[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 306- 310
Added 2025-01-11 08:25:53 +0000 UTCChapter 306: The Angry Bull-Headed Monster
The silence lingered for only a moment before the women who had run off moments earlier returned, each using their unique methods to rejoin Luffy almost instantly.
One of the sisters, left behind during the chaos, stomped her foot in frustration. With an irritated huff, she grabbed the hem of her skirt and began running back, muttering curses under her breath.
After the scene settled, a brief pause hung in the air. Violet clung nervously to Luffy's coat, her hands trembling slightly. She awaited the women's reactions, her heart racing in anticipation. Her anxious gaze flitted between them, unsure of what to expect.
Yamato, who had dashed a considerable distance earlier, finally caught up. She was utterly exhausted, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
“Damn it! Why do such evil things as high heels even exist in this world?” she grumbled, glaring down at her footwear as if it had personally wronged her.
As everyone gathered again, Violet covered her mouth in astonishment, marveling at how quickly they’d returned.
Luffy, calm and composed as ever, gently released Violet from his grasp. He then turned to Mansherry, who had nestled herself securely in Koala’s arms during the commotion.
Finally noticing the little princess, Luffy stretched out his arms and beckoned her over. Tears welled up in Mansherry's eyes as she realized she was being acknowledged. With a soft cry, she leaped into the air, flinging herself towards Luffy, who caught her effortlessly.
The small girl sobbed uncontrollably in his hands, her delicate form trembling. Luffy’s voice softened as he whispered words of comfort, his tone warm and reassuring. After a few moments, Mansherry began to calm down. Luffy raised her high above his head, presenting her to the rest of the group like a treasure.
“This,” he announced, his voice carrying authority, “is Mansherry, the princess of the Tontatta Kingdom. She’s now one of us—a part of our family. Let’s give her a warm welcome!”
Despite their curiosity and unspoken questions, the women obediently clapped, their applause filling the air. Even Yamato, who had been panting like a tired dog, managed a few weak claps.
Her attention soon shifted to the tiny Mansherry perched in Luffy’s hands. Yamato squinted, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten.
“She’s adorable!” Yamato exclaimed, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Is this the new toy you bought for us, Luffy?”
The room fell silent.
Girls: ….
Luffy: ….
Mansherry froze, her wide eyes darting up to meet the gaze of the towering Yamato. With her imposing horns and wild expression, Yamato appeared monstrous to the little princess.
The tears that Mansherry had just stopped came rushing back. “W-Wahh! So scary! The bull-headed monster is going to eat me!”
Yamato blinked, startled. “Bull-headed monster? Who are you calling a—?”
Her words were interrupted by her own laughter. Yamato found Mansherry’s reaction so amusing that she burst out laughing, the sound echoing throughout the room. Her hearty laughter contrasted sharply with the disapproving stares from the rest of the group.
One by one, the girls turned their gazes on her, their expressions a mix of pity and exasperation. Yamato’s laughter slowly faded as she noticed their looks.
“Wait… you’re not talking about me, are you?” she asked hesitantly, pointing at herself. Her voice carried a note of disbelief.
Nami stepped forward, pulling a small mirror from her pocket. She tapped Yamato’s arm with it before holding it up to her face.
Yamato leaned closer, her reflection coming into view. The bright red horns on her head stood out prominently. Her expression darkened as a vein twitched on her forehead.
“Those are cute devil horns, not monster horns!” she snapped, her voice rising defensively. “How rude!”
She took a step forward, intending to confront Mansherry directly, but her heel caught on the hem of her skirt. Yamato let out a surprised yelp as she toppled forward, landing face-first on the ground with a loud thud.
The room erupted into laughter. Even Mansherry, through her tears, couldn’t help but giggle at the spectacle. Her small hands covered her mouth as she laughed, her earlier fear forgotten.
Before the teasing could escalate, Koala tilted her head, her expression shifting into one of curiosity. “Wait a second… Did you just call yourself cute?”
Yamato’s body stiffened. Her anger dissipated as Koala’s words registered. Panic flared in her eyes as she scrambled to deny it.
“I— No! That’s not what I—!” she stammered, waving her hands frantically.
But Koala wasn’t listening. She gasped dramatically, clutching her head as if the world had turned upside down.
