Hearing Sengoku's question, Ezra raised an eyebrow. He knew a fair bit about Jinbe.
"I know something. What happened?"
"You know about the Seven Warlords of the Sea, right?"
Ezra nodded calmly.
The Seven Warlords of the Sea were pirates officially recognized by the World Government. They were granted special powers and privileges to intimidate and suppress ordinary pirates. Though considered by many as government tools, this was not entirely accurate.
Besides being required to answer summons and pay certain taxes to the World Government, they were otherwise free to act independently, without interference from the government or the navy. But if a Warlord was captured, they would face elimination.
Ezra asked, "So… we're inviting Jinbe to join the Warlords?"
Sengoku nodded from the office.
"Yes. Not just him there's another person who needs your personal invitation."
"Who?"
"Crocodile."
Ezra's brows shot up. Hadn't Crocodile already joined the Warlords? Had he misremembered?
Sengoku explained, "Crocodile has been a Warlord, but after failing to challenge Whitebeard, he announced he wanted to give up his position. Your job is to convince him otherwise."
Ezra frowned.
"And if he refuses?"
Without hesitation, Sengoku replied, "Then we reduce one more pirate from the seas."
Ezra gave a slight nod. That was more like it.
"I understand. Send me their details and locations."
After hanging up, Ezra returned to the dojo. Kurosaki didn't pry after all, he was still aligned with Dragon's interests.
"Kuina, looks like I'm leaving tonight."
Kuina pouted.
"You… big liar! I'm not talking to you!"
With that, she spun and ran back to her room.
"Kuina? Kuina!" Kurosaki looked apologetic toward Ezra.
Ezra waved him off.
"It's fine… I have work to do."
He then pulled out a pendant, crafted from his own spiritual pressure. Makino also had one.
"Master Kurosaki, give this to her."
Kurosaki hesitated, looking at the valuable object.
"Ezra, this is far too precious. You really don't have to "
"It's fine. Please take it."
After some polite reluctance, Kurosaki accepted. Ezra said his farewells and left Isshin Dojo.
Back on the ship, everyone was training. Ezra nodded in satisfaction.
"Admiral Residual Fire!"
He gave a small bow.
"Yes. Let's set sail. There's a mission."
"Yes, Admiral Residual Fire!"
Everyone returned to their positions. Ezra decided to seek out Crocodile first. Destination: Alabasta. Set sail!
Onboard, Ezra recalled the Celestial Dragon he had killed. Once he reported it to the Five Elders, they were furious but their anger was directed only at the Dragon, for daring to attack their own. Ezra had hidden the identity of the true mastermind behind it, planning to deal with them personally after Crocodile and Jinbe's affairs were settled.
Meanwhile, in Alabasta, the rainy lands. Crocodile had been considered a hero in the kingdom for several years, enjoying influence and comfort. Yet, he had never located the ancient weapon, Pluton.
Every "hero" title was a lie. Since losing to Whitebeard, Crocodile had become obsessed. If he couldn't defeat Whitebeard directly, he would rely on ancient weapons.
Years had passed, and he had nothing to show for it.
Weary, Crocodile, still bound by his heroic image, had to continually eliminate pirates, leaving him no time to pursue Pluton. He decided to give up his Warlord title and secretly create an intelligence organization to seize control of Alabasta.
But he didn't know Death had already arrived in the rainy lands.
With a soft crunch, Ezra's boots pressed into the wet sand. His crimson eyes scanned the buildings.
"The Kingdom of Sand, Alabasta."
"Called a kingdom of sand, but the town isn't so bad."
After a moment's reflection, Ezra walked toward the rain-soaked streets.
Elsewhere, Crocodile's office door was knocked on.
"Come in."
A man with a messy mop of hair hurried in.
"Boss! B-bad news! A Navy ship has docked at the port!"
Crocodile's brow furrowed. He quickly realized the Navy was here because of his intent to quit the Warlords.
"They came… so quickly?"
"Don't panic. At most, the Navy would send a Vice Admiral."
"Did anyone see who it was?"
The subordinate gulped nervously.
"It… it's an Admiral! Admiral Residual Fire!"
Crocodile's face went pale.
"I'm just a minor Warlord! Why send an Admiral?! And why… Residual Fire?!"
He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"What should we do, Boss?"
Crocodile waved a hand.
"You all go down first."
"Yes, Boss!"
The subordinate bolted. Crocodile had no time to care. He needed to prepare to face Ezra.
Everyone knew Ezra's legendary reputation. Years ago, he had been able to match Whitebeard, and more recently, had defeated Big Mom. It was indisputable Ezra was the strongest at sea.
Crocodile's head throbbed.
"Honestly… even if I stay in the Warlords, it's not so bad. Hitting pirates… I can handle being a hero for once."
After considering briefly, he gave in.
"Better go meet this Admiral in advance!"
"Men! Come with me to meet Admiral Residual Fire!"
Soon, Ezra arrived in the rain-soaked lands. Honestly, Crocodile had done a decent job building up the area.
Ahead, a figure approached. Cloaked in black fur, with a golden hook on his left hand and a long scar across his face. Not Crocodile, who else? Ezra smirked. This saved him some trouble.
"Crocodile," Ezra said coldly, "Agree… or die here. Your choice."