The massive strategy hall fell into dead silence.
Everyone stared stiffly at the Den Den Mushi fax.
Just one short sentence.
—
A moment ago, the idea of Luoyu encountering a Calamity hadn't seemed like a big deal.
But now, this fax hit like a bolt from the blue.
—
A pirate with a billion-berry bounty—one of the Three Calamities—not only defeated, but captured.
—
If they hadn't seen the message with their own eyes, no one would've believed it.
—
And the timing—
From Sengoku's call to the fax arriving—
Barely four or five minutes.
—
A billion-berry Calamity, taken down and tied up in minutes?
It was hard to believe.
—
Was it even the real Jack?
—
"F-Fleet Admiral Sengoku, should we verify this immediately?" Vice Admiral Momonga asked, unable to hold back.
He trusted Luoyu.
But this was a Calamity.
Defeated in minutes?
He wasn't the only one struggling to believe it.
—
"No need," said a voice at the door.
It was Hassor, Tsuru's aide, walking in with a bitter expression.
"Rear Admiral Tashigi already faxed a full report."
—
He handed over a stack of photos.
Everyone's eyes locked on them.
—
And when they saw the mountain-sized figure wrapped in triple-layered Seastone chains—
Their minds buzzed.
—
Any lingering doubt was obliterated.
—
Page after page of photos and reports flipped by.
—
After several minutes, Sengoku slumped into his chair, massaging his temples.
"That brat always finds a way to give me a headache."
"Even Kaido wouldn't expect Jack the Drought to fall to a rookie Admiral."
"But this throws our entire plan into chaos."
—
The room tensed.
They were already bracing for conflict with the Whitebeard Pirates.
Now, if they provoked Kaido too…
It would be a nightmare.
—
One misstep, and Marine HQ could be wiped out.
—
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku," Akainu said coldly, arms crossed.
"Are you planning to release Jack?"
"That might be pragmatic—but it sets a dangerous precedent."
"If we let pirates use hostages to pressure us, it won't stop at once. It'll happen again and again."
"I say—if Whitebeard or Kaido want war, then let them come. We'll fight."
—
His voice echoed like thunder.
—
The room stiffened.
Everyone knew Akainu was a hardliner.
But declaring war on two Yonko at once?
That was extreme.
—
All eyes turned to Sengoku.
What would the Fleet Admiral decide?
—
Feeling the weight of their stares, Sengoku's expression shifted several times.
Finally, he sighed.
"Put the Jack situation on hold."
"Tsuru, contact Luoyu. Tell him to pause the Blackbeard exchange and escort Jack to Impel Down."
"Kizaru, you'll take over the Blackbeard deal."
—
"Me?" Kizaru said lazily, filing his nails.
"That mission was Luoyu's. You two negotiated the bounty terms."
"If I take over, Luoyu might demand full compensation. I can't afford that."
—
Compensation?
Sengoku's face twitched.
He knew Luoyu well enough by now.
That was entirely possible.
—
But if Luoyu stayed on the mission, who knew what chaos might unfold?
And Blackbeard might exploit the situation.
—
Sengoku rubbed his temples again.
"Fine. Tsuru, tell Luoyu the mission's canceled. He still gets the bounty. Just… don't let him do anything extra."
—
"Don't worry," Tsuru said, tidying her papers. "That brat only works for pay. No pay, no play."
—
The room fell silent.
No one could argue with that.
—
The next morning — sunlight scattered like gold across the deck.
Luoyu stretched and stepped out of the cabin.
He glanced at Smoker and the others stationed on the battered island.
Raised an eyebrow.
—
If he remembered right—
Today was payday.
—
Ding! Congratulations, Host. You've clocked in for one full month. Salary: 5 million Berries. Current balance: 20 million. Would you like to use it now?
—
The system's voice chimed in.
Luoyu watched his balance jump from 15 to 20 million.
He took a swig of cheap liquor to calm his excitement.
—
Only the poor get excited on payday.
And only for a moment—
Before the apps and bills devour it all.
—
Still, with Jack the Drought onboard—
Luoyu figured it was time to test his luck.
"System, give me two 10-million golden loot boxes!"
—
He rarely splurged like this.
But as soon as the words left his mouth—
His balance dropped to zero.
His eye twitched.
—
Painful.
—
Ding! Please wait…
Ding! Golden loot boxes acquired. You now have 2. Open now?
—
Luoyu stared at the glowing boxes in his mindspace.
No hesitation.
Time to see if this double pull would bring a miracle.