As the commotion finally settled…
The news of a fourth Admiral being appointed by the Navy spread across the seas like a hurricane, sweeping through every corner of the world via all possible channels.
—
At the G-5 Base.
Vice Admiral Vergo received the official appointment file from Marine Headquarters the moment it arrived.
Upon seeing the contents, his expression shifted slightly. Without hesitation, he stepped into a sealed chamber and pulled out a concealed Den Den Mushi.
A calm yet amused voice echoed from the other side.
"Vergo, is something unusual happening? Using this particular Den Den Mushi at this time... that's rare."
The speaker was Donquixote Doflamingo.
Vergo was the secret piece he had placed within Marine Headquarters—someone who had climbed, step by step, to the rank of Vice Admiral.
Before Doflamingo had become a Warlord of the Sea, he had relied on Vergo to uncover several top-secret operations within the Navy.
"Young Master," Vergo spoke solemnly."I've just received word—Marine Headquarters has suddenly nominated a new Admiral, trained personally by Garp. His name is Gluttonous Luoyu, and he's being called the Fourth Admiral."
"Fourth Admiral? Gluttonous? What's the meaning of that?"Doflamingo's voice paused, and the Den Den Mushi in his hand tightened slightly.
Historically, the Navy having two Admirals was already impressive.
The current trio—Aokiji, Kizaru, and Akainu—were regarded as the strongest lineup in generations.
And now… a fourth Admiral?
That signaled the Navy's strength was about to reach unprecedented heights.
"Young Master, I'm not sure what the 'Gluttonous' title means either. It's said to refer to some ancient beast. But according to reports, this Luoyu is obsessed with money and strictly clocks in and out like a corporate worker. He's also mastered all three types of Haki, and defeated both Zephyr, the Navy's Chief Instructor, and Admiral Akainu himself, earning him the post."
Vergo recounted everything he had just learned.
"Obsessed with money? Clocking in and out?"Doflamingo was briefly stunned before chuckling darkly.
"It seems every Admiral the Navy picks is quite the character."
"Originally, I intended to find a powerful Devil Fruit for you—get you appointed as the next Admiral instead. But it seems someone's beaten us to it."
"If that Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit hadn't been eaten by someone from Kaido's side, our Donquixote Family might have already conquered the world—white, black, and grey."
"I've failed you, Young Master," Vergo said in a heavy tone.
Despite being a Vice Admiral, Vergo was considered one of the elites among his rank.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been entrusted with the command of the forward G-5 base in the New World.
"No need to blame yourself, Vergo," Doflamingo laughed dryly."The position of Admiral is not something easily held."
"To secure that seat, one needs not just merit but also strength—and even more than that, the ability to stay alive. That Luoyu may have the title, but many will be eyeing his head."
"If he's just a puffed-up rookie pushed forward by Headquarters, I doubt he'll live long."
"One way or another, things on this sea are about to get interesting."
—
In an unknown part of the New World.
A massive ship, shaped like a whale, was cutting through the waves.
Whitebeard looked at the photograph in his hand with a look of mild surprise.
"Fourth Admiral Luoyu, titled 'Gluttonous'?"
Marco raised his brow, equally astonished.
"He looks awfully young—about Ace's age. To be appointed Admiral at such a young age, breaking the Navy's ironclad three-Admiral tradition... he must have some real power."
"Gurararara... if he caught Sengoku's eye, he's definitely no ordinary brat," Whitebeard laughed."And don't forget—he was trained by Garp. That same Garp who Ace ran away from."
"Looks like the Navy is finally catching a lucky break—pulling together four Admirals at once. Are they planning to square off directly against the Four Emperors?"
"If so, they're underestimating us relics of the old age."
The captains nearby passed around the photo, each of them wearing looks of surprise.
"Father, does this kid really deserve to be called an Admiral?"Diamond Jozu spoke up."Ace made his name on the seas way before him. If there's a chance, maybe we should let Ace meet him—see who comes out on top. Would be great for our reputation."
"You're not wrong, Jozu," Whitebeard mused."Ace has been gone a while... I wonder how he's faring now."
—
Wano Country – Onigashima.
Four colossal figures sat in a circle, like mountains looming over the earth.
At the center sat Kaido, his face dark and breath reeking of alcohol.
He looked at the photo in his hand, raised a brow, and let out a mocking laugh.
"Hah! Is Marine HQ so desperate now that they'll throw a random brat into an Admiral's seat? Their strength must really be deteriorating."
"If he runs into me, he'll know despair."
"Big Bro Kaido, you said it!"Jack grunted in agreement, his voice rough like gravel."That kid's barely up to my thigh. I doubt he could take one of your punches. Can't wait to meet him at sea and show him what a real pirate is!"
As a so-called "Disaster of the Sea," Jack had blind faith in Kaido's command.
But beside them, King and Queen remained silent.
Unlike the half-drunken and muscle-brained Jack, they were clearly thinking deeper.
A Marine Admiral promoted out of nowhere probably wasn't some weakling.
Of course, they still assumed he had just a bit of power—nothing more.
The man in the photo looked far too young.
—
Meanwhile, in the Calm Belt – on a deserted island.
As one of the newly established Four Emperors, Red-Haired Shanks also received the news the moment it hit the world stage.
Looking at the photo and file in his hand, Benn Beckman, puffing on a cigar, spoke first.
"Fourth Admiral Luoyu, the 'Gluttonous One'... I didn't expect Garp to be hiding a piece like this all along."
"He seems about the same age as Ace. To be appointed an Admiral so young… he must be something."
"Shanks, did we bet on the right person?"
Shanks was silent for a moment, eyes fixed on the photo, before he finally spoke:
"Don't worry. Luffy's already taken the first bite out of the Warlords. The time for our plan isn't far off now."
"But—have we found Whitebeard yet?""I don't want anything to happen to him. Luffy still needs time to grow... and we all know what that fruit truly means."
"Captain, don't worry,"Lucky Roo said while chomping on roasted meat."We just got word from Whitebeard's side. But are you sure it's okay to send a rookie with the message? You know how Whitebeard treats strangers."
As another Yonko crew, they had crossed paths with Whitebeard more than once—and knew his temperament well.
Facing all eyes on him, Shanks simply reached for the sword at his waist and stood up with a calm yet decisive air.
"Then let's go meet him ourselves."