Chapter 128

**Chapter 128**

"Kuma, do you know that beauty over there?"

Borsalino scratched his head and pointed at Ivankov, but Kuma didn't respond. Instead, he teleported straight to her, and the two embraced tightly.

When they finally separated, Ivankov patted Kuma's broad chest, looked up at him, and said, "Kuma, you've changed a lot since before!"

Kuma gave a rare smile. "Ivankov-chan, it seems you're the one who has changed the most…"

Ivankov put her hands on her hips and laughed. Just as she was about to use her ability to revert to her original form, Borsalino approached. He looked at Ivankov with curiosity and asked Kuma,

"Kuma, can you introduce me to this lady? Who is she to you?"

Before Kuma could respond, Ivankov grabbed Borsalino's hand, winked at him, and said enthusiastically,

"Hello, my name is Emporio Ivankov, a friend of Kuma. Nice to meet you, Vice Admiral Borsalino~"

Borsalino quickly introduced himself in return before asking, "Miss Ivankov, what brings you to Marineford?"

When Ivankov heard Borsalino address her as "Miss," Kuma's expression shifted slightly, but he remained silent. Ivankov laughed and pointed at Carl's warship.

"Brother Carl brought me here! He, Kuma, Ginny, and I have been friends since childhood!"

Borsalino's demeanor immediately became friendlier. He had known Carl for years, and anyone Carl considered family was someone he would naturally get along with. The surrounding Marines, hearing this, looked at Ivankov with growing interest.

At that moment, many eyes in Marineford were drawn to the lively Ivankov. The Navy Headquarters had a rising elite circle centered around the seven Navy supernovas, with promising figures like Momonga from the Marine Academy on the periphery. This group represented the future pillars of the Navy, with Carl at its core—the youngest Admiral in history.

Ivankov and Borsalino continued chatting, and Ivankov seemed particularly entertained by Borsalino's laid-back, almost comically smooth demeanor. Her gaze lingered on him longer than usual, leading some onlookers to wonder if she had taken a liking to him.

When Carl returned, he saw Ivankov laughing with Borsalino and paused in surprise. The surrounding Marines snapped to attention, saluting as they called out, "Admiral Black Dragon!"

Borsalino waved lazily. "Hey! Carl, long time no see!"

Carl smiled as he walked over. "Long time no see, Borsalino. I see you've already met my friend."

"Haha, Miss Ivankov is quite charming!" Borsalino grinned.

Carl exchanged a glance with Kuma, then cleared his throat. "Well, we'll have to enjoy ourselves tonight."

Borsalino clapped a hand on Carl's shoulder. "I've been waiting for you to say that!"

"Great. I'll take Ivankov to meet Ginny first. See you later this evening."

"Okay!"

Before leaving, Ivankov winked at Borsalino and teased, "See you tonight, Vice Admiral Borsalino~"

Borsalino struck what he thought was a handsome pose in response, making Ivankov laugh so hard it sounded like a chiming clock.

---

When Ginny saw Ivankov, she froze. Her mouth formed an "O" in shock as she grabbed Carl's arm, pointing at Ivankov.

"Y-You're really Ivankov?!"

Puffing out her chest with pride, Ivankov posed dramatically before using her Horm-Horm Fruit to revert to her original male form. She then cheerfully explained her Devil Fruit powers.

Ginny fell silent for a long moment before suddenly exclaiming, "That Devil Fruit really suits you, Ivankov!"

Pleased, Ivankov wiggled her needle-like fingers. "Yes! It and I are a perfect match! Ginny, do you want to experience its magic?"

Fear crept into Ginny's eyes as she vigorously shook her head, hiding behind Carl. "No, no! Ivankov, please test it on someone else!"

Ivankov sighed in disappointment, then turned toward Carl and Kuma. Kuma quickly stepped back, hiding behind Carl, who, as the eldest, expertly shifted the target elsewhere.

"Why not try it on Borsalino? He's very curious. I'm sure he'd love it… Just don't tell him what your ability does."

Ivankov's eyes lit up. "Great idea! Vice Admiral Borsalino will love it!"

While Ivankov's excitement grew, Carl maintained an awkward smile. Somewhere in his office, Borsalino, sipping tea, suddenly sneezed, a strange chill running down his spine.

---

That evening, Carl booked a private room in Marineford's most luxurious restaurant. Most of the Navy supernovas were present, except for Akainu and Gion. Ivankov, still in her female form, sat comfortably next to Borsalino—perhaps *too* close.

Lucia and Ginny sat on either side of Carl, while Kuma and Ivankov took spots near Borsalino. The atmosphere was lively, filled with chatter and laughter.

During dinner, Carl asked, "What brings you back today, Borsalino?"

"Ah! I received orders to protect Dr. Vegapunk, the world's top scientist," Borsalino replied between bites of food.

"It's not just protection, though. Vegapunk is developing a war machine, and he thinks my ability is perfect for its weapon systems. They want to transfer me to assist with his research."

Carl immediately understood—this must be the early stages of the Pacifista project. He hadn't expected it to progress so soon.

"Isn't this basically using you as a test subject? Aren't you against it?"

Borsalino blinked lazily and shrugged. "I don't mind. I just have to fire off a few lasers. Besides, who would dare try to assassinate Vegapunk? This job's much easier than managing a base. I'm quite satisfied!"

"Well, that's true," Carl admitted, recognizing that Borsalino was always looking for the easiest way to do things.

As they continued eating, Ivankov leaned closer to Borsalino with a playful smirk.

"Vice Admiral Borsalino, do you believe in miracles?"

Borsalino chuckled. "Oh? What kind of miracles?"

Ivankov's fingers twitched as she prepared to use her ability. Carl, watching from the side, smirked.

Tonight was going to be *interesting.*