At last, the group pushed their way through the overwhelming crowds and returned to G-1 Headquarters.
Only then did Sengoku and the others finally breathe out in relief.
That had been terrifying.
Ezra's clothes were completely wrinkled, and he had no idea how many people had grabbed him along the way.
The most ridiculous part was the lipstick marks on his collar.
For a while, it might be safer to stay out of the public eye, he thought.
Inside the office, Sengoku dropped heavily into his chair.
The three admirals, Garp, and Zephyr collapsed onto the sofas, too exhausted to even talk.
After a long moment, Sengoku finally spoke.
"Everyone worked hard today. Get some rest. Your quarters have been arranged. Meeting room at nine tomorrow morning."
They nodded quietly and left, heading for their temporary homes.
When Ezra opened his door, the smell of cooking drifted out from the kitchen.
He raised a brow and glanced at Gion as if asking if she had hired someone.
She shook her head. "I have no idea."
They walked into the kitchen together.
Bright orange hair came into view.
Nami.
"Nami? What are you doing here?"
She turned, smiling brightly.
"Brother Ezra! Sister Gion!"
"I figured you two would be exhausted today. I couldn't help much during the war, so I thought I'd at least cook for you."
Ezra and Gion exchanged a look and smiled.
"That's really thoughtful, Nami."
She stuck out her tongue playfully. "Go relax first. Food will be ready soon."
They did not argue. They were truly worn out.
After washing up and changing into comfortable yukata, they returned to the dining area to find Bellemere and Nojiko helping in the kitchen as well.
"Bellemere? Nojiko? You came too?" Gion asked with a smile.
They nodded, greeted Ezra, then pulled Gion aside to chat.
Ezra shrugged and was just about to sit when the doorbell rang again.
He opened the door and Tashigi immediately bounced into his arms.
"Tashigi? What are you doing here?"
"Sister Gion invited me for dinner."
Ezra nodded and said nothing more.
They enjoyed a warm, lively meal before everyone headed home.
Finally, Ezra and Gion could rest.
The moon set and the sun rose.
Morning came quickly.
Ezra woke early and prepared breakfast, leaving it for Gion while she still slept.
Not everyone needed to attend the meeting. Only the three admirals, Garp, Zephyr, and possibly Vice Admiral Tsuru.
So Ezra skipped the uniform.
He put on a simple black kimono and headed for the meeting room.
Along the way, he attracted attention everywhere he went.
Groups of marines greeted him constantly. There even seemed to be more female recruits than before.
Ezra could only smile and greet them back.
By the time he reached the office door, his cheeks were sore from smiling.
Knock knock knock.
"Come in."
Sengoku sat behind his desk as always, buried under stacks of paperwork.
Ezra's mouth twitched.
"Uncle Sengoku, is being Fleet Admiral always this miserable?"
Sengoku almost nodded, then froze.
No. He absolutely could not let Ezra think the job was exhausting.
He shook his head quickly. "Not at all. There is just extra work after the war."
Ezra raised a brow. "Really?"
"Really!"
Ezra rolled his eyes. Sengoku was always busy. Anyone could see that.
Still, he let it go and looked around.
"Where are Uncle Garp and the others? Not here yet?"
Sengoku sighed. "Garp left the New World last night."
"Mission?"
"No. He went back to Foosha Village."
Ezra nodded slowly. "The loss hit him hard. Both grandsons…"
Sengoku waved his hand. "That is one topic for today's meeting. Straw Hat is not confirmed dead."
Ezra blinked. "That kid's luck is ridiculous."
Sengoku handed him a report.
"Some Whitebeard Pirates are also unconfirmed. We have no proof of death."
Ezra frowned at the document. "Whitebeard's backup plan?"
Sengoku nodded. "That is the only explanation."
Ezra clicked his tongue. "That old man really prepared well."
He quickly pieced it together.
During the battle, his awareness had covered the field, but his focus had been on two things: Sengoku's evacuation and the massive pirate forces in front of him.
He had unconsciously overlooked Ivankov and the others.
A mistake on his part.
Or perhaps a deliberate distraction by Whitebeard.
Ezra chuckled softly and set the file down.
"Even in death, Whitebeard taught me a lesson."
He made a mental note to intensify his perception training. In large-scale battles, even small lapses could matter.
"Do not worry too much," Sengoku said. "The escaped pirates are not the highest bounties. This next matter is more important."
Ezra took the new file.
"Impel Down was attacked again by Blackbeard?"
Sengoku's expression darkened.
"That is not entirely accurate. The main instigator was Straw Hat. Blackbeard took advantage of the chaos and recruited many escapees."
His voice grew heavier.
"And several legendary pirates escaped during the incident as well."