Inside the grand hall of Ryugu Palace—
Neptune's brows eased slightly, yet a sharp glint flashed through his eyes.
As king, he could see more clearly than anyone else:
What burned within Gern was not merely the flame of so-called "justice," but something far more dangerous.
Ambition.
This man's goal was likely not limited to becoming a Marine Admiral. He intended to bring the entire Marine force—perhaps even something far greater—under his control.
Tiger stepped forward, brows tightly knit."By your words, will the Marines station troops on Fish-Man Island in the future?"
"There will be no garrison," Gern shook his head, his tone firm. "I respect Fish-Man Island's autonomy."
At this, Otohime—who had been thinking quietly—nodded, hope shimmering in her eyes.
"That's wonderful!Fish-Man Island would be protected, yet our internal affairs wouldn't be interfered with."
To Otohime, Gern was the perfect bridge to realizing her ideals.
If Fish-Man Island could gain Admiral-level protection through this rising Marine star, then the future would not only be secure… it might be perfect for her people.
Perhaps, under long-term protection, the citizens' perception of humans would gradually, imperceptibly change as well.
After a brief pause, Neptune asked,"Rear Admiral Gern, why have you suddenly taken an interest in Fish-Man Island?As far as I know, the World Government has never truly cared about this place."
Gern met Neptune's gaze head-on and answered without hesitation,"Because I believe Fish-Man Island's plight should not be ignored."
His steady, powerful voice echoed through the hall.
"With the conclusion of the Battle of Edd War, I am convinced that the world will soon enter a new era."
"An era of—Great Pirates."
He swept his gaze across everyone present and continued,
"When that time comes, countless pirates seeking to enter the New World will treat this place as a transit point.
Looting, abductions, human trafficking—these will only escalate on Fish-Man Island.
But if Fish-Man Island flies my flag…"
The corner of Gern's mouth lifted slightly, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes.
"Then every pirate who sets foot here will think twice."
"After all… the weight of being hunted by an Admiral is no small thing."
"Sounds nice," Tiger snorted coldly."But how many people like you are there in the Marines?
And what makes you so sure the World Government would even allow this?"
Gern looked at Tiger, sneering inwardly.
Why would I need the World Government's permission? This is my own business.
But outwardly, his tone remained calm.
"You're right. The Marines are divided in their views of Fish-Man Island.
And that's precisely why I need your cooperation.
Only through concrete action can prejudice be changed."
—Those words were clearly meant for Otohime's ears.
Sure enough, her eyes lit up."Rear Admiral Gern is absolutely right!
If we aren't even willing to try, how can we ever hope for change?"
Watching his wife be stirred so easily, Neptune felt a swirl of emotions within him.
He knew how beautiful Otohime's ideals were—but reality was often cruel.
Turning back to Gern, Neptune said in a deep voice,"We need time to consider this."
"Of course," Gern nodded. "Cooperation goes both ways. I won't force it."
Otohime, however, looked anxious."Neptune, what is there left to consider? This is a rare opportunity!"
Neptune took her hand gently."Otohime, as king, I must be responsible for the entire island.
This matter is too important to decide hastily."
"…Alright," Otohime opened her mouth, then lowered her head in resignation."But I hope you'll reach a decision soon."
Tiger watched the exchange with complicated feelings.
He understood Otohime's ideals—but he also knew the dangers of humans all too well.
"Rear Admiral Gern, if you truly are as sincere as you claim, then prove it with your actions."
Gern smiled faintly."That's exactly why I came."
Just then—
"Um… can I ask a question?"
Lipo suddenly raised her hand, her face full of innocent curiosity.
Everyone froze for a moment.
Otohime laughed and nodded."Of course you can, Lipo."
Lipo blinked eagerly."Does Fish-Man Island have glowing pearl carrots? Gern promised he'd buy me one!"
The hall fell silent—then erupted in laughter.
"Pearl carrots?" Otohime laughed despite herself."I've never heard of those, but Fish-Man Island has many beautiful pearls and corals. I can take you to look for something similar."
"Yay!" Lipo cheered.
Gern rubbed her head helplessly."You really never forget, no matter where we go."
Thanks to Lipo's interruption, the atmosphere softened considerably.
Watching the scene before him, Neptune felt his guard lower just a little.
Perhaps… this Marine Rear Admiral truly was different.
"Rear Admiral Gern," Neptune said, "before we reach a decision, I'd like to invite you to stay on Fish-Man Island for a few days—and take a look around our country."
Gern nodded."That was one of my purposes in coming here."
"In that case!" Otohime clapped her hands happily and took hold of Lipo's hand."Rear Admiral Gern, may I borrow your fluffy adjutant? I adore this child. I'd like to take her sightseeing myself."
"As long as Your Majesty doesn't mind Lipo being a bit… energetic," Gern replied with a nod.
He knew Otohime wanted to understand him through Lipo—but his experiences in the Mokomo Dukedom were real and well-founded, so he had nothing to worry about.
Seeing this, Tiger hesitated, then sighed, looking at Gern and Tesoro.
"In that case, I'll accompany you two as well.
There are parts of Fish-Man Island… outsiders aren't familiar with."
Gern looked at Tiger, the corner of his mouth lifting.
"Then I'll be in your care, Mr. Tiger."
...
Fish-Man Island — Sea Forest
Multicolored coral swayed gently in the faint deep-sea light, like a dreamlike forest.
Bioluminescent jellyfish drifted in clusters, decorating the undersea woods like a field of stars.
Tesoro stood at the outskirts, while Gern stopped before a massive coral reef, his gaze fixed on the red Poneglyph hidden among the coral.
His fingertips brushed lightly over the ancient inscriptions carved into its surface, feeling the weight of history embedded within the stone.
At this time, the Poneglyph had not yet been removed from Fish-Man Island.
Beside it stood the apology stone Joy Boy had left for the Mermaid Princess—still bearing, from just months ago, the words Roger had Oden carve:
"I was here."
"Roger really has no manners at all," Gern muttered to himself."This kind of thing should come with a fine."
Nearby, Tiger stood with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze never leaving Gern's back.
His gills opened and closed slightly, his breathing faster than usual—revealing the unrest in his heart.
"You should know," Gern suddenly spoke, his voice exceptionally clear,"someone at my level has no shortage of Observation Haki.
Your emotions—your hostility—are far too obvious, Tiger."
Tiger's body stiffened slightly. Slowly, he lowered his arms.
He hadn't expected his vigilance to be exposed so directly.
After a moment of silence, he stepped forward and stood beside Gern, his gaze also falling upon the Poneglyph.
"I've heard that every high-ranking Marine follows their own version of justice," Tiger said in a low voice, probing.
"Can you tell me…what your justice is, Gern?"