With the matter settled, Gern left the office and headed toward the little garden inside G-10 Base.
The afternoon sunlight filtered through the sparse branches and leaves, scattering patches of light across the grass.
On a bench in the little garden, Bartholomew Kuma sat quietly, holding a thick Bible.
Despite his enormous frame, he radiated an unusual serenity. He wore the black priest's robe his wife, Ginny, had sewn for him herself.
He wore no hat, revealing his neatly groomed brown hair, its short tufts resembling bear ears.
On the Bible's hard cover was a small, slightly blurred imprint of a baby's foot.
It was the first footprint Bonney had left when she was born.
Kuma had preserved it forever through a special method, making it one of his most treasured keepsakes.
Seeing how peaceful Kuma looked, Gern instinctively softened his footsteps.
But Kuma's Observation Haki was no slouch. He immediately sensed someone approaching and raised his head, his eyes smiling gently behind his round glasses as he greeted him.
"Mr. Gern."
Since officially joining G-10 after the "Holy Land Incident,"
the peaceful life he had enjoyed over the past few years had allowed Kuma to settle completely into his new circumstances.
He had his beloved wife, Ginny, and his adorable daughter, Bonney.
He could also occasionally use his abilities to help the islands under G-10's protection or serve as a priest for the Marines, healing their injuries and driving away their pain.
A comfortable home with his wife and child, and a life that allowed him to put his kindness into practice-this was happiness he had once never dared dream of.
Of course, Kuma had also proven through his actions that gentle people would radiate warmth wherever they went.
"Mr. Gern, is there a mission?" Kuma gently closed his