[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 351- 355

Chapter 351: Office Play

What the woman didn’t expect was that her arrogant and domineering attitude didn’t anger Darius at all. Instead, after a brief pause, he chuckled softly.

Without offering any explanation, Darius gently pulled the reins in his hand, guiding the majestic rooster beneath him to step aside. He looked at the woman with a playful expression, as if waiting for something interesting to unfold.

The woman, still brimming with indignation, was just about to unleash a torrent of scolding when the rooster beside her suddenly raised its head and crowed loudly. The next moment, it buried its head under its belly and began trembling uncontrollably.

Before the woman could make sense of the strange behavior, a thunderous crack echoed through the air. From the clear sky above, a bolt of lightning as thick as a barrel struck the ground barely ten meters away from her.

The impact was deafening. The ground fractured instantly, sending dirt, rocks, and debris flying in all directions. Sand and gravel pelted the woman, coating her in a fine layer of dust.

The sudden and violent change in her surroundings stunned her into silence. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared at the scorched earth, trying to comprehend what had just happened. Her mind raced with a single horrifying thought—what if the lightning had struck just a little closer? What if it had landed on her?

Her legs gave out beneath her, and she nearly collapsed on the spot.

“What... What is this?!” she stammered, her voice trembling. “Why did lightning strike out of nowhere? Is it because of this country’s bizarre weather?!”

Darius, who had casually moved out of the danger zone, clicked his tongue in mock regret. With a tone of false sympathy, he urged the rooster beneath him to trot forward.

“Better move quickly,” he said, glancing back at the pale-faced woman. “Vice Admiral Luffy’s patience is wearing thin. If you’re too slow, I can’t guarantee that the next strike won’t land directly on you.”

Without waiting for a response, Darius pulled the reins and galloped off, the vibrant plumage of the rooster glinting in the sunlight.

The woman, still paralyzed by fear, watched Darius's retreating figure with wide, dilated eyes. Gradually, her scattered thoughts began to coalesce.

“Vice Admiral Luffy…” she murmured, her voice tinged with dread. “The Lightning Lord…”

Her gaze drifted upward to the ominous clouds swirling in the sky. The whispered rumors about Luffy’s terrifying powers resurfaced in her mind. A shiver ran down her spine as she swallowed hard, her fear evident.

Another bolt of lightning split the sky, accompanied by a deafening roar. The sheer force of it jolted the woman into action. She clambered onto her rooster, gripping the reins tightly, and frantically urged the bird to catch up to Darius.

“Wait! Marine! Don’t leave me behind!” she yelled desperately.

Inside the Intelligence Department office, situated in the grand castle of the Flower Capital, a different scene was unfolding.

Violet sat astride Luffy’s lap, her body leaning comfortably against his broad chest. Her arms encircled his neck, and a sly smile danced on her lips.

Through the open window, she observed the panicked CP woman trailing behind Darius, her earlier arrogance replaced by abject terror. Violet burst into laughter, the melodic sound filling the room.

“Hahaha! Oh, Luffy, that was priceless!” she exclaimed, shaking with mirth. “That woman was almost scared to death! You’re so mean.”

Luffy’s lips curved into a faint smile. His arms, wrapped possessively around Violet, tightened slightly. He ran a hand along her back in slow, deliberate motions as he replied, “She had it coming. I’m not known for my endless patience, you know.”

Violet’s cheeks flushed at the sensation of his hand roaming over her body. She playfully swatted his chest, though her voice carried more amusement than admonishment.

“You’re incorrigible,” she said, her tone half-scolding, half-affectionate. “But don’t take your bad temper out on me. There are people just outside the office. If they hear us, I’ll never be able to face anyone again as!”

Despite her words, Violet couldn’t hide her smile. Her eyes flicked toward the closed door, her observation haki allowing her to perceive a group of female marine eavesdropping just outside.

“Get lost, all of you!” Violet suddenly shouted, her voice sharp and commanding. “If you’re so idle, should I call Chief Instructor Yamato to train you?!”

