Ezra temporarily pushed aside whatever the Gorosei might be planning. Whether they intended to negotiate, manipulate, or test him through Donquixote Doflamingo was something to worry about later.
Right now, he had more important matters on hand.
He led Rosinante toward his personal battleship.
The moment they stepped onto that uniquely customized warship, Rosinante's eyes lit up with excitement.
His idol was exactly as legendary as he imagined.
Even his warship had a custom model.
"Yo, Admiral Emberflare."
A lazy voice drifted over. Ezra looked up, waving casually.
"Kuzan, when did you get back?"
Scratching his head, Aokiji replied, "Hmm... two or three days ago, I guess."
Ezra raised a brow. "You spent two or three days on the ship?"
Aokiji gave an awkward laugh. "The last mission was exhausting, so I didn't feel like going home."
Ezra's mouth twitched. Classic Kuzan.
He then introduced the boy behind him.
"This is Rosinante."
Rosinante saluted sharply. "Vice Admiral Kuzan, sir!"
Aokiji chuckled at the boy's energy. "Nice to meet you, Lieutenant Commander Rosinante. Since you'll be working under Admiral Emberflare, no need to be so formal."
"Yes, Vice Admiral Kuzan!"
As the three talked, Ezra's transponder snail began ringing. One glance at the specific shell pattern and he recognized the direct line to Sengoku.
A faint smile appeared on Ezra's lips.
"Looks like the old man made his decision."
He picked up. "Moshi moshi, Uncle. Calling this soon?"
Sengoku nodded on the other side. "Yes. The Gorosei contacted me. Doflamingo made his request."
Ezra's eyes narrowed slightly.
He expected this.
"He wants to join the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
Of course. Doflamingo's ambition hadn't changed.
"So what do you need me to do?"
"I'll send you the appointment document. All you have to do is deliver the Warlord decree to him."
Ezra nodded. "Got it. Where's the meeting point?"
"The North Blue."
Ezra raised an eyebrow.
Donquixote territory.
"Fine. After that, I'll head to the East Blue."
Hanging up, he turned toward Rosinante.
"You're coming on this mission too."
"Yes, Admiral Emberflare!"
Moments later, the decree arrived.
Ezra gave the order. "Move out. Destination: East Blue."
"Yes, Admiral!"
Back at Marineford, Sengoku received confirmation that Ezra had departed. He dialed the Gorosei.
"Elders, Admiral Emberflare is en route."
"Good. Thank you, Sengoku," the Gorosei replied before ending the call.
The elders exchanged glances.
"I wonder if Doflamingo remembers the Young Lord."
Another elder shook his head. "Impossible. Doflamingo was only a year old back then. He couldn't remember."
"Even so, we should remind the Young Lord. Tell him Doflamingo is a former Celestial Dragon."
"Agreed."
"Seconded."
"Seconded."
One elder sighed. "Let us hope nothing unexpected happens."
Meanwhile, aboard Ezra's warship, his transponder snail rang again.
"Young Lord, pardon the disturbance," the Gorosei began. "We simply wanted to inform you that Doflamingo was once a Celestial Dragon."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Stussy already told me."
The elders paused.
"There is one more thing. Before you lost your memory, you used to tease the young Doflamingo when he was about a year old. We do not know if he remembers, so we thought we should warn you."
Ezra froze.
He teased Doflamingo as a baby?
That was unexpected.
"I understand. That is all."
"Yes, Young Lord."
They ended the call.
Ezra rubbed his temples.
Carmichael had died far too cleanly. This traumatic amnesia was becoming increasingly aggravating. But an idea sparked in Ezra's mind.
There was one possible solution.
"When I return, I'll try using Kido to restore my memories."
For now, it wasn't urgent.
Days passed quickly, and Ezra's warship finally reached the East Blue.
"Kuzan, where's the exact location?"
"Somewhere in this sea zone, Admiral."
Just as he finished speaking, a pirate ship approached from the distance. The Donquixote family's flag fluttered across the water.
Ezra raised a brow.
"Well. Perfect timing."
As the ship drew close, the figures on board grew clearer.
Golden, messy hair.
Sunglasses.
A flamboyant pink feather coat.
Ridiculous cropped pants.
And that unmistakable laugh.
"Fufufufu! Admiral Emberflare! A pleasure to finally meet you. I am Donquixote Doflamingo!"
Ezra's gaze swept past him, landing briefly on the family gathered behind him.
He paused.
Isn't that Law?
So this is the point in time when Law joined Doflamingo.
Before he could finish thinking, Doflamingo called out again.
"Oi, even an Admiral should listen when someone speaks."
"Bullet Thread."
With a snap of his fingers, a thread fired from Doflamingo's fingertip like a bullet.
Aokiji stepped forward immediately.
"Ice Shield!"
Crackling frost formed into a barrier and blocked the attack.
As the ice melted, Ezra's voice drifted across the water.
"Impatient, aren't you, Doflamingo?"
Doflamingo prepared to reply, but then his gaze accidentally met Ezra's crimson eyes.
His body stiffened.
What... is this?
Why am I afraid?
Why am I actually afraid of him?!
"You bastard! What did you do to me?!"
Ezra shrugged. "Who knows?"
He turned to Rosinante. "Bring the decree."
"Yes, Admiral Emberflare!"
Doflamingo froze when he heard that name.
Rosinante?
His eyes darted to the boy, confirming it instantly.
His little brother.
"Rosinante! You joined the Marines?!"
After killing their father, Doflamingo had searched everywhere for his missing brother.
He never imagined Rosinante would become a Marine.
But Rosinante only gave him a calm glance and handed Ezra the decree.
"Admiral, the appointment document."
"Thanks. And Rosinante, relax a little. I already know your nickname, Little Rosie."
Ezra then looked at Doflamingo, noticing the flash of hunger in his eyes when he saw the decree.
A slow smile crept across Ezra's lips.
"Doflamingo, how about a deal?"
Doflamingo paused.
"Fufufu... interesting. Tell me."
Ezra pointed at Rosinante.
"That child stays with me.
In return, I'll tell you a secret about yourself."