After spending a few days there, Garp and Sengoku finally went to find Clow, who was still delaying their departure.

"You should go now," Sengoku said to Kuro, who was lingering in the office. "We'll report back to you who the subordinates left behind are."

"I think I'm seriously injured, really." Kuro said with unusual sincerity.

However, the two old guys acted as if they hadn't heard anything and just stared straight at Kuro.

Kuro sighed: "Cas, Cass. He and his men are stationed in the West Sea. The rest of you come with me."

This is the result he had chosen.

There was no way Lida would stay. First, he didn't trust her and was afraid she would squander this great opportunity. Second, Lida herself wouldn't want to stay.

Kro... he's used to being a scapegoat from time to time, and once he gets used to it, he's unlikely to let go.

The only one we can put in is Cass.

If this guy is stationed in the West Sea, given the current peaceful environment on Pegasus Island, he'll basically have no chance to prove himself.

He stayed in the West Sea, and Kuro had just gotten rid of a lifelong enemy, so let him stay there with his 'lackey army' indefinitely.

The others were taken by Kuro and sailed to Sabaody Archipelago in a warship.

Of course, before that, he had to go back to headquarters for a promotion ceremony.

In addition, Akainu also had something to ask him.

Marineford.

Due to the gradual relocation of headquarters, the number of Marineford's naval forces has decreased significantly, with most of them having moved to the G-1 headquarters in the New World under the leadership of a vice admiral.

However, due to political matters, Akainu and Kizaru remain here.

When Kuro arrived, he went to Kizaru's office first.

"Oh~ Kuro, you've come."

Kizaru was still clipping his nails when he saw Kuro come in with a gloomy expression. He put down the nail clippers and asked curiously, "Who made you angry?"

Kuro rolled his eyes, pulled out a chair, and sat down unceremoniously, crossing his legs without any regard for appearances. "What other nonsense could it be? I was doing just fine on Pegasus Island, why did they make me come back and even promote me to Major General? Ha..."

"So he was holding a grudge..."

Kizaru nodded. "There's nothing we can do about it. It's not very meaningful for the Navy to oppose the World Government's decisions. Besides, you're still my subordinate, so it might be a bit difficult for you to be promoted directly to Admiral."

He was certainly very resentful.

He was indulging in a safe, comfortable dream of not getting promoted when he was suddenly jolted awake by a newspaper. Anyone would be resentful about that.

If the four kings hadn't made the announcement, his dream would have truly come true.

Kizaru chuckled and said, "Well done, your taking down Redfield has really boosted the morale of the Navy."

I'm promoted to general my ass!

I'll also say, General, I'm fine with soybean paste, soybean paste dipped in scallions.

"I can't talk to you."

Kuro waved his hand and said, "By the way, old man, why aren't you leaving yet? Aren't you going to relocate headquarters?"

"Oh~ This is what we've been waiting for. Otherwise, we wouldn't have seen each other for a long time. Now that I've seen you, I'll set off tomorrow to be stationed at the new headquarters," Kizaru said.

I'd rather die than see you.

Kuro pursed his lips. He had been to headquarters so many times, and every time it was nothing good.

If he hadn't come to headquarters last time, he wouldn't have gone to Beihai. If he hadn't gone to Beihai, he wouldn't have met Redfield. If he hadn't met that old devil, he wouldn't have been promoted.

"Alright, I won't bother you any longer. I'll go find Fleet Admiral Akainu first." Kuro stood up and prepared to leave.

"Wait a minute, Kuro."

Kizaru stopped him and said, "Sentomaru has officially joined the Navy. He was originally chosen as the base commander of Sabaody Archipelago, but since you're here, he can stay with you."

"Oh? Vegapunk released him?" Kuro asked in surprise.

"Yes, because weapon production is on track, we need to test it out. Sabaody is a good place."

"Alright, have him come over directly when the time comes."

Kuro waved his hand and left Kizaru's office.

"Oh~"

Kizaru watched his retreating figure and shook his head: "He does harbor resentment. The World Government's actions are going too far; it's really not a good thing..."

...

Akainu's office.

Having already taken over Sengoku's position, he naturally entered Sengoku's office, where the plaque had been changed from "Rule of Justice" to "Thorough Justice".

Perhaps because the sun was behind them, the office was dimly lit, and the face sitting inside was not clearly visible; only the embers of a lit cigar could be seen.

It wasn't until the figure raised its head that Kuro saw the face that had begun to grow a beard.

"Oh...you've come, Kuro."

As Akainu spoke, the scar on his face that ran down to his neck seemed to twist subtly.

He was also seriously injured in the fight with Kuzan.

"Fleet Admiral Akainu".

Kuro stood still in the room and saluted him.

Akainu smiled slightly and tossed him a cigar. "Try it. My taste is a little different from Borsalino's. You might like it."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony."

Kuro took the cigar, pulled out a chair, sat down, and lit it.

Kuro frowned slightly as he inhaled the smoke. This smoke... was a bit spicy, but after the spiciness, there was also a hint of sweetness.

Just like Akainu's personality.

"Not bad." Kuro chewed on his cigar, leaning back naturally. "Speaking of which, what did you want to see me about?"

"I just have a favor to ask of you," Akainu said. "Even though you're only a Rear Admiral now, don't forget the honor of the Navy."

"ah?"

Kuro tilted his head, looking somewhat puzzled.

What does that mean?

"Given your achievements, you could have been promoted directly, especially given the current shortage of admirals. However, as you've probably heard, the World Government has its own considerations..."

As Akainu spoke, he unconsciously clenched his fist, the fiery red color covering his glove, and a burnt smell rose from the table.

"Don't be discouraged if you go to Chambord; there will be room for you to shine there too."

Akainu smiled at him. "Anyway, you've been promoted, Lucilfer Kuro."

That old guy...

Kuro looked at him as if he were seeing Akainu in a completely new light.

Has your personality changed?

How could someone so strong-willed say such tender words?

Although these words may not seem gentle to outsiders, they must be applied in the context of the specific situation.

For someone like Akainu, who knows he's done something wrong but won't turn back, to say something like that...

The position of marshal seems to be very demanding.

"I understand, Fleet Admiral Akainu."

Kuro nodded and said, "I will work hard."

Akainu nodded and said, "Yes, apart from the base in Sabaody Archipelago, you have direct command over Marineford. This is Headquarters' compensation to you. Go ahead and do your best. I'm entrusting the first half of the Grand Line to you!"