"The Kuja Pirates?"
Everyone's nerves instantly tensed as they turned toward the harbor.
Leaping down from the pirate ship were the unmistakable figures of the Kuja warriors — led by Sandersonia and Marigold.
Over a hundred warriors gathered, and the atmosphere in the plaza grew heavy.
The image of Boa Hancock — one of the Seven Warlords — being blasted away yesterday was still fresh in everyone's minds.
This… didn't look like a friendly visit.
"Admiral Luo Yu," Tsuru said grimly, stepping forward, "you might want to hold off on that performance bonus talk. These Kuja women aren't so easily dismissed."
"If they didn't have the Warlord title, maybe you could've gotten away with blasting them all off the island."
"But now? They're untouchable."
"Until we know whether the meeting between the old emperor Whitebeard and the new emperor Red-Haired will trigger chaos, the Warlords still play a crucial role."
"One's already fallen. The Five Elders won't want to lose another."
"So whatever happens, don't say a word. Don't lift a finger. Leave everything to me."
Tsuru slowly stepped forward, passing Luo Yu and taking the lead.
"Back when they first set sail, it was I who handed Gion the mission to pursue the Kuja Pirates."
"And when Hancock was chosen as a Warlord, I was the one who issued the summons."
"In a way, I've got some history with the Kuja. If I step in, maybe they'll give me some face and let this go."
Her aged voice carried a nostalgic tone, tinged with the weight of memory.
Many of the younger Marines looked on with awe.
In Marineford, Sengoku, Garp, Zephyr, and Tsuru were living legends — symbols of the Navy's golden age.
To hear the Chief of Staff recount her past glories was the kind of story they'd brag about over drinks for years.
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, I've got some history with them too," Gion added. "If things go south, count me in."
She'd long since given up hope of replacing Luo Yu on the mission.
Now she just wanted to make sure it didn't spiral out of control.
"Heh, don't worry, Gion," Tsuru chuckled. "I may be old and slow, but this wrinkled face still has some value. Besides, there's an old acquaintance among them. I'm sure she'll do me a favor."
She looked toward the approaching Kuja warriors.
"Gloriosa. Never thought I'd see you again."
"I still remember you standing beside Silvers Rayleigh back in the day."
"We may still be on opposite sides — soldier and pirate — but we've known each other for decades. That counts for something. Can you let this one slide?"
"Silvers Rayleigh? As in the Dark King? Roger's right-hand man?" Gion's expression changed instantly.
Back in Roger's era, she'd been just a trainee on a ship.
But even then, she'd heard of Rayleigh's fearsome reputation.
What she hadn't expected was that this bark-skinned old woman had ties to him.
The revelation sent a collective gasp through the crowd.
"Heh, Chief Tsuru," a voice suddenly cut in — Crocodile, of all people. "Instead of pulling strings, why not just release me and let me take Hancock's place as a Warlord again? That way, you won't have to worry about these troublesome women."
"This time, I promise to cooperate fully with the Navy."
Crocodile had always believed he could escape whenever he wanted.
But after spending time around Luo Yu, that confidence had been thoroughly shattered.
If this was his chance to get out, he didn't care what the deal was.
"Crocodile, shut your mouth!" Granny Nyon stepped forward, slamming her cane into the ground.
"A defeated dog like you trying to weasel your way back in? I must've misjudged you."
"And don't lump us Kuja in with your scheming kind. We honor our contracts."
"Chief Tsuru, it's been decades, but it's good to see you again."
"But this time, your face won't help."
"Don't forget — Kuja warriors value gratitude… and we never forget a grudge."
"This unauthorized landing wasn't just my idea. Every Kuja warrior here demanded it."
She stepped to the front of the crowd, gripping her cane tightly.
"In our time, a drop of kindness was repaid tenfold. A life-saving favor… must be repaid with one's life."
"This time, Admiral Luo Yu struck down a Celestial Dragon — and in doing so, saved the Kuja Pirates from disaster. That's a debt of life."
"So I, and all the Kuja warriors here, are prepared to repay that debt… with ourselves."
"Admiral Luo Yu, pick whichever one you like."
"Yes, Admiral Luo Yu! Please, choose freely!" the Kuja warriors shouted in unison.
Their thunderous voices echoed across the plaza, refusing to fade.
Over a hundred fierce, battle-hardened women — all staring at Luo Yu with unwavering resolve.
Everyone was stunned.
This… was not how the script was supposed to go.
They thought the Kuja Pirates had come to demand justice.
No one expected a mass confession.
The single Marines in the crowd were devastated.
At the front, Tsuru — who had just been playing the "emotional leverage" card — completely lost control of her expression.
Now she understood why her "face" didn't work.
She exchanged a stiff glance with Gion, and the two of them quickly retreated into the crowd.
"Admiral Luo Yu… this kind of affection, even we can't handle. Our reputations are useless here. The Kuja warriors are all fine women — you'd better pick one yourself."
In that moment, Luo Yu — still sipping his liquor and munching on his meat bun — became the center of the universe.
He nearly choked on his drink.
What the hell was this?
Some kind of royal harem selection ceremony?
Never mind the ones built like tanks, with arms and legs like granite pillars…
Sure, a few of them were decent-looking. Some might even be considered attractive.
Sandersonia and Marigold — Hancock's sisters — were a bit on the terrifying side, but at least they were young.
But Gloriosa?
Did she really think she was still a young maiden?
Did she seriously include herself in the offer?
What was this — "old ginger wards off evil" logic?
Luo Yu swore he had no such preferences!
"…What the hell is going on here? Are you all staging a mutiny?!"