Several days later, the returning warship slowly sailed into the harbor of Marineford.
Gern stood on the deck, the black blade Bahuang still wrapped in white bandages and hanging quietly at his waist.
His gaze was calm as he watched the Marine Headquarters draw closer and closer.
By now, Marineford's harbor was packed with soldiers.
Some stood at attention, others leaned casually—but all of their eyes were fixed on the warship Gern stood upon.
Low murmurs rippled through the crowd, mixed with awe and curiosity.
After all, in this legendary era, a man who had seriously injured Golden Lion with a single slash was now standing right in front of them.
"If everyone who recognizes your sword already knows it, and those who don't won't recognize it anyway," Zephyr said, frowning at the bandage-wrapped blade at Gern's waist.
"Why keep it wrapped up?"
Gern glanced sideways at him, his expression solemn.
"Teacher Zephyr, you wouldn't understand."
Then he said seriously,
"Because… it looks cool."
Zephyr:
"..."
As the warship docked, Gern stepped down the gangplank.
His pace was steady, his expression indifferent—carefully maintaining his image, completely ignoring the burning gazes around him.
But just as his foot touched the harbor ground, a tall figure suddenly rushed out from the crowd and blocked his path.
"You're 'Heaven-Shaker' Gern, right?"
A crisp female voice rang out.
Gern lifted his eyes to see a young female Marine staring straight at him.
Black hair. Tall build. Shorts.
A slender sword hung at her waist.
Behind her, several young officers followed—Onigumo, Momonga, and others quickly gathering around.
Gern nodded slightly.
"That's me."
"I'm Gion," she introduced herself quickly, her tone carrying unmistakable excitement.
"A senior officer under Rear Admiral Tsuru."
"Captain Gern—did you really wound Golden Lion with a single slash?"
Before Gern could answer, Onigumo couldn't hold back and stepped forward.
"Golden Lion is a pirate on the same level as Whitebeard and Roger! How did you do it?!"
Momonga didn't speak, but the excitement in his eyes—unique to young men facing legendary feats—was unmistakable.
These were all people who, not long ago, had only watched battles from the edges of training fields.
They were just beginning their Marine careers, filled with reverence for legendary pirates—and Gern's "record" had completely shaken them.
"Heh."
Gern chuckled softly, his gaze sweeping over them as the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
"If the newspaper didn't print it wrong," he said calmly,
"then yes."
The tone was light—but carried unquestionable confidence.
Yes. Like this. Keep the persona steady.
Gion frowned slightly, clearly wanting to ask more.
But Gern had already stepped past her, walking straight toward the headquarters building.
"If you're here for autographs," he added without stopping, waving lazily,
"I'll need some time to prepare. So—bye~"
Gion froze for a moment, then turned and shouted,
"Hey! Wait!"
"And one more thing," Gern said without looking back.
"If you want confirmation, go ask Colonel Sakazuki when he gets back."
"He witnessed that slash personally."
At the mention of Sakazuki's name, Gion, Onigumo, and the others stiffened instantly.
Go ask Akainu?
That's basically asking to get yelled at!
Not far away, Zephyr watched Gern effortlessly escape the crowd of young officers.
A faint, satisfied smile appeared on his face.
He didn't go over—instead, he turned and headed toward the Marine Headquarters' conference room.
After all, the incident at G-3 was far more than just Gern becoming famous.
Marine Headquarters – Conference Room
The heavy wooden doors opened.
Zephyr stepped inside.
At the head of the table sat Fleet Admiral Kong.
On either side were Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, and several other high-ranking officers and vice admirals.
The air was heavy with seriousness.
All eyes turned toward Zephyr as he entered.
"Zephyr," Kong said, lifting the newspaper from the table, his tone half-teasing but eyes razor-sharp.
"Your fine disciple caused quite a stir on his first independent mission."
"Fleet Admiral Kong," Zephyr replied, stopping at his seat and shrugging helplessly.
"Golden Lion's sudden attack was impossible to predict."
"His Devil Fruit allows him to rule the skies. The fact that we managed to repel him at all is already the best possible outcome."
"But it was beautifully done!" Garp cut in loudly.
"You saw the photos, didn't you?"
He slapped the table with a grin.
"That arrogant Shiki finally got what was coming to him! That brat Gern didn't disappoint me at all!"
"Garp, quiet down," Sengoku said, pushing up his glasses.
"This is no time for jokes."
"Golden Lion won't let this go. The Flying Pirates are massive."
"We may face fierce retaliation. We need to prepare and redeploy forces in advance."
"I agree," Tsuru added, nodding calmly, her hair already streaked with gray.
"Especially G-3 Base—it's highly likely to be attacked again."
"Sakazuki is strong, but against a full-scale assault from the Flying Pirates, he may not be enough."
Kong interlaced his fingers beneath his chin, his gaze slowly sweeping across the room before settling on Zephyr.
"Zephyr," he said gravely,
"how would you assess Gern's current condition?"
He paused, eyes sharpening.
"And as an eyewitness—I want your judgment on Golden Lion's combat capability after taking that slash."
Kong's fingers tapped the table rhythmically.
After all, Golden Lion was a legendary pirate on par with Roger and Whitebeard.
How much damage had that slash truly done?
If Shiki hadn't been severely injured, then the Float-Float Fruit's high-altitude bombardment ability alone would force the Marines to reassess all battle plans.
Zephyr straightened his back, his admiral's coat fluttering slightly behind him.
"Gern is suffering from extreme exhaustion. I recommend placing him in a recovery period."
Then his gaze sharpened like a blade.
"As for Golden Lion Shiki…"
The room fell deathly silent.
"I swear on the honor of a Marine Admiral," Zephyr said slowly, every word heavy,
"that man was seriously wounded."
"And Gern's final slash…"
Zephyr's fist clenched unconsciously.
"It truly changed the direction of the entire battle."
The moment the conclusion 'Golden Lion was heavily injured' was confirmed by one of the Marines' highest combat forces—
The room froze.
Staff officers exchanged stunned looks.
Several vice admirals unconsciously leaned forward.
Fleet Admiral Kong's pupils contracted slightly.
His tapping hand froze midair.
"Another monster," Sengoku said quietly.
"In any case, that slash has already drawn the attention of the World Government."
"They may place Gern under special scrutiny—or even attempt to… requisition him."
Everyone understood what "special attention" truly meant.
Zephyr's eyes turned cold.
"Gern is a Marine. His future should be decided by the Marines."
Kong raised a hand, signaling for silence.
"These matters can wait."
"The priority now is dealing with Golden Lion's retaliation."
"Sengoku—coordinate defensive preparations across all bases."
"Tsuru—intelligence is yours."
"Garp," Kong turned sharply,
"you'll temporarily take over patrols in the New World."
"And stop chasing Roger around."
"Understood," the room replied in unison.
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