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

“Because…” Gern’s gaze swept over the naval officers below the stage, over the live broadcast camera, and over the millions of naval soldiers watching the broadcast.

"It belongs to every naval comrade who fought bravely and sacrificed their lives in the Marineford War!"

"Justice, which we all stand up for!"

Immediately afterward, amidst countless astonished gazes, Gern suddenly clenched his fist, holding the medal tightly!

With a soft "plop," the medal, crafted from a special metal, trembled under the terrifying vibration in his palm.

It was instantly crushed, turning into a handful of fine metal and gemstone powder, which was then spread out in the palm of the hand.

Let the dust, representing the "Supreme Guardian of the World Government," drift away on the gentle breeze of Mary Geoise into the cool air of the holy land.

"Therefore, I, Gern, will never enjoy this glory alone!!"

"It will belong to... the entire Navy!!!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Gern's right hand, which had just crushed the medal and was still covered in dust,...

"Smack!" The slap was quite forceful, more like some kind of declaration.

He slammed his fist heavily onto Shepard X. Pitt Saint's shoulder!

In an instant, dust settled on Piet Saint's luxurious suit.

And the "excited" smile on Gern's face was clearly reflected in Piet Saint's eyes at such close range.

Where was there even a trace of gratitude or loyalty in that smile?

It was clearly mockery, absolute confidence, and a kind of playful mockery that made him think he had everything under control!

Shepard X. Pitt was startled, and instantly understood.

This man's intentions are far more complex than simply declaring war!

He's trying to overthrow the Heavenly Gang!

Isn't the world government trying to bind him with honor and undermine him with public opinion?

Fine, he won't refuse. Instead, he'll crush this "honor" completely and then announce in front of the whole world that he'll "distribute" it to the entire navy!

Attacking him is tantamount to attacking the sacrifices of the entire navy and "justice" itself.

He's trying to turn the shackles the World Government is trying to impose on him into stones that will fall on the World Government itself!

He wanted to crush, just like this medal, the rumors that had been spread within the Navy questioning his suitability for command!

He is not rejecting honor; he is seizing the right to interpret "honor" and "justice"!

He's not taking pride in his achievements; he's trying to...

Use glory as a weapon, and turn illusion into reality!

He transformed the World Government's feigned "honor" into a real weapon to boost the morale of the navy and seize leadership from the World Government!

This move is more sophisticated and ruthless than simply flipping the table!

At this moment, it was Gern's turn to stand on the moral high ground.

They used the stage set up by the World Government itself to carry out a perfect counterattack!

As Pitt Saint looked at Gern's mocking smile, a chill ran from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

He realized that they had still greatly underestimated how terrifying this man was.

"Oh no, if this happens..." Piet Saint suddenly turned his head, realizing what was happening.

as predicted!

Because of Gern's move, Topman Vochuli Saint, the God of Law and Martial Arts standing behind him, immediately stood up and tried to turn the tide.

"General Gern is absolutely right!"

He first echoed Guern's words, addressing the camera and the entire audience in a tone full of "understanding" and "concern" as he spoke.

"The victory at Marineford belongs to all the officers and soldiers of the Navy!"

"The world government deeply agrees and is grateful for this!"

Then, he changed the subject and began to appeal to emotions and reason: "However, precisely because of this, the navy needs stability even more!"

Although Whitebeard was defeated, the New World order has changed dramatically, and the other four Emperors are eyeing him covetously. Further retaliation may be unavoidable!

At this turbulent time, the Navy desperately needs an absolute powerhouse to anchor the New World, deterring the wicked and protecting justice!

As he spoke, he looked "earnestly" at Gern's hypocritical path.

"And this person is none other than you, 'Skyquake' Gern Reginald Sigmar!"

Only you can master the entire new world!

"Therefore..." At this point, Saint Vochuli dropped the pretense and directly revealed the core arrangement.

"After deliberation by the World Governments, a decision has been made."

Admiral Guern should continue to serve as the strategic commander of the New World, shouldering the heavy responsibility of protecting the gateway to the New World and countering the threat of the Four Emperors!

"As for Marshal Sengoku, he has made great contributions and is very experienced, so he will continue to serve as the Fleet Marshal!"

After all, the navy had just suffered a fierce battle and was still recovering its strength. It was a time when it needed capable personnel, and changing commanders in the midst of battle was a major taboo, detrimental to internal stability and reconstruction efforts.

Finally, they simply revealed their true intentions, announcing a seemingly groundbreaking but actually meticulously planned promotion in front of the entire world.

"At the same time, in order to better coordinate the defense of the new world, General Gern is given more legitimate powers."

The World Government has decided to establish a new position, 'Marine Commander-in-Chief' (or 'New World Governor'), below the Fleet Admiral.

And it will be headed by Gern Reginald Sigmar!

Then, they continued to proclaim the powers granted by the so-called world government.

"This position is nominally in charge of all New World naval bases!"

"And they have the authority to launch 'special military operations' against the Four Emperors of any scale! They can make decisions on the spot without needing to consult with others on every matter!"

Unfortunately, while the words sounded nice, behind this glamorous power lay fatal limitations (he didn't say it explicitly, but those in the know understood immediately).

