PIRATES: I WORK IN NAVY FROM NINE TO FIVE

On the deck, everyone's nerves instantly tensed to the limit.

Without a second thought, they all followed Luo Yu's gaze.

Yet, scanning the visible sea, they saw no sign of a figure—let alone an island.

Hina, still biting down on her cigarette, quickly climbed to the top of the mast's lookout and raised her binoculars.

"I see it—there's a massive island! There are two enormous mountains on it. Wait… those mountains… they're moving?"

Mountains that move?

Doll froze for a moment, clearly thrown off by the surreal scene. She hadn't expected an island—completely unmarked on any of the Navy's charts—to suddenly appear, let alone one with moving mountains.

Could it be that those two mountains… were the so-called "special forces" Luo Yu spoke of?

As the helmsman pushed full speed ahead, the massive warship cut through the waves like a beast, charging directly toward the island.

Upon drawing closer, they noticed a merchant ship—flag furled—anchored near the inlet.

Gazing at the island, a forgotten relic known as Little Garden, Luo Yu couldn't help but feel a touch of relief.

He was thankful the island remained remote and unfrequented. Otherwise, the infamous captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates, once each worth over 100 million berries, would've never remained hidden here for so many years.

As for whether these two giants qualified as "special forces" in Luo Yu's eyes—absolutely.

Among the giants, strength ruled supreme. Their measure of the strongest warrior of Elbaf was simple: the ability to unleash "Hakoku Sovereignty"—a combined attack so powerful it could pierce entire islands in a single blow.

Even the likes of Big Mom and Kaido had studied this technique together as a pair.

Needless to say—this move was monstrous.

Now, if these two ancient giants, who had mastered "Hakoku Sovereignty" a hundred years ago, could be taught Armament and Observation Haki by Luo Yu himself?

Then once they fused Ryuo (Flowing Haki) with "Hakoku Sovereignty," they'd become literal island-busters—unstoppable artillery.

Imagine this: at the opening of the war, these two unleash a Ryuo-infused Sovereignty Blast straight into the enemy lines.

Who the hell could survive that?

The only thing Luo Yu hadn't expected… was that someone else had arrived on Little Garden before him.

He leapt off the ship and landed lightly on the island. Spreading his Observation Haki, he instantly located the uninvited guests. Glancing back at Doll, he casually said:

"I'll be right back."

With that, Luo Yu disappeared into the forest like a phantom.

Doll was briefly stunned but quickly sprang into action. She didn't care what internal grudges she had against him for seizing Gion's Admiral seat—right now, she was desperate to see what kind of individual Luo Yu considered the "first special force."

If even this first target didn't live up to expectations, then what about the rest?

Meanwhile, at the island's center...

Two towering figures sat cross-legged, grilling enormous slabs of meat over a raging fire and laughing heartily.

"Haha! Little lady, your name's Vivi, right?" boomed the giant with blue hair—Dorry the Blue Ogre. "This is your seventh or eighth visit, and each time you bring such fine drink. You're far too kind!"

"But about your request to make us the guardians of Alabasta… sorry, we can't accept."

"Don't forget—we made a promise to Sir Luffy. We swore to meet again in Elbaf. As warriors of Elbaf, we can't go back on our word."

Beside him, Brogy the Red Ogre said nothing—but nodded firmly in agreement.

Despite their firm rejection, Princess Vivi wasn't discouraged. She tore a strip from an unknown beast's leg and smiled as she popped it into her mouth.

"No need to stay in Alabasta too long," she said gently. "Just a year or two—just long enough to help us rebuild."

"All I ask is that you help us drive away the pirates who are attacking our borders."

Behind her, Igaram and Chaka fell silent.

Crocodile had indeed been defeated… but Alabasta was left in ruins.

Its defenses had thinned, and opportunistic pirates were pouring into its shores.

With only Bell and Chaka as national guardians—both mediocre at best—they couldn't possibly hold the line.

That's why Vivi had thought of the two giants.

"Princess Vivi! Bad news!" a guard rushed up in a panic. "A warship has arrived—flying the Navy's flag!"

Igaram and Chaka's expressions changed dramatically.

They knew full well—Little Garden was a forgotten island, absent from all navigational records. Without a special compass, it was nearly impossible to locate.

And now not only had someone found it—it was the Navy.

Clearly, this wasn't a friendly visit.

"Haha, just the Navy?" Dorry laughed, rising to his full towering height. "It's been a hundred years since we fought Marines. And this island's crawling with beasts—they won't make it far without our help."

"You all leave first. We'll handle them."

But before the two could get excited, the messenger continued, visibly trembling:

"N-No, it's not just any warship... it's a giant-class battleship, big enough to carry a giant!"

"And it's not just flying the Navy's flag... it also flies the banner of a Marine Admiral!"

A Marine Admiral?!

Vivi's expression instantly darkened.

Years of travel had taught her exactly what that meant.

If the giants fought an ordinary Vice Admiral, she wouldn't worry. But against an Admiral?

That could be fatal.

Even worse—the idea of an Admiral appearing in a place as remote as this? Unthinkable.

"Please! You must flee!" Vivi cried. "Marine Admirals are the strongest force in the Navy. Don't take this lightly!"

Dorry and Brogy froze for a moment.

As warriors of Elbaf, retreating before battle was unthinkable.

And now even this tiny girl was doubting them?

"Hmph! You say you want us to guard your kingdom, but now you think we're weak?" Dorry growled, grabbing a newly forged weapon.

"Let me show you the glory of Elbaf's might!"

BOOOOOM!!!

Like thunder cracking across the heavens, an invisible wave of Conqueror's Haki exploded outward from the island's edge.

The very air across the jungle… paused.

And then—like a storm unleashed—the overwhelming force of Luo Yu's Conqueror's Haki blanketed the entire island like a tidal wave.