One week later — Sabaody Archipelago, G-33 Marine Base.
Sunlight filtered through the towering mangrove trees, scattering across the base plaza in dappled patches of light. The air carried a faint, resinous fragrance unique to Sabaody.
The small Marine vessel White Gull lay quietly moored at the harbor. Several Marines were busy with final resupply checks, moving briskly back and forth along the docks.
Gern Reginald Sigmar stood on the deck, the black blade Bahuang slung diagonally at his waist. Pale-gray bandages fluttered lightly in the sea breeze. His gaze was deep and steady as it rested on the glittering ocean in the distance, the corner of his mouth lifted ever so slightly.
Whether it was his posture or that faint smile, everything about him perfectly matched what one would imagine a Marine legend to look like.
"Vice Admiral Gern! Supplies are complete. We're ready to depart at any time!"
A Marine hurried over and saluted, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration.
"Good work." Gern nodded, his gaze sweeping briefly across the base's perimeter.
He noticed quite a few Marines sneaking glances his way, awe and reverence plain in their eyes.
Damn it… don't smile. Hold it in.
Despite his best efforts, the corners of Gern's mouth kept creeping upward uncontrollably.
There was no denying it—his reputation had reached a terrifying level. Just the news of Heaven-Shaker's arrival had plunged the normally chaotic Sabaody Archipelago into a rare, uneasy calm.
Pirates had gone silent, vanishing almost overnight. Even the usually arrogant and lawless Celestial Dragons had become noticeably more restrained.
After all, no one wanted to cause trouble in front of the Marine legend who had once captured the Pirate King himself.
"Vice Admiral Gern!"
A deep, booming voice called out from behind him.
Gern turned to see a tall man striding over, his body covered in mottled Dalmatian-patterned fur.
It was the newly appointed base commander of G-33—Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral Dalmatian, a Zoan-type Dog-Dog Fruit user: Model Dalmatian.
"Long time no see, Dalmatian." Gern smiled faintly. "Thanks for lending me a ship this time."
"Not at all!" Dalmatian laughed heartily, his sharp canine teeth glinting in the sunlight."I'm also one of Instructor Zephyr's students. Back when he taught us, he mentioned you more times than I can count, Vice Admiral Gern!"
He straightened, his tone turning sincere.
"And honestly, having you in Sabaody is an honor for us."
Then he scratched the back of his head, expression turning slightly awkward.
"Though… once you leave, the defenses around here are probably going to be under pressure again."
"Haha." Gern chuckled softly. "Relax. Those pirates won't dare act recklessly for a while."
"As expected of Instructor Zephyr's direct disciple." Dalmatian nodded solemnly."These past few days, Sabaody's been unusually peaceful—especially now, in the era of rampant piracy."
Just as Gern was about to continue the casual exchange—
"Gern! Tezoro says everything's ready—we can leave anytime!"
Lipo poked her head out of the cabin and shouted cheerfully.
"Got it." Gern replied, then turned back to Dalmatian. "In that case, we'll take our leave."
Dalmatian snapped to attention and saluted sharply."Wishing you smooth sailing!"
Gern waved once, then turned and boarded the ship.
As the anchor chains were hauled up, the White Gull slowly pulled away from the harbor, heading toward the distant horizon.
...
On the deck, Lipo leaned eagerly over the railing, staring at the Sabaody Archipelago shrinking into the distance.
"Gern, are we really going to Sky Island this time?"
"Of course." Gern leaned against the mast, his gaze unfathomably deep."If people on the ground can't find it, then we'll look for it in the sky."
Tezoro walked over, a nautical chart spread open in his hands.
"Based on the intelligence I've gathered, we should head toward the waters near Jaya—the origin point of the legend—to determine a rough location.As for how to actually search… that will require further confirmation once we arrive."
"In that case…" Gern nodded."Tezoro, adjust the course."
"Yes, Vice Admiral Gern." Tezoro lowered his head to examine the chart."Next, we'll head toward Jaya Island on the Grand Line—"
"No." Gern cut him off, a faint smile curling at his lips."We're going to Amazon Lily."
"…Huh?" Tezoro snapped his head up, utterly stunned."Kuja Island? Vice Admiral Gern, why are we going there?"
"Wait—Vice Admiral Gern…" He paused, his expression suddenly turning strange."You're not… still addicted to being teased by that 'Snake Princess,' are you?"
"Teased? Addicted?" Lipo bounced between them, her fluffy rabbit ears standing straight up, eyes wide with innocent curiosity."What does 'teased and addicted' mean?"
Gern: "..."
Tezoro: "..."
The two men wordlessly chose to ignore her.
"Ahem." Gern cleared his throat, putting on a stern expression."What kind of nonsense is that? Have you even read the content of my mission request?"
"The mission request?" Tezoro eyed him suspiciously, then flipped open the mission document in his hands.
A few seconds later, his expression froze solid.
"'Recruit a Warlord of the Sea'?" He looked up slowly, his voice trembling."Vice Admiral Gern… don't tell me you—"
"Careful with your words." Gern raised a finger, lowering his voice."Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to get clearance to go out now?
Look at my past record. When have I ever gone out without causing a major incident?
This time, I had to argue my case endlessly before Fleet Admiral Kong barely approved a mission."
"Heh… so in the end…" Tezoro's mouth twitched, suspicion written all over his face."This so-called 'search for Sky Island' is actually just a pretext for—"
"Coincidence. Pure coincidence." Gern waved his hand solemnly, his uniform collar button fastened perfectly."And from a strategic standpoint, the Kuja warriors possess exceptional combat strength.If they can be brought into the Seven Warlords system, it would greatly help stabilize the first half of the Grand Line."
He paused, then added calmly,"Of course, those were Fleet Admiral Kong's exact words. I personally reserve judgment."
Tezoro took a deep breath, trying to steady himself."Then how exactly do you plan to… sleep your way— cough—convince them?
From what I know, the women of Amazon Lily are notoriously proud—and openly despise men."
"Well…" Gern stroked his chin, a knowing smile spreading across his face."I have my methods."
"Vice Admiral Gern!" Tezoro suddenly straightened, his gaze filled with the concern of an elder."Milfs may be tempting, but you must exercise restraint!
You're still young! Is Lipo's cuteness really so insignificant in the face of raw sex appeal—"
"TEZORO!"
Gern snapped to attention, his Justice cloak whipping violently in the wind. He looked as though he were bathed in holy light, his voice ringing with righteous authority.
"Do you truly believe your superior is the kind of man who loses his soul after being flirted with twice?"
He placed one hand over his chest, staring resolutely into the distance.
"All of this… is for Justice!
Others may not understand, but no matter what choice I make, I'm the one who ends up suffering in the end!
So you should sympathize with me—not doubt me!"
Tezoro turned his head away, his shoulders shaking suspiciously.
"Did you just tell a joke?" Lipo tilted her head, the carrot-shaped hairpin bobbing gently."Why is Tezoro's face all red?"
Gern: "..."