Marineford — Tavern District
Gern Reginald Sigmar sat alone at the bar, the boyish softness once lingering on his face long gone. He poured himself a drink in silence.
Just as the glass filled to the brim, a thin layer of frost crept across its surface.
"Drinking alone, huh? Cold drinks taste better that way, you know."
A familiar lazy voice drifted in from beside him.
Gern curled the corner of his mouth without looking up."Kuzan… you really haven't improved your entrances at all."
A tall man draped in a Marine coat dropped onto the stool beside him, casually snatching the bottle and pouring himself a drink.
"Can't help it. Garp's eyes are always on Roger. When you're on solo duty, you tend to move faster."
Kuzan clinked his glass against Gern's.
"You know… your reputation hasn't exactly been great lately. The 'Quake of the Skies' from back then—now people call you the 'Head-Reaping Devil.'"
Gern had been quiet these past two years.Part of it was intentional.And part of it… was because of Zephyr.
After the God Valley Incident, the shadow of Rocks D. Xebec faded from the seas, ushering in the era of three great legends:
The Whitebeard Pirates.The Flying Pirates.And the Roger Pirates.
Among them, Shiki's Flying Pirates held the greatest territory. Whitebeard dominated his domain with overwhelming force, while Roger roamed freely—bound by nothing.
The Marines should have been balanced by their own three pillars: Sengoku, Zephyr, and Garp.
But Zephyr's prime had already begun to fade.
He could no longer stand toe-to-toe with those monsters of the sea, only restrain the second-tier threats beneath them.
"First stage—promotion to Marine Headquarters. Second stage—tempering my Haki…" Gern murmured as the frost on his glass slowly melted."Now that the second stage is over… it's time for the third."
And the third step required him to break free from Zephyr's shadow.
That was why he had chosen to ignore his mentor's will.
First—to prevent history from repeating itself, to ensure Zephyr's family would never again be targeted by pirates.
Second—because Zephyr himself needed to sever this bond.
Or, put more bluntly…Gern needed to step off this platform and move forward on his own.
He drained his drink in one gulp.
"By the way," Gern said casually as he refilled his glass, "out of the so-called 'Three Marine Monsters,' I only know you."
"What about Sakazuki and Borsalino?"
Kuzan chuckled."Those two? Total opposites. Sakazuki's a workaholic—stationed permanently at G-3 in the New World."
"And Borsalino?" Gern asked.
"Heh. You know the Marine Science Unit?"
"Yeah. It was founded a few years ago."
"Exactly. That guy ran straight there. A paradise for slacking off."Kuzan's eyes glinted with a hint of jealousy.
"But he still has to respond to Celestial Dragon orders," Gern added casually, swirling his drink.
"Tch… yeah, that part sucks." Kuzan smacked his lips before slinging an arm over Gern's shoulder.
"But hey, looks like it's not the 'Three Monsters' anymore. Now it's four."
Gern raised an eyebrow."Me?"
"Who else?" Kuzan grinned. "I heard you're getting an independent assignment."
"Independent?" Gern's pupils flickered. "I'm still Instructor Zephyr's adjutant."
Kuzan tilted his head back and finished his drink.
"When I went to file my report, I saw the Fleet Admiral sign your transfer order."
He placed the empty glass down with a dull clack.
"From today on, you're a Headquarters Captain—directly under HQ. No longer Zephyr's adjutant."
The sound echoed in Gern's ears.
"So… it's done," he murmured.
Under Fleet Admiral Kong's administration, promotions within Marine Headquarters were brutally strict. Every rank had to be earned through undeniable merit.
Even monsters like Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino had once been stuck at the rank of Captain despite their strength.
To move upward, one needed independent command—and achievements that shook the world.
Under the dim tavern lights, Gern's lips slowly curled upward.
The ladder of power and reputation had finally revealed its first step beneath his feet.
(And yes—let's pause here to acknowledge that certain future "heroes" somehow went from chores to Captain in just two years.For reference, Gern took five years to reach this rank.Even the future Admirals were still Captains at this point.As for Zephyr? Ten years just to make Sergeant.)
Later That Night
The streets of Marineford lay quiet beneath dim lamplight.
Gern walked leisurely toward his residence, the conversation from the tavern still echoing in his mind.
Independent command.Direct orders from Headquarters.Freedom from Zephyr's shadow.
Everything was unfolding exactly as planned.
But as he turned the final corner, his steps slowed.
A tall figure stood silently before his door.
Short purple hair.Dark sunglasses reflecting the pale moonlight.
"…Instructor Zephyr?" Gern blinked. "It's late—what brings you here?"
Zephyr didn't answer right away. His sharp gaze bore into Gern like a blade.
After a long pause, he spoke.
"Just got back from the tavern?"
"Yeah. Ran into Kuzan." Gern smiled faintly as he pulled out his keys. "That guy still steals food like it's a hobby."
"I see." Zephyr's voice was unreadable. "Then he must've told you."
The sound of the key sliding into the lock echoed sharply through the quiet street.
Gern pushed the door open and stepped aside."Would you like to come in, Instructor?"
Zephyr didn't move.
Moonlight stretched his shadow across the ground, nearly swallowing Gern's own.
"Gern," he said suddenly, voice heavy, "why?"
Gern paused, his hand still on the doorknob.
"Why… what?"
"Why did you kill them?" Zephyr's fist tightened."Those pirates surrendered. They could've been sent to Impel Down."
"They could've lived."
Gern turned slowly, his gaze calm—almost cold.
"Lived?" he repeated quietly.
Zephyr's pupils tightened.
Gern met his eyes.
"Do you remember what you asked me when I first arrived at Marine Headquarters?"
"…What?"
"You asked me why I joined the Marines."
A faint smile touched Gern's lips.
"I said it was to become stronger… and to find an answer."
The night wind stirred fallen leaves across the ground.
"An answer to what?" Zephyr asked unconsciously.
"My justice."