Sazir's performance in the training at headquarters was mediocre, so he didn't have any rank. However, considering that he had been trained by many veteran naval officers, he graduated with the rank of Private First Class and rejoined Crow's command, even though he had no merit.

He was originally Kro's direct subordinate.

Incidentally, Kikyo is directly related to Lida.

Kuro plans to pair Donald with Cass, making him Cass's direct subordinate.

With such an honest and obedient guy around, he can not only replace Cass, but also keep an eye on him.

After showing Kizaru around, the two entered the office.

"By the way, old man, you've come at the right time. Give me a batch of craftsmen; I need to renovate the naval base. The current structure is an old building, too fragile and unsafe."

Kuro invited Kizaru to his seat, found a sofa to sit down, took out a cigar and lit it. "Also, I don't have many cigars left. You should send me a new batch as soon as possible."

"Oh~ You can afford it yourself now, Kuro," Kizaru said with a chuckle.

“That’s different. Your General’s Special Edition smokes taste different from what I can buy,” Kuro said, shaking his head.

"If you want that, why don't you become an admiral? That way, whatever you want in the future will be top-of-the-line." Kizaru said, looking at him.

"Cough cough cough!"

These words almost made Kuro inhale the smoke into his lungs. Cigars are different from cigarettes; this stuff doesn't go into the lungs.

"Stop joking, old man. You haven't retired yet, and my achievements and strength aren't enough. You're forcing me into this position. Besides, the World Government would never agree to this, absolutely not!"

Kuro shook his head vigorously, like a rattle-drum.

Are you kidding me? I haven't even been awarded my medal yet, and you're already making me a general?

I'm so big, I'm so big, it's like a mouthful of filth.

Only someone who's sick would become a general.

Then, he looked at Kizaru with a scrutinizing gaze and said suspiciously, "Hey old man, you didn't come here to sound me out, did you? There's no need. A person can't, at least shouldn't... I'm perfectly fine staying on Pegasus Island. If there's anything, wait until you're too old to work anymore. I want to relax a bit more."

That's what they say, but once Kizaru retires, Kuro won't take over either. He'll be gone for at least ten years, and he doesn't believe the Navy won't produce a new monster in that time.

What business is it of his?

"Well... just asking casually."

Kizaru shrugged, made himself a cup of tea, and said as he poured the water, "Speaking of which, did you run into Zephyr-sensei before?"

"Yes, I met him. He taught me a few moves. I heard that you and this old man don't get along?" Kuro asked.

"It's not bad either."

Kizaru picked up his teacup, took a sip, raised his eyes, thought for a moment, and said, "That serious man just doesn't like my style. In any case, he is still my teacher."

He put down his teacup and said slowly, "The World Government has recently drafted a new list of 'Seven Warlords of the Sea.' Although it's not finalized yet, it should be close to being completed. There's one person among them who, if he joins, might shake the resolve of that old man, Zephyr."

Upon hearing this, Kuro narrowed his eyes and asked knowingly, "Oh? Who?"

"Edward Weevil..."

Kizaru pouted, "The surname Edward is quite memorable, especially since that man also has a white beard. Such a feature is really... scary."

"Whitebeard's surname? I've heard that the old man didn't have any biological sons when he died," Kuro said, exhaling a puff of smoke.

"Well, who knows?"

Kizaru said, "But what is certain is that the recruit ship led by Zephyr was attacked by him back then. That man possesses the peak power of Whitebeard in his youth."

"Oh, that's really scary." Kuro nodded in agreement.

"We have no right to interfere in matters decided by the World Government. Mr. Sengoku is currently in contact and negotiations with those above, but in my opinion, it may be of little use. Those people are the best at balancing things out," Kizaru said with a smile.

Although the Navy is a direct agency of the World Government, in the face of the World Government's desire to maintain world balance and pursue the "Balance of Power," their choices sometimes seem idiotic to the Navy, but in reality, they are correct in the interests of the World Government.

Kuro could have thought of that.

Whitebeard's defeat by the Navy greatly boosted the Navy's prestige and influence, which was a good thing for the World Government as it would significantly enhance their standing in the world. However, after this boost, they also had to ensure that the Navy's power did not become too great, as that would allow pirates to unite and cause instability.

The best solution would be to use the Seven Warlords of the Sea as another balancing force.

As a strategic weapon intended to deal with the Four Emperors, too many people were removed from the Marineford War after the war.

Blackbeard Teach has already gone to the New World and is now seizing territory.

Jinbe officially rebelled at the top.

And then there was Moriah, whom they ordered to be executed.

Currently, only three of the Seven Warlords of the Sea remain: Hawkeye, Boa Hancock, and Tenyasha. More than half of them have been removed.

This quantity needs to be increased.

Edward Weevil, since he claims to be Whitebeard's son, regardless of whether it's true or not, the World Government will assume it is. If he becomes a Shichibukai, firstly, it can be used to combat pirates at sea, and secondly, it can lower the prestige of the Navy.

After all, he is the son of Whitebeard, the son of a top-tier pirate who cost countless lives to be killed at Marineford. If he were to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, a direct subordinate of the World Government, it would diminish the Navy's prestige.

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