"So in the end, he just happened to find Whitebeard's location… Sengoku, don't you think there are a few too many coincidences in this world?"
Zephyr's voice trailed off, his expression awkward as he finally gave a bitter smile.
The vast office fell into dead silence.
Everyone's thoughts were written plainly on their faces.
He extorted a Yonko.
And it was all just a "coincidence"?
Was this really not premeditated?
In that moment, they finally understood why Sengoku had said: giving Luoyu a ten-million-Berry performance bonus might just tear the sky open.
"Zephyr! Contact that brat immediately! Tell him to come back—he's off the mission!" Sengoku roared, nearly crushing the armrest of his chair.
"He hasn't even found Whitebeard yet, and he's already extorted Kaido!"
"If he runs into Whitebeard and Red-Haired next, I swear, we'll have all three Yonko declaring war on Marine Headquarters!"
"Kizaru! Move! Get over there and keep an eye on Luoyu—don't let him meet Kaido!"
A flurry of orders followed, and by the end, everyone's nerves were taut.
After witnessing Luoyu's methods firsthand, Sengoku's fears didn't seem far-fetched at all.
If the three Yonko set aside their differences and declared war on the Navy…
Just imagining it sent chills down their spines.
Meanwhile, in the Sicily Sea—
A Marine warship cut through the waves.
Luoyu stood at the bow, sipping his local brew, eyes half-closed as he enjoyed the sea breeze.
"Admiral Luoyu, we're still thirty nautical miles from Sicily Island. We haven't spotted the Moby Dick. They might've already left," Ain reported from the crow's nest, scanning the horizon with her telescope.
"No sign?" Gion actually felt relieved.
She glanced back at the Beasts Pirates ship they'd captured—now being towed behind them like a prize.
She was genuinely afraid that if Luoyu spotted the Moby Dick, something catastrophic would happen.
"Admiral Luoyu… if Whitebeard's crew has already left, maybe we don't need to pursue them so hard. Chaton and I can put in a good word for you. Maybe you'll still get your ten-million bonus," Gion offered, trying to sound casual.
After witnessing Luoyu extort Kaido, she truly feared what he might do to uncover the details of Whitebeard and Red-Haired's meeting.
At this point, she'd rather they didn't find Whitebeard at all.
"Vice Admiral Gion, that won't do. A proper working man finishes the job. Otherwise, how can I ask for bonuses next time?" Luoyu said with a grin, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses.
"Still, I have to say—you're my lucky charm. Speak of the devil, and he appears."
"Looks like we're approaching the Moby Dick."
Speak of who?
Gion blinked, confused by the reference.
But then she saw it: the silhouette of a massive ship on the horizon, and the unmistakable pirate flag fluttering in the wind.
She wanted to scream.
The one thing she'd feared most—they'd sailed straight into it.
She'd rather not be anyone's lucky charm right now.
If Luoyu dared to extort Kaido for intel…
She didn't even want to imagine what he'd do to Whitebeard.
"Admiral Luoyu, maybe we should turn back. This is Whitebeard's territory. I'm worried something might happen," Gion said again, trying to reason with him.
Luoyu smiled and adjusted his glasses. "Too late for that. The big guy on that ship's already spotted us."
"But don't worry. Compared to muscle-for-brains Kaido, I'm confident I can have a proper conversation with Whitebeard."
A conversation?
Gion froze.
A terrifying thought crept into her mind.
Was Luoyu really planning to just… walk up and ask Whitebeard what he was doing?
All for a ten-million-Berry bonus?
That was even crazier than extorting Kaido!
Meanwhile, on a smaller whale-shaped ship sailing ahead—
At the bow stood the thirteenth division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates: "Water Buffalo" Atmos.
His massive frame, twin greatswords, and makeshift armor radiated an oppressive presence.
And with the Whitebeard Pirates' flag on his back, he was a force to be reckoned with anywhere in the New World.
"Captain Atmos, a Marine warship has appeared ahead. Looks like the one Marco mentioned earlier—carrying the Navy's new Fourth Admiral," a subordinate reported.
"The Fourth Admiral, huh?" Atmos raised an eyebrow.
"I was hoping to run into Kaido's crew first—pay them back for what happened in the Uss Sea. But I didn't expect this new Admiral to walk right into our sights."
"Marco said he's just a paper tiger—Marine HQ's PR stunt. Perfect stepping stone for Ace to make his name."
"I was planning to test him myself, but with Pops about to meet Red-Haired, I'd better not stir up trouble."
"Heil, go shout them down. Tell them this is Whitebeard's territory. If they don't leave, I'll drag them to Pops myself."
"Don't worry, Captain. I'll handle it. The other commanders said the same—this new Admiral's just a paper tiger. Once he sees our flag, he'll probably run without us saying a word." Heil laughed and turned to climb the lookout tower.
But before he could shout, a voice carried across the sea on the wind:
"Hey! You there! Take me to Whitebeard—I've got something to say to him directly."
"Let's get going. It's about time. I don't want to work overtime after hours!"