Ezra D. Vale looked at Sakazuki and Kuzan before speaking calmly.
"The two of you were never going to agree. You could argue here all day and nothing would change. If you want a solution, it's simple. Fight."
Both men froze, then turned toward him at the same time.
Kuzan frowned slightly.
"Admiral Vale… why would that solve anything?"
Ezra's crimson eyes locked onto them.
"If Sakazuki wins, Kuzan, you stay out of his business from now on. No interference. If Kuzan wins, Sakazuki, you stop dragging civilians into your operations. No more unnecessary casualties. Deal?"
Silence followed as both men considered it.
On his way here, Ezra had already thought through other approaches. Every single one had been rejected. Their differences were too fundamental. Their Devil Fruit powers were opposites, but more importantly, their personalities were completely incompatible. No amount of reasoning would make either side yield. Trying to force communication between them would only waste time.
As expected, both men nodded soon after.
"I agree," Sakazuki said firmly.
"So do I," Kuzan added.
Ezra gave a small nod.
"Good. Not now, though. Kuzan is coming with me to Seven Water City first. When we return, I'll arrange the duel immediately."
They both accepted the arrangement.
Ezra left the office with Kuzan while Sakazuki remained behind to continue reporting his previous mission.
As they walked toward the warship, Kuzan hesitated before finally asking,
"Admiral Vale… why did you choose this solution?"
Ezra smiled and patted his shoulder.
"I know both of you pretty well. For people like you, this is the cleanest answer."
Kuzan nodded slightly.
"That makes sense."
"Enough about Sakazuki. Come with me to Seven Water City first."
Kuzan scratched his head.
"You still haven't said what we're going there for."
Even earlier in the office, he had not had the chance to ask, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku had not pressed the matter either.
A mysterious smile curved Ezra's lips.
"You'll see when we get there."
Kuzan sighed. He knew Ezra would not explain ahead of time.
Soon, they boarded the warship. Rosinante had already completed all preparations.
"Set sail. Destination: Seven Water City."
"Yes, Admiral Vale!"
With Ezra's order, the ship departed the harbor.
At the same time, the Blackbeard Pirates had also set sail.
Several days passed in a blur.
On this day, Ezra and Kuzan were lounging in deck chairs under the sun when Rosinante approached.
"Admiral Vale, we're almost at Seven Water City."
"Oh? Already?"
Ezra stretched and stood, looking ahead. A massive city built upon the sea came into view.
"So we're finally here."
The last time he had come was during that incident involving Luffy. Quite a lot of time had passed since then. The Sea Train had resumed operations, and the damaged areas of the city had been rebuilt.
The warship slowly entered the port. Ezra, Kuzan, and Rosinante disembarked while the rest of the crew remained onboard. This was not an official mission, so there was no need for a grand display.
Walking through the streets, many people stopped to stare. Some were drawn by Ezra's striking appearance, while others recognized his identity.
"Look, that's a Marine admiral!"
"That's Admiral Vale!"
"I saw him once before… well, never mind."
Meanwhile, countless young women were practically starry-eyed.
"He's so handsome!"
"No wonder he ranked first in that 'Most Desired Boyfriend of the Year' magazine!"
Ezra's mouth twitched. What kind of ridiculous magazine was that supposed to be?
Ignoring the attention, the three quickly arrived at Iceberg's office building.
Iceberg was already waiting at the entrance to greet them personally. Beside him stood a small girl.
"Admiral Vale! Long time no see!"
Ezra smiled.
"How did you know I'd arrive today?"
Iceberg laughed.
"The whole city has been talking about you. Of course I knew."
Ezra shrugged, then glanced at the child.
"And this is?"
The girl with glasses cleared her throat politely.
"I'm Mr. Iceberg's secretary. My name is Balin. I'm ten years old. Nice to meet you, Admiral Vale."
Secretary? At ten years old?
Ezra gave Iceberg a strange look. Iceberg's face flushed slightly.
"Don't get the wrong idea. Balin is a genius."
Ezra nodded thoughtfully.
"I see. A prodigy."
Iceberg quickly changed the subject.
"Admiral Vale, shall we go see it?"
Ezra nodded.
"That's why I came."
Iceberg led them inside the building.
"Aren't you curious why it's here in the office?" Iceberg asked.
"Not really," Ezra replied casually. "Either underground or underground."
Iceberg fell silent, his expression stiffening.
Ezra chuckled.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to ruin your dramatic reveal."
Iceberg twitched.
"You really know how to hit where it hurts."
Shaking his head, Iceberg pressed a hidden button inside the elevator.
Moments later, they felt a strong sense of weightlessness as the elevator descended. After several seconds, the doors opened.
They stepped out hundreds of meters underground. Solid rock surrounded them on all sides, and before them lay an enormous shipyard.
Seven Water City was originally built upon water with no natural foundation, yet Iceberg had somehow constructed a massive dock deep underground. It was astonishing.
"This place is impressive," Ezra said sincerely.
Iceberg puffed his chest with pride.
"To prevent sabotage, I even reinforced the outer rock with Seastone."
Ezra clicked his tongue and gave him a thumbs-up.
"When it comes to shipbuilding, Iceberg, you're the best."
Iceberg laughed.
"You flatter me, Admiral Vale."
"Come on. I'll show you."
They walked deeper into the dock.
Rosinante leaned closer, curiosity obvious.
"Admiral Vale… can you finally tell us what we're here to see?"
Kuzan also perked up.
Ezra smiled faintly.
"Alright, Kuzan. I'll tell you."
"I'm bringing you to see the Ancient Weapon… Pluton."
Kuzan froze.
"…What?"
Rosinante's eyes nearly popped out.
"…Wait, what?!"