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

That stemmed from his personal experience of Im's terrifying power, from his unwavering loyalty to Captain Roger's legacy, and from his deep expectation for the "new era" on which he placed his hopes.

In Shanks' view, Gern's independence was a dangerous and ill-timed "preemptive strike."

It could not only destroy the navy, but also ruin what Roger sacrificed his life for.

The "timetable" for that "destined person" to grow up and eventually fulfill their mission.

“So…” Beckman began slowly, flicking his cigarette ash, “you attacked the Navy branch to force Gern to show himself? You want to personally… 'talk' to him?”

“It’s not just about talking.” Shanks’s eyes turned cold. “If necessary, I will make him face reality.”

The Navy... should return to its rightful place, maintain balance, and wait for that moment.

Instead of becoming a victim of Guern's personal ambition and reckless judgment, as we are doing now.

The conversation ended, and Shanks turned around.

"Send someone to spread the word."

“Tell Gern that if he doesn’t want to see more naval outposts like this today, he should come to the New World to see me in person.”

"Some things must be said face to face."

"Some 'principles' must be made clear."

Shanks placed his hand on Griffin's hilt.

"Ugh... this is so scary..."

A slow, drawn-out voice suddenly came from the air.

"The Pirate Emperor 'Red-Haired' Shanks... actually said he would personally 'reason' with the Marine Admiral."

Shanks and Beckman's eyes sharpened instantly, and they both looked up at the sky.

A dazzling golden light flashed a few times in the sky, then landed on the ship's side not far away with a "whoosh" at an imperceptible speed.

The golden light quickly condensed and took shape, transforming into a tall, thin man wearing a white coat embroidered with the word "Justice".

Kizaru was slightly hunched over, his hands in his pockets, his yellow sunglasses obscuring his eyes.

His lips turned down, revealing an expression that seemed perpetually troubled, yet also subtly mocking.

“Kizaru… Borsalino.” Beckman silently raised the muzzle of his gun, his eyes sharp.

The Red-Haired Pirates' officers instantly went into battle mode, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

"Oh dear, oh dear~~ Don't be so tense." Kizaru waved his hand, his tone still lazy.

"Beckman, the sight of him pointing a gun at me is putting so much pressure on me, it's terrifying~"

"I just happened to be 'passing by' nearby and overheard some incredible things... 'Attack on the Navy branch,' 'Bige's appearance' and stuff like that..."

He tilted his head, his sunglasses reflecting the light from the sea.

"That won't do! As a naval admiral, to hear someone about to spout nonsense at the fleet admiral..."

Especially with Gernbli being in the limelight right now, I can't just pretend I didn't hear about it, can I?

Although my junior colleague who became a marshal sometimes gives me a headache~~~”

Shanks' hand remained on Griffin's chest, his face regaining its composure, but his eyes held an unusually deep intensity.

"A Marine Admiral appeared alone on one of the Four Emperors' ships... This doesn't seem like he was just 'passing by'."

Are you representing Marine Headquarters, or yourself, Borsalino?

"Who does it represent... That's a difficult question." Kizaru stroked his chin, pretending to think. "If I had to say, it would probably represent 'the position at this moment'."

After all, if we allow the Four Emperors to openly provoke the Navy by attacking a branch, and word gets out... the Navy will lose all face.

He spoke slowly and deliberately, but faint golden particles began to emanate from his body.

"So, could you please temporarily withdraw that dangerous 'invitation' you just made?"

"or……"

Kizaru's lips curled into a slightly odd smile.

"...How about a different 'communication' method? For example, how about I, as the senior, listen to your 'reasoning' first?"

The instant his words fell, his body transformed into a straight golden flash, not rushing towards Shanks, but sweeping across the deck at an astonishing speed!

"So fast!" one of the officials exclaimed.

"The Eight-Foot Jade Curved Jewel".

As he spoke slowly, countless dazzling light bullets suddenly burst forth in the air, pouring down like a torrential rain onto the sea surrounding the Red Force!

The sea was blasted into towering waves, and the ships rocked violently, but they were still able to make outlines.

It was more like a show of force intended to intimidate.

Golden light coalesced once more, and Kizaru appeared atop the mainmast, looking down with an unfathomable gaze behind his sunglasses.

"You see, making too much noise isn't good either, right?" He looked down at Shanks.

“Say certain things that attract unnecessary attention and premature action, and it will make things... even more troublesome.”

This doesn't seem to align with your original intention of 'maintaining balance,' Mr. Shanks~~~

Shanks raised his head and "met" Kizaru's gaze.

The wind and waves gradually subsided, but an invisible pressure filled the air.

"What are you trying to say, Kizaru?"

"I just wanted to say..." Kizaru's figure began to transform into shimmering specks of light.

"Times are indeed changing, and everyone has their own agenda."

You have your principles, but Gern has already shouldered responsibilities that many of us shouldn't have to bear, allowing someone like me, a nobody, to do whatever I want.

"So, before you decide to reason with me..." Kizaru's eyes darkened.

"Don't underestimate justice, Shanks!"

Chapter 595 Return to Fishman Island

Several days later, in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise.

