When Gern Reginald Sigmar left Sakazuki's residence, night had already fallen deep.
Along the streets of Marineford, the sea breeze carried a salty dampness, while from the distant harbor came the soft, rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the shore.
With his hands tucked into his pockets, Gern strolled unhurriedly toward the tavern he frequented most often.
Pushing open the tavern's wooden door, he was met by a rush of warm lamplight and lively voices.
At a glance, he spotted Kuzan sitting in the corner.
The tall figure lounged lazily against the back of his chair, a glass of ice-cold liquor misted with frost set before him. Judging by the half-melted ice, he had clearly been waiting for quite some time.
"Well, if it isn't our young and promising Vice Admiral Kuzan," Gern said as he walked over, pulling out a chair and sitting down with a teasing smile."Drinking alone this late at night? Don't tell me you got dumped by some girl?"
Kuzan lifted his eyelids slightly and shot him a lazy glance."You're late, Gern."
"Late?" Gern raised an eyebrow. "I don't remember making plans with you."
"Cut it out." Kuzan snorted, raising a hand to signal the bartender for another drink."Let me guess—did Sakazuki drag you into another all-night rant about the World Government?"
Gern shrugged, accepted the glass the bartender handed him, and gently swirled it."More or less. He's extremely dissatisfied with this 'Seven Warlords of the Sea' system."
"Heh. As expected." Kuzan took a sip, the ice clinking crisply against the glass."But I didn't expect you to be so calm about it."
"Oh?" Gern looked at him with a half-smile. "And how do you think I should've reacted? Slamming the table like Sakazuki?"
Kuzan studied him for two seconds, then shook his head."No. You're far more slippery than that guy."
"Hey, hey—was that supposed to be a compliment?"
"Take it however you want." Kuzan shrugged casually. "But I'm more curious about something else."
"What's that?"
"I heard you're preparing to set sail. And that you personally applied to Fleet Admiral Kong for a mission to Fish-Man Island?"
"Is that not allowed?" Gern tilted his head slightly and blinked."If I remember correctly, Fish-Man Island is also a member nation of the World Government.I'm a Marine—going there shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Kuzan: "..."
"Well said—'I'm a Marine.'" Kuzan gave a dry chuckle and took another sip."But Fish-Man Island isn't exactly fond of Marines."
"Which is exactly why it needs the banner of justice!"
"…Strange." Kuzan's gaze sharpened."How could a guy like you suddenly take an interest in Fish-Man Island?"
Despite his relaxed posture, his eyes were keen, as if trying to see straight through Gern's thoughts.
Meeting that look, Gern blinked exaggeratedly, feigning surprise."Wow, Kuzan. Since when do you care so much about my itinerary? Don't tell me you've been secretly keeping tabs on me?"
"Knock it off." Kuzan's mouth twitched."You suddenly applied for a Fish-Man Island mission, deliberately bypassed the usual approval channels, and went straight to Fleet Admiral Kong.And especially that line just now about the 'banner of justice'—that doesn't sound like you at all."
"My style?" Gern chuckled. "Then what do you think my style is?"
"Never lifting a finger without profit, professional instigator, recklessly bold…"Kuzan counted them off on his fingers, one after another.
Gern burst into laughter and raised his glass."Well said! As expected of my academy brother—you really do know me!"
Kuzan didn't respond. He simply stared at Gern, waiting for a real answer.
Once Gern finished laughing, he set his glass down and spoke lightly."Alright, since you're so curious…Fish-Man Island has beautiful coral forests, dreamy bubble culture, and—"
Kuzan cut him off flatly."You think I'd believe that?"
"Why not?" Gern spread his hands. "What, I'm not allowed to have refined tastes?"
"Heh." Kuzan let out a cold laugh.
"Then… what if I said it's for the mermaid ladies?"
Before the words even finished leaving his mouth, Kuzan's expression changed instantly.
The previous cold suspicion melted away like spring snow, replaced by eyes sparkling with gossip-fueled curiosity—and even a hint of 'so that's how it is' understanding.
"Hey, hey, hey! Kuzan, that's going too far!"Gern nearly knocked over his glass."What's with that instant comprehension and zero doubt?!At least pretend to be suspicious, you bastard!"
"Hard to say." Kuzan shrugged."After all, someone once said he wanted a fluffy adjutant—and then actually brought one back.Given that history, I have very good reason to suspect your—"
"Suspect what?" Gern interrupted."The Fish-Man race is oviparous, you know.I only heard there's a fish-man over there who can use prophecy, so I got curious."
"…I see." Kuzan sighed, half-convinced, rubbing his temples."Fine. If you don't want to say, forget it.But Fish-Man Island isn't exactly safe.It's the mandatory route into the New World—pirates pass through there constantly. It's bound to—"
"Oh?" Gern raised an eyebrow. "Are you worried about me?Or could it be that you are also interested in mermaid ladies, Kuzan?"
"No." Kuzan took another sip and replied flatly."I just don't want to have to fish you out of the sea later."
"Wow, I'm touched." Gern clutched his chest theatrically."But don't worry—I really cherish my life."
"…You sure you understand what 'cherish' means?"
"Haha!" Gern laughed and raised his glass. "Anyway, thanks for the concern."
They clinked glasses, the liquor shimmering amber under the tavern lights.
"So…" Kuzan set his glass down and asked again,"You're really just going to look at mermaids? You're not planning to bring one back?"
"Do you think I'm Charlotte Linlin?" Gern rolled his eyes.
After all, Big Mom had already begun her grand project of creating a nation through sheer reproduction—giving birth nearly every year and accepting all races without discrimination!
"Speaking of Charlotte Linlin, I heard Senior Borsalino say that Dr. Vegapunk on Egghead Island was also—"
"Really?"
"Absolutely. Borsalino even said Vegapunk really likes those bellyband tank tops."
...
As the night grew deeper, the tavern's noise gradually faded.
After parting ways with Kuzan, Gern walked alone toward his residence. The sea breeze brushed through his hair, bringing a faint chill.
"Fish-Man Island… This is the year Neptune just ascended the throne, isn't it?"The corner of Gern's mouth curved upward.
He pushed open the door to his quarters.
Inside, Lipo was curled up on the sofa, dozing off, her rabbit ears gently twitching with each breath.
Hearing the sound, she groggily opened her eyes."Gern… you're back…"
"Mm." Gern rubbed her head and casually slipped an envelope into a drawer."We set sail tomorrow. Remember to contact Tesoro—that guy's gotten completely addicted to the talent concerts at headquarters lately, same with Stella."
"Really?!"Lipo instantly snapped awake and jumped up, puffing her cheeks."Where are we going this time?!"
"Fish-Man Island." Gern didn't hide it, his tone leaving no room for argument."A super beautiful, breathtaking place."
Lipo was about to keep asking, but Gern cut her off."We'll be getting up early tomorrow. Ask again then…"
As he spoke, Gern suddenly noticed crumbs of cake at the corner of Lipo's mouth.
"…Wait.""Lipo. You didn't secretly eat my slice of carrot cake again, did you?!"
Lipo's ears shot straight up like a startled cat."I-I didn't steal it! The cake ran into my mouth by itself!"
"Lipo. That slice was mine."
"Hmph! What do you mean yours? That was a special Sabaody Archipelago edition cake Teacher Zephyr bought for me!"She turned her head away, though her ears betrayed her, twitching guiltily.