Aboard the warship, Gern's fingertips gently brushed the edge of the intelligence file on Tesoro, its pages gleaming a cold white beneath the lights in the Marine office.
His gaze lingered on the place name "Lilikaya Island."
West Blue was infamous for its thriving mafia, so this island city was a bona fide little gambling town, a sinkhole of money and decadent luxury.
"West Blue..." A meaningful smile curled at the corner of Gern's mouth.
He gently closed the file, stood, and called in the petty officer outside the door.
"Rear Admiral Gern." Hearing his voice, the petty officer immediately opened the door and stood at attention.
"Have communications send a voyage request to headquarters." Gern tapped the desk twice. "For the reason, write 'a triumphant homecoming.'"
"A triumphant homecoming?" The petty officer's eyebrows rose almost imperceptibly, but his professional, expressionless mask quickly returned.
"Should we include a detailed itinerary, Rear Admiral Gern?"
"We don't have time to get the ship coated, so we'll visit Fish-Man Island for the scenery on our way back.
"First, we'll pass through Red Port and take the World Government's cable lift back to the Sabaody Archipelago, then head into Paradise, the first half of the Grand Line.
"After that, we'll return to the Four Blues..." Gern walked to the porthole, his deep gaze reflected in the glass. "And while we're there... inspect the West Blue 133rd Branch."
A flicker of understanding crossed the petty officer's eyes at Gern's addition.
As Gern's direct subordinate, he knew all too well about his superior's history with the West Blue 133rd Branch.
"Rear Admiral Gern, in that case, I'll arrange for everyone to proceed at full-" Before the petty officer could finish, Gern interrupted him.
"Normal cruising speed will do."
"But that detour will add at least two