Hearing Sengoku's report, Ezra furrowed his brow.
"These old-timers from the previous era… each and every one of them is such a headache."
Sengoku nodded helplessly.
"We'll go over the specifics when you return."
"I understand, Uncle Sengoku."
Ezra hung up the Den Den Mushi. Lying back in the beach chair, his eyes traced the deep blue sky above.
"The Crimson Count, huh…"
Time passed quickly. The Underworld finally returned to G1 Headquarters. Ezra first arranged for Rosinante to escort Sakazuki and Kuzan to the medical ward. Then he strode toward Sengoku's office.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Come in."
"Uncle Sengoku."
"It's you, Ezra. I didn't have the chance to ask who won?"
Ezra sank into the sofa, smiling faintly.
"Aokiji held out until the very last second."
He then recounted the duel in detail. Sengoku clicked his tongue.
"Their sense of justice is completely different. That they can speak calmly now is already a huge step forward."
Ezra nodded in agreement.
"All right, Uncle Sengoku. Let's talk about Redfield."
Sengoku's expression turned serious.
"What do you know about the 'Solitary Red,' Redfield?"
Ezra paused briefly, recalling.
"A single man capable of standing alongside Roger and Whitebeard, one of the greatest pirates in history. A man whose creed is solitude."
Sengoku nodded.
"Exactly. And he wasn't a Devil Fruit user before. Now he's restored to the prime of his youth. He must have obtained some extraordinary fruit."
Ezra remained silent. Having studied the original accounts, he already knew: Redfield's Devil Fruit is an Animal-type, Mythical Zoan: Vampire Model. By consuming the blood of others, he can also drain their life force, returning himself entirely to his youthful peak including all his abilities.
At his peak, Redfield was an incredible problem.
"Oh, and Uncle Sengoku, I heard that Redfield is on Longchain Island. Where did he strike this time?"
"Longchain Island? That would make sense," Sengoku murmured. Then he looked up at Ezra.
"The village he attacked is near Longchain Island. He's been lingering in the area recently."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Now that he's returned to his youthful form, his target cannot remain limited to Longchain Island."
Sengoku paused. "You're saying he's headed to the Grand Line?"
Ezra inclined his head slightly.
At that moment, the Den Den Mushi rang urgently. Sengoku answered.
"Admiral Sengoku! Something's wrong! Our fleet near Gaia Island is under attack! I repeat! Our fleet is under attack near Gaia Island!"
Sengoku's eyes narrowed. "Who dares attack the Navy?!"
"Unknown assailant! But he claims to be the Solitary Red!"
"Damn it! He's attacking… ah!!"
A scream echoed through the line, followed by silence. Footsteps sounded, and a man's voice spoke.
"Hello? Sengoku? Long time no see."
Sengoku ground his teeth. "Redfield!"
"Ah, don't be so angry. I'm just keeping them busy, stretching my body a bit. It's been years since I've moved around," Redfield said with a laugh.
"Redfield! You wait! I'll catch you!"
Redfield raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Sengoku, times have changed. I'm not the man I once was. Come and catch me if you dare."
He cut the line. Sengoku slammed the desk in frustration.
"Damn Redfield!!"
Ezra's brow furrowed, a flicker of killing intent in his eyes.
"To openly challenge the Navy like this… I won't stand for it."
"Uncle Sengoku, leave this to me. I'll make him pay."
Sengoku stared at Ezra, surprised. He hadn't seen Ezra this fired up in a long time.
"Ezra, it's in your hands. Capture him… or kill him."
Ezra nodded and left the office. Rosinante and the others had just returned, and Kuzan was still in the hospital bed, so he did not involve them. Instead, he summoned Law and his crew.
"Admiral Zanka."
As soon as they met, Law's face betrayed discomfort. Ezra's brow tightened. He hadn't forgotten what Rosinante had told him: Law's reaction was due to his Devil Fruit powers.
Could it be that this also had something to do with the Surgery Fruit?
But now was not the time to dwell on it. He pushed the thought aside and addressed Law, suppressing the odd feeling in his chest.
"Law, organize your crew and set sail. I'm heading to Longchain Island."
"Yes, Admiral Zanka."
Law inclined his head and hurried off. Ezra shook his head.
"Once we catch Redfield, I need to understand this fully…"
He boarded the Underworld. The massive ship left the port, heading toward Longchain Island. Since it was a long voyage, Ezra decided to ask Law some questions along the way.
"Law, can you describe exactly what it feels like?"
Law hesitated, conflicted.
"Admiral Zanka… it's an extreme fear."
"And beyond that?"
Law swallowed hard.
"The closer I get to you, the more my energy wants to surge out of my body. And the reason… it's because of you. I can feel both fear and excitement."
Ezra blinked, utterly bewildered.
What the hell…? It's just a fruit, yet it has emotions? How is it even possible that I can attract Devil Fruits?
A bold thought struck him. Could it be… that he had come into contact with the Surgery Fruit before? Or… even eaten it?