“Something’s wrong! Yamato—the Yamato—just called herself cute! Is this the end of the world?!”
Her outburst sent the group into a frenzy. The women began shouting, their voices filled with a mix of disbelief and mockery. Kujaku and Olivia looked like they were on the verge of tears.
Kujaku sniffled. “Sister, you’ve finally come to your senses! We’ve been waiting for this moment!”
Olivia added, her voice trembling with emotion, “It wasn’t easy, but you’re finally back to normal! Big Sister’s guidance really worked!”
Yamato flushed with embarrassment. Their words felt like a dagger to her pride. She clenched her fists, struggling to understand what had just happened.
“Why did I even say that?” she muttered to herself. “This doesn’t make sense. I’m a man! Why would I describe myself like that?!”
[Ding! Error detected. Please update your phrasing to use feminine pronouns such as ‘this lady’ or ‘this princess.’ Reminder: You are not a man. Please recognize your gender identity and make appropriate corrections.]
The mechanical voice from Yamato’s watch cut through the chaos. Her jaw dropped as she stared at the device in disbelief.
“I am not—” Yamato’s voice faltered. She yanked the watch off her wrist, raising it above her head as if to smash it. But just as she was about to throw it, she hesitated. The thought of losing her ability to communicate remotely—or to play her favorite games—stopped her.
With a frustrated growl, she stuffed the watch into her pocket, muttering under her breath. “Fine! But when I get back, you’re getting dismantled!”
Chapter 307: Violet: I'm on Fire!!
As Yamato continued to grumble, clearly frustrated, Kujaku and Olivia exchanged glances. Without hesitation, they hurried over to console her.
“It’s fine! Being a woman isn’t so bad!” Kujaku said with a supportive smile.
“Yeah, the tough girl Yamato is still super cool and handsome!” Olivia added enthusiastically.
“And hey, we can play games together later!” Kujaku chimed in again, hoping to lift Yamato’s spirits.
Yamato, ever the heart-on-her-sleeve type, quickly forgot her irritation. Her earlier anger melted away, replaced by a goofy grin as she scratched the back of her head awkwardly.
Everyone else looked on, exasperated but amused. “Wow… she’s so gullible…” they muttered in unison.
The chaos Yamato had stirred finally began to subside, much to the relief of Luffy and Fat F. Watching the antics unfold, Luffy allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.
“This silly girl,” he thought, “may still be a bit rough around the edges, but she’s already becoming more feminine. With a little more guidance and encouragement, she’ll come around eventually.”
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Luffy refocused his attention on the others. The girls were still animatedly chatting about Yamato’s latest outburst, their laughter filling the air. To regain their focus, Luffy cleared his throat loudly, drawing all eyes back to him.
Once the room quieted, Luffy gently placed Mansherry on his shoulder and took Violet’s hand. Turning to the group, he introduced her with a calm but authoritative voice.
“This is Violet, the princess of Dressrosa and the user of the Paramecia-type Glare-Glare Fruit.”
Violet smiled warmly, her demeanor poised and graceful. She waved at the group, her voice light and pleasant. “Hello, everyone. I look forward to getting along with you all.”
Though the girls were initially lukewarm in their reception, they eventually murmured polite greetings. Some even managed smiles. However, Hancock and Hina crossed their arms, their expressions sour, and clapped begrudgingly. Their displeasure was palpable.
Violet, ever perceptive, wasn’t offended. She’d already witnessed their earlier sparring and knew better than to challenge them directly. Instead, she kept her composure, trusting in Luffy’s assurances that things would improve over time.
As if reading her thoughts, Luffy offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry,” he said softly. “They’ll come around.”
Turning back to the group, he continued, “Violet’s ability is incredibly valuable. With her Glare-Glare Fruit powers, she can observe anything within a 4,000-kilometer radius. You all understand what that means, right?”
The room fell silent as the weight of Luffy’s words sank in. Even Yamato, usually carefree, stood a little straighter. The women exchanged serious looks, the importance of Violet’s ability dawning on them.
Feeling the intensity of their stares, Violet instinctively took a step back, her nerves fraying. “W-What’s with those looks?” she stammered, her voice tinged with unease. “Why are they acting like this?”
Before her imagination could run wild, Luffy raised a hand to steady her. “Relax,” he said gently. “I’ll explain.”