First, all budgets and logistical supplies needed for military operations after Gern leaves the New World must be applied for and approved jointly by Headquarters and the World Government.

The authority to transfer officers of lieutenant general rank and above at Marineford headquarters remains with Fleet Admiral Sengoku. (This effectively blocks personnel control over the headquarters' high-level combat forces.)

In other words, the position of "Grand Commander" or "Governor" was of no practical use to Guern!

Since the moment Gern stepped down from his position as Cyborg and went to the New World to develop G-10, all these years...

Through a series of operations and established facts, it has long since gained a high degree of autonomy in the new world!

He fights with his own G-10 system and his own "Cataclysmic" elite forces. When has he ever really needed support from headquarters or the World Government?

This position is merely a fancy name; it's an attempt to give someone a new "title."

It was merely a figurehead position used to cover up and limit his existing real power!

The world government's intentions are very clear!

Since we can't bind you with honor in the first step, let's confine you to this new world with a glamorous but empty title.

At the same time, using the chains of budget and personnel authority, they are trying to put this beast back into the cage of the new world!

Chapter 492 The Pressure Came on the World Government's Side

Just as Topman Vochuli felt that his reaction was swift and his methods were skillful

He temporarily "stabilized" the situation with a few words, and thought he had succeeded by offering that carefully crafted "nominal position."

He then subconsciously turned around, wanting to see Guern's reaction.

But what caught his eye was the unchanging smile on Gern's face.

Yes, a blatant smile!

There was no anger at being schemed against, nor resentment at being bound; only a sense of... composure and mockery, like watching a clown perform.

Shepard X. Pitt Saint, standing beside him, had an extremely ugly expression.

He even lowered his voice and gritted his teeth as he spoke to Saint Vochuli.

"Vocuri! He deliberately forced you to come out and reveal this second step!"

"Push us to take a second step?" Topman Vochuli Saint clearly didn't believe it, and even thought that Piet Saint was making a mountain out of a molehill.

"Given the situation, we offered a 'reasonable' arrangement, silencing him and giving him both face and substance (though it was all superficial)."

Could Gern possibly retaliate under these circumstances? Could he possibly refuse this 'promotion'?

In his view, this second step was the optimal solution that could be obtained after putting Gern on the hot seat.

Now, Gern has almost no choice but to accept it.

Especially with the entire world broadcasting the event, the world government can't back out, and Gern can't openly refuse the promotion!

After all, the Navy and the World Government haven't completely severed ties yet!

Therefore, he didn't believe it!

However, Guern had no choice but to believe it!

The moment Vochuli finished speaking, Gern moved again.

The unsettling smile on his face vanished abruptly, replaced by an expression of utmost solemnity.

Immediately afterwards, he stepped forward, his gaze sharp and intense, sweeping across the entire arena before finally settling on Saint Vociuli.

"Thank you for the World Government's trust! Promotion!"

The retention of the Warring States Marshal is the cornerstone of stabilizing the morale of the army, and I have no objection to it and firmly support it!

As for the position of 'Grand Admiral,' I am keenly aware of the weighty responsibility, and I will do my utmost to safeguard the gates of the New World for the World Government!

"However, since the World Government has granted me the title of 'Admiral of the Navy' and also given me..."

"The power to 'command all naval bases in the New World' and 'launch special military operations against the Four Emperors without limitation on scale.'"

“Then…” Gern’s voice suddenly rose, his tone hesitant.

"To ensure the smooth implementation of this strategy and avoid delays due to logistical or personnel constraints, thus preventing justice from being tarnished..."

"I, Gern Reginald Sigmar, in the name of the Navy's Grand Admiral, hereby solemnly request..."

"Effective immediately, the budget and resource allocation authority for all naval bases in the New World shall be..."

The appointment, removal, and transfer of officers below the rank of lieutenant general (including lieutenant general) shall be entirely controlled and managed by our G-10!

"This is necessary for exercising authority and is the cornerstone for upholding justice!"

We urge the World Government and the Navy Headquarters to grant us full authorization and support!

"How is it? Any problems?" Gern asked in front of the whole world: "Legal Martial God, Topman Vochuli."

Look, Gern accepted the position, and even mentioned some rights he already possessed, but which the World Government had previously refused to recognize...

The tension that had been building up in Sacred Volcioli instantly eased at Sacred Piet's words, and a hint of smugness rose within him.

"I agree, as long as it's the New World, you have full authority!!"

This is a promise from the world government!! The whole world is witnessing it!!

"Well said!!!"

For the first time, Gern realized how useful the World Government's words could be.

Just when the World Government believed that Gern had been tamed by honors and empty titles, and declared to the world the necessity of exercising his authority...

After it is 100% certain that the world government has affirmed its power under the watchful eyes of the entire world!!

Gern... finally revealed his true fangs and ultimate goal.

His lips, which had been slightly upturned, now curled up completely, forming an aggressive smile.

At the same time, instead of getting bogged down in specific power details, the cameras are once again broadcasting live to the world.

Using his newly "recognized" title of "New World Grand Marshal," he dropped a real bombshell.

"Since the World Government and Headquarters have placed such trust in me and entrusted me with this important task..."

"Therefore, in my capacity as the newly appointed 'Grand Marshal of the New World,' I hereby solemnly propose..."