"Sensei," Gern said softly,
"I told you my answer long ago."
The air froze.
"So this is your answer?" Zephyr asked.
"Killing?"
"No," Gern shook his head.
"I'm still searching."
He stepped past Zephyr, standing beneath the moon.
"When pirates butcher civilians," Gern continued, voice light yet heavy,
"do those civilians get to beg?"
Every word struck like a hammer.
"Every pirate you spare may take ten, a hundred innocent lives later."
Silence.
"I don't believe in repentance.
I don't believe in reform."
He looked up at the sky.
"I believe dead evil never harms again."
The blade cut straight through Zephyr's No-Kill Justice.
"You've changed," Zephyr said at last.
"There used to be warmth in your eyes."
"People change, sensei."
Zephyr handed him a file.
"Sengoku approved your mission.
Target: 'Island-Splitter' Doger.
Bounty: 360 million."
"I understand."
"I won't interfere," Zephyr said, turning away.
"But remember—"
"Killing can solve problems, but it can't create justice."
"So tell me—this isn't your justice, is it?"
"I'm still searching—"
A bottle flew toward him.
"Don't lose yourself," Zephyr said harshly.
"Walk the wrong path, and I'll personally beat you awake."
Gern watched him disappear.
"…You're the one who always said it's admirable to live by your convictions."
He drank.
"This isn't my justice.
But it protects what I care about."
Three days later.
Marineford Harbor
Gern stood on deck.
White Marine cloak.
Black combat attire beneath.
Bandaged black blade at his waist.
Nearly two meters tall now.
The crew whispered.
"Is that Captain Gern…?"
"They say he leaves no survivors…"
Gern read the briefing.
Split-Split Fruit.
Non-living matter only.
"…Interesting."
A messenger arrived.
"The Science Unit sent weapons."
"Store them."
From afar, Zephyr watched.
Gern saluted.
"Set sail!"
"Destination—New World, G-2 waters!"
As the ship vanished beyond the horizon—
"…Don't disappoint me, Gern."