https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-622-You-Should-Work-for-the-World-Government/13538790/
Chapter 621: The Devil Fruit User Was Right Beside Me
Chapter 621: The Devil Fruit User Was Right Beside Me
In the office, Bogart had finally returned to his normal self.
Besides Kuro, his subordinates had also arrived, especially Kas, who brought a group of Douglegnavy personnel lining up from the office to the corridor.
Kuro had them give Bogart a "sobering up" session.
Then, he was restored to normal.
What homecoming farming, what soft-heartedness.
He, a proud Navy Vice Admiral and Garp's aide-de-camp who had followed Garp since his youth, was supposed to be the most steadfast in upholding Justice—how could he have such idiotic thoughts?
Absolutely unforgivable!
His expression brimming with fury and a sense of humiliation, Bogart clenched his fist, a throbbing vein pulsing on his forehead. "I was even thinking that if Vice Admiral Garp refused, I'd switch to a reverse blade sword and never kill again—all because of that cursed Devil Fruit user!"
This made Kuro smirk slightly.
Reverse blade?
What, did he think he was part of the Shinmeiryu Style?
Coincidentally, Kuro himself mastered the Shinmeiryu Style—let's see whose swordsmanship was superior.
"Where is that Devil Fruit user, Bogart? You were affected not long ago, right? That Devil Fruit user shouldn't have left yet."
Garp had only recently stepped down, and Kuro had taken over shortly after. When Garp returned, he showed no signs of being affected, nor had he mentioned any abnormalities in G-3. This meant it wasn't an issue from Garp's time—it must have happened recently.
Therefore, the Devil Fruit user was either still around or hadn't gone far.
"That Devil Fruit user!"
At the mere mention of the Devil Fruit user, Bogart's fury intensified. His eyes beneath the hat brim gleamed coldly. "The G-3 Navy has lost its fighting spirit, getting bombarded by pirates. Now rumors are spreading across the Grand Line that G-3 is finished. Kuro, you need to revive G-3!"
"Yeah, yeah, I understand this issue."
Kuro waved his hand dismissively. "Let's focus on finding the most critical thing first. Otherwise, who knows when another wave of soft-heartedness will hit?"
Bogart nodded, falling into thought before speaking. "About a month ago, I heard rumors about pirates near Grande Port, so I went there. But when I arrived, I witnessed something bizarre—those pirates had lost their fighting spirit and were living peacefully."
"But pirates wanting a stable life without paying the price? That's impossible. Their past evils can't be erased just by laying down weapons. We were about to arrest them when a black-robed figure appeared."
Bogart pondered for a moment, then nodded firmly. "Yes, a black-robed figure. From that point on, things started going wrong. Suddenly, I felt myself becoming soft-hearted, thinking it wasn't bad for them to live there peacefully. Some Navy personnel were affected too, staying on that island. Later, I returned. At the time, I didn't realize anything was wrong."
He chuckled bitterly, looking at his bandaged hand. "I never suspected anything was wrong. Even later during battles with pirates, I hesitated, causing many Navy casualties. Some pirates followed us back to G-3, turning it into this mess. We paid dearly to drive them away."
"Later, some Navy personnel who had sobered up in G-3 went back to Grande Port. They probably noticed something was off. But some didn't return, while others brought that black-robed figure to G-3. I even wanted to invite that person for a meal, but he left after a quick visit. Since then, G-3 has completely changed."
"Navy casualties? You went back to Grande Port a second time?" Kuro frowned. "Klah, weren't there any reports? G-3's operations should have been reported to me as the current Base Commander."
"There were reports."
Klah nodded. "We received news about G-3's expedition to Grande Port, but they quickly sent updates saying the situation was under control. I did report this to you."
Kuro furrowed his brow, recalling the incident.
Back when he was at Headquarters, Klah had mentioned it, but he hadn't paid much attention.
It was normal for the Navy to eliminate pirates, and casualties were expected. A world where the Navy fought pirates without any losses was a naive fantasy.
Conflict inevitably led to war, and war always brought death—there were no exceptions.
Such reports wouldn't raise eyebrows, especially since G-3 had claimed control of the situation. Kuro had dismissed it from his mind.
Now, reflecting on it...
Kuro paced the office before stopping at a wall-mounted map showing G-3's jurisdictional sea area, dotted with numerous islands.
"Where is Grande Island?"
"Vice Admiral Kuro, here."
Klah pointed to an island near G-3's fortress. "This is a snowy island with a thriving fishing industry, the largest in the region. If not for its harsh weather, G-3's base might have been established here originally."
So close?
Kuro paused, his teeth gritting. "The Devil Fruit user was right beside me? Impressive, operating under the Old Man's nose. Kas, Wilbur, gather everyone—we're going."
"Yes, Vice Admiral Kuro!"
The two saluted and rushed out to prepare.
"Wait, I'm coming too."
Bogart reached for a dusty sword in the corner.
"Stand down."
Kuro interrupted him sharply, locking eyes with Bogart. "This is my base now. You're Garp's aide-de-camp—don't cause me any trouble here. Should the Navy follow your orders or mine? Return to your duties."
Bogart froze mid-motion, a bitter smile forming. "Is this because of the tension between Vice Admiral Garp and you?"
"You're well-informed. It's not as exaggerated as you think—just the Old Man's usual grumpiness."
Kuro clicked his tongue. "Don't overthink it. Just return and report."
He resented Garp for handing him this mess—it was personal.
How could he trust Garp's faction after this?
Who in their right mind would hand over G-3 to him?
Could he handle all these troublesome matters?
"I understand." Bogart straightened, his voice heavy. "You're the G-3 Base Commander—your decision stands."
Kuro glanced at him without a word, then turned and left.
His subordinates followed, and soon the office was empty again, leaving only Bogart behind.
Bogart's bitter smile deepened as he gripped the sword. He swung the scabbard, sending dust swirling into the air.
"What a humiliation."
A seasoned Navy officer like him had fallen victim to this.
Even returning to Headquarters, he'd be ashamed to face his peers.
Worse still, Kuro had denied him the chance to redeem his honor.
He'd heard that Vice Admiral Garp had offended Vice Admiral Kuro in Shabondy, but apparently, the rift ran deeper than he'd imagined.
(End of Chapter)
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