In the days that followed, a strange storm swept through Marineford.
Gion began to frequent Gern's residence, each time with a perfectly legitimate reason.
It was either "checking the training progress of the newly promoted adjutant" or "delivering documents from Vice Admiral Tsuru."
Once, she even carried a stack of books, sternly stating, "The Mink Tribe needs to supplement their cultural lessons."
In short, every time Gern opened the door, he would see her standing there with a cold expression, while Libo would excitedly rush over, shouting, "Sister!"
Then she would drag her inside to eat newly baked carrot biscuits.
Gion's originally taut lips gradually relaxed during these visits.
One day, she even couldn't help but touch Libo's droopy ears, and immediately straightened her face after realizing what she had done.
But Libo had already giggled and snuggled closer, saying, "Sister's hands are so warm!"
Meanwhile, gossip at Marineford was rampant.
"Did you hear? Rear Admiral To-ka has been running to Rear Admiral Gern's house every day!"
"It's said to keep an eye on that Mink Tribe rabbit, fearing she'll 'steal his home'!"
"But how did I see Gion shopping with Libo yesterday? That rabbit even picked out a carrot hairpin for her!"
"Not just that! I saw her grooming that rabbit with my own eyes!"
"Impossible! It must be Ensign Gion's plan!"
The rumors grew more and more outrageous, eventually evolving into an annual drama of "Rear Admiral To-ka and the Fluffy Adjutant Fighting for Affection."
In the tavern, Kaji held a wine bottle, tears streaming down his face: "Why... why would Gion rather accept a rabbit than even glance at me..."
The surrounding Marines tacitly moved away, some secretly pulling out their visual Den Den Mushi.
And at the center of the incident—Gern's home—Libo was pinning a newly made "sister-style" carrot badge onto Gion's cloak.
Gion looked down at the crooked metal carrot and said softly, "It's hideous."
But she didn't take it off.
......
Marineford, Marineford.
Last time it was Kong's private order, now Gern's transfer order has been officially issued.
The wording of the order was—【Strong Alliance, Forging the Marine's New World Iron Wall】.
Three days later, he would take Libo to G-3 Base in the New World, directly under Vice Admiral Sakazuki.
As soon as the news broke, the entire Marineford exploded again.
"'Heaven Tremor' Rear Admiral Gern is going to G-3!" In the training ground, a new recruit excitedly waved his hands.
"And he's partnering with Vice Admiral Sakazuki!"
"A powerful alliance!" The old soldier next to him, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"One can shatter the sky, the other can melt through the earth. The pirates of the New World are in for a bad time now."
In the mess hall, several warrant officers gathered, discussing enthusiastically: "Do you still remember how Rear Admiral Gern sank the 'San Juan Wolf' into the seabed?
Now with Vice Admiral Sakazuki's Absolute Justice..."
"An absolute suppression combination!" Someone slammed the table, "Those arrogant New World pirate crews, prepare to face the Marine's justice this time!"
"Rear Admiral Gern is going to G-3? With Vice Admiral Sakazuki?"
Some who knew the personalities of the two, such as Yamakaji, and the graduates of the first class of the Navy School like Steel, all had worried expressions.
"Two extremists are getting together?"
"It's over, the New World is going to explode."
......
In the office, Gern was organizing documents, while Libo sat by the window, swinging her legs and munching on a carrot cake sent from Zephyr's home.
"Gern, what's G-3 Base like?" She tilted her head and asked.
"More serious than Marineford, more focused on discipline, and more dangerous," Gern replied without looking up.
"But the scenery is good, and as one of the important strongholds in the New World, there are also many pirates."
"Then can we catch pirates together?" Libo's eyes lit up.
"Yes," Gern smiled, "But before that, you have to learn not to eat carrots during a fight."
"That's my signature! Every famous Marine has one, okay!"
Libo pouted in protest, then leaned on Gern's shoulder and continued to ask,
"Gern, Gern, and everyone is saying that your cooperation with that Vice Admiral Sakazuki will..."
Gern shook his head and chuckled, just about to say something, when the office door suddenly opened.
Gion stood at the doorway, her expression calm, holding a document in her hand.
"Sister Gion!" Libo immediately jumped up and scurried over, "Are you here to see us off?"
Gion's lips twitched slightly, seemingly not fully accustomed to the address, but she still nodded: "Something like that."
She walked in and handed the document to Gern: "Sister Tsuru asked me to give you this, the latest situation report for G-3."
Gern took it and casually flipped through it; the contents were all about the pirate crews that needed to be prioritized once they arrived.
Gion was silent for a moment, her gaze sweeping over Libo, and finally, she spoke: "When are you leaving?"
"In three days," Gern closed the document, "The warship's supplies are ready."
Gion softly hummed, her gaze drifting out the window, seemingly deep in thought.
Libo blinked, then suddenly leaned closer and took Gion's hand: "Sister Gion, do you want to come to G-3 too?"
"Me?" Gion was startled.
"Yeah!" Libo said with a giggle, "We can catch pirates together, train together, and..."
She lowered her voice, "Sleep together. Sister Gion's chest is soft, more comfortable than a pillow."
By the way, after Gion returned, Libo would be forcibly pulled from Gern's house to sleep with her every night.
Gion: "..."
Gern almost burst out laughing, but was quickly glared at by Gion.
"My duties are not in the New World, and the next phase of my mission is about to begin," Gion finally said indifferently.
"However..." She paused, "If you need support, you can contact me."
Libo's eyes lit up: "Really? Then Sister Gion must visit us often!"
Gion didn't answer, but her gaze softened for a moment.
...
Three days later, at the naval port.
Zephyr personally came to see them off, followed by a group of soldiers Gern had led, and... Gion, who was hiding in the distance, pretending to pass by, but secretly observing.
"Remember, don't butt heads with Sakazuki," Zephyr whispered, "That guy is very stubborn, but he's not entirely uncommunicative."
Gern smiled: "Don't worry, Teacher, I know my limits."
Zephyr snorted: "You know your limits? Then Marineford wouldn't have so many messes."
"How could that be! Besides, Vice Admiral Sakazuki likes me very much," Gern shrugged.
"That's what's most terrifying! You absolutely cannot be a fire-stoker!"
After speaking, Zephyr turned his gaze to the adorable Libo, a rare smile appearing on his face as he ruffled her head.
"Train well. Next time we meet, I'll check your Armament Haki."
"Mhm!" Libo nodded vigorously.
Before boarding the ship, a group of young soldiers mustered their courage and surrounded them.
"Rear Admiral Gern! Please give those pirates a good beating!"
"With you and Vice Admiral Sakazuki there, G-3 will definitely become the strongest fortress!"
Gern maintained a perfect general's smile, nodding gently: "For Justice!!!"
After speaking, Gern looked back.
Gion still stood in the distance, her long hair blowing in the sea breeze, her expression still cold and proud, but her gaze lingered there.
Gern raised his hand, signaling 'Go back! Contact me via Den Den Mushi if anything happens.'
"Is he saying he'll miss me? In public..." Gion was slightly startled, then turned her face away, but the corner of her mouth curved upwards almost imperceptibly for a moment.