The atmosphere grew heavier as Luffy’s expression turned solemn. “What I’m about to tell you is our greatest secret. It’s tied to our lives and could make us targets for the entire world. So, I need your absolute trust and discretion.”
The gravity of his words made Mansherry tremble. She instinctively shrank back, her tiny frame shivering. Though fear bubbled up within her, her curiosity ultimately won out. She leaned closer, ears perked up to catch every word.
Violet, on the other hand, tightened her grip on Luffy’s hands. Her eyes sparkled with determination. “We’re family now,” she declared. “I’m ready to face anything alongside you. Just tell me what you need, and I’ll give it my all.”
Her conviction softened the expressions of even Hancock and Hina, who couldn’t help but view her in a slightly better light. Luffy, too, was visibly pleased. “Thank you,” he said sincerely.
Not to be outdone, Mansherry stepped forward, her small hands trembling as she raised them. “Me too! I-I’ll do my best!” she squeaked.
Luffy chuckled, patting her head gently. “That’s the spirit.”
With the two women ready, Luffy revealed the truth about pure gold. “What we’re after is a rare material called pure gold. It’s hidden in the New World, inside the stomach of a giant lantern fish.”
He paused, letting the information sink in before continuing. “Pure gold has extraordinary properties. It can cure all diseases and grant immortality—eternal youth. You can see why it’s so important.”
Mansherry’s jaw dropped. “Eternal youth…” she whispered, her eyes wide with awe.
Violet, equally stunned, muttered, “Immortality…”
Both women were so shocked they seemed to freeze in place, their expressions comically petrified. Luffy suppressed a laugh, watching their reactions with amusement.
Before he could say anything, Violet suddenly sprang to life. Clenching her fists, her eyes burned with determination. “Pure gold, huh? I’m on fire! Let’s find it—now!”
Without waiting for a response, she activated her Glare-Glare Fruit powers. Her eyes glowed as she scanned the ocean below, her gaze piercing through the hull of the warship as though it were made of glass.
Mansherry, emboldened by Violet’s enthusiasm, leaped onto her shoulder. “You can do it!” she cheered, stars twinkling in her eyes. Tears welled up as she prepared to use her healing powers to replenish Violet’s energy if needed.
Luffy stood frozen, watching the scene in amazement. He had underestimated just how tempting the promise of eternal youth was to women.
Chapter 308: Daydreaming Kozuki Sukiyaki

Olivia and Kujaku, ever the mischievous duo, rushed over to Violet, calling her “good sister” with exaggerated enthusiasm. Their playful antics earned a few chuckles, even from the usually stoic Hancock and Hina.
Seeing Violet's earnest efforts to locate pure gold, the rest of the crew began pitching in to help. Even the reluctant Hancock eventually joined, her disdain replaced by quiet determination. Gradually, Violet’s favorability among the group soared.
Nami and Koala worked quickly to ensure Violet was as comfortable as possible. They set up tables and chairs and brought drinks, their attentiveness earning grateful smiles from Violet. Ain, Kalifa, and the others gathered around as well, their expressions hopeful as they awaited any progress.
Luffy observed the scene with a knowing smirk. “Just as I expected,” he thought, shaking his head in amusement. He stepped over to Violet, gently poked Mansherry’s cheek, and leaned in with a serious expression.
“Sherry,” he said in a low voice, “from now on, no matter who it is—even if they’re our friends or family—you must never reveal anything about pure gold. Do you understand?”
Mansherry nodded earnestly, her small face solemn. But Luffy, still worried, repeated the warning several times, his tone growing firmer with each reminder.
He couldn’t help but feel uneasy. The Tontatta dwarves were notoriously naive and trusting—qualities that could easily lead to trouble if someone tricked Mansherry into divulging their secrets.
However, after Luffy’s persistent reminders, Mansherry took the warning to heart. Her steadfast nature as a healer and her strong sense of responsibility reassured him. For now, she seemed determined to keep her promise.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Flowers, the capital of Wano Country, the atmosphere had changed drastically. Once the most vibrant and prosperous region in the land, it now felt subdued and cautious.
After the Beasts Pirates, led by Kaido, were driven out of Wano and the corrupt shogun Kurozumi Orochi was killed, the city fell under the temporary control of the Marines. An outsider, a Marine New World Rear Admiral named Darius, had taken charge of the region.
