PIRATES: I WORK IN NAVY FROM NINE TO FIVE

The massive war chamber had plunged into a dead silence.

Not a single breath dared disturb the heavy stillness.

If not for the dignity of the venue, several officers might've slapped themselves just to check if they were dreaming.

"You… You're planning to liquidate the Pacifistas?!"

Mahā shook with rage as he glared at the unfazed Luo Yu, whose casual posture and calm face only deepened his fury.

"Good. Very good, Admiral Luo Yu!"

"Let's see how long your arrogance lasts…"

"In three days, I hope you don't become a stray dog—reduced to a joke across the seas!"

With that, Mahā whirled around and stormed off, no longer willing to remain another moment.

If he stayed, he might very well be choked to death by Luo Yu's outrageous antics.

As the doors slammed shut behind him, the choking silence in the room finally broke.

At the head of the table, Sengoku was the first to crack, forcing a rigid smile onto his face.

"Luo Yu… Tell me that was just to provoke Mahā."

"Those Pacifistas were built by the Science Division, and they've already proven terrifying at the Sabaody Archipelago."

"They're like walking nightmares for supernovas worth over 100 million Berries."

"Fifty of them on a second battlefield might not win the war, but they could significantly ease the pressure, right?"

The officers around him nodded gravely.

In times of peace, money had value.

But in war—every bit of combat power mattered.

Yet Luo Yu, undisturbed by the stares, took another sip of his rough brew and replied lightly:

"Sorry, Old Man Sengoku. I never intended to use the Pacifistas from the start."

"If they can't be sold, just let Marineford keep them."

"As for Impel Down—leave it to me."

Sengoku froze.

Then his voice suddenly rose in panic.

"You're refusing the Pacifistas?"

"No—your last words just now—Luo Yu, are you saying you'll face the second battlefield alone, without even Marineford's support?"

"Have you lost your mind?! This is not the time for jokes!"

Shock rippled through the room.

Even Garp's eyes narrowed in disbelief.

All eyes shifted to Doll, Ain, and the others preparing to sail with Luo Yu—and their excited, eager expressions only raised more questions.

Luo Yu merely chuckled.

"Don't worry, Old Man Sengoku.

I might joke about many things…

But I would never joke about my bonus."

He reached into his coat and casually tossed a folder across the table.

"Still… before the battle, let's settle some old accounts first."

"Hopefully, you've got enough retirement funds left."

The folder thudded onto the table.

Sengoku frowned and opened it—only to stiffen in complete confusion.

Inside was a blank sheet of paper.

And on it, in large, unmistakable writing:

'Special Forces: 250,000,000 Berries.'

That was it.

Nothing else.

No explanation. No roster. No intel.

Gasps rippled through the chamber.

Several officers craned their necks, dumbfounded.

But from the corner, Tsuru suddenly stirred, eyes gleaming.

"Luo Yu, are you saying…"

"You've brought back special assets valued at 250 million Berries?"

"You're planning to hold Impel Down… just with that?"

"What exactly did you bring back?!"

The tension in the chamber snapped taut.

Everyone leaned forward.

What on earth had Luo Yu retrieved?

What ace could make him believe he could stand alone against Kaido's Beasts Pirates?

But before Luo Yu could answer, Sengoku shut the folder and rose, gaze sharp and resolute.

"Enough. I don't care what tricks you're playing."

"If you're not asking me for bonus pay—I wouldn't believe you."

"But now that you're demanding 250 million? Now that, I believe."

He paused, rubbing his temple with a sigh.

"That said, you should know—we're launching simultaneous wars against two Yonkō."

"Our expenditures have drained HQ's reserves."

"The World Government has made it clear: no more funding until after the war ends."

"So right now, all I've got left is 150 million Berries."

He pulled out a sleek, black-gold credit chip and tossed it to Luo Yu.

"Take it. You've earned it.

But don't expect a single Berry more till this war's over."

Luo Yu caught the card with a smirk and tipped back his bottle.

"Only 150 million, huh? Tch…"

"Well… better than nothing.

I'll take it."

"But Old Man Sengoku—this only covers old accounts."

"Don't forget—new accounts are coming too."

He turned as if to leave, waving the card behind him.

"Once the battle's over, I'll give you the 'Kaido Rate Sheet.'"

"Depending on the outcome… prices will vary."

'Kaido Rate Sheet'?!

What fresh hell was that supposed to be?

The entire chamber fell into stunned silence—again.

Even Sengoku's eyelid twitched wildly.

But before anyone could speak again, Luo Yu was already walking out, leaving them all speechless behind him.

Several moments passed in stunned silence.

Then the war council finally resumed.

The next ten hours were long and grueling.

When the elite officers finally emerged from the chamber…

News of the twin battlefield strategy exploded across the seas like a tidal wave.

From the Seven Warlords of the Sea to the Four Emperors of the New World, every major power reacted instantly, seizing whatever channels they had to confirm the unbelievable news.

The Navy was opening two simultaneous fronts.

And Impel Down—one of the world's most secure prisons—was now the second battlefield.

On the Moby Dick, in the Whitebeard Pirates' stronghold—

Every division commander and subordinate captain had gathered.

As they read the report, silence fell across the ship.

Even among veterans who'd braved a lifetime of storms—this news was madness.

"Father… has Sengoku lost his mind?!"

Diamond Jozu burst out first, slamming the table.

"They're not just opening two fronts—they're letting a new admiral handle one of them alone!"

"And he refused Marineford's support?! He's heading to Impel Down with only his own men?!"

"If that's not suicide, then what is?!"

In their minds, splitting their forces was foolish.

With one warzone, at least Marineford could become an iron fortress.

But if Kaido's Beast Pirates were drawn into a second front—

The entire chessboard would shift.

And none of them knew just how deep Luo Yu's gamble truly went.