PIRATES: I WORK IN NAVY FROM NINE TO FIVE

The vast war room fell into dead silence.

Everyone stared blankly at the short line of text on the fax from the transponder snail.

A moment ago, the idea that Luo Yu might have run into one of the Three Calamities wasn't overly concerning. But now—seeing it written out so plainly—was like thunder on a clear day.

A pirate with a bounty of one billion.

One of the Three Calamities.

Not only defeated—but captured.

If it weren't printed in black and white, no one would have believed it.

What's more chilling was the timeline.

From the moment Sengoku answered the call to when the fax came in—less than five minutes had passed.

In five minutes… a billion-berry pirate was down and shackled?

Was it even the real Jack?

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, should we verify this immediately?" Vice Admiral Dalmatian couldn't help but speak up.

He trusted Luo Yu, yes—but this was a Calamity.

Few here could truly believe it.

"No need to verify," came a voice from the doors.

It was Hassor, Tsuru's deputy, walking in quickly with a grim expression. He handed over a thick stack of photographs.

"Rear Admiral Tashigi already transmitted a full report and photos from the scene."

All eyes immediately locked on the images.

One after another, they saw the towering form of Jack, shackled in multiple layers of Seastone chains, lying motionless.

The murmurs ceased.

If anyone had lingering doubts—those doubts were shattered.

As the photos and Tashigi's detailed report made their way through the room, time seemed to stretch. It wasn't until two or three minutes later that Sengoku sat back heavily in his chair and massaged his temples.

"Every time this brat makes a move, it's like a goddamn headache…"

"Even Kaido himself wouldn't expect his billion-berry Jack to fall to our rookie admiral."

But…

"We're already on the brink of a confrontation with the Whitebeard Pirates. This incident with Jack… throws everything off balance."

At that, many Marine officers' faces turned grim.

Going to war with one Yonko was already nerve-wracking.

If this led to war with two—Kaido and Whitebeard—it would be a disaster.

One misstep… and Marine Headquarters could be reduced to rubble.

"Fleet Admiral," came a low voice from across the room.

It was Akainu, arms crossed, expression cold.

"So what—you're going to release Jack?"

"That might serve the 'greater good,' but it sets a dangerous precedent. Letting pirates strong-arm the Navy like that… Once we do it once, it'll never stop."

"My recommendation: Whitebeard, Kaido—if either wants to start a war, then let them."

His deep voice echoed like thunder through the strategy hall.

Many officers stiffened.

Everyone knew Admiral Akainu was the embodiment of the militant faction.

But to declare war on two Emperors so casually still stunned the room.

All eyes now turned to Sengoku, the one man whose decision would determine everything.

Sengoku's expression darkened under the pressure, and after a long pause, he sighed.

"Put the Jack matter on hold… for now."

"Tsuru, contact Luo Yu. Tell him to postpone his trade with Blackbeard and personally escort Jack to Impel Down."

"Kizaru, you go in his place to complete the Blackbeard transaction."

Kizaru, still polishing his nails lazily, blinked in surprise.

"You want me to take over that deal? That was Admiral Luo Yu's special negotiation with you, wasn't it?"

"If I take it over… you think Luo Yu won't demand compensation for the full value of that mission? I'm not covering that!"

Sengoku's face twitched involuntarily.

He would.He absolutely would.

He'd learned well by now: Luo Yu never did anything for free.

And if he wasn't handling the job anymore? There'd definitely be a bill.

Still, the risk of more chaos if Luo Yu continued handling both tasks… was too high.

"Fine," Sengoku groaned, rubbing his temples again.

"Tell Luo Yu—task canceled, but the full reward remains. Just tell him not to do anything extra."

Tsuru smirked as she organized her papers.

"Don't worry. That brat never works for free. If there's no money in it, he won't lift a finger."

At that, the room fell silent again.

Everyone had to admit…

They were lucky he was on their side.

The next morning...

Sunlight glittered like gold across the deck of Luo Yu's ship.

Stretching lazily, Luo Yu stepped out of the cabin and glanced toward the war-torn island where Smoker and the others had stationed themselves.

He raised a brow.

If memory serves, today should be payday...

"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You've clocked in for a full month. You've earned 5,000,000 Berries! Current balance: 20,000,000 Berries. Would you like to use it now?"

The voice of the Merit System chimed in his mind.

Luo Yu took a long swig of his cheap burn liquor, watching the balance jump from 15 million to 20 million. He couldn't help but let out a content sigh.

Ah, that brief moment of happiness when a poor man gets paid...

Before it all gets swallowed by apps, rent, and debt.

Still, considering he had to drag around the massive burden that was Jack the Drought, Luo Yu decided—

It was time to test his luck.

"System, give me two of the 10 million Berries Golden Treasure Chests!"

Luo Yu said it with uncharacteristic bravado.

But as he watched his account drop from 20 million to zero, a muscle twitched at the corner of his eye.

Pain... physical pain...

"Ding! Please wait..."

"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have successfully redeemed two Golden Treasure Chests. Would you like to open them now?"

Two shimmering golden chests materialized in his mental space.

Luo Yu's eyes narrowed.

Double draw, don't fail me now… Show me the miracle.