Chapter 5: Being Promoted

Soon, the doctor arrived and was shocked to see Lida collapsed on the ground. He quickly gathered a team to start the examination and treatment.

Meanwhile, Kuro lay on the sickbed, pretending to be unconscious.

The diagnosis came quickly: Kuro was suffering from exhaustion. Although Lida didn't completely drain him, she managed to take away half of his energy, leading the doctor to diagnose him with exhaustion.

This was precisely the effect Kuro wanted.

As for Lida, she was simply hungry. After trying some food, she quickly regained her vitality.

Kuro pretended to lie there for a day, feeling that it was about time. He 'dazedly' opened his eyes and woke up.

Mainly because his energy was recovering fast, lying down for a day was already the limit.

Upon learning that Kuro had awakened, Lipa and others rushed to his side.

"Kuro, what happened?" Lipa asked.

Kuro, with a pale face, struggled to get up. Lida, who was eating on the side, cooperated well. She carefully helped Kuro up and leaned him against the bed.

"Same old problem, cough, cough."

Kuro coughed weakly. "I've been physically weak since I was a child. The family's swordsmanship consumes too much of my body. Using a single move leaves me exhausted. I can only maintain basic combat on a regular day."

(T/N: Bullshit. XD)

This was the excuse he had prepared.

With the doctor's confirmed examination, it was seamless!

This way, if he occasionally revealed his true strength, it wouldn't be a big problem.

"Officer Kuro, I never knew you had such a hidden condition. But for the sake of civilians, you still disregard your health. This is truly, truly moving!" Kass cried again, tears sticking to his face and his beard.

Lida carefully shifted a couple of steps aside, looking disdainfully at Kas.

"I understand, Kuro. Rest well, and I'll take care of the rest for you."

Lipa nodded solemnly, taking Kass with him as they left.

Take care of it? What needed to be taken care of?

Kuro watched Lipa's departing figure, feeling that something was off but unable to put his finger on it.

Outside, Lipa lowered his head in contemplation. Suddenly, he turned to Kass and said, "Give all the credit for this mission to Kuro."

"I have no objections. Officer Kuro has sacrificed too much for us. Without his inspiration, we would have sunk to the bottom of the sea long ago," Kass replied.

Of course, Kass had no objections.

Lipa nodded approvingly, "Capturing a Devil Fruit user and defeating Morgan—all the credit goes to Kuro. He's been diligently serving in the branch for ten years without much progress. 

"With these two achievements, it's time for him to undergo training at the headquarters. His body is too weak; maybe going to the Grand Line will help address his physical limitations. If that happens, Kuro will surely shine in the Navy!"

Lipa wasn't like the authoritarian types such as Morgan. On the contrary, he was a just Navy officer who genuinely cared for his subordinates.

Having known Kuro for a long time, if he were in Kuro's shoes—having exceptional sword skills but limited by a weak body—that would be a desperate situation.

As a superior and an old acquaintance, Lipa would surely arrange things properly for Kuro!

"Achoo!"

Kuro sneezed and rubbed his nose.

"Weird, who's thinking about me? Whatever, Lida, peel me an apple."

"Peel it yourself!"

Lida raised an eyebrow. She couldn't comprehend how this monster was training.

.....

The East Blue was calm, the sun shining brightly.

Sunlight streamed into the office through the window. Kuro casually propped his feet on the desk, wearing sunglasses and holding a cigarette. Next to him was a bottle of red wine.

He extinguished the cigarette, lifted the highball glass in an unusually lazy posture, swirled the liquid inside, and took a sip.

"Sssshhh."

The sunlight outside was pleasant, with a gentle breeze, creating a comfortable atmosphere.

"Rustle."

Luffy had already left Branch 153, and Morgan had been arrested. The area had become calm and peaceful.

"Rustle."

Ah... refreshing.

Kuro was already daydreaming about his comfortable and beautiful life.

"Rustle."

"Enough! Lida, don't make noise while eating. You're ruining my mood!"

Veins popped out on Kuro's forehead as he roared.

Right next to him, Lida held a large box of cookies, making a rustling sound as she ate.

"I'm hungry," Lida said expressionlessly.

"Then go out to eat!" Kuro impatiently waved his hand. "Don't ruin this rare moment of tranquility for me."

Now that everything had calmed down, the rest of my life could be peaceful. Practice a bit more, and live peacefully—that was the plan.

"Officer Kuro!"

Outside the door, a series of footsteps echoed, along with Kas's booming voice.

The door was quickly pushed open, and Kas, panting, held a report with undisguised joy on his face. "Officer Kuro, there's good news, great news!"

Good news?

Then I must have bad news.

Whenever he said there was good news before, it was either going to fight pirates or another bad thing for him but a good thing for other perceptions.

Kuro, with a touch of annoyance, asked, "What's going on, Kass?"

Unaware of Kuro's tone, Kas excitedly exclaimed, "Officer Kuro, you've been promoted! You've been promoted to the rank of Ensign!"

