"Gurararara…!"
"That's our Romu! You actually forced Black Arm Zephyr to retreat!"
Before the ships even docked, Whitebeard Newgate leapt across the gap with Murakumogiri in hand and landed beside Romu. His Observation Haki had already confirmed Zephyr's withdrawal.
A moment later, Big Mom Charlotte Linlin, Wang Zhi, John, and Silver Axe all jumped aboard as well, showering Romu with praise.
"Shame," Romu replied calmly.
"Didn't manage to keep him."
He glanced at the group.
"Where's Shiki?"
John and the others burst out laughing.
"That guy's still sulking after losing to you. Refused to come along no matter what we said."
Romu scratched his head and chuckled.
He was about to continue when he noticed Big Mom staring at him with a strangely suggestive look.
"…Ugh."
He gagged reflexively.
Everyone blinked in confusion.
"Nothing," Romu waved it off. "Just thought of something disgusting."
He deliberately avoided looking at her again.
Even if Big Mom hadn't already started to lose her figure, he wouldn't be interested. The nickname "sea bus" alone was enough to kill any mood.
He made a mental note:
If she keeps trying that… I'm killing her.
Soon, the smaller pirate crews boarded the luxury cruiser.
Whitebeard clapped Romu on the shoulder.
"Gurarara! Good stuff! Even if you're not in my division, being a captain in the same crew is just as good!"
"Come on, Romu. The captain's throwing a feast on Hachinosu — for you, our newest commander! Let's sail back on this Marine ship. Flashiest thing I've ever seen!"
Romu rubbed his chin.
Sounded fine.
The ship was his spoil anyway. Inventory could wait until Hachinosu.
And he was curious about the so-called "Lord of the Seas," Rocks.
"Alright."
Then he added casually:
"It's not a Marine warship. It's a Celestial Dragon tribute cruiser."
Tribute…
Heavenly Tribute.
John's eyes instantly turned into spinning Beli symbols.
This was money paid by entire nations to the Celestial Dragons.
One ship like this?
At least five billion Beli — maybe more.
Rocks himself only carried a bounty of 2.19 billion.
John's greed flared. He squinted at Romu.
"…Something on your mind?" Romu asked mildly, killing intent faint but unmistakable.
John froze.
His eyes snapped back to normal.
"I—I've got a lot of men! We can… help you carry the money!"
Romu nodded.
"Appreciated."
John retreated immediately, heart pounding.
Idiot… he beat Shiki and Zephyr. He could crush me.
Whitebeard laughed again.
"Lucky brat. Stealing Heavenly Tribute — no wonder Zephyr chased you."
"Too bad there wasn't a Celestial Dragon onboard. Rocks might've gifted you an island."
"Still… tens of billions is more than enough for several lifetimes."
Whitebeard genuinely didn't care about money — he was simply happy for him.
"Celestial Dragon?" Romu smiled faintly.
"No living ones… but there's a dead one hanging over there."
He pointed toward the mast.
Silence.
Every pirate aboard turned slowly.
Their faces drained of color.
Their eyes screamed one word:
Monster.
Elsewhere — Zephyr's Fleet
Zephyr descended toward his warship.
"There! Admiral Zephyr's back!"
"So fast — that's our admiral!"
"That rookie pirate Romu never stood a chance!"
The Marines cheered.
Then—
THUD
Zephyr dropped straight out of the sky and slammed onto the deck.
Silence.
The Marines rushed over.
Blood. Wounds. Heavy breathing.
Shock rippled through the crew.
"Admiral!!"
"Medic! Get the medic!"
Zephyr coughed up dark blood.
"…Den… Den Den Mushi…"
"Bring… Admiral Kong's line…"