Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the corridors of the Headquarters building.

A rare curve appeared at the corner of Sakazuki's mouth, his hands still holding the document titled “G-3 Base Five-Year Development Plan.”

“Gern,” Sakazuki’s voice called out in a low tone.

“The restoration work at G-3 Base is nearing completion,” he said, stepping closer, his tone carrying an undeniable firmness.

“Your performance during our last joint operation left a deep impression on me.

I genuinely hope you’ll consider transferring to G-3 Base and join me in guarding the front lines of the New World.

By then, with the two of us working together, how could the pirates on the sea possibly stand a chance?”

“Haha, is that so, Colonel Sakazuki?” Gern waved his hand with a smile.

“But I have very little experience right now; I haven’t even taken on a patrol mission by myself.

If I were to accept your promotion like this, wouldn’t it be unfair to the other Marines?”

“That’s indeed a bit problematic.” Sakazuki nodded, as he still agreed with the rules.

At the same time, this time he didn't hear Gern directly refuse him, but rather worry that his unfair actions would be criticized by others.

He abides by Marine discipline, is powerful, and his justice is the same as his own…

A perfect Jinchuriki… No, a perfect colleague!

In an instant, Sakazuki’s approval of Gern grew even stronger.

“Although I’ve said it many times, I still feel you’re very much to my liking.

After this exhibition match, as soon as the personnel transfer to a general officer rank is finalized, I look forward to working with you.”

“It’s just this exhibition match, hehe…”

Akainu did not object to promotion through an exhibition match, because his own military merits and performance were already sufficient to be promoted to a general officer in the next transfer.

So, whether he fought or not, it didn't matter to him.

However, a large part of the reason he returned was due to Fleet Admiral Kong’s direct order.

Hearing Sakazuki’s words, Gern raised an eyebrow, “Then I’m also a bit opportunistic…”

“You’re different!” Gern was interrupted by Sakazuki before he could finish his sentence.

“You’re not opportunistic; you’re simply going to the position where you belong.”

Gern: “!!!”

Sure enough, when facing someone they like, anyone will be biased.

Seeing this, Gern was about to continue responding when a lazy voice suddenly interjected.

“Hey, hey, Sakazuki, you’re going to make people awkward like that.” Kuzan walked slowly from the side, hands in his pockets, a faint smile on his lips.

At the same time, his gaze swept between Sakazuki and Gern, finally settling on Sakazuki’s stern face.

“Hmph.” Sakazuki snorted coldly, the temperature in his eyes instantly dropping to freezing point. “Kuzan, this is none of your business.”

Kuzan shrugged, unconcerned, and walked to Gern’s side, even deliberately taking a step closer to Sakazuki.

“I was just passing by, but…” He drew out his words, his gaze provocatively directed at Sakazuki.

“Forcing someone to accept your invitation isn’t very gentlemanly.”

Sakazuki’s brow twitched violently, the air around him seemingly heating up with his anger.

He gave Kuzan a cold glance, then nodded to Gern: “When you’ve thought it over, you can come find me anytime.”

With that, he turned and strode away, and as he brushed past Kuzan, he dropped a remark: “I won’t hold back in the exhibition match.”

Kuzan chuckled softly, a wisp of cold air escaping his lips. “Just as I like it.”

It wasn’t until Sakazuki’s back disappeared around the corner that Gern couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“Anyone who didn’t know would think you two were about to decide who’s superior and who’s going to die!”

Kuzan spread his hands helplessly: “I can’t help it, I don’t like that cold-blooded guy.”

With that, he casually put an arm around Gern’s shoulder, his smile brightening a few shades, “Hey! You’re still amazing!

In the few months I was on patrol, you actually pulled off such a big feat!

‘The Man Who Shatters the Sky,’ tsk tsk tsk, that title is really loud!”

Facing Kuzan’s teasing, Gern sighed, shaking his head.

“It was only with the combined efforts of Zephyr, Sakazuki, and myself that we barely managed to repel Golden Lion; I didn’t expect the newspaper to only publish my photo.”

“Hahaha!” Kuzan burst into laughter, “Who told Morgans that he loves to grab eyeballs?

And…” He winked, a hint of teasing in his tone.

“That photo of you slicing Golden Lion is really well-shot! Even I can’t help but want to collect a copy.”

“Heh.” Gern rolled his eyes, too lazy to respond.

Kuzan suddenly leaned in, lowering his voice: “Seriously, is Sakazuki particularly fixated on you?

I heard he even wants to pull you in to write the G-3 Base logistics report with him.”

“Sometimes, being charming is very helpless…” Gern rubbed his forehead, sighing softly.

“Hahaha! You rascal.” Kuzan laughed even more unrestrainedly, even drawing glances from passing soldiers.

He patted Gern’s back, his tone light: “Let’s go, it’s rare to meet, I’ll treat you to a drink.

And by the way…” He winked, “Let’s talk about how you managed to cut Golden Lion so badly.”

Gern shook his head helplessly, but the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

.......

At the entrance of a tavern in Marineford, Kuzan was excitedly pushing the door open when Gern suddenly reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Wait.” Gern interrupted him, his expression becoming serious. “Kuzan, I just remembered, did you get any news about the matter I asked you about last time?”

Kuzan paused, his brows furrowing slightly as he thought for a moment. “You mean Mokomo Dukedom?”

He turned around, his tone tinged with confusion, “Why would you be interested in a place like that?

Did you read about it in a book? That’s a country on the back of Zunesha, constantly moving.

I paid special attention during my patrol, but I couldn’t find any trace of it.”

“Is that so…” Gern didn’t answer directly, merely thoughtfully caressing the hilt of black blade eight desolations, muttering, “It seems harder to find than I imagined…”

“Hey, hey, you’re not thinking of going there for a trip, are you?”

Kuzan stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly chuckled: “That’s a place even the World Government finds hard to reach.”

“No.” Gern looked up, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. “After I’m promoted to a general officer, can’t I choose a subordinate officer?”

“Ah, yes.” Kuzan spread his hands, having already opened a bottle of sake with the bartender.

“By custom, you can choose one from the excellent graduates of the Navy School…”

Mid-sentence, he suddenly paused, his eyes widening slightly.

“Wait… wait a minute!!!” Kuzan silently took half a step back, his expression gradually becoming strange.

“Hey, Gern, you’re not thinking of finding a Mink Tribe member to be your subordinate officer, are you?”

Gern smiled without speaking.

Kuzan gasped, pointing at his nose: “Are you crazy?! Not to mention whether they’re willing to join the Marine, just finding them is a fantasy!

Zunesha moves, and I heard that the Mink Tribe are extremely wary of outsiders and like to eat people!”

“You got all that information from a book, didn’t you?” Gern rolled his eyes.

“Anyway!” Gern interrupted him with a smile, “You’re also ‘patrolling’ for Vice Admiral Garp, so help me keep an eye out; it’s no trouble.”

Kuzan rubbed his forehead, sighing deeply: “You… you really know how to make trouble for me.”

Gern patted his shoulder, his tone light: “Don’t worry, if I really find them, I’ll treat you to a month’s worth of drinks.”

Kuzan eyed him sideways: “…Only the most expensive kind.”

“Deal.”

The two exchanged smiles, and Kuzan shook his head helplessly.