He laid his cards on the table. No more pretending.
Gern kept one hand pressed against Dragon's head and slowly raised a finger on his other hand.
He pointed past the tense Straw Hat Pirates in the courtyard at the pale-faced Kozuki Hiyori behind them.
"Incidentally." Gern's voice regained the authority of a Fleet Admiral.
"I came to Wano Country this time not only to 'congratulate' you all on defeating Kaido, but also on another piece of official business..."
He paused, his gaze piercing as he looked straight into Hiyori's terrified eyes and announced,
"To formally take control of Wano Country on behalf of the Marines."
"!"
Kozuki Hiyori shuddered violently. Her legs gave out, and she stumbled backward, falling with a hand over her mouth and despair in her eyes.
The shogun's seat she had only just reclaimed, the first light of dawn she had only just glimpsed-
Was another, even stronger force, one she could resist even less, about to swallow it all in an instant?
"You've got to be kidding!!"
Luffy's roar shattered the deathly silence.
He abruptly pulled free of Jinbe and Sanji's support and stepped forward, standing tall as he met Gern's gaze without fear.
"Wano Country is already free!!" Luffy's voice was firm, carrying an unquestionable resolve.
"The people here, the Red Scabbard Samurai, and all of us defeated Kaido and Orochi together!
It belongs only to the Kozuki Clan and the people who want to live freely here!!"
Luffy took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling. His eyes were more serious than ever as he declared each word distinctly, his voice ringing through the courtyard.
"If... if the Marines want to steal this place!"
"Then!!"
Luffy raised his arm and pointed at his own chest.
"This place can fly my flag!!"