The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

For the next thirty seconds, Gern tried to attack from various angles, but he couldn't even touch Zephyr's cloak.

Sweat began to seep from his forehead, and his breathing became rapid.

"Enough." Zepha suddenly raised his hand and pressed a palm against Gern's chest, shoving him back into his chair.

"See? Without Devil Fruit powers, you can't even handle an ordinary pirate ship or ordinary pirate in the New World."

Gern clenched his fists, his chest heaving violently.

It wasn't because of exhaustion, but because of a sense of defeat.

Zephyr is right, he is indeed relying on the Sky-Shatter Fruit now.

Even in his battle with Whitebeard, he almost instinctively considered how to maximize the effect of his Devil Fruit power rather than basic combat skills.

But there's nothing I can do! Because Skyquake's power is just too amazing!

Gern even thought that his Devil Fruit was the strongest Logia-type!

But for the sake of domineering...

“I understand!” Gern took a deep breath decisively and bowed seriously. “So, guide me, Lieutenant General Zephyr.”

Zephyr didn't agree; instead, he walked back to his seat, his expression softening slightly: "Why join the Navy?"

This sudden turn of events caught Gern off guard.

He thought for a moment and decided to answer honestly: "To become stronger, and also... to find the answer."

"what is the answer?"

“My justice!” Gern looked up and stared directly into Zefa’s eyes.

Gern's reply, "My justice," sent Zephyr into a frenzy, causing him to subconsciously purse his lips.

This young man has a very high level of moral awareness!

So, Zeffa, suppressing his micro-expressions, silently scrutinized Gern, and after a moment, he nodded slightly:

"At least you are honest."

Unlike some people who spout righteousness while harboring ulterior motives.

He opened the drawer, took out a document, and pushed it to Guern.

"Starting tomorrow, you will become my adjutant and accompany me on missions."

And I will personally train you to become a Marine Admiral!

Gurn took the document and saw that it was already stamped with the Navy Headquarters seal.

This means it's not an invitation, but an order.

"Yes, Lieutenant General Zephyr."

Zephyr stood up, signaling the end of the conversation: "Remember, Warrant Officer Gern."

"Devil Fruit powers are just tools; true strength comes from here." He pointed to his heart.

“And here.” He tapped his temple again.

Gern nodded solemnly, saluted, and turned to leave.

As he grasped the doorknob, Zephyr's voice came again: "You will find the answer to justice. But remember..."

Gern turned around.

"Justice is not killing. This is the answer I found myself."

Gern bowed deeply and then closed the door.

.......

PS: Note: The current timeline is 1480, two years after God Valley. The ages of the three admirals have been modified by Xianyu.

Modified to the smallest Kuzan 19, Sakazuki 20, and the largest Kizaru 22 (who has graduated from the Naval Academy and received his Devil Fruit reward).

Chapter 26 Dorag

Marineford's grandeur far exceeded Guern's imagination.

This naval headquarters fortress stands majestically, its front imposing and imposing, while the naval living quarters on its rear are astonishingly prosperous.

With its numerous shops and complete facilities, its scale is comparable to the capital city of any pirate kingdom.

“What a pleasant surprise…” Gern gazed at the secluded courtyard in front of him, his fingers lightly brushing against the door frame.

Logically speaking, with his rank of warrant officer, he shouldn't have received such treatment.

"It seems that the title of Teacher Zephyr, who is about to be promoted to the rank of general, is more effective than I thought."

After quickly settling his luggage, Gern lay back on the soft bed.

“Naval Headquarters…” He stared at the snow-white ceiling, his mind replaying every detail of his conversation with Zephyr.

Especially when that phrase, "I will personally train you to become a Marine Admiral," echoed in my ears again.

Suddenly, Guern sprang to his feet, his legs kicking merrily along the edge of the bed.

"It's a success!" Gern instinctively clenched his fist, so excited that he even momentarily dropped his baggage.

After all, wasn't all that careful planning and meticulous execution over the past few days and nights just for this moment?

After a long while, as the excitement subsided, Gern's gaze fell on the Black Blade Eight Desolations leaning against the headboard.

Moonlight streamed through the window, and Black Blade Eight Desolations leaned against the bedside table, the white cloth wrapped around the blade making it appear perfectly normal.

“It’s not time to let your guard down yet.” Gern grabbed his beloved knife and strode toward the small clearing in the backyard.

With a clear "clang," the Black Blade Eight Desolations was unleashed, its jet-black blade slicing a cold light in the night.

As Gern's fingertips traced the patterns, he could almost feel the tremor emanating from the blade.

“Lox’s sword, one of the twelve Supreme Grade Swords…” Gern murmured to himself.

If he were to follow the path of a traditional swordsman, this weapon would definitely save him twenty years of hard work.

But... he was more aware of his limitations than anyone else.

Even someone like Zoro has to go through hellish training, let alone someone like him who came to the profession later in life.

