Marineford — Tavern
Gern sat at the bar, the boyishness long gone from his face.
He poured himself a drink in silence.
The moment the glass filled, a thin layer of frost crept up its surface.
"A lonely drinker should try it chilled," a familiar lazy voice said beside him.
Gern smirked without looking up.
"Kuzan, your entrances really haven't improved."
The tall Marine in a white coat sat down naturally, snatched the bottle, and poured himself a full glass.
"Can't help it. Garp-san only has eyes for Roger.
When you're running solo missions, you move faster."
They clinked glasses.
"Gern," Kuzan said casually, "your reputation lately isn't exactly shining.
Back then it was 'Air-Shock Gern'.
Now people call you the 'Decapitation Devil'."
Gern had been quiet for two years—
and Zephyr's shadow had hidden him.
Since God Valley, Rocks' shadow had faded.
The sea had entered the Three Legends Era:
Whitebeard Pirates
Golden Lion's Flying Pirates
Roger Pirates
Among them, Shiki held the widest territory.
Whitebeard ruled a single domain.
Roger roamed freely, claiming nothing.
The Marines should have been balanced by Sengoku, Zephyr, and Garp—
But Zephyr's peak was already receding.
He could no longer stand directly against the monsters of the sea.
He could only restrain those one step below them.
"First stage—enter Marineford.
Second stage—forge Haki…"
Gern stared into his glass as the frost melted.
"The second stage is over.
It's time to take the third step."
And that step required him to leave Zephyr's shadow.
To prevent history from repeating.
To force Zephyr to sever the chain himself.
Or more bluntly—
He needed to destroy the stepping stone beneath his feet.
Gern drained his glass.
"By the way," he said lightly, refilling it,
"out of the so-called Marine 'Three Monsters', I only know you.
What about Sakazuki and Borsalino?"
"They're complete opposites," Kuzan chuckled.
"Sakazuki buried himself in the New World, stationed at G-3.
As for Borsalino… you know the Science Unit?"
"The one formed a few years ago."
"Yep. He went there. Absolute paradise for slacking."
"But he has to answer to the Celestial Dragons," Gern added.
"Tch. That ruins it," Kuzan shrugged, then slung an arm over Gern's shoulder.
"But hey—people are calling it the Four Monsters now.
You're the youngest one."
"Me?" Gern raised a brow.
"Of course. I heard it before I came back—
you're getting an independent mission."
"Independent?"
A sharp glint flashed through Gern's eyes.
"I'm still Zephyr-sensei's adjutant."
"I saw your appointment papers signed by the Fleet Admiral," Kuzan said, downing his drink.
"From today on, you're a Marineford Captain under direct command.
No longer Zephyr's adjutant."
The glass struck the counter.
"So… it's done."
Under Kong's administration, Marine promotions were ironclad.
Even Kuzan and the others—already at Vice Admiral strength—were still Colonels.
To climb higher, one needed independent command and recognized merit.
In the tavern's dim light, Gern smiled slowly.
The first step of the ladder was finally beneath his feet.
Night fell.
As Gern turned the corner toward his home, he stopped.
A tall figure stood on the steps.
Purple hair unmoving in the wind.
Sunglasses reflecting moonlight.
"Zephyr… sensei?" Gern said calmly.
"What brings you here so late?"
Zephyr stared at him.
"…Just came back from the tavern?"
"Yeah. Ran into Kuzan." Gern smiled, unlocking the door.
"Same old habit of stealing food."
"…I see." Zephyr's voice was low.
"Then he told you."
The key clicked.
"Would you like to come in?" Gern asked.
Zephyr didn't move.
"Gern."
His voice sank like a mountain.
"Why?"
Gern paused.
"Why what?"
"Why did you kill them?"
Zephyr's fist clenched.
"The pirates who surrendered.
They could have been sent to Impel Down."
"Let them live?" Gern interrupted calmly.
Zephyr's pupils tightened.
"Do you remember," Gern asked quietly,
"the question you asked me three years ago?"
"…Which one?"
"Why I joined the Marines."
Wind rustled fallen leaves.
"And my answer?"
"To become stronger… and find something."
Zephyr whispered it unconsciously.
"My justice."
If you want to access chapters early please visit patreon.com/UchihaAce
100+ chapters available