Chapter 776: Where's the Introduction?
Chapter 776: Where's the Introduction?
As Kuro and the others spoke, Ajitan bent forward with a spine-curving bow, his face twisting into a servile smile.
"Anything can be discussed", he said, spreading his hands. "Please, let’s move to the Castle first. Allow me to host a banquet for all of you."
Kuro raised an eyebrow. "You sure? I’ve got nearly a thousand crewmen. Can’t play favorites either—I’ve left another thousand on my ships. You gonna feed two thousand mouths? And don’t skimp on the food! No cheap rations to get rid of us!"
Ajitan’s smile faltered. A bead of cold sweat trickled down his temple as he clenched his teeth. "Of course not! You’re our honored guests. As King, I’ll ensure you’re treated with the utmost respect!"
Kuro studied him for a moment, then chuckled, clapping Ajitan on the shoulder. "Relax. Just feed us a few. No need to go overboard." Without waiting for a reply, he strode toward the Castle.
Ajitan bit his lip, watching Kuro’s retreating figure. Finally, he called out, his voice thick with gratitude, "You have my word—your meal will be exquisite!"
The truth was, Stone King City’s food reserves were already dwindling. Trapped in the central region with pirate-controlled territories encircling it, the town had been cut off from trade. Leaving the city had become a gamble. After Ajitan’s failed campaign to eradicate the pirates, the remaining forces were barely enough to defend Stone King City itself.
Inside the Castle, Kuro ordered the rest of the Navy to set up camp nearby. Under Ajitan’s guidance, they entered a grand banquet hall.
Ajitan personally pulled out the main seat, gesturing to Kuro. "Golden Lion Vice Admiral, please take the seat of honor."
Kuro, chewing lazily on a cigar, glanced at him and sat at the first chair to the right of the main seat. "Nah. You take your place."
The others followed suit. Lida sat directly below Kuro, then Klah, followed by Sazil. Moer and Ju Geng had stayed behind on the ship—Moer, the lazybones, and Ju Geng, the kitchen-obsessed cook, had flatly refused to attend. If an emergency arose, Moer’s ability could instantly transport them here or retreat back.
On the left side of the table, Lucci, Shalria, and Kaku took their seats in order.
Once everyone settled, Ajitan hesitated before finally sitting at the main seat. "Please wait a moment. The chefs have already started. But first—" He turned to the Navy and Cipher Pol members, his eyes lingering on their distinct uniforms. "Perhaps an introduction?"
"Klah, handle it", Kuro said flatly.
"At once, Kuro-san." Klah straightened, his voice booming. "I, Klah, Commander of Marine Headquarters and known as the ‘Black Wolf’ for my campaigns alongside Golden Lion Vice Admiral against countless pirates, shall present our guests. First, the one in the second seat is Lida, Commander of Marine Headquarters and the famed ‘White Butterfly’—a shining jewel of G-3 Branch. Their strength is formidable, having once faced multiple captains from the Whitebeard Pirates, including Marco himself. To my right is my subordinate, Sazil, a Lieutenant of Marine Headquarters. Their skill is nothing to scoff at either."
He paused, shifting his gaze to the Cipher Pol delegation.
Kaku stiffened, clearing his throat in anticipation. Surely Klah would acknowledge their faction next? If not, he’d gladly fill in the gaps.
Klah, however, simply said, "The others are subordinates of the World Government’s Cipher Pol."
That was it.
Kaku waited, but Klah remained silent. Finally, Kaku opened his mouth—
"Anyway, that’s that", Kuro interrupted, turning to Ajitan. "You know our identities now. As for joining the World Government, there’s no rush. We’ll handle the pirates, but after that, your actions will determine your eligibility."
Kaku: …
Where’s our introduction?!
They were just… left hanging?
Kuro, of course, didn’t spare Kaku a second glance. His mind was already elsewhere. Ajitan’s commitment to sending soldiers—despite his town’s fragile defenses—spoke volumes about his character. He wasn’t the type to cling to power selfishly. That boded well, but the decision to admit a nation was never so simple.
"I understand", Ajitan said. "I won’t hide it—my goal is to protect my people. For that, I’d pay any price. You seek ‘Bomb Rock’? As King, I offer you 30% of its deposits, with full autonomy over extraction. You’ll receive your annual Heavenly Gold share as well."
Shalria nodded faintly. The offer was generous. Most member states paid only Heavenly Gold, and even securing trade rights without selling to pirates would suffice. Ajitan’s terms were far more favorable than expected.
Shalria nearly agreed on the spot. Eradicating pirates was the Navy’s problem anyway—they’d follow orders.
Pity the final decision wasn’t theirs.
"That’s between you and the higher-ups", Kuro said, shaking his head. "I’m more curious about your people. Once the pirates are gone, no enslavement, and keep your pirate numbers in check. Expectations, after all."
Slavery was a given. Forcing citizens to abandon piracy? Even gods couldn’t enforce that in this era.
"Pirate nation", Ajitan murmured, then shook his head. "An old title. Now we’re more a nation of mining slaves."
"You cannot say such things!" a voice barked from the entrance.
The banquet hall doors slammed open with a crash. An elderly man, his body wrapped in bandages and his left arm missing, strode in. Servants scrambled behind him, their faces pale as a toppled food cart lay in ruins, dishes shattered and food scattered.
Lida glanced at the wreckage, stunned. "…Our meal."
The old man radiated authority. "This place has nothing to welcome you. Navy. World Government. Leave."
(End of Chapter)
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