"Hmph, hmph hmph hmph..."

Kuro walked out of Sakazuki's place humming a little tune.

I'm on vacation!

I didn't expect Sakazuki to agree so easily.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. He was originally in charge of G-3 and the surrounding waters. He hasn't lost that position yet; it's just that there's no fortress for the time being. Without a fortress, he's essentially unemployed. As for the stability of the waters near G-3, his subordinates will handle that; it's basically none of his business.

Judging from the situation, he can recuperate for a long time.

"Where to go? Going back to my hometown would be nice, it's been so long since I've been back. Going back to Pegasus Island would also be good, I haven't been back since I left there..."

He stroked his chin, deep in thought.

Sigh, it's a happy kind of trouble.

Apart from the tallest building, his men were all waiting at the entrance.

“Mr. Kuro, we have settled everyone in.” Kuro adjusted his glasses and said.

After all, there are 5,000 people. Although the headquarters is large enough, it will still take time to settle them in.

This is something that Kro started working on after he joined headquarters.

Kuro nodded and asked, "Have all the Seven Warlords left?"

“No, Rudolph is still here, seemingly waiting for your appointment,” Kro said.

“Oh…him? Tell him to wait a bit. Kuro, have the Navy's assessment team speed things up and get the arrest warrant out. Also…what about Moria?” Kuro asked.

“We disembarked midway,” Kro replied.

"Ah... never mind, I'll just get off the ship then." Kuro thought for a moment, then shook his head.

He could still become a Shichibukai, but he's not forcing it. Waiting a little longer is fine; what if something better comes along?

"Mr. Kuro!"

At this moment, Cass stepped forward and shouted, "G-3 Fortress is gone, so where should we go?!"

"What do you mean, where are we going? G-3 is gone, but it doesn't mean I'm out of a job. Just go about your business as usual. Your mission remains the same. Hmm... but it's still a hassle. Ask David if you can get some supplies from him temporarily, otherwise it's too time-consuming to go back and forth."

“Yes, Mr. Kuro.” Cass and Wilbur exchanged a glance and nodded.

"Alright, take a break. G-3 is gone, so rest at headquarters for now. If you can't rest, wait and see what orders headquarters gives."

Kuro waved them away, telling them to leave. "Don't just stand there. Go do what you're supposed to do. Are you all done at headquarters? Don't slack off."

The group of subordinates scattered and left, leaving only Lida and Clod behind.

“Where is Rudolf?” he asked.

“The tavern in the back,” Kro replied.

"Let's go find him," Kuro said, instructing Kro to lead the way to Rudolph.

Meanwhile, Rudolf and his companions were in a tavern.

"How much?"

At this moment, Taylor stood in front of the counter, watching the waiter push out a glass of wine he had ordered, and opened his wallet with a pained expression.

They've been here for a few days now, and because they're preparing to become Shichibukai, they haven't been kicked out. However, Kuro has only provided them with lodgings. They brought their own rations, but those are almost gone.

They had no choice but to come to this tavern, but they had hesitated for a long time, wanting to eat but not daring to because it was very expensive.

Their meals are quite different; they cost a hundred times more than others, and they have huge appetites. One meal of theirs can buy several days' worth of food for their entire tribe.

We need to be careful with our money.

But now that they've come here, they've heard that the Golden Lion has returned. They need to be prepared to maintain their dignity and not let the Golden Lion look down on them.

"One thousand Berries."

"That's what the naval attendant said calmly."

"One thousand Berries?"

Upon hearing the price, Taylor was taken aback. "One thousand?"

"Too expensive?"

The naval attendant looked Taylor up and down. "This is headquarters, it's already very cheap."

No, what I mean is...

Taylor seemed a little uncomfortable and said, "But I'm a half-fish."

"So what? A thousand Berries, want it?"

"I can't believe it," the naval attendant said somewhat impatiently.

These people weren't from the Navy; they were just guests brought by a rear admiral. If the rear admiral hadn't said that this seemed to be the Seven Warlords of the Sea proposed by Vice Admiral Kinni, he wouldn't have paid any attention to them.

Half-fish people aren't exactly high-status beings, so why should they be given preferential treatment?

This is the Navy Headquarters; we don't serve outsiders.

"Yes! Yes!"

Taylor nodded hurriedly: "Four drinks and four dishes, please!!"

As he spoke, he turned to look at the other three people sitting at the table and exclaimed excitedly, "Boss Rudolf, he, they..."

There were no exorbitant prices or discrimination against them. Is this paradise?!

"As expected of the Navy Headquarters."

Rudolf nodded to himself. To be honest, when he first arrived at this place, the overwhelming military power displayed by this headquarters made him feel that his long-held beliefs were correct.

Given their size, going against the navy would not end well for them.

Conversely, if you are on the same side as them, you can be sure that your tribe will live well.

Rudolph became even more determined to become a Shichibukai; he was essential for the clan to prosper.

"I'll treat you."

Just as Taylor was about to pay, a voice came from the doorway.

"Golden Lion!"

As soon as Rudolph saw the newcomer, he immediately stood up, and the other half-fishmen did not dare to sit down either, and all stood up as well.

Kuro led Lida and Clod into the tavern and said to the waiter, "Put it on my tab."

"Yes, Lieutenant General!" the attendant saluted and answered loudly.

"Huh?! You're actually treating us?" Lida asked, as if she had discovered something unusual.

Kuro rolled his eyes: "Am I the kind of person who's stingy? When have I ever not treated someone to a meal?"

As he spoke, he smiled and said, "Of course, most importantly, I'm in a good mood."

When they reached Rudolph's table, Kuro waved for them to sit down, then sat down himself, saying, "Wait a few days. The Navy is assessing your threat level, but..."

He snapped his fingers, and Chloe pulled out a contract and placed it on the table.

"Sign it, and you'll be a Shichibukai."

"no problem!"

Rudolf took a pen out of his jacket pocket, flipped directly to the last page of the contract, and signed his name without even looking at the contents.

"Aren't you going to watch it?" Kuro asked curiously.

Rudolph smiled and said, "I've heard about the Seven Warlords of the Sea under your command, but there's no need to look at them."

Only in this way can his sincerity be demonstrated.

As for the new Seven Warlords of the Sea, there were already rumors on the high seas, and he was generally aware of them, so there was no need to look into them in detail.

"Suit yourself. I hope you always maintain this humility. Be careful, because once you fall, I will show no mercy." Kuro lit a cigar and warned him.

“I will keep that in mind.” Rudolf stood up and gave him another gentlemanly bow.