https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-601-My-Skin-s-Itching-Someone-s-Talking-About-Me/13538675/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-603-What-the-Hell-a-Goldenlegend/13538677/
Chapter 602: Rounding Up Makes It a Thousand Ships!
Chapter 602: Rounding Up Makes It a Thousand Ships!
Several days later, the Warship commanded by Kuro arrived at Headquarters.
Without wasting time, Kuro disembarked and sent his subordinates to rest before heading straight to Lucius Kro's Office.
"Oh~ Kuro, you're back."
Inside the Office, Lucius Kro sat sipping tea leisurely. Seeing Kuro enter, he gestured toward the chair across from him with a nod. "Have a seat."
"Should I really stand on ceremony with you?"
Kuro rolled his eyes and plopped down unceremoniously.
"Gramps, I sent you a report earlier, right? Did you even read it?"
"Read it all", Lucius Kro replied with a grin.
"Ai En and Binz rejoining the Navy isn't an issue, but since they deserted before, the recommendation is they start from scratch as new recruits."
"New recruits?"
Kuro frowned. "That seems excessive. Their strength is at least equivalent to a Commander. Starting from the bottom feels unnecessary, especially after Fleet Admiral Sakazuki just finished the World Recruitment. Why be so strict with our own people?"
"Relax, it's just a suggestion. You can handle it however you see fit", Lucius Kro said, still smiling. "After all, they're practically family."
"You always downplay everything, Gramps."
Kuro rolled his eyes again, leaning back comfortably before extending his hand. "Gramps, I'm heading to G-3 soon. That's a dangerous zone—don't you think I deserve some support? Like, say, a few hundred Pacifista units?"
"You're asking for too much, Kuro", Lucius Kro chuckled.
"Not really! I'm even saving you money!"
Kuro leaned forward, counting on his fingers. "Sure, the PX-Z Pacifista models are a bit cheaper now, but five of them cost about the same as four Capital Ships. I want a thousand units. At the old rate, that'd be a thousand Capital Ships, but now it's only eight hundred."
He grinned triumphantly. "Gramps, I just saved you two hundred Warships! Round it up twice—five hundred, then a thousand! It's practically free!"
Lucius Kro pouted playfully. "A thousand ships? Sounds scary~"
"Right? So—"
"Nope, Kuro", Lucius Kro interrupted with a smile.
Kuro's face fell. "Then how many?"
Lucius Kro raised a hand, spreading his fingers, then folded two down.
"Three? That's way too few!" Kuro grumbled.
Of course, he knew demanding eighteen hundred was a stretch, but three? That felt stingy.
"Gramps, I'm going to G-3—the frontlines! You're giving me just three?"
"Last time at Shabondy you requisitioned two, and one went to Pegasus Island. Adding three more would make six total", Lucius Kro explained, still smiling. "Old man wants to give you everything, but we're stretched thin. If I allocate too many, the higher-ups will complain. Besides, you don't really need Pacifista, do you?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
Kuro argued, "Don't underestimate the tech, Gramps! Pacifista are perfect for hunting tricky pirates. Even in the New World, they're invaluable. They make great defensive assets, and I could mount them on my Warships for pirate hunts!"
"We just don't have that many to spare", Lucius Kro sighed, scratching his head. "How about five? Five's the max. Old man's already risking criticism for favoritism."
"Cut your junior some slack for once", Kuro said, blowing out a puff of smoke. "Fine, five it is. Better than nothing."
"Also", Lucius Kro added, "while I couldn't spare many Pacifista, I did pull some strings with Vegapunk to get you extra support."
He grinned. "You mentioned wanting to visit your ancestral home. Take some time off now to go back. Old man's giving you leave before your G-3 assignment."
"Whoa, Gramps! A conscience at last? Letting me go home?"
Kuro's face lit up, then suddenly froze. "Wait... You're not sending me on some mission under the guise of vacation, are you?"
He knew Lucius Kro was aware of his annual pilgrimage to East Blue. Before, as Base Commander at Pegasus Island and Shabondy, he'd taken leave without formalities. With Navy regulations on vacation, he'd always skirted the rules thanks to Lucius Kro's protection.
But now, about to assume a new post, he was technically still under Headquarters' jurisdiction. Taking leave without protocol felt risky.
Still, he wanted the break—but Lucius Kro's sudden generosity felt suspicious.
"Nothing like that", Lucius Kro said. "Just go claim your Flagship. Might as well take it for a spin—it's been sitting long enough."
Kuro eyed him warily. "You're sure there's no hidden task? Gramps, just spit it out now. I might even agree. After this, no more deals."
He couldn't shake the feeling Lucius Kro was holding back.
"Really, nothing", Lucius Kro said, his glasses flashing. "Unless you want to take on some sixth-level wanted criminals before you leave—"
"Goodbye."
Kuro waved and strode out. If there was no mission, he'd take the break gladly. No need to go looking for trouble.
Outside Headquarters, he dialed a call. "Wilbur—near you?"
"Right here, Kuro, sir", the Transponder Snail crackled, displaying a bespectacled face with a goofy grin. "We're at the Flagship storage facility."
His voice had an odd hesitation, but Kuro was too preoccupied to notice. He had a clear path to East Blue—and no assignments.
"Perfect! Bring her out. Gather the crew—we're heading home!"
Kuro grinned. "Old Man granted leave! Everyone, back to East Blue!"
(End of Chapter)
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