Garp was on vacation, so Kuro had no choice but to go back with Koby.

Including the time he spent stationed on Pegasus Island, he hadn't returned to headquarters for almost a year, only going back once when Cass was promoted to major, but that was also quite some time ago.

If we're going back this time, the whole family will be mobilized.

Lida, Crow, and Cass, three majors, are going back, and once they leave, their own direct subordinates will also have to move.

Lida's direct subordinate is Kikyo, and Cass's direct subordinate is Donald. Kuro assigned Donald to him so that Donald would keep an eye on him. You see, things have been peaceful lately, and nothing has gone wrong.

Kro's direct subordinate is Sazir, who is the highest-ranking officer among his men. He is now a second lieutenant, but he also has to go back.

In addition, there is also Fanny, who also needs to go back to headquarters for training.

Two warships withdrew from Pegasus Island and headed towards the Grand Line.

Crossing the Calm Belt, entering the Red Line, from Mary Geoise we enter the first half of the Grand Line, arriving at Marineford.

"Headquarters..."

As he disembarked from the ship, Kuro looked at the buildings that had been repaired and restored to their original state. "It's been a long time since I've been back."

"Kro, you go report for duty, and have the new recruits fill out the training paperwork for headquarters while you're at it. I'm going to find Sengoku."

With that, he headed straight for the Marshal's office.

Upon arriving at the office, he saw Sengoku reviewing documents on his desk. Sengoku seemed to sense his presence and looked up, just in time to see Kuro standing at the door.

"Yo, Mr. Sengoku, long time no see." Kuro raised his hand in greeting.

"Kuro..."

Zhan Guo put down his pen, glared at him, and said, "I thought you had died in the Western Sea."

"Haha, Mr. Zhan Guo is joking. I am a man who just wants to live a safe life."

Kuro walked over and sat opposite Sengoku, staring at his now-white hair with a strange expression.

This old guy is seventy-eight years old this year. He had a full head of black hair last year, but it's all white this year, making Kuro wonder if he used to get hair treatments frequently.

"You still have the nerve to come back?!"

Sengoku glared at Kuro, "How many times have I called you? You were always either busy or wouldn't answer. What, don't you want to be a Marine anymore?!"

"Not at all, I'm a veteran of the Navy, Mr. Sengoku." Kuro replied casually, "I've been a member of the Navy for eleven years, the Navy is my home."

"An old navy man?!"

These words enraged Sengoku, who roared at Clow Reed:

"You still have the nerve to call yourself a veteran of the Navy?! Look at yourself now! Smoker is already a Rear Admiral, and you're only a Brigadier General, and you're still dragging your feet on coming back for your duty report. What exactly are you trying to do?!"

I don't want to go to the New World, I don't even want to come to the Grand Line, I just want to comfortably stay in my own base.

Kuro secretly pursed his lips and smiled perfunctorily: "I am trying my best, but when it comes to promotion, it depends on the course of history. You can't force it."

"Stop joking, you cunning little devil."

Zhan Guo snorted coldly, "However, your affairs are no longer my concern. From now on, let the new marshal worry about what you want to do."

"You've stepped down?" Kuro asked.

"Um."

Sengoku laughed, a rare occurrence for him. "I'm retiring, but there are still some things to hand over. After a while, once the new marshal takes office, I'll retire completely. It's been so many years, it's time for me to rest. Is Garp on vacation on your island? I'll go visit him sometime."

His expression was somewhat relaxed at the moment, but in Kuro's eyes, this was clearly a sign of a lack of spirit.

"Alright, now that you're back, go and give your report. Don't bother me, I'm just dealing with some documents." Sengoku waved his hand, dismissing Kuro.

"Can I not get the promotion?" Kuro asked tentatively.

"Get away from here!"

"Okay."

Kuro obediently walked out.

"Wait, Kuro."

"ah?"

“Zefa...if you encounter him, pretend you don’t see him,” Sengoku said slowly.

Kuro shrugged and walked out.

He didn't need to say that; if he actually encountered it, he would naturally pretend he didn't see it.

That old man is so old and has asthma, how long can he live?

If he wants to do something in the end, let him do it.

As he left the office, he looked up at the sky and sighed.

There are only a few key factors in this world that make a person weaker.

Injuries, willpower, and the passage of time.

When Garp arrived, his morale had already plummeted, and Sengoku is in the same boat now, not to mention Zephyr, who has lost faith in the Navy...

"The older generation has completely retired."

Kuro murmured to himself, then turned and walked toward another building.

That's Kizaru's office.

When Kuro arrived at Kizaru's office, he was sitting with his legs crossed, leisurely clipping his nails.

"Oh~ Kuro, you're finally back. I've missed you a bit."

Upon seeing Kuro, Kizaru pouted, "Have you grown a little taller?"

"It's been a long time, sir."

Kuro pulled out the chair opposite Kizaru and said, "The cigars you gave me are running low. Send more to my island later."

"Oh~ that kind of thing is fine." Kizaru placed the nail clippers on the table and said.

He chuckled and made Kuro a cup of tea, saying, "You've come at the right time. I have something I need your help with."

These words startled Kuro.

He stretched out his hand and said, "I'm just here to report on my work and happened to drop by to see you. Nothing else is my business. Goodbye."

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