https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-969-Strive-for-an-Even-Bigger-Face-/13540479/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-971-I-Admire-You-Greatly-Captain-Buggy-/13540489/
Chapter 970: Sword Commander
Chapter 970: Sword Commander
"Gramps, looking for me?"
Kuro strolled into Lucius Kro's office with a toothy grin. He'd already been planning to sneak away. With everything resolved and the burden lifted, there was no reason to stick around. Lingering might only cause trouble. Just as he was about to leave, a notification came saying Gramps wanted to see him.
"Oh~ Kuro, you seem cheerful?" Lucius Kro sat sideways in his chair, legs casually crossed as he trimmed his nails. Spotting Kuro, he instinctively puckered his lips. "Strange, what's there to be happy about?"
"Just feeling good, that's all." Kuro slouched back in the chair opposite him, lighting a cigar. "Spit it out quick, don't interrupt my vacation—not that I'm going to select the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"There's a minor matter regarding your position. Your post as G-3 Base Commander remains reserved. The area is still under your jurisdiction, with nearby Navy forces assisting your oversight."
Lucius Kro spoke with a pleasant smile.
"Hmm, that's it?" Kuro nodded carelessly.
It hardly mattered whether they reported to him or not. Backed by Gramps, his authority was essentially the same anyway.
"Also." Lucius Kro pointed to a small Transponder Snail on the desk. "Take this."
"Huh?" Kuro finally noticed the unpowered Transponder Snail on the desk. Smaller than standard models, its gray shell marked it as neither a listening device nor the portable type worn by Kurowrists.
"What's this for?" Kuro asked.
"A direct-contact Transponder Snail. Members of Sword will communicate with you through this." Lucius Kro chuckled.
Kuro knew about Sword—they'd discussed it last time. A network of double agents.
"But why give this to me?" Kuro frowned, suspicion creeping in.
"Well, X Drake was originally chosen, but now that he's returned, he's one of Sword's captains responsible for Wano Country and its surrounding sea areas. He'll need time to come back though." Lucius Kro grinned. "So, I'll pass the Commander duties to you."
"Wait, Gramps, you're serious?" Kuro shot up. "I'm already managing G-3 sea areas and overseeing the Seven Warlords of the Sea. You're adding more to my plate? Supervising a bunch of two-faced—undercover agents? I don't have the energy!"
"This is the higher-ups' decision, not this old man's." Lucius Kro's eyes crinkled. "With G-3 Fortress gone, they worried you'd be idle. This keeps us accountable to the World Government. It's mostly hands-off—you'll only get involved for major decisions. The captains handle regular operations, and subordinates handle intelligence. Here's the personnel list."
He handed two folders—one labeled Sword: Navy Internal Personnel Roster and the other Sword: Undercover Agent Roster. It included both Navy insiders and outsiders.
"The old man used to handle this. Now it's your turn." Lucius Kro smiled.
"Couldn't you keep managing it just fine?" Kuro gritted his teeth.
"Old man's getting on in years. Energy's low, and I've been injured lately. Need rest." Lucius Kro chuckled.
"Right, sure."
Kuro glared at his grinning face. "No one else can do it?"
"Your position can't stay vacant, especially without a base. We need to justify our budget to the World Government." Lucius Kro shrugged. "They'd think we're bloated otherwise."
"You think those bureaucrats care?"
Kuro scoffed, then sighed and flipped through the Navy roster. It included members from all four seas and Grand Line branches. Sword was a secret unit—even fellow Navy comrades wouldn't know unless they were high-ranking.
A familiar name caught his eye.
"Koby?" Kuro frowned, glancing at Lucius Kro. "He's one of them?"
"Who?" Lucius Kro feigned ignorance.
"Forget it." Kuro shrugged, setting the folder down. Koby's entry showed his squad under X Drake's division. Honestly, Kuro doubted Koby's suitability. As a Navy officer, he had no complaints—Garp's faction, not his. But as part of this secretive unit? Seemed a stretch. If Garp's disciples were loose cannons, Koby might be the exception.
Flipping the Undercover Agent roster, he smirked instantly.
"Knew it. Kuzan's definitely on this list."
First page, top entry—Kuzan, Sword's Blackbeard Territory Division Commander. Though he'd left the Navy, Kuzan still relayed intelligence on Blackbeard.
Kuro didn't doubt Kuzan's desire to seek justice through new paths. But joining Blackbeard? Not the Kuzan he knew. That lazy young man was Navy through and through.
"Actually, he refused at first. But He Popo convinced him", Lucius Kro said. "He sends little intelligence, though."
"That lazybones? Lucky if he sends anything. Just as well." Kuro puffed cigar smoke. "Fine, I'll take it. But remember—no emergencies, no bothering me. Get busy? I'm out."
"Of course." Lucius Kro smiled.
"Tch, every time I come here, nothing good. Should've just left."
Grabbing the Transponder Snail and folders, Kuro left.
"Leaving already?"
"Stay here and eat?" Kuro rolled a white eye, exiting the office.
He could've refused. But when Gramps mentioned aging, Kuro noticed subtle signs—tiredness after injuries from two Four Emperors. Though healed, the strain showed. Among the old Admirals, Gramps was the eldest. Kuro couldn't stand seeing him fade.
A small task—taking this role seemed fine enough.
Lucius Kro watched Kuro leave, then resumed trimming his nails. After a long silence, he chuckled:
"Intelligence department's been handed over. Now... it's time to start building momentum. Let's see what Sakazuki does next."
(End of Chapter)
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