BANG!
A massive wine barrel shattered on the deck.
Liquor splashed everywhere as a towering figure emerged from the cabin, each step heavy as thunder.
His bloodshot eyes, bull-like and wide, radiated murderous intent.
The pirates nearby trembled.
Jack slammed his palm onto the ship's railing.
BOOM!
The entire ship shook violently, as if struck by an earthquake.
Pirates were thrown to the ground.
"Bastards! Absolute bastards!" Jack roared.
"How long do I have to wait? That damn Marine tied one of our own to the mast! It's a disgrace!"
"If the two big brothers hear about this, how can they trust me again?"
"Ulti! How much longer do I have to wait? Or do you want to lose your spot among the Flying Six?"
His fury echoed across the deck.
The fallen pirates turned toward a pale-haired woman nearby.
Despite the heat, she wore a fox-fur coat and a high-slit dress that drew every eye.
Ulti.
Not quite on par with Boa Hancock, but her courtesan-like allure made many pirates' hearts race.
Feeling the stares, Ulti smiled seductively and snapped her fan shut.
"Lord Jack, don't be angry. Saul was tied up because he overreached. He's the weakest of the Flying Six and tried to steal your glory."
"That Marine rookie? I could've handled him myself. No need to trouble you."
"You?" Jack snorted. "I know exactly how strong the Flying Six are."
"Saul failed, and in our crew, the weak must die. That's the rule."
"But he lived—and became our shame. He humiliated the big brothers."
"If I let you go and you fail too, how can they ever trust me again?"
"You've been blocking me from acting. If you don't give me a good reason, don't blame me for killing you first!"
BOOM!
Killing intent surged from Jack like a tidal wave.
Known as the Drought, Jack's presence turned every battlefield into scorched earth.
As one of the Beasts Pirates' top commanders, with a bounty of a billion, he was the face of their wrath.
Ulti's face paled.
She knew—if she didn't explain herself, Jack would kill her without hesitation.
But she was prepared.
She smiled sweetly and pulled out a Den Den Mushi.
"Lord Jack, this is a recording I bought from Big News Morgans. It shows every move that Marine Admiral Luoyu has made recently."
"Know your enemy, win every battle. If we understand his fighting style, you'll crush him easily."
"Last night, I reviewed the footage. He's arrogant. His powers resemble a Mythical Zoan, like Sengoku's."
"He has powerful burst attacks, but against someone like you—an Ancient Zoan with unmatched defense—they're nothing but drizzle."
Her smile deepened.
"If you block his attacks, he'll crumble in despair."
Jack's eyes lit up.
He watched the footage flash by—then crushed the Den Den Mushi in his hand.
"Good. Very good, Ulti."
"A mere Marine rookie dares challenge the Beasts Pirates?"
"I know how to fight him now. I'll show him what it means to face our wrath!"
"All hands! Set course! We're hunting that new Admiral!"
"Before the big brothers hear about Saul, I'll grind that brat's bones to dust!"
"Aye, sir!"
The massive mammoth-headed ship surged forward, dragged by two Sea Kings.
Ulti stood on the deck, smiling at the shattered Den Den Mushi.
She glanced at the front page pinned to the door—Luoyu's face.
"Heh… So this is the new Admiral?" she murmured.
"You dared to snub CP0. Now you'll learn what the sea is really like."
"In this world of survival of the fittest, brute strength isn't enough. You need brains."
"I can't wait to see that proud Admiral groveling at my feet like a stray dog…"
Meanwhile — Marine HQ.
Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru stared grimly at the intelligence report on the table.
Two CP0 agents stood nearby, smirking.
"Apologies, Fleet Admiral Sengoku," one said mockingly.
"This may be bad news for you, but the Five Elders have decided—if you can't stop Zephyr from defecting, CP0 will handle it."
Spandam stood beside them, his face wrapped in bandages, body still aching.
He clenched his jaw at the memory of what happened a week ago.
If not for the science division's healing serum, he'd still be bedridden.
Now, watching Sengoku's grim face—
Spandam felt nothing but satisfaction.
If he could, he'd love to see that arrogant brat's expression when the hammer finally falls.