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

"It's not that..."

Akainu was about to speak, but Gern didn't need Akainu's reply and proceeded to paint a worrying picture.

"Without the deterrent effect of the main naval force, the pirates there will multiply and grow stronger at an unprecedented rate!"

They would think that the navy had abandoned the area and would plunder trade routes and massacre civilians with impunity, turning that sea area into a truly lawless hell!

The fresh blood flowing in from all corners of the world will pass through there without hindrance, continuously injecting into the new world and becoming an even more powerful enemy we will need to face in the future!

Appeal to their emotions and reason with them.

He laid bare the strategic importance and potential threats of the first half of the Grand Line to Akainu.

"At that time, we'll be fighting the Four Emperors to the death in front, and they'll be sticking voodoo dolls at us from behind! Is that even fair?!"

Gern became increasingly agitated as he spoke, even rushing to Akainu's table, slamming his hands on it, leaning forward, and looking intently.

“Sakazuki, I need a man like you right now.”

A man with a magma-like sense of justice, unwavering will, and absolute strength, who can even scare pirates into jumping into the sea on their own!

With you in charge of the old Marineford site (the newly built G-2 branch), you will re-establish an ironclad order!

Use your 'absolute justice' to purify that decaying 'paradise'!!

Chapter 501 Life is a wilderness! Marshal.

In fact, Gern's words had already persuaded Akainu.

But who is Akainu?

That's a patient with severe paranoia; his brows are furrowed so tightly they could crush a sea king, clearly he's still engaged in a fierce internal struggle.

Gern was also shrewd; upon seeing this, he immediately switched to "silent mode," giving Akainu ample time to overthink things.

Then, with a "patriotic and heartbroken" expression on his face, he silently counted...

"Three, two, one... take the bait!"

Without giving Akainu too much time to think, once the atmosphere was right, Gern shouted loudly.

Five years!!!

"Five years?" Akainu raised his eyes and stared at Gern.

"That's right, I only need five years!"

Within five years, I will completely integrate the New World and establish unshakeable naval hegemony!

"Five years from now, I, Gern Reginald Sigmar, swear by the 'justice' I believe in!"

I will resign from all military posts and retire completely!

At that time, I will personally, personally, and personally recommend you—Sakazuki—to succeed me as Admiral of the Navy!

"When the time comes, anyone who objects... I'll take them down!"

A deathly silence fell over the office.

Akainu stared intently at Gern, seemingly trying to discern the truth in his words.

Five years is not a long time for a peak expert.

He spent five years clearing out a sea area that he considered a gathering place for "small fish," in exchange for an undisputed...

The undisputed position of marshal was personally promoted by Gern, the "current bigwig."

This condition is perfect for someone who has always longed to sit in that position.

For Sakazuki, who adheres to his own ideals, it possesses an irresistible allure.

Because this is no longer an ordinary pancake!

This was practically a deluxe supreme pizza shoved into his mouth! With double cheese and lava ham!

In particular, Gern's "oath" sounded incredibly sincere, and it was sworn in the name of "justice."

This carries considerable weight for Akainu, who also regards "justice" as a belief.

Although Gern's "natural disaster justice" may sound a bit different from his understanding of "absolute justice" from its factory settings.

But they swore an oath based on their own "justice"!

Rounding it off is practically like staking the life of the Pirate King on it!

Of course, more importantly, Akainu was also aware of his own ulterior motives.

At this stage, the chances of successfully competing with Gern for the Marshal position are practically zero.

But now Gern has proactively "reserved" the spot for him, even including a "appeasement cake" for his faction...

These conditions are so sweet they're almost cloying.

After a long while, Akainu's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly, and he slowly leaned back in his chair, letting out a low groan.

"Remember your oath, Gern."

This is basically equivalent to saying, "I'll eat the pie, but you can save the seat for me."

“Of course.” Gern smiled with a look of relief and trust, and straightened up.

"Then... the first half of the Grand Line is yours, Sakazuki."

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the door without any hesitation.

"Wait!" Akainu's deep voice sounded from behind him.

"Hmm?" Gern paused, not turning around, but merely tilting his head slightly: "Is there anything else?"

“It’s…” Akainu’s voice carried his characteristic, unquestionable rigor, “…the scope of my authority…”

He needs written authorization... no, it needs official authorization at the level of a formal document!

Vague? Not at all! His dictionary of justice contains neither "probably" nor "possibly"!

Therefore, he needs clear authorization and clear boundaries, and absolutely no ambiguity is allowed to hinder his future actions.

And Gern seemed to have anticipated his question, and immediately answered...

