Sengoku froze for a moment as he listened to Ezra.
"But Fleet Admiral Ezra, aren't you worried about Issho losing?"
"Why would I worry about Issho losing?" Ezra asked calmly.
Sengoku's lips twitched.
"You haven't even decided how many finalists will make it in the World Military Draft, have you?"
Ezra shrugged, offering no denial.
Sengoku sighed in disbelief. After all this, he still hadn't decided the final number.
"And what about Issho?" Sengoku pressed.
Even if only one person is selected, Issho would still face a challenger to prove himself worthy of promotion to Admiral. But Ezra had already prepared for this situation months ago.
"Don't worry about that. I'll discuss it with you properly when the time comes."
At that moment, Ezra remembered he had to visit Mary Geoise. This trip would be the perfect opportunity to finalize the decision.
Standing, he turned to Sengoku.
"Uncle, I'll leave today's paperwork to you. I'll need to report in Mary Geoise this afternoon."
He flashed a confident hand gesture, then turned and left the office.
Sengoku muttered to himself as he watched Ezra go.
"Even after retiring as Admiral, I'm still stuck with all the work."
He shook his head. Ezra's status had changed drastically. Disobedience was not an option.
The scene shifted. Ezra was already making his way to the port.
"Fleet Admiral Ezra!"
"Fleet Admiral Ezra, good day!"
Excited Marines greeted him along the way. Ezra nodded to each of them.
"Keep working hard," he said.
Finally, he boarded his personal vessel, the Hades.
"Ah… finally some privacy."
No sooner had he spoken than Rosinante appeared out of nowhere.
"Fleet Admiral Ezra! Rosinante at your service, anytime!"
Ezra's brow twitched. "Where did you even come from? And why are you copying Captain Teemo's style?"
Rosinante looked up innocently. "Eh? What's wrong, Fleet Admiral?"
Before he could answer, Ezra headbutted him firmly.
"Ugh… oh wow… that really hurts!" Rosinante groaned, clutching his head.
Ezra snorted and walked on.
"Fleet Admiral, why did you hit me?" Rosinante called after him.
"Nothing personal. Just in a bad mood," Ezra replied over his shoulder.
"Fine… whatever."
"Enough. Set course for Mary Geoise. Move out."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral!"
The massive warship slowly departed from G-1 Headquarters, heading for Mary Geoise.
During the journey, Ezra contemplated a question: whether he should form an independent team outside the Navy. For now, it was just a concept.
"I'll refine the plan when I have the time," he thought.
"Fleet Admiral Ezra, we're approaching Mary Geoise."
Ezra nodded. Rising, he gave precise instructions.
"Keep the ship ready. If we encounter Celestial Dragons, you know what to do."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral!"
He disembarked from the Hades and made his way to the conference hall. This was an official report visit, so he would also see Kong.
He knocked on the door.
"Come in," Kong's voice called.
Ezra pushed it open. "Uncle Kong, it's been a while."
Kong looked up from the documents he was reviewing. A faint smile touched his lips.
"Admiral Ezra… no, Fleet Admiral Ezra now. Coming this early to report?"
Ezra smiled. "Yes. Finish early, so I can handle other matters sooner."
Kong nodded approvingly. "Good, good. Sengoku didn't choose the wrong person, haha."
He rose and led Ezra toward the conference room.
"Fleet Admiral Ezra has arrived!" a voice announced outside the room.
"Enter," another called.
"Yes, honored ones!"
Pushing open the doors, Ezra stepped inside.
"Thank you, Uncle Kong," he said with a slight bow before moving further into the room.
Kong closed the doors behind him and stepped aside.
"Welcome, young master!" the Five Elders chorused, bowing deeply.
Ezra strode up the steps and sat on the throne. His crimson eyes scanned the room.
"Rise and speak," he commanded.
"Yes, young master!" they echoed.
"I have come today to discuss some matters with you."
"You speak, and we will follow your orders," the Elders replied in unison.
Ezra nodded slightly.
"Let's get straight to the point. I want to expand the number of Admirals to five."
The Five Elders froze. The Admiral rank represented the Navy's highest combat power, and Admirals were candidates for Fleet Admiral. They each wielded golden Den Den Mushi, able to issue commands without reporting upward.
With three Admirals, the Elders could maintain some balance. But five? Ezra's position as Fleet Admiral removed that concern. Still… issuing five simultaneous commands? That was unprecedented.
One Elder asked carefully, "Young master, may I ask why you wish to expand the number of Admirals?"
Ezra tapped the armrest.
"There are two strong candidates in the World Military Draft. And it's time for Issho to be promoted to Admiral. I can't very well make them fight it out for the last spot."
The Elders nodded slowly, understanding the logic.
"But young master, we do not have the authority to make this decision. This must be approved by Lady Imu."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. Of course. Changing the structure of the Navy was beyond their power.
"Right. Then let's go see Lady Imu."
"Yes, young master!" they replied in unison.
The Five Elders led Ezra deeper into the heart of Mary Geoise.
"Lady Imu, the young master has arrived!"
"Enter," came the cold, clear voice.
"Yes, Lady Imu!"
The Elders pushed open the doors. Ezra stepped forward.
Lady Imu sat atop her throne, her appearance unchanged.
"Lady Imu," he greeted respectfully.
A faint smile appeared on her face.
"Ezra… it's been a while. Come closer, let your sister get a good look at you."