The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

“This is not something you can decide,” Gern interrupted, raising his eyes. “This so-called battle for generalship between you and me is a must.”

"We...we absolutely have to fight?"

"That's right, and regardless of winning or losing, you, Kuzan, will be promoted."

"What do you mean by that?! Gern." Kuzan slammed his hand on the table, staring at Gern with a questioning look.

Seeing Kuzan's expression, Gern smiled slightly, "Because they never intended for me to be a general."

The proposal initially put forward by the Air Marshal, "to create the position of Admiral," was rejected by the World Government.

Besides, if you were in the position of the World Government, would you dare to appoint me as an admiral?

"Do you dare let someone like me, who might kill several Celestial Dragons at any moment, freely enter and leave Mary Geoise?"

Hearing this, Kuzan calmed down and realized how much crucial information he had missed in his impulsiveness.

Yes! He was blinded from the very beginning by Kong's words, "You want to compete with Gern for the position."

All I could think about was getting things cleared up with Gern; I hadn't considered anything else. Now that it's come to my senses...

"But if that's the case, then why should we fight..."

“We have to fight, otherwise we'll lose face.” Gern didn’t explain his “deal” with Cyborg Kong to Kuzan in detail, but instead ordered another drink and smiled.

“After all, I remember it very clearly…” Gern gave a conciliatory smile.

"Those years of spreading rumors about me, and the biting wind that spared no effort yet held back when training me back then!"

Seeing the threatening smile on Gern's face, Kuzan chuckled, his expression instantly relaxing, and his familiar lazy smile reappeared.

"Oh dear... I never said I spread rumors!"

Think about the Mink Tribe, the Mermaid Tribe, and the Amazonian Snake Princess.

And also... I recently heard that you're planning to go find those so-called sky islands, now you're even after anything with wings."

"You fucking..."

“Gern!” Kuzan patted Gern on the shoulder and said, “As a good friend, I respect your special hobby.”

"After all, as you said..." he mimicked Gern's usual tone, "Sometimes the strong have to bear a price that others cannot."

"You bastard, when I get back, I won't hold back in that duel! I'll definitely smash you into a pulp."

"Hahaha!" Kuzan laughed. "But if you're going to the Grand Line to find the Sky Islands, you should visit your Boa Hancock sometime!"

"Snake Princess?"

"That's right. I heard that after their previous empress, Xia Qi, died of illness (she faked her death and escaped), the current empress is Huo Ba Lian."

The "Snake Princess" was not selected, and she seems to be "sick."

"Thank you." Gern nodded.

"You're welcome." Kuzan tilted his head back and finished his drink. "Actually... I'm really looking forward to a full-on battle with you."

His voice lowered, "After all, you're not the only one who has grown up over the past ten years."

Upon hearing this, Gern paused for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter.

Immediately afterwards, he stood up and left his seat, waving his hand with his back to Kuzan: "Then be prepared to turn into shattered ice!"

"Want some Want Want Ice Pops?" Kuzan chuckled softly, watching his friend's departing figure.

Ice crystals bloomed at the edge of the wine glass, refracting a seven-colored halo.

Chapter 218 begins the search for "God".

As night deepens, only a few streetlights remain on the streets of Marineford, illuminating the way for late-night pedestrians.

As Gern left the tavern, Sengoku seized the opportunity and conscripted him, dragging him to his office where he was subjected to a barrage of attacks regarding Impel Down.

Then I was left to process some documents, and I was only released now.

"It happened several days ago. The Warring States general is really petty."

"Sure enough, those who play strategy games are all ruthless!" Gern muttered as he slowly walked home.

His conversation with Kuzan at noon was still echoing in his mind, but at this moment, he felt surprisingly calm.

"Is the Snake Princess ill? But if younger sisters always die of lovesickness, then older sisters should too..."

In the original work, Toritoma, the sister of Torch Lotus, never appeared in any scenes, but now this is no longer a comic, but a vivid world.

"However, 'Snake Princess,' a great swordswoman who isn't a Devil Fruit user, is still a formidable fighter, although my first choice is that guy Mihawk."

After all, it's quite normal for the future "Naval King's" second-in-command to have the world's greatest swordsman, right?

Unfortunately, no one knows where that guy has gone now!

"It seems that the seeds planted earlier are starting to sprout as time goes by."

……

Soon after, Gern returned home and opened the door to find the house quiet.

The living room lights were still on, and there was a plate of cut fruit on the table, clearly prepared on purpose.

A slight smile played on Gern's lips as he carefully removed his military boots, as if afraid of disturbing the tranquility of the room.

As he entered the bedroom, the scene before him made him pause slightly.

Sure enough, Lippo was curled up on his bed, her fluffy rabbit ears drooping softly on the pillow, rising and falling gently with her breath.

She was only wearing a carrot-print T-shirt that was obviously several sizes too big, with the hem hanging down to her thighs, revealing her fair skin.

Seeing this, Gern stood at the doorway, his gaze softening unconsciously.

“I’ve made this your territory the moment I’m not here.” He walked gently to the bedside and leaned down to gaze at Lippo’s sleeping face.

“Really…” Guern murmured, reaching out to gently brush away the stray hairs from her forehead.

The moment her fingertips touched her skin, Lipo frowned and her nose twitched slightly, as if she were sniffing something.

