One Piece: King of the World-Chapter 303: Kuina – Zoro’s Just a Weakling?
Kuzan had a good relationship with Borsalino.
Then again, Borsalino was a smooth operator he got along with just about everyone.
Now that the two had reunited at the G-1 Marine Branch, they were chatting and joking like old friends.
In Gion's office, Borsalino, Kuzan, and Gion were casually discussing various matters.
If Kuzan could win the support of an Admiral, it would be a major advantage in the upcoming Fleet Admiral selection.
However, Kuzan didn't bring up the topic.
He knew exactly what kind of person Borsalino was, he never took sides, remained strictly neutral, and never got involved in politics.
Expecting Borsalino to back him?
That was pointless.
And to be honest…
Kuzan himself wasn't even sure if he wanted to be Fleet Admiral.
If it weren't for his rivalry with Sakazuki, he probably wouldn't have fought for the position at all.
"Need my help?" Gion asked, slightly unwilling to stay out of it.
Kuzan smiled.
"Help with what? I'll be fighting alongside Borsalino, and Claudius will be there too. You really think we'll lose?"
Borsalino chuckled and added,
"You'd be better off focusing on your job here, Gion. Once this place becomes the new Marine Headquarters, you're going to have a lot on your plate."
Gion gave them both an annoyed look.
"You two have zero loyalty. We were Admiral candidates together, shouldn't you take care of me, the one who got kicked out to a branch office?"
Borsalino simply waved his hand.
"You chose not to become an Admiral. If you really wanted it, you wouldn't have lost to me~."
That was technically true.
Borsalino had never actively fought for the Admiral position. He was far too lazy for that.
If Gion, Tokikake, and the others hadn't turned down their promotions, Borsalino never would have been pushed into the role.
"How could I compete with you?" Gion scoffed.
In terms of seniority, Borsalino was the oldest among them, he had even joined the Marines before Sakazuki.
And in terms of strength?
It wasn't just Claudius who thought Borsalino was the strongest.
Even Kuzan and Sakazuki had their doubts about whether they could truly surpass him.
Gion was confident in herself, but even she had to admit that she was still a long way from Borsalino's level.
"Tsk."
Borsalino simply waved it off.
"Anyway, just focus on your job, Vice Admiral Gion~."
Gion frowned slightly, resting her hand on Konpira, the sword at her waist.
"You saying my sword isn't good enough?"
Kuzan chuckled.
For some reason, the conversation had lightened his mood.
---
Meanwhile…
Off the coast of the G-1 Marine Branch, the warship Prometheus, carrying Claudius slowly approached the island.
They had traveled directly from Fish-Man Island, making good time.
On the ship's fourth-floor deck, Robin stood with a spyglass in hand, observing the Marine base in the distance.
"G-1… Wasn't this base built years ago? Why does it still look like a construction site?" she asked curiously.
She had a point.
The G-1 Marine Branch had been established long ago, back when the Marines first attempted to expand into the New World.
Yet even now, it looked like a never-ending project.
Large construction vessels carrying materials were constantly moving in and out of the base.
"The scale of this place seems huge, far beyond a standard Marine branch," Nia, the butler, noted.
At that moment, Claudius stepped onto the deck, dressed in a crisp white suit with a brown-black coat draped over his shoulders. A cigar rested between his fingers.
He looked sharp, exuding an air of authority and a bit of that classic underworld charm.
Hearing Robin and Nia's questions, he smiled.
"Oh, I haven't told you yet, have I?"
"The G-1 Branch is crucial to the Marines' future plans."
"Once construction is complete, Marine Headquarters will be relocated from Marineford to this base."
"This is going to be the new Marine HQ."
"The new Headquarters?" Robin looked surprised.
"So that's why Gion was transferred here," Nia nodded, finally understanding the importance of her role.
Claudius walked to the railing, gazing at the Marine base ahead.
"Gion needs to speed up construction… or she won't make it in time."
"Make it in time for what?" Nia asked curiously.
"The upcoming war. We're going to fight Newgate at Marineford."
Claudius took a slow drag from his cigar before continuing.
"I've never personally seen him fight, but Sengoku and Garp both speak highly of him."
"Sengoku says Whitebeard has the power to destroy the world."
"Garp, on the other hand, said that if Whitebeard really fights at full power, Marineford might not survive the battle."
A slight grin played at the corner of Claudius's lips.
"So after this war, Marineford is going to be in ruins. It might even break apart into a chain of small islands."
"And when that happens… the Marines will need to move into the New World."
Robin looked toward the G-1 Marine Base again.
"But will this project be finished in time?" she asked, doubtful.
Claudius exhaled a puff of smoke.
"That depends on Gion. If she pushes hard enough, she might make it."
---
At the G-1 Marine Port…
As Prometheus docked, a female Marine stood at the harbor, waiting expectantly.
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She was dressed in uniform, a katana secured at her waist.
Her posture was upright, exuding both confidence and discipline.
As soon as the gangplank was lowered, she spotted Claudius stepping onto the dock.
Her face lit up, and she enthusiastically waved her arm.
"Claudius~~~!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Claudius looked over and smiled.
"Oh? Kuina, long time no see. You've grown into quite the beauty."
Kuina had a bold personality almost boyish in her mannerisms.
As Claudius approached, she reached out to pat him on the shoulder only to realize she couldn't reach.
Undeterred, she settled for giving his waist a firm slap instead.
"Borsalino and Kuzan are already here. They're in Gion's office waiting for you. If you don't hurry, you'll miss them."
"Ahahaha, is that so?" Claudius chuckled.
He reached out and ruffled Kuina's hair.
Noticing her slender waist, he casually remarked,
"By the way… just a random thought."
"Huh? What is it?" Kuina asked.
"Since you've been in the New World, maybe you don't know… but your little brother has already set sail. He's made it to the Grand Line."
Kuina blinked in confusion.
"Little brother…? Wait, you mean Zoro?!"
Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Did he come looking for me?"
"Well, you haven't gone home in over ten years… of course he came looking for you~."
Claudius smirked.
Kuina folded her arms.
"I made a promise when I left. I won't go home until I've made a name for myself as a swordsman."
"I have to prove that a woman can stand at the top of the sword world!"
Before Claudius could respond, she excitedly asked,
"So? How's Zoro doing? He's strong, right?"
Claudius burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, nah—he's just a weakling."
Kuina's face twitched, and she let out a long sigh.
"Tch. Figures. That's exactly what I expected."
**
This book is completed so you can read all chapters on: /Blownleaves.
