Chapter 664: Kuro, You Make the Decision
Chapter 664: Kuro, You Make the Decision
Mariejois.
Pangu Palace.
Rights Chamber.
"The old man disagrees!"
Clad in his military uniform, Sakazuki stood before the five posing elders, clenching a cigar between his teeth, his face twisted with fury.
The Five Elders exchanged glances. The curly-haired elderly man spoke slowly: "Sakazuki, we haven't even spoken yet."
"The old man disagrees first."
Sakazuki exhaled a plume of smoke. "You've got nothing good to say anyway. First, the World Government let Donquixote Doflamingo spread false news, and now this mess—he still failed!"
He glared at the five elders, enunciating each word: "Stop meddling in such affairs. Otherwise, where does that leave the Navy's reputation?"
"What reputation? Mind your place, Sakazuki!"
The map-headed elder snapped, "The Navy is merely the World Government's instrument. Other matters are our concern, and you simply follow orders!"
"Hmph. In the end, you've become nothing but puppets for the World Nobles!"
"Sakazuki!!"
The sword-bearing elder barked, "Watch your tongue!"
The curly-haired elderly man now confronted Sakazuki: "And what about you? How much better are you? Kuzan, such a formidable combat power, joined Blackbeard! You've never explained that to us!"
At this, Sakazuki's expression softened slightly. Gritting his teeth, he replied, "That bastard is no longer Navy. His actions have nothing to do with us!"
But with Kuzan's matter now raised, Sakazuki had no grounds to keep berating the Five Elders.
After a pause, he said, "As for Kuro, you've all heard his stance. What's your plan regarding Donquixote Doflamingo?"
"Kuro?"
The red-skinned elder, legs crossed, mused, "He handled things well. Donquixote Doflamingo failed, yet Kuro contained him. Regarding Dressrosa, he knew to consult us first."
"Unlike others who act unilaterally", the bearded elder added, fixing Sakazuki with a pointed stare.
The sword-bearing elder continued, "As for resolving Dressrosa's situation, King Riku has reclaimed the throne. We must consider the opinions of other member states."
"Let him remain king", the red-skinned elder suggested. "The Donquixote family has always ruled Dressrosa."
"The old man disagrees!" Sakazuki interjected. "Kuro and Yi Xiao protected Dressrosa from Big Mom, yet Liku not only shows no gratitude but opposes us for Luffy's Crew. Such a man is unfit to rule!"
The red-skinned elder frowned. "But several neighboring member states already recognize him."
Sakazuki tilted his head, cigar clenched defiantly. "The World Government's recognition is what matters. If we let such a man remain king, what was the point of the Navy risking our lives to protect Dressrosa?"
"Hmm."
The curly-haired elderly man leaned forward, hands clasped. After a moment's thought, he proposed, "Let's entrust Golden Lion with this. He's shrewd—he'll know the right choice."
"Handing it to him would be wise", the sword-bearing elder's glasses glinted.
"Golden Lion will handle it well", the bearded elder agreed.
"Very well, so be it", the red-skinned elder nodded.
The last elder also signaled approval.
Golden Lion was known for his cunning and mediation skills. His past dialogue had subtly diffused tensions between Sakazuki and Yi Xiao. Loyal to the World Government, he understood which matters should be resolved internally.
Sakazuki nodded silently. Though dissatisfied, he trusted Kuro. He knew Kuro would make the correct decision.
...
Dressrosa.
"Huh?"
In a Navy base tent, Kuro lounged in a chair. Beside him, Lida held a Transponder Snail while Kuro listened to the news through its receiver.
"Let me handle it?"
He leaned back, settling more comfortably.
The Transponder Snail crackled with Sakazuki's voice: "Yes, Kuro. This is your call. Those higher-ups want no responsibility—they lack backbone. But orders are orders. You're fully in charge of the Dressrosa incident. CP0 will assist you to ensure the right judgment."
Kuro crooked a finger. A Navy officer promptly approached, offering a cigar. He took it, and the officer lit it with a lighter.
Exhaling smoke, Kuro mused, "Isn't it inappropriate to leave this to a Vice Admiral? Isn't Admiral Sengoku en route?"
"That old man's retired! Sengoku can advise you, and so can Elder Marin. But you must decide. Whether to support King Riku, depose him, or even reinstate Donquixote Doflamingo as king—it's all up to you!"
Sakazuki's voice darkened. "That's all."
Click.
The call disconnected.
"Hey? Hello? Did he hang up? Such a scary amount of authority..."
Kuro pouted, sighing.
"Kuro?" Lida pocketed the Transponder Snail. "Make the decision yourself. Depose that old man—Liku disrespects you!"
"It's not that simple", Kuro straightened, eyes fixed ahead. "This requires comprehensive planning and a suitable replacement. That bird's actions were despicable, but Dressrosa thrived under his rule."
Ignoring the darkness zone, Dressrosa had improved significantly under Doflamingo compared to Liku's reign.
As for the Colosseum, it was a longstanding tradition. Cyrus himself had once been a gladiator.
Yet under Liku, Dressrosa had stagnated—nothing but an ordinary kingdom. Liku was kind, but kindness alone doesn't govern a nation.
"Kuro?" Lida spoke again.
"Hmm, I see."
Kuro rose, heading toward the tent where Donquixote Doflamingo was imprisoned.
From within, a tiny figure slipped in—a small man wearing a green hat, hefting a flintlock pistol larger than his own body. He leveled it at the chained man.
"Donquixote Doflamingo! Your time is up!" the small man roared.
Doflamingo lifted his head, smirking. "Kshhhkshhkshh. You dare kill me?"
"Die! I'll avenge my Tontatta Tribe!"
The small man pulled the trigger—
But suddenly, the pistol flew from his grasp.
Two towering shadows loomed over him.
"Little people... How rare. First time seeing one up close."
A surprised voice echoed from behind.
(End of Chapter)
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