This sudden question was as blunt as a straight punch.

Gern opened his mouth, but found he had no prepared answer.

In West Blue, justice was simple: killing all pirates was everyone's justice.

But after coming to Marineford, especially after witnessing beings like Whitebeard, he began to realize that things weren't that simple.

Having experience from two lives, he knew very well that instead of being overly mysterious, it was time to face himself.

So, after a moment of hesitation, Gern decisively admitted, “I... I don’t know.”

Gern had gambled correctly again; his answer made Zephyr raise an eyebrow.

Evidently, Zephyr hadn't expected this young man, who dared to confront Whitebeard at just 16, to admit his confusion.

It should be noted that Zephyr, who often lectured at the Navy School, was well aware that these young people were all very ambitious!

“Interesting,” Zephyr finally sat down, quite satisfied with the answer.

He motioned for Gern to sit as well, and continued, “Most people your age would be eager to declare their own concept of justice.”

Gern sat on the visitor's chair, back straight: “In West Blue, I thought justice was to eliminate all pirates.

But now.......”

“Now you've seen a wider world,” Zephyr interjected, “and you've also seen the limits of your own strength.”

The office fell into a brief silence.

Outside, the cries of seagulls and the distant whistle of warships setting sail could be heard.

Seeing Gern silent, Zephyr suddenly changed the topic.

“Do you think you’re particularly strong because you could fight Whitebeard?”

Gern detected the probing in his words.

This was a trap question; Zephyr clearly intended to reprimand him for his recklessness.

So Gern went with the flow, directly nodding and admitting, “I am very strong, but also very foolish.”

This answer made Zephyr lean forward slightly.

“Explain.”

“The Tremor-Tremor Fruit’s ability gave me the capital to challenge a strong opponent, but Devil Fruit abilities aren’t everything,” Gern’s voice was calm, as if stating an objective fact.

“When Whitebeard finally defeated me with Haki, I didn’t even have a chance to react.

In other words, if he wanted to kill me, I would have died the moment I attacked him at the beginning.”

A hint of surprise flashed in Zephyr’s eyes.

He had originally thought it would take some effort to make this young man realize his shortcomings, but Gern was more clear-headed than expected.

Such self-aware and reflective young people are rare!

If it were Sakazuki, Borsalino, or Aokiji, they would probably say directly at this moment:

“Even if it costs me this life, I will leave Whitebeard with a scar he will never forget.

If we don’t even have this kind of resolve, what right do we have to protect the world?”

“Oh my~ ~ Whitebeard, huh? How scary… But, I’m ‘lucky,’ right? After all, with a monster like that, you’ll lose your life if you’re even a little careless~”

“Whitebeard is strong, but the outcome of a battle is never solely determined by individual strength.”

“Rare,” Zephyr commented, “Most people who acquire powerful Devil Fruit abilities gradually rely on their powers and neglect basic training.”

“I won’t,” Gern replied quickly, but Zephyr keenly noticed the subtle tightening of his fingers.

“It seems that even if he admits his shortcomings, he still affirms the power of his Devil Fruit in his heart!”

Thinking this, Zephyr suddenly stood up, “Really?”

Then, he walked around the desk to stand in front of Gern, “Stand up.”

Gern immediately stood up.

Zephyr was half a head taller than him, and at close range, Gern could clearly feel the oppressive aura emanating from the “Black Arm” Vice Admiral.

“Without your Devil Fruit ability, attack me,” Zephyr commanded.

Gern hesitated for a moment: “Here?”

“Right now.”

Without warning, Gern’s right fist swung out fiercely.

This punch had no frills, a pure combination of speed and power, aimed directly at Zephyr’s face.

“Too slow.”

Zephyr didn’t even move his feet, simply tilting his head slightly to dodge the attack.

At the same time, his left hand clamped onto Gern’s wrist like an iron vice.

“Again.”

Gern switched to his left fist, combining it with a knee strike.

Zephyr released his grip and took half a step back, easily evading, while confirming that Gern was very strong.

Although not comparable to the innate monstrous strength of the Giant Race, it was still considerable.

“Too much strength, not enough technique.”

For the next thirty seconds, Gern attempted attacks from various angles, but he couldn’t even touch Zephyr’s cloak.

Sweat began to seep from his forehead, and his breathing became ragged.

“Enough,” Zephyr suddenly raised his hand and pressed a palm against Gern’s chest, pushing him back into the chair.

“Do you see? Without your Devil Fruit ability, you can’t even deal with an ordinary pirate from an ordinary pirate ship in the New World.”

Gern clenched his fists, his chest heaving violently.

Not from exhaustion, but from frustration.

Zephyr was right; he was indeed dependent on the Tremor-Tremor Fruit now.

Even in his battle with Whitebeard, he almost instinctively first considered how to maximize the effect of his Devil Fruit ability, rather than basic combat techniques.

But there was no other way! Because the power of Heaven Quake was truly enticing!

Gern even felt that his Devil Fruit was the strongest Nature Type!

But for Haki…

“I understand!” Gern took a deep breath decisively, then seriously and solemnly bowed, “So, please guide me, Vice Admiral Zephyr.”

Zephyr didn't agree; instead, he walked back to his seat, his expression softening slightly: “Why did you join the Marine?”

This sudden shift caught Gern off guard.

He pondered for a moment, then decided to answer honestly: “To become stronger, and also to... find an answer.”

“What answer?”

“My justice!” Gern looked up, meeting Zephyr’s eyes.

The phrase “My justice” from Gern’s answer immediately thrilled Zephyr, who instinctively pursed his lips.

This young man has a very high level of ideological awareness!

So, Zephyr, having put away his micro-expressions, silently scrutinized Gern, and after a moment, he nodded slightly:

“At least you are honest.

Unlike some people who spout justice but harbor ulterior motives.”

He pulled open a drawer, took out a document, and pushed it towards Gern.

“Starting tomorrow, you will be my adjutant, accompanying me on missions.

And from now on, I will personally train you to become an Admiral!”

Gern took the document, seeing that it already bore the Marineford seal.

This meant it was not an invitation, but an order.

“Yes, Vice Admiral Zephyr.”

Zephyr stood up, signaling the end of the conversation: “Remember, Warrant Officer Gern.

Devil Fruit abilities are just tools; true strength comes from here.” He pointed to his heart.

“And here.” He then tapped his temple.

Gern nodded solemnly, saluted, and turned to leave.

As he gripped the doorknob, Zephyr’s voice came again: “Regarding the answer to justice, you will find it. But remember…”

Gern looked back.

“Justice is not slaughter. That is the answer I found myself.”

Gern bowed deeply, then closed the door.

.......

PS: Annotation: The current timeline is 1480, two years after God Valley. The ages of the Marine's three Admirals have been modified by the author.

Modified to Kuzan being the youngest at 19, Sakazuki at 20, and Kizaru the oldest at 22 (having already graduated from the Navy School and received his Devil Fruit reward).