BOOM!
A violent surge of Conqueror's Haki exploded like thunder, transforming into a category twelve hurricane that swept across the entirety of Little Garden in an instant.
The shockwave slammed into Blue Ogre Dorry and Red Ogre Brogy just as they stepped forward. Their expressions changed drastically as their massive bodies staggered backward under the pressure.
BANG! BANG!
The two giants crashed into the rocky cliffs behind them before finally coming to a halt.
By the time they regained their footing, the once lively island had fallen into utter silence.
No beastly roars, no chirping birds, no buzzing insects—everything had gone still.
All around, massive dinosaurs and ferocious beasts lay sprawled on the ground, eyes rolled back, foaming at the mouth.
Even the Alabastan soldier who had come to report earlier collapsed unconscious.
As for Vivi, Igaram, and the others, they were clearly struggling. If the spiritual shock hadn't dissipated as quickly as it came, they might not have remained standing at all.
"What kind of technique was that? It suppressed every living thing on the island in an instant…"
Dorry gripped his massive sword and stood up, a rare look of gravity on his face.
This level of power was beyond anything they had ever seen.
"That was Conqueror's Haki—the mark of a king, one in a million. Looks like you two really have been out of touch for too long."
Luo Yu stepped out from the jungle, followed by a breathless but visibly shaken Doll.
She had seen Conqueror's Haki before—but never like this.
To sweep across an entire island with sheer willpower… the scale was staggering.
"That's the Glutton Admiral, Luo Yu? What's he doing in Paradise?"
Chaka's face turned pale.
The rise of the Navy's Fourth Admiral had been the talk of the seas.
As a major kingdom, Alabasta was well-informed.
"Isn't he the greedy new admiral? Wasn't he being hunted by the Beasts Pirates?"
Igaram tensed up.
"Rumor has it Marine HQ is preparing for war against two Emperors. Why would one of their top Admirals be here? Princess Vivi, be careful. Don't act rashly."
But before he could finish, Vivi stepped forward, gritting her teeth.
"I am Nefertari Vivi, Princess of the Kingdom of Alabasta. These two giants, Dorry and Brogy, are our kingdom's guardian deities. Admiral, may I ask why you've come here?"
"Princess of Alabasta?"
Doll's expression shifted.
"The royal who gave up her claim to World Noble status?"
In the World Government, nobility came in tiers.
At the top were the Celestial Dragons.
Next were the royals of major nations.
Then came the minor nobles.
The Nefertari family, who had once been Celestial Dragons and knew the secrets of the Void Century, were a political powder keg—worthy of serious caution.
Noticing Doll's reaction, Vivi's eyes flashed with resolve. She bit her lip and declared:
"This island was discovered by Alabasta. It is our colonial territory. I ask that the Navy withdraw immediately, or we will file a formal protest with Marine HQ."
She boldly stepped toward Luo Yu.
But before she could get far, a swirl of white smoke shot through the air and solidified in front of her—Smoker.
"Princess Vivi. It's been a while."
"I admire your courage, but as an old acquaintance, I suggest you step back. Your royal status carries weight, and most admirals would show you respect."
"But don't forget—Admiral Luo Yu once sent a Celestial Dragon flying and lived to tell the tale. I'd hate to see you follow in their footsteps."
Sent a Celestial Dragon flying?
Igaram and Chaka turned pale. Without hesitation, they rushed forward and pulled Vivi back.
They knew full well—royalty from a major kingdom couldn't compare to a Celestial Dragon.
If this admiral decided to strike, they wouldn't even have time to mourn.
"Smoker, don't be so tense. Don't make it sound like I wanted to hit that Celestial Dragon."
Luo Yu chuckled, taking a swig from his gourd. He glanced at Vivi and said:
"Alright, enough talk. I'm on a tight schedule."
"Former captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates—you have two choices."
"One: accept my personal conscription and serve as temporary Marine combatants. I'll even get you a Warlord title. You'll get a shot at avenging Elbaf's destruction."
"Two: refuse me. But don't doubt that I have the power to send you to Impel Down—or kill you."
His voice wasn't loud, but it echoed through the air like a spell—undeniable and absolute.
Dorry and Brogy's expressions darkened.
"You bastard of a Marine! Did you just say Elbaf was destroyed? That's impossible!"
"You dare lie to giants? We'll show you the wrath of Elbaf!"
BOOM!
The two giants moved first.
Their massive sword and axe cleaved through the air with terrifying force, bearing down on Luo Yu.
For centuries, the giants had been coveted by every major power. In Marine HQ, even a single adult giant could earn a general's rank.
Many Vice Admirals were giants, serving as key forces in regional bases.
But their massive size also limited their potential.
Most giants couldn't even master the simplified version of Hakoku—let alone dual Haki.
As Dorry and Brogy, chosen by Luo Yu as special combatants, launched their attack without hesitation, Doll's eyes flashed with determination.
"Admiral Luo Yu—let me see for myself what makes your chosen warriors so special."