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 the Navy cloak flashed a golden light.
Ivankov knew that what he had done was considered usurpation of the country in the eyes of the World Government, which was a heinous crime.
But now, Carl is an Admiral of the Navy, and since he committed the crime of usurping the country, he is naturally Carl's target.
Even knowing this, he still told the story truthfully, because he didn't want to lie to his only big brother.
The okama around also realized this. They all swallowed their saliva and fell silent. The previously cheerful atmosphere grew tense and oppressive.
Only one had a smug look on his face. He struggled to sit up straight and laughed arrogantly.
"Hahaha! I'm so lucky! I actually met the Admiral of the Navy..."
Bang! Crack!
Everyone on the boat was startled. When they turned, they saw King Gipps with his head stuck in the deck, and Carl's foot was stepping on his sunken face. Blood and brain matter spilled onto the floor.
Carl looked down at him with an expressionless face and said lightly, "It's very noisy."
In the next second, the ground under Carl's feet was instantly covered by a layer of darkness. When the darkness faded, Carl's shoes were as clean as new, and along with the dirt, the body of Gipps had also been wiped away.
This scene deeply shocked all the okama present. Ivankov hesitantly spoke up,
"C-Carl, Brother Carl…"
Carl turned his head and said, slightly exasperated, "Ivankov, can you say my name without stuttering?"
"Uh, Brother Carl, how did you just…"
At this point, Ivankov paused, then changed his tone, "I'm sorry, Brother Carl! I shouldn't have let Gipps provoke you!"
Carl tilted his head and replied unhappily, "What nonsense are you talking about? I killed him, it has nothing to do with you."
He then turned to look at Lucia and asked, "Lucia, did you see everything just now?"
Lucia smiled softly and said, "I saw that Gipps disturbed the young master and deserved to be executed on the spot."
These words stunned everyone present. Ivankov wanted to say more, but Carl raised his hand, stopping him, and said,
"Well, an incompetent king can be eliminated. No need to get so tense."
"…"
Under the stunned gaze of the crowd, Carl casually pinched his chin and said to Ivankov,
"Ivankov, from now on, you will be the King of Kamabakka. The World Government will soon issue the corresponding documents. Make sure to receive them when the time comes."
"…"
Carl effortlessly arranged for the change of king, as though it was a trivial matter. Given his status, replacing the king of a small country like Kamabakka was as simple as speaking a word.
Once the matter was settled, Carl patted Ivankov and said, "Let's go. Stop standing around."
"Huh? Where are we going, Brother Carl?"
"Of course, you're coming with me to the Navy Headquarters, but I can only take you with me. Your subordinates' style is... too different from the Headquarters. It might not sit well with them."
Ivankov knew this too. The okama's ideology was too advanced. It was natural that a strict organization like Marin might not accept it.
Despite that, Ivankov felt moved, as Carl had shown nothing but respect toward the okama from the beginning. The okama around him shared this sentiment.
From now on, Carl was not just Ivankov's brother, he was the big brother of them all.
After Ivankov gave Inazuma a few instructions, he followed Carl aboard the approaching warship and set off for Marinford.
Halfway through the journey, Ivankov transformed into her female form, her most natural state.
After the warship docked, Carl said to Ivankov, now in her female form, "Ivankov, I need to see Fleet Admiral Kong first. Wait for me at the port, I'll be back soon."
Although it was Ivankov's first time at the Navy Headquarters, she wasn't nervous. With her carefree personality, the thought of reuniting with old friends excited her.
She winked at Carl and teased, "Okay, Brother Carl, I'll wait for you~"
Carl shivered slightly. He turned around, wiped the cold sweat from his brow, and headed toward Marinford with Lucia and a group of subordinates.
Not long after they left, another warship arrived at the port. A figure with a slightly flamboyant style jumped down from the bow, landing not far from Ivankov.
This man wore a gray suit and a black top hat. After landing, he pulled a cigarette from his pocket. Without using a lighter, he touched his fingertips to the cigarette, and a dazzling golden light flickered. Ivankov squinted as the brightness momentarily overwhelmed her.
When the light faded, the cigarette was lit. The man took a deep drag and exhaled a stream of smoke, his movements slick and exaggerated. Ivankov clapped in admiration.
The man turned toward the applause, and Ivankov got a clear look at his face. She was momentarily taken aback, thinking, What a unique aura!
Under Ivankov's gaze, the man smirked and said in a rhythmic tone, "Oh, miss, you look unfamiliar…"
Then he noticed Carl's warship parked nearby and mumbled to himself, "Hmm? Is Carl back too? It's been a while. I'll catch up with him after I meet Fleet Admiral Kong. Dinner tonight sounds good~"
At that moment, Ivankov recognized him. She clapped her hands and 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 voice deep and gravelly. "Borsalino, I saw Brother Carl's warship…"
Before he could finish, a voice full of surprise rang out, "Kuma!"
Kuma paused, recognizing the voice. Slowly turning, he saw Ivankov, now in her female form, standing excitedly before him.
Looking at Ivankov's radiant figure, Kuma hesitated for a moment and then exclaimed, "You... you're Ivankov!?"
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+95 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg