PIRATES: I WORK IN NAVY FROM NINE TO FIVE

"Sengoku, are you mocking the Five Elders for being ignorant? Don't forget — the Navy Headquarters is merely the outward facade of the World Government. So what if another Dragon appears? Do you really think some wet-behind-the-ears brat can shake a behemoth that has ruled the seas for over eight hundred years?"

Wearing round glasses and a traditional kimono, with a samurai sword cradled in his arms, Yamamoto spoke with an icy tone."You're underestimating the true power that lies behind the World Government."

"Sengoku, I truly question whether you're still qualified to sit in that seat."

A heavy, suffocating silence fell over the grand palace.

Facing Yamamoto's aggressive words, Sengoku's expression darkened. He let out a cold snort."Then take this Fleet Admiral seat for yourself. I'm done here!"

With that, Sengoku spun on his heels and marched off without a backward glance.

He wasn't just any strategist of the Navy — Sengoku was the only one in history known for both wisdom and might, wielding all three forms of Haki, and having survived the darkest era of the seas.

If he were to resign from his position as Fleet Admiral now, it would shake the world.

Finding a suitable replacement, especially among the current Three Admirals, would be no simple task.

"Sengoku, you've gone too far!" Yamamoto roared in fury.

But he was quickly stopped by Isse, who raised a hand and said calmly,"That's enough, Yamamoto. I had thought that all these years as Fleet Admiral would have dulled Sengoku's edge. Seems we underestimated him."

"That brat's transgressions are indeed unprecedented… but perhaps we've underestimated what it means to be Fleet Admiral. Since you insist on protecting him, very well — we'll let this matter slide."

"But only this once!"

Sengoku paused, his steps halting as he inwardly sighed in relief.

Sometimes, he mused, learning to be as shameless as Garp had its benefits.

Of course, what mattered most… was that the title of Fleet Admiral still held real weight.

Just as he was preparing to leave, the doors opened and Zephyr hurriedly entered.

"Sengoku, Tsuru asked me to bring you this. We couldn't use a Den Den Mushi inside here. If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now."

Watching Zephyr practically flee the palace, Sengoku's heart skipped a beat. A sudden sense of dread surged up within him. He quickly unfolded the report Zephyr had handed over.

The moment he read it, Sengoku's pupils contracted, eyes wide with disbelief.

Just moments ago, he had still been confident in the weight of his authority…

But now, looking at the contents of that report, even he wasn't sure the title of Fleet Admiral was enough to contain what was coming.

"Sengoku, what is it? Surely you have no more objections? That was our greatest concession." Isse asked coolly.

Snapping back to attention, Sengoku forced a smile and casually tucked the report away.

"Isse, what was the last thing you said just now?"

"The last thing?" Isse frowned slightly. "Only this once?"

"No, no… I mean the sentence before that," Sengoku pressed.

Isse narrowed his eyes, confused by Sengoku's game. Still, he replied,"You're underestimating the authority of the Fleet Admiral. Since you insist on protecting him, we'll let this go."

"Exactly! That's the one!" Sengoku suddenly laughed heartily, then tossed the report onto the ground."Justice Plaza was half-destroyed earlier today — we'll just let that go too. I'll be sure to thank the Five Elders on behalf of that brat. If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving."

"Red-Haired and Whitebeard — those two troublemakers — could meet at any time. I need to keep an eye on them!"

With that, Sengoku turned and made a swift escape, his voice trailing behind.

The Five Elders stared at the papers scattered on the floor, dumbfounded for a moment. Then Isse's face twisted as the realization struck him.

"…That bastard! Sengoku, get back here!!"

"I swear I'll drag you off that Fleet Admiral seat with my own hands!"

His roar thundered through the palace and echoed endlessly.

But by the time his voice faded, Sengoku was long gone.

Isse's anger, however, quickly dissipated. His face returned to calm, and he glanced again at the reports left behind.

"Well then… now that Sengoku has been dealt with, shall we proceed with the original plan regarding the boy?"

The other four elders fell silent.

It was Herchi — the tall, long-bearded Elder — who finally spoke.

"Sengoku did exaggerate the whole 'second Dragon' claim a bit…"

"But the truth is, now is not the time to let unstable elements gain power."

"Send a message to Red-Haired. He's gotten plenty from us — the perks, the status, and the seat among the Four Emperors."

"It's time he paid his dues."

"Otherwise, people might start thinking we've grown too old to act."

"Agreed?"

Isse and Yamamoto immediately nodded.

The remaining two Elders, silent until now, also nodded in agreement.

Unanimous approval.

Two Days Later — The New World

A Navy warship cut swiftly through the waves.

Sea Kings stirred along the route, their jaws wide in anticipation of prey — but before they could strike, a flying slash cut them clean in half.

Blood sprayed, staining the sea red.

The corpses of the beasts crashed down heavily, sending up walls of water.

Landing smoothly back on deck, Gion sheathed her golden blade, Konjiki Kura.

She turned and looked at the tightly shut cabin doors behind her, letting out a helpless sigh.

"Chadburn, I think we may have overestimated the motivation of our new Admiral."

"I really thought that once Vice Admiral Tsuru promised him performance bonuses, he'd actually take things seriously. But… he's literally on a vacation."

"We've already lost track of Red-Haired's ship. Sure, we know the general area, but trying to find them in this vast ocean is like fishing a needle from the sea."

"If this keeps up, we won't just fail the surveillance mission — we won't even know whether Red-Haired and Whitebeard managed to meet. If we miss the intel, Marine Headquarters will be caught completely off guard."

They hadn't even dared hope to learn the reason for the meeting between the two Emperors.

But at the very least, they had to confirm:Was it a peaceful meeting… or a prelude to war?

Knowing that alone would help determine if the Four Emperors were moving toward alliance.

A single Emperor was already enough to force Marine HQ into full alert.

If two were to join forces…

Then this sea might return to the nightmare days of old.

"Mm… good morning," came a lazy voice from inside the cabin, "Great weather today. Looks like the perfect day to clock in for work."