Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
The training grounds were overflowing with people that day. Countless navy soldiers craned their necks in anticipation.
"The three Admirals…"
"Who could it be?"
"Vice Admiral Kizaru has to be one of them, right?"
"No way… that creepy old guy?!"
"What about Vice Admiral Akainu? He'll definitely be one!"
"I think Vice Admiral Ezra D. Vale could work too!"
Everyone was chattering, debating who they thought would be chosen.
Next to the platform, Vice Admiral Tsuru glanced at the time.
"It's about time. Fleet Admiral Sengoku, please announce it."
Sengoku nodded slightly and walked steadily to the platform.
"The Fleet Admiral has arrived!"
"It's starting! It's starting!"
Below the platform, Morgan ordered his subordinates to activate all Den Den Mushi for video calls. Instantly, Sengoku's image spread across the seas.
No matter where people were, they stopped what they were doing, eyes fixed on Sengoku.
Pirates and civilians alike speculated about who would become the three Admirals.
"Attention, everyone!"
Sengoku's voice silenced the crowd instantly.
"I am sure you all know, today is a very special day for the navy. We are here to officially announce the new Admirals!"
His gaze swept over the gathered soldiers, all brimming with anticipation.
"The titles of Admiral go to…"
"Kizaru, codename: Yellow Monkey!"
"Akainu, codename: Red Dog!"
"And the final admiral is…"
Sengoku paused, sending the audience's hearts racing. Who could it be? Aokiji? Or Ezra D. Vale?
A faint smile appeared on Sengoku's lips.
"Ezra D. Vale! Codename: Ember!"
"Ehhhhhh!!!"
"Ezra D. Vale!!!"
"Fantastic! Long live Admiral Vale!"
At that moment, both navy and civilians erupted in cheers.
In Windmill Town's tavern, Dadan and others raised their glasses, celebrating.
"To Ezra Vale!"
"Yes! Cheers!"
Even Machino's face carried a proud smile.
"Of course it's Vale," he said.
In Frostmoon Village, at the Isshin Dojo, Koshiro grinned as well.
"Just as expected of Vale. Well done!"
"Daddy! That's the big brother!" little Guina exclaimed.
Koshiro ruffled her hair, smiling softly.
"Yes, that big brother is very strong."
"Daddy, I want to join the navy too!"
Koshiro laughed heartily.
"Then Guina, you'd better train seriously in swordsmanship."
Guina nodded eagerly.
On the White Soil Island of the Grand Line, Baldego, Monkey D. Long had just established it as the new base. A tall man wielding a trident, Mori, approached Long.
"Long, the Ezra D. Vale you asked me to keep an eye on has just been promoted to Admiral."
Long paused, then laughed heartily.
"Hahaha! Then we need to accelerate our plans. If that guy sets his sights on us, it won't end well."
Mori scratched his head.
"Also, the king of the Sorbet Kingdom wants to meet you."
Long raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Sure. What's the king's name?"
"Bartholomew Kuma."
At Sphinx Island on the Grand Line, Whitebeard's crew rested after a battle. Their giant ship, the Moby Dick, was anchored. Spirits were high, as they watched the news from Marine Headquarters.
"Old man! That navy officer really became an Admiral!" Marco said, disbelief in his eyes.
"Kurara la la! That kid really did it!"
"I can't wait to face him again!"
In Wano, Black Charcoal O-dachi bowed respectfully to Kaido.
"The three Admirals have been chosen: Kizaru, Akainu, and Ember."
Kaido froze.
"Ember? Who's that?"
"The young man named Ezra D. Vale," O-dachi explained.
Kaido laughed heartily.
"Oh, that kid actually became an Admiral! Big Mom is going to hate this!"
Indeed, Big Mom's anger was palpable. Even the pastries before her lost their appeal. Her fists clenched tightly, her eyes red with fury.
"Damn you, Ezra D. Vale!" she growled.
"Even if you're an Admiral, so what? When we meet at the tea party, I'll personally kill you!"
Meanwhile, some inexperienced pirates who had just set sail heard Vale's name and immediately turned back home.
"What's a pirate? Can you eat it? Is it fun?"
They abandoned their journey, leaving the seas for the news to spread.
Everywhere, people celebrated. Vale's reputation had always been influential, from defeating the Golden Lion in seconds to holding his ground against Whitebeard. His renown now reached new heights.
Back at Marine Headquarters, the three new Admirals ascended the platform. Sengoku pinned the Admiral insignias on each personally.
Even in spirit form, Gol D. Roger watched Ezra D. Vale from nearby. Seeing this confident young man, he could only sigh. Times had truly changed.
[A new era! The new generation of Admirals has arrived!]
[The strongest Admiral: Ember!]
[What will become of the pirates' fate?]
Every newspaper sold out immediately, and Morgan's profits skyrocketed.
Three days later, in the South Sea sky, Ezra D. Vale, clad in a black striped suit and justice-themed coat, stood in the void. His brow was furrowed as he watched the Eternal Compass spinning uncontrollably in his hand.
"Hey Vale, can you actually find it?" Gol D. Roger's ghost asked, floating beside him.
Vale twitched his lips.
"Who the hell knows if this compass would break? I left Marineford yesterday to fulfill Roger's wish, ran all the way through the South Sea, and now the compass on Batterilla Island broke!"
Roger laughed uncontrollably, ignoring the large "井" mark appearing on Vale's forehead.
