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

He is no longer a 'lonely person' who has been betrayed.

Barrett, who naturally understood the implication in Gern's words, still showed some resentment, though it hadn't completely dissipated.

But the urge to immediately go and fight Kaido was clearly suppressed.

He snorted, stopped dwelling on the issue, turned and strode out of the office, seemingly off to find another place to train.

Gern watched his retreating figure, shook his head helplessly, but a smile played on his lips.

"You can't sneak off alone!!"

"Humph!!"

With this group of problem child subordinates, it's hard to imagine life being boring.

Chapter 359 Completing the Second Stage of Life

In the following days, as the date of the Naval Headquarters high-level meeting drew ever closer...

Gern, the base's highest-ranking official who was usually elusive and rarely seen, unusually settled down and stayed obediently at Base G-10.

He even... took up his almost forgotten primary job.

On the top floor of the base, the once spacious office, large enough for a horse to gallop through, is now piled high with all sorts of documents.

Gern was sitting behind that large desk, wearing a pair of makeshift glasses on his nose, his brows slightly furrowed, engrossed in rapidly annotating reports and applications.

His serious and focused demeanor was completely different from his usual lazy image, which consisted either of fighting fiercely on the training field or sunbathing on a resort island.

Just then, the office door was kicked open without any politeness.

Tezzolo, carrying a stack of documents taller than himself, struggled to move in.

Then, his eyes immediately fell on Gern, who was sitting in a chair, exuding the aura of a "civilian general".

"uh-huh???"

Tesoro froze on the spot, a very strange expression on his face.

It's so unfamiliar, so completely unfamiliar!!

"General Gern... he's actually approving documents?" Tesoro felt the scene before him was very unfamiliar, even a little terrifying.

Noticing Tesoro's ghost-like gaze, Gern slowly took off his glasses and casually tossed them onto the table.

Then she rubbed her slightly swollen temples vigorously, her tone a little tired: "What? Didn't Stella already move to G-10 base with Little Gold (Tezzolo's daughter)?"

I gave you time off so you could spend time with your family, why did you come here again?

Upon hearing Gern's question, Tesoro snapped out of his reverie and carefully placed the documents he was carrying on the empty table beside him.

Then, quite naturally, he picked up the teapot on the table, refilled Gern's empty cup with steaming hot tea, and replied with a light laugh, "Lipo and Ginny are with them, it's quite lively."

Moreover, Stella is now acting like an experienced person, teaching Lippo how to take care of pregnant women and passing on her experience to Ginny.

"My standing there as a man seems superfluous and inappropriate."

He paused, then looked at Gern with a hint of mockery, and teased, "However, on the other hand..."

To witness General Gern so intently writing and working is truly a rare and wonderful sight!

Should I get one of the top reporters from the Morgans World Economic Herald to do an exclusive interview? (Civilian General)

"Heh, stop interrupting." Gern sneered, ignoring his teasing, and took a sip of his tea, his gaze sharpening once more.

Staring at Tesoro, his tone was calm yet carried an undeniable seriousness as he asked, "Tesoro, you should understand what this headquarters meeting means, right?"

Seeing Gern's gaze, Tesoro also dropped his joking expression and habitually touched his meticulously styled green slicked-back hair.

A slow smile played on his lips, and his voice was clear: "Of course."

"This means that from now on, the G-10 will belong to us completely and rightfully."

Those old fogies at the World Government and Marine Headquarters, if they want to interfere in affairs here again, they'd better think twice about our military might and... our economic lifeline.

"Of course, more importantly, this means that General Gern, you have successfully completed the second stage of your life, which is also the most dangerous and difficult stage."

From within the massive machine of the Navy and the World Government, we forcefully pried off a solid 'foundation' entirely under our own control!

"With the G-10 as our foundation, we can dominate the New World, rival the Four Emperors, and even... reach an even higher position."

