The massive 10.8-billion-berry compensation from the Big Mom Pirates was carefully counted, then sealed away inside G-5's most heavily fortified underground vault.
Every Marine guarding it was under immense pressure.
What they were watching over wasn't treasure, it was a fuse that could ignite a world-level war.
Yet the true owner of that fortune, Admiral Renzo, simply relaxed without a care.
After receiving Monet's report, "The accounts are clear, not a single berry missing.", he peacefully spent his days drinking and eating with Kizaru, sunbathing, and soaking in hot springs.
As if that mountain of gold and jewels was still less important than a good afternoon nap.
Until the fourth day.
When Renzo finally "had enough fun" and walked out of his room refreshed, he looked at Ain, Potts, and Monet, who came to deliver the daily report, and for the first time, he did not rush off to breakfast. Instead, he casually asked:
"Right, that money… it's still in the warehouse?"
"Yes, Admiral Renzo," Ain replied immediately, expression serious.
"The warehouse is heavily guarded. Completely secure."
"Hm…" Renzo stroked his chin, as if contemplating something troublesome.
"Leaving it piled there takes up space. And having people watch it around the clock wastes manpower and disrupts everyone's rest. No good. I need to think of a way to spend it quickly."
Ain, Potts, and Monet stared at each other.
This was 10.8 billion berries.
A fortune 99% of the world would never see in their entire lives.
And he wanted to hurry up and spend it?
"Money is for solving problems and improving the quality of life."
Renzo raised one finger, preaching his unique philosophy of wealth.
"And the thing I hate most… is trouble. The only reason I can drink tea and nap every day is that all of you handle the troublesome things I'm supposed to handle."
He swept his gaze across his closest subordinates and revealed a rare expression, one that could almost be called praise.
"You all do very well. Not because you work hard, but because your hard work allows me to justifiably not work."
"So," he concluded, "I've decided to distribute part of this money as a 'Laziness Maintenance Fund', given to everyone who has made outstanding contributions in 'maintaining my laziness.'"
Laziness Maintenance Fund?!
What kind of fresh, unheard-of award title was that?!
Before anyone could react to the absurd name, Renzo began the world's simplest "loot-distribution ceremony."
"First, Sanji."
Renzo snapped his fingers.
"From now on, the G-5 mess hall's procurement budget… has no limit."
He looked at Sanji, who happened to be approaching with breakfast, in the tone of someone handing out an unlimited-use black card.
"Buy whatever ingredients you want. Legendary phantom fish from the East Blue, top-grade snowflake beef from the West Blue, even lantern-eyed eels from Fire Island… as long as you can get them, money is not a problem."
"The only condition: don't bother me with purchase lists or receipts."
Gulp.
Sanji swallowed, cigarette almost falling from his mouth as a crazed grin spread across his face.
To a true chef, this was paradise itself.
He could already see a parade of supreme ingredients waving at him.
"Understood!" He said, eyes blazing with creative fire.
"Good." Renzo nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Monet.
"Monet, as my chief secretary, you process the most documents, bring me juice every day, feed me fruit… your contribution is great."
Monet's heart tightened.
She remembered her question about her "ransom" days earlier, wondering how this unpredictable admiral would deal with her.
"So, I've decided…"
Renzo paused, pulling out a rolled parchment from the massive treasure inventory.
"This is the library catalog of the 'Lost Kingdom' of Illusia. Most books listed here no longer exist in the world. I've already sent people to buy or copy all of them. G-5 will build you a private library. Also, I'm giving you a personal bonus of 200 million berries, buy whatever you like."
Monet froze completely.
She never expected this.
It wasn't about the money.
He had seen through her quiet love of knowledge and her desire for peaceful reading.
Being understood like this filled her with warmth and peace.
She stared at Renzo's still-lazy expression, overwhelmed, and could only bow deeply.
"…Thank you."
Renzo waved dismissively, as if he'd done something trivial, then looked at Ain and Potts.
"Ain, Potts, both of you have followed me since headquarters. You've worked hard."
"One hundred million berries each. Also, " he pointed at the treasure catalog.
"Ain, there's a top-grade personal care set made by a 'Bubble Craftsman' from Sabaody."
"Take it. Potts, this 'Love Diamond' from Dressrosa… would make a perfect lens for your monocle. Bright enough, and sturdy enough."
Ain's usually calm expression flushed slightly as she accepted the list.
Potts trembled with excitement.
A diamond monocle lens?!
Such luxury, and such impeccable taste!
"Lastly…" Renzo looked toward the training grounds, where the entire G-5 Marine force was sweating through drills.
His gaze locked onto the huge, bellowing bearded man, Tibeard.
"You. The one with the long beard," Renzo called out lazily. "Yeah, you, Tibeard. Come here."
Tibeard jolted, rushing over and saluting.
"Admiral! You called for me!"
"You and your men make too much noise during training. It's annoying."
Cold sweat poured down Tibeard's back.
"But," Renzo continued, "you're useful. You keep the troublemaking pirate recruits in line. Saves me a lot of headaches."
"So," Renzo announced, "from today onward, you'll continue managing your men. Additionally…"
He yawned and raised his voice toward the entire training ground.
"Pass down my order: every Marine in G-5, regardless of rank, will receive a bonus equal to one full year of salary."
BOOM!!!
It was like a bomb exploded across the entire G-5 base.
Every Marine froze, mouths hanging open.
'A whole year's salary?!'
In the New World, where casualty rates were sky-high, this was a life-changing amount of money, something many would never earn in a lifetime.
"And you," Renzo added to the stunned Tibeard, "get another ten million berries. Build your men a decent recreation room or bar. Somewhere for them to vent their energy. Just don't shout around while I'm sleeping."
Once Renzo finished distributing the "Laziness Maintenance Fund," the entire G-5 fell silent for one breath, then erupted into absolute madness.
"LONG LIVE ADMIRAL RENZO!!!"
"WE WILL FOLLOW ADMIRAL RENZO TO THE DEATH!!!"
"Waaaaaah!! I can finally go home and get married! And buy my little siblings all the food they want!"
The deafening cheers shook the entire base, almost lifting the roof off G-5.
In the midst of the roar, Renzo let out a long, satisfied yawn.
Perfect.
Using money, the simplest, most direct solution, he had eliminated a potentially troublesome future issue while massively boosting morale and loyalty.
From now on, they would work even harder to ensure that he could…
continue being gloriously lazy.
He turned and headed back to his room as waves of adoration rose behind him like a tidal sea.
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu