PIRATES: I WORK IN NAVY FROM NINE TO FIVE

Here is the translated passage with full narrative fidelity, canon-consistent names, and smooth professional prose:

A deep voice echoed across Justice Plaza.

Faced with this abrupt objection from Saint Topman Valkyrie, the atmosphere instantly grew tense.

Everyone had just witnessed the overwhelming tide of public opinion.

Yet that alone couldn't invalidate the voices of others—especially not that of someone like Tokikake, the long-standing second-stringer.

At this moment, Saint Topman's words abruptly thrust him into the center of attention.

"Tokikake," Topman said solemnly, "as long as even one person disagrees, I—Topman Valkyrie, chief among the Five Elders—will ensure your voice is heard. No exceptions."

"Speak your mind. Say everything you want to say."

Tokikake froze.

He hadn't expected to become the focal point just by standing there.

Recalling his past moments of reckless defiance, his cheeks twitched slightly before he hastily responded:

"Cough, Saint Topman, I think there's a misunderstanding. I wasn't objecting to Admiral Luoyu."

"I've just tried borrowing money from everyone and couldn't get a single coin. If you don't mind, I'd like to donate 5,000 Berries…"

Crack!

The cane in Topman Valkyrie's hand was crushed into splinters.

Shards scattered, fragments flew—and the ground beneath them shattered from the force of the shockwave.

This violent outburst contorted the elder's face in fury.

He had believed he'd found a breakthrough.

Yet Tokikake's words landed like an invisible slap to the face.

He couldn't borrow a single coin? Was offering a donation of 5,000 Berries?

This was the very man Valkyrie had demanded justice for?

And most humiliating of all, it happened in front of an audience of a hundred thousand.

It had been a long time since Saint Topman had tasted this kind of disgrace.

As the chief of the Five Elders, his words were law.

To have someone defy him like this—it was a slap to his authority, to his identity.

Looking at the enraged Valkyrie, Sengoku spoke gravely.

"Topman, this… is public will. Even I didn't expect Luoyu to receive such overwhelming support."

"So about the next Fleet Admiral…"

"Hmph. Sengoku, don't get too happy just yet. Don't forget—he still has a mess he hasn't cleaned up."

Saint Topman scoffed and swept his gaze across the square.

"His popularity exceeds my expectations, I'll admit. But if I were to appoint Sakazuki as Fleet Admiral, I doubt anyone would object."

"Don't forget—over the past decade, Sakazuki has built up a long list of achievements as Admiral."

"If even he isn't qualified, who else would still be willing to serve the Navy?"

"And while Luoyu has certainly done many great things, don't forget—every single time, you had to clean up after him."

"A man who lacks a grasp of the bigger picture… I don't believe he deserves to be Fleet Admiral."

With that, Topman turned to Sengoku again.

"He did indeed defeat Kaido of the Beasts, but he also caused the mass prison break at Impel Down. If he cannot recapture all those escapees within three months to make up for it—then we, the Five Elders, will absolutely not acknowledge him as Fleet Admiral."

As his words fell, everyone's expression darkened.

Even Sengoku wasn't immune.

Because the events in question were known to all of them.

The Impel Down prison riot had been an internal sabotage, caused by someone secretly releasing Shiryu of the Rain.

It had nothing to do with Luoyu.

Yet now, Topman was using it as an excuse to block Luoyu's promotion.

This was something no one present could accept.

Still, with his status as chief of the Five Elders, no one dared oppose him outright.

Everyone could only turn with grim faces toward Luoyu—hoping he might provide a breakthrough.

But the moment their eyes turned toward him, the entire plaza froze.

Even Sengoku and Topman Valkyrie were stunned.

That sense of urgency and tension instantly evaporated.

Because Luoyu—who had been standing there moments ago, sipping his wine—was gone.

Only Ain remained, bowing with an apologetic smile.

"Um… apologies, everyone. It's 9:30. Morning tea time… Admiral Luoyu just left."

Left?

Saint Topman stood there, stunned.

Then his face twisted as he roared in fury.

"That damn brat! Leaving without a word—was I talking to the wind?! Does he think the Five Elders don't exist?!"

"I'll never allow someone like that to become Fleet Admiral!"

His hysterical shout echoed across Justice Plaza, lingering in the air.

Moments ago, Luoyu had been the center of national attention—the top candidate in the Fleet Admiral race.

And now? He vanished without a trace.

Gone. For morning tea. At 9:30.

It was so… undeniably Luoyu.

And truthfully, without this bizarre and unpredictable behavior…

He might never have developed the charisma to surpass the original Three Admirals.

"Heh… Luoyu, my boy. It's only been half a year since we met, and you've already gone from Admiral to Fleet Admiral nominee."

"But walking out like that… and even antagonizing the Five Elders… are you sure that's wise?"

At Marineford, in a high-rise near the living quarters, Luoyu stood drinking wine.

Beside him stood none other than Silvers Rayleigh—the Dark King.

Despite being the right-hand man of the Pirate King himself, Rayleigh's sudden appearance in Marine HQ didn't surprise Luoyu.

What did surprise him was the timing.

Rayleigh wasn't at Ace's side. He was here.

"Rayleigh, old man—this is tea time. So say what you came to say, and be quick about it."

"You're supposed to be babysitting, aren't you? And you came looking for me now of all times? That's not exactly appropriate."

Rayleigh had only come to Marineford in the first place because of Luoyu—repaying a debt of free intelligence.

With that debt cleared, he should've been with Ace and Luffy.

His visit now was definitely unexpected.

"Heh, Luoyu, always so direct. I didn't plan to come, but then Shakky contacted me just now."

"She said Kaido isn't dead. He's been spotted in Totto Land."

"If I'm not mistaken… the remnants of the Rocks Pirates may be preparing to join forces."

"That's two Emperors. According to Shakky, their alliance is every bit as dangerous as the return of the Rocks Pirates."

"No—this may be the return of the Rocks Pirates."

"And Shakky fears… their first target might be you."