Inside the Marine Headquarters strategic conference room, the air seemed to freeze solid.
Fleet Admiral Kong's question fell like a massive stone into a calm lake, sending ripples spreading outward in every direction.
Gern's answer drew a flicker of approval into Sakazuki's eyes—but Garp's fierce rebuttal instantly tightened the atmosphere once more.
"Vice Admiral Garp."Gern tilted his head slightly, his gaze calm as it settled on the legendary Marine hero."I'm not questioning Roger's backbone.But Golden Lion isn't an ordinary pirate. His ambition is vast enough to swallow the entire New World.If Roger were forced to compromise—even temporarily—that would be the worst possible outcome for us."
"Hmph! You brat are obviously just trying to use this as an excuse to get back into active duty!"
Garp knew Gern far too well to miss what he was doing.
After all, just last year, Gern had been punished precisely because he'd taken unilateral action against Roger—ending up saddled with an entire year of escort missions for rookie cadets.
Thinking of that, Garp snorted heavily and slammed his fist onto the table, making the teacups jump.
"You're underestimating Roger! That bastard will never bow his head!"
"Gern, Garp isn't wrong."Sengoku adjusted his glasses, the lenses flashing with cold light."After all these years of fighting him, we know Roger's personality very well.But your concern isn't without merit either.The truth is, Golden Lion does possess the strength to force anyone into a corner."
Sengoku chose a neutral stance, acknowledging reason on both sides.
After all—aside from Gern, who alone knew the future and stood at a god's-eye view, fully aware of the final outcome of the Edd War Sea—no one else could truly judge what would happen.
They could only speculate.
And by all reasonable speculation, the Flying Pirates' massive armada was terrifyingly overwhelming.
Which was, in fact, the truth.
If not for that catastrophic tsunami, the Roger Pirates' fate would have been entirely different.
For a brief moment, silence settled over the room.
Kuzan leaned lazily against the back of his chair, frowning slightly."So… are we going to Edd War or not?"
"We're going—of course we're going!"Sakazuki shot to his feet, his Magma-Magma Fruit power causing his right arm to glow with a dark crimson sheen."This is a perfect chance to wipe out two legendary pirate crews in one stroke!"
"Ooh~ scary~"Borsalino drawled, tilting his head toward Sakazuki."Sakazuki, if the Marines mobilize, Roger and Golden Lion aren't idiots. They'll get wind of it immediately, you know?Then it becomes the Marines versus Roger and Golden Lion… mmm~ how terrifying~"
"The risk is high—but this opportunity—!"Sakazuki ground his teeth in frustration.
"Enough."Kong's deep voice cut off the brewing argument.
His gaze swept across every officer present before finally resting on Vice Admiral Tsuru."Tsuru. Your opinion?"
Tsuru gently set down her teacup. Her voice was calm, yet carried undeniable authority."I believe we should adopt a 'fisherman's strategy.'Allow the two pirate crews to exhaust each other first. If an opportunity arises when they are both severely weakened, we can act then.But the prerequisite is that the Marines must prepare for every possibility—including the worst-case scenario."
"The worst-case scenario?"Kuzan raised an eyebrow.
"What Gern mentioned."Tsuru looked toward the young rear admiral."The possibility of Roger and Golden Lion joining forces.The probability is low—but if it happens, the balance of the New World would be catastrophically destroyed."
Gern noticed that when Tsuru mentioned "joining forces," Zephyr's brow twitched almost imperceptibly.
The Black Arm Admiral had always despised compromise of any kind—whether from enemies or allies.
"I propose—"Knowing this was his chance to finally put last year's punishment behind him, Gern spoke up, his voice clear and firm."The Marines split into three divisions.
"The main fleet, personally overseen by Fleet Admiral Kong, will observe from a safe distance.A rapid-response force led by Vice Admiral Garp will stand by, ready to intervene at any moment.And finally, an elite strike team will infiltrate the battlefield to obtain real-time intelligence."
"An elite strike team?"Kong narrowed his eyes. "You mean…?"
The corner of Gern's mouth lifted slightly."I—"
"No."Zephyr cut in sharply, the gaze behind his sunglasses as sharp as a blade."Absolutely not. It's far too dangerous!Facing two legendary pirate crews—you alone—over my dead body! Don't even think about it!"
