Questions of justice

The sudden question was as blunt as a straight punch.

Gern opened his mouth, only to realize he had no answer ready.

In the West Blue, justice was simple: killing every pirate was justice to everyone.

But after arriving at Headquarters, especially after encountering someone like Whitebeard, he had begun to realize things were not that simple.

With two lifetimes of experience, he knew perfectly well that, rather than putting on a mysterious act,

he needed to face himself honestly now. After a moment's hesitation, Gern admitted decisively, "I... don't know."

Gern had gambled correctly again. His answer made Zephyr raise an eyebrow.

Clearly, Zephyr had not expected a young man who dared face Whitebeard head-on at sixteen to admit that he was lost.

As someone who often lectured at the Naval Academy, he knew very well how proud and ambitious these young people all were!

"Interesting." Zephyr finally sat down, very satisfied with that answer.

He motioned for Gern to sit as well, then continued, "Most people your age can't wait to announce their own ideals of justice."

Gern sat in the visitor's chair, his back straight. "In the West Blue, I thought justice meant eliminating every pirate.

"But now..."

"Now you've seen a wider world," Zephyr finished for him. "And you've seen the limits of your own strength."

A brief silence settled over the office.

Outside the window came the cries of seagulls and the distant blast of a warship's horn as it set sail.

Seeing Gern remain silent, Zephyr abruptly changed the subject.

"Do you think being able to fight Whitebeard makes you exceptionally strong?"

Gern heard the probing note in his words.

It was a trap question. Zephyr clearly intended to use it to reprimand him for his recklessness.

So Gern went along with it, nodding frankly. "I was strong, but I was also stupid."

That answer made Zephyr lean forward slightly.

"Explain."

"The Tremor-Tremor Fruit's power gave me the means to challenge strong opponents, but a fruit's power isn't everything." Gern's voice was calm, as though he were stating an objective fact.

"When Whitebeard finally defeated me with Haki, I didn't even have a chance to react.

"In other words, if he'd wanted to kill me, I would have died the instant I attacked him."

A flicker of surprise crossed Zephyr's eyes.

He had expected to spend some time talking before this young man recognized his shortcomings. Instead, Gern was more clearheaded than he had imagined.

Young people capable of that kind of self-awareness and reflection were rare!

If it had been Sakazuki, Borsalino, or Aokiji, they probably would have said,

Even if it cost me my life, I would leave Whitebeard with a scar he would never forget. If we don't even have that resolve, how can we talk about protecting the world?

Oh my~~ Whitebeard? How terrifying... Still, I was "pretty lucky," wasn't I? Against a monster like that, even a moment of carelessness could get you killed~

Whitebeard is strong, but victory in battle has never depended solely on individual strength.

"That's rare," Zephyr remarked. "Most people who gain powerful fruit abilities gradually come to rely on them and neglect their basic training."

"I won't." Gern answered quickly, but Zephyr keenly noticed the slight tightening of his fingers.

It seems that even though he admits his shortcomings, deep down he still has faith in his fruit's power!

At that thought, Zephyr suddenly stood. "Really?"

Then he walked around the desk and stopped in front of Gern. "Stand up."

Gern rose immediately.

Zephyr stood half a head taller than him. At this distance, Gern could clearly feel the pressure radiating from the Vice Admiral known as Black Arm.

"Attack me without using your fruit's power," Zephyr ordered.

Gern hesitated for an instant. "Here?"

"Right now."

Without warning, Gern lashed out with his right fist.

There was nothing fancy about the punch, just pure speed and strength combined, aimed straight at Zephyr's face.

"Too slow."

Zephyr did not even move his feet. He simply tilted his head slightly and avoided the attack.

At the same time, his left hand clamped around Gern's wrist like an iron vise.

"Again."

Gern switched to his left fist, pairing the punch with a knee strike.

Zephyr released him and stepped half a pace back, easily evading both attacks while confirming that Gern possessed considerable strength.

It fell short of the giants' monstrous innate power, but it was still impressive.

"Plenty of strength. Not enough technique."

Over the next thirty seconds, Gern attacked from every angle he could think of, but he failed to touch even Zephyr's cape.

Sweat began to bead on his forehead, and his breathing grew ragged.

"Enough." Zephyr suddenly raised his hand, pressed his palm against Gern's chest, and pushed him back into the chair.

"Do you see now? Without your fruit's power, you couldn't even handle an ordinary pirate aboard an ordinary pirate ship in the New World."

Gern clenched his fists, his chest heaving.

It was not from exhaustion, but frustration.

Zephyr was right. He did rely on the Tremor-Tremor Fruit now.

Even during his battle with Whitebeard, he had almost instinctively focused first on maximizing his fruit's effects rather than on basic fighting techniques.

But what else could I do? Heavenquake's power is just too good!

Gern even felt that his fruit was the strongest Logia of all!

But for the sake of Haki...

"I understand!" Gern decisively drew a deep breath and bowed, his expression solemn. "So please teach me, Vice Admiral Zephyr!"

Rather than agreeing, Zephyr returned to his seat, his expression softening slightly. "Why did you join the Marines?"

The abrupt turn in the conversation startled Gern.

He thought for a moment, then decided to answer honestly. "To become stronger, and also... to find an answer."

"An answer to what?"

"My justice!" Gern raised his head and looked Zephyr straight in the eyes.

Those words, "my justice," sent a thrill through Zephyr, and he unconsciously pressed his lips together.

This young man has an impressive understanding of his ideals!

Schooling his expression, Zephyr silently studied Gern. After a moment, he gave a slight nod.

"At least you're honest.

"Unlike certain people who talk endlessly about justice while harboring ulterior motives."

He opened a drawer, took out a document, and slid it toward Gern.

"Starting tomorrow, you'll serve as my adjutant and accompany me on missions.

"And from here on, I'll personally train you to become a Marine Admiral!"

Gern took the document and saw that it already bore the seal of Marine Headquarters.

That meant this was not an invitation, but an order.

"Yes, Vice Admiral Zephyr."

Zephyr stood, signaling that their conversation was over. "Remember, Warrant Officer Gern.

"A fruit's power is only a tool. A truly strong person relies on this." He pointed to his heart.

"And this." He tapped his temple.

Gern nodded solemnly, saluted, and turned to leave.

As he grasped the doorknob, Zephyr spoke again. "You'll find your answer about justice. But remember..."

Gern looked back.

"Justice is not slaughter. That's the answer I found for myself."

Gern bowed deeply, then closed the door behind him.

PS: Note: The current timeline is the year 1480, two years after God Valley. The author has adjusted the ages of the Three Admirals.

Their ages have been changed to nineteen for Kuzan, the youngest, twenty for Sakazuki, and twenty-two for Kizaru, the oldest (who has already graduated from the Naval Academy and received a fruit as a reward).