The Marine HQ strategy chamber was ablaze with tension.
Sengoku's face darkened as he read the latest report from Vice Admiral Momonga.
"Sengoku, what happened? Don't tell me Doflamingo's acting up again," Tsuru said grimly.
As the former Vice Admiral who had chased Doflamingo across the seas, she knew better than anyone how slippery the so-called "Heavenly Demon" could be. And now, with the Navy preparing for war against the Yonko, it was the perfect time for Doflamingo to stir trouble.
All eyes turned to Sengoku—even Akainu's. The room grew heavier by the second.
Sengoku clenched the Den Den Mushi report and said coldly:
"You guessed right, Tsuru. That bastard Doflamingo is still the most troublesome of the Warlords."
"Vice Admiral Momonga went to deliver the Warlord Summons. Doflamingo responded by attacking him."
"His only condition: Luo Yu must come in person to invite him. Otherwise, he won't join the war against the Yonko—and he's even threatening to defect."
"He's a damn ungrateful mutt."
The room erupted in murmurs.
They had expected Doflamingo to demand resources or leverage.
No one expected him to target Luo Yu directly.
"Sengoku," Tsuru said gravely, "Luo Yu and Doflamingo have clashed before. He crippled Pica, and not long ago, he blasted Doflamingo across the harbor. Knowing Doffy, he's definitely holding a grudge."
"Now he's demanding Luo Yu personally invite him? Even if we break precedent and send an Admiral to do that, Doflamingo will surely find ways to provoke him."
"And with Luo Yu's temperament… who knows what could go wrong."
The room fell silent.
Everyone knew Luo Yu's style by now.
Sending him to "invite" Doflamingo might turn into a full-blown war.
And if Doflamingo flipped sides now, it could be catastrophic.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku," Aokiji finally spoke.
"Luo Yu's been handling the special combatant recruitment. If he's humiliated by Doflamingo, it could jeopardize that mission."
"We're already stretched thin, opening two fronts against the Yonko. Even if the special combatants don't guarantee victory, they're our best shot at not losing."
"Without them, everything could fall apart."
His words struck home. The admirals and vice admirals exchanged uneasy glances.
Each Yonko was a force of nature. Facing two at once was madness.
"You're right, Aokiji," Akainu said, unusually solemn.
"But don't forget—those special combatants are still unconfirmed. The Warlords are real, existing forces."
"I don't like working with those scum, but we don't have the luxury of pride."
"It's already been six days since the war declaration. We've heard nothing from the special combatants."
"If it were up to me, I'd tell Luo Yu to suck it up and go."
Aokiji fell silent.
He didn't like it either—but the Navy's survival came first.
"Enough," Sengoku said. "I'll make the call. But I want to hear Luo Yu's opinion first."
He picked up the Den Den Mushi.
Tsuru hesitated, then asked, "You're sure about this?"
"Don't worry," Sengoku replied. "I'll give him a choice he can't refuse."
He pressed the dial.
Brrrr… brrrr…
The room fell silent. Everyone leaned in.
They all wanted to know: what would the Navy's most unpredictable Admiral say?
"Yo, old man Sengoku. It's after hours. If it weren't you, I wouldn't even pick up."
The tension shattered instantly.
Sengoku's face twitched.
Only Luo Yu could make "off duty" sound so righteous.
"Admiral Luo Yu," Tsuru cut in quickly, trying to keep the meeting on track.
"This isn't a joke. Doflamingo attacked Vice Admiral Momonga and is demanding you personally invite him."
"We want to know your thoughts. Sengoku said if you refuse, we'll find another way."
Everyone held their breath.
"He wants to meet me?" Luo Yu paused.
"Sengoku, you're adding to my workload. That messes with my schedule."
"But… as an Admiral, I suppose I have responsibilities."
"Still, my time isn't cheap."
Groans rippled through the room.
Even Tsuru gave a wry smile.
They had expected resistance.
They hadn't expected him to start negotiating a fee.
Sengoku rolled his eyes.
"You little brat. Are you serious?"
"We need every bit of strength we can get. Fujitora and Ryokugyu already turned us down. We can't afford to lose the Warlords too."
"So I'll authorize the highest bonus yet—30 million Berries. But I expect you to behave."