As night deepened, only a few scattered streetlights remained on Marineford's streets, illuminating the way for those returning home late.
When Gern left the tavern, Sengoku, who had seized the opportunity, directly conscripted him, dragging him to his office for a lengthy lecture about Impel Down.
Immediately after, he was left to deal with some documents and was only freed now.
“It was days ago, Admiral Sengoku is really petty.”
“Indeed, those who play strategy have dark hearts!” Gern complained as he slowly walked home.
The conversation with Kuzan at noon still echoed in his mind, but at this moment, his mood was surprisingly calm.
“Is Snake Princess sick? But if a younger sister can die of lovesickness, an older sister should too…”
In the original work, Tuoli Tuoma, the older sister of the Torch Lily, never appeared, but now this was no longer a manga; it was a vibrant world.
“However, as a great swordsman who isn't a Devil Fruit user, Snake Princess is also a good combatant, although the first choice is that Mihawk guy.
After all, it’s normal for the future ‘Marine King’s’ subordinate to have the world’s greatest swordsman, isn’t it?
It’s just a pity that guy is currently drifting somewhere unknown!
“It seems the seeds sown before are all starting to sprout as the timeline progresses.”
…
Soon, Gern returned to his home and pushed open the door; the house was completely silent.
The living room light was still on, and a plate of cut fruit sat on the table, clearly prepared by someone special.
Gern’s lips curved slightly as he quietly took off his Marine boots, careful not to disturb the tranquility within the house.
Walking into the bedroom, the sight before him made his steps falter slightly.
Sure enough, Libo was curled up on his bed, her fluffy rabbit ears softly drooping on the pillow, gently rising and falling with her breathing.
She was only wearing an oversized carrot-print T-shirt, its hem reaching her thighs, revealing her fair skin.
Watching this scene, Gern stood at the doorway, his gaze unconsciously softening.
“As soon as I’m gone, this becomes your territory.” He quietly walked to the bedside and leaned over, gazing at Libo’s sleeping face.
“Really…” Gern murmured softly, reaching out to gently brush aside the stray hairs on her forehead.
The moment his fingertips touched her skin, Libo frowned, her nose twitching slightly as if sniffing something.
The next second, she groggily grabbed Gern’s wrist, rubbing her cheek against the back of his hand like a spoiled rabbit.
“I’m not a carrot.” Gern couldn’t help but chuckle softly, letting her hold his hand as he lay down beside the bed.
“Mm… Gern…” Libo mumbled indistinctly, her voice soft and sweet like a dream.
“I’m here.” Gern responded softly, his thumb gently caressing her cheek.
Libo seemed to understand, a satisfied curve appearing on her lips as she hugged his hand tighter.
Her breathing gradually steadied, and she re-entered dreamland.
Gern watched her quietly, an indescribable warmth welling up in his heart.
Outside the window, the faint sound of waves gently lapping the shore drifted in, intertwining with the stillness inside the house.
At least at this moment, all calculations, struggles, and future uncertainties seemed to be shut out.
Only this small, warm, and peaceful world remained.
…
The next day, morning sunlight streamed into the room through the gaps in the curtains.
Libo was still curled up in bed, hugging her pillow and sleeping soundly, her fluffy rabbit ears gently rising and falling with her breathing.
Gern stood by the bed, a slight smile on his lips, and gently pinched her ear.
Libo groggily mumbled “mm,” rolled over, buried her face in the covers, and continued to immerse herself in her dreams.
“She loves to sleep in whenever there’s nothing to do.” Gern smiled, tucked her blanket in, and then turned to leave the room.
In the yard, Tesoro had been waiting for a long time.
He stood under a tree, sunlight filtering through the branches, casting dappled shadows on him.
The Golden Emperor, who in the future would have both hands adorned with gold rings, leaving only his ring finger bare, and be full of hostility,
had now become Tesoro, with only a simple ring on his ring finger, symbolizing his loyalty to his wife.