Topman Vocuri did not bring any exciting news.

The content and outcome of the "negotiation" with Guern in New Marin Fondo were strictly controlled by the Five Elders.

The details between them and a very small number of core members of the Knights of God were not made public.

The World Government made no public response to Guern's almost humiliating "ultimatum," no declaration of war, no diplomatic condemnation, and even its usual smear campaign seemed weak and ineffective.

This unusual silence, in fact, confirmed a chilling suspicion.

That "existence" that transcends everything seems to have chosen to remain hidden in the background for some reason.

(Judging from the latest episode of the anime, Im is a coward who likes to hide in the back.)

Therefore, Im, who could potentially harm Gern, would definitely continue to hide.

The only visible action was the astonishing number of [unspecified events] that occurred over the following week.

Commoner slaves from all corners of the world and the Grand Line were "released" by World Government ships.

They were either repatriated to their place of origin through Honggang or placed in designated naval settlements.

Most of these released individuals were emaciated, mentally disoriented, and bore the marks of long-term abuse.

Their presence, and the World Government's low-key handling of the matter, silently proved that Gern's threat was not unfounded.

But this is more like a humiliating, reluctant compromise by the world government than a genuine repentance.

But in any case, Gern's negotiations were the right thing to do!

Given some harsh conditions, the other party will definitely choose the easiest and safest option.

Therefore, from beginning to end, all Gern wanted was to liberate the slaves.

......

New World, G-14 Branch Area.

Kizaru Borsalino hovered above the wrecked branch, riding on photons.

Looking down at the naval soldiers whose morale was somewhat low as they were rushing to repair the fortifications...

I glanced again at the Red Falcon, its ship gradually disappearing into the distance on the horizon.

His habitual playful smile faded considerably, and he reported the information back to New Marineford.

He did not engage in a full-scale battle with the Red-Haired Pirates; it was merely a brief but intense probing exchange.

After all, fighting to the death with a powerful Yonko-level expert who excels in Haki is not a good choice.

New Marineford, Marshal's office.

Sengoku looked at the encrypted telegram Kizaru had sent back in his hand, then glanced at the empty card opposite him.

The vein on his forehead twitched involuntarily; he should have been sitting in the chair of the supreme commander of the navy.

"Sigh." Sengoku took a deep breath, rubbed his throbbing temples, picked up another Den Den Mushi from the table, and dialed a secret line.

“Brubrub... Brubrub... Click.”

The call connected, and in the background came the faint sound of ocean currents, the strange calls of deep-sea fish, and cheerful mermaid music.

"Hello? Sengoku? What's up? I'm busy right now... Hmm, this coral mead tastes pretty good."

Gern's voice came through the Den Den Mushi, carrying a hint of laziness and ease, which was completely out of place with the solemn atmosphere on the Sengoku side.

Sengoku suppressed the urge to crush the Den Den Mushi and gritted his teeth, saying, "Gern! Where are you now?!"

“Oh, on Fishman Island. Brother Neptune and Queen Otohime invited me for a drink and to talk about Fishman Island.” Gern’s voice was matter-of-fact.

"Fishman Island?! You went to Fishman Island?!"

Red-Haired Shanks attacked the G-14 branch in the New World, injured Vice Admiral Dol, and sent Kizaru to deliver a message that he specifically asked you to come see him alone!

"You still have the mood to drink on Fishman Island?!" Sengoku felt his blood pressure soaring.

"Ah, that? Didn't Kizaru report it? I know." Gern's tone remained relaxed. "Shanks is a big thinker and a worrier, don't worry about him."

Leave him alone for a few days, and he'll figure it out on his own.

Besides, what if a fight breaks out if I go there now?

They're disabled people, so we should give them preferential treatment.

"You..." Sengoku was speechless for a moment, choked by this absurd reason. "That's Red-Haired Shanks, one of the Four Emperors!"

There must be a reason why his attitude suddenly became so tough!

Furthermore, he mentioned words like 'mission' and 'qualification,' which could very well involve Roger or even deeper secrets!

We cannot underestimate this!

"Relax, relax, old man Sengoku." Gern seemed to have taken a sip of wine, his voice becoming even more leisurely. "No matter how strong Shanks is, he's still just one of the Four Emperors."

What we are dealing with now is the mess left behind by the entire world government, and the potential for a full-scale war.

These are strategic locations such as Wano Country and Elbaf.

His 'mission'? Let him play by himself for now.

"Once I'm done with things here, I'll go listen to what he wants to perform."

"You..." Sengoku wanted to persuade him again, but Gern interrupted him.

"Oh right, it's just in time for you to call."

"Could you check the naval archives and some classified documents from the World Government for me, specifically everything related to 'Elbaf' and 'the Giants'?"

Also... information on a giant king named 'Harald', the more detailed the better.

Especially his relationship with the World Government back then. Organize it and send it to Tesoro; he'll give me a brief report.

“Harald?” Sengoku was taken aback. He had heard of this name when he was young; Harald was a highly controversial figure in the history of the giants.

"Yes, I have some leads, but I need more corroborating evidence."