Doflamingo's order had just been issued.
Caesar Clown quickly got to work, packing everything up without wasting any time.
All the necessary equipment for producing artificial Devil Fruits was prepared in full.
Fortunately, the distance between the two locations was not too far.
It took the Donquixote Family six days to bring Caesar and all his experimental equipment safely back to Dressrosa.
By the very next day after their return, the Straw Hat Pirates had already landed on Punk Hazard.
The two sides narrowly missed each other.
Luffy's side will be set aside for now.
At this moment, Admiral Ezra D. Vale was aboard his massive warship, the Pluton, heading toward Mary Geoise.
Over the past few days, he had already finished handling all pressing matters.
It was also time for his scheduled meeting with Imu.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, he planned to inspect the Pangaea Castle archives to see if he could uncover the truth about his own origins.
While Ezra D. Vale was resting with his eyes closed, Rosinante approached him.
"Admiral Vale, we've arrived at Mary Geoise."
Ezra opened his eyes and nodded.
"I understand. Dock the ship. Wait for me onboard."
Rosinante had already followed him here more than once, so he simply nodded.
"Yes, Admiral."
Ezra stood up from his lounge chair and stretched.
His gaze fell on the ivory-white Holy Land in the distance.
Mary Geoise.
He murmured softly.
"Mary Geoise… are you hiding the secret of my origin?"
As the Pluton approached the harbor, Ezra stepped off the warship and walked toward the gates of Mary Geoise.
To enter the archives, he first needed to find a way inside.
And since he was not sure whether Imu would simply tell him directly, Ezra decided to try his luck with the Five Elders first.
When he entered the main hall, he was greeted by Kong standing guard.
Ezra looked at Kong and thought to himself.
Has Kong also undergone the Ope Ope no Mi surgery?
After all, when he first saw him more than twenty years ago, he already looked like this.
Now, decades later, his appearance had not changed at all.
It was hard not to associate him with the abilities of the Operation Fruit.
"Ezra, you're here."
Kong put down his pen and greeted him.
Ezra pushed aside his thoughts and nodded lightly.
"Uncle Kong, don't you ever rest? You're here all year round."
Kong was slightly stunned, then laughed.
"The world is never peaceful. With my position, how could I afford to rest?"
Ezra shrugged and did not continue the topic.
"By the way, why are you looking for the Five Elders today?"
Ezra paused for a moment.
"About the establishment of a branch in the New World."
"Oh? You want to establish another branch in the New World?"
Kong frowned slightly.
After all, the Marine Headquarters was already based in the New World.
Ezra simply replied,
"I just came to discuss it."
Kong nodded.
"Alright. I don't really approve of another branch, but if it's your decision, you must have your reasons."
"I'll take you to meet the Five Elders."
Kong then led Ezra toward the Five Elders' office.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Five Elders, Admiral Ezra D. Vale requests an audience."
A voice soon came from inside.
"Enter."
Kong opened the door and motioned for Ezra to go in, then closed it behind him.
"Welcome, young master."
The Five Elders greeted him in unison.
Ezra nodded slightly and sat down in the main seat.
"One of the Elders asked, respectfully."
"What brings you here today?"
Ezra waved his hand.
"Nothing important."
Just as the Five Elders were about to relax, Ezra said something that made their hearts nearly stop.
"I want to visit the Pangaea Castle archives and retrieve some information."
Thud.
All five of them dropped to one knee instantly.
Ezra raised an eyebrow.
"What is the meaning of this?"
The Elder known as Elder One swallowed nervously.
"Y-Young Master… that place is not somewhere we are allowed to enter…"
Ezra frowned slightly.
"Give me a reason."
The Five exchanged glances.
Elder One forced himself to speak.
"That place… is strictly forbidden by Lord Imu. It is a restricted zone within Pangaea Castle."
Ezra's expression eased slightly.
As expected, it was exactly as he suspected.
After a moment of thought, he asked again.
"Do you know where it is located?"
"Don't lie to me."
The Five Elders stiffened.
Finally, Elder One spoke again with a trembling voice.
"We know the location… but it can only be opened with a key held by Lord Imu."
Ezra clicked his tongue slightly.
So in the end, it still leads back to Imu.
He sighed.
"Fine. I understand."
"Please forgive us, Young Master!"
"We are unworthy!"
Ezra waved his hand casually.
"You all stay here and wait for me to return."
"Yes, Young Master!"
Without another word, Ezra turned and walked toward the depths of Pangaea Castle.
Soon, he arrived in front of Imu's room.
He knocked gently.
A familiar voice came from inside.
Ezra pushed the door open and walked in.
"Imu… sis."
The moment Imu saw him, her crimson eyes opened, and a hint of joy flashed across them.
"Ezra, what brings you to see your sister?"
"Come here. Let me take a look at you."
Ezra smiled helplessly.
"I'm not a child anymore, you know."
Even so, he still walked over and sat beside her throne.
Imu reached out and pinched his cheek.
"You will always be my little brother."
Feeling her warmth, Ezra unconsciously took her hand.
A faint blush appeared on Imu's face.
Realizing what he had done, Ezra quickly let go.
The atmosphere turned slightly awkward.
He cleared his throat.
"Cough… sorry, Imu sis. I acted without thinking."
Imu rolled her eyes beautifully.
"Alright, enough. Tell me, what do you want?"
Ezra scratched his head.
"I want to access the Pangaea Castle archives."
Imu raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? What kind of information?"
"Old records about pirates from the distant past."
"I have some things I need to understand."
A faint smile appeared on Imu's lips.
It looked like she already understood what he was truly searching for.
-----------------------------
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