Boom!
A massive impact shook the tightly shut Gates of Justice.
This wasn't just any structure—it was a vital facility established by the World Government, connecting the three great institutions and altering sea currents. Once a ship passed through the Gates of Justice, it would enter a precise ocean stream that led directly to its destination.
Moreover, the gate served as a crucial shortcut across the Red Line, significantly reducing the time needed to reach the New World. According to Navy records, using the gate could cut travel time down to a fraction—what would normally take several weeks across the deep sea could now be completed within days.
"Admiral Luoyu… we're just behind the Gates of Justice now. Was it really okay to launch the CP9 commander like that?" Koby asked with a bitter smile.
In truth, his current role was much like Bogart's on Garp's ship—helping the Admiral stay out of too much trouble.
But one glare from Luoyu had sent Spandam flying through the air.
Koby wasn't sure if Spandam was just that weak… or if he himself wasn't competent enough to react in time to stop it.
"I didn't lay a hand on anyone," Luoyu replied, pushing his gold-rimmed glasses up while scanning the deck.
Everyone within eyeshot immediately averted their gaze.
Spandam's fate was still fresh in their minds—no one wanted to be the next one sent flying from just a look.
"Who—who dares to frighten Lord Charlos-sama?!"
From the platform ahead, where several ships were docked waiting for the Gates to open, a pig-like squeal suddenly rang out.
The expressions of everyone onboard shifted dramatically as they turned toward the sound in a panic.
"T-That flag… that's the World Noble, a Celestial Dragon! What are they doing here?" Tashigi's voice trembled with nervousness.
From day one at the Navy Academy, there was a mandatory lesson about the Celestial Dragons—the so-called descendants of the creators, the twenty kings who founded the World Government 800 years ago.
These nobles, descended from nineteen of those kings, considered themselves the "Creators' chosen," enjoying unrivaled privileges. If offended, even Navy Admirals and CP0 agents were required to protect them.
To encounter one? For ordinary people, it could only mean a living nightmare.
And now, Luoyu had just blasted Spandam straight onto the same platform where a Celestial Dragon was present.
Spandam, though groaning from the pain of impact, suddenly lit up with glee.
He had been brooding over how to reclaim his dignity—but now, the arrival of a Celestial Dragon? This was divine intervention!
"Someone tie Spandam up," Luoyu said casually, brushing the dust from his uniform. "He nearly startled a Celestial Dragon. Let him explain that himself."
Everyone froze.
Even Spandam was stunned.
He was the victim—and yet Luoyu was flipping the situation entirely on him?
He had been planning to twist the story in his favor… but Luoyu beat him to it.
Even Jabura and the other CP9 members didn't dare speak up, not after witnessing Luoyu's terrifying strength. They could only stare silently, utterly helpless.
"Are you the Navy's newly appointed Fourth Admiral?" came a nasal, muffled voice.
A squat figure emerged from the crowd gathered on the platform—a man dragging a trail of mucus behind him, wearing a fishbowl-like helmet over his head.
Luoyu instantly recognized him.
It was none other than Saint Charlos, the infamous Celestial Dragon from the original story—one of the most obnoxious troublemakers alive.
Of all people… he just had to run into this guy.
"Lord Charlos-sama," said a short man in a white robe and a featureless mask, stepping forward from behind the noble, "he is indeed the newly promoted Fourth Admiral, Taotie Luoyu—the very one who's been making waves across the Grand Line."
Seeing the outfit, Luoyu's brows lifted.
Of course… where there's a trash can, there's a lid.
He hadn't expected a CP0 agent to be traveling with the Celestial Dragon.
"Spandam, what are you waiting for? Get over here," the CP0 agent barked, casting a sharp glance over his shoulder.
CP0—an organization above CP9, the most elite intelligence unit in the world, answering directly to the Five Elders.
Even Spandam, the highest-ranking officer of CP9, was completely suppressed in front of them.
His face turned pale. He hadn't expected to run into the elusive CP0 today.
Still, his father, Spandine, had once been one of them. That alone gave him some courage. Gritting his teeth and suppressing his pain, Spandam scrambled over to the agent's side.
"Sir… forgive the trouble, but that Fourth Admiral is arrogant beyond belief. He destroyed our battleships and repeatedly attacked me. Please—you must uphold justice," he said in a low voice, trying to sound pitiful.
The CP0 agent glanced at Luoyu with cold eyes and gave a low snort.
"Spandam… you're as useless as ever. Not only did you disgrace yourself, but you've embarrassed all of CP."
"And as for this Fourth Admiral… he lives up to his reputation. Arrogant. Unruly. Completely self-serving."
"If Lord Charlos-sama weren't here, I might've had no way to discipline him. But with a Celestial Dragon present, I doubt even he can act as he pleases."
Spandam hesitated, unable to discern the agent's true intentions.
But as the CP0 agent leaned in to whisper something to Charlos, Spandam's eyes lit up with triumph.
"Admiral Luoyu, is that CP0 guy planning something?" Ain asked, her face tense.
"I've got a bad feeling," she added.
Tashigi and the others nodded solemnly in agreement.
When it came to Celestial Dragons, fear was always the default reaction.
Now that they were being watched by both a Celestial Dragon and CP0, the crew felt like they were walking on a tightrope over a sea of sharks.
"They're not pretending to be hostile," Luoyu said calmly, taking a sip of his homemade liquor. "They've practically got the words written on their foreheads."
"But don't worry—whatever comes, we'll handle it. Let's head ashore and get resupplied."
With that, he casually leapt onto the platform below.
Around them, several merchant ships were docked—vessels that had paid their passage fee and were waiting to be let through.
But the moment they saw a Celestial Dragon present, they all backed off, terrified of getting caught up in trouble. They'd rather miss their departure window than risk catching the noble's attention.
Now, watching someone boldly stroll ashore right in front of a Celestial Dragon?
They were utterly stunned.
Ding! Congratulations, Host. Only ten minutes remain until clock-out time!
After a full week of 9-to-5 duty, the Host has faithfully completed their work schedule. You've officially earned your first Admiral-level weekend! To reward your outstanding commitment, you are granted one Silver Treasure Chest.
Upon opening, there is a 70% chance of receiving rewards from this dimension… and a 30% chance of acquiring rewards from alternate dimensions.