PIRATES: I WORK IN NAVY FROM NINE TO FIVE

"Security… from bonus pay?"

What kind of nonsense was that?

Many Marine officers in the war room froze.

This was war with a Yonko—not some backwater skirmish.

How could anyone justify such a crucial decision with money?

Yet their gazes still turned toward Sengoku.

Everyone knew—accepting the fifty Pacifistas meant agreeing to divide their forces and open a second front.

And even behind the blank mask, Mahā's expression darkened.

This entire mission—his trip here—wasn't just about offering support.

It was a calculated move by the Five Elders to dilute Marineford's strength,bleeding the Navy dry through this massive clash.

But now… things were slipping from his grasp.

Mahā's voice sank, and he gave a cold sneer.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, it seems your new Admiral is exactly as the rumors say."

"Just speaks whatever comes to mind. But tell me—"

"Is this something a mere admiral has the authority to decide?"

All eyes turned to Sengoku.

But the former strategist of the Golden Age simply met Mahā's stare—calm and cold.

"No."

"But—since Luo Yu has spoken, we will proceed."

"The second battlefield shall be established."

"Those willing to follow Admiral Luo Yu to Impel Down… step forward and speak."

His words landed like thunder in the war room.

Even Mahā was stunned.

The rest of the Marine elite—seasoned vice admirals, captains, strategic officers—all gawked in disbelief.

Sure, fifty Pacifistas was a valuable gain.

But value meant nothing if the second front was destined to crumble under Kaido's army.

Even with Magellan—whose strength rivaled an admiral—alongside the newly appointed Luo Yu, it still felt far too thin.

"Are you joking, Sengoku?" Mahā snarled.

"You'd send a green admiral to command that front?"

"Do you intend to hand over Impel Down as a gift to the pirates?!"

But Sengoku met the challenge head-on, voice like steel.

"Coming from you, Mahā, such concern is ironic."

"Isn't this exactly what the Five Elders were aiming for?"

"I've said it already.

Whoever's willing to fight—let them speak."

Mahā gritted his teeth, fury contorting his features.

"Fine. Let's see who volunteers to follow him into certain death."

But before he could finish scanning the room—

A voice rang out.

"I, Ain, will fight under Admiral Luo Yu!"

"I, Smoker, as well!"

"Tashigi too!"

"And me—Doll! I want to see what 'certain death' looks like with my own eyes!"

Four voices—clear and united.

They stepped through the entrance, one after another.

Even Doll, who'd long doubted Luo Yu's methods, stood firm in support.

It shattered expectations.

And then…

"I, Rear Admiral Momonga, will follow Admiral Luo Yu as well!"

"Count me in—Yamakaji too!"

"Add me!"

The wave of declarations spread like wildfire.

In that moment, the entire war room rose as one.

Every single elite officer present—over a hundred of Marine HQ's best—stood tall and declared their resolve.

Even Mahā was left dumbstruck.

He had not anticipated this.

For the first time…

He realized the Five Elders had gravely underestimated Luo Yu's influence.

Not just his power.

His pull.

His charisma.

His ability to ignite courage in the hearts of the Navy's finest.

"Hahaha! Sengoku!" Garp's booming laugh broke through the stunned silence."Looks like you underestimated Luo Yu."

"Keep going like this and by the time the second front opens—you'll be a general without troops!"

Sengoku glared at Garp but couldn't hide his own surprise.

The sheer momentum Luo Yu had gathered in mere moments—from rebellion to loyalty, from silence to unity—was almost unreal.

His recklessness, once criticized, now became a rallying cry.

The faces once clouded with dread and doubt…

Now bore the fire of defiance.

Sengoku raised a hand, acknowledging them.

"Very well.

For you all to make such a stand, even at a time like this…

As Fleet Admiral—I am proud."

Then his gaze turned to Mahā, voice regaining its calm authority.

"Now then, Mahā… if you have nothing else to say, go inform the Five Elders."

"And don't forget to bring the fifty Pacifistas."

"Unless, of course, you intend to go back on your word.

In which case… even the Five Elders might lose face."

"You—!" Mahā trembled with rage.

His gloved hands clenched so tightly that the scroll in his grip crumpled.

"Fine.

Let's see just how far your arrogance takes you."

"Fifty Pacifistas or not, I don't believe you can defend Impel Down!"

He turned, storming toward the exit.

This situation had spiraled far beyond his control.

Every second he lingered now felt like torture.

But before he could leave—

Luo Yu tilted his wine gourd, gave it a shake, and called out lazily:

"Oh, right—Mahā."

"When you report back, ask the Five Elders something for me—"

"If we don't need reinforcements, can we… sell the Pacifistas?"

"I don't want much.

Just have them allocate 30 to 50 billion Berries to Fleet Admiral Sengoku."

"He might not have enough left to pay us bonuses later."

The room went dead silent.

Even Sengoku's eye twitched violently.

Sell the Pacifistas?!

Had they misheard?

This wasn't just refusing the Five Elders' "goodwill"—Luo Yu was trying to turn their war assets into hard cash!

Were they really seeing this?

Was this really happening?

And yet, despite the madness, the entire room wanted to laugh.

He was unpredictable, ruthless, impossible to control…

But Luo Yu?

He always got results.