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

Swinging Justice

Chapter 381 Red-Haired Shanks' Scheme

“Gern, you should know very well.”

Ace... he's Roger's bloodline!

"When I brought him back to Windmill Village and entrusted him to Dadan's care, I was already taking a huge risk, and I even used all my connections and prestige to barely suppress the situation."

"If he is willing to join the navy and walk the right path, I will naturally impart all my knowledge to him, enabling him to face any storms that may arise in the future."

Even... just like you, possessing the ability to challenge the World Government.

After all, I truly considered him my grandson and family.

"But!" Garp changed the subject, his tone tinged with helplessness.

"If he didn't want to... if he chose to become a pirate like he is now, following in Roger's footsteps..."

Karp turned his head and looked directly at Gern, "If that's the case, am I supposed to personally train someone..."

Is it a stronger, more dangerous, and more difficult-to-control 'Gol D. Ace'?

"His talent, undoubtedly inherited from that man."

If they are given systematic, top-tier training in domineering abilities from a young age, the damage they cause when they turn evil will be unimaginable.

At that time, what I will bear will not only be the 'responsibility of raising', but also the sin of 'releasing a tiger back into the mountains.'

"Naval justice, world stability... there are some bottom lines that cannot be crossed, even by family members."

“So…” Garp sighed deeply, as if a heavy burden had been lifted, or as if he were being weighed down by something even heavier.

"I can only give him the opportunity to choose, but I cannot choose the path for him."

I cannot gamble with the power I wield on an uncertain future, even if... he is my grandson.

After he finished speaking, the office fell into a brief silence, with only the faint sound of waves coming from outside the window.

Looking at the old man before him, who was usually bold and unrestrained but now showed deep helplessness and adherence to principles, Guern understood.

Garp did not not love Ace; it was precisely because he deeply loved this 'grandson' and the justice he upheld that he made a sensible choice.

This silence, even this somewhat cruel "justice," carries a weight far heavier than the iron fist that was thrown.

Gern picked up the teapot, refilled Cap's empty cup, and handed it to him.

“Understood.” Gern’s voice returned to its usual calm. “Then let ‘Little Flame’ struggle on its own in the storms of the new world for a while.”

Let's see how far this fire will eventually burn.

Karp took the cup, but didn't drink it; he just sighed heavily.

"You brats..." he muttered under his breath, "Why can't you live the way I taught you!"

"So, Lieutenant General Garp," Gern said, changing the subject.

"You came all this way in person, it can't just be for Ace's sake, right?"

Gern leaned against his desk, tapping his fingertips lightly on the surface. "What new instructions have you received from Marshal Sengoku?"

As the 'Commander-in-Chief of the New World Strategy,' I can't just keep an eye on the 'little flames' in my own backyard all day long.

After the Navy adopted a "one body, two systems" approach, he took charge of G-10, restraining and even suppressing the pirate forces in the New World.

In particular, those four sea emperors were his core responsibility that he could not shirk.

"The Warring States period has sent me to ask you something about the new world."

Especially regarding the control over those four 'emperors,' what are the next plans?"

"Plans?" Gern picked up his teacup and blew on the steam.

"What? Does headquarters think I've been too idle lately, or do they think the New World is too peaceful?"

My title of 'Commander-in-Chief of the New World Strategy' isn't for nothing; I haven't let my guard down with anyone I needed to keep an eye on.

Looking at Gern, Garp snorted, his eyes darkening, and he almost gritted his teeth as he uttered a name: "Red-Haired Shanks."

The moment the name was uttered, the air in the office seemed to freeze.

Gern knew that Garp had absolutely no good feelings towards Shanks, and could even be described as loathing him.

After all, in Garp's eyes, it was that red-haired bastard who "kidnapped" his precious grandson in the East Blue.

The dangerous idea of ​​"becoming the Pirate King" was instilled in the young and ignorant Luffy!

"Red hair?" Gern raised an eyebrow, about to ask more questions.

As it happened, the Den Den Mushi (transmitter snail) on the desk, responsible for receiving encrypted documents from headquarters, started ringing.

Then it started clicking and spitting out a document that had just been printed.

Seeing this, Guern put down his teacup, walked to his desk, picked up the documents, and quickly scanned them with his eyes.

The document contains an analysis of the Red-Haired Pirates' recent activities and the headquarters' strategic considerations and recommendations.

"Heh... Red-Haired Shanks... It's just like someone delivering a pillow to someone who's just fallen asleep."

Guern casually tossed the documents onto the table, leaned back in his chair, and crossed his arms over his stomach.

"Our Fleet Admiral Sengoku said that, based on headquarters intelligence and analysis... he believes the Red-Haired Pirates' recent expansion has been too rapid."

Beneath its advocated concept of 'balance' lies an uncertain ambition, requiring 'attention' and 'discipline'.

“However, this suits me just fine.” After saying that, Gern looked up at Karp and said, “I’ve always kept track of Barrett’s score from back on Carloro Island.”

Was it a big deal that Barrett lost to Shanks back then? Not for Gern!

At least initially, Gern believed that Barrett's loss to Shanks was more due to a lack of skill.

However, after Tezzolo's investigation, things didn't look right.

In particular, they discovered a series of underhanded actions by Hongo, the ship's doctor and intelligence officer on the Red-Haired Pirates, before that battle.

First, they accurately grasped Barrett's arrogant, belligerent, and easily provoked personality, and then used a series of subtle, elusive actions...