Despite their initial fears, the residents quickly realized the Marines meant no harm. The forces frequently provided aid and relief, a stark contrast to Orochi’s oppressive reign. Still, the locals remained wary. Their mistrust of outsiders kept them confined to their homes, unwilling to test the boundaries of this newfound peace.
Amid this uneasy calm, a lone figure stood in the shadows of the city. His broad-brimmed hat cast a shadow over his face, but beneath it, his eyes gleamed with suppressed excitement. Tenguyama Hitetsu, as he was known to most, couldn’t help the flicker of hope that ignited in his chest.
“The rumors were true,” he muttered to himself. “Kaido has been expelled, and Orochi is dead. At long last, Wano Country can return to its rightful rulers.”
In truth, Tenguyama Hitetsu was none other than Kozuki Sukiyaki, the former shogun of Wano Country and father to Kozuki Oden. Years ago, he had been betrayed by Kurozumi Orochi and imprisoned, forced to witness his son’s tragic demise from afar. Powerless against Kaido and Orochi’s forces, Sukiyaki had gone into hiding, adopting the guise of a tengu and living in seclusion.
He had resigned himself to waiting—waiting for the prophesied “returning samurai” to overthrow Orochi and Kaido and restore Wano to its former glory. But fate had taken an unexpected turn. An outsider had clashed with Kaido, driving him out of Wano and killing Orochi in the process.
Now, with Wano free from Kaido’s grip, Sukiyaki saw a glimmer of opportunity. “Perhaps,” he mused, “I don’t have to wait any longer. I can reclaim Wano myself.”
His eyes darkened as years of pent-up frustration bubbled to the surface. “When I become shogun again,” he thought bitterly, “I’ll ensure that every last member of the Kurozumi family pays for their treachery. Those who supported Orochi’s tyranny—they’re not worthy of being called samurai. They’ll face justice too.”
Sukiyaki clenched his fists, the long-suppressed anger fueling his resolve. For the first time in years, he allowed himself to dream of a Wano free from corruption, one where the Kozuki family could reign once more.
But he knew he couldn’t do it alone. He needed allies. “I heard the Marines released Hyōgorō and his men,” he thought. “Perhaps I can persuade them to lend their strength.”
With his plan forming, Sukiyaki pulled his hat lower, shielding his face from view. He carefully scanned the area before slipping into a narrow alleyway. His destination was clear: he would seek out the underworld leaders, including the formidable Hyōgorō, and rally them to his cause.
However, his cautious movements didn’t go unnoticed. A patrol of Marine soldiers passed through the area, their leader—a sharp-eyed lieutenant—spotting the cloaked figure.
“Who goes there?! Stop!” the lieutenant barked, his voice laced with suspicion.
Sukiyaki froze for a split second, his instincts screaming at him to flee. Despite no longer being a fugitive, his years in hiding had conditioned him to avoid any confrontation. Without thinking, he bolted deeper into the alley.
The lieutenant’s suspicion only deepened. “After him!” he ordered, leading his squad of ten Marines in pursuit. The sound of their boots echoed through the narrow passageways as Sukiyaki darted through the maze of alleys.
As he ran, the lieutenant grabbed his transponder snail, issuing a call for reinforcements. “We’ve got a runner near the west district. Send backup immediately!”
Chapter 309: Repaying Kindness with Blood
Wearing his signature tall wooden clogs, which elevated him several dozen centimeters, Sukiyaki moved with surprising speed as he fled through the streets of the Flower Capital. However, the Marines pursuing him were well-trained, and the officer leading the charge quickly closed the gap.
“Stop!” the lieutenant shouted, his voice commanding. “If you don’t stop, I’ll shoot! Stop immediately!”
Sukiyaki glanced back, his face a mixture of fear and desperation. The sight of the uniformed Marines stirred an instinctive panic within him. But as he ran, something clicked in his mind.
Wait, Orochi is dead. His men are gone. The Flower Capital isn’t after me anymore. So… why am I running?
Coming to this realization, Sukiyaki skidded to a halt and spun around, putting distance between himself and the Marine officer. His hand moved instinctively to the hilt of the long sword at his waist—a blade adorned with a fan-shaped guard. Straightening his posture, he addressed the Marines sternly.
