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

Even though he was always quite confident in the power of his abundant fruit (despite being completely outmatched by Aramaki).

Even Binz, who is known for his resilience, felt a dry mouth and a tightness in his throat.

He had previously felt frustrated and resentful because his abilities were suppressed by the superior abilities of the same type as Huang Mu.

But now it seems that in the face of Barrett's pure, overwhelming absolute power, whether or not one's abilities are restrained seems irrelevant.

After all, he is also a user of the Fusion Fruit, but he only used Armament Haki and pure physical skills throughout the entire process.

Barrett dragged the muddy, exhausted sheep step by step, until he reached Gern.

He casually tossed the wild sheep at his feet like trash, then crossed his arms and looked at Gern with a "it's all done" expression.

Gern glanced down at the unconscious, blood-soaked Wild Sheep at his feet, his face expressionless, and simply said to Barrett...

"Go easy on them. They're people sent by the World Government, after all. Killing them will cause trouble."

Barrett shrugged indifferently.

Gern looked down at the unconscious Wild Sheep at his feet, his eyes calm and unwavering. After a moment's thought, he made a decision.

“Since he was forced in by the World Government and his strength is barely passable…” Gern said calmly, “Let’s give him a code name, ‘Green Bull’.”

He didn't even bother to solicit Huang Mu's opinion and directly completed the naming.

“Then…” Gern continued, issuing instructions clearly and logically, “send him back to the Holy Land and give him a nominal position.”

“As for the authority to transfer people…” he paused, “we’ll just hand it over to Sakazuki.”

Didn't he always complain about the lack of manpower to clear out pirates in the first half of the Grand Line?

Whenever we need support from a general-level force, we send this 'Green Bull' general to help.

Finally, the conclusion was reached, completely eliminating any possibility of Huangmu remaining in the core area of ​​the new world.

"As for the New World Navy, it doesn't need him."

"One general, Fujitora, is sufficient for the permanent garrison position."

This arrangement maximized the exploitation value of Huangmu, while firmly excluding him from the core of power.

Taking a temporary post in the Holy Land is a demotion in disguise, and handing over the authority to transfer personnel to Akainu means he's become a "firefighter" who's moved wherever he's needed.

Furthermore, their main area of ​​activity was restricted to the first half of the Grand Line.

But as soon as this arrangement was announced, some people nearby objected.

"Oh dear, Gen-kun~" Kizaru drawled, his face displaying an exaggerated "aggrieved" expression.

"That easy job in Mary Geoise, where you can meet important people all the time, is mine!"

How could you just give this position to a newcomer like that? That's not the rule!

Upon hearing this, Gern turned around and looked at Kizaru with a "don't you know what's going on?" expression, directly exposing his little scheme.

"You can forget about going back to the Holy Land." Gern rolled his eyes at him.

"Furthermore, Borsalino, have you forgotten your duty as a general?"

If I remember correctly, besides being a Navy Admiral, your more important responsibility is commanding and stationing the scientific forces, right?

Gern's gaze sharpened, and he said pointedly, "Dr. Vegapunk on Egghead Island is in dire need of your 'old acquaintance' to coordinate and 'pay attention' to them."

He deliberately emphasized the word "attention," then revealed his true intentions, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable force: "After all..."

“Vegapunk, and all his research findings…”

From this moment forward, they will be the Navy's most important asset!

It must be firmly in our own hands!

Upon hearing this, Kizaru's eyes behind his sunglasses flickered slightly, and the carefree smile on his face faded a bit.

"Oh~?"

"Gern...isn't your appetite a bit...too greedy?"

"Tsk, you can't just wear this hat anywhere! Would I be considered 'corrupt' if I took something from my own home?"

Chapter 528 I Want to Know the Truth About God Valley

With Yixiao's appointment and Huangmu's exile settled, everyone dispersed.

Guern and Zefa went to a side room next to the office, where Zefa would temporarily handle some business and rest.

As soon as he entered, Gern relaxed, casually pulled up a chair and sat down, speaking to Zephyr in a slightly joking tone.

"What? Professor Zephyr, do you think I'm being unfair to Aramaki...?"

Oh no, I mean, is there anything wrong with Green Bull's arrangement?

Zefa didn't answer immediately, but instead gently placed the file board he had been holding onto the desk.

Then he slowly turned around, his eyes, peering calmly through his sunglasses, fixed on Gern, and said in a steady tone...

"No, you've arranged it very well."

He walked to the window and looked out at the new Marineford under construction. "The Navy today, scarred by the Marineford War, is at a critical juncture of rebuilding."

Internal values ​​need to be unified, and the work ethic needs to be rectified.

A view of 'justice' like that of Aramaki, who believes in the survival of the fittest and regards power as the ultimate goal.

It's definitely not appropriate to enter the core area at this time, especially in such a sensitive region as the New World.

Zephyr's voice carried a hint of approval: "Use him to shut the World Government up."

