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

Guern smiled and said nothing more.

"Alright, go and get ready." He looked away, his tone relaxed. "We'll set off in a few days once the application is approved."

Tezzolo nodded in agreement and turned to leave.

Watching Tesoro's retreating figure, Gern looked up at the sky and smiled.

"Your turn next, Enel!"

Chapter 219 I'm doing all this for "justice"

One week later, Sabaody Archipelago, G-33 Naval Base.

Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves of the mangroves, dappling the plaza of the base, and a faint scent of resin filled the air.

The small warship "White Gull" was quietly docked in the port, and several naval soldiers were busy conducting final replenishment checks.

Gern stood on the deck, his black sword, Bahuang, hanging diagonally at his waist, the gray bandages fluttering in the wind.

At the same time, he gazed intently at the shimmering sea in the distance, a slight smile playing on his lips.

His posture and smile perfectly embody the persona of a "naval legend."

"Vice Admiral Gern, resupply is complete, and we are ready to depart at any time," a naval soldier reported quickly, saluting with admiration in his eyes.

"Thank you for your hard work." Gern nodded, his gaze sweeping over the base's perimeter wall.

He noticed that many naval soldiers were secretly observing him, their eyes filled with awe and admiration.

"Stop laughing." Seeing this, Gern couldn't help but smile uncontrollably.

It has to be said that Guern's fame is really great now. Just the news of the "Skyquake" brought a brief silence to the once bustling Chambord.

Not only did the pirates disappear, but even the usually arrogant Celestial Dragons became much more subdued.

After all, no one wants to cause trouble in front of this naval legend who arrested the "Pirate King".

"Lieutenant General Gern!" A deep voice came from behind.

Gern turned around and saw a tall man covered in spotted dog fur striding towards him.

It was the new commander of G-33 base, Rear Admiral Dalmesia of the Marine Headquarters (a Zoan-type Dog-Dog Fruit user with the ability to kill a Dalmatian).

"Long time no see, Dalmesia." Gern smiled slightly. "Thank you for lending me the boat this time."

"Not at all! I am also a student of Professor Zephyr, and I have received his teachings."

"He mentioned you quite a bit when he lectured back then! Lieutenant General Guern." Dalmesia laughed heartily, his canine teeth gleaming in the sunlight.

"And it is our honor that you can come to Chambord."

"But..." He paused, scratching his head slightly awkwardly.

"With you gone, the defenses of Chambord will probably have to become tense again."

"Haha." Gern chuckled. "Don't worry, those pirates won't dare to make any rash moves anytime soon."

"As expected of Master Zephyr's personal disciple." Dalmesia nodded solemnly with deep respect.

"With you here these past few days, Sabaody has indeed become much more peaceful, especially now that it's the Great Pirate Era."

Just as Gern was about to continue his idle chatter, Lippo poked her head out of the cabin and shouted.

"Gern, Tesoro says everything is ready and we can set off!"

“Alright,” Gern replied, then turned to Dalmesia and said, “Then, farewell.”

Dalmesia stood at attention and saluted: "Have a safe journey!"

Gern waved and turned to board the warship.

As the anchor chain was retracted, the White Gull slowly sailed away from the port and headed towards the distant horizon.

.........

On the deck, Libo leaned against the ship's railing, excitedly watching the Sabaody Archipelago gradually disappear into the distance.

"Gern, are we really going to the Sky Island this time?"

“Of course.” Gern leaned against the mast, his gaze deep.

"Since people on earth can't find it, let's look for it in the sky."

Tezzolo walked over, unfolding a nautical chart in his hand.

"Based on the intelligence I've gathered, we can go to the waters near Jaya Island, the origin of the story, to pinpoint its location."

As for how to find it, that will need further confirmation at that time.

“Since that’s the case…” Gern nodded and began to speak.

"Tezzolo, adjust the course."

“Yes, Vice Admiral Gern.” Tesoro glanced down at the nautical chart. “Next, we’re heading towards Jaya Island on the Grand Line…”

“No,” Gern interrupted him, a slight smile playing on his lips. “We’re going to Amazon Lily.”

"Huh?" Tesoro looked up abruptly, his face full of surprise. "Amazon Island? Lieutenant General Guern, what are we going there for?"

“Wait, Lieutenant General Gern…” He paused, then suddenly gave a strange look.

"You wouldn't... be addicted to being teased by that 'Snake Princess' last time, would you?"

"What, what? What does 'addictive to teasing' mean?" Lippo hopped between the two, her fluffy bunny ears standing up high, her face full of innocence.

Gern: "..."

Tesoro: "..."

The two tacitly ignored Lipo's question.

"What are you talking about?" Gern coughed, feigning seriousness. "What do you think my mission request contained?"

"Application details?" Tesoro looked at him suspiciously, then opened the mission file in his hand and examined it carefully.

A few seconds later, his expression froze.

"Recruiting the Seven Warlords of the Sea?" He looked up, his voice trembling slightly. "Vice Admiral Gern, this can't be you..."

“You can’t just say things like that.” Gern held up a finger and lowered his voice.

