Mary Geoise, Pangaea, Between Powers.

Five old men posed for photos from the beginning of the year until the end.

"Sakazuki, regarding Lucilfer Kuro's promotion..."

At this moment, the five old men faced Sakazuki, and one of them, an old man with curly hair, said, "We agree."

“That’s how it should be.” Sakazuki nodded, biting his cigar. “You should have agreed long ago.”

Don't misunderstand.

The old man with a map on his head said, "Only the Navy can handle the failure of Bondi Wald. Pirates can't do it, not even the Seven Warlords of the Sea. We've also read Lucilfer Kuro's original report. That report wouldn't pass here either. You did a good job in that regard."

"Moreover, witnesses say that Lucilfer Kuro fought Bondi Wald at the time, so it wasn't solely Mihawk's achievement. That kid is just too honest; he won't even talk about such things," the long-bearded old man added.

"Yes, his strength is sufficient, and his reputation within the Navy is also quite high."

The old man with the sword nodded and said, "Let's do as you say, Sakazuki."

“Then let’s do it this way. This time you’re quite reasonable.” Sakazuki smiled with satisfaction.

"Mind your place, Sakazuki. You have no right to criticize us. The Navy is merely the face of the World Government," the curly-haired old man snapped.

"Say what you will, as long as my goal is achieved."

Sakazuki snorted and turned to walk out.

"That damned Sakazuki! His attitude towards us has changed drastically since he became marshal," the old man with a map on his head said coldly.

“That’s just his personality. Isn’t that why we chose him as marshal?” the long-bearded old man said.

“Let’s not mention Sakazuki anymore. Let’s talk about Lucilfer Kuro. We can’t let him off easy this time. We’ve already suppressed him twice,” said the old man with the sword.

“That’s right. Last time with Redfield, and last time with Charlotte Linlin, we already suppressed that kid’s merits and performance. If we suppress them any further, there will probably be even greater resentment.”

The curly-haired old man said, "This time, we can't refuse Bondi Wald. That damned Sakazuki actually announced in the notice that the Navy would handle it."

Bondi Wald put them directly on the hot seat in the newspapers, saying that if Kuro wasn't promoted, it would be a slap in the face to himself, denying that the Navy had defeated Wald, but rather that Mihawk had.

Mihawk represents the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

Ultimately, they were pirates.

This credit can only go to Lucilfer Kuro.

That brat can't be contained anymore.

"Never mind, he was originally the next general personally appointed by that old monkey."

The red-skinned old man crossed his arms and rested his head on the back of his hands, saying, "The last Shikoku incident already made many Marines resentful. We can't repeat what happened with Zephyr. Besides, Lucilfer Kuro is essentially loyal to us, as can be seen from his attitude towards the Celestial Dragons."

That's true.

The curly-haired old man nodded and said, "Charles praised him last time."

"That's settled then. Approval is granted for his promotion to lieutenant general and nomination as a general candidate, codename..."

"Golden Lion".

...

"We ordinary folks are really happy today."

Kuro leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and shook his head.

He exudes an air of leisure.

After the Wald incident, world peace was restored.

At least it looks peaceful.

Everyone is doing their own thing, and the first half of the Grand Line is basically quiet now.

Pirates and such will be patrolled by Lida, Kuro, and Sentomaru, nipping any trouble in the bud before they even reach the land, allowing Kuro to have some peace and quiet.

When I have nothing to do, I just sleep, travel, find a place to have a few drinks, and live a very comfortable life.

Aside from the unfavorable location of Chambord, there's nothing else to ask for.

However, he does have holidays. If he has nothing to do, he can go back to Pegasus Island, but he basically stays in Shambaud, mainly because he's too lazy to move.

Sitting quietly in this tall office, puffing on a cigarette, is a pretty good option.

Life shouldn't be too comfortable.

"Major Admiral Kuro!"

Wilbur walked in from outside and saluted Kuro.

"Oh... Wilbur."

Kuro glanced at him and said lazily, "Is there something you need?"

“Yes, I can’t get through to your Den Den Mushi. Headquarters called me and asked you to come to headquarters for a report,” Wilbur said.

"ha?"

Kuro paused for a moment, then said, "Report on my performance? Didn't I just do that last time? Let Kuro handle this; the old man will give me face."

Since he was stationed in Chambord, he had been so resentful that he had Cloth go in his place for his last duty report.

Anyway, they were his direct subordinates, and since the old man was easy to talk to, the headquarters didn't care.

Perfect, this puts him in a relaxed position. He's decided to let Kro handle all the performance reviews and such from now on.

Because I always feel that nothing good ever comes of it when I go to give a performance review.

Upon hearing this, Wilbur hesitated for a moment before saying, "Headquarters wants you to go there in person."

"Okay, okay, I heard you, is that all?" Kuro waved his hand and said.

"Yes, that's all."

Wilbur lowered his head and remained silent, but his eyes kept glancing at the shop window next to Kuro.

There, you'll find Devil Fruits.

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