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

Gern slowly exhaled a breath of stale air.

Although the process was thrilling, the outcome was still manageable.

With the Mother Spark safe and no core combatants lost, the covetousness of both the World Government and Blackbeard's forces was repelled.

The battle for the "Vegapunk Ultimate Energy" has temporarily ended in their victory.

"How is Enel's injury?" Gern asked the question that concerned him most.

"Seriously injured, but not in mortal danger," Tesoro replied. "After all, Enel was also at the peak of the Admiral level, and after realizing the limitations of the Dark-Dark Fruit..."

They've been relying on their advantages to maintain a stalemate, but they probably won't be able to participate in high-intensity combat again in the short term.

“Let him get some rest.” Gern paused, then added, “Also, in my name, formally inform Sengoku of this incident.”

Izabaron V. Nassjuro, one of the Five Elders, the highest authority in the World Government.

In a certain sea area of ​​the New World, they attempted to attack the Navy's New World Grand Admiral, but were repelled by me.

He deliberately used "repel" instead of "defeat" or "kill".

Tezzolo on the other end of the phone was clearly taken aback for a moment, but quickly recovered: "Understood. Do we need to mention some vague details?"

“No need.” Gern’s eyes were icy. “Report the facts!”

This is both a statement and a demarcation.

This battle has completely torn away the already fragile veil between the Navy and the World Government.

Gern needs to make Sengoku, everyone within the Navy, and even all the powers on this sea see clearly.

A new era requires new rules.

The power to set the rules no longer belongs solely to Mary Geoise.

Starting today, the navy led by Gern and the World Government have officially drawn a line!

"I'll take care of it immediately." Tesoro's voice held a hint of solemnity. "Also, Marshal Gern, when will you return to base?"

"Your health condition..."

“I’m fine,” Gern interrupted his concerns. “I need some time… to deal with some ‘residual issues’.”

Until I return, you, Mihawk, and Barrett are in full charge.

"Yes!"

The communication was disconnected.

Gern put the Den Den Mushi back into his pocket and turned his gaze back to the devastated battlefield.

His gaze finally settled on the first generation Kitetsu sword, which was stuck diagonally in the scorched earth.

The demon sword still exuded an ominous aura.

Gern walked over, bent down, and reached out to grasp the hilt of the first generation Kitetsu.

"laugh!!!"

The first generation of Onikiri trembled violently, emitting a shriek that was almost a mournful cry!

A few seconds later, the demon sword fell completely silent.

Gern tucked the first generation Kitetsu behind his waist and placed it alongside the Eight Desolations.

Two supreme-grade swords hung quietly at his sides.

Only after doing all this did Gern have time to truly examine himself.

Close your eyes and sink into the depths of your consciousness.

Deep within, the embers of that ignited "spark" radiate a warm and resolute light.

It is not fiery, but incredibly stubborn, firmly anchored to something of the most essential nature.

The will to resist oppression, the belief in the pursuit of liberation, and the conviction that "man should stand up"...

“Spark…” Gern opened his eyes and spread his palms.

A faint, golden-red spark flashed and disappeared in the palm of my hand.

This is not the power of a Devil Fruit, not Haki, and not even any known power system in this world.

But it is the most effective way for me to deal with Im!

After a long while, Gern slowly clenched his fist, letting the spark extinguish between his fingers.

He shook his head, suppressing his thoughts for the time being.

He needs to get back into shape as soon as possible.

Although Im was defeated, he would not give up.

The World Government's counterattack, Blackbeard's lurking presence, the movements of other forces in the New World, and the announcement of the formal demarcation between the Navy and the World Government...

Everything required him to go back and handle it.

"It's time to go back."

Chapter 580 The Year of the Sea Rift

Summer of 1522 in the Haiyuan calendar.

That summer, the New World was exceptionally hot.

The tsunami of history was ignited by the Mother Spark, and the bombs detonated by the World Government were set ablaze.

It was eroding the few remaining embankments between the two at an unimaginable speed.

In Dressrosa, Luffy's Gear Fourth attack left Doflamingo questioning his existence, completely liberating Dressrosa.

Meanwhile, news of the birth of the "Straw Hat Grand Fleet," formed by seven pirate crews and over five thousand heroes forged in blood and oaths, swept across the seas.

The title of "hero" for defeating Doflamingo, and the reality of "extreme evil" that shook the world order.

This will make the Straw Hat Pirates even more eye-catching!

On the naval side, Admiral Fujitora Issho and Vice Admiral Tsuru arrived together to take over the situation.

Doflamingo, bound like a dumpling with Seastone chains, was escorted onto a warship personally overseen by Sengoku and sailed towards Impel Down, the deep-sea prison.

But when the warship sailed to the edge of the doldrums...

The Beasts Pirates' flagship, "Drought" Jack, crashes into view with his Mammoth.

