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

This subtle difference reflects his profound understanding of the nature of Guern.

His apprentice was never merely a passive executor or a man who did useless work.

Facing his teacher, Gern showed no pretense and spoke directly.

"I've been in the position of general... for a bit too long."

Zephyr was not surprised by this, but calmly stated the reality: "The World Government is not stupid and will not allow you to take the position of Fleet Admiral."

He knew all too well that Gern's uncontrolled destructiveness and independence posed a great threat to the five Mary Geoises.

Instead of refuting this fact, Gern changed the subject and threw the question back to Zeffa.

"So, Professor Zefa, besides me, who among the three... do you think is the most likely?"

As the teacher of the four current admirals of the Navy (although the way he taught Gern was the most unique).

But Zephyr knew everything about Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino—their personalities, abilities, and even their hidden flaws.

“Borusalino…” Zephyr shook his head slightly. “That guy, although he’s always slacking off and seems indifferent to everything.”

But it is precisely this kind of person who, when faced with crucial decisions at critical moments, is someone whose true thoughts are impossible for anyone to fathom.

He was too clever and too good at protecting himself, making him difficult to control.

The world government won't like an unpredictable marshal.

“And Kuzan…” Zephyr sighed, his tone tinged with regret and disappointment, “needless to say.”

"That guy is getting lazier and lazier these days, his ideas are wavering, and now he even dares to directly disobey orders at times."

Immersed in his own 'burning justice' and confusion.

If he were to become Fleet Admiral, he might be able to counter the World Government's control, but his indecisiveness and frequently off-track behavior...

Forget about pushing for change, they probably can't even control the navy internally; it will only make the situation more chaotic.

At this point, Zephyr sneered, "On the other hand, Sakazuki... is a different story."

"uh-huh?"

"Heh, it's not that he's so great, but... he's too easy for anyone to see through." Zephyr sighed.

Of the three, he was the simplest and purest of them all.

Just like his belief in 'absolute justice,' he was extreme, stubborn, and saw things in black and white.

He's the type to go down a path to the bitter end, straightforward and inflexible, to some extent...

He was a born soldier, a perfectly obedient machine.

In the end, Zephyr, with a hint of sarcasm, revealed the World Government's deepest considerations.

"This kind of personality... is exactly what the World Government is looking for and what is easiest for them to control, making them the best candidate for Marshal."

"what about me?"

“As for you? Hahaha!” Zepha looked at Gern and burst out laughing.

“Gern, those five old bastards in the World Government would rather let Sengoku sit in that position until he dies than let you climb up!”

After all, they can still distinguish between 'dying slowly' and 'dying immediately'!

"Stop daydreaming!" Zefa said, his smile fading and his tone turning serious.

"So, let's get down to business! You wouldn't come looking for a retired old man like me to reminisce for no reason."

"I see!" Gern met Zefa's scrutinizing gaze and, no longer beating around the bush, directly revealed his true purpose.

"I want Ain."

The moment the name "Aion" was uttered, Zephyr's expression froze, his smile frozen on his face.

He understood Gern's intention almost immediately!

His eyes behind the sunglasses snapped open, and he took a step forward.

"You bastard!!! Impossible!!"

I absolutely, positively will not let Ain go with you to do that kind of thing!! Don't even think about it!

Despite Zephyr's fury, Gern's expression remained unchanged, as if he had anticipated Zephyr's reaction, and his voice remained calm.

“Zeff, you also know in your heart that even after this all-out war with Whitebeard ends, regardless of victory or defeat…”

As long as Fleet Admiral Sengoku is still alive, and as long as the World Government has a choice...

He'll most likely remain in the marshal's position, maintaining that fragile balance.

“But…” Gern paused slightly, his gaze becoming extremely imposing.

"Marineford should no longer exist!"

These words made Zefa gasp for breath.

Gern continued, "I can give up the marshal's position; I can even continue to be my general."

But... I want the real power of a marshal!

I want the Marine Headquarters to be completely relocated to the New World!

Right under my G-10's nose!!

He stared at Zefa, his tone carrying an almost obsessive resolve: "A complete military system, yet for a long time there were two centers of power and two administrative centers."

Isn't this a de facto split? Isn't this a betrayal of the unified naval system established by Admiral Steelbone back then?!

At this point, Gern's voice suddenly rose, "In short, this all-out war is the best stage!"

I will push my power, my will, and my 'justice' to the extreme under the watchful eyes of the whole world!

Use undeniable achievements and deterrence to force them to make a choice!

