Ezra rolled his eyes at Imu's playful answer.
"Fine. We'll talk about it another time. Now that we've found the one responsible for killing my former self, everything here is basically handled."
After saying goodbye to Imu, Ezra returned to Marineford.
As for the Celestial Noble he had killed earlier, Saint Chalmaco, the Five Elders personally spoke to Sengoku on Ezra's behalf. The dignity of the Celestial Nobles had to be maintained, so they declared Chalmaco to be an impersonator. Sengoku had doubts but ultimately accepted their explanation.
Ezra finally had a bit of free time.
Gion had already returned from Germa. Ezra gave her the clothes and souvenirs he had bought from Fishman Island, and she was overjoyed.
A week passed quickly.
While Ezra was practicing sword meditation, the ringing of a Den Den Mushi interrupted his training.
"Who is it?"
"Young master, it's me. Stussy."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Did something happen?"
Stussy rarely contacted him directly unless it was important, especially since she was still acting under the title Queen of the Pleasure District.
She quickly explained the situation.
Doflamingo had approached her, wanting to cooperate in robbing the Heavenly Tribute. As a CPO agent, Stussy's first reaction was that Doflamingo had lost his mind. Her second reaction was to reject him immediately.
Rob the Celestial Nobles? Was he insane?
Of course, she still didn't know Doflamingo's true identity. Even if she did know, she wouldn't want any part in it.
Ezra nodded after hearing everything.
"I understand. You handled it well."
Stussy smiled through the Den Den Mushi. "Thank you for the praise, young master."
"But I still don't understand why Doflamingo knows the route for transporting the Heavenly Tribute."
Ezra chuckled. "It's not a secret worth hiding. Doflamingo used to be a Celestial Noble."
Stussy froze. "No way!"
Ezra shrugged. "That's why he knows."
Stussy nodded slowly, still shocked.
"By the way, Stussy, keep an eye on the East Blue for me."
"The East Blue? Young master, it's huge. Where am I supposed to focus?"
"Find a village called Cocoyasi. A retired subordinate of mine lives there. I want to visit when I have time."
"I understand, young master."
The call ended.
Ezra stretched lazily and looked at the ocean outside his window.
"Peaceful days never last long."
Sure enough, a few days later, Sengoku summoned him to the office.
"Admiral Ashflame!"
"Good morning, Admiral Ashflame!"
"Welcome, Admiral!"
Ezra nodded to everyone and made his way to the office door.
Knock. Knock.
"Come in."
Hearing Sengoku's tired voice, Ezra entered. Only Sengoku was present. Vice Admiral Tsuru was away on assignment.
"Uncle Sengoku, what happened now?"
Sengoku removed his frog-shaped glasses and rubbed his temples. He handed Ezra a folder.
"Read this first."
Ezra flipped it open and raised an eyebrow.
Of course. It was the report on Doflamingo hijacking the Heavenly Tribute.
"You want me to arrest him?"
Sengoku shook his head. "No. The Five Elders said Doflamingo holds leverage against them. They strictly ordered that he must not be killed."
Ezra lounged back on the sofa. "So what do you want me to do?"
Sengoku slumped. "I don't know what he's planning, but I feel like he's becoming more and more dangerous."
"Then just wait and see," Ezra said casually.
"But I can't shake the feeling that something terrible will happen soon."
Ezra raised a brow. "Uncle, can you speak directly?"
Sengoku nodded. He tapped a few buttons on the Den Den Mushi.
"Come in."
The door opened.
A man with short blond hair, wearing a red hood and the uniform of a Marine Commander, stepped inside.
"Donquixote Rosinante."
Sengoku looked at Ezra. "I plan to send him to infiltrate the Donquixote Family."
Ezra's expression tightened.
Truthfully, he didn't want Rosinante to go. The man was too kind-hearted, and more than a little clumsy. He could set his coat on fire while lighting a cigarette, or trip over his own boots.
"What do you think, Ezra?" Sengoku asked.
Ezra tapped his fingers on the armrest, deep in thought.
Rosinante, meanwhile, was staring at him with sparkling eyes.
Ezra D. Vale. The idol of every Marine.
Ever since Sengoku had adopted him, Rosinante had heard Ezra's name constantly. He studied every story about him and eventually became his biggest fan.
Ezra could feel the admiration radiating from him. He stopped tapping his fingers and sighed.
"Transfer Rosinante under my command. As for infiltration missions, forget it."
Sengoku exhaled in relief. He himself had been torn. On one hand, he and Rosinante had become family. On the other, he feared that Doflamingo wouldn't spare Rosinante even if he was his biological brother. After all, Doflamingo had killed his own father.
"Very well. He will be placed under your command. However, if Doflamingo makes demands later, I may need you to meet him."
Ezra waved a hand. "No problem. I've been wanting to meet that fallen aristocrat myself."