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

Tiger's voice was heavy with sorrow; he had already foreseen the annihilation that Fish-Man Island might face under the World Government's wrath.

However, upon hearing the words "heinous crime" and "killing a Celestial Dragon," Neptune's expression did not become more serious; instead, a strange look appeared on his face.

Damn it, one Celestial Dragon is nothing! Guern was carrying two freshly severed Celestial Dragon heads!

They walked all the way from the Sea Forest to the entrance of my Dragon Palace, then casually tossed those two heads in front of me.

Let me send him to the new world!

However, he couldn't say this, since he was the only one who met with Gern at the time, and even Otohime didn't know about it.

Neptune glanced at Queen Otohime beside him and continued, "Just recently, Mr. Tesoro sent back the message that the situation at the Holy Land has been 'perfected' via Den Den Mushi."

General Gern personally intervened and has already 'settled' all the subsequent troubles.

The World Government wouldn't dare to easily touch Fish-Man Island, let alone you.

Neptune leaned back on his throne. "So, Tiger, stay on Fishman Island in peace."

This is not only your home, but also a territory protected by 'natural disasters'.

As long as that flag remains, the World Government... won't dare to do anything to you.

Of course, if you can't live with yourself, don't want to hide on Fishman Island forever, or live with guilt, you can follow your heart.

Looking at Neptune, Tiger lowered his gaze. He couldn't stay on Fishman Island; he, Tiger, was a proud fishman!

He didn't want to hide on Fishman Island with guilt, even though the guilt was nothing to Gern. Tiger still imagined how much pressure Gern and Fishman Island had endured to help him.

So, after apologizing, Tiger chose the path of his own heart, thus returning to the main thread of fate...

After all, those who are afraid of death and hide in hiding will never do something like monopolizing the climb up the red clay road and liberating all the slaves!

Chapter 343 The Bear's Dilemma

New World, G-10 Naval Base, Top Floor Office.

Gern stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, gazing intently at the vast, meticulously manicured lawn surrounding the base.

In his outstretched palm, he held a Den Den Mushi (a type of electric scooter) that was emitting a low, guttural sound.

"So, Tiger ultimately chose to leave Fishman Island, is that right?" Gern's lips curled slightly, his expression unreadable, whether it was regret or something he had expected.

“Yes, General Gern.” The Den Den Mushi mimicked King Neptune’s steady voice: “Tiger insists that his presence brings uncertain risks and is unwilling to rely entirely on your protection.”

Neptune paused, seemingly hesitant, "Moreover, when he left, many hot-blooded young fishmen in Fishman Street volunteered to follow him."

“They seem to…” Neptune didn’t finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.

Tiger and his followers left Fishman Island, a member state of the government, and committed the heinous crime of attacking the Holy Land. Their future path is almost entirely limited.

That means becoming a pirate.

Reporting to a naval admiral that someone might want to become a pirate is a rather delicate situation.

“It’s alright, Neptune.” Noticing Neptune’s hesitation, Gern chuckled softly, his tone carrying a worldly-wise calmness.

"Once Tiger decides to leave Fishman Island, becoming a pirate is almost inevitable and the most suitable choice for him and his followers."

That's for the best. At least their future actions will have no overt connection with Fishman Island or the Ryugu Palace authorities, making it safer for you.

Upon hearing Gurn's words, Neptune on the other end of the Den Den Mushi visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

He had previously worried that this would cause Gern to harbor resentment towards Fishman Island.

It seems that this general's way of thinking cannot be judged by common sense.

“I’m glad you understand.” Neptune’s tone lightened considerably, and he then got to the point.

He gave a detailed report on Fishman Island's tax revenue, economic development, and recent important events after implementing the toll system under the "natural disaster" banner.

As Gern listened to Neptune's report, he continued to look out the window.

As far as the eye could see, the vast lawn was usually occupied only by Hawkeye Mihawk.

He likes to sit alone in the distance, polishing his black sword Night like a quiet, handsome man, completely out of place with the surrounding noise.

But today, there is a huge figure there—Bartholomew the Bear.