“Who are you, and why are you chasing me?”
The lieutenant signaled for his men to stop. He drew his sword cautiously, eyeing Sukiyaki with suspicion. “No matter who you are,” the officer said, his tone firm, “lay down your weapon and surrender. If you comply, we promise not to harm you.”
Sukiyaki snorted, his disdain evident. “Hmph. How ridiculous. I am a samurai. Why should I lower my sword for a bunch of rats like you?”
Despite his defiance, Sukiyaki used the opportunity to study his pursuers closely. His eyes fell on the word "MARINE" emblazoned on their military caps, and he quickly pieced things together. These were the foreign soldiers who had driven Kaido out of Wano Country.
Even though he recognized them as the liberators of his homeland, Sukiyaki’s pride remained unyielding. Adopting a commanding tone, he spoke again. “So, you’re with the Marines? That’s good. Lay down your weapons immediately! I am the shogun of Wano Country, Kozuki Sukiyaki. You have done Wano a great service, and I will see that you are rewarded.”
His words were met with confused stares. The Marines exchanged uncertain glances, their brows furrowed.
“The shogun?” one soldier murmured. “I thought the shogun of Wano, Kurozumi Orochi, was killed by Admiral Akainu. Who is this guy?”
The lieutenant stepped forward, his voice filled with skepticism. “Stop with the lies. Orochi was burned to ashes. He’s dead. And even if he weren’t, he was a criminal who worked with Kaido to oppress Wano. As Marines, we have the authority to arrest anyone claiming to be Orochi or a pretender. So, I’ll say this one more time: drop your weapon and surrender. If not, we’ll take you by force.”
Sukiyaki’s face twisted with fury. “How dare you compare me to that vile snake Orochi!” he roared. “I am Kozuki Sukiyaki, the rightful shogun of Wano! You outsiders dare to defy me? I’ll execute you myself!”
Before the Marines could react, Sukiyaki charged, his wooden clogs clacking against the cobblestones. He moved with surprising speed, drawing his blade in one fluid motion.
“Careful!” the lieutenant shouted, his eyes widening as Sukiyaki closed the distance.
The officer raised his sword to block, but Sukiyaki’s blade was faster. With a flash of steel, the long sword struck the lieutenant’s neck. Blood sprayed as the officer staggered back, clutching the wound in disbelief before collapsing to the ground.
“Lieutenant!” one of the soldiers cried out in horror. The remaining Marines leveled their rifles at Sukiyaki, their faces etched with rage. “Fire!” they shouted, pulling the triggers in unison.
Bullets tore through the air, but Sukiyaki moved like a shadow. He deflected the shots with his blade, the sound of steel meeting lead ringing out. The Marines’ attacks were relentless, but Sukiyaki pressed forward, his movements precise and deadly.
In mere moments, the alley was painted red. One by one, the Marines fell to Sukiyaki’s blade. The last soldier standing, his chest pierced by Sukiyaki’s sword, glared up at his assailant with hatred.
“You bastard,” the soldier gasped, blood dribbling from his lips. “The Marines… won’t let you… get away with this…” His body went limp, and he slumped to the ground.
Sukiyaki wiped the blood from his blade and sheathed it with practiced ease. He gazed down at the fallen soldiers, his lips curling into a sneer. “Hmph. The Marines are nothing. Samurai are the strongest in this world.”
He turned to leave, muttering to himself. “Perhaps I don’t need Hyogoro and the others after all. If this is the best the Marines have to offer, Wano’s samurai can handle the rest.”
As he stepped out of the blood-soaked alley, Sukiyaki’s overconfidence blinded him to the danger ahead. Reinforcements had arrived. A new squad of Marines stormed into the alley, their faces darkening as they took in the scene.
“Damn it!” one of them shouted. “Don’t let this bastard escape! Open fire!”
The narrow alley erupted in gunfire. Sukiyaki deflected most of the bullets, but one grazed his shoulder, tearing through his robe. The sting of the wound enraged him further. With a roar, he drew his blade once more and charged at the Marines, cutting through their ranks with ruthless efficiency.
The Marines, unwilling to back down, fought valiantly. Those in the front drew their swords and engaged Sukiyaki directly, determined to avenge their fallen comrades.
