Several days later, the returning warship slowly entered the harbor of Marineford.
Gern Reginald Sigmar stood on the deck, the black blade Eight Desolations still wrapped in white bandages and resting quietly at his waist. His gaze remained calm as he looked toward the increasingly familiar outline of Marine Headquarters.
The harbor was already crowded with Marines. Some stood at attention, others leaned forward, but all eyes were fixed on the warship carrying him.
Low murmurs rippled through the crowd—whispers of awe and disbelief.
After all, in this era of legends, a man who had severely wounded Golden Lion Shiki with a single strike now stood before them.
"Anyone who recognizes the sword already knows what it is. Anyone who doesn't… still won't, even if you keep it wrapped up," Zephyr said, frowning slightly as he glanced at the bandages around Eight Desolations.
"Teacher, you don't understand."Gern tilted his head slightly, his expression solemn as he spoke slowly:
"Because… this way, it looks cool."
Zephyr: "..."
As the warship docked, Gern stepped onto the gangplank. His steps were steady, his expression calm, his posture composed—maintaining his image perfectly, utterly unconcerned with the burning gazes around him.
But the moment his boots touched the harbor floor, a tall figure suddenly pushed through the crowd and stopped in front of him.
"So you're 'Skyquake' Gern?" a crisp female voice rang out.
Gern looked up to see a young female Marine staring straight at him.
Black hair. Tall figure. Shorts. A slender sword hung at her waist.
Behind her stood several young officers—Onigumo, Momonga, and others—who had also gathered around.
Gern nodded slightly."That's me."
"I'm Gion, an officer under Vice Admiral Tsuru," she introduced herself, her tone carrying unmistakable excitement."Captain Gern, is it true that you seriously injured Golden Lion with a single strike?"
Before Gern could respond, Onigumo stepped forward impatiently.
"Golden Lion stood alongside Whitebeard and Roger! How did you do it?"
Momonga didn't speak, but the fire in his eyes betrayed the same curiosity.
These were all young Marines, just beginning their careers—men and women who had once watched legendary battles from afar. And now, someone their age had accomplished something that shook the seas.
Gern smiled faintly, sweeping his gaze over them.
"If the newspapers didn't get it wrong," he said calmly, "then yes."
His tone was composed, yet carried undeniable confidence.
Good. Keep the persona. Maintain the aura.
Gion frowned slightly, clearly wanting to ask more, but Gern had already stepped past her, heading toward the headquarters building.
"If you want autographs," he called back casually, "I'll need some time to prepare—so bye for now~"
Gion froze for a moment, then turned and shouted, "Hey! Wait!"
"And one more thing—" Gern waved without turning around."If you want confirmation, go ask Colonel Sakazuki when he gets back. He saw that strike with his own eyes."
The moment Akainu's name was mentioned, Gion and the others stiffened.
Ask him?That was practically asking to get yelled into oblivion.
Not far away, Zephyr watched as Gern escaped the crowd with ease. A faint, satisfied smile appeared on his face.
He didn't approach, instead turning toward the Marine Headquarters building.
Because what had happened at G-3 Base…was about far more than just Gern's rising fame.
Marine Headquarters – Conference Room
The heavy wooden doors opened slowly as Zephyr stepped inside.
At the head of the table sat Fleet Admiral Kong. Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, and several high-ranking officers were seated along both sides.
The atmosphere was heavy, solemn.
All eyes turned toward Zephyr.
"Well now," Kong said, lifting the newspaper on the table, his tone half-teasing yet sharp,"Your disciple certainly made a splash on his first independent mission."
"Fleet Admiral," Zephyr replied with a helpless shrug."No one could have predicted Golden Lion's sudden attack. His Devil Fruit lets him soar through the skies—being able to repel him at all was already the best possible outcome."
"But it was damn impressive!" Garp burst out, slapping the table."You saw the photo, didn't you? That arrogant bastard finally got what was coming to him! That kid didn't disappoint me!"
"Garp, quiet." Sengoku adjusted his glasses, his tone calm but firm."This isn't a joking matter. Golden Lion won't let this go. The Flying Pirates are powerful, and retaliation is inevitable. We need to prepare."
"I agree," Tsuru added, her hair already streaked with gray."G-3 Base will likely be targeted again. Sakazuki is strong, but facing the Flying Pirates alone would be extremely dangerous."
As the discussion continued, Kong interlaced his fingers and slowly scanned the room before fixing his gaze on Zephyr.
"Zephyr," he said gravely."What is your assessment of Gern's current condition?"
Then his eyes sharpened further.
"And as a firsthand witness—how strong is Golden Lion after taking that blow?"
The rhythmic tapping of his fingers echoed through the room.
After all, this was a pirate who stood alongside Roger and Whitebeard. His threat level could not be underestimated.
Even if Gern had gone all out, how much damage had he truly done?
If Shiki remained largely unharmed, his floating-island bombardments alone would force the Marines to drastically reevaluate their strategy.
Zephyr straightened his back, his admiral's cloak fluttering slightly behind him.
"Gern is severely exhausted. I recommend he enter a recovery period."
Then his gaze sharpened like a blade.
"As for Golden Lion Shiki…"The room fell silent.
"I swear on my honor as a Marine Admiral—he was heavily injured."
Zephyr's fist clenched unconsciously.
"That final strike… truly changed the course of the battle."
When the words 'heavily injured' left the mouth of one of the Navy's strongest figures, the room seemed to freeze.
Several officers leaned forward unconsciously, disbelief written across their faces.
Kong's pupils contracted, his tapping hand freezing midair.
"Another monster…" Sengoku muttered."In any case, that strike has already caught the attention of the World Government. They may place Gern under special observation… or even conscription."
Everyone understood what that meant.
Zephyr's expression turned cold."Gern is a Marine. His future should be decided by the Navy."
Kong raised a hand, signaling silence.
"This discussion can wait. Our priority now is preparing for Golden Lion's retaliation."
"Sengoku, coordinate defenses across all bases.Tsuru, handle intelligence.Garp—take over patrols in the New World for now. And stop chasing Roger's tail."
"Yes," the room responded in unison.