Hearing Sanji's words, Ezra chuckled softly.
"Don't worry. In Mihawk's current state, he could probably eat three or four whole cows."
Mihawk's mouth twitched slightly.
"Admiral Vale, that may be a bit exaggerated."
Sanji laughed and headed back to the kitchen.
It had to be said. The food at Baratie, or rather Sanji's cooking, was truly exceptional.
From the very first bite, it completely conquered the taste buds of all three men.
Ezra, however, had no intention of inviting Sanji to join the Marines. After all, the young man's dream was the All Blue.
"I've made a decision," Ezra suddenly said.
Aokiji and Mihawk, both thoroughly satisfied from the meal, turned toward him in confusion.
Ezra ignored their looks and waved Sanji over.
"Your name is Sanji, right?"
Sanji nodded blankly.
"Is there something you need, sir?"
"I'll be coming here often in the future," Ezra said calmly. "When I do, I hope you'll be the one cooking."
Sanji's eyes lit up instantly.
"Thank you so much! Having a guest recognize my cooking is the greatest encouragement I could ask for!"
Seeing Sanji's reaction, a smile appeared on Ezra's face as well.
The three did not stay long at the restaurant. After settling the bill, they departed.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
The Marine warship was nearing Marineford.
"Admiral Vale, please drop me off here."
Mihawk had fully recovered.
Ezra raised an eyebrow.
"You are sure you do not want to visit Marineford?"
Mihawk shook his head.
"This duel gave me many insights. My sword still needs further refinement."
Ezra nodded.
"If you want another duel someday, come find me in Marineford."
A hint of joy flashed through Mihawk's eyes.
"Thank you, Admiral."
Ezra watched as Mihawk and his coffin-shaped boat vanished into the endless sea, then ordered the ship to return at full speed to Marineford.
Time flew by.
The calendar turned to the year 1516.
Only six years remained before the main events of the era would begin.
After completing his daily training, Ezra wiped the sweat from his body.
"System, open status panel."
[Host: Ezra D. Vale]
[Primary Template: Genryusai Yamamoto]
[Inheritance Progress: 72.2 percent]
Ezra let out a long breath and clicked his tongue.
"Only two percent…."
Since fully unlocking the template, his progress had slowed dramatically.
Most Kidō techniques had been unlocked, but the forbidden spells were still sealed.
That said, he had not been idle.
In swordsmanship, hand to hand combat, movement, and spiritual techniques, he had refined himself relentlessly.
In fact, he had already surpassed the original Captain Commander at the same stage.
Even now, Ezra no longer dared to release his spiritual pressure freely.
Every time he did, he had to suppress at least half of it, if not more.
Times had changed.
He was simply too strong now.
"Ah… system missions," Ezra muttered. "When will I get another one?"
The inheritance bonuses were far too tempting to ignore.
Shaking his head, he cleared his thoughts and left the training room.
"Ezra, lunch will be ready soon. Just wait a bit."
Hearing Yuan's voice from the kitchen, Ezra smiled.
"Got it, got it."
After enjoying a satisfying lunch, Yuan bid him farewell.
She was heading back to the New World to continue her mission.
As for Ezra, the duties of a Marine Admiral had grown lighter.
Akainu was stationed in the New World.
Kizaru was overseeing the science division.
And Ezra now remained stationed at Marineford.
Though to be honest, he never quite understood why Marineford needed guarding when Sengoku and Zephyr were around every day.
Buru buru.
The sound of a Den Den Mushi rang out as Ezra basked in the sunlight.
He raised an eyebrow.
It was the private Den Den Mushi of the Five Elders.
"Hello. Please forgive us for disturbing you, young master."
Ezra's mouth twitched slightly.
As time passed, the Five Elders' devotion had only grown more extreme.
"Get to the point."
"Yes, young master. A pirate has contacted us. He wishes to negotiate."
"And that pirate is Red Hair Shanks."
Ezra's eyebrow rose slightly.
"He did not tell you the terms?"
The Five Elders shook their heads.
"He only said it concerns the balance of the seas."
Ezra understood immediately.
Shanks wanted to become the World Government's inside man among the pirates, gaining the position of an Emperor in exchange for maintaining balance in the New World.
If Big Mom were still around, the Five Elders would have accepted without hesitation.
But now that Stussy was already Ezra's operative, such an arrangement was no longer essential.
Still, meeting Shanks might yield unexpected information.
"I'll handle this matter myself," Ezra said.
The Five Elders froze, then burst into joy.
The young master was finally beginning to take part in decision-making.
"Understood, young master. When shall we arrange the meeting?"
Ezra thought briefly.
"I'll go to Mary Geoise in three days. Have Shanks arrive there at the same time."
"Yes, young master."
The Den Den Mushi disconnected.
A faint smile appeared on Ezra's face.
"Red Hair Shanks… I hope you bring me something interesting."
"Achoo! Achoo!"
In the New World, aboard the Red Force, Shanks sneezed repeatedly.
Benn Beckman laughed beside him.
"Captain, you catching a cold?"
Shanks laughed loudly.
"No way. Someone must be talking about me."
Beckman frowned slightly.
"Captain, are you really going to that place?"
Shanks nodded.
"Yes. This world cannot keep spiraling out of control."
Beckman sighed.
"Fine. You are the captain, after all."
Shanks grinned.
"Don't look so grim, Beckman. I'll come back just fine."
As they spoke, a Den Den Mushi rang.
"I'm Shanks."
"Shanks, come to Mary Geoise in three days."
A sharp glint flashed through Shanks' eyes.
"I understand. I will be there on time."