Upon hearing that he was just an Ensign, Kuro breathed a sigh of relief. "Just an Ensign, not even a Captain. Why make such a fuss?"

"It's an Ensign position at the headquarters. They want you to undergo training at the headquarters!"

"Even if it's at the headquarters—"

Kuro suddenly paused. "Wait, what did you say? Headquarters?!"

"Yes, Officer, oh no, Ensign Kuro!"

Kas nodded enthusiastically.

"No way, bring me the report to see!"

Kuro, no longer feeling the earlier contentment, snatched the report from Kass and carefully read it.

Then he felt despair.

It was the headquarters.

According to the report, he was ordered to the headquarters for further training.

"This can't be possible. It doesn't make sense. The promotion was expected with my achievements, but going to the headquarters seems unreasonable." Kuro painfully scratched his head.

"It's our achievement," Kass proudly declared. "Captain Lipa and I felt that your staying in the East Blue was a waste, so we credited all the achievements to you."

You scoundrel!

Kuro's gaze turned into sharp blades as if he could stab Kass to death.

Kass suddenly felt a chill running down his spine, inexplicably shivering. He looked puzzled and glanced outside the window.

The weather wasn't cold at all.

"Ensign Kuro, this is a little token from our Branch 153. Your hard work deserves recognition, and it would be a shame not to undergo training at the headquarters. 

"As for your health, we can't provide a solution, but perhaps the mysterious Grand Line could offer a way to address your physical issues."

Kass spoke with warmth toward the setting sun.

Kuro's mood sank like ice.

"Ensign, do you want to go by yourself, or do you want to wait for the headquarters personnel to come and receive Morgan before going together?"

"I'll think about it. Thank you very much. You can leave first."

Kuro rubbed his forehead wearily, his voice lacking energy.

"Then I'll take my leave."

Kas left, murmuring to himself, "Strange, Ensign Kuro seems a bit down. It must be an illusion; he's probably too happy and can't accept it for the time being."

With that thought, Kass felt pleased, humming a little tune as he walked.

"Can't repair!"

Once he confirmed Kass had left, Kuro roared towards the sea outside the window.

"What's going on? Things shouldn't be like this! There are so many strong individuals in the Grand Line. Why should I deal with them? I'm not strong enough!"

Lida looked disdainful. Did this man have a misunderstanding about strength?

"Do you want to go to the Grand Line?"

"Yes!"

Kuro gritted his teeth. "Sooner or later, I'll go. It's better to leave now. Otherwise, if they come to receive Morgan, I might be even more unlucky."

The one coming to receive Morgan is Garp, that unreliable troublemaker. He's strong, and if he discovers my strength, I'll be in real trouble.

Going to the headquarters now might mean just becoming an ordinary Marine. If he performs poorly, he might even be sent back to the East Blue branch.

"Well, then I want to go eat at Baratie. I've heard about this famous maritime restaurant in East Blue. It's a perfect opportunity to check it out," Lida's eyes sparkled.

...

Still the same patrol ship, still the same group of people, and still Kass, the man with a large beard, leading the Navy soldiers in training on the deck.

Inside the office, Kuro couldn't muster any enthusiasm.

Why did it have to turn out like this?

"Don't be so down, I can share some of my snacks with you."

Lida offered a bag of chips to Kuro.

At this moment, Kuro was wearing a black leather coat with a fur-trimmed collar. The word 'Justice' was engraved on the back. He had on slim black pants, and his slightly messy hair was parted in the middle, revealing a handsome yet lifeless face.

Although he was promoted to Ensign and couldn't wear a cloak, he was no longer required to wear the standard Navy uniform.

"That was bought with my money!"

Kuro glared at Lida. "I wanted you to provide me with some safety advice, not just feed yourself!"

"Do you want to see me go hungry, big brother?" Lida blinked her big, sparkling eyes.

"Do you want to see my wallet shrink?"

As soon as Kuro heard this, he got annoyed. "You've only been here a few days, and you've practically eaten up all the money I saved."

"You told me to eat until I'm full, and besides, you said to join the Navy, but I haven't entered yet," Lida pouted.

Now Kuro was speechless.

He wanted to find an excuse to expose Lida as a Devil Fruit user, then smoothly join the Navy and have her as his subordinate. But this plan didn't come to fruition in time, and he forgot about it amidst the sudden turn of events.

As a result, Lida used his own money for meals, and this woman ate so much that she nearly emptied his savings.

"When we get to the headquarters, I'll recommend you. If I can't ensure your safety, you'll make a name for yourself," Kuro said menacingly. "Go fight those freaks."

"I'll follow you, big brother. You wouldn't abandon me, would you?"

Unfazed by the threat, Lida still played the pitiful card.

"Cut it out."

Kuro completely ignored her but sighed, "Anyway, on the sea, eat a bit less. When we reach Baratie, you'll get your fill."

This branch's base naturally didn't have a ship capable of navigating the Grand Line. They needed to head to Loguetown, and from there, use Loguetown's specialized ship and Eternal Pose to travel to the headquarters.

Kas and his team were only responsible for getting themselves to Loguetown.

