The question came without warning—direct and blunt, like a straight punch to the face.
Gern opened his mouth, but realized he had no prepared answer.
In the West Blue, justice had always been simple.Kill all the pirates—that was justice.
But after coming to Marine Headquarters… after witnessing the existence known as Whitebeard, he realized things were not that simple anymore.
With the memories of two lifetimes weighing on him, Gern understood better than most that this was not a moment for evasions or empty words.
So after a brief hesitation, he spoke honestly.
"…I don't know."
He had gambled again—and won.
Zephyr raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly surprised.
He hadn't expected a young man who dared to clash head-on with Whitebeard at the age of sixteen to admit his own confusion so openly.
After all, Zephyr had taught at the Naval Academy for years. He knew these youths well—every one of them burning with pride and certainty.
"Interesting."Zephyr finally sat down, clearly satisfied with the answer.
He gestured for Gern to sit as well, then continued calmly:
"Most people your age can't wait to declare their version of justice to the world."
Gern sat upright in the guest chair.
"In the West Blue, I believed justice meant eradicating all pirates," he said."But now…"
"Now you've seen a wider world," Zephyr finished for him."And you've seen the limits of your own strength."
Silence filled the office.
Seagulls cried outside, and somewhere in the distance, a warship's horn sounded.
When Gern didn't speak, Zephyr suddenly changed the subject.
"Tell me—do you think being able to fight Whitebeard makes you strong?"
Gern immediately sensed the trap in the question.
This was clearly a test. Zephyr was probing his arrogance.
So Gern answered honestly.
"It makes me strong," he said, then added, "but also foolish."
Zephyr leaned forward slightly.
"Explain."
"The Tremor-Tremor Fruit gave me the power to challenge him," Gern said calmly, as if stating a fact."But Devil Fruit power isn't everything. When Whitebeard struck me with Haki at the end, I didn't even have time to react.
"If he had wanted to kill me, I would've died the moment I attacked him."
A flicker of surprise crossed Zephyr's eyes.
He had expected to spend far more effort breaking through the young man's pride.
Young people capable of such self-reflection were rare.
If it were Sakazuki, Borsalino, or Kuzan at that age, they would probably have said something like—
"Even if it costs my life, leaving a scar on Whitebeard would be worth it. Without that resolve, how can one protect the world?"
Or—
"Oooh~ Whitebeard? Scary~ but hey, I got lucky, didn't I? One mistake and I'd be dead, you know~"
Or—
"Whitebeard is strong, but victory is never decided by strength alone."
"Rare," Zephyr said slowly. "Most who gain powerful Devil Fruits grow dependent on them and neglect their fundamentals."
"I won't," Gern replied immediately—though Zephyr noticed the subtle tightening of his fingers.
So even if he admits his shortcomings… he still believes in his power, Zephyr thought.
He stood up suddenly.
"Really?"
Then he walked around the desk and stopped in front of Gern.
"Stand up."
Gern rose instantly.
Up close, the pressure radiating from Zephyr was overwhelming. The man stood half a head taller, his presence heavy enough to crush the air itself.
"Attack me," Zephyr ordered."No Devil Fruit."
Gern hesitated for a fraction of a second.
"Here?"
"Now."
Without warning, Gern threw a punch.
It was clean and direct—pure speed and strength aimed straight at Zephyr's face.
"Too slow."
Zephyr didn't even move his feet. He simply tilted his head slightly, letting the punch pass by.
At the same time, his left hand snapped out like iron jaws, locking onto Gern's wrist.
"Again."
Gern switched hands, following with a knee strike.
Zephyr released him and stepped back half a pace, easily avoiding the attack while assessing his strength.
Strong—but not monstrous like a giant's.
"Your power is sufficient," Zephyr said calmly."But your technique is lacking."
For the next thirty seconds, Gern attacked from every angle he could think of.
He never once touched Zephyr's cloak.
Sweat began to bead on his forehead. His breathing grew heavier.
"Enough."
Zephyr placed a palm against Gern's chest and pushed him back into the chair.
"See? Without your Devil Fruit, you couldn't even defeat an ordinary pirate in the New World."
Gern clenched his fists, his chest heaving—not from exhaustion, but frustration.
Zephyr was right.
He had grown dependent on the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.
Even against Whitebeard, his instincts had been to rely on its destructive power rather than fundamentals.
But it's just too good…Gern couldn't deny it—his ability was absurdly powerful.
Still—
"For Haki…"Gern took a deep breath and bowed deeply."Please train me, Vice Admiral Zephyr."
Zephyr didn't answer immediately. Instead, he returned to his seat, his expression softer than before.
"Why did you join the Marines?" he asked.
The sudden shift caught Gern off guard.
After a moment's thought, he answered honestly.
"To become stronger… and to find my answer."
"What answer?"
"My justice."
The words left his mouth without hesitation.
Zephyr's lips pressed together slightly.
This kid…
After a moment, he nodded.
"At least you're honest. Unlike some people who preach justice while hiding rot in their hearts."
He opened a drawer and pulled out a document, sliding it across the desk.
"Starting tomorrow, you'll serve as my adjutant. You'll accompany me on missions."
Gern took the document. The Marine Headquarters seal was already stamped.
This wasn't a request—it was an order.
"Yes, Vice Admiral."
Zephyr stood and gestured for the meeting to end.
"Remember this, Ensign Gern.Devil Fruits are tools. True strength comes from here."
He tapped his chest.
"And here."
He tapped his temple.
Gern nodded solemnly, saluted, and turned to leave.
As his hand touched the door handle, Zephyr's voice stopped him.
"You'll find your answer one day. But remember…"
Gern turned back.
"Justice is not slaughter. That is the answer I found."
Gern bowed deeply and closed the door behind him.