New World — Marine Base G-3
Ever since the devastation and subsequent reconstruction following Golden Lion's assault years ago, Marine Base G-3 had become even more imposing—vast, austere, and formidable, standing like a true iron stronghold of the seas.
At the military harbor, the salty stench of the ocean rode the wind as it rushed toward the shore.
A warship eased into port. The dull, heavy thud of the anchor sinking into the seabed echoed alongside the rhythmic crash of waves against the pier.
Gern Reginald Sigmar stood at the bow, his gaze sweeping over the Marines lined up in immaculate formation on the dock—until it finally settled on one figure.
A man standing straight as a drawn spear.
Sakazuki stood there with his arms crossed, his Justice cloak snapping violently in the wind. Beneath his cap, his severe expression betrayed no emotion whatsoever.
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki actually came to the dock in person?" one G-3 soldier muttered under his breath, disbelief thick in his voice.
"Shh! Watch your mouth!" another hissed, nervously glancing at Sakazuki's back."But… it is strange. Even when Admirals from headquarters visit, the Vice Admiral usually just waits in his office…"
"Heh. You guys don't know, do you?" a third Marine whispered."Sakazuki has personally come to the dock only twice since taking command of G-3."
"Twice?!"
"That's right. And both times—"
"—were for the same person."
As the murmurs died down, the warship docked fully. The gangplank dropped.
Gern stepped onto the pier.
Behind him, Lipo hopped down energetically, her ears bouncing with every step.
The moment Sakazuki saw them, he strode forward. Beneath the brim of his cap, the cold line of his mouth lifted—just slightly.
A rare sight.
"Gern," he said in a low voice, "welcome back to G-3."
"It's been a while," Gern replied with a faint smile. Given how much respect Sakazuki was showing him, he had no intention of acting aloof.
He raised his hand in a crisp salute.
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki. Reporting for duty."
The moment the words reporting for duty reached Sakazuki's ears, something deep within him was stirred.
His eyes gleamed faintly.
That voice…
It sounded even better than the screams of pirates.
Before he could stop himself, Sakazuki's lips curled upward. He reached out and gave Gern's shoulder a heavy pat.
"Excellent!" His voice carried an unusual warmth. "I've been waiting for this day."
Gern raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You were that eager for my arrival, Vice Admiral?"
Sakazuki snorted and turned his gaze toward the distant sea.
"Ever since I took command of G-3," he said flatly,"Every week—no, every chance I had to submit paperwork to headquarters—I included an additional transfer request."
"…Requesting you."
"…What?" Gern froze. "E-every week? That's—wait, wouldn't that—"
"Exactly," Sakazuki replied, a trace of unmistakable smugness creeping into his tone."Back then, you were worried about procedures, about drawing criticism from other officers. That's no longer a concern."
"…No longer a concern…" Gern paused, then his eyes widened."Wait. Don't tell me—you became Vice Admiral because of this?"
As a side note—
Under normal circumstances, when Sakazuki was due for promotion, Fleet Admiral Kong had originally intended to let Kuzan and the others advance gradually, allowing the younger generation more time to temper themselves.
But Sakazuki?
Sakazuki decided that if he ever wanted to legitimately claim Gern for himself—
He needed rank.
So he went absolutely insane grinding merits.
The scale, frequency, and sheer weight of his achievements became so overwhelming that Kong had no choice but to promote him to Vice Admiral.
"Correct," Sakazuki said, meeting Gern's stunned expression with a confident grin.
See? All my effort.
"Now everything is in place," Sakazuki continued, letting out a deep breath."The pirates of the New World must be eradicated completely. Doing it alone… is inefficient."
He looked directly into Gern's eyes, his tone unyielding.
"But with you here, Gern—everything changes."
"Heh…" Gern laughed awkwardly, silently complaining to himself.
I admit it. Sakazuki—you're the true warrior of pure devotion.
Unaware of Gern's inner turmoil, Sakazuki continued,"As the Fleet Admiral ordered—'A union of strength, forging the iron wall of the New World.'"
When he spoke the words forge the iron wall, his voice carried a near-fanatical fervor, as though he could already see the future—
A New World completely purged of pirates by the two of them.
While Sakazuki indulged in his vision, Lipo blinked and leaned closer to Gern, whispering:
"Gern… why does that red-clothed uncle look even scarier than Teacher Zephyr?"
Sakazuki's ear twitched.
His gaze snapped to Lipo instantly.
Gern coughed lightly and quickly interjected,"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, this is my adjutant—Ensign Lipo."
Sakazuki looked her up and down, brow furrowing slightly.
"A Mink?"
"Yes!" Lipo puffed out her chest proudly, grinning."I'm Gern's partner in justice!"
"Partner… in justice?" Sakazuki fell silent for a moment.
Perhaps because of Gern—
That phrase sounded surprisingly pleasant to him.
Still, as a man of iron discipline, he clearly wasn't suited to such innocent enthusiasm.
He nodded coldly.
"If you are Vice Admiral Gern's adjutant, then perform your duties properly.A partner of justice must always stand on the side of justice."
"Yes, sir!" Lipo snapped to attention and saluted sharply.
"Mm." Satisfied, Sakazuki turned and strode forward, his cloak carving a sharp arc through the air.
"Come with me, Gern. We need to formulate combat plans immediately."
Gern glanced at Lipo and shrugged helplessly, signaling her to follow.
She skipped along behind them, muttering quietly:
"Gern… does that uncle not like me?"
Lowering his voice, Gern replied,"He doesn't dislike you. He just… doesn't like anyone."
Sakazuki suddenly halted.
Without turning around, he said flatly:
"I heard that."
Gern: "..."
Lipo covered her mouth and giggled.
The soldiers of G-3 stared at the scene, dumbfounded.
"Am I seeing things? Vice Admiral Sakazuki is… chatting casually with someone?"
"And Vice Admiral Gern actually dared to joke? Anyone else would've been warned with a Meigō!"
"So this is what they mean by… 'a union of strength'?"
Amid the hushed whispers, Sakazuki led Gern and Lipo deep into the base.
The corridor lights stretched their shadows long across the floor as Sakazuki's voice echoed through the empty passage.
"From today onward, Gern—G-3's iron wall will be forged by us together."
"The pirates of the New World…"
"…not a single one will escape."
His voice was cold, merciless—like a death sentence already passed.
"Of course, Vice Admiral," Gern replied, the corner of his mouth lifting as a deep light flickered in his eyes.
"After all…"
"Everything is for justice."