https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-966-Have-You-Made-Your-Decision-/13540467/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-968-Vice-Admiral-and-Vice-Admiral-Are-Not-the-Same/13540478/
Chapter 967: My Mood is Good
Chapter 967: My Mood is Good
"Hm, hm-hm-hm", Kuro hummed a tune as he walked out of Sakazuki's place.
He's on vacation!
Who would've thought Sakazuki would agree so easily.
But thinking about it, it made sense. Kuro had originally managed G-3 and the surrounding sea areas. That position hadn't been revoked yet, the only difference being there was no fortress at the moment. Without a fortress, he was essentially on leave. As for maintaining stability in G-3's surrounding waters, that was his subordinates' responsibility. He didn't have much to do with it.
Judging from the situation, he could take a very long break.
"Where should I go? Going back to my hometown wouldn't be bad. I haven't returned in a while. Maybe Pegasus Island too. I haven't gone back there since I left."
He rubbed his chin, pondering.
Ah, such blissful troubles.
Besides the tallest building in the compound, his subordinates were already waiting at the entrance.
"Mr. Kuro, we've already settled everyone in", Klah said, adjusting his glasses.
After all, settling in five thousand people took time, even with the sprawling size of the Headquarters. Since entering the compound, Klah had immediately started organizing this.
Kuro nodded and asked, "Have all the Seven Warlords of the Sea left?"
"No, Joe Rudolph is still here. He seems to be waiting for your appointment", Klah replied.
"Oh him. Let him wait a bit. Klah, you should speed up the Navy's evaluation process and get the Wanted Poster ready. Also, what about Gecko Moria?"
He disembarked midway.
"Ah, well, if he disembarked midway, then so be it", Kuro shrugged after a moment's thought.
He could still become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, but he wasn't insisting on it. There was no harm in waiting. Perhaps a better candidate might come along.
"Mr. Kuro!"
At this moment, Kas stepped forward and shouted, "The G-3 Fortress is gone. Where are we supposed to go now?!"
"What do you mean where? Just because G-3 is gone doesn't mean my position is. You'll keep carrying out your tasks as usual. Although... losing G-3 is a bit of a hassle. Why don't you ask David if you can temporarily resupply there? Otherwise, making the round trip will take too much time."
"Yes, Mr. Kuro", Kas and Wilbur exchanged glances and nodded.
"Alright then, rest up. Since G-3 is gone, you can stay at the Headquarters for now. Those who can't rest should wait here and see if there are any commands from the Headquarters."
Kuro waved his hand dismissively, signaling them to leave. "Stop loitering here. Do whatever you need to do. Just because you're at the Headquarters doesn't mean you have nothing to do. Don't slack off."
The subordinates dispersed, leaving only Lida and Klah behind.
"Where is Joe Rudolph?" Kuro asked.
"The tavern at the back", Klah answered.
"Let's go. Take me to him", Kuro said, motioning for Klah to lead the way.
Meanwhile, Joe Rudolph and his companions were inside a tavern.
"How much?"
At this moment, Taylor stood at the counter, watching the bartender push a glass of the drink he'd ordered toward him. He opened his wallet, wincing at the cost.
They'd been here for repairs for a few days now. Since they were potential candidates for the Seven Warlords of the Sea, they hadn't been kicked out, but Klah had only provided lodging. They had brought their own rations, which were nearly depleted.
They had no choice but to come to this tavern, but they'd been hesitating for a while. They wanted to eat but were afraid of the cost.
Their appetites were different from ordinary people's. They were big eaters. One meal could buy enough rations for their clan members for several days.
They had to be frugal.
But now that they were here, hearing that the Golden Lion had returned, they had to prepare accordingly. They needed to maintain their dignity and not let the Golden Lion look down on them.
"One thousand Beri."
The Marine bartender said indifferently.
"One thousand Beri?"
Hearing the price, Taylor was stunned. "One thousand?!"
"You think it's expensive?"
The Marine bartender gave Taylor a once-over. "This is Headquarters. It's already cheap."
"No, I mean—"
Taylor looked somewhat uncomfortable. "I'm Half-fishman, you know."
"So? One thousand Beri. Do you want it or not?"
The Marine bartender was getting impatient.
These people weren't Navy members. They were just guests brought in by a Vice Admiral. If the Vice Admiral hadn't mentioned that this was the Golden Lion's appointed candidate for the Seven Warlords of the Sea, he wouldn't have paid them any attention.
Being Half-fishman wasn't some high-status thing. Did they expect special treatment?
This was Marine Headquarters. They didn't serve outsiders.
"Of course! Four glasses and four meals, please!!"
Taylor nodded eagerly, turned around, and looked at the three others sitting at the table. His voice was filled with excitement as he called out, "Boss Joe Rudolph, they—they—"
They hadn't charged them extra, nor had they discriminated against them. Was this paradise?!
"Truly worthy of the Marine Headquarters."
Joe Rudolph nodded inwardly. Frankly, when he first arrived, the overwhelming military force displayed by the Headquarters had made him realize that his long-held belief was correct.
Opposing the Navy with their current strength would only lead to a bad outcome.
On the contrary, if they joined the same faction as the Navy, they could ensure the prosperity of their own people.
Joe Rudolph's resolve to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea only grew stronger. This position was essential for the prosperity of his people.
"I'll treat."
As Taylor was about to pay, a voice rang out from the entrance.
"Golden Lion!"
Joe Rudolph immediately stood up upon seeing the newcomer. The other Half-fishmen dared not sit either and stood up as well.
Kuro entered the tavern with Lida and Klah. Walking up to the bartender, he said, "Put it on my tab."
"Understood, Vice Admiral!" The bartender gave a military salute and replied loudly.
"Eh?! You're actually treating?" Lida exclaimed, as if witnessing something rare.
Kuro rolled his White Eye. "Am I that stingy? When have I ever not treated?"
Then, he smiled. "Besides, Old Man's mood is good today."
When he reached Joe Rudolph's table, Kuro gestured for them to sit and sat down himself. "Wait a few days. The Navy is evaluating your threat level, but—"
He snapped his fingers. Klah took out a contract and placed it on the table.
"Sign this, and you'll be one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"No problem!"
Joe Rudolph pulled a pen from his jacket pocket, flipped straight to the last page of the contract, and signed his name without even glancing at the contents.
"Aren't you going to read it?" Kuro asked curiously.
Joe Rudolph smiled. "I've heard about the Seven Warlords of the Sea under your leadership. There's no need to read."
This way, he could show his sincerity.
Moreover, there were already rumors circulating in the Grand Line about the new Seven Warlords of the Sea. He was generally aware of the situation, so there was no need to scrutinize the details.
"Suit yourself. I hope you always maintain this humility. Be careful. If you ever fall into decadence, don't expect me to show mercy", Kuro said, lighting a cigar as a warning.
"I'll keep that in mind." Joe Rudolph stood up and gave Kuro a gentleman's bow once more.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
