Chapter 914: Something's Not Right
Chapter 914: Something’s Not Right
The bloodstains on the Golden Lion’s deck had already been wiped clean, and Pizarro’s corpse had been tossed into the sea.
Now, the entire fleet was heading toward Headquarters.
In the topmost office, Kas and Wilbur arrived together to report to Kuro.
“Kuro, sir.”
The two lowered their heads respectfully as Wilbur spoke first: “We’ve come to accept punishment for our previous failure. We didn’t take our mission seriously enough, resulting in such a terrible incident!”
“Mistakes happen,” Kuro replied casually, sitting in the main seat and waving his hand dismissively. “The world’s will doesn’t revolve around us, after all. Besides, it happened right during our grand opening. As long as it’s resolved, that’s all that matters.”
In his mind, as long as the problem was fixed, he truly didn’t care.
But that ability… was somewhat intriguing. It could assimilate thoughts and subdue its targets, though apparently—
Kuro glanced at Kas. When it came to mental abilities, facing this guy was practically a waste.
“What about the hostages? No one was hurt, right?” Kuro asked.
“No injuries occurred,” Kas replied. “Moreover, after this incident, they’ve pledged support for David’s philosophy.”
After Kas counterattacked with his ability, the nobles had been influenced by his ideology, becoming abnormally just. This gave David’s efforts a solid foundation.
Before, he pursued the grassroots path while abandoning the aristocrats. Now, both levels were united in purpose, especially since the upper echelon seemed even more enlightened than the commoners.
This made things far easier.
But Kuro didn’t know this.
He nodded. “Good. Then this matter is settled. Speaking of which, how many people attended the opening ceremony? It sounded quite grand.”
Half of the Gran Tesoro had already been handed over and converted into a cruise ship. Apparently, many guests had arrived.
“Kuro, sir,” Wilbur answered honestly, “counting by kings, fifty-three attended in total. Fifteen of them were nobles David met at the World Meeting.”
“That’s quite a turnout. Looks like our tourism industry is off to a good start.”
Kuro nodded approvingly. “Once we arrive at Headquarters, rest up and then resume your escort duties. While the incident is resolved, we must avoid any mishaps on this cruise route. Remember, absolute safety is one of our biggest selling points.”
“Yes, sir!” Kas and Wilbur straightened their posture and answered in unison.
Kas hesitated slightly before adding, “Kuro, sir, regarding Dressrosa, David has an issue he wishes to consult with you about.”
“Huh? What business does a Navy admiral have interfering with a king’s affairs?” Kuro retorted, waving his hand. “He’s a king—let him make his own decisions. Requesting my ‘guidance’ looks improper. Others might misunderstand and think I have some odd ambitions.”
Kuro leaned back in his chair. “Alright, you’re dismissed.”
“Yes, sir!”
Kas and Wilbur saluted sharply before exiting together.
Kuro smirked. A king constantly clinging to him for support, then asking for decisions—it was absurd.
Though David’s throne had been supported by him, the title was ultimately granted by the World Government. Their relationship was purely cooperative.
Outside, Kas furrowed his brow. “Did Kuro, sir, really grant David decision-making authority?”
“Most likely,” Wilbur nodded. “Kuro, sir, has always been like this. He lets things unfold naturally, never dictating specifics. His words today were meant to signal that the Navy shouldn’t openly interfere in kingdom affairs—it would harm our reputation. After all, we’re Navy; we must fulfill our proper responsibilities. Excessive interference would make outsiders suspect Kuro, sir, of harboring ambitions. No, not ambitions—Justice Vision.”
“Makes sense,” Kas sighed. “The path of Justice is long and arduous.”
Then his gaze hardened. “But as long as we walk this path steadfastly, eventually others will follow!”
With that, the two vanished down the corridor.
Behind them, Lucius Kro rubbed his chin, his sunglasses reflecting an odd light as he muttered, “Dressrosa, huh? Sounds terrifying…”
His tone carried layers of meaning.
Two days later, the warship arrived at Headquarters, where the Navy was invited to a meeting.
Kuro had planned to leave immediately but was dragged into the session against his will.
“This incident…”
In the meeting room, Vice Admirals gathered. Kuro sat at the front-right position, with Zoro and Kaku below him. At the head sat Sakazuki, flanked by Lucius Kro and Yi Xiao.
“Blackbeard plans to invade Arabasta,” Sakazuki announced. “This is a critical challenge. Higher-ups have ordered us to intercept Blackbeard. The Navy will launch a full-scale operation to proceed to Arabasta.”
Sakazuki’s gaze swept the room. “Kuro, you’re leading this.”
Kuro raised an eyebrow. He didn’t mind confronting Marshall D. Teach. If there were enough manpower, he’d be happy to join.
“Sakazuki,” Lucius Kro suddenly interjected, “let Kuro handle other matters instead. He’s currently coordinating the Seven Warlords of the Sea. G-3 is at the frontlines. Also, reports from Wano Country state Big·mom has arrived there. Regardless, we must prepare the frontlines.”
Sakazuki nodded. “Fair point. Kuro, you’ll remain at G-3.”
Huh?
Kuro shot Lucius Kro a strange look.
When had Gramps ever taken his side? This was unprecedented.
Still, resting sounded great—maybe even preferable.
“Yi Xiao, you’ll lead the operation,” Sakazuki continued. “Kaku and Zoro, join him. Notify all Vice Admirals stationed outside to redeploy half their forces. We must ensure Blackbeard doesn’t leave Arabasta!”
Akainu clenched his fist, slamming the table.
One Admiral, two Admiral candidates, and elite Vice Admirals like Doflamingo, Aokiji, Storbery, Borsalino, Togeko, and Dalmatian—twenty warships in total—were dispatched to Arabasta.
Kuro, however, returned to G-3 directly.
Something’s off…
Standing on the deck, Kuro stared at the Grand Line. The unease grew.
The Navy had redeployed much of its forces. Especially in the New World, where the military presence was nearly empty. Deploying this many troops to hunt Blackbeard was necessary for stability, but it also meant the New World would become a vacuum. The Navy’s ability to suppress pirates would weaken.
Currently, only G-3 retained significant strength, capable of deterring ordinary pirates.
But… what if Blackbeard never goes to Arabasta?
Then the Navy’s entire deployment would be for nothing.
“Damn it! Reinforce the Seven Warlords of the Sea and contact Joe Rudolph. Let them come to G-3! Order Kas and Wilbur to return here immediately!”
Kuro couldn’t pinpoint the exact issue, but instinct told him to consolidate his strength first. He’d await confirmation of Arabasta’s security before acting.
(End of Chapter)
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