"…He fought Newgate?"
Shiki paused.
The idea didn't connect.
A nameless Marine—
and Whitebeard?
"Yes. Three years ago," Davy said carefully.
"He blocked one of Whitebeard's attacks head-on."
The air froze.
Shiki's fingers tightened.
The wooden armrest shattered silently.
"…Blocked Newgate?"
"And Whitebeard remembered his name," Davy continued.
"He earned the title—'Skyquake.'"
"HAHAHAHA!!"
Shiki's Conqueror's Haki detonated again.
The entire ship trembled.
"So the Marines hid a little Whitebeard?"
He stomped, splintering the deck.
"So they think a counterfeit can scare me?!"
He turned, eyes burning.
"I can't touch Newgate yet—
but an imitation?"
"I'll tear him apart and feed him to the Sea Kings!"
"Commander, our next move—"
"Where did that brat's ship go?"
"G-3 Base. Sakazuki's territory."
"Ah… the magma brat."
Shiki raised his hand.
The sea churned violently.
Multiple pirate ships lifted into the sky.
"Order the fleet," Shiki roared.
"Change course—G-3 Base!"
Three Days Later — G-3 Base
Sunlight cut through the blinds of Sakazuki's office.
Gern sat across the desk.
The transfer was complete, but Headquarters ordered Doger temporarily held here before transport to Impel Down.
Meaning—
He was stuck alone with a surprisingly enthusiastic Sakazuki.
"—So you see, the annual report still needs three additional data modules," Sakazuki continued.
Gern rested his chin on his hand, tapping the desk impatiently.
The document titled
"G-3 Base Five-Year Development Plan"
was already on Chapter 73.
Then—
Gern's pupils snapped tight.
His Observation Haki caught something in less than a thousandth of a second.
A massive disturbance.
From directly above the base.
Not wind.
Not thunder.
"SAKAZUKI!"
Gern shot up.
Before Sakazuki could react—
BOOM!
The window shattered like crystal.
Gern launched outward, leaping from the frame.
Three midair steps.
He landed atop the 60-meter watchtower.
The wind tore at his Justice cloak.
His hand rested on Eight Desolations.
"…Release."
Bandages snapped apart.
The black blade absorbed all light.
White vibration particles wrapped the edge.
"I knew it…"
He looked up.
Compressed vibrations crushed the steel beneath his feet into a perfect circle.
BOOM!
He broke the sound barrier.
His body dissolved into white particles—
Only the blade remained solid.
700 meters above — Above the clouds
Three colossal warships.
Shattering midair.
Thousands of boulders, cannons, and debris fell like meteors toward G-3 Base.
Gern's eyes narrowed.
"So that's your method…
lift it high, then turn it into a weapon."
"…Bold move, Golden Lion."