Several days later, after dealing with the remaining details of the World Military Draft, including Fujitora's formal onboarding process,
Ryokugyu's "exile" paperwork, and the final coordination with Kizaru regarding the Science Unit,
Gern finally found time to visit Garp at the New Recruit Training Classroom.
The Navy Hero was wearing a rather casual floral shirt,
standing before a group of fresh-faced but spirited recruits, spitting as he enthusiastically expounded his "twisted logic":
"So! You brats had better remember this!" Garp stood with his hands on his hips, his voice booming. "If you run into an enemy you can't beat, don't charge in like idiots!
Keeping yourselves alive and preserving the spark of hope is what matters most!
As for us old geezers with one foot in the grave... when it's time to give up on us, don't hesitate!
The seas of the future belong to you!"
He was working hard to instill in the Navy's fresh blood
the pragmatic principle of "preserving hope, even if it means sacrificing the older generation when necessary."
Just then, a hand pushed the door open, and Gern appeared in the doorway, listening to Garp's final remarks.
An amused smile tugged at his lips as he stepped inside, speaking quietly.
"Oh? Are the old geezers of the old era so pitiful in your eyes that you can just abandon them whenever you like?"
Gern shook his head with a feigned sigh, his gaze sweeping over the recruits, who had instantly grown excited.
"By that logic, it seems even a remnant of the 'old era' like me will sooner or later be abandoned by you flames of the new era."
"It's Admiral Gern!!"
"Lord White Kirin!!"
"He's actually here!!"
Gern's arrival was like cold water splashing into boiling oil. The entire classroom erupted!
Every recruit rose