Inside the main hall of Ryugu Palace, Neptune’s brows relaxed slightly, but a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
As king, he saw more clearly than anyone that what Gern was burning was not merely the flame of so-called ‘justice,’ but something far more dangerous.
Ambition.
This man’s goal was probably not just the position of Admiral, but to bring the entire Marine… and even greater forces, under his control!
Tiger stepped forward, his brows tightly furrowed: “According to you, the Marine will be stationed at Fish-Man Island in the future?”
“There will be no garrison,” Gern shook his head, his tone firm: “I respect Fish-Man Island’s autonomy.”
At this moment, Otohime, who had also been contemplating for a long time, nodded from the side, a hopeful light shimmering in her eyes, “This is wonderful!
It can both protect Fish-Man Island and not interfere with our internal affairs.”
In Otohime’s view, Gern was precisely the best link to achieve her ideals.
If she could use the power of this Marine rising star to secure Admiral-level protection for Fish-Man Island, then not only would future safety be ensured… perhaps it would be perfect for the people of Fish-Man Island.
It might even be that under long-term protection, people’s impressions of humans would be subtly influenced and changed.
At this moment, Neptune pondered for a moment and asked: “Rear Admiral Gern, why are you suddenly interested in Fish-Man Island?
As far as I know, the World Government has never truly cared about this place.”
Facing Neptune’s words, Gern met his gaze frankly and said: “Because I believe that Fish-Man Island’s plight should not be ignored!”
His steady, powerful voice echoed through the hall.
“With the conclusion of the Edd War, I am confident that the world will soon enter a new era!”
“An era… of Great Pirates!”
He surveyed everyone and continued: “At that time, countless pirates attempting to enter the New World will use this place as a transit point.
Then, plunder and human trafficking will intensify on Fish-Man Island.
But if Fish-Man Island flies my ‘flag’…
Gern’s lips curved slightly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes: “All pirates who set foot here will recoil in fear!”
“After all… the prestige of an ‘Admiral’s pursuit’ is not low!”
“Easy to say,” Tiger snorted coldly: “But how many people like you are there in the Marine?
How can you be sure the World Government will agree to you doing this?”
Gern looked at Tiger, sneering inwardly: Why would I need the World Government’s consent? This is my own business.
But while he thought that, his tone remained calm on the surface as he replied: “Indeed, attitudes towards Fish-Man Island vary within the Marine.
But precisely because of this, I need your cooperation even more.
Only through concrete actions can prejudice be changed.” (This superficial remark was clearly aimed at Otohime)
As expected, Otohime’s eyes sparkled: “Rear Admiral Gern is right!
If we aren’t even willing to try, how can we expect change?”
Neptune looked at his wife, Otohime, being so easily swayed and excited, and felt a mix of emotions.
He knew how beautiful his wife’s ideals were, but reality was often cruel.
So Neptune turned to Gern and said in a deep voice: “We need time to consider.”
“Of course,” Gern nodded: “Cooperation is a two-way street; I won’t force it.”
Otohime, however, was a bit anxious: “Neptune, what more is there to consider? This is a rare opportunity!”
Neptune held her hand and said softly: “Otohime, as king, I must be responsible for the entire Fish-Man Island.
This matter is too important to be decided rashly.”
“Alright…” Otohime opened her mouth, then finally lowered her head helplessly: “But I hope you can make a decision soon.”
Tiger watched this scene, his heart complex.
He understood Otohime’s ideals but also knew the wickedness of humans.
“Rear Admiral Gern, if you are truly as sincere as you say, then prove it with action.”
Gern smiled slightly: “That is precisely the purpose of my visit.”
Just then—
“Um… can I ask a question?”
Libo suddenly raised her hand, her face innocent.
Everyone was startled, and Otohime smiled and nodded: “Of course, Libo.”
Libo blinked, her face full of anticipation: “Does Fish-Man Island have glowing pearl carrots? Gern promised to buy them for me!”
The main hall instantly fell silent, then erupted in laughter.
Otohime couldn’t help but laugh: “Pearl carrots? I haven’t heard of them, but Fish-Man Island has many beautiful pearls and corals; I can take you to look for them.”
Libo cheered: “That’s great!”
Gern rubbed her head helplessly: “You, you really can’t forget it no matter where you go.”
The atmosphere lightened considerably due to Libo’s interruption.
Neptune looked at the scene before him, his guard also slightly relaxing.
Perhaps this Marine Rear Admiral was truly different.
“Rear Admiral Gern,” Neptune began, “Before making a decision, I would like to invite you to stay on Fish-Man Island for a few more days and see our country.”
Gern nodded: “That is also one of the purposes of my visit.”
“In that case,” Otohime clapped her hands happily and actively took Libo’s hand.
“Rear Admiral Gern, would you mind lending me your Mokomo subordinate? I really like this child, and I’ll take her to play.”
“As long as the Queen doesn’t mind Libo’s exuberance,” Gern nodded.
He knew Otohime wanted to learn about him through Libo alone, but his actions in Mokomo Dukedom were real! So he wasn’t worried at all.
Seeing this, Tiger hesitated, then finally sighed, looking at Gern and Tesoro.
“Since that’s the case, I’ll accompany you two.
After all, some places on Fish-Man Island… outsiders aren’t familiar with them.”
Gern looked at Tiger, a slight smile on his lips: “Then I’ll trouble you, Mr. Tiger.”
........
Fish-Man Island · Sea Forest
Colorful corals swayed in the deep-sea glimmer, like a fantastical forest.
Fluorescent jellyfish swam in schools, adorning this underwater forest like a starry sky.
Tesoro stood on the periphery, while Gern stood before a large coral reef, his gaze fixed on the red Poneglyph hidden within the coral.
His fingertips gently traced the ancient characters on the stone tablet’s surface, feeling the weight of history embedded within it.
At this time, this Poneglyph had not yet left Fish-Man Island.
And next to it, on the apology slab Joy Boy left for the mermaid princess, there was also Roger’s “Roger Was Here” inscription from several months ago.
“Roger has no manners! This should be fined!” Gern muttered to himself, complaining.
At the same time, Tiger stood not far away, arms crossed, his sharp gaze constantly fixed on Gern’s back.
His gills opened and closed slightly, his breathing a little faster than usual, indicating his inner turmoil.
“You should know that a strong person of my level has good Observation Haki,” Gern suddenly spoke, his voice exceptionally clear.
“Your emotions or malice are too obvious, Tiger.”
Tiger’s body stiffened slightly, then he slowly lowered his arms.
He hadn’t expected his vigilance to be so directly exposed.
After a moment of silence, he stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Gern, his gaze also falling on the Poneglyph.
“I heard that the higher-ups in the Marine all have their own beliefs of justice,” Tiger’s voice was low, with a hint of probing.
“Can you tell me… what is your justice, Gern?”