In front of the headquarters building, Gern was about to enter when Zephyr caught him by the arm.
"Teacher?" Gern stopped.
"Don't think you can come back and bluff your way through this." Zephyr snorted and lowered his voice. "Fleet Admiral Kong's office isn't somewhere you can just stroll into.
He didn't summon you just to commend you."
Gern smiled faintly. "I know."
Zephyr stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly pressed a hand onto his shoulder. "Remember, whatever he says, admit nothing.
Especially about Davy. Not one word."
Gern visibly froze when Zephyr mentioned Davy.
"You think I don't know your temperament? Anyway, because of this,
the Flying Pirates' forces have been turning the affiliated nations upside down. The World Government is putting pressure on us every day."
Gern nodded. "Understood."
"Good." Zephyr's gaze softened as he turned toward Lipo, who was munching on a carrot nearby. "I'll take this girl home first.
Remember, no matter what Kong says, hold your ground."
"Give Lina my regards." Gern watched Zephyr leave. The smile vanished from his face the instant he turned around.
He straightened his collar and strode toward the white building that symbolized the Marines' supreme authority.
Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral's Office
When Gern entered the Fleet Admiral's Office, Kong stood with his back to him before the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking all of Marineford.
Sunlight streamed through the glass onto his epaulettes, casting a cold gleam.
"Reporting in." Gern came to a halt, his voice calm.
Kong slowly turned, swept his piercing gaze over Gern's face, then gestured toward the sofa. "Sit."
Gern nodded and walked straight to the sofa, sitting with a posture that was relaxed yet respectful.
Kong picked up the document on his desk and casually flipped through a few pages, his