The sea breeze brushed gently across the deck as the Dog-Head Marine warship slowly entered the waters of the East Blue.
Sunlight spilled across the deck, casting dappled shadows.
Standing by the railing, Gern quietly felt the calm sea breeze—so different from the Grand Line.
"Well?"
Garp suddenly appeared beside him, holding a bag of unknown snacks, speaking with his mouth half full.
"The East Blue breeze feels a lot nicer, doesn't it?"
"It's definitely calmer than the Grand Line," Gern nodded, eyes on the distant horizon.
"But Vice Admiral Garp… you've destroyed quite a few pirate crews along the way."
"Hahahaha!"
Garp laughed loudly, swinging his fist.
"Those useless little pirates only bully civilians in the East Blue. Whenever I see one, I punch them!"
Gern smiled helplessly.
During the past few days, Garp's so-called "vacation" had been busier than most missions.
No matter the size of the pirate ship, Garp would excitedly jump in, grab a cannonball, and fire himself like a human artillery shell.
As a result, the ship's journey had been delayed far beyond schedule.
"Hey, kid."
Garp suddenly dropped his grin, his expression rare and serious.
"I'm bored anyway, so there's something I should tell you in advance."
"Hm?" Gern turned to him.
"The Roger Pirates."
Garp's gaze grew deep.
"Once the elite training camp ends, you and Kuzan and the other two will all step into admiral-level roles."
"That means the pirates you'll face next won't be small fry."
"Especially that guy—Roger. He loves running wild in the New World. If you run into him on a mission, you'd better be prepared."
"The Roger Pirates…"
Gern murmured, a smiling face beneath a captain's hat appearing in his mind.
"That guy's strength goes without saying," Garp clenched his fist.
"Even I have to take him seriously one-on-one."
"But his crew is troublesome too."
"First mate 'Dark King' Rayleigh—top-tier swordsmanship and Haki. Combatant 'Copper Demon' Gaban…"
Garp listed them one by one, his tone unusually solemn.
"Rayleigh… Gaban…"
Gern silently memorized the information.
Yeah, yeah, I know.
One becomes a terrible mentor in the future, the other—
Back then, if you asked me who was strongest on Roger's ship, I'd say Roger.
Now? Gaban. Absolutely Gaban.
Judging by giant-scale logic, Gaban walking into that situation should've been impossible—yet he did it.
That alone proves he's no ordinary man.
"Gaban is still stronger… how did you even get in there…"
Gern muttered unconsciously.
Garp heard him and patted his shoulder.
"Gaban? Roger's third-in-command. He's alright."
"Rayleigh is the real pain."
"No."
Gern looked serious.
"Vice Admiral Garp, that man's future strength will be terrifying."
Garp: "..."
"The biggest problem is still Roger," Garp sighed.
"After Rocks died, Roger's Haki reached a level that surpassed everything."
"In short—don't act tough if you meet them."
Garp slapped Gern's shoulder.
"Call for backup immediately. Sengoku and I will rush over."
"I understand," Gern replied solemnly.
Joking aside, even with confidence in his own strength, caution was necessary when facing the future Pirate King.
At most… slash once and run.
A sign of respect.
The Dog-Head warship continued sailing, finally arriving at East Blue Marine Branch 33 on the third evening.
"Vice Admiral Garp!"
The soldiers snapped to attention, eyes filled with admiration.
"Hahahaha! I'm back!"
Garp jumped off the ship, shaking the ground slightly.
Gern followed behind, observing the modest base.
Compared to Marineford, it was simple—but orderly.
"Vice Admiral Garp, Major Dragon is waiting for you in the office," a soldier reported.
"Oh?" Garp raised an eyebrow.
"That brat knew I was coming?"
He strode toward the building.
"Come on, Gern—let's see my disappointing son!"
They reached a simple office.
"You cowardly brat!"
Garp didn't knock—he kicked the door open.
"I'm here!"
Inside, Dragon, dressed in Marine uniform, looked up.
He resembled Garp greatly—but lacked the wildness, replaced with calm and sharpness.
"Father."
Dragon stood, nodding slightly toward Gern.
"Major Dragon."
Gern returned the nod.
"Gern," Dragon said calmly.
"I heard you forced Golden Lion to retreat with a single slash. Even the East Blue knows."
Gern smiled.
"I did slash him, but well—this is actually my first time leaving Marineford."
Dragon's eyes flickered.
Before he could respond—
"Enough!"
Garp cut in impatiently.
"I'm just here to check on you!"
"You say that every time," Dragon sighed.
"Then you either drink in Windmill Village or run off to the mountains to see Dadan…"
"What do you mean see Dadan?!"
Garp blushed and immediately lied.
"I brought Gern here for special training!"
"This kid's Conqueror's Haki is unstable. Needs work!"
Dragon looked at Gern again.
"Conqueror's Haki…"
Gern: "Huh? That a thing? I'm just hitching a ride."
The atmosphere suddenly became… awkward.
"Father," Dragon suddenly said,
"Why don't I guide Gern instead?"
"Hm?"
Garp squinted.
"Since when were you this enthusiastic?"
"Just think it'll be easier for young people to communicate."
"He's younger than you," Garp muttered.
After a moment, Garp waved his hand.
"Fine! Talk!"
He stormed out, leaving the two alone.
Silence spread.
Gern and Dragon stared at each other.
"Gern."
Dragon spoke first, voice deep and firm.
"Do you truly believe Marine justice can change this world?"
I knew it.
You rebellious bastard.
"Well…"
Gern laughed awkwardly.
"Justice has many forms. At least Marine justice protects civilians from pirates."
"And what about those oppressed by the Celestial Dragons?"
Dragon's eyes sharpened.
"The ones ruined by World Government policies—were they protected?"
"Hey, Dragon."
Gern's expression hardened as he stared him down.
"You wouldn't be…"
"Wouldn't what?"
Dragon swallowed, thinking his thoughts had been seen through.
"You wouldn't be…"
"…skipping work all day after transferring to East Blue, traveling around and slacking off, would you?"
"..."
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