Ezra carefully folded the document and handed it back to Sengoku.
He hesitated for a moment, then voiced the question weighing on his mind.
"Why me?"
Ezra knew he was strong, and he understood that his influence within the Marines had grown rapidly. Still, he was aware that his record of completed missions was far from complete compared to others. Logically, if one were judging by experience, consistency, and years of service, Kuzan was the more traditional candidate for Admiral.
Kuzan had the strength of an Admiral.
He had the seniority.
He had the missions, the reputation, and the time within the organization.
So Ezra truly couldn't understand it.
Sengoku closed the folder with slow, deliberate care. "This is something I think Kuzan should explain himself."
He then turned toward Zephyr.
"Zephyr, go take Kuzan's shift in the dungeon for the moment. Tell him to come here."
Zephyr nodded. "Understood."
Without another word, he stepped out.
A few minutes later, a sleepy knock came at the door.
Kuzan walked in, stretching, yawning, and looking like he had just been forced out of the world's most comfortable nap.
"Fleet Admiral, I was sleeping so well. Why did Zephyr suddenly drag me up here?"
Sengoku pointed lazily toward the sofa where Ezra sat.
"Explain to him."
Kuzan blinked at Ezra, then cracked a small grin.
"Yo, Ezra. Long time no see."
The two had grown close during their days in Marineford.
Out of all the Marines there, they were the only pair who could maintain a completely relaxed attitude while the world shifted around them. Naturally, they had become friends.
Ezra gave a casual wave in return.
"So, Kuzan. What were you thinking?" Ezra asked.
Kuzan paused for a moment, then rubbed his messy hair.
"Nothing special. I just felt you're more suited for the Admiral position than I am."
His tone was flat… but too flat.
Ezra sensed there was more to it.
"And also… I'm not exactly getting nothing out of this."
Ah. There it was.
Ezra raised a brow.
Of course. He had suspected from the start that Kuzan and Sengoku had struck some sort of deal.
"What benefit?" Ezra asked.
Kuzan glanced at Sengoku. "Can I tell him?"
Sengoku gave a small nod.
Kuzan turned back. "Well, the benefit is… I'll probably be your vice-admiral."
Ezra stared at him.
"???"
Beside him, Hina froze.
"!!!!!"
Ezra hadn't even processed a full sentence before Hina suddenly blurted out:
"Why?! Hina doesn't understand!"
Kuzan blinked rapidly as his gaze bounced between Ezra and Hina.
Sengoku cleared his throat. "This is Ezra's current vice-admiral, Hina."
Kuzan responded with an understanding "Ohhh."
Hina stepped forward, frustrated and emotional.
"Kuzan, why? Hina wants to know."
Kuzan shrugged helplessly.
"It's nothing complicated. I just thought being Ezra's vice-admiral means fewer responsibilities for me."
He truly had no idea what Ezra would do in the future.
He didn't know Ezra would one day shake the world, ignite the seas, and nearly bring the entire ocean to ruin.
But for the moment, Kuzan thought it sounded easy.
Hina's eyes filled with tears.
"But… but what is Hina supposed to do then?"
Kuzan stiffened immediately. He had never been comfortable with crying women.
"W-wait, don't cry! You're still a vice-admiral!"
Hina froze.
"Meow meow meow???"
Sengoku stepped in.
"You will remain in your current position, simply shifting into the second vice-admiral slot."
He paused.
"Of course, you may also choose to transfer to another department."
"I refuse!"
The words shot out of Hina's mouth before she even realized she had spoken.
Everyone in the room turned to look at her with teasing, knowing expressions.
Her cheeks flushed bright red, but she held her head high and answered firmly.
"Report, Fleet Admiral. Hina has no objections now."
Sengoku nodded, satisfied. Then he turned his attention to Ezra.
"And you?"
Ezra shrugged.
"I don't mind."
"That's good." Sengoku leaned back slightly. "In fact, the list of Admirals has already been sent to Mary Geoise. If the timing is correct, it should arrive today."
He opened his mouth as if recalling something else.
"Oh, right. Ezra, one more thing."
"What thing?" Ezra asked.
Gion tugged the sleeve of Ezra's coat gently.
"Your codename, Ezra."
As expected, Sengoku followed up.
"Your Admiral codename hasn't been determined."
Ezra understood immediately.
He placed his hand on his chin and fell into deep thought.
But it only lasted a few seconds.
"Call me Scorchflame."
Sengoku blinked.
Tsuru blinked.
Zephyr blinked.
Even Kuzan looked confused.
"Why Scorchflame?" Sengoku asked.
Kuzan tilted his head. "I thought you'd pick something like Red Eyes or something cool like that."
Ezra recoiled slightly. Red Eyes?
Did they think he came from some Red-Eye Clan or something?
He cleared his throat.
"It has meaning… but you'll understand later."
The truth was simple.
The final stage of his Zanpakuto Ryujin Jakka was Scorching Blade.
So choosing Scorchflame felt natural.
And of course, anyone familiar with the reference would know exactly what it hinted at.
He could already imagine the reactions of the readers watching from their screens.
Come on, you definitely guessed it, right?
Don't tell me you didn't.
Seriously?
_______________________
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