The samurai outside froze in terror. The mere mention of Yamato’s name and her dreaded mace sent them scattering like leaves in a storm. Within seconds, the hallway was empty.

Satisfied, Violet turned back to Luffy, who was watching her with an amused expression.

“You’re quite something,” he teased, leaning closer to whisper in her ear. “It seems you’re more interested in clearing space for us than stopping me.”

Violet rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “You’re impossible,” she said softly, brushing her long hair over her shoulder. The movement revealed the faint blush coloring her cheeks.

Meanwhile, Darius and the CP woman finally reached the bustling streets of the Flower Capital.

Per Luffy’s established rules, riding mounts within the city limits was strictly prohibited unless under emergency circumstances. Reluctantly, Darius dismounted and handed the reins of his rooster to the guards stationed at the city gates.

The CP woman, though visibly annoyed at having to leave her mount behind, swallowed her protests. Luffy’s earlier display of power lingered fresh in her mind, making her think twice about voicing her dissatisfaction.

As they entered the city on foot, the vibrant life of the Flower Capital unfolded around them. The streets were alive with the chatter of merchants, the laughter of children, and the clinking of goods being exchanged.

The woman’s sharp eyes took in the sights with a mix of curiosity and disbelief. She knew the Marines had only recently taken over Wano Country, yet the locals seemed… content. Everywhere she looked, residents greeted Darius with warm smiles or polite bows, gestures he returned with equal sincerity.

This stark contrast to her expectations made her pause. Narrowing her almond-shaped eyes, she studied Darius more closely. The genuine respect the people showed toward this Marine officer planted a seed of doubt in her mind.

Perhaps Vice Admiral Luffy wasn’t the tyrant the rumors had painted him to be.

Chapter 352: CP8 Member - Alpha

No matter if they were adults or children, she greeted everyone with a bright smile. Occasionally, she would even bend down to pat children on the head, exuding warmth and friendliness that masked her true intentions.

"As an outsider, gaining the recognition and favor of the residents of Wano Country so quickly… It seems he’s more than just a reckless brute relying on strength alone," the woman thought as she observed her surroundings carefully.

Every so often, passersby would glance curiously at her and Darius, who was walking beside her. Some even greeted them politely. Though she didn’t care much for these rural folk, her training as an agent compelled her to maintain her flawless facade.

“Sister, you’re so beautiful!” A little girl in a light blue kimono, her face sticky from the candy apple she was holding, beamed up at her with innocent admiration.

The woman squatted down gracefully, her fingers gently brushing the girl’s cheek. “Little one, you’re the cute one. When you grow up, you’ll be even more beautiful than me,” she said with a smile that sparkled like sunshine.

“Really? Hehe, thank you, sister!” The little girl giggled, her joy radiating through her cheerful expression.

For a moment, the woman—whose heart had long been shadowed by darkness after years of service to the government—felt a flicker of warmth. It was brief, almost fleeting, but undeniable. Looking at the child’s untainted smile, a glimmer of light seemed to pierce through the walls she had built around herself.

But just as quickly as it came, the light faded. The world was cruel, and such purity wouldn’t last. She rose to her feet, brushing off the lingering sentiment.

“Goodbye, little one,” she said, waving as she turned to leave. “Take care.”

“Goodbye, sister!” The girl waved back enthusiastically, her smile undiminished.

Darius, who had paused a short distance ahead, watched silently as the woman caught up to him. There was something contemplative in his gaze, but he said nothing, merely quickening his pace as they approached their destination.

The woman noticed his change in demeanor but chose not to comment. She adjusted her stride to match his, silently following him to the gates of the Marine base.

At the gates of the base, the old signage had been replaced with a new Marine plaque, proudly marking the transition of authority. Marines stood in two neat rows on either side of the entrance, awaiting the arrival of government officials.