But so what?

Suddenly, Gern grinned, and with a flick of his wrist, the blade wove a silver net under the moonlight and vibrating particles.

Who says you have to be a swordsman to use a sword? By perfectly combining top-notch physical skills, Devil Fruit abilities, and self-created sword techniques, you can create deadly moves like "Sky Tremor: Sky Rift," which are just as awesome.

"Top-tier Haki, top-tier weapon, powerful Devil Fruit..." Gern assumed a starting stance, the tip of his blade pointing straight at the sky.

"With the three combined, even if one is not a swordsman..." A night wind suddenly rose, swirling up fallen leaves.

The next second, the blade flashed like a waterfall, slicing through the air and taking the entire moonlight with it.

"It can still sever everything on this sea!"

........

The following morning, sunlight streamed through the blinds into Zephyr's office in Marineford.

When Guern pushed open the door, he found the room empty.

He looked around, his gaze quickly drawn to a small desk that had been added to the corner of the office.

That was obviously prepared for him.

“…” Gern raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.

Although he knew he had been reassigned as Zephyr's adjutant

But to everyone's surprise, the office was set up in Zephyr's own office.

Generally, adjutants have their own office area, at most next door, rather than sharing a room with their superiors.

"It seems Lieutenant General Zephyr really intends to keep an eye on me personally." Gern's lips curled up slightly, but he didn't object.

He wasn't the type to be so stubborn as to insist on climbing the ladder step by step on his own. Since there was a shortcut available, he naturally wouldn't refuse it.

Moreover, having direct access to high-ranking naval officials would be entirely beneficial to his future plans.

Gern didn't care, but the naval soldier who had led the way stood at the door, his eyes full of envy.

"Warrant Lieutenant Gern, all your documents have been handed over. If you have any needs, please contact the logistics department directly."

"Yes, thank you for your hard work." Gern nodded in acknowledgment.

The soldier hesitated for a moment, but couldn't help but lower his voice and say, "Lieutenant General Zefa... values ​​you highly."

You're the first person in headquarters to be allowed to work in his office.

Guern smiled but didn't reply.

The soldier tactfully saluted and left, leaving Gern alone in Zephyr's office.

He walked to his desk and sat down, casually flipping through the documents that had been prepared on it.

There are new recruit assessment reports, as well as several intelligence reports on recent pirate movements along the Grand Line.

But more of it was the prototype of the elite training camp's plan, which was basically to bring together the elite monsters who had graduated from the naval academy once again.

Gern saw many familiar names on the simulated roster, including even the three future generals.

"Looks like the workload is going to be quite heavy from now on." Gern stretched and glanced at Zefa's desk.

The desktop was tidy, the files were clearly categorized, and in the center was an open manual for the advanced training of the new naval recruits, along with a cup of tea that had gone cold.

"Zeffa is really a workaholic. He hasn't even been promoted to general yet, but he's already preparing to train the next generation."

After being bored for a while, Gern looked away and began to organize his things.

However, before he could even sit down properly, there was a sudden knock on the office door.

"Please come in."

The door was pushed open, and a tall, young navy man walked in.

With his black, shoulder-length hair, cold and stern face, and sharp, piercing eyes without eyebrows, he exuded a calm and reserved aura as he wore the uniform of a naval lieutenant.

Monkey D. Dragon. (He's currently called Dragon, but later, after founding the Revolutionary Army, he'll be called Dragon.)

"I never expected to run into him again!" Gern's gaze sharpened slightly.

Although they had never officially met, it wasn't hard to guess the identity of the man in front of them.

Garp's son, the future leader of the Revolutionary Army, but at this time he is just a captain in the Navy Headquarters under his father.

Dragon first scanned the office, and after confirming that Zefa was not there, his gaze finally settled on Gern.

"Lieutenant General Zephyr is not here?"

"Yes, I'm going out for now." Gern nodded. "Is there something you need?"

Dorag paused for a moment, then said, "I'm here to submit the patrol report of the G-5 branch."

He walked to Zephyr's desk, put down a document, and then looked back at Gern.

"You are Gern Reginald Sigmar?"

"Just call me Gern!" Gern leaned back in his chair, a slight smile playing on his lips. "But my name spreads pretty fast, doesn't it?"

Dorag didn't laugh, but simply said, "My father mentioned you."

“Lieutenant General Karp?” Gern feigned surprise. “That’s an honor.”

Because he had no eyebrows, Dorrag looked fierce, especially now that he was staring at Gern with a scrutinizing gaze.

Gern was also a little uneasy under his gaze, so he blurted out before Dragon could speak, "I don't like men."

"Your previous statement in the West Sea—'Justice delayed is justice denied.'"

The two spoke almost simultaneously, but Gern's words were clearly more shocking!

Dragon: "..."

"You don't like men, so do you think I do???"