PIRATES: I WORK IN NAVY FROM NINE TO FIVE

Holy Land Mariejois – The Grand Hall of the Celestial Palace

Inside the magnificent hall of the World Government, the Five Elders were gathered, gazes grim and solemn. On the grand vision snail's screen before them, the transmission had abruptly cut off, replaced by static snow.

One of the elders furrowed his brow.

"What's going on? Just moments ago, Kaido had stopped that upstart's meteor. We were waiting to see him exhaust his tricks."

"But it seems that brat had another hidden move. Still, with Kaido drawing out his full strength, we've at least gauged the extent of the boy's capabilities. That in itself is valuable."

Another snorted with disdain.

"To think he's already gathered a troublesome crew... even Aramaki has been drawn to his side. In such a short time, he's grown to this level. We never should have let him remain within the Navy."

The man named Isse, leaning on a cane, gave a cold grunt and barked a command:

"Issue orders to CP0. If that boy is defeated by Kaido, do not allow him any chance of escape. Whoever brings back his head will be heavily rewarded!"

The other elders nodded silently in agreement.

Except for one.

Yamamoto, with his hand on the hilt of his sheathed katana, scoffed coldly:

"Hmph. You overestimate that brat, Isse."

"That meteor just now was probably his strongest move. Kaido has already withstood it."

"He's out of tricks. He's finished."

"And asking CP0 to retrieve a corpse from Kaido's hands? That's a tall order…"

The word "corpse" lingered.

Isse paused, then suddenly burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! You're right. If he can't serve as a weapon for us, then he'll serve just as well as a corpse!"

The tall, silver-bearded Tress, clad in a sharp suit, added with a grin:

"Even though releasing Shiryu of the Rain didn't hinder him much, the other criminals who escaped can still wear down the Navy's strength."

"Don't forget. Once the SSG Project is complete, we won't even need the Navy."

"Exactly," Yamamoto said coldly. "Once we wield the power of the ancient weapons, and command obedient forces under absolute control—this world will be ours entirely."

"And we'll begin by weakening the Navy from within—starting with that brat."

Another elder nodded darkly.

"Though I have faith in Kaido, we should act before that brat pulls off any more tricks. Send CP0 to personally retrieve his head."

"I want to know exactly what Devil Fruit he holds. How can one man possess such a limitless arsenal?"

"Agreed," said Tress, now serious.

Anthony and Laps both nodded in silence.

Isse rose slowly with his cane and gave the final command:

"Summon Maha. I don't care what it takes—bring back that boy's corpse, even from Kaido's hands."

"Yes, sir!" came the prompt response from the CP0 agent stationed within the palace.

Isse gestured for him to leave.

He was eager to see Luo Yu's lifeless body as soon as possible.

But—

Before the agent could take more than a few steps—

His entire body froze.

He stopped in place, trembling, as if struck by lightning. His face turned pale, eyes wide like he'd seen a ghost.

The Five Elders narrowed their eyes.

Even Yamamoto lost his patience.

"Well? Spit it out."

"Don't tell me CP0 can't even retrieve a corpse. Did we feed you dogs for nothing?"

The air turned icy.

The CP0 agent suddenly dropped to his knees, slamming his head to the marble floor.

And what he said next—

Shook the heavens.

"N-no… Yamamoto-sama, something terrible has happened!"

"The second battlefield… Impel Down… the result is in!"

"Marine Admiral Taiote Luo Yu… has defeated the Four Emperors' Hundred Beasts Kaido!"

"Kaido has been sunk into the ocean! The surrounding area—dozens of nautical miles—was completely consumed by the tidal waves!"

"The Beasts Pirates may have been entirely annihilated!"

"The gears of the Old Era… have completely collapsed!"

"Maha and Spandam feared the impact and cut off the broadcast signal to prevent mass panic…!"

The words echoed like thunder across the highest palace of the world.

CRACK!!

Isse's cane shattered in his grip, splintering with a sharp crack.

His eyes burned with disbelief and fury.

"What… did you say?"

"Kaido was defeated?"

"Luo Yu is the victor?!"

"Immediately—find out that brat's current condition! I want updates NOW!"

"Yamamoto, prepare as we discussed. Regardless of the outcome, we proceed with the original plan. Sengoku was right—he's another Dragon."

"If we can't control him… we must erase him!"

A chilling silence swept through the hall.

Everyone now understood.

The original plan had been activated.

And that plan meant Luo Yu's death.

Even Tress and the others were visibly shaken.

To think…

One of the Four Emperors—Kaido—

Had fallen.

This was no longer just a Navy issue.

It was a threat to the world order.

If Luo Yu could not be brought to heel…

He would be erased.

Yamamoto stood and gripped the hilt of his blade tightly.

"Understood. I've been waiting to move forward with this plan anyway. If you've given the word—then we'll act."

Meanwhile — Marineford

The vast harbor was now in ruins.

While Luo Yu clashed with Kaido at Impel Down, the Whitebeard Pirates seized the opportunity to launch a breakthrough assault on the battlefield.

Now—

A full-scale war had erupted.

Amid the blood, fire, and fallen bodies—

Whitebeard himself, battered and bloodied, still stood towering.

Each swing of his weapon sent shockwaves that tore the battlefield apart.

On the execution platform—

Ace, chained and watching, trembled violently.

Seeing what his selfishness had wrought—

Seeing his father's crew pay with their lives—

His heart bled with regret.

"Pops… behind you!"