Chapter 127

Chapter 127

After telling his story, Ivankov looked at Carl, whose face was shrouded in shadow, with some trepidation. In the sunlight, the black shoulder straps on his Navy cloak flashed with a golden glint.

Ivankov knew that what he had done was considered usurpation in the eyes of the World Government—a heinous crime.

And now, Carl was an Admiral of the Navy. That made him the natural enforcer of the law, the one responsible for dealing with people like him.

Even knowing this, Ivankov told the truth without hesitation. He didn't want to lie to his only big brother.

The okama around him realized this as well. They swallowed hard, their previous cheer fading into tense silence.

Only one person still looked smug. Struggling to sit up straight, King Gipps sneered arrogantly.

"Hahaha! I'm so lucky! I actually met the Admiral of the Navy—"

Bang! Crack!

Everyone on the ship froze.

When they turned, they saw King Gipps with his head stuck in the deck, Carl's foot pressing down on his sunken face. Blood and brain matter spilled onto the wood.

Carl looked down at him, his expression indifferent. "Too noisy."

In the next second, darkness spread beneath Carl's feet, devouring the corpse entirely. When the darkness faded, the floor was clean, and Carl's shoes looked as pristine as before.

The entire ship fell silent.

Ivankov hesitantly spoke up. "C-Carl, Brother Carl…"

Carl turned his head, sighing. "Ivankov, can you say my name without stuttering?"

"Uh, Brother Carl, how did you just…"

Ivankov paused, then suddenly changed his tone. "I'm sorry, Brother Carl! I shouldn't have let Gipps provoke you!"

Carl tilted his head, frowning. "What nonsense are you talking about? I killed him. That has nothing to do with you."

He then turned to Lucia. "Lucia, did you see everything just now?"

Lucia smiled softly. "I saw that Gipps disturbed the young master and deserved to be executed on the spot."

The okama gasped. Ivankov wanted to protest, but Carl raised a hand, stopping him.

"An incompetent king can be eliminated. No need to make a big deal out of it."

Under the stunned gazes of the crowd, Carl casually pinched his chin and said,

"Ivankov, from now on, you're the King of Kamabakka. The World Government will issue the necessary documents soon. Make sure to receive them when they arrive."

Ivankov's mouth fell open.

Carl had just arranged a change of monarchy as if it were nothing more than shifting pieces on a chessboard. Given his position, replacing the king of a small nation like Kamabakka was as simple as making a statement.

Once the matter was settled, Carl patted Ivankov on the shoulder. "Let's go. Stop standing around."

"Huh? Where are we going, Brother Carl?"

"To Marineford, of course. But I can only take you. Your subordinates… their style is a little too different from the Headquarters. It might not sit well with them."

Ivankov understood. The okama ideology was too… progressive. It was only natural that a strict organization like the Marines wouldn't accept it.

Still, she was moved. Carl had shown nothing but respect to the okama from the start. The rest of the crew felt the same.

From this moment on, Carl wasn't just Ivankov's big brother. He was the big brother of all of them.

After giving Inazuma some instructions, Ivankov boarded Carl's approaching warship. Together, they set sail for Marineford.

Halfway through the journey, Ivankov shifted into her female form, the state she found most comfortable.

As the warship docked, Carl turned to her. "Ivankov, I need to see Fleet Admiral Kong first. Wait for me at the port, I'll be back soon."

Despite being at the Navy Headquarters for the first time, Ivankov wasn't nervous. With her carefree personality, she was more excited about reuniting with old friends.

She winked at Carl, teasing, "Okay, Brother Carl, I'll wait for you~"

Carl shivered slightly. He turned away, wiping the cold sweat from his brow, and headed toward Marineford with Lucia and his subordinates.

Not long after they left, another warship arrived at the port. A figure with a slightly flamboyant style leapt down from the bow, landing gracefully nearby.

He wore a gray suit and a black top hat. As he landed, he pulled a cigarette from his pocket. Instead of using a lighter, he pressed his fingertips against the cigarette, and a dazzling golden light flickered.

Ivankov squinted, momentarily blinded by the brightness.

When the light faded, the cigarette was lit. The man took a deep drag and exhaled a long stream of smoke, his movements slick and exaggerated.

Ivankov clapped in admiration.

The man turned toward the applause, and Ivankov finally got a good look at his face. She hesitated, thinking, *What a unique aura!*

The man smirked and spoke in a rhythmic tone, "Oh, miss, you look unfamiliar…"

Then he noticed Carl's warship and mumbled, "Hmm? Carl's back too? It's been a while. I'll catch up with him after I meet Fleet Admiral Kong. Dinner tonight sounds good~"

Ivankov suddenly recognized him. Clapping her hands, she exclaimed,

"You're Vice Admiral Borsalino! One of the Navy's supernovas!"

A mischievous grin spread across Borsalino's face. Just as he was about to speak, another figure descended from the warship.

A tall, burly man approached Borsalino, his deep voice rumbling, "Borsalino, I saw Brother Carl's warship—"

Before he could finish, a voice full of surprise rang out.

"Kuma!"

The man paused. He recognized that voice. Slowly turning, he saw Ivankov, now in her female form, standing excitedly before him.

Looking at Ivankov's radiant expression, Kuma hesitated for a moment before murmuring in disbelief,

"You… you're Ivankov!?"