Chapter 873: Kuro, the Navy's Social Butterfly
Chapter 873: Kuro, the Navy's Social Butterfly
Edward Weibull, once holding a bounty of 480 million, had already earned considerable reputation in the New World before joining the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Even though news about Kuro restructuring the Seven Warlords of the Sea hadn't spread yet, he remained one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea across the Grand Line.
This man was naturally violent yet surprisingly foolish, controlled by Miss Balkin, whom he called "Mother."
Rarely seen, he had no pirate crew, yet alone he roamed the Grand Line.
But this meant something significant.
He defeated the remaining captains of the Whitebeard Pirates alone - not just individuals, but their entire crews as well.
Whitebeard's captains weren't weak. Each had their own reputation in the New World, with strength comparable to Whitebeard Pirates' commanders. Some were extremely powerful, others weaker, but generally fluctuating between the strength of Navy Vice Admirals.
They couldn't match seasoned elite Vice Admirals, but the difference wasn't vast.
In this world where people were tough as bulls and hard to kill, battles often became endurance contests.
Anyone capable of taking down Edward Weibull single-handedly naturally deserved serious attention.
Thus, Kuro didn't hesitate to call for backup.
"Confirmed. Edward Weibull is currently on 'Paris Island' in the New World", Klah reported three days later.
"Paris?"
Kuro frowned. "Which area?"
Klah pushed his glasses up. "Still within World Government territory ahead. I heard he discovered traces of Whitebeard remnants."
Kuro's facial expression darkened.
Edward Weibull's greatest nuisance to the World Government was his tendency to cause complete town-wide destruction wherever he went.
Pirates and civilians alike would both disappear.
"Send out a general alert. Before he causes major destruction, we need to eliminate him", Kuro ordered directly.
"Understood!" Klah acknowledged and left to issue the alert.
"Brobrobro."
At that moment, the Transponder Snail on the table rang.
Lida, sitting on the sofa eating snacks, pointed at the Transponder Snail. "Kuro, call."
Kuro picked up the receiver. "Hello, this is Kuro."
"Kuro, younger brother."
The Transponder Snail emitted a heavy voice as its eyes closed, transforming into a blind man's appearance.
Yi Xiao!
"Ah, Brother Yi Xiao", Kuro asked. "Has your injury improved?"
"Not serious, but I've always wanted to discuss something with you. I heard the news about your confirmed new Seven Warlords of the Sea. Why? I always thought you and I shared the same philosophy", the Transponder Snail asked.
Click.
Kuro flicked his lighter and lit the cigar in his mouth. This was his usual brand - still needed slow appreciation since stock was limited.
"Hmph."
He exhaled smoke before slowly saying, "Brother, we must consider current world circumstances. You always rely on the Ssg to replace the Seven Warlords of the Sea, but why create unnecessary troubles? The Ssg and Seven Warlords of the Sea aren't conflicting. Pirates can't be killed completely, Brother. You understand this better than me. Letting pirates fight among themselves is the most effective approach."
"Whether it's Dracule Mihawk or Boa Hancock, or even Crocodile - instead of pushing them to opposition, let them stand with us to divert pirate attention. This reduces our pressure."
Kuro disagreed with the new Seven Warlords of the Sea. As a traditional Navy officer, he shared the old guard's pride, valuing proven strength he'd personally witnessed.
He knew the former Seven Warlords of the Sea somewhat.
"The original purpose of establishing the Seven Warlords of the Sea wasn't balancing power in the Grand Line. Weren't they created initially because the World Government couldn't handle pirate pressure? Their position came from sheer strength."
Dracule Mihawk, the World's Greatest Swordsman - the more Kuro aged, the more he recognized the gap between them. Still slightly behind in pure swordsmanship.
Boa Hancock, that woman, wasn't weak either.
Underestimating anyone in the Grand Line would lead to losses.
Crocodile, with his Logia ability, could escape easily - even if he fought, it'd be a 50-50 chance.
Putting these troublesome figures in opposition would only create more Navy problems.
The Transponder Snail fell silent for a moment before Yi Xiao sighed. "Can you truly control this, younger brother?"
"At least I'll try. Since I'm coordinating this matter, I'll ensure safety is attractive. Besides, I'm still hoping for your help, Brother. Now that this is settled, instead of dwelling on useless thoughts, let's consider how to position the Seven Warlords of the Sea advantageously. Brother, think for yourself - you don't hate all pirates, do you?" Kuro said.
"Indeed, I don't hate all pirates", Yi Xiao suddenly realized. "I understand your meaning now. Are you suggesting we seek pirates we don't dislike to become Seven Warlords of the Sea?"
"Exactly. With limits, strengths, and combat power. Though they're pirates, in certain regions their reputation might even surpass ours." Kuro chuckled.
There were always people like Luffy in this world - those forced onto piracy from circumstance.
Kuro had encountered many Dreamers. He had his own standards for determining who could become a Seven Warlord of the Sea.
"Brother, the Seven Warlords of the Sea's rights now rest in Navy hands. We can choose anyone. I've already changed the rules. Those necessary sacrifices for maintaining the Seven Warlords' existence no longer exist."
Kuro continued, "Since we haven't seen the Ssg's capabilities yet, and even its release remains uncertain under Vegapunk's control, if the Ssg performs well, won't our authority over the Seven Warlords of the Sea become even stronger?"
"That's precisely why I called", the Transponder Snail spoke slowly. "Since you've convinced me, I accept your rules."
"See? Brother, we're comrades. Nothing can't be discussed. If you're still angry, my operation will be ready soon. Come visit, my treat", Kuro laughed.
"Ohohoho, I'll look forward to it." The Transponder Snail's expression finally showed a smile.
"Alright, Brother. I need to handle some historical issues. Talk later."
After hanging up, Kuro clicked his tongue. "That Brother, as expected, still has some resentment inside, but it's resolved."
Yi Xiao advocated abolishing the Seven Warlords of the Sea, while Kuro sought to centralize their authority within the Navy. This fundamental disagreement explained why Kuro had avoided contacting Yi Xiao lately.
Afraid he'd quit in anger.
These strong men joined the Navy for personal beliefs, and could just as easily leave for those same convictions.
They weren't traditional Navy officers to begin with - they joined for specific ideals.
Otherwise, why would this old blind man appear only during World Recruitment? It was all about Sakazuki's "merit over seniority" philosophy.
Status allowed them to pursue ideals, but failure would make things complicated.
"Hey, Kuro, is Yi Xiao angry?" Lida asked after finishing an apple, shooting him a disgusted look.
"Hmph, stabilized. Who do you think I am? I'm Kuro, the Navy's social butterfly! All Navy officers get along with me. Who in the Navy doesn't respect me? Just some old blind man? Handling him was too easy", Kuro proudly declared, lifting his chin.
Recently, no one had tried attacking him either - probably since becoming an Admiral candidate, his status had changed significantly.
(End of Chapter)
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