https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-966-Have-You-Made-Your-Decision-/13540467/
Chapter 965: Treat Him First!
Chapter 965: Treat Him First!
Kuro couldn’t quite recall the matter of X Drake being a double agent.
Now that he thought about it, he vaguely remembered forgetting something back in Shabondy—this must’ve been it.
It made sense now. Without him, Gramps hadn’t captured a single person back then.
Good thing he’d let everyone go to slack off. Otherwise, he’d have mistakenly harmed comrades.
Yeah, he hadn’t done anything wrong back then!
Kuro justified his past laziness with a solid excuse and mentally patted himself on the back.
But that was over two years ago. Now, X Drake was on Kaido’s side, even becoming one of the ‘Six Crimson Stars’—his status wasn’t low. If he didn’t defect, he’d provide plenty of intelligence.
Still, Kuro thought this was risky.
As a captain, he had crew members, including Navy agents embedded within the New World’s pirate factions.
If you were a captain yourself, no problem—you could just change your name and return. But those who’d joined other pirate crews? That’d be complicated.
“Better to come back if things get dangerous,” Kuro advised Lucius Kro. “Undercover work is high-risk. People die easily.”
“Hehehe, we’ll send someone to check in later. Rest assured. If you want, you can take full charge of this operation.”
“Stop! My brain hurts—old wounds flaring up. I’m taking a break.”
Before Lucius Kro finished speaking, Kuro stood and stormed out.
Advice was advice, but he refused to take it on himself.
Managing the Seven Warlords of the Sea alone was already a headache. Now managing pirates who were double agents too?
What was he supposed to be—a pirate lord or a Navy Vice Admiral?
Lucius Kro watched Kuro leave, his sunglasses flashing a glint of light as he kept smiling, lost in thought.
A few days later, the Warships arrived at Headquarters.
The three ships docked in unison. A staircase extended from the hull, two figures descending with a squad of Navy soldiers.
Below, two rows of Navy personnel stood at attention, saluting the figures descending the stairs.
Lucius Kro led the way, Kuro trailing behind, hands in his pockets, chewing a cigar.
“Kuro!”
As he stepped off the stairs, a small figure rushed toward him.
“Oh, Lida.”
Kuro greeted her. “You’re back at Headquarters already?”
“Back ages ago! You’re injured?” Lida examined him, eyes widening at the bandages wrapped around his body. “Wait—let me heal you!”
“Treat him first!”
Kuro pointed at Lucius Kro. “Heal him first!”
Why the urgency? Over the past few days, the old man had been making too many jokes about his injuries.
Remarks like, “Oh~ the old man’s hurt. Maybe you’d like to step in, Admiral?” or “Oh~ Kuro, after this battle, maybe the old man can retire?”
Scared the hell out of Kuro.
Healing Lucius Kro was simple—minor injuries. Rest and recovery.
“I’ll channel my physical strength directly. No need to bother others!” Kuro called out.
Lida tilted her head, giving him a sidelong glance.
Was the sun rising from the west? This reckless guy usually prioritized healing himself first.
But it didn’t matter—they were at Headquarters. Healing order wasn’t crucial.
Lida nodded, placing a hand on Kuro’s body.
“Energy Drain!”
Her fingers trembled as a surge of essence poured from Kuro into her, swirling around her body in white energy.
After absorbing some, she turned and slapped her palm onto Lucius Kro.
“Lucius Kro Grandpa, healing time!”
With a forceful push, she channeled essence into him.
“Essence Feedback!”
White energy surged across Lucius Kro’s body. His expression flickered with surprise as he looked down, feeling his internal wounds mend.
“Hmph, you’ve come this far? Scary, Little Lida.”
“Of course! My ability’s super useful!” Lida proudly lifted her chin.
“That’s enough, old man’s wounds are mostly healed. Just needs standard recovery.” Lucius Kro chuckled.
At that, Lida withdrew her hand, then slammed it back onto Kuro, her free hand already on him again.
“Transfer!”
Absorbing essence from Kuro, she redirected it through her other hand, rapidly healing his body’s injuries.
This transfer method was exceptionally convenient. Lida acted as a healing relay station—Kuro used his physical strength to heal himself.
Physical strength was sufficient. Essence, while including spirit and willpower, wasn’t for combat here.
And Kuro’s physical strength? More than enough to heal himself.
He twisted his neck, instinctively reaching for the cumbersome bandages—but paused mid-motion.
Hold back, hold back. Not yet. He’d wait until he confirmed his official leave at Headquarters.
“Done?”
Feeling the essence feedback, Lida looked up.
“Not done, but close enough. Let’s stop here. I can move normally now. Just need proper rest.” Kuro stressed the word “rest” heavily.
“Admiral, Vice Admiral.”
A Navy officer saluted. “Fleet Admiral Sakazuki knows you’ve returned. Please report to his office.”
“Got it. Bring me clothes—I’m still shirtless.”
Kuro gestured at his “bandage outfit.” “Also, Gramps needs some too.”
Lucius Kro nodded cheerfully.
“At once, please follow me!” The officer saluted again, leading them toward the tallest building in Headquarters.
Kuro’s clothes had been destroyed back in Wano Country. Gramps wasn’t much better—his Wano Country attire wasn’t Navy-standard.
At their rank, uniforms were expensive. But the Navy? Wealthy enough.
Soon, Lucius Kro donned his signature yellow uniform and hooded cloak, Kuro beside him in his familiar golden uniform and matching cloak. They ascended the tower of the tallest building.
Sakazuki waited there.
Upon entering the office, their guide saluted and obediently stepped out.
In the dimly lit room, Sakazuki’s hat shadowed his upper face, but his mouth curled in a faint smile.
“Welcome back from Wano Country. I’ve already reviewed your intelligence reports. Kuro… you did well.”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
