https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-873-Kuro-the-Navy-s-Social-Butterfly/13539936/
Chapter 872: Bathhouse and Sauna
Chapter 872: Bathhouse and Sauna
Kuro had finally decided the navigational routes for the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
“The navigational routes are set,” Kuro declared gravely. “Dracule Mihawk.”
Dracule Mihawk shifted his gaze toward Kuro.
“Boa Hancock.”
Boa Hancock ran her fingers through her lustrous hair, her expression haughty.
“Crocodile.”
Crocodile bit down on his cigar, a sinister smirk curling his lips.
“Buggy.”
Buggy hunched his shoulders, calculating how many pirates he’d have to face, trembling.
Kuro stood up, addressing them. “Congratulations – you’re officially Seven Warlords of the Sea. I hope we can cooperate smoothly.”
Two individuals hadn’t received invitations – one was Kumashi, the other “Whitebeard II.”
“Uh, I have a question!” Buggy raised his hand. “Why are ‘Despot’ and ‘Whitebeard II’ missing?”
Dracule Mihawk remained expressionless. Boa Hancock scoffed. Crocodile shot Buggy a disdainful glare.
Kuro stubbed out the remaining inch of his cigar in the ashtray, exhaling a jet of smoke. “As for Kumashi – those who know, know. Those who don’t, better not ask. It’s too convoluted. As for Whitebeard II… honestly? I just don’t like him.”
He leaned forward. “Since you’re all here, any familiar faces you’d like to nominate for the remaining three vacancies?”
The group exchanged glances but remained silent.
Buggy’s mind raced. Nominate new Seven Warlords of the Sea? Time to show off his influence!
“If I recommend someone as Seven Warlords, my influence will spread! That new appointee would owe me forever!”
“Ahem!” Buggy coughed, trying to draw attention.
“Unlikely,” Crocodile shook his head. “Those with proper qualifications probably won’t join. As for newbies – I despise them.”
Dracule Mihawk and Boa Hancock nodded. As veteran Seven Warlords, they shared Crocodile’s disdain.
Boa Hancock’s arrogance needed no explanation. Dracule Mihawk, while respecting those with grit enough to earn his blade, reserved his admiration solely for swordsmen. To him, anyone else was inherently beneath contempt.
Newbies? Not worth considering.
The few they respected wouldn’t join the Seven Warlords anyway.
Crocodile secretly had Marco in mind – they were old acquaintances. They’d clashed during Whitebeard’s reign and allied during the Top War. Since Whitebeard II had slain many of Whitebeard’s captains, and Marco’s crushing defeat to Blackbeard at the War’s end, the phoenix had vanished into the Grand Line.
Marco’s combat prowess was unquestionable… but it was futile.
Whitebeard’s faction would never align with the Navy after losing their patriarch and Ace at Marineford.
Dracule Mihawk favored associates of Shanks – those he’d met through the red-haired pirate. Shanks himself…
Kuro’s blade had wounded Shanks during the Top War. When Shanks visited recently for drinks, the scar across his chest still pained him on rainy days. Those who followed Shanks had their own principles – they wouldn’t join the Navy either.
As for Boa Hancock? No one impressed her aside from Luffy.
“No candidates?” Kuro scanned the three, raising an eyebrow.
“Ah-ah-ah-ah!” Buggy’s coughing fit nearly cracked his ribs.
The trio simultaneously shook their heads.
“Forget it. Finding suitable Seven Warlords has always been difficult. The World Government spent years assembling this group. We’ll take our time,” Kuro shrugged.
“AH-Chooo!” Buggy’s throat sounded like it might rupture.
“Buggy,” Kuro glanced at him, pulling out a gold-embossed cigar case, “need a doctor for that cough?”
“I’m trying to Speak!” Buggy practically roared – until his wandering eye caught the glint of the golden case.
Treasure! Gold! The sight hooked him like a fish on a line.
“Wait – that symbol on the bottom…”
Buggy nodded slowly. “It seems familiar…”
His severed hand zipped back to his body, patting his chin thoughtfully. “Grand Line? New World? Where did I see this?!”
His fist slammed into his palm. “East Blue! I saw this insignia in East Blue!”
“East Blue?” Kuro studied him. “You lived in East Blue for twenty years. Can you pinpoint the year?”
“Don’t underestimate my memory!” Buggy shouted. “Around four years ago! I saw this symbol when I was bathing at the Soak Bathhouse. Speaking of which, that place had an amazing sauna…”
“Klah?”
Kuro tossed the cigar case to his aide. Klah examined the skull insignia, shaking his head. “Sorry, Kuromr. I’ve no impression of this.”
Four years ago, he’d been a butler in Syrobu Village, oblivious to East Blue’s affairs. Even during his pirating days, he’d never encountered this flag.
Kuro stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Could this crew be researchers obsessed with tobacco? Or just rebels who raised a pirate flag for fun?”
“Klah, check East Blue’s bounty records. Find if this crew has any Wanted Posters.”
“At once, Kuromr.”
Kuro muttered plans to visit East Blue after eliminating Edward Weibull. With the Navy’s intelligence network, tracking one pirate crew would be simple.
“Meeting adjourned. Establish your bases and fulfill your duties as Seven Warlords.”
Buggy’s body disintegrated into segments. His head, torso, and limbs floated outward while his feet sprinted away. “Time for me to conquer Carnival City!”
His laughter faded. Then his face paled.
Wait – he’d have to fight rookies worth over 100 million Berries?
He just wanted treasure!
Need a plan to stay safe!
“I’m leaving too,” Boa Hancock rose, her long legs swaying as she exited like a willow in the wind.
“Tch.” Crocodile vanished in a whirl of sand.
“I’m out,” Kuro added, biting his cigar. He had no intention of staying alone with Dracule Mihawk – last time, the swordsman had challenged him to a duel.
“Klah – relay to Headquarters. Confirm Edward Weibull’s location and notify our men. Tell them – it’s time to settle accounts.”
The cigar case clinked in Kuro’s pocket as he strode out.
(End of Chapter)
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