He sat quietly not far from Hawkeye, the afternoon sun shining on him, making him appear exceptionally peaceful.

And at this moment, he is carefully holding a thick book, and is reading it intently with his head down.

That scene presented a peculiar contrast to his title of "tyrant".

"It seems the matter of the Revolutionary Army is still troubling him..." Gern thought to himself.

As for Ginny, she's probably shopping with Lippo, Torituma, and the others in the base's commercial area or on a nearby island right now.

Girls always like these things.

Especially for Ginny, who is pregnant, she now devotes almost all her attention to her child, which is a natural gift for any mother.

Thinking of this, a faint smile unconsciously appeared on the corner of Gern's mouth.

Listening to Neptune's report on Bailey's income via Den Den Mushi, and gazing at the rare peaceful and serene scene outside the window...

A sense of satisfaction, as if "everything is under control," arises spontaneously.

The storm has temporarily subsided, and the land he protects is slowly entering a new phase according to his will.

......

Gurn ended his call with Neptune and casually placed the Den Den Mushi back on the table.

Without pausing, he left the office, went down the stairs, walked through the busy corridors inside the base, and arrived at the quiet lawn.

Then, I quietly walked up behind the bear who was sitting on the grass, reading a book.

Sunlight filtered through the bear's massive body, casting a shadow.

Gern didn't go around to the front; he just stood behind him and said with a relaxed smile, "You've become a father! Congratulations, Bear."

Big Bear's broad shoulders twitched slightly, clearly startled by the sudden voice and topic.

He closed the book in his hand, turned his head, and saw that it was Gern. A hint of surprise flashed across his face, but it quickly turned into a gentle and slightly shy smile.

The news of Ginny's pregnancy was only revealed by Ginny after she returned to G-10 and was spending time with female members such as Lippo. Guern was indeed unaware of it beforehand.

“Thank you, Mr. Gern,” Big Bear replied in a deep voice.

However, after thanking him, a hint of confusion and worry appeared on his usually calm face.

He lowered his head, looking at his enormous hands, and said in a softer voice, "I just... I don't know if someone like me can be a good father."

Seeing his appearance, Gern chuckled and, without any airs of a general, plopped down on the grass next to the bear.

With a casual and natural movement, he raised his hand and patted the bear's arm, which was as hard as a rock, and said with certainty, "Yes."

"You will definitely become a good father."

After saying that, he paused, turned his head to look at Big Bear's profile, and added, "Because you are, at your core, a very gentle person, Bear."

"Is that so?" Big Bear muttered to himself, seemingly finding it difficult to fully accept Gern's assessment, given the stark contrast between his past title of "tyrant" and his heavy past experiences.

Gern didn't delve deeper into the topic, but instead changed the subject, "However, before doubting your ability to be a good father..."

You need to take the first step and sort out your inner struggles and past experiences, right?

These words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the bear's ears!

His pupils suddenly contracted, and he abruptly turned his head. His eyes, which always held a gentle or sorrowful quality, were now filled with shock as he stared intently at Guern, who lay languidly beside him.

It was as if this man had already seen through all the complex feelings deep within her heart about the revolutionary army, about Mr. Long, and about her own "betrayal" and "choice," leaving her nowhere to hide.

Completely ignoring the bear's piercing gaze, Gern casually plucked a blade of grass from the side, put it in his mouth, and rested his hands behind his head.

He lay down directly on the soft grass, gazing up at the rare, clear blue sky above G-10, his voice becoming somewhat distant.

"A sudden change in identity, from a revolutionary army cadre to a naval admiral, and then to becoming a father... You need time to adjust, that's normal."

He spat out the grass stalks from his mouth, his tone becoming serious: "So, don't keep it to yourself."

Let's find some time to go to the Revolutionary Army and settle things once and for all. Whether it's an explanation, a farewell, or a fight... there has to be a result.

Only when you remove the burden from your heart can you truly welcome your child with ease, right?

Sunlight shone on Gern's face; he closed his eyes, as if he were just chatting about something perfectly ordinary.

But his words were like a precise scalpel, dissecting the deepest problem in Da Xiong's heart that he had never dared to confront or deal with.

