The harbor of the Marines' G-1 Branch base.
The base commander, Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Strawberry-the one with the elongated skull-stood at the edge of the pier, his expression grave.
He watched the warships drawing closer across the sea, his brows instinctively knitting tight at the distinctive "Calamity" flag flying from the lead ship.
As the key figure guarding the gateway from the New World to the Holy Land, Vice Admiral Strawberry was a trusted loyalist of the World Government. His political allegiance was beyond question.
He picked up a loudspeaker and called out to the approaching fleet in a loud, formal, emotionless voice.
"Admiral Gern! This is the Marines' G-1 Branch! Why have your forces arrived at G-1 Base without prior notice? State your purpose!"
His voice carried through the loudspeaker, echoing across the sea.
Gern stood clearly visible at the bow of his warship.
As he listened to Strawberry's challenge, a cold, mocking smile appeared on his face.
He did not even use a loudspeaker. He merely parted his lips, yet precisely controlled vibrations carried his voice
clearly throughout the entire G-1 harbor, every word seeming to strike against the listeners' hearts. "My purpose?"
"I hear some reckless fool attacked the esteemed 'Celestial Dragons.'"
Gern's voice dripped with undisguised mockery.
"As a Marine Admiral, isn't safeguarding the Celestial Dragons and eliminating every threat part of my duty?"
"Now, I suspect the perpetrator may be trying to escape to Mary Geoise through G-1 Base!"
Open the passage immediately. I'm going up there to 'protect' the Celestial Dragons and... apprehend the criminal!"
These high-minded yet blatantly provocative words left the Marines at the harbor exchanging bewildered looks.
Vice Admiral Strawberry's face darkened completely. Though his expression remained impassive, his gaze grew razor-sharp.
*Fuck, Gern protecting the Celestial Dragons? Saying the