The sea fell silent once more.
Only the enormous body of Sanjuan Wolf, drifting lifelessly across the water's surface, served as proof that the cataclysmic battle had truly taken place.
In the distance, as the Marine warship approached, Saul stood on the deck, staring at the scene before him. Fine beads of sweat formed across his brow, and his throat felt so dry he could barely speak.
"D-dereshishishi…"His voice trembled slightly.
"Commodore Gern…"He forced a smile, trying to hide the shock still gripping his heart."Th-this time… we really owe you one. If you hadn't arrived, my men and I probably…"
"It's nothing," Gern replied, not even turning around. He casually lifted a hand, cutting Saul off mid-sentence."I just happened to be nearby."
With a light hop, he returned to his own warship, accepted a roll of bandages from a petty officer, and calmly began wrapping Black Blade: Bahuang once more.
The white bandages spiraled neatly around the blade, concealing the pitch-black steel and its dark crimson patterns.
Still too weak…Even someone like Sanjuan—at this rate, an eighty-year-old Garp in the future could probably knock him out with one punch.
Gern had thought the Supreme Shockwave Fist would finish things faster—but his defense had dragged the fight out longer than expected.
His eyes narrowed as he studied Bahuang.
"Even with Bahuang guiding my Haki… my Conqueror's output is still too unstable… and too little."
Nearby, Saul noticed Gern's posture and realized he was about to leave.
He hurried forward and called out,"Commodore Gern! You're not planning to escort Sanjuan Wolf to Impel Down with me?"
He gestured toward the massive body floating in the sea.
"With his size, we'll need at least four warships just to tow him!"
"Hm?" Gern tightened the final knot on the bandages without lifting his head."No need. My patrol mission isn't over yet."
He continued calmly,"When you sent out the distress signal, I wasn't the only one who received it. Nearby bases will have already dispatched reinforcements."
He glanced sideways.
"So I'll leave him to you. You're a commodore too—handling something like this shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Saul scratched the back of his head with a wry smile."Well… when you put it that way…"
Just then, a stir rose from Gern's ship.
Several Marines escorted a man in Seastone shackles onto the deck—none other than the infamous 'Plague Doctor,' Samuel Kronos.
The fungal residue that once covered his body was gone, and his entire frame looked limp and defeated, stripped of any ability to resist.
"T-That's—?!"Saul's eyes widened in shock."Isn't that 'Plague Doctor' Samuel Kronos?! The pirate with a bounty of 1.14 billion?!"
He stared at Gern in disbelief.
"When did you catch him?!"
Gern glanced over indifferently."Before I ran into you."
He shrugged."His Fungus-Fungus Fruit was a little annoying, but nothing special."
"…Nothing special…"Saul's mouth hung open.
Forget Sanjuan Wolf—this weakened-looking man alone could probably defeat him without much effort.
They were both commodores, yet the gap between them felt like a chasm.
Saul looked from the unconscious Sanjuan Wolf floating in the sea… to the shackled Samuel… and his emotions grew complicated.
So this is the difference between commodores…Anyone who didn't know better would think Gern was an admiral.
"Commodore Gern…" Saul sighed, rubbing his neck."Compared to you, I feel like I'm just here to make up the numbers."
Gern finally looked at him, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
"Don't overthink it. Everyone has their own responsibilities."
Saul shook his head."No… this goes beyond that. You've defeated two pirates with bounties over a billion back-to-back."
He laughed softly."Zeff and Vice Admiral Tsuru are going to be thrilled when they hear about this."
"…Tsuru?"Gern's brows knit together slightly.
"Heh-heh-heh," Saul chuckled mischievously."I know, I know. I've seen it all."
"What exactly do you think you know?" Gern asked flatly.
"I stopped by your place with some documents before heading out," Saul said with a grin."And Vice Admiral Tsuru was there helping clean up."
He winked."Even Zephyr-sensei's wife has been talking lately—seems everyone's been discussing your relationship."
Then he laughed loudly.
"Who would've thought Vice Admiral Tsuru had such a gentle side? When she's out on missions, she's famous for being an ice queen! Dereshishishi!"
(Note: Saul often operates under Vice Admiral Tsuru, hence his familiarity.)
Gern had already stopped listening. He pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath:
"…That old man really went behind my back this time."
Around them, the Marines on deck watched with open admiration.
But their murmured conversations focused less on gossip—and more on awe.
"Commodore Gern is incredible… That was Saint Sanjuan Wolf!"
"I heard he already defeated Borsalino before this…"
"To think we get to serve under someone like him…"
Gern ignored the chatter. Turning to his petty officer, he spoke calmly:
"Log it. Sanjuan Wolf will be escorted by Commodore Saul. We're continuing our patrol."
"Yes, sir!" the petty officer replied sharply.
Saul straightened his posture and saluted with full sincerity.
"Commodore Gern, thank you again for your assistance. I'll personally ensure both Sanjuan Wolf and Samuel are delivered safely to Impel Down."
Gern nodded lightly and waved a hand."Alright, go. Don't waste time."
Saul smiled and turned to his crew."All hands! Prepare to tow Sanjuan Wolf! Contact nearby bases and request support!"
The deck erupted into motion as Marines rushed to their tasks—preparing cables, relaying communications, coordinating operations.
At the same time, Gern's warship slowly carved an elegant arc across the sea, heading toward the distant horizon.
The steel hull cut a white wake through the water as it gradually disappeared from Saul's view.
On deck, the sea breeze brushed against Gern's coat.
He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing calmly at the shrinking silhouette of Saul's fleet.
"Commodore Gern," the petty officer approached quietly, lowering his voice."Should we return to Kasven Island?"
"Hm?" Gern glanced sideways. "Back to Kasven Island?"
"Yes. We found the real ship belonging to the 'Plague Doctor' near the island's outer perimeter."
"…Wasn't his ship already—"Gern stopped mid-sentence.
A faint, knowing smile crept across his face.
"Well now… clever little rat. Three hideouts, huh?"
Noticing the change in his expression, the petty officer added quickly,"They say the ship contains the wealth he's accumulated over the years—"
"Wealth?" Gern cut in sharply, his tone suddenly righteous."Watch your wording, Petty Officer."
"That's not wealth."
"That's ill-gotten plunder—and it rightfully belongs to the Marine budget."