BOOM!
A thunderous crash echoed through the entire fortress.
Waves surged and crashed down like torrential rain, jolting everyone who had barely managed to stay on their feet in the storm.
Staring at the Justice Gate, now blasted open by a human body, everyone was utterly dumbfounded.
They had seen all kinds of ways to open a gate…
But this? This was a first.
And Luo Yu — still standing exactly where he had been, not even lifting a finger.
Any doubts the veteran Marines who followed Gion and Chaton had about the new admiral's strength vanished instantly.
A man who hadn't even truly moved during the entire fight…
Could he possibly be weak?
Especially when they looked at Chaton — the admiral candidate — who had been sent flying by a single punch, smashing a hole in the fortress wall and now embedded in the rubble, motionless.
Everyone instinctively turned to Luo Yu.
They were desperate to know what would happen next.
But the moment they looked at him, the overwhelming pressure that had filled the air suddenly dissipated like a hurricane vanishing into thin air.
Luo Yu pulled out the meat bun he'd prepared for breakfast, casually tossed one to Garp, and took a swig of liquor with a grin.
"Old man Garp, you weren't joking earlier, right? I'm holding you to that — don't forget to apply for my performance bonus. I'm barely making ends meet these days."
"Oh, and I just thought of a big project. We could tie it in with Zephyr's Marine Academy. I've even got the name ready."
"We'll call it the Admiral Training Program. Led by an admiral personally, sparring sessions included. Certified in 100 days. Guaranteed to reach King rank — no wait, I mean produce Kings."
"It's a big project, but the fees are low. Just one participant and I get a raise. If they show results, I get a bonus. If everyone passes the assessment, I get a project commission."
"Old man Garp, what do you think? Will Sengoku invest?"
Garp's brain short-circuited. Suddenly, the meat bun in his hand felt scalding hot.
What kind of ridiculous project was this?
Why did it feel like he was talking to a pyramid scheme boss?
At a time like this — when even an admiral candidate like Chaton had been blasted who-knows-how-far and might not even be alive…
Who would dare ask Luo Yu to be their sparring partner?
"Oh right — anyone interested in joining?" Luo Yu asked, taking a bite of his bun and scanning the crowd.
This whole "project pitch" was Luo Yu's way of salvaging the situation.
Being forced to work overtime had triggered his overtime mode, maxing out his rage meter.
If Luo Yu's normal power during working hours was 100%…
Then being forced into overtime had pushed him into the realm of the Resentful Working Man.
His power had doubled to 200%.
According to his system, the longer the overtime, the stronger he'd become.
The only limit was the amount of salary and performance points he'd accumulated.
The system said one minute of overtime cost one million Berries.
Luo Yu quickly realized he was broke — a whole month of clocking in wasn't enough to sustain five minutes of overtime.
And for a man, no matter the reason, being "short on time" was always a sin.
Thankfully, this was his first time entering the Resentful Working Man state — so the overtime was free.
Otherwise, with his empty pockets, he'd have been drained dry by the system the moment he drew his sword.
Still, the idea that forced overtime could boost his power so dramatically?
Luo Yu wasn't about to let that go to waste.
Hence, the "big project" he just proposed.
But as his gaze swept the crowd, everyone froze in place, quickly averting their eyes.
Even Chaton, who had used the power of an Ancient Zoan Golden Kong Ape, had been turned into a human battering ram and embedded in the fortress wall — his life or death still unknown.
Who would dare risk their own neck?
Besides, they had only been eager to see how Luo Yu would deal with Chaton's challenge.
No one expected him to immediately start pitching a business plan.
"Garp-san, I didn't expect you to arrive first — I thought Admiral Kizaru would be faster," Gion said, stepping forward to break the silence.
"But Vice Admiral Chaton was too reckless this time. If he hadn't insisted on challenging Admiral Luo Yu, none of this embarrassment would've happened."
"Haha, Gion, don't take it to heart," Garp laughed, seizing the chance to change the subject. "This kid didn't climb the ranks step by step. It's normal for people to doubt him."
"As for Chaton, well, he's been holding in his frustration because of you. Now that they've fought, it should be fine."
"Don't forget — Ancient Zoan Devil Fruits are known for their toughness. His Golden Kong Ape form has insane defense. That punch won't do much damage."
"Besides, he's an admiral candidate. If he can't even take one hit, how could he show his face again?"
Garp's hearty laughter echoed across the plaza.
Tashigi and the others finally relaxed, breathing sighs of relief.
They really didn't want Luo Yu to get punished for this.
Inside the Justice Gate, embedded in the fortress wall, Chaton's facial muscles twitched.
Pain shot through his entire body — even moving a finger hurt.
That punch had broken three of his ribs.
If not for the Ancient Zoan's insane recovery and the Golden Kong Ape's natural defense, he was sure he'd be seriously injured.
And Garp had the nerve to say it was "nothing"?
Thinking back on how he'd been sent flying twice, and how Luo Yu hadn't even moved his hands…
That kind of power and technique — wasn't it already on par with the other three admirals?
And this strange way of fighting only made Luo Yu seem even more unfathomable.
BANG!
Gritting his teeth, Chaton leapt down to the platform behind the gate, his Devil Fruit transformation fading.
Aside from looking a bit dusty and disheveled, he wasn't in terrible shape.
After catching his breath, he bounded back across the plaza and stood before Garp, saluting Luo Yu.
"Admiral Luo Yu, I, Chaton, admit defeat. I was reckless earlier. I hope you won't hold it against me."
"If blame must be assigned, I'll take full responsibility."
"Garp-san, please put in a good word for me. I don't want Admiral Luo Yu to bear a grudge."
"Haha! Chaton, you're underestimating this kid's heart," Garp laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "Aside from his obsession with clocking in and out, he doesn't hold grudges."
"But since you're being sincere, that saves me some effort. I already promised him I'd apply to Sengoku for some overtime pay."
"And that big project of his — go see if Sengoku's willing to invest. If he does, this kid might even treat you to another meat bun."