Chapter 769: Old Woman!
Chapter 769: Old Woman!
Several days later, most Navy officers had already departed, each assigned to escort Vips attending the World Meeting.
This mobilization was comprehensive—Kuro’s subordinates also received orders to join the effort.
Kas and Wilbur formed a team to search for David.
Originally, Headquarters had planned to assign Lida as escort for the Insect Country in West Blue, but since Lida was too lazy to make the trip, Kuro declined the mission on her behalf.
Because of this, he received an unexpected call from an unfamiliar transponder snail. A voice that sounded vaguely familiar launched into a furious tirade, accusing him of being "selfish" for treating his own sister like a forbidden treasure and not even allowing her own brother to see her.
Kuro wore an expression of complete bewilderment before suddenly remembering—the caller must be Luo Wei’s transponder snail.
He hadn’t done anything at all—why were you randomly insulting people? You obsessive little sister freak!
At this moment, at Headquarters Port, Kuro lounged on a deckchair on the Golden Lion’s deck. He had changed out of his Navy uniform into his usual attire: a black fur-trimmed cloak that exposed his chest, paired with a pair of sunglasses for sunbathing.
Klah, standing guard nearby, suddenly had his pupils flash red as he turned his gaze toward a distant direction. "Kuro, sir."
"Hmm." Kuro nodded slightly, remaining silent.
Soon, three white-clad figures sprinted from the port area and landed on the deck.
Leading the group was Rob Lucci—wearing his signature tall chef’s hat and peculiar tiny mustache.
"Lucius Kro, I’ve arrived." Lucci glanced at Kuro lounging on the chair, speaking in a calm tone.
"You’re not alone."
Kuro tilted his head slightly, his sunglasses sliding down his nose to reveal his eyes as he observed the newcomers.
Behind Lucci stood a man with a square-shaped long nose resembling Pinocchio, and an alluring blonde woman.
"Pleased to meet you, Vice Admiral Golden Lion. This humble one is Shalria." The blonde woman gave a graceful bow, her voice soft.
The man with the square long nose—distinct from Usopp’s round one—also greeted him. "CP0. This one is Kaku. We’ve met before, Vice Admiral Golden Lion."
Back during the Enies Lobby incident when Robin was being escorted, Kuro had been asked by Gramps to assist. They had met briefly on that train ride.
That distinctive nose certainly left an impression.
"You’ve been promoted too, huh?"
Kuro sat up halfway, addressing Kaku before shifting his gaze to Shalria. "I know you—you’re the famous Queen of Joy Street, the one who strictly prohibits gambling and drugs."
A major figure in the underworld known as the Queen of Joy Street, though her true identity as a CP agent was information Kuro could access thanks to his status.
Shalria chuckled softly. "If Vice Admiral Golden Lion feels inclined, you’re always welcome to visit."
"Hmm?"
This comment made Lida, who was munching snacks nearby, twist her head around. She gave Shalria an up-and-down look, sniffed the air, and warily muttered, "Old woman’s aura!"
Shalria’s facial expression briefly stiffened. Though her smile remained, her tone carried chilling intent. "My dear girl, calling a woman old is terribly impolite—especially when she’s in such a youthful condition."
Shalria’s age was indeed ancient, though exactly how old even Kuro didn’t know.
However, the longevity in her aura was unmistakable. Unlike her appearance, this woman’s true age was far beyond her looks—a female cultivator who mastered the art of preservation even better than Shaki.
But someone like this was nothing new to Kuro.
In this world, women were already strange by nature—let alone those with Devil Fruit abilities.
Take Lida as an example. Even at eighty, she wouldn’t show any aging signs thanks to her Devil Fruit powers.
The Essence’s strength allowed her to lock her age in place indefinitely.
As for those without Devil Fruits—take the restaurant owner from Kuro’s hometown, Shelz Town. The woman had looked identical ten years ago as she did now. The same applied to the woman from Windmill Village.
"Alright, you’ve arrived. Let’s get going. Don’t waste time—waiting for you all has already taken long enough."
Kuro waved his hand at Klah. "Departure, Klah."
"Yes, sir."
Klah pushed his glasses upward and began issuing orders, signaling the Navy crew to set the Golden Lion into motion.
"If you want food or drinks, help yourselves at the dining hall. I won’t be serving anyone."
Kuro addressed the group. "Additionally, handle the Kolf Kingdom business yourselves. Just keep an eye on things. No need to report to me."
"That’s not how the mission is structured."
Lucci replied, meeting Kuro’s gaze directly. "Vice Admiral Lucius Kro, the directive explicitly states you are to lead this operation."
Kuro raised an eyebrow. "Who decided that? Normally, national affairs like this are handled by you CP agents. The Navy’s never been involved before. Why change now? You guys think I’m an easy target?"
"Orders are orders. I’m just delivering the message." Lucci’s expression remained neutral.
"You’re a damn mission-obsessed freak, aren’t you? All mission, no brain." Kuro rolled his eyes.
"Now, now, Vice Admiral Golden Lion."
Shalria interjected smoothly. "The higher-ups believe you have relevant experience in these matters. Hence, you’re designated as the lead decision-maker. We’re here merely as support—to determine whether Kolf Kingdom meets the criteria for becoming a member state. After all, it carries the reputation of a pirate nation. There are concerns this might provoke unrest among existing members."
"I’ll hazard a guess."
Kuro lit a cigar, exhaling a stream of smoke. "Regardless of the outcome, I assume you CP types have your own agenda. You’ll either buy their local specialty secretly or just steal it outright. Let’s be honest—no matter how many white coats you wear, you guys never stop wallowing in the shadows."
CP’s usual modus operandi was clear—why do things straightforwardly when they could scheme in the dark?
Even a blind man could predict: if Kolf Kingdom refused statehood, CP would still find a way to obtain their coveted local resource—"Bombstone."
"Watch your words, Vice Admiral Golden Lion." Kaku stepped forward, his tone sharp. "Our methods have their reasons."
"You should watch your tone too, CP0." Kuro shot back.
Whoosh!
In an instant, a wisp-like afterimage flashed before Kaku. Lida, holding a slice of watermelon in her right hand, suddenly slammed her left palm—dripping with juice—against Kaku’s body before he could react.
In the next heartbeat, Kaku’s face turned ghostly pale. His entire body went limp, as if all his bones had dissolved.
Seeing this, Lucci’s posture tensed, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Kuro slowly stood up, the cigar still clamped between his teeth. He tilted his head upward, addressing the group. "Even though we work for different agencies, as long as Old Man Gramps is leading this operation, shouldn’t you show me a little respect? You CP guys never learn. From past to present, you’ve always been clueless about basic etiquette."
"I’m not like Sengoku, nor Sakazuki. I won’t tolerate you lot. If you’ve got complaints, take them to the higher-ups and let them deal with me. But if you don’t—then show some goddamn respect. Especially you, Lucci. Out of courtesy for our past acquaintance, I’ve let a lot slide. I spared you back in Dressrosa too. That black-and-white masked freak didn’t come this time, did he? Good thing—because if he had, I’d have made him regret it!"
(End of Chapter)
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