Do you think it's so easy for me to get out now?

You don't even know my past record. Every time I come out, I cause a big stir.

This time, I had to plead and beg before the Air Marshal reluctantly gave me an attack mission.

"Heh, in the end..." Tesoro's lips twitched, his eyes filled with suspicion: "Your so-called 'search for the Sky Island' is actually for...

“On the way, on the way.” Gern waved his hand with an upright and dignified expression, the top button of his military uniform collar fastened meticulously.

"Moreover, from a strategic perspective, the female warriors of Amazon Lily are exceptionally strong. If they could be incorporated into the Seven Warlords of the Sea system, it would greatly benefit the stability of the front section of the Grand Line."

He paused, then added, "Of course, these are Marshal Kong's original words, and I personally have reservations about them."

Tesoro took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down: "So how do you plan to...seduce...uh! persuade them?"

As far as I know, the women of Amazon Lily are always proud and have a deep-seated hatred for men.

“Well…” Gern stroked his chin, revealing a meaningful smile: “I have a brilliant plan.”

“Lieutenant General Guern!” Tesoro suddenly said seriously, his eyes filled with the concern of an elder, “A mature woman is nice, but you must know your limits!”

You're still so young, is Lippo's cuteness really insignificant compared to her sexiness...?

"Tesoro!"

Gern suddenly straightened his back, his cloak of justice fluttering in the wind, as if he were bathed in holy light, his voice resounding.

"In your eyes, is your superior a man who can be easily seduced by a few flirtations?"

As he spoke, Gern placed one hand on his chest and gazed resolutely into the distance: "All of this is for 'justice'!"

No one understands. In fact, no matter what choice I make, in the end, I'll be the one who suffers!

Therefore, you should understand me, not question me.

Tesoro silently turned his face away, his shoulders trembling suspiciously.

"Gern, are you joking?" Libo tilted her head, her carrot hair accessory swaying gently with the movement.

Why is Tesoro's face all red?

Gern: "..."

Chapter 220 Lovesickness

Amazon Lily, Snake Island.

The afterglow of the setting sun fell on the golden roof of the palace, casting a melancholy orange hue over this secluded matriarchal kingdom.

On the throne, the newly enthroned Empress Huobalian rested her forehead on one hand, her brows furrowed with sorrow, her gaze vacant as she stared out of the palace.

"Is the Snake Princess's condition...still not improving?" An aged voice came from the side.

Gloriosa, leaning on her serpent staff, slowly approached, her wrinkled face filled with worry. Looking at the torch lotus, a hint of guilt flashed in her eyes.

Roger died at the age of fifty-three, and now she, the first Empress, is also getting old.

The aging process is particularly noticeable when one loses their vitality.

"You're asking me?" Upon hearing Gloriosa's words, Torch Lotus suddenly looked up, her voice choked with emotion.

"You and Sister Xia Qi left back then, leaving the entire burden of Nine Serpents to my sister!"

She's endured all these years alone, and now that you're back, she..." Huobalian's voice trailed off.

Because, in fact, she blamed herself for all of these things.

I've always thought my older sister was very powerful, so I followed Gloria Osa and Shakky to the New World.

The Snake Princess would always look at her with a gentle expression and say, "Go in peace! Kuja will take care of you!"

But now that gentle and strong woman has fallen.

“Torch Lotus.” Gloriosa was silent for a moment, then sighed, “Back then, we left to find a new way out for the Nine Serpents.”

The situation in the new world is complex, and we have no choice but to…

"Enough! Stop making excuses. It all boils down to men, doesn't it? I know that perfectly well!"

Huo Balian interrupted sharply, tears welling in her eyes, "Besides, what's the point of saying all this now?"

"My sister...she's dying!"

The hall fell into a deathly silence, with only the suppressed sobs of Huobalian echoing through the room.

Snake Princess, the strongest warrior of Amazon Lily and the only female great swordswoman on the high seas, is now bedridden with lovesickness.

Her life force was visibly slipping away, and no one on the entire Nine-Shell Island could cure this "illness."

“Perhaps…” Gloriosa slowly closed her eyes and whispered, “We should consider seeking help from outside.”

"Request for help?" Torch Lotus sneered. "Have you forgotten the Nine Serpents' rules? Any man who sets foot in this place will be killed without exception!"

“Rules are rigid, but people are flexible.” Gloriaosa raised her head, her gaze deep. “The Snake Princess should be let go.”

Huobalian's pupils contracted, and her breathing suddenly became rapid.

"You mean you want my sister to be like you were back then?"

"This is the only way, otherwise Boa Hancock won't last another week."

.........

Three days later, at the first light of dawn, in the waters outside Snake Island

The White Gull slowly sailed into the doldrums, breaking through the thin fog. The sea was as calm as a mirror.

Gern stood at the bow of the ship, his black sword, Bahuang, hanging diagonally at his waist, his gaze fixed on the gradually clearing outline of the island in the distance.

"Lieutenant General Gern, are we really going to land directly?" Tesoro frowned.

"Amazonia isn't very friendly to outsiders, especially men."