Zephyr's response earned nods around the room. Even Sakazuki shook his head at Gern.
Seeing this, Gern smiled faintly."Teacher Zephyr, let me finish first. I'm obviously not going alone."
"Then what exactly are you suggesting?"
"I propose Borsalino and myself.Both of us possess exceptional mobility, and our coordination is solid. Even if something unexpected happens, we can retreat safely."
The moment his name was mentioned, Borsalino—who had been fully prepared to stay out of trouble—snapped his head around, pupils shrinking.
"Oho~? Gern, you look all honest and thick-browed, but you're pulling dirty tricks on me right here?!"
"Teacher Zephyr."Ignoring the self-proclaimed master of slacking, Gern interrupted softly, his gaze unwavering."It's precisely because it's dangerous that it must be us Marine 'monsters' who go."
The conference room fell silent once again.
Everyone understood what Gern meant.
The "monsters" of the Marine's new generation were the only ones capable of surviving a clash at this level—and returning with intelligence.
Gern's self-developed technique, Shock Flash, born from studying Borsalino's abilities, already allowed molecular-level displacement that even Observation Haki couldn't predict.
And as for Borsalino?
That man was practically a certified instant-speed monster.
Kong pondered for a long time before finally nodding."The plan is feasible.
"But both of you must remain strictly covert. No unauthorized action.Especially you, Gern—you're far too impulsive.Therefore, all operational authority will be assigned to Borsalino. Any objections?"
"None whatsoever."Gern answered solemnly.
After a full year of escorting elite training camp rookies, Gern was genuinely bored out of his mind.
Could you imagine being surrounded by a nonstop chorus of chattering students asking questions all day?
Worse yet—Zephyr was usually right there beside him, making it impossible to ignore them.
It was the harshest punishment imaginable.
"Then…"Kong rose to his feet, signaling the end of the meeting."All departments begin preparations immediately.
"Remember—this operation will determine the shape of the New World for years to come.Justice must not falter!"
"Yes!"The assembled commanders replied in unison.
As the meeting adjourned and the officers began to file out, Gern stood to leave—only to be stopped by Zephyr.
"Gern."Zephyr lowered his voice. "You damned disciple… I knew you wouldn't be able to sit still."
"Teacher Zephyr, how could you think so little of me?"Gern looked at him with a deliberately serious expression."I'm a Marine of the new era. Some things can only be understood by witnessing them firsthand."
"You…"Zephyr stared at him for a long moment, then finally slammed a heavy hand onto his shoulder."I don't ever want to see you dragged up from the seafloor again!"
"There will never be a second time."
…
After Zephyr left, Gern smiled faintly and turned toward the exit. Lipo and Tesoro immediately followed.
In the hallway, Sakazuki was waiting for the elevator.
When he saw Gern approach, he spoke first—an uncommon occurrence."Your proposal was sound."
"Likewise."Gern shrugged. "We both want to personally end the era of those pirates."
"But you're still too extreme."Sakazuki fixed him with a serious stare."Sometimes you can't act on impulse. Everything must be considered carefully before deciding.Do you know how I felt when I thought you were planning to go alone?"
"Wait—are you lecturing me now, Sakazuki?"
"Just don't deal in absolutes."Sakazuki raised a hand and gave Gern a rare pat on the shoulder, a faint smile tugging at his lips."After this operation, come have a drink at my place."
That was about as high a compliment as Sakazuki could give.
Gern froze for a second, then smiled."Deal."
The elevator doors opened. Kuzan and Borsalino were already inside.
The four men exchanged glances—no words necessary.
A storm was coming.And they would face the upheaval that could reshape the world together.
Lipo tugged gently at Gern's sleeve and whispered, "Gern… I want to go too…"
"No."Gern refused instantly, rubbing her head."You and Tesoro stay at headquarters with Teacher Zephyr. That's an order."
Tesoro opened his mouth as if to argue, but ultimately only nodded in silence.
He understood. This battlefield was still beyond him.
Stepping out of the Marine headquarters building, Gern looked up at the sky.
"Edd War…"he murmured softly."So even I have to face a turning point in history now, huh?"
The sea breeze swept across Marineford's flags, the word Justice snapping sharply in the wind.
"Before I know it…" Gern smiled faintly,"the era that belonged exclusively to the three of you—your 'legendary age'—is coming to an end as well."