Kuro, of course, denied it, let alone mentioning that he had delivered the final blow.
"Tch, whatever, as long as it helps."
At least that one strike was decisive; regardless of Kuro's sense of justice, it did indeed help.
Just then, a navy officer ran over carrying a Den Den Mushi and said, "Captain Smoker, call to headquarters!"
“I am Smoker,” Smoker said, taking the paper.
"Is this Colonel Smoker? Regarding the campaign against Crocodile, the government has decided to award medals to you and Sergeant Tashigi, and to promote you both by one rank."
"Awarding medals?"
Smoker looked at the Den Den Mushi and said in a deep voice, "Did you listen to my report properly? We were not the ones who defeated Crocodile."
“It’s no use, Smoker. You’d better listen to the government when they make a decision,” Tina advised from the side.
"When are you free to attend the medal awarding ceremony?" the Den Den Mushi continued.
"Hey, could you please pass on a message to the old man upstairs for me?"
Smoker's forehead veins bulged.
“Smoker!” Tina shouted.
"To hell with them!"
Smoker abruptly slammed the phone down, hanging up immediately.
Seeing the call end, Tina sighed: "It's no use. You can't refuse the government's decisions as long as you're still in the Navy."
"My actions and conscience are as clear as a mirror, and all my deeds are righteous."
Smoker said, "That's not justice!"
The fact that the pirates had defeated the pirates that Smoker couldn't capture due to limitations left him with very mixed feelings.
In particular, he was saved by Luffy.
He didn't know what justice was, but as long as he felt at ease, that was justice!
Kuro was not wrong in what he said.
As for Kuro, he didn't care about any of that. He was relieved that he didn't hear his own name from the Den Den Mushi. Without him, there would be no promotion and no one would notice him.
"I need to go back to headquarters and explain things to the higher-ups."
As Smoker spoke, he prepared to disembark.
Tina looked at him silently.
As a close friend and classmate, she knew Smoker all too well; he was a stubborn mule who did things his own way, otherwise he wouldn't have been banished to the East Blue.
"Kuro, let's go."
Kuro shrugged, nodded to Tina, and prepared to disembark. As he passed Finpod, he suddenly patted him on the shoulder and said, "Do a good job. I have high hopes for you. You used to be my role model."
"?"
Finbodi looked completely bewildered. What did that mean?
He would never understand how much Kuro envied Finpod's life in the past.
After disembarking from Tina's ship, Kuro and the others boarded Smoker's warship and headed towards Marine Headquarters.
...
A few days later.
Smoker hung up on Tina's call, stared at the two new bounty posters on the table, and remained silent.
"One hundred million."
Lida leaned closer to look. "There's also the green-haired guy, sixty million. Isn't that one of the two who defeated Kro in Loguetown?"
Whoosh!
As soon as she said that, Chloe appeared and glanced at the two bounty posters.
"Straw Hat Boy, 100 million? Roronoa Zoro, 60 million."
Both of these people have a connection with Chloe.
"One hundred million, sixty million..."
Chloe murmured.
If this amount of money were in the East Blue, it would make one of the greatest pirates of all time.
"Is it because he defeated Crocodile? Although the government covered up this fact, the bounty has been raised by a very large margin."
"That's true."
Smoker nodded. "As long as I'm in the Navy, there's a limit to how much I can do. So what we need is status. Kuro, are you interested in coming with me?"
He looked at Kuro, who was lying on the deck, pretending to sleep and enjoying the sea breeze.
Upon hearing this, Kuro shook his head.
Why would I run away with you?
A trip to Alabasta is already a headache; another trip would mean going to the New World.
Whoever wants to go to the new world can go.
“I’ve already gone to Alabasta with you. Now it’s your turn to keep your promise and give me a completely safe place. I want to retire there… No, I feel I’m not strong enough. I want to improve my strength there.”
"Don't worry, it's absolutely safe. Go to headquarters for training first."
Smoker spoke with a hint of deeper meaning in his words.
However, Kuro didn't realize it. He was overjoyed and knew Smoker wouldn't lie to him, so the place must be safe and secure.
Kuro waved his hand and said politely, "Actually, it doesn't have to be that safe. For example, Loguetown, which you guarded before, seems pretty good. Although there are definitely pirates there, I don't mind."
"I will do my best. It will be safe, don't worry." Smoker nodded solemnly.
Kro, standing next to him, pushed up his glasses, but he sensed something was off, though he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.
However, finding a safe and stable place, and if there are no pirates around, that would be great. At least Kuro could live a peaceful life.
Clod couldn't help but imagine those days.
etc...
Absolutely safe.
It is also very stable.
There are no pirates nearby.
Kuro frowned, glancing at Smoker and then at Kuro, who was already imagining his future life. His face contorted into a very strange expression.
It's probably better not to say anything...
Otherwise, he always felt that he would be affected.
...
The Marine Headquarters is located near the Holy Land Mary Geoise, forming a triangle with Enies Lobby and Impel Down. It is situated in a special whirlpool area, and if the Gates of Justice are not opened, pirates who enter will drift in that area forever.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