In front of the assembled soldiers, Khalifa stood impatiently, glancing at her wristwatch. Her brows were furrowed in frustration as she muttered complaints under her breath.

“Ugh, this pompous jerk! When I was sent on missions before, he never put on such a grand show. Making me wait here like an idiot… Just wait until I see him, I’ll teach him a lesson!”

Beside her, a tall female soldier, standing over three meters in height, leaned down to whisper, “Big sister Khalifa, I think the government representatives have arrived.”

“Don’t call me big sister!” Khalifa snapped reflexively before her head turned sharply in the direction the soldier had indicated.

Her gaze first landed on Darius, whom she vaguely recognized, and then shifted to the woman walking behind him. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the woman’s confident stride and the way she casually scanned the Marines on either side of the gate.

The moment their eyes met, something seemed to click. The CP woman, noticing Khalifa’s piercing stare, turned her head abruptly, locking eyes with her.

Both women froze for a second. Then, as if on cue, they adjusted their glasses simultaneously in a synchronized motion. The tension between them crackled like a taut wire, and in the next moment, Khalifa’s expression darkened.

“It’s you, Alpha!” she barked, her voice dripping with venom. “What the hell is the government thinking? Sending a CP8 failure like you to the New World? Are they blind, or just desperate?”

Alpha’s lips curled into a mocking smile as she shot back, “Oh, please. Look who’s talking! A disgraced CP agent who ran crying to the Marines to avoid punishment. Tell me, how does it feel to switch sides so shamelessly?”

Khalifa’s face flushed with anger. Pushing her glasses up with trembling fingers, she snarled, “You—! Don’t you dare lecture me! Unlike you, I’m not a waste of space.”

Alpha’s smirk deepened. “Waste? Says the coward who defected after failing a mission. Do you know how furious Father was when he found out? I’m here on his behalf to reprimand you for being such a disgrace.”

The word Father made several heads turn among the gathered Marines. Darius, who had been watching the scene unfold with growing confusion, suddenly felt a realization dawn on him.

He glanced at Alpha, then at Khalifa, comparing their features. Though subtle, there was an undeniable resemblance between the two women. Their shared sharpness of expression and similar mannerisms hinted at a connection.

“Wait a second,” Darius murmured under his breath, his eyes widening. “Are they… sisters?”

Darius’s guess wasn’t far off. Although most CP agents were orphans raised by the government, exceptions did exist. Khalifa and Alpha were among those exceptions.

Their father, once a distinguished member of CP9, had chosen to send both daughters into government service for training. Raised separately, they were conditioned to view emotions like family loyalty as unnecessary and irrelevant.

Despite their shared parentage, the sisters had only met a handful of times, usually under strained circumstances. Each meeting inevitably descended into heated arguments, driven by their clashing personalities and the competitive nature ingrained in them by their upbringing.

As the quarrel escalated, the Marines and Darius exchanged bewildered glances. It was clear that this wasn’t just a professional rivalry; there was deeply personal history fueling the animosity between the two women.

Alpha folded her arms across her chest, her smug expression unwavering as Khalifa continued to fume. “What’s the matter, Khalifa? You seem upset. Could it be that you’re embarrassed to see me?”

Khalifa gritted her teeth, her fists clenched at her sides. “Don’t push me, Alpha. I won’t hesitate to put you in your place, sister or not.”

Alpha chuckled. “Oh, I’d love to see you try. Let’s settle this later, shall we? I’m sure Vice Admiral Luffy would appreciate seeing how ‘competent’ his new Marine recruit really is.”

Her taunt drew a ripple of murmurs from the Marines, who now watched with growing interest. The tension between the sisters was palpable, and everyone seemed eager to see how it would unfold.

Darius, sensing the situation spiraling out of control, stepped forward, raising his voice. “Ladies, we’re here for a mission, not a family reunion. Save your squabbles for later.”

Both women turned their sharp gazes on him, but his firm tone managed to momentarily defuse the argument. Khalifa huffed and adjusted her glasses again, muttering something under her breath as she stepped back into line.

