Gern landed, his chest rising and falling slightly, his breathing a little hurried, a trace of blood lingering at the corner of his mouth.
The black shirt he wore was torn in several places as well. Clearly, he had not emerged completely unscathed from that final, earth-shattering clash.
Then he turned his gaze toward the rubble where Big Mom had fallen. He could sense that she was still stubbornly clinging to life.
She had merely lost consciousness for the moment and could no longer get up.
"Whew..." Gern let out a soft breath at the sight and casually flicked his right hand, which held Eight Desolations. The pale vibration particles remaining on the blade scattered like stardust.
In the air, the grayish-white scraps of bandage that had shattered when the blade was drawn were pulled by an invisible force.
They reappeared and swiftly wound around the pitch-black blade, sealing it once more.
He then reversed his grip and tucked Eight Desolations back at his waist.
"Just as I thought." Gern rubbed his slightly sore right shoulder, a satisfied but faintly weary smile spreading across his face.
"Paperwork and scheming are all bullshit."
"Nothing beats the thrill of a good fight!"
With that, he started forward, preparing to head toward the rubble, clearly intending to check on Big Mom's condition.
"Wait! Heavenquake."
A voice rang out just then.
Gern paused and turned his head slightly.
Katakuri, who had been escorting his younger siblings away, had returned at some point. Alone, he stood in Gern's path.
"Hmm?" Gern frowned, a hint of displeasure at the interruption entering his voice. "Katakuri, your courage is commendable."
"But..."
"I don't necessarily need a blade to kill you."
"Get out of my way!"
Those three cold statements carried unmistakable killing intent.
Faced with that naked threat