"Rest assured! A brand new, independent G-2 headquarters, complete with top-notch furnishings, will be built for you at the original Marineford site!"

You are in full command of the overall defense of 'Paradise' and its entrances to all corners of the world!

You! Sakazuki, then... will be the 'absolute justice' of that sea!

Gern deliberately emphasized “complete independence” and “full authority” and “overall defense”, giving Akainu a great deal of autonomy and freedom of action.

Then, he added just the right touch, cleverly packaging this "external assignment" as a stepping stone to promotion and a generous gift.

"So, Sakazuki, let's consider these five years as a 'pre-job training internship' to get used to the duties of a marshal!"

These words, like the final weight, completely calmed Akainu's heart.

Having absolute power and clear expectations for the future almost fulfills all of his core needs at this stage.

“…” Akainu remained silent for a moment, which could be considered his final approval.

Gern didn't linger. He reached out, opened the office door, and stepped out.

The moment the door closed, Gern's smile vanished instantly. He walked steadily down the corridor, his mind as clear as a mirror.

Because the last force within the navy that could potentially challenge his authority has been temporarily diverted to the outside.

.........

Four days later, at the G-10 base office

After swiftly and efficiently completing the arrangements for Akainu and his radical faction, "exiling" them to the first half of the Grand Line to assume power,

Guern felt that his patience with desk work had reached its limit.

What was that saying again?

I am essentially a conqueror, a strategist.

A man who is accustomed to determining the course of the battlefield with strength and will

Not a clerical worker bound to an office by endless paperwork!

This intense coordination, planning, and internal integration that lasted for half a year had almost exhausted all of Guern's enthusiasm for this kind of work.

Thinking of this, someone turned their head to look at Tesoro, who was still immersed in high-speed work mode, his pen flying across the page.

A meaningful, slightly malicious smile appeared on his face as he drawled:

"Tai, Zo, Luo~~~"

The call caused Tezzolo's flying golden pen to freeze instantly.

There's no way around it, we're just too familiar with it!

That tone! That expression! My boss's "slacking off warning" has sounded!

Tesoro sighed helplessly, not even bothering to lift his head, and said in an almost resigned tone...

"General Gern, open the second drawer on your left and take a look."

"Oh ho!" Gern raised an eyebrow and did as he was told.

I opened the drawer, and there were no piles of documents inside, only a beautifully crafted invitation, lying there quietly.

Gern picked it up, looked at the flamboyant candy bow and the "BIG MOM" logo, and a smile crept onto his face.

"Invitation to Big Mom's tea party."

There are some underworld trading channels between G-10 and Totto Land (mainly operated by Tezoro).

As a symbol of maintaining a superficial "friendly" relationship, BIG MOM Charlotte Linlin would routinely send an invitation to Guern whenever she hosted a tea party.

At the same time, she was also aware that Admiral Gern, the leader of the fifth power in the new world...

There's absolutely no way he would lower himself to attend a gathering of pirates like her.

And indeed, Guern had never paid any attention to these invitations in the past, usually just throwing them in the trash.

but now……

As Gern stroked the exquisite invitation in his hand, the light in his eyes no longer shone with annoyance, but with great interest.

"Hehehe..." Gern chuckled softly, twirling the invitation between his fingers.

"Looks like it's time to try BIG MOM's cake and see if it's as 'sweet' as the legends say."

........

Gern, the hands-off manager, ran away swiftly and decisively, without any hesitation.

Almost immediately after he quietly left port G-10, he strolled over, wearing a floral shirt and carrying snacks, intending to check on Guern's predicament of being overwhelmed by documents.

Sengoku, after making a few more sarcastic remarks, stepped into that familiar office once again.

Unfortunately, the scenario of Gern being in a terrible predicament, as anticipated, did not materialize.

The office was empty except for the large desk, which was unusually tidy, a stark contrast to the mountains of documents that usually filled the room.

Sengoku was puzzled, and his gaze was immediately drawn to the only conspicuous note on the table.

He walked closer and picked it up, only to see that it was written in Gern's flamboyant handwriting, which exuded a thoroughly irritating and punchable aura.

[Warring States Marshal]

Life is a wilderness!!

[(Next to it is a hastily drawn but expressive thumbs-up emoji that says "Go, old man!")]

"!!!"

Upon seeing that short line of text and that expression, Sengoku's pupils constricted sharply, and an extremely ominous premonition instantly surged into his heart!

Damn it, I fell for their trap!

That bastard Gern has been so "diligent" and "considerate of the big picture" these past six months, even managing to arrange things perfectly for Akainu.

It was all to lull him into a false sense of security and make him lower his guard!

Their ultimate goal is to be able to run away without any psychological burden at this moment!