Kuro opened his mouth, but in the end he sighed, sat down opposite Kizaru, unceremoniously snatched the cigar from his table, and leaned back with his legs crossed, puffing away.

"Once you're back, don't go out for the time being. Stay at headquarters and give me a break."

After watching Kuro take out a cigar, light it, and exhale smoke, Kizaru said.

Kuro exhaled a puff of white mist. "Hey old man, just find me a place to camp. I promise I won't cause any trouble."

He didn't want to cause trouble, but who knows where all these problems came from?

"Stationed..."

Kizaru thought for a moment, "Yes, the G-5 branch is short-handed, and Sakazuki is transferring back to the G-1 branch. You can go and take a look there."

Never mind what I said.

G-5? G-1?

Isn't that the new world?

I'd rather go anywhere else than the New World.

"I didn't call you back just to let you stay here. You know, Portgas D. Ace has been captured, and the Whitebeard Pirates are stirring. A war is just around the corner."

It was precisely because he knew war was coming that he sought a posting abroad!

"When you come back, talk to Sentomaru a lot. Sentomaru, learn from Clow; he's...very strong." Kizaru said with a strange expression.

"I see."

Sentomaru said seriously, "I am currently Vegapunk's bodyguard, but I will officially join the Navy in the future!"

Kuro certainly knew Vegapunk, the top scientist who claimed to possess wisdom surpassing that of the world for five hundred years.

He had no objection whatsoever to this wisdom that transcends five hundred years of history.

Being able to incorporate Devil Fruit elements into weapons and even create something like the Pacifista, one can certainly be considered a top-tier scientist.

"Speaking of which..."

Kuro glanced at Sentomaru and said, "What are you doing here as the captain of the science unit? Doesn't that top scientist need protection?"

Sentomaru said, "This is classified information. Although you are also a Marine, there are some things that cannot be said. I, Sentomaru, am the most discreet man. I will never tell you that I am here to test the experimental results of the 'Pacifista'."

"..."

"Hasn't that already said it?"

"ah..."

Sentomaru paused for a moment, then said, "That was what I wanted to say. I don't want to say it, and no one can make me say it."

"Yes, yes..."

Kuro nodded helplessly.

"A pacifist..."

Kuro thought for a moment. He remembered this thing. It was a combat robot created based on Bartholomew Kuma's body and Kizaru's abilities.

Kizaru said, "The Pacifista costs as much as a top-tier warship. It's a terrifying tool. Its appearance will greatly change the current combat landscape of the navy."

In Kuro's eyes, the pacifist's combat power is the condensation of a warship with a thousand men. On the high seas, warships are undoubtedly the most destructive force, but on land, the combat power of condensing an entire warship into a single individual should not be underestimated.

But that's about it.

At most, it might change the course of battles for ordinary pirates, and given its cost, this thing is destined not to become widespread.

“It was made using Bartholomew Kuma’s body and the old man’s ‘laser’ ability, so it’s incredibly powerful,” Sentomaru said.

"There will always be a chance to test that kind of thing. You're a major now, go get your paperwork, and then stay at headquarters. Don't wander off," Kizaru said with a chuckle.

"I see."

Kuro shoved the cigar box off the table and then reached out, "Old man, we're running low on stock. Give me some."

...

After exchanging pleasantries, Kuro came out of Kizaru's office, along with Sentomaru.

Sentomaru was with him, arranged by Kizaru. His purpose was obvious: to keep an eye on him and prevent him from wandering off.

"It's truly beyond saving..."

Kuro sighed. With the old man looking at him like that, it was clear that he couldn't escape the Marineford War.

Thinking about it this way, he felt very depressed.

"Kuro, is something bothering you?" Sentomaru asked, puzzled.

"No... I feel sorry for this damned world." Kuro sighed miserably.

"Anyway, let's go get the documents first, then go eat. Sentomaru, it's our first time meeting, so you should treat us."

"?"

Sentomaru tilted his head, looking puzzled, and said, "It's possible, but... why should I pay? Speaking of which, Grandpa has always said you're very strong, and I'd like to try it out. How about the loser calls the winner 'big brother'?"

As both were Kizaru's direct subordinates, and Kizaru often praised Kuro, he had always been curious about Kuro's combat strength.

After all, I've met that Buck Arlo before. He was able to force a pirate with a bounty of over 300 million to surrender. He must be very strong.

However, Sentomaru was somewhat unconvinced, believing that he should be the strongest under the old man's command.

I've never seen the old man praise someone so highly; he's been wanting to try it for a long time.

"Oh? You want to compete with me?" Kuro glanced at him.

"I am the man with the strongest defense!" Sentomaru said proudly, "I will not lose!"

I was already feeling really angry.

Kuro gave a mysterious smile: "Absolutely. The little garden behind the old man is quite nice. We can just casually make a few shots."

...

Before long, Kuro emerged with a satisfied smile, accompanied by Sentomaru, whose face was bruised and swollen.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!