"Roger! Laugh one more time and go handle it yourself!" Vale snapped.
Roger's laughter stopped immediately, and he stayed quiet beside Vale.
After a while, Vale gave up on the Eternal Compass. With a single fire, he destroyed it completely.
"This piece of junk, damn it!"
He glanced at Roger.
"Do you remember the way?"
Roger nodded.
"Then why didn't you say so earlier?"
"You wouldn't let me speak!" Roger replied, feigning grievance.
Vale rolled his eyes.
"Fine, fine. Which direction?"
Roger pointed, and Vale increased his spiritual pressure, flying swiftly toward the destination.
An hour later, a familiar island appeared before him. Batterilla Island. He spread his spiritual senses and quickly locked onto Luqua's presence.
"So remote… Uncle Garp really arranged this properly." Vale said to Roger.
"Found her?" Roger asked eagerly.
Vale nodded.
"Wait before entering the town." He raised his right hand, and spiritual pressure emanated from his fingertips, cloaking him from view.
"Whoa! What technique is that?"
Vale ignored Roger and moved forward. Together, the man and the ghost made their way toward Luqua.
At the edge of town, in a two-story building, Luqua sat gazing out the window.
"Roger… you're leaving again," she whispered.
"Don't worry, I will safely give birth to the child," she murmured.
Unbeknownst to her, two observers had silently arrived. Vale's expression remained calm. He knew Luqua would safely give birth to Ace, though she would not live to see him grow up.
Roger, meanwhile, wept silently, longing to embrace his family. If not for Vale, he might never witness this moment.
Suddenly, a cough echoed in the empty room. Luqua tensed.
"Miss Luqua, it's me, Ezra D. Vale." Vale removed the cloaking technique.
Luqua relaxed.
"So it's the attentive navy officer… though sneaking up like that isn't polite," she said with a small smile.
Vale's lips twitched at her subtle threat.
"Miss Luqua, please understand. My current position doesn't allow me to appear openly. Otherwise, you might be arrested tomorrow."
Luqua nodded, understanding.
"Navy officer, why have you come?"
Vale gestured to Roger to speak, but Roger could only cry. Luqua's gaze followed where Vale had been, finding the space empty.
"Are you… looking at something?" she asked, awkwardly scratching her cheek.
"It's nothing. Cough… Roger asked me to deliver a message."
Luqua straightened immediately.
"What did Roger say?"
Roger's hoarse voice broke through his sobs.
"Vale, tell Luqua… I love her more than anyone in this world. Please forgive my selfishness!"
Tears streamed down Roger's face again.
Vale sighed and relayed the words to Luqua. She covered her mouth, sobbing as tears fell like pearls to the floor. Vale looked at the tearful pair and felt helpless.
"System, is there any way to let Roger appear for a few minutes?"
[Ding! Host can use template skill.]
Vale's brow lifted. Even the old Admiral had such a skill? After briefly scanning his mind, a smile appeared on Vale's lips.
He activated a spirit technique, allowing Roger to manifest for up to ten minutes.
"Miss Luqua, don't cry. Let's send Roger off properly."
Luqua froze. "Send him off?"
Vale lightly tapped the void beside him, targeting Roger's forehead.
A strange energy flowed, and Roger's spirit slowly appeared before her.
"Ro… Roger!"
Roger stared at his hands and feet in confusion.
"You can see me?" he asked.
"Yes! I can hear your voice!" she cried, reaching for him but grasped nothing.
Vale explained, "Miss Luqua, this is Roger's spirit. You have ten minutes. After that, I will take him away."
Vale vanished in a blink. He didn't want to watch their love scene.
He rested alone by the sea, stretching lazily. Ten minutes passed quickly.
Vale returned to Luqua's house. Both had calmed, though she still wept.
"Time… is it up, Vale?" Roger asked.
Vale nodded slightly.
Roger turned to Luqua, gazing at her with love.
"This time, Luqua, I really must go."
"Don't leave me, Roger!" she cried.
"Luqua… listen. Don't cry anymore. As long as you remember me, I will never truly die."
Roger smiled faintly, comforting her.
"Then… I will go now, Luqua." He nodded to Vale.
Vale drew the flaming sword at his waist.
"Ready, Roger?"
"Let's go."
[Soul Farewell]
The sword lightly touched Roger, who gazed deeply at Luqua.
"I love you, Luqua."
With the final farewell, Roger's body transformed into radiant light and vanished completely.
The system chimed:
[Congratulations! Task Completed: Soul Farewell of Gol D. Roger!]
[Reward: Legacy +10%!]
[Accept now? Yes/No]
Vale thought, "Not accepting for now," and looked at Luqua still crying.
"Take care of yourself, Miss Luqua."
"I… I understand, Navy Officer. Thank you."
She steadied herself and wept quietly.
Vale left Batterilla Island, eyes flashing with deadly intent. It was time to settle the score with Big Mom.
_______________________
Enjoying the chaos, action, and wild adventures?
Don't stop here! You can unlock advanced chapters and exclusive content by joining my P@treon! Every powerstone counts if we reach 300 powerstones, a BONUS CHAPTER will be released! ⚡
Be the first to witness the next epic battles, shocking twists, and hidden secrets before anyone else!
Join the crew on P@treon and set sail beyond the horizon!
[email protected]/_sey
Change @ to a