Big Bear stared blankly at Gern, who lay calmly beside him, his huge hand unconsciously clenching the thick book, his heart churning with turbulent emotions.

Seeing the bear deep in thought, Gern wanted to ease the tension with a lighthearted tone.

So he grinned and continued jokingly, "If you're really planning to go and fight them, I can recommend a few gangs that can handle you..."

"Boom!" Before he could finish speaking, a blinding bolt of lightning descended from the sky like a silver snake.

As the lightning dissipated, a figure with earlobes reaching his chest and a magatama drum on his back appeared there, striking what he considered an extremely cool pose, looking smug.

It was Enel who instantly teleported down from the artificial sky island above the base.

He put one hand on his hip, picked his ear with his little finger with the other, and said in his characteristic arrogant tone with a thick nasal accent:

"Hmm? I think I heard something. A mortal is praying for great power? It seems it's time for me to make my appearance!"

Gern looked at this clown without even lifting his eyelids, his face revealing undisguised extreme disgust.

She turned her head away immediately, as if looking at it for even a second would pollute her vision.

Enel had expected to see a look of surprise or even admiration from Gern or Kuma, but instead he only received Gern's blatant disdain and Kuma's silence, still immersed in his own world.

He immediately lost his composure, unable to maintain his "god-like" demeanor, and his face instantly fell.

Like a child who hadn't gotten his candy, he pointed at Gern and yelled angrily, "Hey! What's with that face, you bastard Gern!"

He became more and more aggrieved as he spoke, and began to pour out his grievances: "Ever since I left Sky Island and came to your so-called 'Qinghai,' I have been getting beaten up!"

I've been getting thrashed constantly! I've lost to almost everyone with a bit of fame or recognition! Lost! Lost again!

Enel pounded his chest and stamped his feet, looking grief-stricken: "I also want to find a guy with a name and a surname, and show off properly!"

Can't I experience what it feels like to be a winner?! Why am I always the one who gets hurt?!

Chapter 344 Big Bear and Ginny are my 'friends'

One week later, in the first half of the Grand Line, at the Revolutionary Army headquarters in Baltigo.

The atmosphere in the dimly lit room was somewhat heavy. Monkey D. Dragon (the dragon) stood before a rough stone map table.

Wearing a dark green hood, the shadows obscured most of his face, but his clenched fists and slightly trembling shoulders revealed his inner turmoil.

"The departure of Bartholomew Kuma is an immeasurable loss for our Revolutionary Army." Dragon's voice was low, with a hint of hoarseness and regret.

He looked up, his gaze, hidden beneath his hood, sweeping over Ivankov, who sat opposite him with a similarly complex expression.

"You should know that, after all, you were the one who told me... that Xiong's lifelong wish was to become a hero who could rescue those who had lost their freedom and were suffering in dire straits."

This pure ideal perfectly aligns with the ideals of our revolutionary army; one could even say he was born to be our comrade!

The dragon's voice rose slightly, tinged with lingering resentment: "More importantly, it's his power!"

A Bakania warrior at the peak of his growth, coupled with the infinitely potential Paw-Paw Fruit, makes him a powerhouse with both stats and mechanics combined...

That was the Devil Fruit that was fought over alongside Kaido's Fish-Fish Fruit, Mythical Zoan type, Azure Dragon form, at God Valley! Its power is beyond doubt!

He took a deep breath, his tone becoming even heavier: "If Xiong's potential were measured against this vast ocean... he should have been a man with the qualities to become an 'emperor'!"

His arrival gave us tremendous hope.

“So, his departure…” Long slammed his hand on the rough table, making a dull thud, his voice filled with regret and frustration.

"I'm more heartbroken than anyone else by Xiong's departure!!"

The echoes of Long's emotional words reverberated in the room.

Ivankov looked at the somewhat agitated dragon, his signature large eyes flashing with a complex light.

He paused for a few seconds, then spoke slowly in an unusually calm yet pointed tone: "But, Dragon..."

Ivankov's gaze seemed to pierce through the dragon's hood to see his true expression.

"When Ginny was imprisoned, and might even face an even more tragic fate..."