The Training Ground at Marine Headquarters in Marineford was as noisy as ever, sweat and shouts mingling in an atmosphere brimming with youthful vigor and strength.
After leaving Zephyr's home, Gern set foot here again for the first time in a year and a half. His gaze swept casually across the grounds before settling on a corner.
There, Kuzan stood alone, leaning lazily against a column with his arms folded and his sleep mask pushed up onto his forehead. He seemed to be sunbathing, or perhaps simply staring into space.
He was nothing like the sharp, occasionally passionate man he had been during their fierce battle a year and a half ago.
Now, Kuzan radiated an aloof weariness that seemed to seep from his very bones.
In the past, he might have acted lazy, but he had always been decisive and swift to act.
Now, that "laziness" had become genuine, as though he had lost most of his interest in everything around him.
The bombardment of Ohara and the cold that had frozen Saul seemed to have thoroughly extinguished something that had once burned within him.
Meanwhile, as though sensing Gern's gaze, Kuzan instinctively glanced to the side.
Their eyes met across the distance.
"Gern?" Kuzan paused in surprise, then tugged the corners of his mouth upward out of habit.
With a smile that could hardly be called warm, he raised a hand and gave a casual wave of greeting.
"Don't tell me you're hiding here to avoid your paperwork?" Gern smiled too and walked over.
Without any further pleasantries, the two naturally made their way to a bench at the edge of the grounds and sat down side by side.
Sunlight spilled through the scattered clouds, bringing a little warmth.
After a brief silence, Kuzan spoke first, his voice