Sunlight streamed through the tall floor-to-ceiling windows of Marineford's corridor, stretching the two men's shadows long.
With his hands in his pockets and Black Blade: Eight Desolations at his waist, Gern walked beside Garp toward the meeting room, their military boots clicking sharply against the floor.
"Vice Admiral Garp." Gern suddenly lowered his voice, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Do you think Roger's the kind of guy who likes women young enough to be his daughter?"
Gern had good reason to wonder. After all, Roger and Rouge were practically a generation apart!
"Young enough to be his daughter?!" Garp burst out laughing, his voice echoing down the corridor and nearly making a passing Marine clerk drop the documents in his hands.
"Hahaha! That's a good way to put it!"
"But since when did you become such a gossip, kid?" Garp slapped Gern hard on the back, nearly sending him stumbling.
"Still, that reminds me of something interesting."
Garp leaned closer conspiratorially and lowered his voice. "You know Gloriosa of the Kuja Pirates?"
"Of course!" Gern raised an eyebrow. "Back in Rocks's day, they were practically idols among pirate crews!"
Gern thought back for a moment, then continued, "But after Rocks fell, didn't Gloriosa return to the Kuja to serve as empress?
"Hmm, no. Come to think of it, she should be nearing retirement now.
"Her more famous second-in-command, Shakky, should be getting ready to succeed her as empress."
"That's exactly what I'm talking about!" Garp suddenly slung an arm around Gern's shoulders, squeezing so hard he nearly dragged him against his chest.
"Let me tell you something nobody else knows...
"Gloriosa actually liked Roger, but Roger liked Shakky, and Shakky liked Rayleigh!"
"Oh, now that's juicy!" Gern's eyes lit up. This ancient gossip was far more explosive than anything in