Even if they retreat, they can still establish a secluded kingdom, a power that no other force can ignore.

"No matter which way we go from here on out, we have firmly grasped the initiative in our own hands."

Upon hearing Tesoro's ambitious summary, Gern did not respond immediately.

Instead, he slowly picked up the teacup on the table, walked to the window, and took a sip of warm tea.

Outside the window, a summer breeze, unique to the new world and carrying the salty, damp scent of summer, stirred the stray hairs on his forehead.

Gern gazed at the bustling, orderly scene outside the G-10 base.

Looking at the distant sea area that he had personally built, protected, and gradually expanded,

My mind raced through all the memories of my journey.

From a lowly branch member at the beginning, I saved up money to bribe my way into God Valley, and then, as if by fate...

Having obtained the "Heaven-Shattering Fruit" that could change everything and the black sword "Eight Desolations," they truly possessed the capital to establish themselves in this world and even reach the top.

Through meticulous planning, he became Zefa's personal disciple, gaining legitimate inheritance and the protection of the halo of "naval hero's disciple."

It paves the way for future promotions while cleverly maintaining a delicate balance.

During the reign of Marshal Steelbone, he relied on his strength, achievements, and a slight "prophetic" advantage.

He steadily rose through the ranks to become a vice admiral, his record filled with illustrious achievements.

More importantly, during this period, they used the two Devil Fruits to recruit crucial early members.

Lipo possesses a bug-level healing ability, and Tesoro has top-notch business acumen and management skills.

Then, by using his prophetic knowledge of the "plot," he personally arrested Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, at the right time and in the right place!

This move propelled him to the pinnacle of naval legend, making him unparalleled in prestige.

It was precisely during the final stages of Steelbone Kong's rule that, with his unparalleled prestige and achievements...

They secured for themselves the "right" to venture into the new world and establish G-10, truly gaining their own place of origin.

Entering the Warring States period, he was promoted to admiral and received the title of "White Scale", thus beginning the era of the Four Great Admirals.

Based on this, and relying on their strength, ideas, and the G-10 platform, they successfully recruited a host of monster-level powerhouses, including Boa Hancock, Enel, Barrett, Hawkeye Mihawk, and Kuma, thus completing the construction of their core combat force, "Calamity."

The final step is to leverage the Holy Land incident, cooperate tacitly with Sengoku, and seize food from the World Government.

They forcefully seized greater autonomy and resources, thoroughly solidified the G-10's independent status, and completed the final construction of their base.

Every step, seemingly logical, was in fact like walking on thin ice.

Every choice is a matter of life and death, requiring accurate vision and sufficient strength to convince others.

Looking back on the past ten years of careful planning, even walking on the edge of a knife...

Gern drank the remaining tea in his cup in one gulp, savoring the warmth and slight bitterness in his throat.

Ultimately, it culminated in a soft sigh, a mixture of endless emotion and a sense of relief.

"This journey has been...tsk...hard work."

Chapter 360 From this moment forward, the Navy will enter a new era.

Order from the Supreme Commander of the Navy Headquarters

Issuing Authority: Office of the Admiral, Naval Headquarters (Marineford)

Classification: Top Secret / Immediate Transmission

Subject: Order to convene a high-level military meeting of the Naval Headquarters

To all relevant units and individuals: In order to summarize the military situation over the past year and assess the current situation along the Grand Line and across the seas.

In accordance with the strategic deployment for the future, and following a resolution by the Office of the Fleet Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, a Supreme Call-Up Order is hereby issued.

The following generals and designated officers are ordered to arrive at Marineford, the headquarters of the Navy, within the specified time to attend the highest-level military meeting of the headquarters.

