https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-866-On-the-Practical-Feasibility-of-Rebellion/13539912/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-868-This-Time-I-m-Not-Playing-Fair/13539914/
Chapter 867: Safety, Oh My Goodness Safety
Chapter 867: Safety, Oh My Goodness Safety
This was something Kuro wrote before he joined the Navy, during his young man days. If Oji hadn’t delivered it this time, Kuro himself would’ve forgotten about it entirely.
But it was fortunate Oji sent it just in time.
Though Kuro no longer cared about these writings, if others saw them, it might cause some awkwardness.
Yet destroying them outright…
Felt rather regrettable.
Back then, he’d poured his heart into them.
Sighing, Kuro flicked his finger. The window automatically swung open, and a glowing golden mass drifted in from the sky. It was a cluster of Golden Powder. Wrapping his old investigative report and the rebellious plans inside the radiant Gold, Kuro molded them into a shimmering golden orb and floated it skyward.
Let it be a memento.
Then, with another wave of his finger, he sorted the contents of the large chest and arranged items around his office.
The Float-Float Fruit’s ability was so convenient. Of course, even more convenient would’ve been summoning someone to help tidy up, but since these were childhood memories, he preferred handling it himself.
“How blue the sky is,” Kuro mused as the Golden Powder orb floated upward. Leaning back, he exhaled a puff of smoke from his cigar.
“At last, I can finally rest properly.”
The main conflicts were now unfolding in the New World’s latter half, within the Four Emperors’ territories. Whether it was the Worst Generation brats, veteran pirates lurking in hiding, or the four maritime emperors ruling the region—those were their own affairs. After all, the most troublemaking individuals had already flooded the New World.
Though G-3’s sea area was also in the New World, given the level of chaos, they posed no real threat to him.
Now, he just needed to slowly ‘heal his injuries.’
Stretching lazily, he recited a famous haiku by an unknown author:
“Safety, Oh My Goodness Safety, Safety!”
Then, with eyes closed, he began resting.
Two months later, G-3 Fortress remained calm and peaceful, but outside, rumors began circulating.
King Conqueror David had seemingly gone mad. After returning from the World Meeting, he launched a brutal purge of nobles within his nation, cleansing all former rulers of newly conquered regions.
Four nations in the North Blue also followed suit upon their return.
Meanwhile, West Blue’s Insect Country King Luo Wei declared war on the Twin-Horse Kingdom, annexing its territory.
Beyond this, tensions flared across the Four Seas and Grand Line nations after the World Meeting, with minor skirmishes and ongoing major conflicts.
“Tsk, a season of chaos.”
Inside the office, Kuro shook his head as he scanned the newspaper.
Since the World Meeting, pirate-related news had been nonstop, but even World Government-aligned nations faced mounting disputes.
Yet it was understandable. How could seven days at the World Meeting fairly distribute spoils? When interests remain unsatisfied, no one would simply let themselves be slaughtered after returning home.
What couldn’t be won on the battlefield, one couldn’t expect to gain at the negotiation table.
Everyone knew this.
Thus, conflicts were natural. David’s news got buried within the noise, unsurprising.
After all, Dressrosa’s ruling period was short; internal strife was expected. Perhaps the World Meeting revealed something, but that was their internal affair. Even the Navy or World Government couldn’t interfere.
However, Luo Wei conquering Twin-Horse Kingdom was intriguing. Yet considering King Alexander Francis’s character—back in the day, he persecuted many for the sake of Kabuki and unleashed a Lion Ape—Kuro held no fondness for him.
No loss. On the contrary, Insect Country’s expanded territory might benefit Pegasus Island. Since Lida controlled half the industry there, Luo Wei’s obsessive younger sister complex would likely make him guard Pegasus Island’s industries even more fiercely than its actual owner.
“Kuro, Kuro!”
The door swung open as Lida burst in. “Heard you’re abolishing the current Seven Warlords of the Sea and recruiting new ones?!”
Lida’s opening line left Kuro stunned.
“Eh?!”
He blinked, asking, “What? When did I ever say that?”
“That’s what the Navy’s return patrols are saying. It’s been a while since the World Meeting, and everyone knows the Seven Warlords’ rights now rest in your hands. But since you’ve taken no action, people assume you’re planning to abolish them.”
Lida tilted his head. “Don’t you have that intention?”
“Old Man’s ghost, no!”
Kuro twitched his lips, waving dismissively. “Don’t believe rumors. I’m definitely not—Wait, how widespread is this news?!”
Lida pondered. “It’s probably reached the original Seven Warlords’ ears by now.”
Kuro grabbed the receiver, dialing urgently.
After a ring from the Transponder Snail, a cold face with hawk-like eyes appeared on its screen.
“Kuro, I’m almost at G-3.”
“You’re coming to G-3?!” Kuro tensed.
“Heh, you want to abolish the Seven Warlords because you’ve set your sights on my position, haven’t you? Perfect. I’ve long wanted to fight you.”
Even through the Transponder Snail, Kuro sensed the surging battle intent.
This guy wants to duel Old Man?!
“No! Misunderstanding! Definitely a misunderstanding!” Kuro rushed. “I’ve just been healing lately. Regarding the Seven Warlords, my decision remains unchanged. Dracule Mihawk, you’re still among the Seven Warlords.”
“Healed up? Then shouldn’t we fight now? Kuro, you’ve earned the qualifications to challenge me, the World’s Greatest Swordsman. Come, take this title from me. Defeat me and let me taste defeat as a swordsman!”
“Did I say I healed? You heard wrong. Affirmation—it was a misunderstanding. I was just bluffing. Man’s gotta act strong, even when weak. Truth is, my injuries aren’t healed. I’m faking it.” Kuro hurriedly lied.
Fight him? Is he insane?
Regardless of winning or losing, what benefit would defeating Dracule Mihawk bring? Becoming the World’s Greatest Swordsman?
That title would only attract every swordsman in the Grand Line to target him. Dracule Mihawk spent his days either dueling or en route to duels, like a Honey Badger. Kuro had no desire to become like that.
The Transponder Snail fell silent briefly before speaking.
“But I’m already almost there.”
“Feel free to visit! In fact, I’m gathering the remaining Seven Warlords to clarify your duties,” Kuro said, lighting a cigar.
“Got good liquor?”
“Of course. No duels here, but premium cigars and fine wine await.” Kuro chuckled softly.
He knew Dracule Mihawk’s fondness for good wine.
“Perfect. I just crushed a pirate crew and took their nicely-packaged cigars. Consider them a gift.” The other laughed too.
“Oho? Looking forward to it.”
(End of Chapter)
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