He successfully channeled Barrett's rage into the battlefield Shanks had planned.

Then there, Shanks, under the guise of a "fair duel," actually lured his opponent into a trap.

He rightfully ascended the throne of the Sea Emperor by stepping on the shoulders of one of his strongest forces.

At the same time, after this battle, Shanks not only won the battle, but also gained a broader perspective.

With minimal cost, it achieved the dual goals of establishing its prestige and expanding its territory, turning the G-10's sharp edge into the most dazzling decoration on its crown.

Therefore, this calculated strategy of using someone else's strength to achieve two goals at once is what Gern truly cannot tolerate.

Gern had wanted to settle this score with him for a long time.

However, the Red-Haired Pirates had been elusive, and Gern had been busy dealing with the movements of the other three Emperors.

Especially that random 'Cornetto' that fell from the sky.

Therefore, I haven't found a suitable opportunity yet.

Now, Sengoku has officially put the task of "paying attention" to Shanks on the agenda, which can only be described as him walking right into a trap.

"They schemed against my people, and then ascended to the throne of one of the Four Emperors in great glory..."

Gern slowly stood up, walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, and gazed at the vast sea outside the G-10 base that belonged to him. His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a cold laugh.

"There's no such thing as a free lunch."

"It's time to wake up this newly crowned 'Sea Emperor'."

"Let him know that in the new world, some rules are not set by him and then they are final."

..........

[Illustrated by Xianyu: I'll share more later. Since I can't afford an artist, I'll slowly work on AI myself. If I think it's good, I'll share it. However, since it's AI, don't expect it to be perfect.]

What are you doing here? Gern

Chapter 382 The Bear's 'Guardianship of Justice'

After confirming the matter, Gern left the office and walked towards the small garden inside the G-10 base.

The afternoon sun filtered through the sparse branches and leaves, creating dappled light spots on the grass.

On a bench in the small garden, Bartholomew the Great sat quietly, holding a thick Bible.

His massive frame, however, exuded an unusual serenity, as he wore the black priest's robes that his wife, Ginny, had sewn for him.

He wasn't wearing a hat, revealing his neatly combed, short brown hair that resembled bear ears.

Meanwhile, on the hard cover of that Bible, a small, slightly blurry baby footprint was clearly printed.

That was the first footprint left when Bonnie was born.

It was preserved permanently by the bear in a special way, becoming one of his most cherished marks.

Seeing the bear's peaceful and serene demeanor, Gern subconsciously slowed his pace.

But the bear's Observation Haki was also quite good; it instantly sensed someone approaching, raised its head, and behind its round glasses, its eyes held a gentle smile as it took the initiative to greet them.

"Mr. Gern."

Since the end of the "Holy Land Incident", it has officially joined the G-10.

The stable life of the past few years has made Xiong completely accustomed to everything now.

He has a loving wife, Ginny, and a lovely daughter, Bonnie.

They can also occasionally use their abilities to act as priests for the islands or naval soldiers under the protection of G-10, healing their wounds and dispelling their pain.

This kind of life, with a wife, children, and a warm bed, and the ability to practice his good intentions, is a happiness he once dared not hope for.

Of course, Xiong also proved with his actions that gentle people, no matter where they are, will radiate a warm light.

"Mr. Gurn, is there a mission?" Xiong gently closed the Bible in his hand, held it carefully in his arms, and then stood up, looking as if he was ready to obey orders at any time.

“Hmm.” Gern nodded and explained, “Barrett is out on patrol, and Mihawk has been sparring with swordsmen on the high seas, as is his habit.”

Lipo has other missions, and Toritoma and Tezzolo also have their own responsibilities, so it's not convenient to move them around for the time being, therefore..."

"so!!!"

Before Gern could finish speaking, an extremely arrogant voice, drawn out in a long, drawn-out tone, accompanied by a blinding flash of lightning, suddenly exploded from the sky!

"Boom!" A bolt of blue-white lightning struck down from the sky, hitting precisely the open ground in front of Gern and Xiong.

As the lightning dissipated, Enelna's figure was revealed, wearing a white headscarf and with earlobes reaching his shoulders.

He stood with one hand on his hip and the other picking at his ear with his little finger, striking a pose of looking down on everyone else.

He proclaimed in his distinctive, arrogant tone, thick with nasal resonance.

"Therefore, you need the descent of God!!"

Mortals, accept my blessings with gratitude! Hahahaha!!

Gern looked at this guy who could never shake off his habit of putting on an act whenever he appeared on stage, and rubbed his temples in exasperation.

Kuma maintained his gentle expression; he was already used to Enel's actions.

"Hey! Enel!!" Gern grabbed the god's large earlobe and yelled.

"How many times have I told you? Elemental high-speed movement is prohibited inside the base, especially this kind of entrance."

Do you know how much it costs to maintain the flowers and plants in a garden?! You bastard!

This all has to come from my secret stash of money!!

"Ah! Stop, stop!" Enel's expression changed completely after his ear was pulled.

After a long while, she finally managed to break free, then covered her reddened earlobe with one hand, and slung the golden staff over her shoulder with the other, coldly snorting.

"Hmph, how could mortals comprehend the steps of gods?"

"Tell me, which arrogant fool are you going to 'teach' this time? I've been incredibly bored lately."

Instead of answering Enel directly, Gern turned his gaze back to the composed Kuma and finished his earlier interrupted statement: "The Four Emperors, the Red-Haired Pirates."