With cheers from the crowd, the warship slowly sailed away from Cocosia Village. For Nami and the others, it was their first time seeing the vast, rolling expanse of the sea.
"Wow… the ocean is so beautiful!" Nami exclaimed, eyes sparkling. "I wish I could record everything I see!"
Ezra smiled.
"You can record it, Nami."
Curious, Nami tilted her head toward him.
"As a navigator, once you master the craft, you'll be able to capture every scene you see."
Ezra's words planted a seed deep within Nami's heart, one that would grow over time.
Days passed in a blur, and soon the ship entered the Grand Line. A seagull suddenly landed in front of Ezra.
He raised an eyebrow, immediately recognizing it as one of Morgan's "517" messenger seagulls.
Sure enough, the bird produced a newspaper from its backpack, flapped its wings, and flew off.
Ezra slowly unfolded the paper, revealing the stern face of Mihawk.
"That… isn't that Mihawk?" Kuzan asked.
Ezra raised a brow.
"Oh? You recognize him?"
Kuzan nodded slightly.
"There was news recently about a swordsman appearing in the Grand Line. Whoever was skilled with a blade, he would challenge them to a fair duel. He defeated every opponent, pirate or Navy alike. People have started calling him the World's Greatest Swordsman."
A faint smile tugged at Ezra's lips.
"Perhaps he isn't the greatest… yet."
He handed the newspaper to Kuzan. The headline screamed:
"Mihawk's Challenge!"
"The Final Obstacle on the Path to the World's Greatest Swordsman!"
"Navy Admiral Ezra D. Vale!"
"Will You Accept the Challenge?"
Kuzan gasped.
"Why… why challenge you? Does he want to die?"
Ezra's lips twitched.
"Stop exaggerating. It's just a promise we made long ago."
"Oh? Can you tell me about it?"
Ezra shrugged and recounted the agreement he had made with Mihawk.
Kuzan's jaw dropped.
"Fate… it really is strange."
"Fate, I don't know about. But I must respond to Mihawk."
Kuzan blinked.
"You're not seriously going to accept, are you?"
"And if I didn't?" Ezra replied casually, walking to the bow of the ship and dialing Morgan's number.
Brrr brrr brrr
"Hello? Admiral Vale! Did you get the letter?" Morgan asked cheerfully.
"Yes, I've seen it."
Morgan rubbed his hands, grinning.
"So… what's your reply? I can send it for you!"
Ezra smiled.
"Tell him I accept. The duel will be three days from now, at Kurakana Island in the Grand Line."
Morgan's eyes gleamed.
"Understood! I'll deliver the message right away! Also, Admiral Vale… can I broadcast it live?"
Ezra shrugged.
"Sure. There should be plenty of people there anyway."
"I got it! Good luck!"
They hung up. Ezra massaged his neck and returned to Kuzan, reclining in the lounge chair.
"That was fast. Morgan's really that easy to deal with?" Kuzan asked.
"Money talks. Easy business," Ezra replied with a smirk.
Kuzan raised an eyebrow.
"So… we're changing course?"
Ezra nodded.
"Kurakana Island."
Kuzan's brow arched.
"That works. Centuries ago, the island's population was wiped out by gorillas. Now it's a semi-abandoned island."
A faint smile played on Ezra's lips.
"Good. Set the course."
Meanwhile, Morgan worked overtime to prepare the next day's newspaper. At sunrise, the entire sea seemed to buzz with the news:
Navy Admiral Ezra D. Vale Accepts Mihawk's Challenge!
Three days from now, at the deserted Kurakana Island!
Sword enthusiasts went wild.
In Shimotsuki Village, Master Koushirou of the dojo adjusted his glasses, a small smile on his face.
"That boy… has really grown."
Zoro and Kuina rushed over, curious.
"Father! Master! What happened?"
Koushirou handed them the newspaper.
"Mihawk… really got a response?"
"Isn't this the Navy admiral who visited the dojo before?" Zoro asked in shock.
"That Navy officer is so strong?"
"To think… the final step to becoming the world's greatest swordsman is within reach!"
Koushirou chuckled.
"You two need to train hard too."
On the Moby Dick, Vista's gaze remained fixed on the newspaper, eyes glued to Mihawk and Ezra.
"Dad… has Vista gone crazy? Why's he staring at them like that?"
Marco chuckled heartily.
"Kurakana Island! Both of them are about to achieve the ultimate honor for a swordsman!"
Of course, as a swordsman, Vista couldn't help but be excited by such a duel.
"Kurakana Island! Sons, let's go! Head for Kurakana Island!"
Vista blinked.
"Dad!"
Whitebeard waved a hand dismissively.
"Don't worry. Ezra won't pull any surprise attacks. We're just spectators this time!"
"Thanks, Dad!"
Across the seas, almost every pirate crew had the same reaction. Everyone, swordsman or not, began heading toward Kurakana Island.
Meanwhile, on a drifting coffin ship, Mihawk read the morning paper.
After years of honing his skill and defeating countless foes, he now had a title of his own: Hawkeye Mihawk.
Excitement glimmered in his eyes.
"Kurakana Island, huh? I look forward to meeting you again, Admiral Ezra D. Vale!"