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

Chapter 112 Return to the West Sea

In the port of the 133rd Branch of the Navy in the West Sea, several naval soldiers were lazily standing guard.

Suddenly, one of them squinted and looked at the sea: "Hey, that warship... doesn't it look familiar?"

"Huh?" The other person looked up, then his eyes widened in shock. "Wait, that figure standing at the bow... that silhouette..."

"Yes, it's Rear Admiral Gern's warship!!"

"What?!" Several soldiers jumped up at the same time. "Isn't he in the New World?!"

"Never mind! Quick! Notify the Asahi Base Commander immediately!"

"It's too late! The warships have already docked!"

In the chaos, one of the soldiers grabbed a Den Den Mushi, his hands trembling so much he could barely press the buttons: "Ki, Commander! Something's happened!"

The God of the Western Sea… no, Major General Gern… he’s back!

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the Den Den Mushi, followed by a terrified exclamation: "What?!"

Then came a series of chaotic crashing sounds, as if someone had fallen off a chair.

......

Before long, the warship slowly sailed into the port of the 133rd Branch of the West Sea.

Gern stood on the deck, gazing at the newly renovated base facilities before him, his eyes somewhat dazed.

"What a big change..." When I left back then, this place was just an ordinary branch base.

Today, the expanded docks, brand-new fortifications, and towering watchtowers all demonstrate the scale of this place as a 'general branch'.

Gern's fingertips tapped lightly on the ship's side, and memories flooded back like a tide.

At fifteen, I set sail from here, embarking on my journey to Marineford.

From 1485 in the Haiyuan Calendar to 1494 today, almost ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Time flies so fast!

"Major General Gern, prepare to dock." The sergeant's voice brought him back to reality.

"Hmm." Gern took a deep breath and straightened his cloak.

The moment the gangway was lowered, the naval soldiers on duty in the port suddenly froze.

"That is......"

"There's no mistake! That cloak..."

"It's Major General 'Skyquake' Gern!!" The commotion spread like ripples.

The new recruits stared wide-eyed, while the veterans trembled with excitement.

Just then, a familiar figure rushed out of the base building.

"Make way! Make way, all of you!" The familiar voice sent a shiver down Gren's spine.

A lean figure pushed through the crowd and sprinted towards them, his lieutenant colonel epaulets gleaming in the sunlight.

The man stopped abruptly five meters from the gangway, his leather shoes screeching on the concrete.

“Asahi?” Guern could hardly recognize the muscular officer in front of him.

The branch lieutenant I remember with his beer belly is now so thin his cheekbones are protruding.

Asahi's lips trembled slightly as her gaze slowly moved upwards from Guern's shoulder.

That boy from back then is now someone he has to look up to.

"Report! West Sea Navy 133rd Branch, Commander-in-Chief Base Commander Navy Branch Lieutenant Commander Asahi..." Asahi suddenly straightened his back and gave a perfectly standard military salute.

"Welcome, Major General Gern!"

Gern was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter.

After all, it had been almost ten years since he had returned, so it was understandable that Asahi had this tentative idea.

So Gern didn't answer, but simply stepped forward and patted Asahi's shoulder hard, saying, "What are you doing, you bastard?"

"Let me tell you, I specifically came back during my vacation."

With a single gesture and a single word, the tense atmosphere instantly dissipated.

Asahi's shoulders visibly relaxed, and a familiar smile appeared on his face: "I knew you were still the same as before... no, I knew that Major General was still the same as before."

The other recruits around him were so shocked their jaws dropped to the floor.

They stared wide-eyed as the usually dignified Chief of Staff was now acting like an old friend, his arm around the legendary "Tianzhen."

"The base commander really knows Major General Gern..."

"So all those stories were true! Then the title 'Pirate Hunter' was coined by Gern in the West Blue?!"

"Major General Gern really did come from our branch!"

Asahi glanced smugly at his subordinates, then leaned close to Guern's ear and whispered, "See? You're the living advertisement for our branch."

Of the new recruits who have signed up over the years, eight out of ten are there specifically because of you.

Gern shook his head helplessly, but his gaze inadvertently fell on the huge banner that had been temporarily hung on the base building.

[A warm welcome to Major General Gern, the pride of the Western Sea, as he returns to his hometown]

Guern's lips twitched: "Could this also be..."

"Ahem, this is the sentiment of all the officers and soldiers in the branch!" Asahi quickly changed the subject.

“Oh! Is that so…” Gern looked up expressionlessly and pointed to the giant, level-ten beautified portrait on the base building.

"Aren't you going to explain this? I don't remember ever turning into a pretty boy! You bastard."

Asahi's smile froze.

"This, this..." He wiped away his cold sweat, "After you left, the pirates of the West Sea were terrified of your reputation, and the morale of the branch was at an all-time high!"

So...we did a little...promotion..."

"This? Slightly?" Gern raised an eyebrow. "And the God of the Western Sea?"

"Oh dear!" Asahi's face flushed red. "This, this is a name given spontaneously by the people! We are just following public opinion..."

"What a wonderful way to follow the will of the people!"

"Come on, I'll show you the newly renovated training ground. It's so much better than it used to be..."

