Mokomo Dukedom
Gern put away the Den Den Mushi and lifted his gaze toward Lipo, Pedro, and Wanda.
"Sorry about that," he said with a laugh. "My teacher's… a bit loud."
Seeing him laugh so easily, Wanda was the first to speak. There was a trace of reluctance in her voice.
"Gern… are you leaving?"
Her words made him pause.
Well… she wasn't wrong.After all, Zephyr's voice had been loud enough for everyone to hear.
Still, while he had stayed in Mokomo longer than planned, the results had been more than worth it.
Thinking that, Gern smiled lightly and said in a relaxed tone,"Sorry, Wanda. A hero of justice can't stay in one place forever."
"That's right!" Lipo immediately chimed in, bouncing over to his side. Her long ears swayed with the motion."Gern's going to save the world!"
"That's right—justice must spread across the world!" Gern declared, uncharacteristically dramatic.
To be fair, during his time in the Mokomo Dukedom, whether through teaching or action, he had never once mentioned the World Government. Everything he did came from himself.
And because of that, the Minks didn't know the concept of "World Government justice."
They only knew Gern's justice.
So later, what spread through the land wasn't tales of the Kozuki Clan or ancient alliances—but legends of a Hero of Justice, complete with dramatic poses and even imitation transformation gestures.
As Gern and Lipo struck ridiculous "henshin" poses together, laughing loudly—
Pedro, standing not far away, slowly lowered his head.
The sword in his hand slipped loose and fell to the ground with a dull clink. His hands clenched tightly into fists.
Over these past weeks, his feelings had changed completely.
From suspicion… to trust… and now, genuine admiration.
During this time, Gern had helped the Mink Tribe in countless ways—using his vibration powers to clear land and build roads, granting Lipo the ability to heal others, even spearheading the formation of the so-called Guardians of the King.
He had taught them Armament Haki, forging an invisible defensive wall to protect Mokomo from pirates.
"…I only just started to admire you," Pedro murmured quietly."And now you're leaving…"
Gern noticed the shift immediately.
He walked over and gently placed a hand on Pedro's head.
"What's wrong, Pedro? You're the captain I chose myself."
"Gern…"Pedro lifted his head, his eyes burning with resolve."Take me with you."
"Take you with me?" Gern blinked, then laughed softly and shook his head.
"Pedro, everyone has their moment to step onto the stage. Yours hasn't come yet."
Then his expression grew serious.
"I may be leaving—but my justice will remain."
With that, Gern removed the small ranger's cloak from Pedro's shoulders… then unfastened his own Justice cape and draped it over him.
The cloth fluttered in the wind, the bold white characters for JUSTICE gleaming beneath the sunlight.
"Remember this," Gern said quietly but firmly."Justice has already come to Mokomo.Not the World Government's justice—but the justice of Gern Reginald Sigmar."
"While I'm gone… this place is yours to protect."
"Your justice…" Pedro's pupils trembled.
He looked down at the cape resting on his shoulders, feeling its weight—physical and emotional.
"I understand!" He straightened his back, clenching his fists."You told me before—this land's justice belongs only to the Mink Tribe!The justice of Mokomo exists for us alone!"
"I won't betray that! I'll study everything you left behind. I'll make everyone see what a hero of justice can truly do!"
His voice cracked near the end, teeth clenched as he fought back tears.
Three Days Later
The setting sun bathed the central plaza of Crescent Moon Village in golden light.
Bonfires burned brightly, and the air was filled with the aroma of roasted meat and sweet fruit wine.
The Mink Tribe gathered in a massive circle, dancing, laughing, and singing without restraint.
Gern sat atop a wooden stump at the center, completely surrounded by fuzzy little bodies.
"Gern! Tell us again how you beat that 'Giant Battleship' guy!" a squirrel mink tugged on his pant leg, eyes sparkling.
"Yeah! And the glowing Marine!" a young reindeer chimed in excitedly.
Gern laughed heartily, rubbing their heads."Alright, alright—one more time…"
Before he could get far, the old goat mink shuffled over, patting his shoulder with a rough hand.
"Gern, next time you come, bring some seeds from the outside world. This old fellow wants to try growing something new…"
"If I get the chance, I will," Gern replied warmly, accepting the fruit wine and downing it in one go.
"Gern! Try my special carrot cake!"
Lipo suddenly popped out of the crowd, holding a lopsided cake with a crooked carrot candle stuck in the top.
"You made this?" Gern raised an eyebrow.
"Of course!" she puffed out her chest proudly."It doesn't look great, but it tastes—"
Gern took a bite.
Chewed.
Paused.
"…Unique," he said carefully, forcing it down.
"Really?!" Lipo bounced excitedly. "Then I'll make another one!"
"No—wait—!" Gern reached out, but she was already running off, shouting something about adding more honey.
He sighed helplessly—and when he turned around, he found Pedro standing behind him, holding a handmade medal.
"For you," Pedro said, averting his eyes slightly. "The emblem of the King's Guard. You're the founder."
"…I see." Gern accepted it and pinned it to the side of his coat."Thanks, Captain."
Pedro's lips twitched into a small smile before he forced his expression serious again.
"Next time… come back."
"I will," Gern said without hesitation.
The celebration continued deep into the night.
Gern was pulled into dances, forced to drink, made to tell story after story—and at one point, he even became a jungle gym for a swarm of excited little Minks.
Eventually, the fires burned low and the laughter faded into gentle sleep.
Gern carefully lifted a fox mink child asleep on his leg and handed her back to her parents.
Then he stood, brushed the grass from his clothes, and looked around at the peaceful scene.
A soft smile curved his lips.
"…Time to go."
Under the moonlight, Gern walked alone to the edge of the Mokomo Dukedom.
He stood atop the cliff, gazing down at the dark, endless sea below.
His warship was already waiting at the designated point—patiently awaiting his return.