Alpha smirked, clearly enjoying the last word, but she too refrained from pushing further. For now.

As the group prepared to proceed into the base, Darius couldn’t help but wonder what other surprises these sisters would bring. One thing was certain—the tension between Alpha and Khalifa wasn’t going to disappear anytime soon.

Chapter 353: Sisterly Love, Friendly Exchange

It was no secret that the relationship between the two sisters was far from warm. In fact, it was closer to a rivalry filled with hostility. Any meeting between them inevitably escalated into a heated argument or even outright conflict.

Alpha, freshly returned from a mission abroad, wasted no time when she learned about her sister’s recent disgrace. According to their father, Khalifa had been removed from CP by the government and had since joined the Marines—a move Alpha considered humiliating.

Excited by the news, Alpha eagerly volunteered to visit her sister, seeing this as the perfect opportunity to deliver her own brand of “sisterly love.”

At the gates of the Marine base, Alpha launched her verbal assault, her tone dripping with mockery.

“Oh, this is just too good! You, the so-called genius, actually failed so miserably at a mission that you got kicked out of CP? How embarrassing! And to think the Marines picked you up. They should rename themselves the ‘Garbage Shelter’ for taking in rejects like you!”

Her voice carried through the courtyard, drawing the attention of the Marines stationed nearby. It was clear that Alpha, in her excitement, had completely forgotten the fear Luffy’s lightning strike had instilled in her earlier. She continued her taunts, oblivious to the growing unease among the onlookers.

Khalifa, however, was not one to back down. She crossed her arms, her lips curling into a cold smile. “Well, well. Look who’s gotten bolder over the years. You’ve certainly sharpened your tongue, Alpha, but what about your skills? Have you actually mastered any of the Six Styles yet, or are you still floundering in CP8?”

Alpha’s smug grin faltered slightly at the jab, but before she could retort, Khalifa raised her fist, demonstrating her progress. Her arm glowed faintly as she activated Armament Haki, covering her hand in the hard, dark sheen of mastery.

Though it had taken Khalifa considerable effort to achieve this level of skill, she concealed her struggle, pretending it was effortless. She swung her Haki-clad fist through the air with a flourish and smirked. “Look at this, dear sister. While you’ve been stagnating in CP8, I’ve been honing my strength. It’s no wonder the government doesn’t value you anymore.”

Her words hit their mark, leaving Alpha fuming. Khalifa didn’t stop there, adding with a sneer, “If the Marines are a garbage dump, as you so eloquently put it, then CP must be the trash factory. After all, we’re the ones cleaning up your mess.”

The double-edged insult struck a nerve. Alpha’s face twisted with anger as her composure shattered. Her fists clenched, and without another word, she vanished from sight, using Soru to close the distance between them in an instant.

“Fingergun!”

Alpha’s hands moved in a blur, her fingers darting toward Khalifa’s vital points with deadly precision. Each strike was executed with the speed and accuracy befitting a seasoned CP agent.

But Khalifa was ready. She swayed gracefully, her movements fluid as she dodged each attack with ease. Her footwork was so effortless that she seemed to dance around Alpha’s assault.

“Is that all you’ve got?” Khalifa teased, her voice calm and mocking. “Honestly, you’ve gotten weaker. I expected more from you, but I suppose that was my mistake.”

Her words only fueled Alpha’s frustration. Gritting her teeth, she poured more effort into her attacks, aiming for Khalifa’s shoulder. But when her Fingergun finally landed, it slid off harmlessly, as if Khalifa’s body were coated in something slippery.

“What the—?!” Alpha’s confusion was evident as she staggered back, her balance momentarily disrupted.

Seizing the opportunity, Khalifa stepped forward, closing the gap between them. Her hand shot out, brushing lightly against Alpha’s neck. The unexpected gesture froze Alpha in her tracks, a shiver running down her spine.