The two men's conversation gradually faded away, leaving only a port full of dumbfounded sailors.

A young soldier who had just enlisted suddenly grabbed the veteran next to him: "Senior! Did Major General Gern really serve here?"

The veteran lit a cigarette, his gaze distant: "It's more than just serving..." He pointed to an empty lot.

"See those cracks over there? Those were left when Major General Gern was fifteen years old and demonstrated his abilities."

The new recruits immediately erupted in excitement, their clamor echoing across the training ground.

Meanwhile, Gern stood alone in the center of the newly renovated branch square, sunlight filtering through the newly planted sycamore trees and casting dappled shadows on his shoulders.

He slowly looked around at the unfamiliar yet familiar faces, the new recruits who were still young but full of vigor, and the smoke from the canteen drifting in from afar.

A long-lost warmth suddenly welled up in my heart, like a spring stream overflowing the frozen earth.

Every brick and tile here is etched with his story.

The Xihai 133 branch, a place that feels more like home than any other place without blood ties, is now embracing his return with the gentlest touch.

Gern took a deep breath, the scent of grass and steel filling his chest.

He suddenly realized that what is called hometown may never be a geographical coordinate, but a harbor where a wandering soul can find peace.

Meanwhile, Branch 133 traveled to the only place in this world where he had spent his childhood.

Now, after a long time, he felt a sense of "belonging".

Chapter 113 The Roses of Cocoyasia

In the office of the Xihai 133 General Branch, sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

Gern sat on the sofa, his teacup empty, with only a few tea leaves clinging to the bottom.

"Hehe!" Asahi leaned against the desk, a satisfied smile on his face.

"So headquarters has already approved it. I can retire as a branch colonel after working for another five or six years."

He stroked the sparse stubble on his chin. "We'll open a small tavern behind the branch office, specializing in telling stories and selling alcohol to those greenhorn recruits."

“Sounds good.” Gern chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the group photos of the branch over the years hanging on the wall.

Then, he tapped his fingertips lightly on the rim of the teacup. "Asahi, my warships might be stranded for some time..."

As soon as Che said that, Asahi, who was very familiar with interpersonal relationships, immediately understood what Gern meant.

So he interrupted abruptly, a sly glint in his eyes, "Don't worry, the next two weeks..."

The 133rd General Branch will hold a grand welcoming ceremony to let the entire West Sea know that 'Tianzhen' has returned! And right here at the 133rd General Branch in the West Sea.

Looking at the rising sun, Gern raised an eyebrow. It's so comfortable talking to smart people!

"Don't worry! West Sea 133rd Branch..." Asahi suddenly whispered.

"If we're talking about having a powerful backer, you are our powerful backer; if we're talking about identifying with the Party, then we are your comrades."

West Sea 133, we only recognize the justice of natural disasters! Our faction is very clear.

With the connections of General Zephyr's mentors and students, the position of Marshal is only a matter of time!

However, Gern, you still need to develop your own core fighting force within your justice system..."

Seeing Asahi's expression that seemed to say, "It's getting chilly, you should wear a yellow robe," Gern pursed his lips and smiled helplessly.

........

After chatting for a while, Asahi prepared to arrange his business, so he raised his voice and called out towards the door.

Immediately afterwards, the office door opened, and a tall female navy woman walked in.

Her long, deep red hair was tied into a neat ponytail, but the sideburns were shaved very short, making her look exceptionally energetic.

His uniform was perfectly pressed, and a standard military knife was tucked into his waistband.

"Belmel, go and make the arrangements. Tell them we're going to prepare a grand celebration for Major General Gern..."

Asahi was still issuing orders, but Gern frowned almost imperceptibly.

Bellemere? He knew that name all too well—the future foster mother of Nami and Nojiko.

But how did she end up in the West Sea?

“By the way, Guern, this is Sergeant Bellmer,” Asahi introduced. “He’s also one of the best soldiers in our branch in the last year or two.”

Gurn stood up and walked over to Bellemere.

She was younger than I had imagined, probably just over twenty, a real young girl.

"Your hometown should be Cocosia Village in the East China Sea, right?" Gern suddenly asked.

"Hmm? Major General Gern." Bellemere was clearly taken aback, her eyes widening slightly. "You...how did you know?"

Asahi also looked surprised: "Gern, you know Bellemere?"

Nonsense! Not only do I know, I also know her ending!

Of course, the above was just his inner monologue; in reality, Gern gave a vague smile.

“When I went to the East China Sea with Vice Admiral Garp, we passed through Cocoyasi Village and I heard someone mention a topic about ‘women needing courage’.”

As he spoke, Gern's gaze swept over Bellemere's unconventional hairstyle. "After all, your hairstyle certainly takes courage."

Upon hearing this, Bellemere's face flushed red, and her fingers unconsciously touched her temple: "This, this is for ease of combat..."

"I don't know why you're serving in the West Sea," Gern said, patting her shoulder.

“But since you’re a soldier of the 133rd branch for a day, you can contact us here if anything happens.” Gurn’s tone was casual, but it made Bellemere’s eyes light up.

"Yes, Major General Gern!" She straightened her back and saluted, her voice filled with undisguised excitement.