The rolling shockwaves of the explosion echoed across the sky and sea.
Dust billowed upward, blotting out the sun like a sandstorm.
Sabo lay amid the rubble, staring at Luoyu still seated within the towering Susanoo armor, a deep sense of helplessness welling in his chest.
He had thought that his mastery of advanced martial techniques—if not enough to defeat Luoyu—would at least leave a mark.
But even with the combined assault of the four army commanders, they hadn't so much as cracked his shell.
If Dragon hadn't intervened in time, the Revolutionary Army's elite might have been wiped out in an instant.
Only now did they truly understand how Kaido had been defeated.
"Sabo, that's enough," Dragon said, sweeping his gaze across the battered group. "Admiral Luoyu, I hope you won't take this farce to heart."
"Sabo regained his memories three days ago after watching the broadcast of the Paramount War. He's been shouting ever since about avenging Luffy and Ace."
"Honestly, the fact that he's still breathing is already a miracle."
"Dragon, I do have some pride left, you know," Sabo muttered, his cheek twitching.
He looked at Luoyu, still calmly sipping from his gourd inside the Susanoo, and sighed.
Comparison really is the thief of joy. They looked like peers in age, but the gap in strength was a chasm.
Still, remembering the true purpose of this secret meeting, Sabo forced himself to climb out of the rubble and said solemnly:
"Admiral Luoyu, we were out of line. I just needed to test your strength. What we're about to tell you concerns your life."
"One misstep—and it could be a death sentence."
"A death sentence?"
Ain and Dalmatian, who had just arrived, were stunned by what they saw.
But what shocked them even more was the identity of the people Luoyu had come to meet in Dressrosa—
The Revolutionary Army.
Dragon. Sabo. The four army commanders.
Dalmatian recognized them instantly.
He couldn't help but run through a dozen scenarios in his mind.
But he quickly dismissed them.
If Luoyu were truly colluding with the Revolutionaries, they wouldn't have started with a brawl.
And they certainly wouldn't have let him and Ain witness the meeting so openly.
What concerned Dalmatian most was Sabo's final words:
Why would Luoyu be walking into a death trap?
Luoyu dispersed the Susanoo, glancing at Dragon, who finally exhaled in relief.
The strength Dragon had shown earlier was indeed worthy of a Revolutionary leader.
On par with the Four Emperors—perhaps even hiding more.
Still, considering the elaborate setup by Garp and Dragon, Luoyu was curious what this was really about.
"Does this have to do with the Five Elders?" he asked, sipping his earthy liquor.
Everyone's expression changed.
Especially Dalmatian and Ain.
To them, the Five Elders—however frustrating—were still on the same side as Marine HQ.
How could the Four Emperors' alliance be tied to them?
Even Sabo and the commanders looked shaken.
Dragon, too, was caught off guard.
After all, who would believe the Five Elders would target a Marine Admiral?
That kind of thinking was a blind spot for most.
Seeing their reactions, Luoyu chuckled.
"Dragon, looks like this trap isn't as simple as it seems."
"So tell me—did you gather all your top brass here to propose a partnership?"
A partnership?
Dalmatian and Ain were stunned.
The Revolutionary Army was the World Government's greatest threat.
If word got out that a Marine Admiral was working with them…
Even a baseless accusation would be enough to ruin him.
Dalmatian opened his mouth, wanting to object—but Dragon spoke first, a flicker of surprise in his eyes before he smiled.
"Heh… They say you're reckless, Luoyu."
"But I've never believed that. You've pulled off one earth-shaking feat after another and walked away unscathed. If that's not intelligence, then this sea is full of fools."
Then his tone shifted, becoming serious:
"Yes. I came here to propose a partnership."
"The Revolutionary Army's goal is simple: liberate the nations under the Four Emperors' rule, and gather weapons."
"And… to help you survive."
"Because if I told you the Five Elders want you dead—if they're the ones behind this entire scheme—would you believe me?"
The Five Elders are behind it?
Dalmatian and Ain felt like they'd been struck by lightning.
To them, the Four Emperors Alliance was a pirate power play.
Now the Revolutionaries were saying the Five Elders were the true masterminds?
"Admiral Luoyu, do you believe it?" Dragon asked again.
"Why not work with us?"
"Admiral Luoyu, maybe we should report this to Fleet Admiral Sengoku first…" Dalmatian said urgently.
He had thought himself a seasoned Vice Admiral, ready for anything.
But this mission had been one shock after another.
Now his head was spinning.
All eyes turned to Luoyu.
They wanted to know how this unpredictable admiral would respond.
Luoyu took another sip from his gourd and said calmly:
"You say the Five Elders want me dead?"
"I don't doubt it."
"But I'm not interested in working with you."
"Not interested?" Sabo's face froze. "Luoyu, I know you're strong—but you're up against two Emperors and the Five Elders. Turning us down now is reckless!"