The sudden question hit like a straight punch.
Gern opened his mouth, only to realize he didn't have a prepared answer.
In the West Blue, justice was simple—
kill all pirates, and that was justice.
But after arriving at Headquarters, especially after witnessing the existence of someone like Whitebeard, he began to understand that things weren't so simple.
With the experience of two lifetimes, he knew very well that this was not the time for empty words or lofty slogans.
So after a brief hesitation, Gern chose to face himself honestly.
"I… don't know."
Once again, Gern gambled—and won.
That answer made Zephyr raise an eyebrow.
Clearly, he hadn't expected a sixteen-year-old who dared to face Whitebeard head-on to openly admit his confusion.
As someone who frequently lectured at the Naval Academy, Zephyr knew all too well—
young people at this age were usually overflowing with confidence and certainty.
"Interesting."
Zephyr finally sat down, visibly satisfied with that response.
He gestured for Gern to sit as well and continued:
"Most people your age can't wait to declare their own version of justice."
Gern sat upright in the guest chair.
"In the West Blue, I thought justice meant eliminating all pirates.
But now…"
"Now you've seen a broader world," Zephyr interjected,
"and you've also seen the limits of your own strength."
The office fell into brief silence.
Outside the window came the cries of seagulls and the distant horn of departing warships.
Seeing Gern remain quiet, Zephyr suddenly changed the topic.
"Do you think being able to clash with Whitebeard makes you very strong?"
Gern immediately sensed the test hidden in the question.
It was a trap—
Zephyr was clearly preparing to criticize his recklessness.
So Gern went along with it and nodded.
"Yes. Very strong.
But also very foolish."
That answer made Zephyr lean forward slightly.
"Explain."
"The Heavenly Quake Fruit gave me the capital to challenge strong opponents," Gern said calmly, like stating an objective fact.
"But a Devil Fruit isn't everything.
When Whitebeard defeated me with Haki, I didn't even have time to react.
In other words—
if he wanted me dead, I would've died the moment I attacked him."
A flicker of surprise passed through Zephyr's eyes.
He had expected to spend some effort making this young man recognize his shortcomings.
Instead, Gern was far more clear-headed than expected.
Young people capable of this level of self-reflection were rare.
If it were Sakazuki, Borsalino, or Kuzan, they'd probably say things like:
"Even if it costs my life, leaving Whitebeard with a scar would be worth it. Without that resolve, how can we protect the world?"
"Oh my~ Whitebeard? Scary~ But I guess I was lucky, huh? Against monsters like that, one mistake means death."
"Whitebeard is strong, but battles aren't decided by individual strength alone."
"Rare," Zephyr commented.
"Most people who obtain powerful Devil Fruits gradually become dependent on them and neglect basic training."
"I won't," Gern answered immediately.
But Zephyr noticed the subtle tightening of Gern's fingers.
So even after admitting his weakness… he still trusts his fruit deeply.
Zephyr suddenly stood up.
"Really?"
He walked around the desk and stopped in front of Gern.
"Stand up."
Gern immediately complied.
Zephyr stood half a head taller. At close range, the pressure radiating from the man known as Black Arm was unmistakable.
"Attack me.
No Devil Fruit."
Gern hesitated. "Here?"
"Now."
Without warning, Gern's right fist shot forward.
No technique—just speed and raw power, aimed straight at Zephyr's face.
"Too slow."
Zephyr didn't even move his feet. He simply tilted his head aside.
At the same time, his left hand clamped down on Gern's wrist like iron.
"Again."
Gern switched to his left fist and followed with a knee strike.
Zephyr released him and stepped back half a pace, dodging effortlessly—
but confirming that Gern's strength was indeed impressive.
Not giant-level monstrous strength, but far from weak.
"Strength is sufficient. Technique is lacking."
For the next thirty seconds, Gern attacked from every angle.
He couldn't even brush Zephyr's coat.
Sweat began to bead on his forehead. His breathing grew heavier.
"Enough."
Zephyr suddenly raised his hand and pressed a palm against Gern's chest, pushing him back into the chair.
"See? Without your Devil Fruit, you wouldn't even be able to deal with an ordinary pirate in the New World."
Gern clenched his fists, chest heaving.
Not from exhaustion—but frustration.
Zephyr was right.
He was relying on the Heavenly Quake Fruit.
Even against Whitebeard, his instincts had focused on maximizing his fruit's power rather than foundational combat skills.
But damn it—Heavenly Quake really is broken…
Gern even felt that his fruit might be the strongest Logia of all.
But for Haki—
"I understand."
Gern took a deep breath and bowed seriously.
"So please… guide me, Vice Admiral Zephyr."
Zephyr didn't answer immediately.
He returned to his seat, his expression softening slightly.
"Why did you join the Navy?"
The sudden shift caught Gern off guard.
After a moment's thought, he answered honestly:
"To become stronger… and to search for an answer."
"What answer?"
"My justice."
Gern lifted his head and met Zephyr's gaze.
That answer hit Zephyr hard.
His lips pressed together unconsciously.
This kid's ideological awareness is frighteningly high…
After a moment of silent scrutiny, Zephyr nodded.
"At least you're honest.
Unlike some people who speak of justice while hiding ulterior motives."
He opened a drawer, took out a document, and slid it toward Gern.
"Starting tomorrow, you will serve as my adjutant and accompany me on missions.
And from now on—
I will personally train you into a Navy Admiral."
Gern took the document.
The Navy Headquarters seal was already stamped.
This wasn't an invitation.
It was an order.
"Yes, Vice Admiral Zephyr."
Zephyr stood, signaling the end of the conversation.
"Remember, Ensign Gern.
Devil Fruits are tools.
True strength comes from here."
He pointed to his chest.
"And here."
Then to his temple.
Gern nodded solemnly, saluted, and turned to leave.
As his hand reached the door handle, Zephyr spoke again:
"You will find your answer to justice.
But remember this—"
Gern turned back.
"Justice is not slaughter.
That is the answer I found."
Gern bowed deeply and closed the door.
Note
Timeline: Two years after God Valley, Year 1480.
Ages adjusted: Kuzan 19, Sakazuki 20, Borsalino 22 (already graduated and received his Devil Fruit).
"Please do vote using power stones"