Gern's arrival seemed to press pause on time, plunging the Thousand Sunny into deathly silence.
Nami, Chopper, and Brook had witnessed Gern firsthand back at Thriller Bark.
Now, apart from Sanji, who was half-kneeling on the deck, barely holding himself up through his severe injuries, the others' legs all but gave out.
With several thuds, they collapsed onto the deck, their faces deathly pale, even their breathing unconsciously slowing.
The nightmare of that day instantly resurfaced, far more despair-inducing than the Doflamingo before them.
Luo felt as though he had plunged into an icy abyss, cold sweat instantly soaking his back.
He frantically reviewed every detail of his plan.
"How is this possible?! The Marine Admiral who came should have been the newly promoted 'Fujitora,' Issho!
According to all the intelligence and my assessment of the situation, Fujitora, stationed at the New World headquarters, was the best choice to handle a change involving the Shichibukai!
This man... 'Heavenquake' Gern... why is he here?!
Was my plan seen through from the very beginning?!"
Luo's hand trembled around Kikoku. All his schemes seemed feeble and powerless before absolute strength and an unforeseen variable.
Not to mention, he had only escaped from G-10 by seizing his chance during the Paramount War.
Yet amid this suffocating atmosphere of terror, Gern paid no heed to their reactions.
He casually set his fishing rod aside, jumped onto the deck, and slowly crouched before Nami, who sat sprawled on the floor with a pale face, speaking in an even tone.
"Shouldn't you greet your elder, my little niece?"
His words instantly set the deck ablaze!
"N-niece?!" Chopper's and Brook's jaws nearly hit the floor.
Two pairs of eyes-or rather, one pair of eyes and a pair of empty sockets-darted between Gern and Nami.
Even the gravely injured