They then placed him under Sakazuki's command, confining him to the park's boundaries, making the best use of him without causing him to disrupt the overall situation.

"This handling is very mature."

When Gern heard Zefa's affirmation, a smile appeared on his face.

But he also knew that Zephyr hadn't called him in alone just to praise him.

"So, Professor Zefa, you specifically called me in here because..."

Zefa turned around and walked up to Gern, his gaze fixed on him through his sunglasses.

"I called you in not for this." Zephyr paused, lowering his voice, "That thing... you got it, didn't you?"

"What is that, Professor Zephyr?"

“Haha.” Zephyr’s eyes sharpened as he replied, “The historical landmark rubbing in Big Mom’s possession.”

The smile on Gern's face vanished instantly, his eyebrows furrowed tightly, and even though the person in front of him was Zefa, a hint of wariness still flashed in his eyes.

Seeing the instant change in Gern's expression, Zephyr smiled.

“Don’t be so tense, Gern.” Zephyr walked to his seat and sat down, his tone softening.

“I am your teacher, and also an old guy who came from the old era of Rocks and Roger.”

"I've seen plenty of secrets of the sea and games of power."

"Moreover, before the outbreak of the Marineford War, when you asked me for Ain, you also expressed your true intentions to me, so I know everything about it."

"Tell me about it." After explaining, Zephyr leaned forward slightly, took off his glasses, and looked directly at Gern.

What exactly do you want to know?

Or rather, what did Whitebeard say to you during the Marineford War?

Zefa's words were not a question, but rather spoken from the perspective of a mentor and someone with experience.

He wanted to understand the confusion hidden in the heart of his disciple, who had grown into a towering tree.

Looking into Zefa's eyes, Gern gradually lowered his guard.

He knew that some secrets didn't need to be hidden from Zephyr.

Or perhaps... he needs the guidance of such a "teacher" right now.

Because, even though he possessed the foresight of a time traveler, this foresight could no longer sustain him on his journey!

Especially those historical truths that world governments have tried their best to cover up.

At this point in time, every step we take could potentially reshape the global landscape.

Therefore, one must know more in order to make accurate moves.

Thinking of this, Gern took a deep breath and turned his gaze back to Zephyr.

“Professor Zephyr,” Gern said earnestly, “I want to know…the whole story of the God Valley Incident!”

"Although I was also on that island back then, and I obtained this Eight Desolations Sword from Rocks." He subconsciously stroked the hilt of the sword at his waist.

"But at that time I was too weak, and what I saw and understood was always just the surface!"

It's a 'truth' that's been deliberately misrepresented and embellished by the World Government and the Navy!

Gern leaned forward slightly, recalling Whitebeard's warning, and the words both Shiki and Big Mom had said to Teach, "You have that face."

He could briefly connect these issues himself, but only the real cause and effect could confirm them!

And so, at that moment, Gern asked the most crucial and most revolutionary question.

"I want to know the real inside story! Back in God Valley, Rocks D. Giebeck, he really..."

Was he merely a pirate who wanted to steal treasure from the island and then get defeated?

Upon hearing Gern's question, Zephyr frowned deeply.

He hadn't expected that Gern wasn't asking about the so-called blank century, but rather this very question.

Then a long silence ensued.

He did know something, far more than the average naval commander.

But most of this information also came from his old friend Sengoku.

What the Warring States period knew was also limited and filtered by the narrative of world government.

Zefa himself has also weathered countless storms, especially after retiring and stepping outside that power structure.

Only when looking back from the perspective of the third party do they gradually notice some discordant clues and realize that they may have been deceived about some key facts.

After a long silence, Zephyr slowly raised his head. He didn't answer Gern's question directly, but instead gave guidance in an extremely serious tone.

“Gern,” Zephyr said seriously, “I cannot give you an answer to your question.”

He stood up, walked up to Gern, and said, word by word, "Go find Karp."

"Then, take the historical landmarks and go find Vegapunk."

“Teacher Zephyr…”

"One of them was a survivor and 'hero' of the God Valley incident."

The other one... is the world's smartest person, and perhaps the one who understands the essence of history and technology best.

They might be able to give you the answer you're looking for.

Finally, Zephyr gently patted Gern on the shoulder, his tone laced with self-deprecation and honesty: "Because, regarding the question you asked..."

“Even I, your teacher, was, for a long time, just one of those deceived by the lies carefully woven by the World Government, just like you.”

"The truth behind this issue lies in my retirement, after I moved away from the center of power."

It was through relying on fragmented information from the past and calm reflection that I gradually came to understand and begin to doubt.

"So... I, your teacher, cannot give you the right approach."

You are now the leader of the Navy; you absolutely cannot make wrong choices and judgments based on incorrect information!

"Otherwise, the price will be very... very high."

Chapter 529 If I lose, kill me.

Gern left Zephyr's office.

As he walked to the exit of the administration building and was about to step out, a magnetic voice came from the wall in the shadows on the side.

“Gern”.