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Chapter 619: Uncle, Who Are You?
Chapter 619: Uncle, Who Are You?
Those newspapers brought nothing to Kuro but a sense of absurdity.
First, Kuro knew full well that Donquixote Doflamingo, that idiot, wouldn't resign from the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Though these memories had grown hazy, encountering something so familiar jogged his recollection.
"Then again, since Law and Luffy teamed up, they should've already visited Vegapunk Hazard."
In the Golden Lion's office, Kuro rested his chin on his hand with legs crossed at a ninety-degree angle, deep in thought.
In other words, that scientist whose name Kuro had forgotten should've been captured.
Though Kuro couldn't recall the scientist's name, his accomplishments left a strong impression.
Human Body Gigantification and artificial Devil Fruit were his masterpieces.
He was also the one holding the most critical reins of the New World for Donquixote Doflamingo.
Probably why he resigned.
"Must be fake news. Headquarters hasn't received any reports, otherwise it would've caused chaos. Did they bypass Headquarters and contact the World Government directly?"
Kuro shook his head, chuckling. "Unbelievable. You sure don't handle personnel matters, World Government."
This kind of operation where they trample their own dignity—was this really something the World Government would do?
Aren't they the ones who value face the most?
Even the Navy serves as their face.
As Kuro pondered, Klah entered the office. "Mr. Kuro, G-3 has arrived."
"Already here?"
Kuro gazed toward the floor-to-ceiling windows. In the endless expanse of the Grand Line, an island emerged ahead, its silhouette dotted with numerous fortresses.
G-3—the New World's frontline fortress. Compared to G-5, it was far more renowned.
The base of the "Navy Hero" Garp, now vacated.
As Golden Lion drew closer, the fortresses became clearer. Kuro suddenly furrowed his brows. On the fortress walls lingered residual combat energy—cannonball and bullet traces that hadn't fully dissipated.
Some bastions remained in damaged condition.
"Garp's vacated his post. Who's been commanding here during my absence?" Kuro asked.
"Vice Admiral Bogart", Klah replied.
"Bogart, huh?"
Kuro recalled that composed man with a hooked nose, always dressed like a gangster.
This man had once wanted to teach him swordsmanship, but Kuro had refused.
Later, after Kuro "rose to fame", the offer never resurfaced.
"This is G-3? Why does it look so battered?"
Lida approached the window, curious. "Aren't they supposed to be impregnable? Even without Garp, it shouldn't be like this."
These words sent a strong sense of crisis through Kuro.
He'd been hoping for the best.
G-3—legendary fortress.
One of the Navy's greatest strongholds, second only to New Marine Headquarters and Marineford.
Such a fortress shouldn't have pirates attacking recklessly.
That way, he could stay comfortably inside, chase pirates half-heartedly when spotted, then rush deeper into the New World and let the pirates fight among themselves.
Unlike the East Blue or Paradise, this New World environment wouldn't trouble his conscience.
Here, pirates were everywhere. He just needed to ensure his assigned area remained trouble-free.
But what was going on now?
This residual combat energy...
Did pirates actually attack the Navy?!
Normally impossible.
Few pirates would dare attack the Navy, especially at G-3.
With these doubts, Golden Lion docked at the port.
Kuro and his group disembarked, scanning the surroundings. Their frowns deepened.
Some warships lay docked, but several were damaged beyond sailing. As for the intact ones...
Kuro ran a finger along one hull, collecting dust.
"Dust? How long has this been unused?"
He looked up at the sunlit cannon mouths. Even from a distance, he could see the gun barrels had gathered dust.
No maintenance?
Impossible. G-3 clearly had life auras inside—quite a few, in fact.
"Strange. Why hasn't anyone come to greet us? Didn't we send advance notice?"
Klah also frowned.
Upon arrival, Navy personnel should've greeted them. After all, Mr. Kuro was the new Base Commander. The local officers should personally welcome him.
Yet the port remained eerily deserted. Was this a deliberate snub?
Klah adjusted his glasses. "Looks like the staff here lacks proper reverence. Or perhaps Garp left some parting gift?"
This was Kuro, the Golden Lion, an Admiral candidate. No welcome at all?
Kuro noticed this too. He waved his hand. "Garp wouldn't pull such a stunt. Either the subordinates are acting on their own, or something's wrong here. Forget it—these formalities are pointless. Let's go find Bogart directly."
Saying this, Kuro walked faster than anyone.
Lida and Klah exchanged glances, shaking their heads.
He claims not to care about formalities, but...
"Angry yet?" Lida teased.
"Probably", Klah nodded. "Mr. Kuro values face more than anyone."
Among pirates, the face-king's identity remains unknown, but demanding respect counts for something.
In the Navy, the old guard's lost their touch. The new face-king is undoubtedly Mr. Kuro.
Anyone who disrespects him will soon regret it.
"Hey! Everyone, work harder!"
As they entered the fortress, a thunderous shout stunned Kuro.
In the corridor, both janitorial staff in uniforms and officers in hooded cloaks wielded mops, deep in cleaning.
That shout originated from here.
"Oh! How spirited!"
Donald's eyes lit up. "Such pure enthusiasm makes me feel passionate!"
"Truly passionate!" Kas clenched his fist solemnly, watching the bustling labor. "This is G-3! I won't lose!"
What are you getting excited about?
Kuro rolled his white eye, suddenly coughing.
The scene froze at his cough.
Everyone turned, staring at Kuro.
"Who're you, uncle?"
A fifteen-year-old janitor approached with mop in hand, eyeing him. "Navy?"
"Uncle?"
Kuro twitched his lips. "Your eyesight doesn't need donating to charity. Old man or young man? Where's Bogart? Have him come see me!"
(End of Chapter)
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