The Marine warship from the South Blue Division had already docked ahead of schedule.
"Captain Gern, the South Blue Division—"
Gern didn't bother responding to the soldier's greeting. He accepted the justice cloak, draped it over his shoulders, and stepped onto the gangplank at an unhurried pace.
"Year 1487 of the Sea Circle Calendar…"
He murmured softly, his fingers brushing against the black blade Bahuang resting at his waist.
Three years from now, Kuma—at seventeen—would become a priest, overthrow King Bekori, and rise as the ruler of Sorbet Kingdom.
Then Dragon would leave the Marines and form the Freedom Fighters. Soon after, the Ohara Incident would erupt, and Dragon would officially establish the Revolutionary Army.
And after that… Ginny would be taken.
At that thought, a strange glint flickered deep within Gern's eyes.
That moment… when Ginny is taken—that's when I'll truly be able to claim Kuma as my power.
Because even if Kuma agreed to follow him now, Gern still lacked the authority to bring him directly into Marine Headquarters.
At this stage, he simply didn't possess the power necessary to challenge the World Government's rules.
"This time… I'm only planting a seed."
Gern stepped onto the deck of the Marine vessel.
By the time that seed truly sprouted—Roger's era would already be over, and the Great Pirate Age would have fully erupted.
Though his clash with Golden Lion had earned him considerable fame, the move Gern was truly planning—the one that would propel him into the heart of Marine authority—was something far greater.
Using his foreknowledge that Roger would turn himself in…
To arrest the Pirate King himself.
"To turn a 'surrender'… into an 'arrest.'"
A dangerous curve formed at the corner of Gern's lips.
This plan had long taken shape in his mind.
Because compared to defeating Shiki or anyone else, nothing would cement his standing within the Marines more decisively than this.
The man who captured the Pirate King.
Compared to Garp's title of Hero of the Marines, the symbolic weight of The Man Who Ended an Era was on an entirely different level.
That title alone would grant him immeasurable influence.
By then, Sengoku would ascend to Fleet Admiral, the Three Admirals system would be formally established—
—and he would use his achievement to demand independent command authority over his own forces.
From there, he would cultivate his own faction of "justice," gradually consuming the Navy's power from within.
A slow usurpation. A controlled decay.
"When that day comes…"As the warship cut through the waves, Gern gazed at the receding coastline of Sorbet Kingdom, his smile deepening.
"'Justice' won't necessarily belong to the World Government anymore."
Two Weeks Later — Marineford Harbor
The harbor buzzed with its usual activity. Warships docked and departed endlessly, soldiers hurried about transporting supplies, and the cries of seagulls blended with the crashing waves.
Standing on the gangplank, Gern inhaled the salty sea breeze and swept his gaze across the port—until it landed on a familiar ship in the distance.
On its deck, a tall figure was lazily strolling down the ramp. Sunlight reflected sharply off the bright green knitted cap on his head.
Gern squinted slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching.
So even back then… Kizaru had that kind of taste.
"Didn't expect to see you back this late too, Captain Gern~"
The man drawled lazily as he approached, his tone unhurried as ever.
"I thought I was the only one who liked cutting things close~"
Gern shrugged and stepped off the gangplank.
"I took a trip to the East Blue with Vice Admiral Garp, then wandered through the South Blue for a bit. I was already rushing back as it was."
He glanced at the man beside him.
"But you, Senior Borsalino—weren't you on a mission? You look awfully relaxed."
"Ahh~ I do envy people on vacation," Borsalino said with an exaggerated sigh. "Missions have to be done eventually, but there's no need to rush, right~?"
As he spoke, he adjusted the green knit cap on his head, his half-lidded eyes narrowing slightly as he observed Gern's reaction.
Gern's gaze drifted back to the hat despite himself.
"…That hat of yours," he muttered. "It's… pretty distinctive."
Borsalino's eyes immediately lit up, as though he'd found a kindred spirit.
"Oh? You like it?"
He reached into his coat and pulled out an identical green knit cap, offering it forward.
"I've got extras—want one?"
"No—no, absolutely not!" Gern waved his hands quickly, forcing out a dry laugh."I don't have a habit of wearing green hats."
"Tsk tsk tsk~ Young people these days have no sense of fashion~"Borsalino sighed theatrically before stuffing the hat back into his coat.
Gern rolled his eyes and didn't bother replying.
The two walked side by side toward Marine Headquarters, drawing more than a few glances from passing soldiers.
After all, one was the recently renowned "Heaven-Shaker," and the other was Marineford's infamous master of slacking off.
"Word is, you seriously injured Golden Lion with a single strike?" Borsalino asked casually.
Gern nodded. "I got lucky. He underestimated me."
"Oh~ is that so?" Borsalino drawled, smiling faintly."Even Sengoku couldn't stop talking about that blow."
Gern didn't respond, merely returning a faint smile.
"Oh, right," Borsalino added suddenly, "Have you seen the Elite Training Camp matchups?"
Gern raised an eyebrow. "I have. Looks like I'm sparring with you."
"How terrifying~" Borsalino sighed dramatically."I really don't want to get shaken apart by your vibrations."
"Likewise," Gern replied calmly. "Your Glint-Glint Fruit isn't exactly gentle either."
The two exchanged glances—and laughed.
When they reached the entrance to the main building, Borsalino stopped and stretched lazily.
"Well then, I'd better go report in. If I'm any later, Sengoku's going to nag me to death."
"See you," Gern said.
Borsalino waved casually and headed inside, his green knit cap glowing brightly in the sunlight.
Gern watched him go, shaking his head faintly.
What exactly is going on in that man's head…?
Just as he turned to leave, he felt a gaze on him.
Gern turned—and sure enough, a familiar figure stood not far away.
Sakazuki.
And at that very moment, Akainu was staring straight at him… with what he clearly thought was a friendly smile.
No. Absolutely not.Brother, we are never going to get along.