RUMBLE!
A massive shockwave swept through the plaza like a passing hurricane.
One-third of the enormous Marine Headquarters building collapsed on the spot.
But no one had time to think.
Their eyes immediately followed the direction in which Akainu had been sent flying.
The devastating Ryuo-infused strike, carrying unstoppable momentum, crashed directly into a warship docked at the harbor for repairs.
BOOM!A deafening explosion erupted.
The warship, dozens of meters long, was utterly incapable of withstanding the blow. It shattered like glass.
Fragments flew through the air, and seawater surged up like a torrential storm.
The waves slammed against the coastline with tremendous force.
Marines who had gathered at the harbor to watch were left completely dumbfounded.
He got blown away!
Admiral Akainu—Sakazuki—one of the strongest figures in the Navy...
Had been sent flying after a single exchange!
Were their eyes playing tricks on them?
Otherwise, who could possibly believe such a thing had happened to Admiral Sakazuki?
Cough... "Sorry about that, I couldn't hold back just now. This level of damage isn't going to be docked from my paycheck, right? My meager salary definitely can't cover it,"
Luoyu coughed awkwardly, dissipating the Haki coiled around his body.
Using a basic Insight Talisman, he had unexpectedly advanced from entry-level to advanced Armament Haki—reaching the stage of Ryuo.
This was well beyond his expectations.
But it was only possible thanks to the combined cultivation of the Navy's Six Styles and his own Flowing Rock Smash Fist technique, which allowed his Armament Haki to develop naturally.
That last punch… had unleashed power far beyond anything Luoyu had estimated.
Still, looking at the collapsed headquarters building, Luoyu couldn't help but worry. If he hadn't even become an Admiral yet, how could his current salary possibly cover the repairs?
Everyone who had fallen into a stunned daze suddenly snapped out of it.
The muscles on their cheeks twitched involuntarily.
Of all times to worry about your salary...
So the rumors were true—Luoyu really was obsessed with money!
"Brat, are you looking to die!?"
BOOM!
Blazing magma shot up from the shattered remains of the ship at the harbor's edge.
Like a volcanic eruption, it boiled the surrounding sea.
Akainu stepped out slowly from the wreckage, standing atop the ruined warship. His face was ashen with fury.
A faint trace of blood lingered at the corner of his mouth.
That single blow had caught him off guard—and he had taken it head-on.
Even he couldn't completely shrug off the damage.
To make such a huge mistake in front of everyone...
His pride had taken a serious hit.
"That's enough, Akainu," Zephyr stepped to the center of the plaza, his voice steady. "These were your rules, and you saw for yourself—Luoyu has already mastered both Observation and Armament Haki. He's passed your test. There's no need to keep fighting."
"Besides, you've already broken the rules you set. Continuing this fight will only bring more destruction to Marine Headquarters. As an Admiral, you should understand that."
Garp and Sengoku also stepped forward slowly.
Looking at the wrecked outer wall of the base, they all knew continuing the battle would only burn through their budget.
All eyes turned to Akainu.
Yes, they were eager to watch a clash between a rising star and an established Admiral—
—but they also understood the importance of restraint.
Akainu's expression darkened. The magma swirling around him slowly cooled, and the intense heat blanketing the plaza began to fade.
"The rules were mine," he said grimly. "Whether he was hiding his strength or not, this match is his win. I have no objection if Zephyr-sensei and Fleet Admiral Sengoku nominate him as the fourth Admiral."
"But let me be clear—the seas are vast, and they are filled with powerful individuals."
"You've only just mastered dual Haki. Above that... is the rarest of all—the third form, possessed by one in a million: Conqueror's Haki."
"If you want to truly earn my respect, then awaken that power as well. Only then will you be truly qualified to hold your position."
His voice was low, still carrying a cold edge.
Regardless of whether Luoyu had just learned dual Haki or had been concealing it all along, it no longer mattered.
Seeing Akainu stand down, Zephyr let out a quiet breath and added, "Sakazuki, don't make things too hard for Luoyu. Conqueror's Haki is extremely rare—even on the Grand Line, only a handful of people are lucky enough to awaken it."
"For Luoyu to master the Six Styles' ultimate techniques, both Observation and Armament Haki, and even push his Armament to the advanced level of Ryuo—that already surpasses many others."
"Most importantly, he's only in his early twenties. He still has endless potential ahead."
"Zephyr is right," Sengoku nodded in agreement. "Right now, your only task is to sharpen and temper your strength. One day, your achievements may even surpass mine or Garp's."
"Of course," he added with a faint smile, "if you're willing, I can submit a request to the World Government for a rare Devil Fruit to further strengthen your abilities."
A Devil Fruit?
The plaza immediately erupted in excitement.
Very few ever received such a personal offer from Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
And Luoyu had just demonstrated pure physical combat and high-level Haki—enough to send Akainu flying.
If he were to receive a rare Devil Fruit like the current Admirals, his strength would likely soar to unimaginable heights.
Zephyr opened his mouth as if to object… but ultimately said nothing.
He had always believed in perfecting physical techniques to the utmost.
He had long disapproved of those like Kizaru and Akainu who abandoned physical training in favor of Devil Fruit abilities.
Luoyu's appearance—and his mastery of martial arts and Haki at such a young age—was living proof of Zephyr's ideals.
It was why Zephyr had fought to nominate him as Admiral, no matter the cost.
But faced with Sengoku's proposal, Zephyr knew he couldn't impose his own beliefs.
In the end, he chose to respect Luoyu's decision.
For a moment, everyone held their breath, eagerly awaiting Luoyu's response to this golden opportunity—
—even Akainu couldn't help but watch with interest.
But just as anticipation peaked, an unexpected voice calmly drifted across the plaza:
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku… will the Devil Fruit come with a pay deduction?"
The voice wasn't loud.
Yet at that moment, it echoed like a cursed chant through the entire plaza, lingering endlessly in everyone's ears.
Looking at Luoyu's utterly serious face—
Everyone's facial muscles twitched once again.