Marineford's grandeur far exceeded Gern's expectations.
The Navy Headquarters fortress towered like a colossus—
not only majestic from the front, but even the residential district behind it was astonishingly prosperous.
Shops lined the streets, facilities were complete—
its scale rivaled the capital of any kingdom in the pirate world.
"An unexpected bonus…"
Gern brushed his fingers along the doorframe of his private courtyard residence.
By rank alone, a mere Ensign shouldn't receive treatment like this.
"Looks like the name of Zephyr—future first Admiral—carries more weight than I thought."
After settling in, Gern flopped backward onto the soft bed.
"Marine Headquarters…"
He stared at the white ceiling, replaying every detail of his conversation with Zephyr.
Especially the line—
'I will personally train you into a Navy Admiral.'
Gern suddenly sprang up.
His legs kicked the edge of the bed uncontrollably.
"I did it!"
He clenched his fists, exhilarated.
Countless days of planning, cautious steps, calculated risks—
this was exactly what he'd been aiming for.
After the excitement faded, his gaze fell on Black Blade · Eight Desolations, resting against the headboard.
Moonlight filtered through the window.
Wrapped in white cloth, the blade looked calm—yet he knew better.
"Now's not the time to relax."
Gern grabbed the blade and strode into the backyard clearing.
Clang—
With a clear ring, Eight Desolations was released.
The jet-black blade carved a cold arc through the night.
As his fingers traced the patterns, he felt the blade tremble.
"Rocks' weapon… one of the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades…"
If he followed the path of a traditional swordsman, this blade alone could save him decades of effort.
But he knew his limits.
Even someone like Zoro had to endure hellish training—
what about a latecomer like him?
So what?
Gern grinned.
With a flick of his wrist, the blade wove silver nets under moonlight and vibrating particles.
Who said wielding a sword meant becoming a pure swordsman?
Top-tier physical skills, Devil Fruit power, self-created techniques—
Moves like Heavenly Quake · Sky Rift—weren't they just as lethal?
"Top-tier Haki.
Top-tier weapon.
Overwhelming Devil Fruit."
He took a stance, blade pointing at the sky.
"All three as one—even if I'm not a swordsman…"
The night wind rose.
Leaves scattered.
The next instant, blade light poured down, cleaving air—and moonlight itself.
"I'll still cut down everything in this sea!"
The Next Morning
Sunlight streamed into Zephyr's office.
Gern entered to find it empty.
His eyes were drawn to a newly added desk in the corner.
"…Huh."
That was clearly meant for him.
As Zephyr's adjutant, he'd expected a separate office—
at most, a neighboring room.
Not this.
"So he really plans to keep an eye on me personally."
Gern didn't resist the idea.
If there was a shortcut, he'd take it.
Direct access to Navy high command was nothing but beneficial.
The escorting Marine at the door couldn't hide his envy.
"Ensign Gern, all your files have been transferred.
If you need anything, contact logistics."
"Thank you."
The Marine hesitated, then whispered:
"Vice Admiral Zephyr… values you greatly.
You're the first person allowed to work in his office."
Gern smiled but said nothing.
After the Marine left, Gern skimmed the documents on his desk—
recruit evaluations, pirate movements in the Grand Line,
and draft plans for an elite training camp.
Names jumped out.
Even the future Admirals were listed.
"This workload's going to be brutal…"
He stretched and glanced at Zephyr's desk—
neatly arranged, a Six Powers advanced manual for recruits laid open beside a cold cup of tea.
"Still preparing the next generation before becoming an Admiral…"
Just then—
Knock knock.
"Come in."
The door opened.
A tall young Marine stepped in.
Black medium-length hair. Cold features. Sharp, browless eyes.
A Navy Captain's uniform.
Monkey D. Dragon.
(He's called Dragon for now—only later will he become 'Dragon'.)
Gern's eyes narrowed slightly.
Didn't expect to meet him here…
Dragon scanned the office, confirmed Zephyr wasn't present, then looked at Gern.
"Vice Admiral Zephyr isn't here?"
"Out for now," Gern nodded. "Something you need?"
"I'm submitting the G-5 Branch patrol report."
He placed the file on Zephyr's desk and turned back.
"You're Gern Reginald Sigma?"
"Just call me Gern."
Gern leaned back casually.
"My name travels fast, huh?"
"My father mentioned you."
"Vice Admiral Garp?" Gern said knowingly.
"An honor."
Dragon's expression—without eyebrows—looked especially severe.
The scrutiny made Gern uneasy.
So the moment Dragon opened his mouth, Gern blurted out—
"I don't like men."
They spoke at the same time.
Dragon:
"Your statement in the West Blue—'Delayed justice isn't justice.'"
"…"
"…You don't like men?!
Do you think I do???"
"if you like the chapter please vote using power stones"