The scene returned to G-1 Headquarters.
Ezra cleared his throat and looked out at the massive crowd before him.
"Everyone. When Fleet Admiral Sengoku first suggested that I become the next Fleet Admiral, I was honestly uneasy."
"I did not know if I could truly live up to this position."
"I did not know if I could protect the honor of the Navy."
He paused for a moment, giving the crowd time to absorb his words.
Then he continued.
"But after fighting alongside many of you, after witnessing battle after battle, my thoughts changed."
"I realized something."
"I realized that I can do it."
"And the reason is all of you."
Ezra's gaze swept across the sea of Marines standing below the platform.
"You showed me what it means to face danger without fear."
"You showed me the bond that exists between Marines."
"You helped me understand the true purpose of the Navy."
His right hand slowly rose and clenched into a fist.
"That purpose is to protect the peace of these seas."
"My comrades. My subordinates. My brothers and sisters in arms."
"I, Ezra D. Vale, swear here today."
His crimson eyes shone with unwavering determination.
"I will eliminate every pirate who threatens these seas."
"I will restore peace to the ocean."
For a moment there was silence.
Then the crowd erupted.
"Yeah!"
"Long live Fleet Admiral Ezra!"
"Long live the Navy!"
"We believe in you, Fleet Admiral!"
The cheers thundered across the base like a storm.
Ezra raised a hand, signaling for quiet.
Then he turned his gaze directly toward the broadcasting Den Den Mushi held by Morgans.
His eyes hardened.
"Pirates across the world, I know many of you are watching right now."
"I only have one thing to say."
A fierce killing intent flashed in his gaze.
"I will hunt every one of you down."
"I will end your reign on these seas."
The moment those words fell, the entire plaza exploded with excitement.
"Take them all down!"
"Destroy the pirates!"
"Pirates have no place on these seas!"
Even the Vice Admirals in the front rows could barely contain their excitement.
At the same time, across the world, countless pirates felt a chill run down their spines.
Some of them began asking themselves a question they had never considered before.
Should we keep living as pirates?
Would it be better to go home?
But there were no easy answers.
For a handful of the most powerful pirates, Ezra's declaration only ignited anger.
In Wano Country, Kaido slammed his drinking cup onto the ground.
The cup shattered instantly.
"Arrogant!"
"Completely arrogant!"
Kaido's eyes burned with fury as he stared at the screen.
"Kill me? Fine!"
"Let us see who dies first!"
He raised his hand and shouted.
"King!"
King immediately stepped forward.
"I am here, Governor-General."
"Gather all of our current artificial Devil Fruit users."
King hesitated slightly.
He knew Kaido was angry, but mobilizing everyone right now seemed extreme.
"Why are you still standing there?" Kaido growled.
King quickly replied.
"Governor-General, please calm down. This is not the right time to start a war with the Navy."
Kaido snorted.
"You think I do not know that?"
"I am not attacking Marine Headquarters."
"I have another plan."
King relaxed slightly.
At least for a moment.
Though deep down, he knew better than to fully trust Kaido's temper.
"I understand, Governor-General."
He quickly left the room.
Kaido remained seated, staring coldly at the image on the screen.
"Ezra D. Vale."
"It is time to settle Big Mom's score as well."
Back at G-1 Headquarters, the celebration continued.
The cheers from the Marines echoed endlessly beneath the sky.
Standing on the platform, Ezra watched the passion burning within the Navy.
By noon, the ceremony had come to a perfect conclusion.
From that day forward, Ezra D. Vale officially became the Fleet Admiral of the Navy.
At the highest floor of the Marine Headquarters building, Ezra's new office had already been prepared.
The room was simple.
A desk.
A few sofas.
Nothing extravagant.
Ezra preferred things simple.
He sat down in the chair behind the desk and rubbed his forehead.
Finally, his body relaxed.
Entertaining kings and dignitaries had been exhausting.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door.
Knock. Knock.
Ezra sighed.
"Come in."
The door opened with a soft creak, and Sengoku stepped inside.
"What is this? Our new Fleet Admiral already looks tired?"
Ezra rolled his eyes.
"You know exactly why. Those kings are impossible to deal with."
"Some of them even tried introducing their daughters to me."
"That was truly ridiculous."
Sengoku burst into laughter.
"You brat. Do you realize those princesses are admired by entire kingdoms?"
"You are complaining even though you are the one benefiting."
Ezra shrugged.
"Let them remain admired by their people."
"They do not need to be introduced to me."
Sengoku shook his head with a smile.
"Relax. I already handled those kings for you."
Ezra let out a relieved breath.
"That is a huge relief."
"Oh, right. Fleet Admiral Ezra, there is something else we need to discuss."
Ezra sighed.
"Come on, Uncle Sengoku. You do not have to call me Fleet Admiral."
Sengoku leaned back dramatically and widened his eyes.
"That will not do."
"I am now the Inspector General. I must follow proper protocol."
Ezra twitched slightly.
He had a feeling life would not get easier anytime soon.
"So, what is it?"
Sengoku handed him a document.
"Do you remember the World Military Draft?"
Ezra nodded.
Of course he remembered.
Issho was participating in it.
"How could I forget? The event ends in about a month, right?"
"Correct," Sengoku said.
"This document contains the ten finalists."
Ezra raised an eyebrow.
"And?"
Sengoku pointed to a name.
"This man is called Keiji. I believe he might be the strongest opponent Issho will face in the final."
Ezra looked down at the profile.
"Keiji… personality listed as extremely lazy."
"He reportedly avoided eating for three years because he found meals too troublesome?"
Sengoku sighed.
"Please focus on the important part."
Ezra's eyes moved to the section labeled abilities.
"A Paramecia type."
"The Tree Tree Fruit?"
Sengoku nodded.
"From what I have observed, his Devil Fruit ability has already awakened."
Ezra smiled slightly.
"Interesting."
"The final match is in a month, right?"
He closed the document.
"I will attend personally."