"Therefore, in order to achieve this goal, I need Ain, the user of the 'Rewind Fruit' who can smooth over time and repair wounds!"

“Gern Reginald Sigma!!!”

“Professor Zefa!!!” Gern retorted.

You said it! You told me!

It's really cool to stick to your beliefs throughout your life! Isn't it?

"A belief that must be upheld..."

"That's right. I have never forgotten my beliefs..."

"The Navy... has reached its peak!!"

Chapter 452 I Have Two Hundred Times the Effort

The room fell into a deathly silence.

Libo sat on the sofa, even her breathing became shallow, her big eyes nervously watching the two people facing off.

Zephyr stared intently at Gern.

Although he had always known about Gern's idea, he only knew about reaching the top.

Now, he truly and completely understands the immense, heart-stopping ambition of the 'West Sea Soldier' ​​he once admired.

He not only wants power, but also a complete restructuring of the navy!

In particular, this is no longer a request, but... a notification.

Looking into Gern's unwavering eyes, Zefa knew he couldn't change his disciple's mind.

He sighed deeply, staggered back a step, and then helplessly lowered his head, looking at the ground.

Then, he raised his head and gave Gern a deep look.

“You know… if you lose…” Zefa’s words were on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn’t finish them.

Because he knew that any warnings would be futile against the person in front of him who had already planned everything.

In the end, he could only wave his hand wearily, "Forget it... I'm an old man who's already retired, I can't persuade you anymore."

Besides... you've never been one to do things you're not sure about.

"As for Ain's side... that kid Tesoro should have already made 'contact' him by now, right?"

You didn't come here to ask for my permission at all, you just came to let me know, right?

Gurn did not answer yes or no.

Silence is the clearest answer.

Instead of trying to explain or promise, they responded with concrete actions.

Gern slowly took a small bottle from his waist pocket, flicked his wrist, and tossed it precisely at Zefa.

Zefa instinctively reached out and caught it. It was slightly heavy in his hand, and the familiar feel of the bottle made him pause for a moment.

This is his favorite brand of drink.

Gern looked at Zephyr's hand holding the bottle, his voice calm, "Professor Zephyr, ever since... when I was defeated by Roger and fell into the sea..."

“I have already sworn an oath.”

“I am Gern Reginald Sigmar…”

"We will never lose again!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Gern didn't linger. He turned around resolutely, the hem of his coat drawing an arc in the air.

Libo jumped off the sofa, said goodbye to Zefa, and jogged to catch up with Gern.

After the two left, Zephyr clutched the bottle of wine tightly by himself.

Finally, I unscrewed the cap, tilted my head back, and took a big gulp.

"Foolish disciple, your teacher believes in you too!"

But... I'm worried about you too.

..........

In the days that followed, the shadow of war loomed ever heavier over Marineford.

Under the World Government's forced summons, the members of the Seven Warlords of the Sea arrived one after another.

Among them, "Knight of the Sea" Jinbe, who didn't want to fight against the Whitebeard Pirates who were on good terms with him.

Therefore, they reiterated Fishman Island's stance of not participating in human conflicts, openly refused to be summoned, voluntarily cooperated, and were ultimately stripped of their titles and imprisoned.

Empress Boa Hancock, though outwardly responding to the summons, is secretly harboring Straw Hat Luffy.

Using the privileges of the Seven Warlords of the Sea as cover, they quietly infiltrated the impenetrable Impel Down, thus beginning Luffy's so-called great adventure in the deep sea prison.

At this point, only three of the Seven Warlords of the Sea had actually arrived at Marineford to participate in the battle.

Donquixote Doflamingo, the "Heavenly Demon," and Gecko Moria

And, "Blackbeard" Marshall D. Teach, who orchestrated the trigger for this incident.

Of the seven nominally powerful warlords of the sea, only four, including Hancock whose stance was unclear, were present.

Such a thin lineup of "high-end combat forces" was clearly insufficient to meet the defensive needs of the Warring States period.

Thus, a special transfer order fell into Gern's hands.

Sengoku hoped that he could have Douglas Barrett temporarily replace the Seven Warlords in the lineup at the execution site.

.........

Marineford, street

At this moment, Gern is leading Barrett and Lipo towards the conference hall.

"It seems our Warring States Marshal wants me to go and support him!" Gern said calmly, revealing neither joy nor anger.

“Gern, Gern,” Lippo asked curiously, sitting on Barrett’s shoulders and swinging her legs, “Will Hancock be at that meeting too?”

“Her?” Guern chuckled. “She’s definitely not here.”

If she had stayed put and behaved herself, things might have turned out differently...