On the deck—
"Captain Gern."
A Marine sergeant approached.
"Orders?" Gern asked.
"HQ has ordered a course change.
Doger is to be transferred to New World G-3 Base."
"…I see."
Makes sense.
They didn't want him colliding with the Flying Pirates again.
"But G-3…?"
The name felt familiar.
"Who's stationed there?"
"Colonel Sakazuki."
"…Sakazuki."
Gern's lips curved.
The man who would one day be called Akainu.
"Our workaholic lava dog, huh?"
"…Interesting."
"Set course for G-3."
Days later — G-3 Base
Steel walls.
Black cannons.
Cold-faced Marines.
"Definitely his style."
"Sakazuki is waiting at the dock," the sergeant reported.
"He came personally?"
That was unexpected.
Gern leapt down as the ship docked.
"Colonel Sakazuki."
Sakazuki studied him briefly.
"…Captain Gern."
Then—
A rare thing.
The corner of his mouth lifted.
Approval.
"I like your methods."
"…That's unexpected."
"Only the weak fear decisive justice," Sakazuki said coldly.
"Pirates must be eradicated."
Yeah.
He definitely thinks I'm his kind.
"Well," Gern shrugged, "guess we get along."
Sakazuki turned.
"Come."
As they walked—
"I heard you clash with Zephyr over ideals."
"Different views," Gern replied.
"He believes in mercy."
"And you don't."
Sakazuki nodded.
"G-3 needs power like yours."
"…Recruiting me already?"
"Stating facts."
Gern laughed internally.
So that's your game.
Finally, Sakazuki stopped.
"…Your personality suits me."
And without another word—
He walked on.
Gern watched him go.
"…What a terrifyingly efficient man."
The New World was opening up.
And the pieces were beginning to move.