Seeing Luo Yu's serious expression, everyone around him wore bitter smiles.
The moment he casually asked for a ten-million-Berry performance bonus, they all realized something: this admiral had clearly studied the Navy's compensation system inside and out.
He'd probably been eyeing that eight-figure bonus for a long time.
"You brat… no wonder you made it to admiral," Tsuru sighed. "You really do have a quality most people lack. Now I finally understand why you call yourself 'Glutton' — this kind of specialized greed isn't something ordinary people can match."
"But this mission to monitor the Yonko is extremely dangerous. One misstep and you could end up clashing with them. So I'll have Gion and Chaton accompany you."
"As for your ten-million bonus request, I'll bring it up with Sengoku. If you really can uncover the reason behind Whitebeard and Red-Haired's meeting, that reward shouldn't be out of reach."
"But I'll say it again — your safety comes first. Garp, Sengoku, and I all don't want to see anything happen to such a promising young officer."
"Don't worry, Vice Admiral Tsuru," Luo Yu smiled. "If I'm getting a top-tier bonus, you can bet I'll make it back alive."
After all that careful scheming, he'd finally made it — a proper admiral with a proper payday.
If he let this opportunity slip through his fingers now, all his years of grinding would've been for nothing.
With the bonus secured and the truth about Whitebeard and Red-Haired's meeting already known to him, there was only one thing left to do:
Convince Sengoku and Marine HQ that his intel was real.
But he couldn't just blurt out, "They met to talk about Ace chasing Blackbeard."
Even if he said it, without solid proof, they'd only half-believe him. That wouldn't be enough to earn the full ten million.
"I guess I'll have to take a risk," Luo Yu murmured, sipping his liquor as a bold idea formed in his mind. Then he smiled.
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, thank you for your support."
"Today was supposed to be my day off — I should be relaxing. But the weather's nice, so a little sea vacation sounds good."
"Tell old man Sengoku to have my bonus ready. I'll send the intel back soon — and he better not try to stiff me."
With that, Luo Yu turned and walked away.
His carefree swagger left everyone speechless.
Only after his figure disappeared from view did Tsuru sigh and mutter with a bitter smile:
"Garp… why do I feel like I've boarded a pirate ship?"
"This kid keeps calling himself a working man, but with this kind of obsessive persistence, I'm starting to believe — if the bonus is big enough, he really might take on a Yonko."
"If Sengoku hears about this, he's going to blow a fuse."
"Tch. I don't know how mad Sengoku will get," Garp said, rolling his eyes. "But I do know this — if the bonus isn't in place, that kid values his life more than anyone."
"So don't worry. He won't throw himself at the Yonko for ten million."
"But if you want him to risk his life and go toe-to-toe with them… you'd better be ready to pay extra."
"Anyway, don't worry about his safety. What we should be worrying about is how to explain all this to Sengoku."
"You handle things here. I'm off to escort Crocodile to Impel Down."
"You—!" Tsuru choked, glaring at him. Looking at the wrecked plaza, she suddenly realized…
Compared to Luo Yu, Garp's messes were actually easier to clean up.
—
Meanwhile, atop the Red Line, inside the Holy Land of Mary Geoise…
In the highest chamber of Pangaea Castle, five figures stood on a raised platform, gazing coldly down at Sengoku.
On the table before them lay a stack of reports — all detailing the recent chaos surrounding the Navy's fourth admiral, "Glutton" Luo Yu.
"Sengoku," said the short, stocky Elder with the walrus mustache and cane, "I never thought you'd come here in person. We can't even get you to show up when we summon you. But now, for a mere rookie, you've come all this way. You must have high hopes for this brat."
"But you should know — the Celestial Dragons represent the face of the World Government. That brat may not have struck them directly, but he still humiliated us. And you want us to just let it go? Is that even possible?"
"According to CP's reports, ever since arriving at Marineford, he's challenged admiral authority, destroyed half of HQ…"
"During the escort mission, he clashed with CP9 and their commanding officer Spandam, leaving them seriously injured."
"Then at the Gates of Justice, he fought with Warlord Boa Hancock, and even injured CP0 and a Celestial Dragon."
"In just five days as an admiral, he's caused more chaos than most do in a decade. Do you really think his rank alone can shield him?"
"Besides… we haven't even officially approved his appointment yet."
The Elder gripped his cane tightly, his gaze icy as he stared down at Sengoku.
"I want to know — what gives you the right to negotiate with us?"
Their voices echoed through the grand hall, heavy and unrelenting.
Standing below, Sengoku's expression was strained. As he listened to the litany of offenses, even his facial muscles twitched.
But recalling Garp's words, he took a deep breath and said firmly:
"Is… you don't want another Dragon, do you?"
"The Celestial Dragons' privileges have long since rotted. Excessive favoritism only breeds more corruption."
"Luo Yu may have gone too far — but it's your CP0 that was too weak to protect their charge."
"Of course, you could say Luo Yu is too strong. And that's exactly why, as Fleet Admiral, I must protect him."
"If my words alone aren't enough to shield him… then maybe my position as Fleet Admiral will be."
Dragon?
The Five Elders' expressions darkened. A cold glint flashed in their eyes.
That name — that old wound — they remembered it all too well.
It was their greatest regret.
They had failed to crush the threat when they had the chance.
And now Sengoku was comparing Luo Yu to Dragon?
Was this a warning… or a declaration?
—