"Damn it, this brat really knows how to put on an act!"
Looking at Gern's righteous, solemn expression, as though the Navy's strategy in the New World took precedence over everything else,
Sengoku would almost have fallen for that show of concern for the nation and its people if he hadn't spent more than a decade maneuvering and sparring with Gern since becoming Fleet Admiral.
"Gern!!!"
Sengoku abruptly rose from his seat, braced both hands on the desk, and leaned forward. His eyes blazed as he tore straight through the pretense and barked in a low voice,
"It's just the two of us here. Spare me the official lines and empty platitudes!"
"Do you think I don't know what you're after, suddenly bringing that troublemaker Golden Lion Shiki back?!"
As expected... Gern thought. His face showed no surprise, only a helpless sigh.
Then he spread his hands in resignation and admitted, half seriously, "Three parts false, nine parts true~"
"My concerns over G-10's safety are very real. I wasn't lying about that, Fleet Admiral."
"Gern." Sengoku stared hard at him, his voice heavy. "Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit powers are not something we can ignore, even if he's old!"
"Otherwise, why would I go to such lengths?"
"Of course, if you refuse, heh.
"I have an even simpler, more direct, 'better' plan that won't affect your G-10 at all..."
"Oh?" Gern raised his eyebrows, signaling for him to continue.
"That is..." A cold smile appeared on Sengoku's face as he enunciated each word. "You, Admiral Gern, will return to the New World from Marineford immediately.
"Intercept Whitebeard after he leaves his territory for Marineford, or simply storm his headquarters!
"With your strength as 'Heavenquake' and the 'Calamities' under your command, kill him on the spot in front of his entire crew! Give