Deep within the Marine G-1 Branch base, before the passage to the massive elevator that led to Mary Geoise atop the Red Line.
The somewhat lazy, relaxed atmosphere was abruptly shattered by steady, distinct footsteps approaching from afar.
"Tap... tap... tap..."
The footsteps were unhurried, yet each seemed to fall in time with everyone's heartbeat, carrying an invisible pressure that made their hearts tremble.
Garp, sitting cross-legged, stopped chewing his senbei. Kuzan, dozing against the wall, pulled down his sleep mask. Kizaru set aside the little file he had been using on his nails.
The three of the Marines' strongest fighters turned sharp gazes toward the passage entrance at the same time.
Amid the shifting light and shadows, a figure slowly approached.
Gern had taken off his suit jacket and wore only a simple black shirt, its collar slightly open.
Draped over his shoulders was the Marine Admiral's coat that symbolized "Justice"-a word he was about to interpret in the most extreme way possible.
At his waist, the Black Blade: Eight Desolations, wrapped in the Gray-White Bandage, swayed gently with his steps.
Gern's expression was calm, but his eyes were fathomless as he walked toward Garp and the other two, who stood ready for him.
Garp drew a deep breath. His customary grin vanished completely, replaced by unprecedented solemnity and gravity.
With heavy steps, he moved forward to stand directly in Gern's path to the elevator.
"Gern, boy..." Garp's voice was low and firm, tinged with an almost imperceptible sigh. "This ends here!"
He looked at the younger man he had watched grow with his own eyes and tried one last time to reach him.
"What happened to Enel left all of us grieving and furious! The World Government was absolutely in the wrong!
I can promise you that I'll