A quiet understanding seemed to pass among the Five Elders.
Without wasting another second, they strode briskly into the great hall and summoned both Sengoku and Ezra D. Vale back inside.
The atmosphere in the room was… peculiar.
Sengoku looked at the Five Elders.
The Five Elders looked at Ezra.
Ezra… looked at the ceiling.
Sengoku's head spun with confusion.
What on earth is going on here?
Why does it feel like if Ezra doesn't speak, those old men don't dare to?
He nudged Ezra with his elbow.
"Hm? What's wrong, Uncle?"
Sengoku's eyes flicked toward the Five Elders, signaling frantically. His expression screamed: They're angry! Say sorry before we all die!
Ezra blinked. "I'm not apologizing."
Sengoku silently pleaded: Please. For me!
Ezra clicked his tongue in annoyance, then glanced at the Fifth Elder. "Hey, old man!"
The Fifth Elder flinched. "Ah! Young master!"
The entire room froze.
Sengoku's face went blank. "...Huh?"
Ezra's brows twitched. "...What?"
The First Elder nearly collapsed on the spot. Damn it! We just agreed not to expose his identity!
Realizing his slip, the Fifth Elder coughed violently to cover his mistake. "Ahem, I mean old me owes this fine young man an apology."
"This matter was my fault," he said solemnly, lowering his head. "I sincerely apologize and hope the young man can forgive me."
Then, to Sengoku's absolute shock, the Fifth Elder bowed deeply to Ezra.
Sengoku stood frozen, watching his worldview crumble in real time.
Where am I? Who am I? What is happening?
This can't be the Five Elders… right? They've got to be impostors!
Ezra, on the other hand, accepted it with calm indifference, as if this scene was perfectly natural. That simple gesture of composure only deepened the Elders' suspicions about who he truly was.
In truth, Ezra wasn't thinking that far ahead. He was a man of the modern age if someone apologized, you forgave them. Simple as that.
So he smiled faintly and replied, "Knowing your mistake and fixing it is what matters. I won't hold a grudge."
Sengoku turned to him sharply, incredulous. Won't hold a grudge? You were planning to?! Do you even know what these people can do to you?
Before he could say anything, the Five Elders straightened and spoke in unison. "Thank you, young thank you, sir! We're deeply grateful!"
Sengoku could only stare, numb.
Am I dreaming? Did I even come to Mariejois?
At that moment, the Elders shifted their gaze toward Sengoku. "Sengoku, tell us what brings you to Mariejois this time?"
Finally, back to business.
Sengoku cleared his throat, regaining a bit of composure. "I'm here to report a matter of great importance."
"Speak."
"Gol D. Roger has reached Raftel."
The room fell silent for half a heartbeat. Then, the air turned sharp enough to cut through stone.
The killing intent radiating from the Five Elders was impossible to miss.
To reach that island meant one thing Roger now knew the truth behind the Void Century and the fall of the Great Kingdom.
"That wretched Roger…" the Fifth Elder growled, his temper flaring. "He must die."
"Mobilize the Navy," barked another. "Sengoku, bring him in. No matter the cost, Roger must be eliminated!"
Sengoku gave a firm nod. "Understood, Lords of the Council."
"Good. Now, what else?"
After a short pause, Sengoku added, "There's… one more thing."
He then explained his proposal to promote Ezra.
The Elders exchanged a quick glance. Their response came immediately and unanimously.
"Brigadier General? Sure!" one said.
"Forget Brigadier make him Fleet Admiral if you like!" another chuckled nervously.
Sengoku stood there, speechless. The decision was made so fast he barely had time to blink.
And just like that, the meeting was over. Ezra's promotion was approved swiftly, almost too smoothly.
Even after they boarded the warship for the return voyage, Sengoku still looked dazed.
Ezra, lounging against the railing with his usual lazy grin, looked over his shoulder. "Uncle, you're still zoning out?"
Sengoku snapped back to reality. "Ezra… who are you, really?"
Ezra pointed at himself innocently. "Me? Just an ordinary refugee."
Sengoku's lips twitched. Ordinary refugee, my foot.
He'd never seen any "ordinary refugee" treated like royalty by the Five Elders.
As much as he wanted to deny it, their behavior couldn't be ignored. For a brief moment, a chilling thought crossed his mind. Could Ezra be… a Celestial Dragon?
But he quickly shook that notion away. No Celestial Dragon could make the Five Elders bow their heads like servants.
While he wrestled with his confusion, Vice Admiral Doberman jogged over, saluting sharply. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku! We'll reach Marineford in two hours!"
Sengoku nodded. "Good. Once this mission's over, the crew deserves some rest."
Doberman's face softened, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Yes, sir!"
As Doberman left, Sengoku turned back to Ezra, his expression turning serious.
"Ezra," he began, "now that you've officially become a Brigadier General, you should know many won't be happy about it."
Ezra tilted his head. "Oh?"
"There are plenty who'll see your sudden rise as favoritism," Sengoku explained. "But there's one man in particular you need to watch out for."
He sighed, his eyes darkening. "A Marine Vice Admiral… and a candidate for Admiral promotion. The one they call Red Dog Sakazuki."
Ezra blinked, the faintest smirk curling his lips. "Red Dog, huh? Sounds fun."
Sengoku's eyelid twitched. "Fun? That man's a walking volcano!"
Ezra shrugged. "Then I guess it's time to see whose fire burns hotter."
The old admiral groaned, rubbing his temples.
He wasn't sure whether to feel proud or terrified.
Because one thing was certain wherever Ezra D. Vale went, chaos was never far behind.