At the docks, CP0's black warship slowly pulled alongside the pier.
On deck, more than a dozen agents in white suits stood in formation.
The man at their head wore a mask and a cloak embroidered with the World Government's insignia.
Gern stood at the edge of the pier with one hand in his pocket. The shadow of his cap concealed half his face and the slight upward curl of his lips.
The untucked hem of his black shirt fluttered in the breeze. Tesoro and Stella stood behind him.
"Rear Admiral Gern?" The lead CP0 agent descended the gangway, his voice carrying an air of condescending arrogance through his mask.
"Lord Saint Charlos has gone missing. As the highest-ranking officer currently in the West Blue, how could you only show up now, even if you were on leave?"
"What the hell is it to you?" Gern snorted and lifted the brim of his cap slightly, revealing his eyes.
"What kind of attitude is that?" The CP0 agent snorted. "Do Marines no longer understand even basic courtesy?
Under certain circumstances, we in CP0 have the authority to take command of the Marines!"
With that, he waved a hand. The agents behind him immediately spread out, surrounding the pier.
"So, Rear Admiral Gern. Please give us a truthful account of everything you know. Otherwise..."
"Otherwise?" Gern sneered. "Otherwise, what can you do to me?"
Apparently enraged by his attitude, the lead CP0 agent abruptly stepped forward.
"Otherwise, I'll report your dereliction of duty to the World Government!
Don't forget, the Marines are nothing more than a subordinate organization of the World Government!"
For a moment, the sea breeze seemed to stop.
Gern suddenly turned his head slowly toward Tesoro, ignoring the agent entirely as he spoke as though to himself.
"Allow me