Three days before the public execution, in the waters of the Calm Belt.
A Marine escort ship, personally commanded by Gern, sailed steadily toward Marine Headquarters at Marineford.
A specially made seastone cage stood in the center of the forward deck. Portgas D. Ace sat dejectedly inside, his hands cuffed.
The sea breeze swept past, carrying the scent of salt and moisture. Ace raised his head slightly, his gaze settling on the tall figure sitting outside the cage with his back to him.
Gern wore his Admiral's Justice Coat and held a bottle of liquor, pouring drinks for himself.
Looking at that back, Ace slipped into a momentary daze. His thoughts drifted back to the East Blue, to a little place called Foosha Village.
He remembered the first time he had met this "weird old guy," and what had happened at Makino's bar.
He remembered hearing stories at the village chief's house about this man's legendary exploits.
Arresting the Pirate King, cutting down the Golden Lion, holding the New World...
Back then, he had secretly sworn to himself... One day, I'll set sail, become stronger than him, and defeat him...
Ace unconsciously pressed his dry, cracked lips together. A self-mocking smile crept onto his face despite himself.
He murmured in a voice only he could hear.
"Gern... you big weirdo..."
As though he had heard Ace's whisper, Gern spoke calmly without turning around, his eyes still on the sea, interrupting Ace's memories.
"Ace."
Gern poured himself another drink.
"Back then... I personally escorted Roger to the Execution Platform in Loguetown, just like this."
Ace froze for a moment, then let out a low laugh whose meaning was unclear. "Did you..."
He paused, then continued the train of thought he had left unfinished.
"When I was in Foosha Village, after I