The vast strategy chamber was wound tight with tension.
Everyone was desperate to know—had Saint Topman Warcury, the head of the Five Elders, truly arrived in person?
A brief silence hung in the air, lasting only a few heartbeats.
Then, a powerful spatial ripple suddenly surged through the room.
In full view of all present, a vortex formed.
And from it stepped a figure in a dark suit, leaning on a cane—Saint Topman Warcury, appearing like a phantom in the middle of the chamber.
His withered face was marked by a savage scar slashing across his left eye, adding a chilling edge to his already cold demeanor.
Feeling the weight of every gaze, Warcury scanned the room with icy detachment before speaking:
"You've already heard what Vice Admiral Tsuru said. No need for introductions."
"Three days ago, after the Summit War ended, Sengoku came to Mary Geoise and formally submitted his resignation as Fleet Admiral."
"Originally, we intended to deliberate before making a decision."
"But Sengoku was insistent—and even recommended a successor."
"So I've come in person to announce the candidate for the next Fleet Admiral."
With that, Warcury flicked his wrist, and an aged photograph fluttered onto the massive table.
Everyone's nerves tensed. Even Akainu and Kizaru leaned in to look.
But the moment they saw the image, their expressions froze in disbelief.
"Aokiji?"
Akainu's eyes widened. His fists clenched tightly.
He had long coveted the Fleet Admiral's seat.
He and Aokiji had clashed many times behind the scenes.
But even so—seeing this outcome with his own eyes was hard to accept.
BOOM!
Without warning, searing heat erupted from Akainu's body.
Scalding steam surged through the chamber.
Everyone was jolted by the sudden outburst.
They had known Akainu had his eyes on the top job—but no one expected him to lash out so suddenly.
"Akainu, are you insane? This is the strategy chamber! You can't just attack here!" Tsuru shouted, her face darkening.
But before her words even faded, molten magma exploded like a volcano.
In the next instant, it surged straight toward Aokiji.
Aokiji's face darkened, but his movements were swift and sure. With a flick of his hand, a blast of freezing wind surged forth.
BOOM!
Their fists collided, unleashing a violent shockwave that rocked the entire chamber.
Watching the two Admirals tear into each other without hesitation, Sengoku's face turned grim.
"Warcury! Are you just going to stand there? Stop them!"
"Hmph. Relax. I expected this." Warcury snorted, slamming his cane to the floor.
A massive spatial ripple spread out like a wave.
In the blink of an eye, the clashing shockwaves—and the two Admirals—were teleported to the ruined Plaza of Justice.
BOOM!
Scorching heat and biting cold erupted across a kilometer-wide radius.
The sudden clash shook all of Marineford.
Marines across the base froze in shock as they looked toward the battlefield.
Two of the Navy's strongest warriors—locked in open combat.
Sengoku's face twisted in alarm.
"Warcury! What are you doing? Are you trying to tear the Navy apart?"
"Heh. Calm down, Sengoku. I simply thought of a way to help you decide who should be Fleet Admiral." Warcury chuckled, tapping his cane again.
Everyone's vision blurred.
When they came to, they were standing in the ruined Plaza of Justice.
The Marines working on repairs froze in place at the sudden appearance of so many high-ranking officers.
"Yo, Admiral Luoyu. So this is where you've been hiding, drinking on the job." Kizaru said lazily, filing his nails before spotting Luoyu nearby, sipping from a gourd.
Behind him stood a stunned Ain.
Luoyu glanced at his pocket watch, took a casual sip of his earthy liquor, and looked toward the battlefield.
"Kizaru-nii, it's not even nine yet. I'm technically working overtime."
"But this looks fun. Aren't you going to join them? You're one of the Admirals too—don't be a wallflower."
"Me? Join?" Kizaru raised both hands and gave a crooked grin.
"Yo yo yo, Admiral Luoyu, you flatter me."
"Everyone knows I'm not cut out to be Fleet Admiral. I hate trouble."
"If it's about fighting for the job, I'd rather have another cup of tea."
"But you, Admiral Luoyu—you're the newest Admiral. Don't tell me you're not interested?"
"I hear the Fleet Admiral's salary is double ours."
"Isn't that your dream? A raise?"
The oppressive tension over the plaza shattered.
Until now, everyone had been confused by Akainu and Aokiji's sudden clash.
But Kizaru's words made everything clear.
They were fighting for the title of Fleet Admiral.
And now, all eyes turned to Luoyu.
Just as Kizaru said—
Faced with the most money-minded Admiral in the Navy…
Everyone wanted to know: would Luoyu throw his hat into the ring?
Would he leap into the fray for the highest-paid job in the Navy?
"Warcury, you said as long as you didn't nominate Luoyu, you'd stop targeting him. But now you've dragged everyone here—are you trying to force him into the race? Are you trying to split the Navy?" Sengoku demanded, his face darkening.
"Heh. Sengoku, why so tense? I just want the race to be fair. Everyone should have a chance." Warcury chuckled, leaning on his cane.
"You—!"
Sengoku was speechless with rage.
But faced with Warcury's sudden maneuver, all he could do was turn to Luoyu with urgency.
And Luoyu?
He took another sip of his drink and muttered:
"Fleet Admiral? I wouldn't take that job even if you gave it to a dog."