Chapter 310: Luffy: Damn You, Sukiyaki!
The sound of gunfire and clashing steel echoed through the alleyways, drawing the attention of nearby Marine soldiers. Within minutes, nearly all 500 Marines stationed in the Flower Capital mobilized toward the disturbance.
Meanwhile, the city's residents, startled by the commotion, hurriedly locked their doors and windows. Curtains were drawn, and the streets became eerily silent as they retreated into the safety of their homes.
At the Marine gym aboard The Stormbreaker, Luffy balanced on one finger, performing handstand push-ups with several tons of iron strapped to his legs. Beads of sweat rolled down his muscles, glistening under the overhead lights.
Suddenly, the loud, urgent ring of a Den Den Mushi broke the rhythm of the gym. Luffy groaned in mild annoyance. “Hina,” he called out breathlessly, “can you check who’s calling?”
Nearby, Hina was mid-training, blindfolded as she dodged and countered a barrage of solid white balls launched from two machines. One of the projectiles struck her shoulder, making her wince.
“Damn it!” she muttered, yanking off her blindfold. She quickly shut off the machines and rubbed her aching shoulder. “You can’t handle it yourself?” she grumbled under her breath as she moved toward the incessantly ringing Den Den Mushi.
Picking it up, Hina examined the device closely. The unfamiliar appearance of the Den Den Mushi made her frown. Shrugging, she walked over to Luffy, still upside down on one finger.
“Hina don’t recognize this number,” she said, kneeling to place the receiver near Luffy. “Here, you deal with it.”
“Thanks,” Luffy replied with a nod, gripping the receiver with his free hand. His tone was slightly breathless but steady as he answered, “This is Monkey D. Luffy. Who’s calling?”
Hina turned to leave, ready to resume her training. But the next words stopped her in her tracks.
“Vice Admiral Luffy! This is Captain Kotora, commanding the first temporary force stationed in Wano Country. We’re in serious trouble here. May I ask, sir, when you’ll be arriving?”
The words immediately sharpened Luffy’s focus. His expression hardened, and he kicked off the heavy weights on his legs with a powerful motion. Flipping upright, he caught the several-ton iron block, setting it down gently before gripping the receiver with both hands.
“What happened? Is Kaido back?” he asked, his voice firm and commanding.
“No, sir,” Captain Kotora replied. “It’s worse. Yesterday, a rogue warrior caused chaos in the Flower Capital. When our Marines tried to apprehend him, they suffered heavy casualties. We lost 271 soldiers, and the remaining troops are severely injured. The city’s defense force is nearly paralyzed.”
Luffy’s jaw tightened, his grip on the receiver firm. His usually calm demeanor gave way to simmering anger.
“That’s not all,” Kotora continued grimly. “The rogue claimed to be Kozuki Sukiyaki, the Shogun of Wano Country. He’s even raised his flag, rallying local gangs and ronin to retake control of the region.”
The receiver creaked under Luffy’s grip as he ground out the name through clenched teeth. “Kozuki Sukiyaki…”
His anger boiled over. He knew the old man was still alive, but this betrayal cut deep. After everything the Marines had done—driving out Kaido, killing Orochi, and liberating Wano’s people—this so-called shogun repaid their kindness with blood.
“That old bastard…” Luffy muttered, his voice low and venomous. His mind raced with memories of their efforts to save Wano. Sukiyaki’s actions felt like a slap in the face.
“I’ll handle this personally,” Luffy declared, his voice sharp and unwavering. “Tomorrow morning, I’ll be there. Take care of the injured Marines until then. I’ll bring a way to treat them. And send me all the details about Sukiyaki’s forces. Until I arrive, prioritize your safety.”
“Yes, sir!” Kotora replied, his relief palpable.
As the call ended, Kotora quickly relayed orders to evacuate the wounded and prepare for Luffy’s arrival. The situation in Wano was dire, but the promise of reinforcements brought a glimmer of hope.
Back on The Stormbreaker, Luffy handed the receiver back to Hina and let out a deep breath, the weight of the situation heavy on his shoulders.
Hina’s sharp eyes took in the tension in his posture. “What’s the situation?” she asked, her voice calm but serious.
“Wano’s in trouble,” Luffy replied tersely. “Get everyone ready. We’re having a briefing in the conference room.”