“What are you doing?!” Alpha demanded, her voice trembling with both anger and unease.

Khalifa didn’t answer immediately. She tilted her head back slightly, taking an exaggerated sniff near her sister. A mischievous smile spread across her face as she commented, “Roses? Really? What a cliché. I thought you had better taste than to use such outdated perfume.”

Alpha recoiled, her hands flying to her neck as she glared at her sister. “What’s wrong with you, Khalifa?!” she snapped, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and fury.

Khalifa, however, seemed entirely unbothered. She ran a hand through her hair and smirked. “Oh, nothing. I was just checking to see if you’d grown up at all. Clearly, you haven’t. Your skills, your taste, even your looks—everything about you is stuck in the past.”

The jab at her appearance was the final straw. Alpha’s face turned a deep shade of red as she struggled to form a coherent response. Her mind raced, searching for a comeback, but Khalifa had already turned on her heel, heading toward the base.

With a hand on her hip, Khalifa called back over her shoulder, “Don’t take it too personally, Alpha. Some of us were just born to shine brighter than others.”

Alpha stood frozen for a moment, her anger simmering beneath the surface. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to regain her composure.

But Khalifa’s parting words echoed in her mind, stoking the flames of her fury. “Shine brighter?” she muttered under her breath. “We’ll see about that.”

She stormed after Khalifa, determined to settle their argument once and for all. This time, she wasn’t going to let her sister have the last word.

As the two women disappeared into the base, Darius, who had been standing awkwardly to the side throughout the exchange, let out a weary sigh. He lowered the hand he’d raised to intervene, realizing it was pointless.

“Did they seriously just forget I’m still here?” he muttered to himself, shaking his head.

Chapter 354: Continuous Intimidation, Scared Alpha

A Marine noticed Rear Admiral Darius lingering with a forlorn expression and cautiously approached him. “Rear Admiral Darius, we’ve prepared a room for you. Please allow me to escort you to rest.”

The Marine offered a kind smile, but Darius shook his head, declining the offer. “There are still some CP agents checking out the factories. I need to return to ensure they don’t cause any trouble. I’ll be heading back immediately.”

With those words, he turned and walked away without a second thought, leaving the Marine standing there, perplexed.

As Darius’s figure disappeared into the distance, the Marine murmured under his breath, “Why do I feel like Mr. Rear Admiral looks a bit… pitiful?”

Inside the base, Alpha followed Khalifa through the halls, her eyes darting around the lavishly decorated interior. The grandiose style of the castle, combined with the occasional sight of well-dressed maids bustling about, sparked an irrepressible sense of indignation within her.

Unable to hold back, Alpha leaned closer to Khalifa and whispered urgently, “Hey, what’s the deal with this place? This is just a Marine branch, right? Why is it so luxurious? Is this what Marine officers do—live like royalty?”

Her gaze shifted to a group of maids passing by, and her voice dropped further. “And these maids? Really? Keeping maids in a military base? Is Vice Admiral Luffy here to serve as a base commander or a noble lord? I’m taking note of all this. I’ll report it to the government later and ensure they discipline you lot for this outrageous misconduct!”

Khalifa, at first, ignored her sister’s incessant muttering. But as Alpha continued her tirade, her voice buzzing like an annoying fly, Khalifa’s patience began to fray. Finally, she stopped, turning to glare at her sister.

“Shut up!” Khalifa snapped. “This castle isn’t some Marine-funded palace. It’s our trophy from the battles in Wano. Transforming it into a Marine base didn’t cost us a single berry. In fact, we made a profit by selling off useless antiques, calligraphy, and paintings. It actually reduced expenses for Marine Headquarters.”

Alpha opened her mouth to retort, but Khalifa didn’t give her the chance. Her tone turned cold as she continued, “And those ‘maids’ you’re so eager to criticize? Open your eyes! They’re not maids; they’re civilian workers assigned menial tasks.”

