PIRATES: I WORK IN NAVY FROM NINE TO FIVE

The grand strategy hall of Marine Headquarters fell into utter silence.

Everyone present wore bitter expressions.

They had been Marines for years, yet this was the first time they truly realized how… thrilling the job could be.

More nerve-wracking than confronting a sharp-tongued pirate in the dead of night.

After all—who in their right mind would willingly go to Whitebeard's ship?

And for what?

Just ten million Berries in performance points?

Was it really worth it?

"Ahem… Sengoku, you really are the worm in my stomach. You even guessed what I was about to say," Garp coughed awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood.

"Garp, stuff your nonsense back in your belly!" Sengoku snapped, shooting a glare so fierce it could've killed Garp ten thousand times over—if looks could kill.

But as soon as the thought of Luo Yu's current situation resurfaced, Sengoku withdrew the murderous glare and gritted his teeth, gripping the Den Den Mushi tightly.

"That brat may have gone too far for the sake of ten million in performance points—but like it or not, he's one of our own. A newly promoted admiral of Marine Headquarters. We can't just stand by and watch him get buried under Whitebeard and Red-Hair!"

"Kizaru—head to the Sicily Sea immediately and stand by to support Luo Yu!"

"Gion—Whitebeard and I share a long, complicated history. Do whatever it takes to get that Den Den Mushi to him. Even if I have to toss away my old face, I'll find a way to protect that brat!"

His deep voice left no room for compromise. Each word rang like steel.

Yes—Luo Yu's actions might be insane.

But as long as he wore the Marine emblem, they would not abandon him.

Even the generals present visibly straightened their postures.

They knew the old saying: "When the lips perish, the teeth grow cold."

If Sengoku abandoned Luo Yu today, it could be them next time.

But now that Sengoku had chosen to go all in to protect Luo Yu, it was like a shot of adrenaline to the soul.

"S-Sengoku-sama! You may not need to do that—Admiral Luo Yu backed off, and Whitebeard… he sheathed his blade!" Gion's urgent voice rang again through the Den Den Mushi.

The sudden withdrawal of two clashing monsters took everyone by surprise.

Even Garp froze, a flicker of another thought flashing through his mind.

On the Moby Dick, all eyes were on Luo Yu.

Here he was, an uninvited guest from an opposing camp, standing alone on the deck of the world's most dangerous pirate.

Why had he come, risking life and limb?

What on earth was worth such madness?

And—how did he plan to walk away alive?

"Brat, you can speak now," Whitebeard growled, his massive naginata still planted in the deck like a mountain. "Enough talking in circles—or I'll slice you again."

"I recall you agreeing with that Red-Haired brat earlier… You're saying Ace can't even compare to that traitor?"

Marco and the others visibly tensed.

Over the years, Whitebeard's health had deteriorated—sickness eating away at him. Without the support of medicine, he'd have long since collapsed.

And in all of the Whitebeard Pirates, no one else—not even Marco, hailed as the best support commander—possessed the rare Conqueror's Haki.

This made the crew's succession a major concern.

Then came Ace—a beacon of hope. The heir they could all rally behind.

But now, someone had the audacity to say that the man they'd poured everything into grooming… wasn't even as good as a traitor?

Had all those years of nurturing been for nothing?

But Luo Yu didn't answer right away.

Under the weight of so many stares, he took a long swig from his gourd of cheap liquor, then calmly said:

"Ace really isn't as good as Blackbeard."

BOOM!

The Conqueror's Haki Whitebeard had just suppressed erupted once again, a storm tearing through the sea itself.

Hearts clenched.

Was Whitebeard about to strike again?

But Luo Yu, standing amidst the storm, remained utterly calm. He pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up and said evenly:

"What? That truth bother you?"

"Let's be honest. Deep down, you're not completely confident in Ace either. Otherwise, you wouldn't be this angry, would you?"

"As the captain of this ship, you of all people know what secrets Blackbeard carries."

"A man who could suppress himself for decades must've honed his body to an inhuman degree. Add in the rare Yami Yami no Mi… and you sent Ace alone to hunt him?"

"Call it loyalty if you want. I call it reckless. In harsher terms? You sent him to die."

"Don't forget—Blackbeard didn't rise up now by chance. He's been preparing. He's already gathered capable men under him. You know this. You're old, Whitebeard—but not stupid."

"That's why I'm here. That's what I came to say. Now that I've said it… unless there's anything else, I need to clock out by 5:30."

Marco and the others were stunned.

They never expected Luo Yu to speak so bluntly—spitting out a chain of brutal truths.

And that last line about Whitebeard?

Even Red-Haired Shanks would've thought twice before speaking so recklessly.

As Luo Yu turned without hesitation, clearly ready to leave, Marco snapped out of his daze, his nerves immediately tightening.

Shanks, too, subtly reached for the hilt of Gryphon at his waist.

"Everyone stay sharp. I didn't expect this new admiral to come all this way… for Fire Fist Ace," Shanks muttered.

"Everything he said… made sense. But saying it to Whitebeard now? He's dancing on the edge of death. If there's ever a time for me to speak up for him, it's now."

Ben Beckman and the others halted.

When Whitebeard got angry, no one could afford to lower their guard.

Luo Yu, however, remained unfazed.

From the beginning, he already knew the real reason behind Red-Hair's visit to Whitebeard.

He'd only come here to make sure Sengoku and the others believed the intel he was about to report.

That way, he could secure the ten million performance points—and finally roll that ten-pull silver lottery.

Mentioning Ace's matter along the way?

Just a precaution.

He was worried Whitebeard might drag it out and start a whole mess.

And if that happened… he might get held up after hours.

And Luo Yu absolutely refused to do unpaid overtime.

"You brat," Whitebeard growled, gripping his naginata tightly, "are you telling me… that you came all this way to my territory just to insult Ace?"

"I want to know—why the hell do you even care about this?"

"Who gave you the right to stick your nose in our business?!"