Tesoro’s hands were covered in fresh blood, and the sharp blades formed by his golden rings shimmered blindingly under the sunlight.

Charloss was shattered by Gern, both biologically and physically.

But Tesoro, his face splattered with blood, seemed oblivious, only gasping for air as if he had just survived a life-and-death struggle.

“I… I killed him…” Tesoro’s voice trembled, his eyes filled with disbelief and an indescribable sense of relief.

Gern stood by, watching everything indifferently, a slight smirk playing on his lips: “Well done. At least it proves you’re not a coward.”

Stella also turned to face Tesoro, hugging him tightly, burying her face in his neck, and stroking his head repeatedly.

“Gild, it’s alright, it’s alright, it’s all over…”

Stella’s voice was soft yet firm, as if telling him that no matter what he had done, she would stand by him.

Tesoro turned his head to look at Stella, the madness in his eyes gradually subsiding, replaced by a complex emotion.

He took a deep breath and asked Gern, “Why… why did you make me do this?”

Gern did not answer directly but instead counter-questioned, “Now, what do you think power is?”

Tesoro lowered his head and looked at his hands; the ability of the Golden Devil Fruit made him feel an unprecedented power.

He clenched his fists, and gold flowed under his control, as if it were a part of his body.

“Power… is something that can change everything.”

“Exactly.” Gern nodded, “But power needs direction.

You can use it to destroy, or you can use it to protect.”

“Protect?” Tesoro gave a bitter laugh, “What can someone like me protect?”

“That depends on your choice.” Gern’s gaze shifted to Stella, “You can take her and flee, continuing a life of being hunted.

Or, join the Marine.”

Tesoro was stunned.

Join the Marine? This suggestion had seemed too absurd to him before.

But now, after calming down, his thoughts suddenly became clear, because the one who said this was Heaven Tremor Gern!

Even Tesoro, an outsider, knew that this man would surely become an Admiral-level figure in the future.

If he was there, the Marine would be much more comfortable than being a pirate!

Especially since he believed Gern could make him kill a Celestial Dragon, meaning all problems had already been handled.

At this moment, Stella squeezed Tesoro’s hand and softly said, “Gild, no matter what you choose, I will support you.”

Tesoro looked at her, the hesitation in his eyes gradually fading, and he looked up at Gern: “Alright, I’ll join the Marine. But I have one condition.”

“Speak.”

“I need to ensure Stella’s safety; she cannot be harmed because of my choice.”

Gern nodded: “Understood. In Marineford’s family quarters, she will receive Marine protection; no one can harm her.”

Tesoro finally showed a relieved smile: “Then it’s settled.”

Gern turned and walked to the other end of the street, waving his hand at them with his back turned: “Follow along; we still have a lot to do.”

Tesoro and Stella exchanged glances, nodded to each other, and then followed Gern’s footsteps.

......

World Government Headquarters, Holy Land Mariejois.

Inside Pangea Castle, the Gorosei gathered in the Hall of Flowers, where cherry blossom petals drifting outside added a strange tranquility to the solemn atmosphere.

“The Charloss family’s waste, he actually disappeared in a Four Seas-level slave market?” Saint Izanbaron V. Nasujuro said slowly and calmly.

“I remember saying that World Nobles are not allowed to go to the Four Seas, right?

Why did someone from the Charloss family appear on Lilac Island in the West Blue?”

“Intelligence says he’s recently obsessed with collecting blonde slaves?” Topman Warcury Saint frowned.

“So he went to Lilac Island to replenish his ‘collection’.” Saint Izanbaron V. Nasujuro sneered.

“However, the Charloss family’s bloodline in recent generations has indeed… become increasingly regrettable.

Constantly indulging in human women truly defiles the name of ‘Creator’.”

“What should be discussed now is…” Saint Marcus Mars flipped through the CP0’s urgent report: “Only bloodstains were found at the scene, no body.

There were no signs of a struggle either, and the life papers of the twelve accompanying CP agents burned out simultaneously, which is worth noting.”

“In any case, the World Government, Mary Geoise’s face cannot be lost, even if it’s the Charloss family’s waste!

Morgans will be handled by CP; he should know what to do.

As for the West Blue…” Satan Saint gently tapped the marble floor with his cane, his pupils contracting in the shadows.

“I’ve already instructed Kong to let the Marine handle it.

Heaven Tremor Gern just happens to be on vacation in that sea area.”

“Heaven Quake? His Devil Fruit is quite unique, a Nature Type of tremor, and its growth potential is also good.” Saint Marcus Mars suddenly chuckled.

“Sakazuki, Kuzan, Borsalino, Gern.”

“The future combat power of the Marine… but he seems a bit bloodthirsty; during G-3 and Sakazuki…”

“Precisely why he’s suitable. Let’s decide it this way!” Saint Izanbaron V. Nasujuro said decisively.

“Although Charloss is a useless waste, the dignity of the Celestial Dragons cannot be provoked. This cannot set a precedent!

Tell Kong to grant Heaven Tremor Gern special enforcement powers throughout the West Blue.”

Saint Izanbaron V. Nasujuro slightly raised his eyes and added: “Pirates, black market, slave traders… anyone suspicious, better to kill them by mistake.”

“As for Charloss… it’s best if the body can be recovered.

If not…” He looked towards the Empty Throne.

“Then simply conclude with the news of it being recovered, and have Morgans announce it.”

........

Lilac Island’s dock.

Gern stood on the shore, the Den Den Mushi in his hand relaying Fleet Admiral Kong’s deep and stern voice.

“Gern! Charloss disappeared on Lilac Island; the World Government’s CP agents have all been dispatched, and the World Government is furious!

You are currently in the West Blue, and you are the highest-ranking Marine there. End your vacation immediately and lead their investigation!”

“Don’t worry, Fleet Admiral Kong.” Seeing these words, Gern’s lips curved slightly, but his tone was unusually serious.

“I am currently on vacation in the West Blue, and I will take responsibility for the Celestial Dragon’s disappearance on Lilac Island.”

“It’s just… I found a good prospect at the 133rd Branch; this…”

The Den Den Mushi was silent for a moment, then Kong’s voice became even deeper: “You scoundrel, bring him back! He will be under your command.

But when facing that group of CPs, whom I also dislike and who are arrogant, I hope you will be patient and not make things difficult for me.”

“Of course.” Gern chuckled, “I am a Marine of justice, after all.”

The call ended, and the Den Den Mushi slowly closed its eyes.

Tesoro stood not far away, gold still flowing at his fingertips, but his eyes had become much calmer.

“What now?” Tesoro asked in a low voice, “The World Government won’t let go of any clues…”

Gern put away the Den Den Mushi, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

“CP will arrive within two hours, and the Marine fleet will also blockade this sea area.” His tone was calm, as if stating an irrelevant fact.

“So, we need to give them a ‘culprit’.”

Tesoro’s pupils contracted: “What do you mean?”

Before he finished speaking, giant waves suddenly rose from the distant sea, and a pitch-black warship broke through the waves, the World Government flag hanging from its mast.

CP0 had arrived.

Gern slowly put on his Marine cap, a cold smirk on his lips.

“Tesoro, remember—from now on, you are a Marine.”

“And the Marine never betrays ‘justice’.”