The massive deck fell into dead silence.
Everyone turned to the crew member who had just spoken.
As members of the Beautiful Pirates, they knew how much their captain valued his honor.
To say something like that now?
Very unwise.
But before anyone could speak, Cavendish stepped forward, hand resting on Durandal.
His expression was grave.
"Marine Admiral Luoyu the Glutton?"
Marine Admiral?
The deck erupted in gasps.
Faces went pale.
They remembered the headlines.
The Straw Hat Pirates—who had done the impossible and breached Enies Lobby—
Were nearly wiped out by a single Marine.
If not for the Flying Six's interference, they might've been erased entirely.
And now, that same Marine stood before them.
Weapons were gripped tighter.
No one expected to win.
But they weren't going down without a fight.
"You're Cavendish, captain of the Beautiful Pirates? Bounty: 230 million?" Luoyu took a sip of liquor, glancing at the ruined G93 base.
"When you address me, please include 'newly appointed.' It helps me feel less pressure when I work."
"I'm just here to ask a question."
"Newly appointed?" Cavendish blinked.
Why emphasize that?
Wasn't "new" a mark of inexperience?
Still, he composed himself.
"Then what brings you here, Admiral? Are you here to arrest me?"
"If so, I'll strike first. I won't be taken without a fight."
The crew held their breath.
Even breathing felt dangerous.
"Arrest you?" Luoyu sipped again.
"Did you breach Enies Lobby? Steal the Heavenly Tribute? Attack a Celestial Dragon? Destroy a Marine base?"
"If not, you're not even worth a million. I can't justify the paperwork."
Not even worth a million?
Cavendish's face froze.
He was a Supernova.
Two hundred thirty million.
And yet…
"Don't waste my time. I'm off the clock soon." Luoyu adjusted his glasses.
"You said Edward Weevil destroyed G93? Where is he now?"
"Tell me, and I won't bother you. You're not worth it."
Cavendish's cheek twitched.
How many times could one man trample his pride?
Still, seeing his crew's relieved faces, he deflated.
"He's on Urs Island, near G93. Marines are chasing him. You might still catch him."
"Urs Island, huh?" Luoyu squinted toward the horizon, spotted a faint silhouette, then turned away.
"Thanks."
The pirates were stunned.
Wasn't this supposed to end in blood?
Why was this Admiral so… reasonable?
Was it because they weren't worth it?
But just as that thought formed—
Cavendish moved.
"Admiral! Not all Supernovas are weak!"
"I refuse to believe I can't take a single slap!"
"Beautiful Sword: Round Table!"
He vanished, reappearing above Luoyu.
Durandal spun in a 360-degree arc, slashing downward.
The crew gasped.
Was he insane?
But Luoyu didn't even turn.
They held their breath.
Maybe—just maybe—Cavendish would prove himself.
Then it happened.
A golden light flared around Luoyu.
Hyakushiki Kannon.
A massive, seven-meter hand materialized.
It descended like a divine judgment.
Cavendish barely had time to raise Durandal.
BOOM!
The impact was thunderous.
Durandal flew from his hands.
Blood sprayed from his mouth.
He shot backward like a cannonball, smashing through the ship's cabin.
The shockwave swept across the deck like a hurricane.
The crew froze.
Their captain—
Slapped across the sea.
Too big.
Too fast.
Too humiliating.
Cavendish lay in the wreckage, struggling to rise.
Luoyu sighed.
"Another unpaid job."
If not for Edward Weevil waiting ahead…
He might've charged Cavendish for emotional damages.