In response to the name he had chosen, Fleet Admiral Sengoku gave a small, satisfied nod.
"Since you have already decided, then your admiral codename will be Burning Ember."
He closed the folder and let out a long breath.
"Good. As for the matter of the new admirals, we will speak about it again after Roger's execution. For now, our primary goal is making sure no pirate interferes during the execution."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
Their voices rang out in unison. Strong. Steady. Focused.
"Very well. I will now assign your missions."
But just as Sengoku was about to continue, something suddenly echoed inside Ezra D. Vale's mind. It had been a long while since the system last spoke, and its sudden, crisp tone almost startled him.
[Ding! Temporary Mission Issued!]
[Personally execute Gol D. Roger!]
[After his death, complete his final wish and perform a Soul Burial!]
[Note: As the Captain-Commander of the Shinigami, even the souls you collect must look impressive.]
[Reward: Inheritance Progress +10%.]
Ezra's eyes flashed sharply. Ten percent inheritance progress was massive. Without hesitation, he made his decision.
This mission? He was absolutely taking it.
While Ezra processed the system's words, Sengoku continued speaking.
"Ezra, regarding the person who will carry out the execution… do you have anyone to recommend?"
Ezra smiled calmly.
"No need to complicate it, old man. Just leave it to me."
Everyone in the room froze.
"You? You want to carry out the execution?"
Ezra nodded.
"Yeah. Is that a problem?"
Sengoku placed his right hand against his chin, thinking deeply for several seconds.
"Hmm. It seems there is no real issue with that."
He looked up with a serious expression.
"Very well. Then the task is yours. No matter what, Roger must die. We cannot allow a man like him to ever return to the sea."
Ezra understood fully. Not only was this a critical military duty, it was also necessary for his system mission. If Roger didn't die, he couldn't complete the task. That alone made the choice obvious.
He straightened and nodded firmly.
"Count on me."
Sengoku nodded back with confidence in his eyes. Ezra had never disappointed him.
Afterward, Sengoku continued assigning missions.
"Garp and I will oversee the central plaza of Loguetown."
"Zed will guard the northern sector."
"Borsalino, you take the south."
"Sakazuki, the west."
"Kuzan, the east."
"The twenty-five vice admirals we brought will be split into five divisions. One division will remain at the plaza. The others will accompany each of you to your respective sectors."
"During the execution, no one is allowed to interfere. Not a single person. Is that understood?"
"Understood!"
Sengoku nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. All of you, go rest. Tomorrow you will head to your assigned locations. The day after... you will carry out your roles to the fullest."
"Yes, Fleet Admiral!"
One by one, the officers left.
Since Sengoku had arrived personally in Loguetown, Ezra shoved all pending paperwork onto him without hesitation. With that burden gone, he finally had some time to relax.
And the first thing he planned to do?
Obviously, go find Hina.
Ahem…
While Loguetown rushed to prepare for the historic execution, far away in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, night had already fallen.
In the dim corridors, the parchment containing the new admiral candidates had just reached the hands of the Five Elders.
The eldest Elder finished reading first and immediately summoned the remaining four.
"Brother, what is so urgent at this hour?" one asked with a raspy voice.
The elder handed them the papers with a grave expression.
"Look for yourselves."
All four scanned the list quickly.
They exchanged glances.
"This list… is completely reasonable."
"Agreed. Very reasonable."
"Yes. Everything aligns with strength, achievement, and influence."
After all, their young lord was among those chosen. When comparing merit, battle records, and overall impact, the trio named truly did fit the criteria for admiral selection.
The eldest Elder nodded.
"Indeed. However, although this list is acceptable, we cannot simply approve Ezra's promotion on our own. An admiral is not just a high-ranking officer. Admirals represent the face of the entire Marine organization."
He paused.
"Even more… they are one of the symbols of the World Government."
That was why there were only three admirals in the first place.
The Elders all nodded. Ezra may be their young lord, but his promotion still needed to go through the highest authority.
"I believe," the eldest Elder continued, "that we should inform Lady Im and allow her to decide."
The others agreed without hesitation.
At this hour, Lady Im had not yet risen, so the five could only wait quietly outside her chambers as the night drifted by.
When the sky finally began to brighten, the eldest Elder approached the ornate door and knocked.
Knock. Knock.
"Lady Im, we have urgent matters to report. It concerns young master Ezra."
A moment of silence passed before a cold yet unmistakably feminine voice answered from within.
"Enter."
The Elders straightened their robes and stepped inside.
The moment they crossed the threshold, they dropped to their knees in unison.
"What has happened to Ezra?" Lady Im asked calmly.
The Five Elders wasted no time. They explained everything in detail from the submitted admiral list to Sengoku's recommendation.
Lady Im sat upon her throne, fingers lightly tapping the armrest. Her scarlet eyes flickered with thought, and a faint smile curled her lips, as though she remembered something pleasant.
"Very well. Allow Ezra to become an admiral."
She paused a moment.
"After his promotion, he will report to Mary Geoise, yes?"
"Yes, Lady Im!"
At her question, the Elders instantly understood her intention.
She wanted to see him.
The eldest Elder spoke immediately.
"Once the new admirals arrive, we will make arrangements to bring Ezra to you personally."
Lady Im's smile deepened.
"Good. Do as you have said. Do not disappoint me."
The Five Elders bowed deeply, joy flooding their expressions.
"We will not fail, Lady Im!"
She waved her hand lightly.
"If there is nothing else, you may leave."
"At once, Lady Im."
The Elders rose and retreated respectfully, closing the doors behind them.
_______________________
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