This was also considered a good thing; Ensign Kuro wouldn't have to work alongside this hot-blooded fool who liked to take charge anymore.

Boom!

Outside, cannon fire rang out.

Soon, Kas barged in.

"Report! Encountered the Black Cat Pirates and have ordered cannon fire!"

The Black Cat Pirates?

Ensign Kuro frowned; he remembered that was Clow's crew.

(T/N: I will rename, Kuro the Black Cat to Clow due to the same name as MC)

Since Clow was captured by Morgan a few years ago, the Black Cat Pirates have kept a low profile.

However, that didn't mean they lacked powerful fighters.

Hypnotist Jango, with a bounty of nine million.

The Cat-Person Brothers, each with a bounty of seven million.

Adding the still-alive Clow, it amounted to sixteen million.

Their collective bounty reached an astonishing thirty-nine million Berries, making them a major pirate crew in the East Blue.

Could it be that Luffy hadn't encountered Usopp yet, so he ran into the Black Cat Pirates instead?

Ensign Kuro went out with his sword, and a Navy member handed him a telescope. Glancing through it, he noticed that there were no wanted criminals on the ship, just a few small and big cats.

Faced with the naval bombardment, the members of the Black Cat Pirates were shocked. They were in the process of raising their sails, preparing to escape.

Boom!

The opposing ship was too worn out. After a few cannonballs from the naval vessel hit, the mast broke, and a large chunk of the hull cracked open. It couldn't sail no matter what.

"Captain, Captain!"

Inside the Black Cat Pirates, a pirate rushed into the captain's cabin, alarmed, "The Marines are attacking!"

"Quiet."

Reclining in a chair, a well-groomed man wearing the captain's coat, neatly combed hair, and round glasses spoke calmly, "I know, leave."

"Captain—"

The pirate wanted to say more but was silenced with a stern gaze, running out of the captain's cabin in fear.

"Marines."

Clow pushed his glasses, sitting expressionless as if the naval bombardment had nothing to do with him.

"Let the Marines catch us; I'm tired of it."

The three-year plan was foiled by someone with a straw hat, and Clow was genuinely weary. 

He didn't want to be a pirate anymore, nor did he want to engage in constant fighting.

If he got caught by the Marines peacefully, that might be for the best, though he had already been 'caught' before.

Boom!

A cannonball hit the cabin, sending Kuro flying off the deck.

The tranquil state of mind he had just experienced vanished instantly.

"Marines!"

Clow, with a grim expression, opened the suitcase that had been by his side, securing his ten-bladed 'Cat Claws.' "You brought this upon yourselves!"

"Clow?"

Through his telescope, Kuro observed the scene. Another cannonball was shot towards him, and Clow swung his arm, cutting the projectile into five long pieces. 

With one foot already on the railing, he awaited the approaching naval ship, ready to unleash carnage.

"Troublesome."

Kuro glared at Kass. He noticed that the big-bearded man had abandoned their previous rules. 

Opening fire upon encountering any pirate crew was a change, and if Kuro came on board, casualties were inevitable.

To prevent such accidents...

"I'll go over first!"

As the naval ship approached the pirate vessel, Clow was about to leap across when a figure from the opposite side jumped high into the air, landing on his side.

It was just a small naval patrol ship.

Was the Navy so stubborn now?

"Then, I'll let you die first!"

Clow's arm hung low, and the moment the formidable Navy approached, he swung his arm, sending five sharp claws slashing through the air.

"Don't make such a fuss, Clow."

Instead of the expected sight of a shredded body, a voice echoed.

Clow turned his head, only to see the naval officer calmly standing beside him.

Do I know you?

No, I 'died' several years ago.

Exposed?

"Go to hell!"

Clow activated the Silent Step, swiftly disappearing from his original position and reappearing behind Kuro. The claws converged and thrust forward.

"Too many people are not conducive to discussion. Let's find a quiet place to talk."

Kuro quickly turned around, drawing his sword.

"One Sword Style: Crushing Pressure."

Whoosh!

A gust of wind swept across the deck, leaving the pirates in its wake with dull and lifeless expressions.

Thunk

A pirate fell.

Like a chain reaction, pirates continued to fall.

Clow maintained his thrusting posture, looking at the blade so close to him. Sweat covered his forehead, and he instinctively swallowed hard.

What was that feeling?

He felt his body trembling!

When the pressure of that sword came down, it was like the raging waves of the sea, almost suffocating him.

This man...

He was not an opponent!

If they fought, he would die.

"Can we talk now?"

Kuro lowered his sword, smiling. "Let me be straightforward, Clow. Join the Navy; I need your intelligence."

This was Clow!

Exceptionally cunning, with unparalleled endurance. He had endured in secret for three years for the sake of a small-town wealthy man.

Most importantly, he was tired of the pirate life and just wanted a peaceful existence.

That was also Kuro's dream!

Lida, the food enthusiast, was not reliable. He needed someone who could genuinely strategize for him.

When he saw Clow, this thought had already formed in his mind.

This man, he had to recruit!

<End Chapter>

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