Just as the two were about to step deeper into G-3 Base,
Sakazuki suddenly stopped.
He turned back toward Gern.
Sakazuki was a straightforward man.
Although Gern's earlier response had effectively declined his offer, Sakazuki genuinely liked him.
Especially in this era where so-called "lenient justice" was praised, and his own justice was labeled "iron-fisted."
If he were alone, that would be fine.
But now—
Gern had appeared.
It felt like walking a solitary road, only for someone with the same resolve to suddenly stand beside you.
After a brief hesitation, Sakazuki decided to try a different approach.
His tone, unusually, carried a trace of enthusiasm.
"Captain Gern. Since you seem interested in G-3 Base, I can explain our operational efficiency in detail."
"…Huh?"
Gern froze. "When did I say I was interested?"
"Efficiency?"
He's like me, Sakazuki thought.
If I show him what G-3 represents, maybe I can draw him in.
With visible pride, Sakazuki nodded.
"G-3 Base is one of the Marine's most elite strongholds in the New World.
Our mission completion rate is 98.7%, far exceeding other bases."
"…Oh?"
"Our daily training cycles average eight hours, with a 100% physical compliance rate among soldiers."
"Eight hours a day?!"
"…You think that's short?" Sakazuki frowned.
"I still have to follow training regulations—"
"No, no, go on!" Gern waved quickly.
Sakazuki continued, voice growing more intense.
"Our pirate suppression missions average 3.2 days per operation—
a 47% reduction compared to Headquarters' standard."
These soldiers are living in hell, Gern thought, sweat forming at his temple.
"Th-that's… impressive…"
Seeing Gern react, Sakazuki grew even more relaxed.
"Our logistics turnover rate exceeds 80%.
This base is in a constant state of combat readiness."
"And here," he added coldly,
"you'd be free to fully unleash your… enthusiasm for executing pirates."
"Except where live capture is required, I'm willing to overlook the rest."
"Even if you decapitate an entire pirate crew—"
"Wait, stop!"
Gern raised both hands. "Colonel Sakazuki, I'm just here to hand over a prisoner."
Sakazuki frowned, displeased.
"Efficiency is the foundation of justice.
If you intend to stay at G-3, these figures are essential."
"Haha… I'll, uh… think about it."
"I know you're considering Zephyr's stance."
Sakazuki stared at him for two seconds, then pulled out a thick dossier.
"This is my three-year combat and efficiency report for G-3 Base.
You can review it in advance."
Gern stared at the booklet.
"…Please don't love me. This has no future."
Meanwhile — New World
Storm clouds churned.
The sea raged.
The Flying Lion, Golden Lion's flagship, hovered ominously above the waves, surrounded by several escort ships.
On deck, pirates stood frozen, afraid to breathe.
At the bow, Golden Lion Shiki sat upon his throne.
Golden hair whipped wildly in the wind.
A cigar burned between his teeth.
The sake cup in his hand had already been crushed—
shards embedded in his palm, blood dripping freely.
"Newgate… that bastard…"
His mind replayed the recent clash.
Even with overwhelming numbers, facing Whitebeard at his peak—
that power capable of shattering the world—
Even Shiki had been forced to withdraw.
What enraged him more was this—
Whitebeard's crew was still new.
Yet they had driven back his entire fleet.
And that sentence—
"Shiki, I don't want to sink you here."
That single line ground Shiki's pride into the dirt.
"DAMN IT!"
He hurled the shattered cup away.
"T-T-Commander—" a subordinate began, only to fall silent under Shiki's glare.
Footsteps echoed.
"Death Knell" Davy stepped forward, head lowered, face hidden beneath his hat.
He knelt on one knee.
"Commander. Apologies for my delay."
Shiki exhaled smoke slowly.
"…You're late."
"I encountered trouble."
"Oh?"
"What kind of trouble delays my Third Division Commander?"
Davy raised his head, voice heavy.
"The recruit who sought to join us—
Island-Splitter Doger… was captured by the Marines."
"What?!"
Shiki's Conqueror's Haki exploded outward.
The deck cracked apart.
Weaker pirates collapsed instantly.
"USELESS!"
He kicked over a table.
"I lose to Newgate, and then a man trying to join me gets taken by the Marines—
right in front of my officers?!"
"Do you take the name of the Flying Pirates for a joke?!"
Davy gritted his teeth, enduring the pressure.
"Commander… the Marine who captured him was no ordinary man."
"Heh." Shiki sneered.
"Since when are Marines impressive?"
Davy inhaled sharply.
"His power… is the same as Whitebeard's."
Silence.
Shiki's pupils shrank.
He stepped forward and placed his foot on Davy's shoulder.
"…Say that again."
"That Marine can generate震动—
even shatter space itself."
"The form differs, but the nature is the same."
"…Like Newgate."
Shiki burst into laughter—cold, razor-sharp.
"Interesting… very interesting."
"The Marines are hiding that kind of monster?"
His laughter vanished.
"What's his name?"
"Gern.
Gern Reginald Sigma."
Davy continued quickly.
"He's a Marine Headquarters Captain.
Until recently, he was Zephyr's adjutant—his direct disciple."
"Zephyr's student…" Shiki scoffed.
"No wonder he's arrogant."
"And—"
"Go on."
"He fought Whitebeard in the West Blue three years ago."