Admirals Decision: Enlisting the three brothers

Since the Five Elders used the Den Den Mushi to summon Sengoku and instructed him to order Luo Ye back to Marineford, the former Fleet Admiral had been waiting in the Marine headquarters' office. He remained seated in silence, anticipating a message that had long weighed on his heart. Years ago, he personally assigned Donquixote Rosinante—better known as Corazon—on an undercover mission to infiltrate the Donquixote Pirates. It was a decision Sengoku never took lightly, as he loved Corazon like a son.

But that love turned to grief when he confirmed Corazon's death with his own eyes. Shot by his own brother, Doflamingo, who showed no remorse. If Doflamingo hadn't been protected by the title of Shichibukai—one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea sanctioned by the World Government—Sengoku would have led the charge to bring him down, even if Doflamingo had been a Yonko.

But bound by duty and the orders of the Celestial Dragons, Sengoku had to suppress his desire for revenge for years. And now, Luo Ye had finished what he could not.

Sengoku took a deep breath, then spoke with solemn gratitude through the Den Den Mushi: "Luo Ye, thank you."

Luo Ye was mildly surprised. Then, with a small smile, he replied, "Marshal Sengoku, as a Marine Admiral, it's my duty to eliminate dangerous pirates like Doflamingo. Why the thanks?"

"You brat!" Sengoku, who had just been swept by emotion, instantly barked with his old temper flaring. Then he slammed the receiver, ending the call.

Luo Ye chuckled, unconcerned, and shifted his gaze back to the battle where the two brothers, Ace and Sabo, were still fighting the remaining Donquixote Family officers. To these brothers—Ace, Sabo, and Luffy—Luo Ye had always been a distant goal, a benchmark of Marine power.

Now that Luo Ye had swiftly taken down Doflamingo, the most powerful member of the Donquixote Pirates, while they were still struggling to defeat his subordinates, it left them feeling a touch embarrassed. Especially with both Luo Ye and Momousagi watching nearby. Neither of them wanted to lose face.

Ace looked at Sabo, and the two exchanged a nod.

"Hiken!"

Ace's fist ignited with flames, and countless fireballs—his signature move Firefly Light (Hibashira no Hikari)—swarmed around the Donquixote officers before converging into an explosive inferno. In mere moments, two of the officers were engulfed in the searing flames, reduced to charred silhouettes as their screams echoed.

Sabo wasn't about to be outdone.

"Ryusoken: Dragon's Claw!"

Though he hadn't eaten the Mera Mera no Mi yet, his Armament Haki and martial arts were formidable. He dashed forward, closing the gap with his opponent. The officer swung his blade, but Sabo met it head-on—his Busoshoku-coated hand shattering the weapon on contact. With a fluid movement, Sabo's clawed fingers clamped down on the man's throat, and with a twist, ended the fight.

Momousagi, who had been observing, turned to Luo Ye in shock. "Silver Eagle Admiral… aren't the two of them just colonels? This strength… it's far beyond their rank."

Luo Ye smiled knowingly. It was satisfying to see others recognizing the potential he saw all along.

"Exactly why I brought them with me this time," he replied.

Momousagi tilted her head. "What do you mean by that?"

But as she looked at the two still engaged in the battle, realization dawned.

"You're grooming them…" she muttered. "Even if their strength qualifies them for promotion, they'd still need achievements. Without sufficient merit, even if they became Vice Admirals or higher, no one would accept them."

Luo Ye waved her off casually. "If I convinced them to join the Marines, it's only right I help them rise. But strength alone isn't enough."

Momousagi nodded slowly, impressed. In the New World, power and results outweighed pedigree. It's why no Marine ever questioned Luo Ye's promotion to Admiral.

She looked at him with newfound respect.

When the final officer dropped and the battle ended, Luo Ye turned and said, "Come on. Time to restore the citizens of Dressrosa from their toy forms."

She followed quietly.

Luo Ye was already aware of Sugar's presence in the royal palace. A user of the Hobi Hobi no Mi, her touch could turn people into toys and erase them from others' memories. Just rendering her unconscious would be enough to break her power.

Inside the palace, Sugar sat trembling in a corner. She looked up with wide eyes as the imposing figure of the Marine Admiral entered.

"Y-Young Master?" she stuttered, clearly shaken.

But Luo Ye's eyes were cold and devoid of mercy. Drawing his saber, he stepped forward.

"He's dead."

The color drained from Sugar's face. The man in a Marine coat, with an aura of absolute authority, walked closer, blade in hand.

"W-What are you going to do?" she whimpered.

"Kill you," he answered, "and restore Dressrosa."

"AAAAAHHH!!!"

Sugar screamed and fainted on the spot.

Luo Ye stared down at her unconscious form, a little irritated. "Seriously? That's all it took?"

Momousagi stepped forward and spoke calmly. "Silver Eagle Admiral… since she's passed out, the effect of her Devil Fruit should be undone. The people will return to normal."

She looked down at Sugar. "Why don't I take her to G-3 and have her held there?"

Luo Ye nodded slightly, his eyes scanning the palace, now quiet after the chaos. Dressrosa would soon be free again.