Night blanketed the West Blue 133rd Branch dormitory.
For the first time, Gern had a room of his own.
Moonlight reflected off the bandage-wrapped black blade.
"Supreme Grade…" he murmured.
He knew better than to display it.
It was Rocks' sword.
Until he was strong enough—
it stayed hidden.
No system.
No shortcuts.
His plan was clear:
Fully develop the Heavenly Quake Fruit
Purge West Blue pirates, build merit
Rewrite the fruit's origin
Escape the West Blue's corruption
Return to Marine Headquarters
"Rocks' era is over," Gern said softly.
"Next comes Whitebeard… Roger… Shiki."
No cheats.
Only calculation.
One year later — Sea Circle Calendar 1485
A pirate ship roared with drunken laughter.
"West Blue is ours!"
Captain Hawk of the Golden Blade Pirates sneered.
Then—
"You seem happy."
A voice cut through the revelry.
On the mast crouched a tall figure—
a long blade wrapped in white bandages on his back.
"…That sword…
You're the Pirate Hunter Gern?!"
Silence.
"Logia?!" Hawk screamed as bullets passed through Gern like illusions.
"Quake Step · Slide Rail."
The air twisted.
The next moment—
"I'm here to execute 'Quake' Justice."
One strike.
Hawk collapsed.
The ship disintegrated.
Gern vanished into the night—
walking upon trembling air, step by step.