Chapter 593: Kazanosen
Chapter 593 Kazanosen
"Kazanosen."
Klah introduced, "This town at the Endpoint is named Kazanosen. It's famous for its hot springs, and there's even a maritime railway nearby. Many people come here for sightseeing tourism."
"Hot springs?"
Kuro blinked, muttering, "Damn, they're even a business rival."
His Pegasus Island also operated a hot spring industry.
"Indeed", Klah replied. "Mr. Kuro, in terms of sightseeing tourism revenue globally, we hold six percent of the market share while Kazanosen has two percent. However, specifically for hot springs, Kazanosen actually surpasses us slightly. We've maintained our position mainly through Kabuki performances and our newly developed entertainment industry."
"Eh? Isn't our hot spring the strongest?"
Lida asked, "Then whose hot spring is the best?"
Klah explained, "The most renowned would be the hot spring resort near Arabasta, operated by that Skypiea Native who helped us excavate our hot springs. Additionally, in terms of comprehensive commercial scale, the largest tourism hub is the world's greatest entertainment city 'Gran Tesoro,' which captures twenty percent of the global tourism market."
"Ah! I know that place!"
Lida's eyes sparkled. "The wonderful location with the 'Gold City' reputation!"
"That place..."
Kuro squinted, eyes narrowing. "Forget it, it's unrelated to us. I remember it's an independent 'nation' recognized by the World Government."
"Let's go play there someday, Kuro!" Lida exclaimed excitedly.
"We'll see. First, let's resolve our current matters."
Kuro exhaled a puff of smoke, "Let's check this town first. That stubborn old man will definitely choose one of the remaining two Endpoints."
Ten Capital Ships gradually approached their destination.
Kazanosen.
This island featured a massive volcanic crater. Beneath its mountainous terrain, countless structures cascaded downward in tiers. The island contained two major Ports.
One served as the berth for the maritime railway, while the other specialized in docking warships.
Residents near the Port spotted ten warships surging across the sea, their expressions instantly shifting.
Such a spectacle was rare.
While one or two warships might be explained as Navy forces executing a mission, or five or six could imply an island harboring heinous criminals, ten warships immediately triggered their first thought—the legendary 'Pacifista'!
The colossal combat power capable of indiscriminately attacking an entire island and reducing it to total destruction.
But clearly, these Residents overthought.
The warships docked at the Port, lowering their gangplanks.
Kuro, biting a cigar with hands in pockets, stepped off the warship first, striding forward.
Behind him, Doflamingo, Aokiji, Togeko, and Stress gathered, following closely. Behind them marched a sea of Navy personnel led by Lida, forming a white-clad tide that surged into the town.
Togeko glanced at the Residents who had hastily dodged aside, their faces filled with concern. "Kuro, assign some people to stabilize them. Don't let the locals develop resistance toward us."
"Hmph, no need", Doflamingo scoffed coldly. "Our actions are all for Justice. We needn't concern ourselves with these Residents' opinions."
"I think we should. Informing them would facilitate our operations", Togeko countered.
"Unnecessary. Finding Teacher Zeff is more important", Aokiji interjected.
"It does matter. Our Justice exists to protect peace and these Civilians", Stress insisted.
The Hawks and Doves never ceased clashing, their philosophies diverging.
This constant friction gave Kuro headaches.
"Enough! I'm the commander-in-chief. Assign some personnel to notify them. Kas, Wilbur—you handle it. Also, have them prepare for evacuation."
Kuro ordered, "If that stinking old man arrives here and we fail to stop him, at least we'll protect the Civilians from harm."
"Yes, Mr. Kuro!" Kas and Wilbur responded in unison.
"Tch, do as you please. Just accomplish the objective", Doflamingo muttered.
The Hawks held no real objections toward Kuro.
After all, his temperament aligned perfectly with theirs—their style of 'killing all wicked' suited their palates.
As for the Doves, besides Kuro's desire to protect Civilians, they agreed to let him lead this time because Zeff was also his teacher. Given Kuro's nature, if that old man showed any sign of redemption, he'd likely survive.
With neither faction objecting, and Kuro being the designated commander-in-chief, his word naturally prevailed.
"Hey, you guys want to soak in a hot spring?"
Kuro turned, suggesting, "The hot springs here are great. Since we're here, why not relax a bit?"
"Forget it. I'm not interested", Aokiji bit his cigar. "Kuro, don't get lax."
The others also showed disinterest.
"Life doesn't have to be so dull. Well, if you won't go, then do as you please. I'll go play", Kuro chuckled.
"I want to go too! Me too!"
Lida rushed forward, waving her hands. "There's mixed bathing, Kuro! Let's do mixed bathing!"
"No mixed bathing!"
Kuro glared at Lida. "Mixed bathing has too many people. You're only allowed in the women's bath!"
Lida pouted, clearly disappointed.
Such a great opportunity, yet she failed.
"Mr. Kuro, I'd like to explore the surroundings", Klah requested.
"Fine, just be cautious. Prevent that stinking old man from appearing nearby."
With that, Kuro headed toward the largest hot spring facility in town.
According to the intelligence from Kureha, the person he needed to contact would be waiting for him at the hot springs.
After removing his clothes at the facility, Kuro entered and found a pool to soak in.
"Tch, the effects are slightly better than mine. Natural springs are indeed superior to man-made ones."
Leaning back, hands resting on the pool's edge, he exhaled a relaxed sigh.
For some reason, the hot spring pool was nearly empty.
A faint weakness radiated from his body.
Devil Fruit users indeed experienced power suppression in water.
Though for his current strength, the effect was merely nominal.
"Hey, been waiting for you a long time. You finally arrived."
As Kuro reclined with closed eyes, a deep, resonant voice echoed from behind.
Kuro tilted his head back. Above him in the hot spring pool, a hand suddenly emerged, revealing a familiar face.
The man extended his hand, greeting, "Yo, long time no see. You're still smoking cigars while soaking in hot springs, huh? No change at all."
Kuro, still biting his cigar, smirked at the newcomer. "Who else could it be? It's you. Makes sense. The only one capable of having the Navy deliver messages for you. You've been busy lately, Kuzan."
(End of Chapter)
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