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

Those five old guys chose you for this position because you needed to balance the interests of all parties.

Now, they feel you're no longer 'useful,' or rather, they have new plans.

Having said that, Gern's gaze pierced through Sengoku's heart, directly hitting the core point: "And, if I'm not mistaken..."

"You summoned me here because you want me, and my 'Calamity' forces, to fully participate in this execution defense battle, right?"

“That’s right.” Sengoku answered without the slightest hesitation, readily admitting it.

“Impossible!” Gern’s answer was equally firm and left no room for argument.

"If the Navy and Whitebeard go into full-scale war, what will happen to G-10 once I leave the New World?"

Kaido, Big Mom, and Shanks, whom I recently humiliated.

They're not the kind of people who care about morality! Do you think they'd just stand by and watch my rear base remain unscathed?

G-10 already made many great pirates in the New World feel like they had been punished.

Once news of my headquarters' participation in the war spreads, the probability of them joining forces to attack G-10 is at least 80%!

“You come, your ‘Cataclysmic’ members can…” Sengoku tried to offer an alternative.

"Marshal Sengoku!" Gern interrupted again, his tone more forceful, "Please wake up!"

“I, Gern Reginald Sigma, represent the Navy’s order and power in the New World!”

And they are pirates! In the New World, that dog-eat-dog world, there is no such thing as morality!

Only naked force deterrence!

My presence is like a mountain they dare not cross.

"I'm not here?" Gern sneered. "That's a huge, tempting cake that's left unattended!"

Do you think the possibility of two, or even three, of the Four Emperors temporarily joining forces to divide up the benefits of G-10 is very low?

Or rather, do they really not want to remove this thorn in their side?

Gern's words struck Sengoku's heart like a cold cannonball, revealing a cruel reality.

Gern and his G-10 are already deeply intertwined with the strategic plans of the Navy Headquarters and even the World Government, where a single move can have far-reaching consequences.

Forcibly withdrawing Gern could very well lead to the collapse of the entire strategic layout of the New World, triggering a chain of disasters that would occur much earlier and be far more uncontrollable than the Marineford battlefield.

Chapter 447 I move, and no one dares to move!

"Damn, this kid's acting is really convincing!"

Looking at Gern's righteous and serious demeanor, with everything focused on the Navy's New World strategy...

If it weren't for the fact that Sengoku had been maneuvering and playing a game with Gern for over a decade since becoming marshal, he would almost have been fooled by Gern's patriotic and concerned-for-the-people demeanor.

"Gern!!!"

Sengoku abruptly stood up from his seat, placed his hands on the table, leaned forward, and his gaze pierced through the facade of pretense, uttering a low, sharp cry.

"There are only the two of us here, so let's skip the formalities and platitudes!"

"Do you think I don't know what you're up to by suddenly bringing that troublesome Golden Lion Shiki back?!"

"As expected..." Gern thought to himself, but his face showed no surprise; he simply sighed helplessly.

He then helplessly shrugged and admitted in a half-joking tone, "Three parts fake, nine parts real~"

"The safety of G-10 is a very real concern, and I'm not lying about that, Marshal."

"Gr, hmm." Sengoku stared intently at him, his tone heavy, "Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit ability, even in his old age, is by no means a force to be underestimated!"

"Otherwise, why would I go to such lengths?"

"Of course, if you don't agree, hehe."

I have an even simpler, more direct, and 'better' plan that won't affect your G-10 at all...

"Hmm?" Gern raised his eyebrows, signaling him to continue.

“That is…” Sengoku sneered, saying each word clearly, “You, General Gern, will now return directly from Marineford to the New World.”

On Whitebeard's way from leaving his territory to Marineford, or even directly storming into his headquarters!

With your strength, 'Skyquake,' and the 'Calamity' under your command, you'll kill him on the spot in front of his entire crew! He won't even have a chance to reach Marineford!

"What?" Sengoku continued to lean forward, "But... if I give such an order..."

All your careful planning and long-awaited expectations have ultimately come to nothing, haven't they, Gern?

This move, which cuts off the enemy's supply lines, is undeniably ruthless!

This directly forces Guern to choose between "obeying orders" and "pursuing his own interests."

But after hearing this, Gern was clearly stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting the Warring States to propose such a resolute plan.

But then, as if he had heard something extremely interesting, he lowered his head and laughed out loud.

"Hehe... Haha... What a brilliant plan! What a brilliant plan! No wonder you are the strategist and marshal of the Warring States period!"

Gern laughed, shook his head, and clapped.

When Sengoku was completely stunned, he forcibly suppressed the urge to grin wildly upwards from his lips, but the sharpness in his eyes could no longer be concealed.

Tilting his head slightly, he looked at Sengoku and asked in a slow, deliberate tone, almost provocatively.

"But... my dear Warring States Marshal!"

He deliberately prolonged the last syllable, making each word crystal clear.

"What do you think... here, in Marineford...?"

"You... can you command me?"

The air seemed to freeze at that moment.

Yes! The Grand Admiral of Marineford cannot command the strategic commander of the New World on G-10!

This statement was no longer a subordinate's response to a superior, but rather a direct clash of power between two naval giants who controlled vast territories!

