's the one who tipped us off about Z's plans."
"Who sent me here?" Kuro frowned. "Someone I don't even know?"
"You'll see when you get there." He smiled, brushing past Kuro.
Kuro stroked his chin, muttering, "Who the hell's so bored? Just say it straight instead of playing games."
"Oy, Kuro! Time to move."
Lucius Kro emerged. "Want me to introduce your team? Any preferences?"
"You can choose?"
Kuro blinked, then waved a hand. "Whatever. Doesn't matter."
Sengoku and Garp? Yeah, right. Those old-timers wouldn't face Zeff.
Vegapunk and Tatsumaki? Forget it. This has nothing to do with them.
Only those tied to Zeff are mobilized. Even this meeting was just the 'true Navy'—no room for debate.
Picking through the Navy's ranks? Too much hassle.
Lucius Kro shrugged. "Your call."
Other branch bases needed time to mobilize. But from those present in the meeting, Kuro got four: Doflamingo, Aokiji, Stress, Togeko.
Two hawks, two doves, under Kuro's 'ape' command—a stable triangle.
With the team set, the group departed for their destination.
From Headquarters, Kuro led ten warships toward the town's Endpoint.
"Hey, Kuro! Are we arresting Admiral Zeff this time?" Lida asked in the warship's cabin.
Since it's a full mobilization, Kuro brought everyone. Even if they rode standard warships.
His flagship was ready, but this was a joint operation—not his fleet alone. No point sailing it now. Not like they were heading to G-3.
Besides, his flagship and these warships were practically the same. Didn't matter.
"He's not Admiral anymore."
Kuro leaned back, cigar in mouth. "Just a stubborn old fool. Who knows what he's thinking? Probably throwing a tantrum. Like some ignored, lonely old man pulling stunts to grab attention. Just this one's a bit bigger than usual."
"Endpoint?"
Klah adjusted his glasses. "Could this be a false lead?"
For Klah's rank, he wouldn't know. Kuro hadn't shared the intel. Lower-ranked Navy gained nothing from knowing.
"If it were fake", Kuro gazed out at the parallel warships, "we wouldn't need this much force. The truth is what's terrifying. That old man really wants to destroy the New World. With Endpoint, he can do it."
He exhaled smoke. "Of course, it's not just pirates. Civilians in the New World will suffer. And the old man doesn't think the Four Emperors would be stopped by something this trivial. He's still not thinking clearly."
"Zeff taught you, right, Kuro?" Lida worried. "Is this really the right move?"
"A clear-headed old man still needs a wake-up call."
Kuro lowered his head, voice deepening. "If I must, I won't hold back. I spared him once before. The forces under my command could take on a Four Emperor. Giving this old man that much attention? More than he deserves."
(End of Chapter)
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