https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-861-I-m-Not-Backing-Down-Find-Someone-More-Capable/13539892/
Chapter 860: The Navy Unconditionally Supports You
Chapter 860: The Navy Unconditionally Supports You
New Marine Headquarters.
The Golden Lion was docked at the harbor.
A shimmering staircase unfolded from the ship's side, descending to the dock. Kuro, wrapped entirely in bandages and levitating, descended with Lida and Klah close behind.
Two rows of Marines stood at attention, saluting sharply as Kuro bit down on a cigar and strode between them toward the Fleet Admiral's office. This time, Lida and Klah accompanied him—not by choice, but on Gramps's explicit orders to bring two subordinates as representatives.
Kuro entered the highest tower of the fortress, finding Sakazuki seated at the Fleet Admiral's desk. Lucius Kro lounged in a large chair beside him, legs crossed.
"O~Kuro." Lucius Kro pouted as Kuro approached. "Look at you now. Did Bartholomew really do this? How terrifying."
Kuro rolled his eyes but ignored him, nodding toward Sakazuki. "Fleet Admiral Sakazuki."
Sakazuki returned the nod, his gaze darkening as he studied Kuro's bandaged form. "You've suffered severe injuries. Rest first."
What a noble Marine—wounded yet still obeying orders to report immediately.
"Sit."
A Marine hurriedly brought a large chair for Kuro, who sat without ceremony opposite Sakazuki. Lida and Klah stood rigidly behind him.
"Regarding Bartholomew, I've read the reports, but I want to hear it from you", Sakazuki said.
Kuro shrugged. "With help from Vice Admirals and the Seven Warlords of the Sea, I barely survived Bartholomew. As for Graves's pirates, they weren't my doing. Bartholomew's own ability shockwave wiped them out."
He paused. "Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, everyone deserves credit."
What an exemplary Marine!
Sakazuki's approval deepened. While Kuro single-handedly defeated Bartholomew, he still acknowledged his comrades—a testament to his character since the beginning.
Truthfully, Kuro could have claimed sole credit. The Marine evaluation system would verify his merits anyway. With his current contributions, they'd grant him anything.
The Navy owed him too much. Fortunately, the recent negotiations with the Five Elders had succeeded—their support for Kuro had been secured from the start, saving unnecessary effort.
"We'll assess details later. For now, recover. However, Kuro, your proposal has been approved", Sakazuki said gravely.
"I know—"
But seeing Sakazuki's expression, Kuro stiffened. "Wait! I didn't know! I'm critically injured!"
Sakazuki raised a hand. "The World Meeting decided to re-establish the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Their leadership rights will no longer be controlled solely by the World Government but managed jointly by us and them. Essentially, we'll lead, while nominally incorporating World Government oversight."
In practice, this was mere symbolism. Outside strict protocols, how often had the Navy actually followed World Government commands?
The arrangement preserved face for the World Government's three key institutions while ensuring the Seven Warlords wouldn't appear subordinate to the Navy. Not that they truly were—figures like Hawk-Eye and Boa Hancock answered to no one.
Sakazuki's gaze sent a cold shiver down Kuro's spine.
"This authority", he continued, "will be entrusted to you. The Golden Lion will oversee the Seven Warlords."
"What?! Wait!" Kuro shot up. "I'm just a Vice Admiral! Why me?! I lack the rank! The Admirals should—"
"Admirals will cooperate", Sakazuki's eyes narrowed like a hawk's. "Even the old men will assist when needed!"
You're serious?!
Kuro had expected Gramps might lend a hand. But this?
Even Lucius Kro?
And Fleet Admiral Sakazuki himself?!
Speechless, Kuro turned to Lucius Kro with desperate hope.
"You're not going to back me up?!"
Lucius Kro smirked. "Afraid not, Sakazuki. This decision terrifies me."
Kuro's heart sank.
"The Five Elders decided. Accept it, Kuro."
"What?! The Five Elders?!" Kuro snarled. "Why them?! They deal with you lot, not me!"
Sakazuki's lips curled. "Your actions against Graves restored the World Government's lost prestige after the Revolutionary Army's breach. Many Kings hold you in high esteem. The Five Elders will grant you this authority."
I never asked for this! That was revenge, not politics!
Kuro gritted his cigar, blue veins throbbing beneath bandages. "What about Admiral Lucius Kro? Or Vegapunk? Tatsumaki?!"
"Old men are busy", Lucius Kro chuckled. "Vegapunk's recent research breakthroughs require supervision."
Right! When do those old men ever work?!
Sakazuki leaned forward. "We chose you over them. The Navy prefers entrusting this to you."
Among the Admirals, Kuro's leadership—while unconventional—was more palatable. Vegapunk and Tatsumaki's appointments would likely cause chaos.
"You're too humble", Sakazuki said. "This is final. Carry this burden without fear. The Navy will unconditionally support any decision you make."
(End of Chapter)
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