“Vice Admiral Gern.” Tesoro straightened up immediately when he saw Gern approaching, his expression respectful.
“Have you organized the intelligence?” Gern walked up to him, cutting straight to the chase.
Tesoro nodded, took a document from his in arms, and handed it over.
“Regarding the news about Sky Island, there isn’t much confirmed information at the moment, but there are a few key clues.”
Gern took the document and quickly flipped through it.
Tesoro explained from the side:
Upward Current: Giant upward currents occasionally appear in the waters near Jaya Island, rumored to be able to directly propel ships into the sky.
Legend of the Golden City: The fairy tales of North Blue mention “Shandora’s Golden City.”
It is said that Nola’s descendants still believe their ancestor’s story is real, only that it was pushed into the sky.
Sighting Records: Merchant ships have reportedly seen giant black shadows in the sky above a certain sea area of the Grand Line, but they quickly vanished without a trace.
“So that means…” Gern closed the document, his fingers gently tapping the cover, and asked thoughtfully, “From these scattered pieces of intelligence, Sky Island does exist, but its entrance isn’t fixed?”
“Yes.” Tesoro nodded slightly.
“However…” He paused, “Currently, no authoritative navigator can confirm this point.
Most people consider it just an absurd legend.”
Gern’s lips curved into a meaningful smile as he looked up at the azure sky.
“Since no one can confirm it, then we will be the first witnesses.”
Tesoro took the returned document, frowned, hesitated for a moment, and finally couldn’t help but ask, “Vice Admiral Gern, why are you so fixated on Sky Island?
According to my investigation, the possibility of its existence is extremely slim…”
“But you still went to investigate, didn’t you?” Gern suddenly interrupted him, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes.
Tesoro was startled, then gave a wry smile, “Because after following you for so many years, I know you never do anything without certainty.”
“Haha, Tesoro, if I told you the truth, you’d probably be even more confused!”
“More confused?” Tesoro frowned.
“Exactly!” Gern slowly raised his head, his smile fading, and his voice deepened as he looked up: “Because what I’m going to find is…”
“God!!”
The word exploded in the air, carrying a chilling weight.
Tesoro’s pupils suddenly contracted, and the document in his hand unconsciously tightened.
The sun was still bright, but he felt an inexplicable chill run up his spine.
“God… God?” Tesoro swallowed, “A guy you call ‘God,’ then we…”
“No need, he’s just a guy who likes to call himself that.” Gern waved his hand, “So, this time, it’ll just be the three of us.”
Tesoro was stunned for a moment: “Libo is coming too?”
“She’s our navigator, isn’t she?” Gern chuckled.
Tesoro shook his head helplessly, but the corners of his mouth couldn’t help but turn up.
Indeed, most people might not know, but under Libo’s military rank, her special skill was indeed listed as 【Navigator】 (for evaluation purposes).
After the serious matters were discussed, Gern’s gaze fell on Tesoro’s ring finger, and he suddenly asked, “I heard Stella is pregnant?”
When his wife was mentioned, Tesoro softened completely, a rare warmth appearing in his eyes: “Yes, it’s been three months.”
Gern patted his shoulder and laughed, “Congratulations, it seems you’ll be a father soon.”
Tesoro took a deep breath, his voice sincere: “Vice Admiral Gern, if you hadn’t saved Stella back then and given me a chance to start over, I might have…”
“You were the one who made the choice.” Gern interrupted him, his gaze firm.
“I just gave you an opportunity, but you were the one who truly changed your destiny.”
Tesoro was silent for a moment, then nodded solemnly: “Even so, I am still grateful.”
Gern smiled, saying no more.
“Alright, go prepare.” He withdrew his gaze, his tone relaxed, “We’ll depart in a few days once the application is approved.”
Tesoro nodded in agreement and turned to leave.
Watching Tesoro’s retreating figure, Gern looked up at the sky, a smile on his face.
“It’s your turn next, Eneru!”