This is also the result of Guern's planning over the years!

You, Sengoku, once your orders leave the first half of the Grand Line... nobody in the New World will care!

Hearing this, Sengoku's hand, which was resting on the table, clenched slightly. Looking into Gern's eyes, which no longer concealed his ambition, he knew that all the pretense and probing had ended.

The real negotiations are only just beginning.

The bargaining chips are no longer simply military deployments, but rather transactions concerning the future格局 (geju, a term referring to the overall political landscape or economic situation).

"What do you want?" Sengoku sighed deeply and slumped back into his chair.

The Gern before him was the 'self' that Cyborg faced back then.

If you don't give it to him, he'll come and snatch it from you!

Seeing Sengoku's expression, Gern silently stacked the teacups on the table and said softly.

“I think Marineford should be in the New World.”

......

After a long while, Gern finally pushed open the heavy wooden door to the Marshal's office and walked out with a calm expression.

Tesoro, who had been waiting outside the door, immediately stepped forward and whispered, "General Gern..."

"Hmm." Gern continued walking forward without stopping, his tone steady.

"Everything proceeded as originally planned."

“I will be present at Marineford’s public execution.”

Tesoro's eyes sharpened, he paused for a second, and then immediately followed suit, listening for the detailed instructions to come.

As he walked, Gern quickly issued orders, his speech slow but decisive.

"At the same time, you should arrange for our people, whom we've planted within Kaido's territory, to begin spreading the news."

It would be best to embellish the story and make sure that 'big mudfish' becomes absolutely interested in attending this 'feast of the strongest' in Marineford.

He likes chaos and powerful figures, so give him an irresistible reason to watch.

"Notify Snake Princess Torituma and Hawkeye Mihawk to join forces and cause a big stir in the New World. Find a few big pirate crews that are causing trouble and wipe them out completely."

"Let's muddy the waters, so that old fox Wang Zhi of 'Pirate Island' will run away at the first sign of trouble, just like last time, and prevent him and other great pirates from taking advantage of the chaos."

"As for Redhead..." Gern's lips curled into a cold smile, "He's very concerned about his image and considers himself a maintainer of balance."

He'll definitely get involved in this kind of situation; we don't need to specifically ask him to.

“And BIG MOM…” Gurn’s eyes turned cold instantly, “You directly inform Enel and Bartholomew Kuma to personally go to Totto Land.”

No need to hide your whereabouts, your objective is clear...

A direct assault on her 'Three Sweethearts'! Find them one by one, kill them if you can, or beat them until they're terrified!

"Just confront that pampered old woman who's lived a life of luxury on Whole Cake Island for decades, and show her the truth..."

Gern stopped, turned around, his gaze sharp, and uttered the last sentence with unwavering certainty, radiating an absolute confidence and domineering air.

"Even if I, Gern, were to make a move and leave the New World, no one would dare touch my G-10!!!"

"Anyone who dares to reach out, I'll chop off their paws!"

"If Big Mom dares to make any move, her Tavern..."

I wouldn't mind paying a 'visit' beforehand!"

"At worst, I'll cripple her and then come back!!!"

As Tesoro listened to this series of interconnected, ruthless, and precise orders, he was deeply impressed by Gern's decisiveness and skill.

This is not just defense, but also a proactive deterrent!

He wanted all potential enemies to understand that even if he personally went to Marineford, the sky of the New World would still belong to him, "Sky-Shattering" Gern!

"Understood! I'll arrange it immediately!"

Chapter 448 Unstoppable

Gern led Tesoro through a long corridor, and as they reached the end, they witnessed a scene that was both somewhat comical and full of childlike wonder.

Bored, Lippo was using the motionless Barrett as a giant slide, happily sliding down his muscular back with a "whoosh".

Then they climbed up again, using both their hands and feet, and repeated the process over and over.

Barrett remained expressionless but did not stop them; he simply stood there steadily.

Looking at this incongruous yet strangely harmonious scene, a helpless smile appeared on Gern's face, and he shook his head.

He had just raised his hand, ready to call Ripo and Barrett to leave...

As a result, the movement stopped.

The raised hand was slowly lowered.

His gaze passed over the playful Lipo and the silent Barrett, landing on the shadowy corner on the other side of the corridor.

There stood a figure.

Wearing that familiar dog-head hat, but now the face under the brim no longer showed the usual boldness and cheerfulness, only an unyielding sorrow.

He stood there quietly, his deep gaze piercing through the corridor and fixed firmly on Gern.

It's Garp.

Gern and Karp's eyes met in mid-air, without a word.

After making eye contact, the smile on Gern's face vanished completely, and he regained his usual composure. He turned his head slightly and gave Tesoro a look.

Tesoro immediately understood. He first nodded respectfully in Garp's direction and greeted him, "Vice Admiral Garp."

Then, without saying another word, he strode towards Ribo and Barrett, who were still playing around.

Clearly, they were to be temporarily taken away from the area, leaving Gern and Karp with a space to talk alone.

Soon, at the end of the corridor, only Gern and Karp, standing in the shadows at the corner, remained, silently facing each other at a distance.