Chapter 1585 Return

The island, after the bloody battle, was filled with smoke and the stench of blood. But standing in the relatively empty square in the center, Wald beamed with joy. He gazed at the gathering residents, cleared his throat, and loudly declared, "From today on, this island will fly the flag of the Kingdom of Charlton! You will live a peaceful life under the Empire's protection!" The residents looked at each other, some with surprise and anticipation, others with a hint of fear and uncertainty, but all listened silently to Wald's announcement.

As the days passed, Kuro and his team successfully captured more and more islands. In Kuro's room, the massive world map took up an entire wall. The previously empty map was now densely packed with small flags representing captured islands. Each flag was like a medal of victory, gleaming with the light of conquest.

Kuro stood quietly before the chart, his gaze slowly sweeping across it, finally resting on Flower and Bird Island, at the very edge of the East China Sea. His eyes softened and tinged with nostalgia, as if he were looking through that sea to see the people and events of the past. "Old man, I've fulfilled the promise I made when I first set sail. You, old man, must stay alive and wait for me," he whispered softly, as if expressing his longing and pride to a distant friend.

Afterward, Kuro quickly gathered his men and began recruiting from the various captured islands. After the tsunami purge and the Navy World Draft, manpower was extremely scarce, but this did not faze Ryan and his men. They devised various methods, including forced conscription, and quickly gathered a large number of soldiers. These soldiers came from different islands, with diverse backgrounds and experiences, but now they all came together under Kuro's banner, fighting for a common goal.

Kuro gazed at the newly recruited soldiers, his eyes gleaming with determination. With a wave of his hand, he issued the order to launch a campaign of conquest across the four seas. Warships lined the harbor in neat rows, their sails draped with the imperial flag, adorned with a golden dragon totem. The flag fluttered in the breeze, a declaration of the Empire's majesty and resolve.

At Kuro's command, the warships launched forth, like sharp arrows, charging into the vast and mysterious waters of the Four Seas. Wherever they advanced, they swept through with unstoppable force, effortlessly capturing town after town. Those forces previously entrenched in the towns were driven into retreat by the Imperial warships' powerful assault.

During the battle, the group unexpectedly seized over a dozen Devil Fruits. These Devil Fruits exuded a mysterious and alluring aura, each one imbued with immense power. Kuro, observing these Devil Fruits, formed a plan. He collected all the Devil Fruits and then gifted them to soldiers who had distinguished themselves in battle and achieved outstanding military merit, according to their merit. The soldiers who received the Devil Fruits were filled with surprise and gratitude, knowing that this was recognition and reward for them, and it only strengthened their resolve to serve the Empire. Kuro's Empire, through these constant conquests and rewards, grew ever stronger.

Three months later, on Flower and Bird Island, sunlight streamed across the shimmering sea, and everything seemed serene and peaceful. Craw's grandfather, Old Man Lucas, sat cross-legged on the cliff edge, leisurely smoking his pipe, as if the world's troubles had nothing to do with him. In the sky, a few birds circled with chirping, adding a touch of life to the tranquil scene.

Suddenly, the old man's fishing rod trembled twice. A gleam of brilliance flashed in his eyes, and with a flick of his wrist, he lifted the rod directly. A large fish was caught, struggling and jumping around, splashing water. The old man took a look, a faint smile curled his lips, and he tossed the fish directly into the bucket behind him, his movements skillful and natural.

"Huh~" He exhaled a puff of smoke, as if expelling all the troubles in his heart. He stood up, knocked the ashes out of the pipe, and prepared to pack up and go home.

At this moment, a flurry of footsteps suddenly sounded in the distance. "Grandpa Lucas!" A group of people ran over in panic, breaking the silence.

The old man raised his eyebrows, looked at them strangely, with a hint of displeasure in his tone: "Why are you panicking? There is a wild beast chasing you." Hearing the old man's words, the group of people waved their hands hurriedly, their faces full of fear.

"No…not a beast!"

"Pirate?"

“Neither…nor!”

"What happened?" The old man glared, about to lose his temper. Although these people were usually mischievous, they were not so panicked.

"I don't know who they are. Go and take a look. The sea is full of ships!" one of them said anxiously.

"All ships?" The old man was a little surprised, but he immediately calmed down. He put the pipe in his hand behind his back and walked towards the harbor with a steady and powerful step.

"By the way, put my fish into the house to prevent them from being stolen by those thieves in the sky." He ordered as he walked.