Chapter 73
Chapter 73
Lida thoroughly enjoyed her meal at Baratie, as she always did—taking half the day to finish, costing Kuro three million Beri.
"How was it this time? No one fainted at Baratie again!" Zeff chuckled, watching Lida pat her stomach contentedly. "A chef's victory!"
More like money’s victory! Kuro muttered under his breath, watching his wallet shrink.
"Old man", Kuro began negotiating, "since I spent so much here, how about throwing in some supplies? My crew needs to eat too."
"No problem." Zeff readily agreed. "Actually, the pirate you left behind has accumulated quite the bounty. I’ll prepare provisions for your voyage."
"Finally, some common sense." Kuro nodded, waiting for Zeff to arrange the supplies before heading to the warship.
"Come back anytime!" Patti waved from outside, tears streaming down his face. Such a generous guest was a rare treasure.
"Kuro, when are we coming back?" Lida asked eagerly on the warship.
"Enough already!" Kuro thumped her head. "At least consider my salary and your appetite! Once in a while is fine!"
Though promoted to Headquarters Ensign, granting him a monthly salary of one million Beri, free lodging, and government subsidies, Lida’s spending habits had forced him to hand financial control over to Klah. A former butler, Klah handled money responsibly—a relief for Kuro.
After handing Baratie’s supplies to the ship’s sergeant, the warship resumed its course. As a Headquarters member, Kuro could dock at any branch, sparing him from returning to Base 153—and Kas, that idiot, overthinking everything. Thanks to Kas, Kuro hadn’t encountered a single pirate lately. Drifting leisurely through the East Blue suited him just fine.
…
A few days later in the East Blue, Kuro lounged on the deck in a sunbathing chair, shirtless and relaxed.
"Ensign, we’re approaching an island. Should we dock for repairs?" the sergeant asked.
"As usual—restock supplies, take a day off. Might as well enjoy the break." Kuro lazily puffed his cigar.
His "vacation" had stretched for months, but leaving the East Blue wasn’t on his agenda. With endless places to explore, a few months of sightseeing wouldn’t hurt.
"Why stock up on every island? Why not head straight to the fun island ‘Morgant’?" Lida, lying beside him in a short-sleeved shirt, sipped juice. "They say Morgant’s amazing! Let’s go faster!"
"You wouldn’t understand", Kuro scoffed. "How much food’s left on board?"
"We just restocked two days ago", Lida rolled her eyes.
"Exactly—two days of supplies are gone already! That means we’ve got two months and twenty-eight days of rations left instead of three, and with you devouring half the storeroom, we’re down to just one month and thirteen days!"
Lida sighed as Kuro launched into his usual lecture.
Here we go again.
"Suppose a storm traps us for a month, and our food runs out? Starvation, Lida!"
"And therefore…"
"…We must refill the ship completely! Safety first!"
Kuro’s logic was as solid as ever.
"Right, right, you’re brilliant", Lida groaned.
Klah, wisely adjusting his glasses, had retreated to the railing the moment Kuro started his speech. If he weren’t outmatched, he’d have slashed Kuro with a claw blade already.
…
The warship docked at the island.
Lida blinked. "Germora!"
"Germora", Kuro repeated, stepping out in fresh clothes. "The island you once devoured. Wonder how Mayor Mendel’s doing without you, Lida."
The town had indeed recovered its order. After instructing his subordinates to restock supplies, Kuro entered Mendel’s home.
"Kuro! Long time no see! Thanks to you, the town’s thriving!" The mayor, now robust and energetic, beamed.
Kuro’s smile twitched. He could almost hear ‘Alabasta’s cry…’
"Just passing through to refuel", Kuro said.
"Take whatever you need!" Mendel boomed. "You’re our savior—the one who banished the demon White Phantom! This town is yours!"
"White Phantom?" Klah frowned, glancing at Lida, who hid behind Kuro.
"Ah, you seem like a fine man too!" Mendel turned to Klah, eyes gleaming. "Tonight, let me tell you the tale—just the two of us!"
Klah shivered. "Appreciate the offer… but no thanks."
As he turned away, a streaking meteor flashed past the window.
"Mr. Kuro! Another meteor? Lately, they keep—" Klah’s voice faltered. Cold sweat drenched his face as he pointed wildly. "Mr. Kuro!"
"Relax, we’ve seen meteors before. One wish a lifetime’s enough", Kuro said, then froze mid-glance.
The "meteor" grew larger, revealing a silhouette…
An island.
A massive island, plummeting rapidly toward Germora.
Shadows engulfed the town as the island loomed closer, moments from impact.
(End of Chapter)
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