At the Sorbet Kingdom military port, the Marine vessel from the South Sea branch had already docked.
"Lieutenant Gern, the South Sea branch..."
Gern ignored the soldier's greeting, took the cloak of justice, draped it over himself, and slowly ascended the gangplank.
"It's sea circle calendar 1487 now..."
Gern muttered to himself, his fingertips gently caressing the black blade eight desolations at his waist.
Three years later, the 17-year-old Kuma would become a pastor, overthrow Bekori's rule, and become the King of Sorbet.
Then Dragoon would leave the Marine to form a volunteer army, followed closely by the Ohara incident, where Dragoon officially established the Revolution Army.
After that, Bekori would make a comeback, Kuma would personally kill him, and then join the Revolution Army with Ginny...
And then... Ginny would be abducted.
Thinking of this, a strange glint flashed in Gern's eyes.
"Only when Ginny is abducted will I truly have the decisive advantage of Kuma as a combat force."
Because even if Kuma truly agreed to follow him now, Gern couldn't directly bring him back to Marineford.
After all, at present, he didn't have enough authority to shake the World Government's rules.
"This time, I'm just planting a seed."
Gern stepped onto the Marine deck.
By the time this seed truly sprouted—Roger's era would have long ended, and the Great Pirate Era would have fully erupted.
Although the Golden Lion incident this time brought Gern fame, what Gern was truly planning in his heart, and what would allow him to fully step into Marine power, was...
In the future, using his foreknowledge that Roger would surrender...
To arrest Pirate King Roger!!!
"Turning 'surrender' into 'arrest'..." Gern's lips curved into a dangerous smile.
This plan had already been brewing in his mind.
Because this would solidify his future position in the Marine far more than repelling the Golden Lion or anything else.
Once the "arrest of the Pirate King" was accomplished, his prestige in the Marine would be an "unbeatable" existence.
Compared to Garp's title of 'Marine Hero', the symbolic meaning of 'the man who ended an era' was far greater!
The immense influence brought by this title would allow Gern to gain sufficient say.
By then, Sengoku would take over as Fleet Admiral, and the Three Admirals system would be established.
And he would use the merit of "arresting the Pirate King" to propose the independence of Marine officers under his command,
and leverage this power to cultivate his own powerful faction of justice, slowly monopolizing and devouring Marine power (a powerful minister usurping power, a tail too big to wag the dog).
"By then..." The warship cut through the waves, and Gern gazed at the gradually receding coastline of the Sorbet Kingdom, his smile deepening.
"The interpretation of 'justice' may not necessarily be in the hands of the World Government anymore."
.......
Two weeks later, Marineford, military port.
It was as busy as ever, with warships coming and going.
Soldiers were busily transporting supplies, and the cries of seagulls mingled with the lapping of waves...
Gern stood on the gangplank, took a deep breath of the salty sea air, his gaze sweeping across the port, finally resting on a warship not far away.
On the deck of that warship, a tall figure was slowly walking down, the sunlight reflecting dazzlingly off his conspicuous green knitted hat.
Gern narrowed his eyes, his mouth twitching slightly—it was our King of Slacking, Borsalino.
"I didn't expect Kizaru to have such unique taste when he was young..." Gern muttered softly.
As if sensing Gern's gaze, Kizaru turned his head, clearly stunned for a moment when he saw Gern, then showed his characteristic lazy smile.
"Yo~ Isn't this Lieutenant Gern?" He stretched out his tone, slowly walking towards Gern.
"I didn't expect you to come back so late too. I thought only I would drag it out until the last moment~"
Gern shrugged and walked down the gangplank: "I took advantage of my vacation to go to the East Blue with Mr. Garp.
Then I went to the South Sea for a stroll. I was already in a hurry on the way, but there was nothing I could do.
But Senior Borsalino, why are you so leisurely? I remember you were on a mission, weren't you?"
"I envy those on vacation." Kizaru spread his hands, his tone light: "Missions always need to be completed, but there's no need to rush too much, right?"
As he spoke, he raised a hand to adjust the green knitted hat on his head, his eyes under the brim slightly narrowed, as if observing Gern's reaction.
Gern's gaze unconsciously fell on that hat again, and he couldn't help but smack his lips: "Your hat... it's quite unique."
Kizaru's eyes lit up at the words, as if he had found a kindred spirit.
He immediately pulled out another identical green knitted hat from his pocket and handed it to Gern.
"Do you like it? I have more here, want one?"
"No, no!" Gern quickly waved his hand, chuckling dryly: "I don't have the habit of wearing green hats."
"Tsk tsk tsk, young people these days, not fashionable at all~" Kizaru shook his head in feigned regret, stuffing the hat back into his pocket, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.
Gern rolled his eyes, too lazy to respond.
The two walked side by side towards the Headquarters building, attracting many side glances from Marine soldiers along the way.
After all, one was the recently famous "Heaven Quake," and the other was the notorious "King of Slacking" from Marineford; such a combination was truly rare.
"I heard you severely wounded and repelled the Golden Lion with a single slash?" Kizaru suddenly spoke, his tone still lazy.
Gern nodded, his tone flat: "Just luck, the Golden Lion underestimated me."
"Oh~ really?" Kizaru drew out his tone, looking at Gern with a half-smile, "That slash was even praised by Mr. Sengoku."
Gern didn't respond, just smiled slightly.
"By the way," Kizaru suddenly changed the subject, "Have you seen the Elite Training Camp's sparring schedule?"
Gern raised an eyebrow: "Yes, Senior Borsalino and I are having an exhibition match."
"How terrifying~" Kizaru sighed exaggeratedly, "I don't want to be shaken to pieces by your vibration ability."
"The feeling's mutual." Gern glanced at him, "Your Glint-Glint Fruit is no pushover either."
The two exchanged glances and laughed simultaneously.
Upon reaching the Headquarters building, Kizaru stopped, stretching lazily.
"Alright, I have to report in. If I'm any later, Mr. Sengoku will start nagging again."
Gern nodded: "See you later."
Kizaru waved his hand and turned to walk into the building, his green knitted hat particularly conspicuous in the sunlight.
Gern watched his retreating figure, shook his head, and muttered softly: "What is this guy thinking..."
He retracted his gaze, about to leave, when he suddenly felt a gaze.
Gern turned to look, and sure enough, a familiar figure stood not far away—Sakazuki.
Especially Akainu, who was looking at him at this moment and displaying what he considered a very harmonious smile.
No, big brother, we really won't have any outcome!