Kuja Pirates?
At those words, everyone present visibly tensed.They turned toward the harbor—instinctively.
And sure enough, what greeted them was the sight of dozens of fierce-looking Kuja warriors leaping off their ship and landing gracefully onto the dock.
Leading the charge were none other than Sandersonia and Marigold.
Over a hundred Amazonian warriors began to assemble in formation, and the entire plaza's atmosphere immediately grew oppressive.
The image of Boa Hancock, one of the Seven Warlords, being blasted away yesterday still lingered fresh in everyone's minds.
They were clearly not here for small talk.
"Admiral Luo Yu," Tsuru's voice sank. "Looks like you'd better put that bonus request on hold. These women from Amazon Lily… aren't exactly easy to deal with."
She stepped out in front, shoulders squared.
"If they weren't still under the protection of the Warlord system, you might've gotten away with punching them all back to the Calm Belt."
"But now… they're off-limits."
"Until we know for sure whether Whitebeard and Red-Hair's meeting will trigger a new era of chaos, the Shichibukai remain essential to our balance of power."
"With one corner of that triangle already broken, the Five Elders won't tolerate losing a second."
She glanced back at Luo Yu with sharp eyes.
"When they get here… do not speak. Do not move. No matter what happens—leave everything to me."
With slow, measured steps, Tsuru strode past Luo Yu, positioning herself directly at the front.
"I was the one who passed down the mission to Gion when she first took on the Kuja Pirates."
"I was also the one who officially granted Hancock her title as one of the Seven Warlords."
"So you could say I have a bit of history—and maybe a little goodwill—with the Kuja."
"Perhaps… if I'm the one to speak, they'll be willing to back down."
Her aged voice was tinged with nostalgia.
To the many new recruits watching, it was awe-inspiring.
Among the Navy's legendary generation—Sengoku, Garp, Zephyr, and Tsuru—she was a pillar of the old era.
Just hearing her recount these past deeds was like listening to a living relic of history… something they could boast about over drinks for years.
"I've had dealings with them too, Tsuru," Gion added earnestly. "If things get out of hand, count me in."
At this point, she had given up on trying to change the mission assignment.
All she wanted now was to ensure it didn't go sideways.
Tsuru gave a soft chuckle.
"Relax, Gion. I might be old, and my mind not as sharp, but this wrinkled face of mine still has a bit of use."
She paused, turning to look at the group of women approaching.
"Besides… there's an old acquaintance among them. If she's willing to do me a favor, we might be able to settle this quietly."
As the Kuja warriors approached, Tsuru called out—
"Gloriosa! Fancy seeing you again."
"You used to follow Silvers Rayleigh, didn't you? I still remember those days clearly."
"We're still technically enemies—a Navy officer and a pirate. But after all these decades… we've known each other long enough, haven't we?"
"What happened yesterday… can't you let it slide for old times' sake?"
"Silvers Rayleigh? The Dark King—Roger's right-hand man?"Gion's eyes widened.
She'd only been a trainee back during Roger's era…But Rayleigh's name echoed like thunder through Marineford.
She would never have guessed that this old, bark-skinned woman had ties to the Dark King.
The revelation alone caused gasps of disbelief throughout the plaza.
"Heh… Tsuru, you old strategist."Gloriosa stepped forward with her cane and a sly grin.
"Trying to pull the friendship card? There's a much easier solution."
"Just release me. Let me retake my position as a Warlord. Then you won't have to worry about these girls getting uppity."
"I promise I'll cooperate fully with the Navy this time."
It was Crocodile, suddenly speaking up with a smug grin.
He'd always believed escaping the Navy would be easy—if he truly tried.
But after spending time with Luo Yu, that confidence had slowly eroded.
If this was a way out? He didn't mind trading pride for survival.
"Crocodile, shut your mouth," Gloriosa barked.Her cane slammed into the ground, echoing across the plaza.
"You lost. You're a defeated man trying to sneak through loopholes."
"I was wrong to even consider you capable of replacing a Warlord."
"Besides, we Kuja aren't like you. We honor our contracts."
She turned to Tsuru again, her expression calm but firm.
"Tsuru… it's been decades, and it's good to see you again."
"But this time, your face isn't enough."
"Never forget—we Kuja remember kindness, and we never forget a grudge."
"We broke protocol today not just because I willed it… but because every warrior here demanded it."
She stepped forward until she stood before the entire crowd.Her cane tightened slightly in her hand.
"In our time, a drop of kindness must be repaid with a spring."
"A life-saving grace… must be repaid with one's entire self."
"Admiral Luo Yu," her voice rang out, "for blasting that Celestial Dragon scum into the sky, you've done more than rescue us—you've given us a future."
"For that… we are prepared to repay you fully."
"I, and all the warriors of Kuja, offer ourselves to you."
"Admiral Luo Yu, choose whomever you wish."
"That's right! Admiral Luo Yu, please choose as you like!"The entire Kuja contingent echoed in unison.
The thunderous cry shook the plaza, echoing across Marineford.
Over a hundred fierce, battle-hardened women stood united, their expressions earnest and full of resolve.
Everyone froze.
What… just happened?
This… this wasn't how things were supposed to go!
They thought the Kuja had come for revenge…
Instead—it was a public confession scene!?
What were all the single officers in the crowd supposed to do with this!?
Standing at the front, Tsuru—who had been preparing a full emotional appeal—completely lost control of her expression.
She and Gion exchanged a long, horrified glance.
Without a word, the two senior officers turned in unison and quietly retreated into the crowd.
"Admiral Luo Yu," Tsuru muttered, her voice dry, "we're out. Not even our faces can save you here."
"These Kuja warriors… they're all solid women. Just… just pick one, alright?"
At that moment, all eyes turned to a single figure—
Luo Yu, calmly sipping wine and chewing on a roujiamo in the middle of the chaos.
He nearly spat out his drink.
What the hell was this!?
Some kind of imperial concubine selection ceremony!?
And never mind the muscle-packed warriors whose biceps looked like steel beams…
Sure, a few of them weren't bad.Some younger ones—even the sisters of Hancock, Sandersonia and Marigold—looked passable at best…
But that Gloriosa?
Did she really still think she was some kind of loli!?
You're not soup, lady.No one needs old ginger to "warm the bones" these days!
Luo Yu didn't have that kind of fetish!
And just when he was about to respond—
A sharp voice echoed out:
"What's going on here? Are you all revolting or what?!"