Marineford's grandeur far exceeded Gern's imagination.
This Marineford fortress stood majestically; not only was its front imposing, but even the Marine living area on its back was astonishingly prosperous.
Shops lined the streets, facilities were complete, and its scale was comparable to the capital of any kingdom in the Pirate World.
“What an unexpected surprise…” Gern gazed at the small, private courtyard before him, his fingers gently brushing the doorframe.
Logically, with his Warrant Officer rank, he shouldn't have enjoyed such treatment.
“It seems Vice Admiral Zephyr, who is about to be the first to be promoted to Admiral, is even more influential than I imagined.”
After simply settling his luggage, Gern lay back on the soft bed.
“Marineford…” He stared at the pristine white ceiling, every detail of his conversation with Zephyr replaying in his mind.
Especially when the words, 'I will personally train you to become an Admiral,' echoed in his ears once more,
Gern suddenly sat up with a powerful spring, his legs uncontrollably kicking happily on the edge of the bed.
“I succeeded!” Gern instinctively clenched his fists, so excited that he momentarily dropped his guard.
After all, wasn’t this the moment for which he had meticulously planned and strategized for countless days and nights, step by step?
After a long while, as the surge of excitement receded like a tide, Gern’s gaze fell upon black blade eight desolations leaning against the headboard.
Moonlight streamed through the window, black blade eight desolations rested beside the nightstand, its blade wrapped in white cloth, showing no abnormalities.
“Now is not the time to relax.” Gern grabbed his beloved sword and strode towards the small open space in the backyard.
With a clear clang, black blade eight desolations was unsheathed, its ink-black blade cutting a cold gleam through the night.
As Gern’s fingertips traced its patterns, he seemed to feel the blade tremble.
“Rocks’s treasured sword, Supreme Grade Swords - Twelve Supreme Blades…” Gern murmured to himself.
If he were to follow the path of a traditional sword master, this weapon would certainly save him twenty years of struggle.
But… he knew his limitations better than anyone.
Even Zoro had to endure hellish ascetic training, let alone someone like him, who started halfway?
But what about it?
Gern suddenly grinned, and with a flick of his wrist, the blade wove a silver net under the Moonlight and the vibrating particles.
Who said you had to be a sword master just to use a sword? Perfectly integrating top-tier physical techniques, Devil Fruit abilities, and self-created sword moves, isn't a killing move like “Sky Tremor-Space Split” still awesome?
“Top-tier Haki, top-tier weapons, powerful Devil Fruit…” Gern assumed his starting stance, the tip of his sword pointing directly at the sky.
“When the three are combined, even if I’m not a sword master…” A sudden night breeze picked up, swirling fallen leaves.
The next second, the sword light was like a waterfall, cutting through the air and the entire Moonlight.
“I can still cut through everything in this vast ocean!”
........
The next morning, the sunlight of Marineford streamed through the blinds into Zephyr’s office.
When Gern pushed the door open, he found the room empty.
He looked around, his gaze quickly drawn to a newly added small desk in the corner of the office.
It was clearly prepared for him.
“…” Gern raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
Although he knew he had been reassigned as Zephyr’s adjutant,
He hadn't expected his office to be directly arranged within Zephyr's own office.
Generally, an adjutant would have an independent office area, at most next door, not in the same room as their superior.
“It seems Vice Admiral Zephyr really intends to keep a close eye on me.” Gern’s lips curved into a slight smile; he didn't resist.
He wasn't the type to stubbornly insist on climbing the ranks step by step on his own; since there was a shortcut, he naturally wouldn't refuse.
Moreover, direct access to Marine high-ranking officials would be beneficial to his future plans, with no drawbacks.
Gern didn't mind, but the Marine soldier leading the way stood at the door, his eyes full of envy.
“Gern Warrant Officer, all your documents have been handed over. If you have any needs, you can contact the logistics department directly.”
“Understood, thank you for your trouble.” Gern nodded.
The soldier hesitated, then couldn't help but lower his voice and say, “Vice Admiral Zephyr… values you greatly.
You are the first person in Marineford who can work in his office.”
Gern smiled, not responding.
The soldier, understanding, saluted and left, leaving Gern alone in Zephyr’s office.
He walked to his desk and sat down, casually flipping through the documents already prepared on the table.
There were assessment reports for new recruits, and several intelligence reports on recent pirate movements in the Grand Line.
But a larger portion was the preliminary plan for the Elite Training Camp, which was essentially bringing together the talented individuals who graduated from Navy School once again.
Gern also saw many familiar names on the simulated roster, including even the future three Admirals.
“It seems the workload will be quite heavy in the future.” Gern stretched, his gaze sweeping over Zephyr’s desk.
The desktop was tidy, documents clearly categorized, and in the center lay an open advanced training manual for the Six Powers prepared for new recruits at Marineford, next to a cup of already cold tea.
“Zephyr really is a workaholic. He’s already preparing to train the next generation before even being promoted to Admiral.”
After a while of boredom, Gern averted his gaze and began organizing his own things.
However, before he could even settle down, there was a sudden knock on the office door.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and a tall young Marine walked in.
Black, medium-length hair, a stern face, sharp, eyebrowless eyes like knives, wearing a Marine Lieutenant uniform, he exuded a calm and reserved aura.
Monkey D. Dragoon. (Currently called Dragoon, only later called Dragon after establishing the Revolutionary Army)
“I didn’t expect to meet him!” Gern’s gaze sharpened slightly.
Although he had never officially met him, the identity of the man before him was not difficult to guess.
Garp’s son, the future leader of the Revolutionary Army, but at this time, he was still just a Marine Lieutenant under his father’s command at Marineford.
Dragoon first scanned the office, confirming Zephyr was not present, then his gaze finally landed on Gern.
“Is Vice Admiral Zephyr not here?”
“No, he stepped out for a bit.” Gern nodded, “Can I help you?”
Dragoon was silent for a moment, then said, “I’m here to submit the G-5 Branch patrol report.”
He walked to Zephyr’s desk, placed a document down, then his gaze returned to Gern.
“You are Gern Reginald Sigma?”
“Just call me Gern!” Gern leaned back in his chair, a slight smile on his lips: “But, my name travels fast?”
Dragoon didn't smile, merely stating flatly, “My father mentioned you.”
“Vice Admiral Garp?” Gern feigned realization, “That’s truly an honor.”
Because Dragoon had no eyebrows, he looked fierce, especially now, with a hint of scrutiny in his gaze as he stared at Gern.
Gern also felt a bit unnerved by the stare, so the moment Dragoon opened his mouth, he blurted out, “I don’t like men.”
“That statement you made in West Blue — 'Justice delayed is not justice at all.'”
Both spoke almost simultaneously, but Gern’s words were clearly more shocking!
Dragoon: “.......”
“You don't like men, do I?”