One week later.

Chambord.

Kuro returned a few days ago and has been staying in Sabaody.

He felt completely drained after going out and needed to rest properly.

As for what he did...

"Oh~ Kuro."

At that moment, Kizaru was in his office, and said to him, "Regarding the outcome of this matter..."

He hasn't left since he sent Kuro back to Sabaody Archipelago; he's been lingering there, and I don't know what he's up to.

But Kuro went along with him; Kuro was a general, and he could go wherever he wanted.

What was the result?

Kuro was leaning back in his chair with his legs propped up on the office floor. When he heard Kizaru say that, he paused for a moment, put his legs down, and sat up straight, looking very nervous.

He acted impulsively without considering the consequences, directly confronting Charlotte Linlin. This was a rather alarming act, and now quite a few people within the Navy know about it. He might end up getting promoted instead of gaining any benefits.

Kizaru said, "The World Government believes this matter should not be publicized too much, so your affair has been suppressed. It's really... scary, World Government."

"It's been suppressed?"

Kuro was overjoyed. "That's great, no, that's really a pity."

Then, he realized he shouldn't be laughing, and his face immediately fell, adopting an indignant expression.

"How could the World Government do this? I've done great service for them, I even fought against the Four Emperors for them! Aren't they going to offer me any consolation?!"

Kizaru chuckled and said, "Yes, the government is preparing to conscript you to Mary Geoise."

Upon hearing this, Kuro froze on the spot, staring at Kizaru, before finally uttering a sound.

"ha?"

He pointed to himself and said, "Me? Mary Geoise?"

Those words sounded like they were talking about something fantastical, something impossible.

"Grandpa, are you kidding me? You want me to go to Mary Geoise?"

Kuro shook his head vigorously: "I'm not going! You know Grandpa, it's not appropriate for me to go."

Are you kidding me!

He went to Mary Geoise?

Even if he didn't find those idiots repulsive, he's still not suited to go to Mary Geoise.

What if one day some idiot Celestial Dragon takes a dislike to me and binds me with seastone? Would I even want Mary Geoise anymore?

What? He accomplished what the revolutionary army couldn't?

"So Sakazuki and I didn't agree."

Kizaru's next words made Kuro roll his eyes.

Old man, don't speak so loudly, it's scary.

"However, you've been promoted..."

"WTF?!!"

Kuro suddenly stood up, his eyes wide, and shouted, "Didn't they say the World Government wouldn't make a fuss about this?! How did you get promoted?!"

"This is internal compensation for you. Although the World Government forbids us from publicizing it, the Navy certainly won't treat you unfairly."

Kizaru narrowed his eyes to slits: "So, everyone got promoted one level."

Level 1?

Level 1!

If it's level one, then he's intermediate...

"Of course, Kuro, not including you. Sorry." Kizaru said this with a hint of apology on his face.

You fucking...

You're doing this to my heart, you old geezer!

I almost thought I was going to die!

With Kizaru's explanation, Kuro realized that besides himself, Cass was also in the promotion plan. After all, Cass had already been promoted one step up to colonel because of the Pegasus Island incident, so he wasn't eligible for a promotion now.

Although Kuro's own contributions were downplayed by the World Government, the Navy stated that they would not let their own people down.

Kuro couldn't get promoted, but his subordinates could. This time, the Navy's internal commendation resulted in all of his subordinates being promoted one rank.

Clooney and Lida are now colonels, Donald is a captain, and Sazel, Kikyo, and Fanny are lieutenants.

Kuro didn't care if his subordinates were promoted.

"Sure?"

Kuro raised an eyebrow and asked Kizaru again, "There's no more plot twist, right? I'm not getting promoted, am I?"

"Oh, Kuro, these things can't be rushed," Kizaru said.

Yada thief!

Kuro nodded hurriedly, "Yes, yes, there's no rush. I'm not in a hurry. I'm still young. Let me go for thirty or fifty... no, I can let it go for a while. It's all for the greater good."

He appeared to be very respectful of the overall situation, then lowered his head, revealing a hint of reluctance.

Yes, it's not that I don't want to be promoted, it's just that I'm being held back and can't be promoted. Don't blame me.

But I am still a good navy man who aspires to a bright future.

"Is that so?" Kizaru looked at him with a smile.

"Yes!" Kuro nodded like a chick pecking at rice.

World Government, at this moment I love you so much!

"Well, that's fine with you. Have your subordinates come back to headquarters to receive their medals. I'll head over now. Oh, and I'll leave Sentomaru to you."

"Don't worry, old man, you should go now," Kuro said quickly.

This guy could get new orders every day, and he didn't want to accept any more orders that might cause trouble.

Last time, it was because he asked me to investigate that he ended up killing Redfield.

You learn from your mistakes.

This mistake will never be repeated.

After seeing off Kizaru and Strawberry, Kuro stretched comfortably at the port, "Finally gone, no more trouble."

"Brother Kuro! You're amazing!"

Sentomaru and Kuro watched Kizaru and the others leave together, then Sentomaru said admiringly to Kuro, "I've heard so much about it. You defeated Redfield and single-handedly stormed Charlotte Linlin's Whole Cake Island. You're now a household name within the Navy!"

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