The next second, she grabbed Gern's wrist in a daze, rubbing her cheek against the back of his hand like a spoiled rabbit.

“I’m not a carrot.” Gern couldn’t help but chuckle, letting her pull his hand as he lay down on the edge of the bed.

“Hmm…Gern…” Lipo mumbled indistinctly, her voice soft and sweet, like a dream.

“I’m here,” Gern replied softly, his thumb gently stroking her cheek.

Libo seemed to understand, a satisfied smile curving her lips as she hugged his hand even tighter.

Her breathing gradually calmed down, and she drifted back into sleep.

Gern looked at her quietly, a warm feeling welling up inside him.

Outside the window, the faint sound of waves lapping against the shore could be heard, blending with the tranquility inside the house.

At least for this moment, all the scheming, fighting, and uncertainty about the future seemed to be kept at bay.

Only this small corner of the world remains, warm and peaceful.

……

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the gaps in the curtains.

Libo remained curled up in bed, fast asleep, hugging her pillow, her fluffy rabbit ears rising and falling gently with her breath.

Gern stood by the bed, a slight smile playing on his lips, and gently pinched her ear.

Libo mumbled a sleepy "hmm," turned over, buried her face in the blankets, and continued to drift off to sleep.

“I like to sleep in whenever I have nothing to do.” Gern smiled, tucked her in, and then turned and left the room.

Tezzolo had been waiting in the courtyard for a long time.

He stood under a tree, sunlight filtering through the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows on him.

The Golden Emperor, who was destined to be alone, nameless, and radiating malevolence, with both hands adorned with gold rings, was originally destined for greatness.

Now, Tezzolo is left with only a simple ring on his ring finger, a symbol of his loyalty to his wife.

“Lieutenant General Gern.” Tesoro immediately stood up straight and looked respectful as Gern approached.

"Have you finished compiling the intelligence?" Gern walked up to him and got straight to the point.

Tesoro nodded, took a document from his pocket, and handed it over.

"There isn't much confirmed information about Sky Island at the moment, but there are a few key clues."

Guern took the document and quickly flipped through it.

Tezzolo then explained from the side:

Upwelling Currents: Occasionally, huge upwelling currents occur in the waters near Gaya Island, which, according to legend, can lift ships directly into the sky.

The Legend of the Golden Land: The fairy tales of Beihai mention "Shandora's Golden Land."

It is said that Noland's descendants still believe that the story told by their ancestor is true, only that it was blown into the sky.

Eyewitness accounts: Merchant ships once saw the shadowy figure of a giant in the sky over a certain area of ​​the Grand Line, but it quickly disappeared without a trace.

“So that means…” Gern closed the file, tapping his fingers lightly on the cover, and asked thoughtfully:

"Based on this scattered intelligence, the Sky Island does exist, but the entrance is not fixed?"

"Yes." Tesoro nodded slightly.

“However…” he paused, “there is currently no authoritative navigator who can confirm this.”

Most people consider this just a ridiculous legend.

A meaningful smile appeared on Gern's lips as he looked up at the azure sky.

"Since no one can verify it, then we will be the first witnesses."

Tesoro took the returned document, frowned, hesitated for a moment, and finally couldn't help but ask, "Lieutenant General Gern, why are you so obsessed with Skypiea?"

According to my investigation, the possibility of it existing there is extremely slim…

“But you still went to investigate, didn’t you?” Gern suddenly interrupted him, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

Tesoro paused for a moment, then smiled wryly and said, "Because I've followed you for so many years, I know you never do anything without certainty."

"Haha, Tesoro, if I tell you the truth, you'll probably be even more confused!"

“Even more confused?” Tezzolo frowned.

“That’s right!” Gern slowly raised his head, his smile fading, his voice low and somber: “Because what I’m going to find is…”

"god!!"

The word exploded in the air, carrying a chilling weight.

Tesoro's pupils suddenly contracted, and he unconsciously clenched the document in his hand.

The sun was still shining brightly, but he felt a strange chill creep up his spine.

“God…God?” Tesoro swallowed hard. “A guy you call ‘God’, then we…”

“No need, he’s just a guy who likes to call himself that.” Gern waved his hand. “So, this time it’s just the three of us going.”

Tesoro paused for a moment: "Ripo is going too?"

“She’s our navigator, isn’t she?” Gern laughed.

Tezzolo shook his head helplessly, but the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up in a smile.

Indeed, many people may not know this, but under the "Special Skills" section of Libo's military rank, it does say "Navigator" (for the purpose of evaluating her professional title).

After finishing their business, Gern's gaze fell on Tesoro's ring finger, and he suddenly asked, "I heard that Stella is pregnant?"

When his wife was mentioned, Tezzolo softened, and a rare tenderness appeared in his eyes: "Yes, it's been three months."

Gern patted him on the shoulder and laughed, "Congratulations, it looks like you'll be a father soon."

Tesoro took a deep breath and said sincerely, "Lieutenant General Guern, if you hadn't saved Stella back then and given me a chance to start over, I might..."

“The choice is yours,” Gern interrupted him, his eyes resolute.

"I only gave you a chance, but you are the one who can truly change your destiny."

Tezzolo paused for a moment, then nodded solemnly: "Even so, I am still grateful."