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Chapter 673: Now There Are No Torches, You Are the Only Light
Chapter 673: Now There Are No Torches, You Are the Only Light
"Country?"
David's expression turned stunned as he instinctively replied, "How can a country become someone's master?"
In this world, people don't hold such concepts. To them, a nation must have a King—an absolute ruler.
Even the Farming faction of Drum Island must elect a new King; otherwise, the former King retains legal authority over the land. Even now, despite having chosen a new leader, the former King still possesses legitimacy. What determines the future is ultimately the gap in strength.
Just as Donquixote Doflamingo inherently holds legitimacy over Dressrosa.
"Why not?" Kuro rolled his White Eye, scoffing, "I just don't get what you people think. If you can't wield your sword without a purpose, why not create one? If you don't want your neighbor to die, you must become King! Since this is your only path, what's there to hesitate about?"
"In the end, this 'inability to wield a sword' is just a lack of excuse! Then let this country, its people, become your master!"
Kuro continued, "Pansha is an ancient family in this nation. With King Riku's abdication, you have the qualifications to claim the throne. As a knight, your duty should be protecting civilians, not clinging to a single dynasty!"
"I—"
David opened his mouth, his face showing hesitation. Finally, he shook his head. "Navylord, you can find a better King. I'll convince my neighbor to submit to that new King. As for me... I can't be King."
He didn't want those people to die, but he couldn't bear the crown either.
Pansha cannot exist without a master.
"Stubborn bastard."
Kuro pulled out a cigar box and tossed one over. David numbly caught it, his face blank.
Click.
The sound of a lighter rang out.
Kuro ignited the cigar, pointing at the smoldering tip. "See? The tent has no light, yet here burns my flame. This fire—it was lit by me."
"If there's no master, create one. If there's no oath, forge one. Take Dressrosa as your master, civilians as your oath. Don't chase after someone else's fire in the darkness. Become the flame yourself! Become the light!"
"Now there are no torches—you are the only light!"
With a flick of Kuro's fingers, the flint wheel lighter sent a dancing flame onto the cigar in David's hand, igniting its tip.
"Try becoming light, David!" Kuro roared.
David trembled, watching the cigar glow. "I... I—"
"If you keep dithering, I'll have King Riku revoke his abdication! You'll stay as you are, and your neighbor's execution will proceed. Burn yourself as kindling—what's so hard about that? Don't tell me you lack even this cowardly courage!"
Wait, the King who burns himself...
A kindling King?
"No! My neighbor mustn't die!" David blurted instinctively.
Kuro said calmly, "The moment one makes a choice, they know their true desire. What you want—should be clear by now."
David froze.
Yes. In that instant, the thought of not wanting his neighbor to die had surged above all else.
Kuro's words had burned themselves into his mind.
To be one's own master.
To become one's own light.
Light.
He lowered his head, staring at the burning cigar. Uncertainty crept into his voice. "Can I... really do this?"
Light was always something Pansha chased and protected. He'd never imagined claiming it for himself.
"Damn you're annoying!" Kuro scowled. "Fine—if you can't choose a master, just pick one arbitrarily! Me! Choose me! I now command you to become light and seize Dressrosa's throne!"
David shuddered, looking up at Kuro in disbelief.
His first reaction was to refuse.
But then he hesitated.
Perhaps... it wasn't impossible.
This man had saved Dressrosa's civilians. Unlike the outside world's belief that Luffy defeated Donquixote Doflamingo and liberated Dressrosa, David knew the truth—he was the one who had protected these people.
And the earth-shaking battle outside? That was him fighting a powerful enemy. Without his protection, Dressrosa would have fallen long ago.
This was a man of justice—undoubtedly.
David was stubborn, yes, but not foolish.
In fact, he clearly understood the internal strife and situation.
Dressrosa's nobility lacked the qualifications to become his master.
Yet Kuro's words struck true—he didn't want those neighbors to die. He needed a master, bound by Pansha's ancient traditions. That wasn't something easily broken.
A nation? Civilians? Taking them as a master felt too abstract.
"I have no sword", David lowered his head. "Eight hundred years ago, Pansha lost its sword."
"A sword? A real sword?"
Kuro exhaled a smoke ring, fingers flicking. "Simple."
Whoosh!
Something tore through the air. Outside, a thunderous boom echoed as a jet-black, horned greatsword slammed vertically into the ground.
"No sword? Then I'll give you one. How many do you need?"
Under everyone's gaze, Kuro's fingers twitched again. The blade yanked itself free, hovering mid-air beside him.
"This one I took from a pirate. A 【Famous Blade】—yours now. From the calluses on your hand, you're a greatsword wielder. Perfect for you."
He'd spotted it immediately—the way this man held himself, the greatsword style. His techniques were no small matter. That aura alone was formidable; with a weapon, it would surge further.
The greatsword floated to David, its hilt thrusting itself into his hand with unyielding force.
"Take it. Your weapon." Kuro said.
David stared at the blade, inhaling sharply. A decision solidified in his eyes.
From today onward, there are no torches—you are the only light.
What this man wants no longer matters. What matters is—he wants to wield his sword. He's always wanted to wield his sword!
This man has the qualifications!
Crash!
David seized the greatsword with one hand, driving it downward as he knelt on one knee. "I understand now. You have the qualifications. Pansha will swear fealty to you!"
"Eh?"
Kuro arched a brow. "Wait, that's not what I—"
"Vice Admiral Kuro."
Moer interrupted, leaning close with a whisper:
"We can test this. David's heart is bound by an unbreakable knot. We don't need to force his hand. If he fails as ruler, we can replace him. Let's play along for now. If he lacks the talent to be King, it'll be easier to manage later."
It made sense.
For now, David was Kuro's choice. His character seemed decent, but governing isn't about virtue—it's about methods.
If David's methods faltered, Kuro might seek someone more capable, with Pansha's support.
The man's combat prowess was no joke. Let him pursue his knight's path—agreeing costs little. If he fails, Kuro could simply revoke his "master's" command.
Kuro nodded, falling silent.
David remained half-kneeling, eyes lightly closed. "I shall follow your command, seizing the throne to complete the war left unfinished eight hundred years ago!"
In this moment, his aura changed.
No longer hesitation, no longer lost. Like a rusted blade shedding corrosion, he became sharp, resolute, and clear.
(End of Chapter)
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