Alpha faltered for a moment, still wanting to argue. But before she could utter another word, Khalifa leaned closer and added with an edge of menace, “I’d advise you to choose your words carefully. Luffy’s Observation Haki covers the entirety of Wano, let alone this Marine base. If you keep running your mouth, you might not make it out of here to file that report.”

Alpha froze, her face draining of color as memories of the lightning strike flashed through her mind. The fear of facing Luffy’s wrath silenced her completely. She lowered her head, trembling slightly, as the weight of her earlier comments sank in. What if Luffy had already heard her insults? What if he decided to punish her for slandering the Marines?

Khalifa, watching her sister’s obvious distress, couldn’t help but feel a mix of contempt and pity. When we were kids, she was so adorable, always clinging to me and calling me ‘sister.’ How did she turn into such a fool? Khalifa thought, shaking her head internally. This is all the fault of that bastard father and the government. If not for them, we wouldn’t have been separated, and she wouldn’t have turned out like this.

Unaware of Khalifa’s thoughts, Alpha trudged silently behind her sister, the fight drained out of her. Together, they navigated the corridors of the castle, taking multiple turns before finally stopping in front of a room on the third floor.

Khalifa knocked on the door and called out, “Luffy, I’ve brought her.”

“Come in,” came the response from inside.

Khalifa pushed the door open without hesitation, stepping aside to let Alpha through. She turned to her sister and said impatiently, “Well, what are you waiting for? The Vice Admiral is inside.”

Alpha hesitated for a moment, her unease apparent. “Ah? Oh, right… I don’t need you to tell me,” she said, coughing to mask her nervousness. Squaring her shoulders, she pushed past Khalifa and strode into the room with a feigned air of confidence.

Khalifa rolled her eyes at the display, muttering under her breath as she followed her sister inside and shut the door behind them.

The room was unexpectedly modern, its design distinctly different from the traditional architecture of Wano Country. There were plush sofas, a coffee table, bookcases lined with neatly arranged volumes, and even a coffee machine. A projector den den mushi sat on a stand, its screen rolled up on the wall. The decor was unmistakably influenced by the outer seas.

Alpha’s eyes scanned the room, but her focus quickly shifted to the man standing by the wine cabinet. Vice Admiral Monkey D. Luffy, the youngest officer of his rank in 800 years, was casually selecting a drink. He wore a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and simple trousers. His relaxed posture belied the aura of power surrounding him.

At first glance, Luffy’s lean frame made him seem less physically imposing compared to veteran Vice Admirals. But his height—nearly 1.9 meters—combined with the defined muscles on his forearms and the knowledge of his legendary battles, created an oppressive presence that made Alpha’s heart race.

For a moment, she felt a bead of sweat trickle down her temple. Despite her training, she couldn’t suppress the growing sense of unease in Luffy’s presence.

Chapter 355: Accountability, Decisive and Heartfelt

“Vice Admiral Monkey D. Luffy, I’ve been sent by top government officials to convey their dissatisfaction regarding your recent actions.”

Alpha’s voice wavered slightly as she spoke, her confidence faltering under Luffy’s piercing gaze. She swallowed hard and cautiously moved to sit on the sofa across from him, her movements betraying her unease.

Khalifa followed, carrying three elegant wine glasses, which she set on the coffee table with practiced grace. Without a word, she went to retrieve a bottle of fine red wine from the cabinet, one that Luffy had pointed out as the best in his collection.

Luffy took a seat across from Alpha, leaning back casually. He handed the wine bottle to Khalifa, letting her pour while his sharp eyes studied the woman sitting before him. A faint smirk played on his lips as he chuckled.

“I expected the government to send someone from the CP0,” he remarked, his tone dripping with mockery. “But it seems they’ve only sent a minor CP8 agent. I suppose the higher-ups have more confidence in me than I thought.”

The comment stung. Alpha felt the sting of insult settle deep in her chest. She crossed her arms over her chest, tilting her head up defiantly as she crossed her legs. The striped stockings she wore stretched taut, emphasizing her poise as she stared him down.

