Chapter 775: Don't, Don't, Stop
Chapter 775: Don't, Don't, Stop
After Kuro finished exploiting the situation, he allowed the soldiers to rest for half a day. Once they'd regained some of their energy, he led them toward Stone King City—the capital of Kolf Island.
As Kolf Island's capital and primary trading hub, this city attracted numerous influential figures seeking to purchase stones and Bomb Rock. All visitors were required to be escorted by authorized personnel. Unauthorized wandering across the island was strictly forbidden, with violators immediately classified as Enemies.
This ironclad policy persisted because of the late King Noardi, whose unique ability allowed him to detect anyone setting foot on the island. Numerous pirates had attempted invasions, but all were captured and forced into slavery, regardless of their landing point.
King Noardi was indeed formidable.
Yet Luffy appeared to be even stronger.
Since Luffy's arrival, chaos had engulfed Kolf Island. Kuro needed no soldier's explanation to witness the devastation firsthand—corpses of pirates, soldiers, and civilians littered the landscape. Villages lay in ruins, exuding an aura of desolation.
Kuro paused at one spot, observing a young man's bloodied body lying in the road. The corpse's face and torso were shattered beyond recognition, though the man clutched a stone tightly in his hand—a desperate final act. With a flick of his finger, Kuro summoned earth to envelop the body into a massive stone casket. After a moment's thought, he carved head-sized indentations into the structure.
"I'll offer their heads to the dead", Kuro murmured, then continued onward.
He resolved to show no mercy—regardless of the outcome of World Government negotiations, every pirate on this island would perish.
As Kuro approached Stone King City, he finally saw the medieval-style capital. The fortress stood atop the highest ground, its stone walls intricately carved, while a bustling town sprawled beneath it. Though lacking walls, the town had soldiers patrolling its key points.
A squad spotted the approaching Navy fleet and erupted in commotion.
"Navy! The Navy's here!"
"Ah, the World Government forces King Ajitan spoke of have finally arrived!"
"Hurry, notify King Ajitan!"
As soldiers sprinted back, one sharp-eyed soldier noticed an anomaly among the white-uniformed ranks.
"Meg! You're alive!" he shouted.
The soldier in question burst from the Navy ranks, tears in his eyes. "Wulai! Yes, I'm lucky to still be breathing!"
"I heard rumors that your squad was utterly destroyed. When I didn't see you here, I feared..."
"I was fortunate—rescued by the Navy. But the others..." His voice faltered as grief overtook him.
"Returning is what matters! There'll be other opportunities!" The soldier clapped his comrade's shoulder before bowing respectfully to Kuro. "We're deeply grateful for saving our comrade!"
Kuro waved dismissively. "Forget it. Where's your king? I'm the Navy's representative investigating this World Government alliance—just call me Kuro."
Before the soldier could respond, Klah interjected coldly, "This is G-3 Branch Base Commander, Admiral Lucius Kro's direct subordinate—'Golden Lion' Vice Admiral. Show proper respect! You may address him as Vice Admiral Golden Lion or Officer Golden Lion!"
As Kuro tilted his head while biting a cigar, his expression radiated natural arrogance. No pretense—just perfect timing.
"D-Director..." the soldier stammered.
Kuro raised an eyebrow.
"Golden Lion Officer", the soldier corrected himself, clearly intimidated by Kuro's imposing figure in his black dress uniform.
"Please, no titles! Just call me Kuro", Kuro insisted with a chuckle. "I prefer keeping things simple."
The soldier blinked, but the glare from Kuro's glasses-wearing lieutenant silenced further protest.
"Golden Lion Officer, please follow me—King Ajitan ordered immediate escort to the fortress upon your arrival."
"Lead the way", Kuro said.
As the thousand-strong Navy force entered the city, curious citizens whispered excitedly.
"The World Government has sent help! Our country will be at peace again!"
"Peace would be heaven! I haven't worked in months—scared to even leave my home! Food stores are nearly gone. Thank heavens they arrived when they did!"
Before reaching the fortress, a group hurried to meet them. Leading them was a young man wearing a stone-gray fur-lined cloak. Even before stopping, he called out:
"I am King Kolf Ajitan of the Kolf Kingdom!"
Kuro raised an eyebrow. "A name that practically screams 'surrender'—how fitting."
"Ajitan?" Kuro continued, referencing the historical region known for its submissive traditions. "Please don't joke—we're still resisting!"
The king's expression turned bitter. "But we're on our last legs. I beg you—save our nation! I'll offer anything—exquisite stone carvings, Bomb Rock... whatever the kingdom possesses is yours!"
"Then let's discuss the Bomb Rock first—" Kaku began.
Kuro raised a hand to halt him. "Eliminating pirates isn't negotiable, but we'll need further investigation regarding the World Government alliance. You seem decent at first glance, but we'll need more proof before finalizing anything."
The young-looking king appeared to be in his early thirties. Kuro found him acceptable—if someone willing to sacrifice for his people ruled the nation, joining the World Government might work.
Eliminating pirates wasn't a bargaining chip.
"Golden Lion Vice Admiral!" Shalria interjected. "We should seize this opportunity—Bomb Rock is a critical resource!"
Kuro shot her a glare. "Need I remind you who's in command? The Navy's duty is to eliminate pirates. Without explicit orders from headquarters, I'll act according to my judgment!"
(End of Chapter)
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