The boy's name was Ezra D. Vale a traveler between worlds.
As for the name he bore in his previous life? Best left unspoken.
Once, he'd been nothing more than an overworked web novelist, hammering away at his keyboard during one particularly intense writing session… until, quite suddenly, he wasn't alive anymore.
When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in an unfamiliar world though to this day, he still couldn't quite tell which one.
But that wasn't the point.
After washing ashore on a deserted island, Ezra like many of his fellow "transmigrators" discovered he had something extraordinary: a Legacy System.
Its function was simple in theory, yet limitless in potential. The system could draw upon the countless worlds across existence, selecting a single legendary figure from whom he could inherit power. Once Ezra achieved full inheritance from one legacy, the system would unlock the next.
And luck, it seemed, favored him.
On his very first draw, he had received the inheritance of none other than Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto the founder and Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, the strongest Shinigami to have ever lived.
Yes, that Yamamoto.
The man who had established both the Soul Reaper Academy and the foundation of Soul Society's strength. The one whose Zanpakutō, Ryūjin Jakka, was known as the most powerful flame-type weapon in existence able to incinerate even the air itself.
Three years had passed since Ezra arrived on that island. In that time, his legacy progress had reached 30%.
[Host: Ezra D. Vale]
[Inherited Figure: Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto]
[Inheritance Progress: 30%]
And only moments ago, Ezra had finally managed to activate Shikai the first stage of Ryūjin Jakka's release.
Across from him stood a tall, broad-shouldered man with a stern yet curious gaze Sengoku, the future Fleet Admiral of the Marines.
He watched Ezra fall silent, lost in thought, before clearing his throat lightly.
"Ahem. Boy, are you done staring into space?"
"Oh, sorry," Ezra replied sheepishly. "It's just… it's been a long time since I last saw another human. Guess I got a little emotional."
Sengoku frowned, his brows knitting together. Haven't seen another human…? That was odd. He could already sense something unusual about the boy's energy, but hearing that made him even more curious.
"You're still young," Sengoku said cautiously. "How could it be that you haven't seen another person for so long?"
So Ezra began to tell him the story how he had woken up alone on this island, how he'd survived and trained relentlessly for three years.
Of course, not all of it was true.
How he came to be there, for instance, was a complete fabrication. He honestly couldn't remember much about his arrival. Beyond his name and scattered fragments of memory, everything else was a blur as if he'd once been a sheltered fool, kept under careful watch by others.
He vaguely remembered people in white coats doctors, maybe but little else.
So, he'd invented his own version of events.
And when he met Sengoku, his mind began to spin with possibility.
He wanted to join the Marines.
Yes, the Navy had its flaws rival factions, corruption, even officers with questionable morals but compared to the chaos of piracy, it was the safer, more stable path.
More importantly, through his conversation with Sengoku, Ezra learned the current date: May, Year 1500.
That meant Gol D. Roger would surrender this very year sparking the birth of the Great Pirate Era.
Soon, the seas would boil with chaos. Countless pirates would take to the waters, seeking treasure and glory. The Four Seas and even the New World would descend into turmoil.
When that time came, nowhere would truly be safe except within the structured walls of the Navy.
Besides, Ezra wasn't exactly the social type. He didn't dream of leading a pirate crew or drifting aimlessly across the seas like Mihawk in his coffin-shaped boat. He preferred discipline, solitude, and purpose.
So, the choice was obvious.
After hearing Ezra's story, Sengoku sighed quietly. The boy's past was tragic, but what intrigued him more was the aura of immense power he could faintly sense.
To confirm his suspicion, Sengoku focused his Observation Haki on Ezra and his eyes widened slightly.
"Hmm? Boy, your body... it's unusually well-trained."
His gaze grew oddly intense, scanning Ezra up and down like a jeweler inspecting a rare gem.
Ezra shifted uncomfortably. "Uh… I guess it's because I've been training nonstop. My swordsmanship's not too bad either."
That caught Sengoku's attention immediately. His eyes flicked toward the katana hanging at Ezra's waist.
That sword… it radiated energy unlike anything he'd ever seen.
Even without understanding its true nature, Sengoku could tell this was the source of that strange power he'd felt earlier.
Still, he didn't press the issue. Everyone had their secrets, after all. And this boy might just be a treasure worth recruiting.
Straightening his posture, Sengoku clasped his hands behind his back, adopting an air of authority.
"Well then, boy," he said in his deep, commanding voice, "do you wish to join the Navy?"
Ezra nodded without hesitation. "Yes."
Sengoku blinked. "Eh?" He'd prepared a whole speech about duty, justice, and moral conviction
"I said yes," Ezra repeated, louder this time. "Didn't you hear me, old man?"
Sengoku coughed awkwardly and turned his head. "Ahem. Of course! But you should know, not just anyone can join the Marines. We don't take in every stray off the street."
He pointed a finger at Ezra, his lips curling into a challenging grin.
"The warship's still under repair, so I've got some time to spare. Show me what you can do, boy. Let's see how strong you really are."
Ezra's eyes lit up with excitement.
Finally!
He'd trained alone for so long without any way to measure his progress. And now, standing before one of the Navy's top powerhouses, he had the perfect chance to find out just where he stood in this world's hierarchy of strength.
A spark flared in his chest.
He drew Ryūjin Jakka, its sealed blade gleaming faintly in the sun, and smiled.
"Alright then, Fleet Admiral Sengoku," he said. "Let's find out just how good I've become."