The deck of the warship was alive with motion.
"Captain Gern."A Marine sergeant approached from behind and snapped to attention.
"Mm." Gern nodded slightly. "What did headquarters say? Are we continuing on course, or changing plans?"
"Headquarters has ordered us to alter our route and transfer the prisoner 'Split-Island' Dorg to G-3 Base in the New World."
"G-3, huh…" Gern frowned faintly.
So even Headquarters was worried he might run into the Flying Pirates again.That made sense—after all, he'd already crossed paths with one of their top officers. They couldn't afford to ignore that possibility.
"But G-3…" Gern murmured, the name tugging at his memory. It felt familiar, though he couldn't quite place why. "Who's currently stationed there?"
The sergeant straightened his back. "Colonel Sakazuki, sir."
"Sakazuki…" Gern repeated softly. A cold, imposing figure immediately surfaced in his mind.
The future Fleet Admiral—Akainu.
A faint smile tugged at Gern's lips. "So it's our workaholic Red Dog, huh? Interesting."
The sergeant hesitated. "You… know Colonel Sakazuki, sir?"
"Not yet," Gern replied lightly. "But I will soon enough." He waved a hand. "Inform the crew. Change course—G-3 Base."
"Yes, sir!"
As the sergeant left, Gern turned his gaze back toward the sea, his thoughts already drifting far ahead.
Sakazuki—one of the Navy's three great "monsters," infamous for his doctrine of Absolute Justice and iron-fisted methods.
These days, most people simply called him the Navy's number one workaholic.
Honestly, dedication taken to that extreme was almost admirable.
When others clocked out, he clocked in overtime.When others drank tea and slacked off, he farmed military merit like experience points.
While Kuzan and Borsalino were still lingering in mid-level ranks, this man was already knocking on the door of flag officer status.
What was even more terrifying was that G-3 Base—one of the Navy's most critical strongholds in the New World—had been entrusted to him.
That alone said everything about his efficiency.
Rumor had it that Sakazuki had never once used his allotted annual leave.
To Gern, that was the ultimate form of a workaholic.
Rest?That word doesn't exist in my dictionary!Only idiots like Borsalino care about taking breaks!
…
Several days later, the warship slowly entered the harbor of G-3 Base.
Standing at the bow, Gern surveyed the heavily fortified stronghold. Towering walls, black iron cannons, and patrols of stern-faced soldiers radiated an atmosphere of absolute discipline.
"As expected of his style," Gern muttered with a faint smile.
A sergeant approached briskly and saluted."Captain Gern, the prisoner 'Split-Island' Dorg is ready for transfer. Colonel Sakazuki is waiting at the dock."
"Oh?" Gern raised an eyebrow. "He came personally?"
"Yes, sir."
"That's unexpected. I thought he'd be waiting comfortably in his office," Gern said with a light chuckle. After all, their ranks were separated by three levels.
Straightening his justice cloak, Gern stepped toward the edge of the deck.
On the pier below, Sakazuki stood with his arms crossed, a Marine coat draped over his shoulders. His sharp gaze beneath the brim of his cap was cold and unyielding. Several elite Marines stood behind him, their presence making the air feel heavy and oppressive.
As the ship docked, Gern leapt down first, landing steadily on the ground.
He straightened and saluted crisply. "Colonel Sakazuki."
Sakazuki studied him for a moment, then gave a short nod."Captain Gern."
His voice was low and rough, but—rarely—it lacked its usual hostility. The corners of his mouth even lifted slightly.
Approval?
Gern was mildly surprised, but it made sense. Sakazuki had undoubtedly reviewed his records—especially his aggressive methods during his time under Zephyr.
As expected, Sakazuki spoke again.
"I like your way of doing things."
"Do you?" Gern smiled faintly. "I thought most people at headquarters didn't."
"Hmph. Only the weak fear decisiveness," Sakazuki snorted. "Pirates are pirates. Only by eradicating them completely can evil be ended."
There was unshakable conviction in his voice—but also unmistakable approval in his eyes.
So that's how it is…He really does see me as one of his own.
"Seems we think alike," Gern said with a shrug, then gestured for the soldiers to bring Dorg forward.
Bound in seastone cuffs, battered and barely conscious, Dorg was dragged forward.
Sakazuki gave him a cold glance. "Take him away. Interrogate him thoroughly."
"Yes, sir!"
The Marines hauled Dorg off without mercy.
Gern watched quietly, then asked, "Planning to squeeze information about the Golden Lion out of him?"
Instead of answering directly, Sakazuki asked, "You fought him. How strong was he?"
"His 360 million bounty has a lot of padding," Gern scoffed. "But his Split-Split Fruit is… interesting."
Sakazuki nodded slightly, apparently satisfied.
After a moment of silence, he spoke again. "Headquarters has taken notice of you."
"Oh?" Gern raised an eyebrow. "Good notice, or bad?"
"The Navy doesn't need hesitation," Sakazuki said, his tone softening just a fraction."But your methods… are efficient."
Gern blinked, then laughed quietly. He hadn't expected this much approval from the future Akainu.
"Well, I'm flattered."
Sakazuki didn't respond. He turned and began walking. "Come with me."
Gern followed as they entered the base. Marines along the path stepped aside respectfully, their gazes filled with awe.
"I heard you don't see eye to eye with Instructor Zephyr," Sakazuki said suddenly.
Gern paused for half a step before answering calmly. "We simply have different philosophies. He believes in 'not killing.' I—"
"And you prefer decisive solutions," Sakazuki cut in, approval clear in his voice. "Zephyr is too idealistic. His refusal to kill is something I've never agreed with."
Gern glanced at him, unsurprised. That mindset suited Sakazuki perfectly.
To him, justice was absolute—there was no room for compromise.
"So," Sakazuki asked abruptly, "how long do you plan to stay at G-3?"
"Headquarters hasn't given me my next orders yet," Gern replied with a shrug. "Why? Planning to keep me?"
Sakazuki stopped walking and turned to face him, eyes burning with intensity.
"If you're willing, G-3 Base could use someone like you."
Gern narrowed his eyes, then smiled. "That sounds suspiciously like recruitment."
"I'm stating a fact." Sakazuki's tone remained firm, but Gern could feel the shift—from approval to genuine interest.
So that's what this is about…Tch. Workaholic trying to rope me in.
If he stayed under this man, he'd be worked to death.
Gern didn't answer directly, only smiled faintly. Anyone familiar with Marine politics could read between the lines.
Sakazuki let out a low sigh."Gern… your personality suits me very well."
With that, he turned and walked deeper into the base without looking back.
Gern watched him go, a faint smile lingering on his face.