PIRATES: I WORK IN NAVY FROM NINE TO FIVE

BOOM!

A ferocious burst of Conqueror's Haki detonated like thunder, erupting into a hurricane-level shockwave that instantly swept across the entire island of Little Garden.

The sheer pressure slammed into the two towering giants—Dorry the Blue Ogre and Brogy the Red Ogre—just as they were stepping forward, catching them completely off guard. Their enormous frames staggered back under the impact.

BANG! BANG!

Both giants crashed hard into the rocky cliffs behind them, their massive bodies only stopping after leaving deep cracks in the stone.

By the time Dorry and Brogy managed to steady themselves, the once vibrant island had fallen into dead silence.

Not a single beast's roar, nor the chirp of bird or insect, could be heard. All sound had vanished, swallowed by that overwhelming force.

Scanning the area, all they saw were enormous prehistoric beasts—dinosaurs and monstrous predators—lying unconscious, eyes rolled back and foaming at the mouth.

Even the soldier from Alabasta who had rushed in moments ago had collapsed, knocked out cold by the oppressive Haki.

As for Vivi, Igaram, and the others, they were visibly shaken—faces pale and drenched in sweat. If not for the brief duration of the Haki surge, they likely would have fainted or fallen over.

"W-What was that technique?" Dorry gasped, gripping his greatsword and rising to his feet, for the first time in decades wearing an expression of genuine seriousness. "It felt like the entire island was being crushed in an instant."

"That…" a calm voice echoed through the forest.

Luo Yu stepped out slowly from between the trees, brushing leaves from his coat. Behind him, Doll followed, panting from the chase, her face still frozen in disbelief.

"That was Conqueror's Haki—the mark of a true king, found in only one in a million," Luo Yu said flatly. "It seems the two of you have truly been cut off from the world for far too long."

Doll had witnessed Conqueror's Haki before.

But not like this.

Luo Yu's overwhelming Haki had blanketed an entire island—an entire ecosystem—as if crushing it beneath his will. The sheer volume… was simply inhuman.

"That… that's the Fourth Admiral of the Navy… Taiote Luo Yu," said Chaka, his face pale.

Rumors of a new admiral shaking the seas had flooded the world recently, and Alabasta—as a major kingdom—had certainly taken notice.

"That greedy new admiral?!" Igaram exclaimed, tense. "Wasn't he being pursued by the Beasts Pirates?"

"They say the Navy is preparing for a war against two Emperors. For a top-tier admiral to be here of all places… something's not right."

"Princess Vivi, be careful. Don't provoke him."

But even before he finished warning her, Vivi had already stepped forward, eyes filled with resolve.

"I am Nefertari Vivi, princess of the Alabasta Kingdom. These two giants, Dorry and Brogy, are the appointed guardians of our nation. Admiral Luo Yu—what business does the Navy have here?"

"The Nefertari Princess?" Doll's expression shifted. "You're from the royal family that gave up its status as Celestial Dragons?"

Within the World Government's hierarchy, there were many types of nobles.

The Celestial Dragons sat at the top.

But just beneath them were the great royal lineages—the Great Kingdom Nobility.

And among them, the Nefertari family stood out as uniquely sensitive. Not only had they turned down Celestial Dragon status, but they were rumored to know secrets reaching back 800 years.

They were not people to be dismissed lightly.

Catching the shift in Doll's demeanor, Vivi seized the moment. She bit her lip and pressed forward.

"This island—Little Garden—was discovered by Alabasta. It is our colonial territory. I demand that the Navy withdraw immediately."

"If you do not comply, I will personally file a formal protest to Marine Headquarters."

Vivi's steps were bold and fearless as she walked directly toward Luo Yu.

But before she could close the distance, a cloud of white smoke surged in and materialized into a tall figure—Smoker.

"Princess Vivi, it's been a while," Smoker said, tone respectful yet firm. "I admire your courage. Truly. But as someone who knows you well, I urge you to stand down."

"A royal from a great kingdom will be shown respect by most Marines… but this isn't just any Marine."

"You're dealing with a man who once sent a Celestial Dragon flying—and he's still standing here today."

Sent a Celestial Dragon flying?!

Igaram and Chaka's faces turned ashen.

They didn't doubt Smoker's words.

And they certainly didn't think royal status could compare to the inviolable authority of the Celestial Dragons.

If Luo Yu could strike them and survive—what would stop him from doing worse to Vivi?

Without hesitation, they lunged forward, pulling Vivi back protectively.

"Smoker, don't make it sound like I wanted to beat up a Celestial Dragon," Luo Yu said with a chuckle, taking a sip of his wine. "Let's not waste time. My schedule's tight."

Then, turning to the two stunned giants, his expression sharpened.

"Dorry. Brogy. Former captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates. I'm here to offer you a choice."

"Option one: You join the Navy as temporary special forces—on my personal authority. After the war, I'll ensure you receive a Warlord title. You'll get a shot at vengeance for the destruction of Elbaf."

"Option two: Refuse me."

He paused—then added coldly:

"But don't doubt my ability to throw you into Impel Down… or kill you where you stand."

His voice wasn't loud, but it reverberated through the island like a spell, a declaration etched into reality.

The two giants' faces darkened. Then suddenly—they roared.

"You bastard Marine! What did you say just now? Elbaf destroyed?! That's impossible!"

"You dare lie to the giants?! We'll show you what happens to those who mock our rage!"

BOOM!

The giants lunged forward, weapons in hand—their massive greatsword and axe slicing the air with terrifying momentum as they brought them down on Luo Yu.

Throughout the world, the giants were considered top-tier military power. Any adult giant joining the Marines could earn a general-level rank.

Many Vice Admirals across various Marine branches were giants.

But despite their immense potential, most giants were limited by their size—unable to fully develop advanced techniques.

Few giants had ever mastered even the simplified "Giant Spear" technique.

Fewer still had grasped Armament or Observation Haki.

Yet now, two giants with legendary combat experience were in front of Luo Yu—declared by him as his "special forces"—and they attacked him without hesitation.

Doll's eyes narrowed. For a moment, she hesitated.

Then her face hardened, and she stepped forward.

"Admiral Luo Yu," she said grimly, "let me see for myself whether these so-called special forces… are truly worthy of the title."