PIRATES: I WORK IN NAVY FROM NINE TO FIVE

"Planting seeds?"

"A dragon child?"

The entire hall fell into stunned silence.

Even Yamamoto, who had just paused mid-step, was beginning to regret turning back.

King, standing silently nearby, couldn't help but avert his gaze.

None of them had expected this to be part of Kaido and Big Mom's past.

The mighty Emperor Kaido… had sold himself out—for a Devil Fruit?

Was this the legendary act of eating soft rice hard?

One look at Kaido's stiff, mortified expression, and no one could question the truth of her words.

As that old scandal resurfaced, Blackbeard and Doflamingo instinctively began shuffling backward, quietly slipping away from the awkward battlefield.

"Linlin…" Kaido's face was ashen as he turned to confront Big Mom.

But the moment he looked back, her massive frame was already right in front of him—she seized his hand, grinning wildly.

"Kaido! Since we've joined forces again, let's not waste time—a night of spring is worth a thousand gold! Come now, let's go make our baby!"

"LINLIN! I'LL KILL YOU!"

"ROAAAAAR!!!"

A deafening roar exploded through the great hall, shaking its foundations.

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters—

The ruins of Marineford were already being steadily rebuilt.

The oppressive atmosphere that once loomed as the Whitebeard Pirates attacked had long since dissipated.

The weight that had crushed the hearts of countless Marines was finally lifted.

Many of the lower-ranking soldiers were still passionately recounting the events from three days prior—especially when the name of the Fourth Admiral, Luo Yu, came up. Their eyes would light up with reverence.

But while chatter filled the rest of the base, the air in the strategy chamber had turned suffocating.

Everyone was staring at Sengoku in utter disbelief.

The revelation he had just delivered left them completely stunned.

"Sengoku-san… you can't be serious, right?" Vice Admiral Doberman shot to his feet.

"That war three days ago—if not for your planning and leadership, we would've never repelled the Whitebeard Pirates."

"We only minimized casualties because you commanded it so masterfully!"

"And now, you suddenly want to step down as Fleet Admiral? Is this the Gorosei's doing?"

"If they're trying to force you out—we will protest! Every one of us!"

"And more importantly—who is qualified to take your place?!"

His voice thundered through the chamber.

Everyone was still processing Sengoku's announcement.

Especially after that last question.

The name of the next Fleet Admiral—it made the entire room tense.

Sengoku hadn't even trained a successor. His resignation now risked unraveling the fragile balance they'd just restored.

Even Tsuru, standing quietly at the side, couldn't stay silent anymore.

"Sengoku… have you truly decided?"

As one of his oldest companions, she had already suspected this outcome the moment he returned from Mary Geoise three days ago.

But still, knowing Sengoku's usual steady approach, she couldn't believe he'd act so abruptly.

"Heh… Tsuru, you heard it too, didn't you?" Sengoku gave a dry laugh. "Whitebeard said it himself. The old era has ended. It's time for the next generation to rise."

"And besides… in that battle three days ago, I didn't contribute much."

Everyone paused at that.

Recalling the events of the war, it was true—some moments burned into memory more than others.

And all those unforgettable moments… seemed to center around one figure.

One man.

The Fourth Admiral—Luo Yu.

Sengoku's tone made it clear—his mind was made up.

Doberman fell silent.

He was a Vice Admiral.

And though he stood among veterans like Tsuru and Garp, this hit especially hard.

He had suspected this might be the Gorosei's doing, and had been furious at the thought.

But now that Sengoku had declared it willingly—he understood.

The decision was final.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku…" Doberman's voice was low now. "Then tell us… who have you chosen as your successor?"

The one who asked this time—was none other than Akainu.

Everyone's expressions shifted at once.

They all knew the three Admirals inside and out.

And they all remembered what Akainu had said after the battle—that if he became Fleet Admiral, he would enforce absolute justice without compromise.

No one had expected this opportunity to arrive so soon.

His direct question now made it clear—he was ready. And he wanted it.

He had, after all, contributed enormously to the battle.

The only Admiral who hadn't held back.

All eyes turned to Sengoku, burning with anticipation.

Who would take the helm of the Marine organization?

Under their piercing stares, Sengoku let out a dry chuckle and slowly stood.

"Akainu… it should be me answering your question."

"But I'll let someone else do the honors."

He turned, his voice ringing loud and clear.

"Issho—since you're already here, why don't you stop hiding and show yourself?"

"Issho?"

Garp and Tsuru's expressions darkened instantly.

Only a select few even knew the names of the Gorosei.

But they knew that one.

Issho—the leader of the Gorosei. The highest-ranking Celestial Dragon noble among them.

The room exploded in murmurs.

Even Akainu's eyes narrowed in surprise.

He hadn't expected the Five Elders to personally intervene in the selection of the next Fleet Admiral.

But as he recalled a secret message he'd received from CP0 not long ago, a flicker of understanding passed through his gaze before he masked it again.

Whatever happened—he knew one thing clearly:

He would not let this opportunity slip through his finger