Sunlight streamed through the windows onto the corridor of the headquarters building.
A rare hint of a smile lifted the corners of Sakazuki's mouth. He still held the document titled "G-3 Base Five-Year Development Plan."
"Gern," Sakazuki called in a low voice.
"The repairs to G-3 Base are nearly complete." He stepped closer, his tone carrying a firmness that brooked no refusal.
"Your performance when we fought side by side last time left a deep impression on me.
I truly hope you'll consider transferring to G-3 Base and holding the front line in the New World with me.
With the two of us working together, what pirate on these seas could last even a single exchange?"
"Haha, is that so, Colonel Sakazuki?" Gern laughed and waved a hand.
"But I still have very little experience. I haven't even taken on a patrol mission by myself.
Wouldn't accepting your promotion just like that be unfair to the other Marines?"
"That would indeed be a problem." Sakazuki respected the rules, so he nodded.
At the same time, Gern hadn't rejected him outright this time. Instead, he was worried that Sakazuki's unfair treatment would draw criticism from others.
He followed Marine discipline, he was powerful, and his sense of justice matched mine...
The perfect jinchuriki... no, the perfect colleague!
For a moment, Sakazuki found himself approving of Gern more and more.
"I've said it many times, but I still feel you're exactly my kind of man.
Once this exhibition tournament is over and the personnel transfers promote us to flag rank, get the necessary procedures out of the way as soon as possible. I look forward to the day we work together."
"As for this exhibition tournament, heh..."
Akainu didn't object to promotions through an exhibition tournament, because the relentless overachiever's own military