Facing the fleet commanded by the current Fleet Admiral and Inspector General of the Navy, Sengoku, as well as Admiral Fujitora and Chief of Staff Tsuru.

Jack the Drought, the Beasts Pirates' top scout, was deeply pleased and then uttered his famous statement.

"Move the boat closer."

The battle ended within a minute.

The Mammoth, along with hundreds of elite members of the Beast Pirates, sank to the bottom of the sea.

Jack himself was seriously injured and sank into the deep sea; his fate is unknown.

........

In the same year, on June 6th, in New Marineford.

On the square, 100,000 elite naval troops stood in formation.

Around the world, countless pairs of eyes were fixed on this scene in front of countless Den Den Mushi projection screens.

On the high platform, Sengoku the Buddha, wearing a naval admiral's cloak, looked at the tall figure in front of him with a complicated expression.

He slowly removed the marshal's cloak from his shoulders, held it in both hands, and handed it over.

"From this day forward..." Sengoku's voice echoed across the plaza via a radio Den Den Mushi, reaching the world.

"The position of Admiral of the Navy is held by the former Admiral, the Supreme Commander of the New World Strategy, and the Grand Commander of the New World."

Gern Reginald Sigmar takes over!

There were no elaborate ceremonies, no lengthy eulogies.

The Warring States period leader stepped back and took the lead in the ranks of generals, symbolizing a smooth transfer of power.

It also symbolizes the tacit approval of the old era's guardians of the new wave.

Gern took the marshal's cloak, but did not put it on immediately. Instead, he stepped forward and stood at the edge of the platform.

His gaze swept over the 100,000 pairs of eyes below, then turned to the lens of the Den Den Mushi, staring directly at the entire world behind the screen.

"Fellow soldiers." Gern's voice was not loud, but incredibly clear, carrying the subtle tremor unique to the Heaven-Shatter Fruit that resonated in one's heart.

"And everyone on this vast sea who is watching this scene."

He paused, the sea breeze causing his pure white marshal's cloak to flutter loudly.

"Before today, the Navy was the most powerful force under the World Government, the shield and sword protecting the privileges of the 'Celestial Dragons'."

They are the collectors and maintainers of the "heavenly gold" system, silent accomplices to numerous injustices and evils.

The words, like icicles, pierced the ears of countless naval soldiers and also shattered the veil of hypocrisy that the World Government had tried so hard to maintain.

The square was deathly silent, with only heavy breathing echoing through the air.

"But today!!" Gern's voice suddenly rose, "I, Gern Reginald Sigma, in the name of Fleet Admiral, declare!"

"The Navy, effective immediately, is severing all all ties with the World Government!"

"Whoa!!!"

Despite prior rumors and mental preparation regarding the attack on Gern, when this declaration was officially and publicly proclaimed by a Field Marshal...

The sailors in the square stared wide-eyed and held their breath.

In front of projection screens around the world, waves of astonishment, ecstasy, fear, and bewilderment nearly shook the rooftops.

Gern gave no one time to process it; his voice continued to boom, each word piercing the heart.

"From this day forward, all taxes of any country or island under the protection of the Navy shall be paid only to the Navy!"

"Gold from Heaven? That's a malignant tumor that sucks the marrow from the bones of the people. From this day forward, the naval jurisdiction will refuse to requisition it!"

"All illegal actions and orders of the World Government that are not approved by the Navy and violate basic morality and interests shall be deemed invalid!"

The navy has the right and the obligation to resist, intervene, and even use force to stop it!

"The Navy will take full responsibility for maintaining order, counter-terrorism, combating crime, and safeguarding the safety of sea lanes in all seas from the Four Seas to the New World!"

Our justice no longer serves privilege, but only the principles and order of this vast ocean.

Serving every person who desires to live peacefully in order!

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly raised his hand, pointing to the sky, pointing to the unseen red earth continent.

"Where our warships go, order follows!"

Where our justice leads, there lies the light!

"The Navy, from this day forward...is independent!"

Boom!!!

Gern takes over as Grand Admiral, and the Declaration of Independence shakes the world!

At this moment, the world order was completely split in two.

..........

Meanwhile, following Gurn's declaration, the situation began to trigger a chain reaction.

The first to be affected is the already crumbling "Seven Warlords of the Sea" system.

Having lost the official endorsement of the world government and the privilege of legal plunder, this deformed entity collapsed faster than anyone could have imagined.

Amazon Lily was the first to react.

Empress Boa Hancock still wanted to resist forcefully, but with the astonishing political acumen of Granny Newt and the cooperation of Torituma, she announced the disbandment of the Kuja Pirates.

Amazon Lily regained its status as a pure nation and immediately presented a friendly alliance and tax agreement to the newly formed independent navy, which officially recognized it.

Daughter Island keeps its borders closed, silently observing the tides of time.