The detailed list and responsibilities are as follows:

Admiral Aokiji Kuzan (Responsibility: Chief of Patrols for the First Half of the Grand Line (Paradise))

Admiral "Kizaru" Borsalino, Headquarters Command (Responsibilities: Head of Science Unit Protection and Strategic Support for Headquarters)

Marine Admiral "Akainu" Sakazuki (Responsibilities: Strategic containment in the latter half of the New World, primarily targeting "Beasts" Kaido, the Great Pirate King, and related sea areas; also in charge of G-87, G-93, and G-77 branches)

Admiral 'Whitescale' Gern Reginald Sigma (Responsibilities: Core of the New World Strategy, primarily responsible for containing 'Whitebeard' Edward Newgate; Supreme Commander of G-10 Naval Base)

Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp, Headquarters (Responsibilities: Headquarters free operations and support for major campaigns)

Former Admiral Zephyr of the Naval Headquarters and current head of the elite training camp (responsibility: training of naval officers and providing military theory guidance).

Chief of Staff of the Navy Headquarters, Tsuru (Responsibilities: Strategic planning and intelligence analysis for the entire military)

All serving officers of the Navy Headquarters at the rank of Vice Admiral and above, Chief of the Scientific Unit Vegapunk (accompanied by a security team), commanders of key branch bases, and heads of strategic departments.

To reiterate: This is a top-level mobilization order. Any violation of this order will be considered disobeying military orders and will be dealt with seriously in accordance with the Navy's wartime discipline regulations.

All those summoned must arrive at Marineford and register by January 20, 1510, without fail!

The meeting will be held in the highest conference room at headquarters.

Fleet Admiral of the Navy Headquarters: Sengoku (signature and seal)

January 1, 1510 (according to the Ocean Calendar) at Marineford

..............

January 20, 1510 (Hyper- ...

From early morning, the naval port was bustling with unprecedented activity and solemnity.

One by one, warships flying the flags of naval officers slowly approached the shore, their gangways lowered.

One by one, renowned naval warriors who usually wield power in various bases around the world.

Dressed in crisp, pure white formal or ceremonial uniforms symbolizing their respective ranks, they successively set foot on the headquarters grounds.

A silent solemnity filled the air.

The officers nodded to each other or exchanged glances, but there was little small talk. Everyone understood that the meeting was of extraordinary importance and significance.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere was even more delicate inside the highest conference room of the Naval Headquarters, located in the core area of ​​the fortress.

People have already taken their seats around the huge oval conference table, which symbolizes the highest power and status in the navy.

Chief Advisor He closed her eyes to rest, her expression calm and serene, as if all the disturbances of the outside world were irrelevant to her. Behind her stood many female officers.

Garp, unusually, wore a formal lieutenant general's dress uniform, although his tie was still tied somewhat crookedly.

At this moment, he was casually talking to Zephyr beside him, seemingly complaining about how restrictive his movements were by the clothes.

Zefa looked at his old friend with a helpless yet somewhat nostalgic expression.

Sakazuki, whom I hadn't seen in a long time, sat in his seat with his hands crossed in front of him, his face as serious as ever.

However, the difference was that he was more silent than before, his sharp gaze sweeping over the people who were entering the room.

His gaze froze for a moment, especially when he looked at the empty seat.

Kuzan, standing next to Akainu, remained as lazy as ever, wearing an eye patch.

Meanwhile, Borsalino, who was behind him, was bending over, chatting with Vegapunk, the head of the science unit, and Sentomaru with great interest.

With exaggerated expressions and his characteristic accent, he said, "How terrifying~ the lineup for this meeting~"

In no time, the few seats available for those qualified to sit at the conference table were almost full.

However, the most eye-catching thing is the seat that is second only to the main seat (the position of the Warring States Marshal), which is still vacant to this day.

Its presence, like an invisible magnet, attracts the attention of everyone entering the conference room, yet causes everyone to subconsciously avoid looking directly at it.

None of the lieutenant generals, major generals, and other senior officers who subsequently entered the conference room dared to covet that empty seat.

After they quietly entered the meeting room, they stood behind the leaders of the factions they identified with or belonged to.