When Dragon finally spoke his invitation, the air around them froze.
The tension was almost tangible.
Hina's expression turned grave as her sharp gaze locked on Dragon.
From her understanding of Ezra D. Vale, betrayal against the Navy was simply unthinkable.
And yet, standing before her was the most unpredictable man in the world one she already regarded as a madman.
Across from them, Dragon and Koushirou were both watching Ezra with quiet expectation.
They genuinely wanted him to join them.
But Ezra himself?
He was completely dumbfounded.
When Dragon first appeared, Ezra had assumed a fight was inevitable.
He had even mentally prepared himself for it.
But never not in a million years did he imagine the man would suddenly invite him to join the Revolutionary Army.
"Why," Ezra finally asked, brow twitching, "did you think of inviting me?"
Without hesitation, Dragon replied, "Instinct."
Ezra blinked. "…What?"
Instinct? Seriously?
Was everyone in this world just doing whatever popped into their head?
Whitebeard fought halfway through a duel and then suddenly decided to call someone his son.
Now this guy just shows up out of nowhere and blurts out an invitation to join his army?
Did everyone's brain here short-circuit the same way?
Ezra sighed, rubbing his temples as if warding off a headache.
Maybe he really didn't belong in this world after all.
And the worst part? He'd just spent the last few minutes overthinking Dragon's motives like a fool.
"So?" Dragon asked, eyes glimmering with anticipation. "Will you join us, Ezra?"
Ezra immediately waved his hands in protest.
"No, no, no. I'm doing just fine where I am. You can keep your little revolution to yourself, thanks."
"I see…" Dragon's tone carried a hint of regret. But instead of pressing further, he tilted his head slightly and asked,
"Then, as a Marine, are you going to arrest me?"
The air grew heavy again.
Koushirou's hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, Wado Ichimonji.
Ezra shrugged, breaking the tension.
"Next time, maybe. For now, I'll let it slide for Garp's sake."
The moment he said it, Dragon knew it was a lie.
No one knew Garp better than his own son.
If the old man were here right now, he wouldn't hesitate to bring Dragon down, blood or not.
But Dragon didn't call him out on it. Instead, he chuckled.
"Hahaha! Ezra, you really are an interesting man."
He turned toward Koushirou and said, "Looks like I shouldn't linger here any longer."
"Are the provisions ready?" Koushirou asked quietly.
Dragon nodded solemnly. "Yes. Don't worry, Koushirou-sensei."
Then, giving Ezra one last meaningful glance, Dragon let the wind swirl around him. Within moments, he was gone whisked away by the storm toward the distant shore.
Ezra watched him vanish. His Observation Haki told him Dragon didn't stop anywhere he went straight back to his ship, set sail, and disappeared beyond the horizon.
Koushirou scratched his head, looking awkward. "Um, Ezra… are you going to shut down my dojo for helping the Revolutionary Army?"
It was a fair concern.
Not only had he provided food supplies to revolutionaries, but a Marine officer had caught him red-handed and even overheard the name of their leader.
If word got out, it would ruin him.
Ezra, however, just smiled. "Relax, Koushirou. Let's pretend none of this ever happened."
Koushirou let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you, Ezra. Then stay for lunch my treat."
He patted his chest confidently. "I'll cook myself!"
Guina jumped with excitement beside him. "Big brother, stay! Daddy's food is the best!"
Ezra chuckled, patting the little girl's head. "Alright. I'll hold you to that, Guina."
The meal turned out better than expected. Koushirou's cooking was simple but full of heart, and laughter filled the dojo for the first time that day.
After lunch, Ezra stood and bowed slightly. "Thank you for the hospitality, Koushirou-sensei. But it's time for us to go."
Before he could leave, Mihawk still bandaged but standing tall approached him.
"Vice Admiral Ezra," he said solemnly, "please grant me one request. Next time we meet… don't refuse my challenge again."
Ezra smiled faintly. "Deal. But you'd better make sure your swordsmanship has truly evolved by then."
Mihawk nodded firmly.
With that, Ezra and Hina turned toward the port, their cloaks fluttering in the sea breeze as they boarded the Marine warship once more.
"Vice Admiral Ezra," Hina asked, stepping up beside him, "where are we heading next?"
Ezra leaned against the rail, gazing at the endless blue.
"In about ten days, Roger's execution will take place. We're heading back to Loguetown. By now, every major pirate in the world must be converging there."
"Yes, sir!" Hina replied crisply, then turned to issue the orders.
Within moments, the warship adjusted its course, slicing through the waves toward destiny.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
The sun blazed above, the sails snapped in the wind, and Ezra was in the middle of his daily training when Hina rushed over, urgency in her voice.
"Vice Admiral! Pirates spotted off the port bow!"
Ezra stopped mid-strike, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Hina, how many times do I have to tell you? Stay calm when you see pirates."
"But, sir according to the flag…" Hina hesitated, her face paling.
"It's the Big Mom Pirates!"
Ezra froze. His expression darkened.
Charlotte Linlin's pirates… here, in the East Blue?
That made no sense.
Given her history with Roger, there was no reason for her to cross half the world just to watch his execution.
Something was very, very wrong.
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