“Vice Admiral,” she began coldly, “as a representative of the World Government, I demand a reasonable explanation. Why is the Marine requesting the government to pay for the seastone products from Wano Country?”

Luffy’s smirk widened as his eyes flicked briefly to her crossed legs before meeting her gaze. He chuckled, shaking his head.

“Are you serious?” he asked, leaning forward slightly. “What are you, a clueless child? No, even a three-year-old would understand this basic concept—things cost money. Or do you honestly believe seastone handcuffs and bullets just grow on trees? Do you think no labor or resources go into producing them?”

As Khalifa poured the wine, she made no move to pour any for Alpha. Instead, she leaned into Luffy’s side, holding her glass delicately. The sight of her sister so comfortably nestled in Luffy’s arms made Alpha’s expression shift rapidly from anger to shock, then to a confused mix of emotions she couldn’t quite process.

Luffy, unconcerned with Alpha’s reactions, took his glass and raised it in her direction before downing its contents in one gulp. Smacking his lips, he remarked casually, “Not bad. Certainly better than the sake in Wano Country. If it weren’t for the wine I brought along, it’d be embarrassing to serve anything to guests here.”

Alpha sat frozen, her mind racing. She glanced at the wine bottle Khalifa had placed before her, then at her sister’s smug expression. Her thoughts spiraled as she struggled to comprehend the dynamics in the room.

Luffy didn’t let her linger in her daze for long. With a flick of his hand, the wine bottle floated into the air, pouring equal amounts into the three glasses. He picked up his refilled glass and met Alpha’s stunned gaze.

“I’ll make this simple,” he said, his voice firm. “If the government wants seastone products for free, that’s fine. But here’s the deal: you’ll need to send 50 billion berries in military funds to Marine Headquarters every year. In exchange, I’ll authorize the delivery of a certain amount of seastone goods each month. Of course, the exact amount will depend on production efficiency.”

Alpha’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Fifty billion berries?” she hissed, her voice shaking with outrage. “The Marine is a subordinate department of the World Government! How dare you—”

“Subordinate or not,” Luffy interrupted, his tone icy, “does that give the government the right to take whatever it wants without paying? Should I tell my soldiers to hand over their personal belongings to the government for free as well?”

As he spoke, Luffy glanced down at Khalifa and smirked. “Honey, I think I need some extra pocket money. How about you give me ten million berries?”

Khalifa rolled her eyes and snorted, “Get lost.”

Luffy shrugged and turned back to Alpha. “See? Even she knows better than to hand things over for nothing.”

Alpha was trembling with frustration, her fists clenched tightly. “Monkey D. Luffy! Don’t act so arrogantly. After all, the Marine is just—”

Before she could finish, Luffy’s eyes darkened. A fountain pen floated into the air beside him, its gold-plated tip aimed directly at her heart. The sudden shift in the atmosphere made her freeze, cold sweat forming on her forehead.

“What is the Marine to the government?” Luffy asked, his voice dangerously low.

Alpha stammered, her bravado completely shattered. “O-One of the three… important departments.”

Satisfied with her answer, Luffy let the pen drop back onto the table. Alpha slumped into the sofa, her breathing ragged as though she’d just run a marathon. Her earlier confidence was nowhere to be seen.

Khalifa, still nestled comfortably against Luffy, chuckled softly. The sight of her sister’s disheveled state was clearly amusing to her. In the past, Alpha would have flown into a rage at such mockery, but now…

She glanced at Luffy, his arm draped protectively around Khalifa, and thought better of it. Instead, she settled for glaring at her sister, her frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Noticing the silent exchange between the two women, Luffy smirked. “You two are quite the pair,” he remarked, leaning back. “But let’s keep things civil, shall we? I’ve got better things to do than play referee.”

Alpha’s glare intensified, but she bit her tongue, unwilling to provoke Luffy further. For now, she could only grit her teeth and endure.