Chapter 40: Meeting Spandam Again

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Gion frowned, her hand rising to slap Jessica's hand away from her collar. But before she could, Carl's voice suddenly rang out from behind them.

**"What are you doing?"**

Hearing Carl's voice, Gion's hand froze mid-air. She turned around—just as the movement caused the opening of her collar to widen, revealing a hint of pink underwear.

Yet, Carl didn't even spare it a glance. Completely indifferent to the breathtaking sight, he walked right past Gion and stopped in front of Ginny.

Patting the top of her fluffy pink hair, he asked, **"Hey, silly girl, what's wrong?"**

Ginny flinched in surprise, then quickly turned away, muttering, **"It's nothing!"**

"Then why are you looking down? Have you finished today's training? Or have you been slacking off?"

**"I'm not slacking! I was just about to start training!"**

Ginny flailed her arms dramatically, but then hesitated, her voice turning tentative.

**"Brother Carl, do you… like high heels?"**

Carl blinked. "High heels? Why do you ask all of a sudden?"

**"Oh, don't worry about that! Just tell me—do you like them or not?"**

"Hmm… I guess they're fine? Do you want to wear high heels? I can get you a pair, but I think boots suit you better."

Ginny's eyes widened. "Brother Carl, you like me wearing boots? **Got it! I understand!**"

Carl crossed his arms, pondering aloud, **"Actually, both high heels and boots can be impractical for training. If you're serious about improving, I wouldn't—"**

But Ginny was no longer listening. A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes as she peeked at Gion over Carl's shoulder.

**Then, sticking her tongue out at Gion, she grabbed Jessica's hand and ran off.**

Carl stood there, frowning slightly at their cryptic behavior.

Gion, watching the scene unfold, had been about to say something to Carl. But before she could, he turned on his heel and disappeared in a flash—without even glancing back at her.

For a brief moment, Gion found herself **standing alone** again.

With a sigh, she adjusted her messy collar, glancing down at her own exposed cleavage.

**"What a rude man,"** she murmured, a playful smile tugging at her lips. **"I don't believe you can ignore me forever."**

Her gaze shifted to Ginny, who was back in the training area, working hard.

Gion's eyes narrowed slightly.

**"If I want to get closer to Carl… then I just need to befriend Ginny first."**

---

### Later That Evening

After freshening up, Carl returned to the dormitory. Akainu and Kuma were off showering, leaving only Borsalino, who was already in bed.

Lying back with his head propped up on one hand, Borsalino held a banana in the other, savoring it as if it were a **rare delicacy**.

He had brought it back from the cafeteria after dinner, clearly enjoying it as a late-night treat.

Seeing Carl enter, he casually reached under his pillow, pulled out another banana, and tossed it over.

"Carl, have a banana. Got a bunch from the cafeteria."

Carl caught it and placed it beside his pillow, chuckling. **"Thanks, but I just brushed my teeth. I'll save it for the morning."**

Borsalino nodded, unfazed. Unlike Carl, he wasn't too particular about brushing his teeth at night.

Since there were no phones in the **pirate world**, Carl made his bed and prepared to sleep.

**Then, suddenly—**

The **Den Den Mushi** on the table rang loudly.

The device had only been installed a few days ago, meant for emergency communication between Carl, his dorm mates, and Zephyr.

Now that Carl and the others had reached Vice Admiral-level strength, Zephyr no longer treated them as ordinary students. If something urgent arose, he would contact them through the **Den Den Mushi** to dispatch them for missions.

If Akainu had been there, he would have picked up the call first. But he wasn't.

Carl glanced up at Borsalino, who was still lounging on the top bunk.

Without moving, Borsalino muttered, **"What's the old man calling for at this hour? Carl, you pick up. I'm too full from this banana."**

Carl rolled his eyes but walked over to the table, pressing the **connect** button on the Den Den Mushi's shell.

The **purple-haired Den Den Mushi** mimicked Zephyr's deep voice.

**"Carl? Someone from the World Government is waiting for you at the gate. Come meet them."**

Borsalino—who had been lazily sprawled on his bed—suddenly **sat up straight**, his ears perking up.

Zephyr continued, **"Don't be alarmed. His name is Spandam. According to Babs, you two had some dealings back in the Sorbet Kingdom. I won't pry into your personal matters. Just go see what he wants."**

Carl frowned slightly but nodded. **"Understood. I'll head over now."**

After hanging up, he slipped on a coat and was about to leave when Borsalino stopped him.

"Carl—if you're not coming back tonight, let us know. If you need anything, just say the word."

Carl paused.

When he turned back, he saw **Borsalino's eyes full of concern**.

A rare warmth filled Carl's chest.

He softened his voice. **"It's nothing serious. Didn't you hear what Zephyr said? I know the guy. Maybe my family sent him with something for me."**

Carl's words carried an underlying implication—his **connection** to the World Government.

Borsalino seemed to pick up on it, nodding without pressing further.

---

### At the Marine School Gate

The moment Carl approached the entrance, the guards **immediately** opened the gate, allowing him to pass.

Stepping outside, he spotted a **familiar, hunched figure** emerging from the shadows.

Spandam.

With his usual **obsequious** smile, Spandam hurried toward Carl, hands rubbing together in exaggerated reverence.

**"Lord Carl, I deeply apologize for summoning you at this hour! But I didn't dare approach inside—I was afraid I might slip up and reveal your noble identity…!"**

Carl waved a hand dismissively. **"It's fine. You did well. Now, what do you need from me?"**

Spandam's smile widened.

**"Lord Garling contacted me today. He wishes to see you at Mary Geoise."**

Carl's eyes narrowed slightly. **"Uncle Garling? Did he say why?"**

**"No, my lord. He only said he wanted to meet you personally."**

Spandam continued in his usual flattering tone, **"But don't worry! I told everyone that the World Government is simply interested in you—investigating your potential. After all, your outstanding performance here speaks for itself!"**

As he spoke, Spandam's gaze flickered with admiration.

He had dealt with **many** Celestial Dragons in his time, but someone like Carl?

A prodigy among prodigies.

After all, the students in this class were personally trained by **Zephyr**, one of the greatest Marine instructors.

And yet—Carl **still stood out** among them.

Spandam's respect for Carl had deepened over time.

In his mind, Carl wasn't just a Celestial Dragon.

**He was a rising force.**

And Spandam?

**He dreamed of being the most devoted lackey at Carl's side.**