Three days later, in the New World, on Egghead Island.
Gern's warship slowly docked at a temporary harbor on the island's edge.
He stood on deck, gazing at the technological island under construction before him, a flicker of wonder in his eyes.
Towering mechanical structures pierced the clouds, enormous steel bridges connected the various districts, and countless automated machines shuttled through the construction sites with a rhythmic hum.
The air smelled of machine oil and metal, occasionally punctuated by the muffled boom of an experiment exploding in the distance.
"That Vegapunk... he's really built something incredible," Gern murmured. Just as he stepped onto the island, his Observation Haki suddenly detected movement.
"Stop! Who are you? Why are you here?" A young but fierce voice came from the side.
Gern turned to see a short, stocky little boy glaring at him.
The boy was bare-chested, with a huge rope knot around his waist and red shorts below. He gripped a Wooden Axe, looking as though he were facing a formidable enemy.
"Sentomaru?" Gern raised an eyebrow, recognizing the little fellow who would one day become captain of the Science Unit.
"How do you know my name?!" Young Sentomaru warily stepped back half a pace, holding his axe across his chest.
"Tell me! Are you a pirate?!"
"A pirate wouldn't dare come here!" Gern chuckled and turned sideways, fully revealing the justice cloak on his back.
"So, who do you think I am, Sentomaru?"
Young Sentomaru stared at the word "Justice" on the cloak, blinked, then carefully examined Gern's cuffs.
Black trim, unlike Kizaru's yellow.
"A Marine, like Uncle?" he asked, tilting his head.
"Smart boy." Gern, who had already reached the average height of an admiral, crouched down, trying to bring his eyes level with Sentomaru's.
"So, can you tell me...