Several days later, the Marine Elite Training Camp's exhibition matches officially began.
In the waters near Marineford, dozens of warships were arranged in perfect formation, forming a massive viewing perimeter between two deserted islands. The decks were packed with Marines, all craning their necks toward the battlefield with excitement burning in their eyes.
At this moment, the first island had already been completely divided by ice and fire.
One half had become a blazing inferno of molten magma, while the other had frozen into a silent, glacial wasteland.
The opening match between Kuzan and Sakazuki had ended in a draw.Even as both men were carried off the island by the medical team, they continued glaring at one another with undisguised hostility.
On the flagship, Fleet Admiral Kong stood with his hands clasped behind his back, staring at the gradually settling battlefield.
"Fleet Admiral Kong," Sengoku said beside him, adjusting his glasses, his tone heavy."Regardless of anything else, Kuzan and Sakazuki's strength has already surpassed that of ordinary vice admirals. But their personalities… I believe they should be assigned separately in the future."
"Ah, come on." Garp cut in casually, picking his nose. "Young people fighting is normal, right? You and I never got along either, did we? And look—we're still fine."
"You bastard!" Sengoku snapped, veins bulging. "That's only because I tolerate you!"
"Oh? You tolerate me? Isn't it me who plays the clown to keep you happy, Sengoku~?"
"GARP!!"
The moment he heard 'Sengoku-chan', Sengoku completely lost it.
"You idiot! Keep using those tricks you learned from Gern and I'll—!"
"Hey!" Kong raised a hand sharply, stopping him. "Today's stars aren't you two."
"Hahaha…" Tsuru covered her mouth as she laughed softly, then turned her gaze toward Zephyr beside her."Your disciple really taught Garp something dangerous, didn't he?"
"That was Garp asking him himself," Zephyr replied awkwardly, clearing his throat."Though honestly… he's got some nerve using it at his age."
"You know him," Tsuru smiled. "Garp has never cared about dignity."
Then her expression shifted slightly."Next is your personal disciple against your former student."
"Gern versus Borsalino…" Zephyr snorted coldly, sharp light flashing in his eyes."That guy will definitely try to slack off again."
"That's just how he is," Tsuru said calmly. "You know him well."
"Exactly because I know him," Zephyr replied with a faint smile, "I also know how to make him take things seriously."
"Oh?" Tsuru glanced at him with curiosity.
Zephyr leaned toward Kong and whispered something in his ear.
Kong raised an eyebrow, then smirked faintly."Interesting. Let's do it that way."
Meanwhile, aboard another warship, Gern Reginald Sigmar stood beside Borsalino, both gazing toward the scarred island ahead.
"Kuzan's fighting style is really aggressive when he's fired up," Gern remarked.
Borsalino lazily stretched, his tone light and teasing."Ooh~ scary~ Why fight so hard? Even without fighting, promotions still come, you know?"
Gern glanced at him sideways, smiling faintly."Don't tell me you're expecting me to help you slack off."
Borsalino adjusted his green-striped cap, feigning surprise."Oh my~ was I that obvious?"
He blinked slowly."It's just an exhibition match. A few flashy moves and we're done, right~?"
Gern shook his head and slowly wrapped his fingers around the hilt of the Black Blade Eight Desolations.
"That won't do. Instructor Zephyr specifically told me to take this seriously."
"I'll write three mission reports for you."
"He's my teacher too, you know."
"I'll help you look good."
"He's my beloved mentor. My only family."
"…Twice."
"Deal."
For a split second, Borsalino's smile stiffened. Then he sighed.
"I didn't think you had this side to you."
Just then, Kong's deep voice echoed through the loudspeakers:
"Second match—Gern Reginald Sigmar versus Borsalino. Both fighters, take the field!"
Borsalino shrugged as his body began dissolving into golden light."Then… see you in a moment~"
In the next instant, he transformed into a beam of light and shot toward the second island.
Gern inhaled deeply and kicked off the deck, launching forward like an arrow.
Midair, his body dissolved into countless white particles, streaking through the sky in stark contrast to Borsalino's golden radiance.
A wave of shocked gasps erupted from the viewing ships—though most of them were cheering for Kizaru.
Only Gion and the soldiers who had fought alongside Gern before were truly rooting for him.
On the island, Gern's form reassembled. The Black Blade Eight Desolations was already drawn, its white wrappings fluttering in the wind.
Borsalino stood some distance away, hands in his pockets, posture relaxed as ever.
Though neither spoke, both were watching closely.
Then—
Kong calmly took out a private Den Den Mushi.
"Borsalino," he said slowly, "if you win, I'll give you three months of paid vacation."
"…Huh?"
The Den Den Mushi snapped shut.
"Begin!"
The instant the command fell—
Borsalino vanished.
"—?!"
Gern's pupils contracted as Observation Haki flared to life. Just barely, he caught a streak of golden light slashing in from the side.
He raised Eight Desolations without hesitation.
BOOM!
A blinding flash erupted as blade and light collided. The shockwave tore through the air, forcing Gern back several steps.
Borsalino landed lightly, tilting his head with a lazy grin.
"Not bad~"
"Hey!" Gern shook the numbness from his arm. "That's not what we agreed on!"
Borsalino's expression suddenly turned serious. His eyes narrowed behind the tinted lenses.
"Captain Gern… please don't say things that could be misunderstood."
"…?"
"I think you're right. Instructor Zephyr is a man worthy of respect.And yet you'd suggest working with me like that?"
His voice sharpened.
"I never thought my junior would be that kind of person."
"Borsalino, you—!"
Before Gern could finish, both figures vanished.
Golden light and white afterimages clashed violently across the island, explosions echoing one after another.
The watching Marines could barely track the battle—only the shockwaves told them how intense it had become.
"Is this for real?!" Sengoku frowned deeply. "That brat… he's actually serious?"
Zephyr smiled in satisfaction."Good. That's more like it."
Garp burst out laughing."Looks like this match is gonna be way more fun than expected!"
Kong watched Gern's figure closely, eyes gleaming with intrigue.
"So he's balancing Devil Fruit and Haki without neglecting either…"
He had assumed Borsalino's speed would completely overwhelm him.
Yet here he was—blocking, reacting, keeping pace.
On the warships, the soldiers held their breath.
Gion clenched her fists, eyes shining."Go, Captain Gern!"
Doberman and the others watched in silence, their expressions heavy.
Only now did they truly understand—
Gern Reginald Sigmar's strength was never luck.