After finishing his story, Ivan glanced nervously at Lloyd, whose face was shadowed beneath the sunlight. The black-backed epaulets on his Navy cloak caught golden light, glinting ominously.
Ivan knew that, in the eyes of the world, what he had done amounted to usurpation — a grave crime. Now that Lloyd was an Admiral, Ivan's actions naturally marked him for capture. Yet, he could not lie to his only Dage — his big brother. With a deep breath, he told the truth.
The surrounding New Humans sensed the tension. Their chatter died down, replaced by an oppressive quiet. Only Gipps remained smug, struggling upright and laughing arrogantly.
"Hahaha! Incredible luck! To actually meet an Admiral — you're fi—"
Bang! Crack!
The sound echoed across the ship. When everyone reacted, Gipps' head had already been driven into the deck, Lloyd's boot pressing down. Blood mixed with brain matter spread across the wood.
Lloyd looked down at Gipps' corpse without expression. "So noisy."
In the next instant, darkness spread beneath Lloyd's feet. When it receded, his boot was clean, as if untouched. Gipps' body had vanished entirely.
The New Humans froze in shock. Ivan hesitated, voice trembling. "Ll....Lloyd Dage…"
Lloyd turned, annoyed. "Ivan, can you stop stuttering when you say my name?"
Ivan gulped. "Uh, Lloyd Dage… how could you—"
He paused, correcting himself. "I'm sorry, Lloyd Dage! I shouldn't have reacted to Gipps' death in front of you!"
Lloyd tilted his head, exasperated. "What are you talking about? I was the one who executed him. It's not your concern."
He then glanced at Lucia. "Did you see everything?"
Lucia's lips curved slightly. "I did. Gipps disturbed the Young Master. His actions warranted execution, and he received it immediately at the hands of the Young Master."
The calm, factual explanation left everyone stunned. Ivan opened his mouth but Lloyd raised a hand, silencing him. "An incompetent king is killed. That is all. No need for nervousness."
The group remained speechless. Lloyd pinched his chin thoughtfully, then said to Ivan, "You will be the new King of Kamabakka. The World Government will issue the formal documents soon; make sure to receive them."
With a single casual statement, Lloyd had formalized the replacement of the king. For an Admiral, altering the leadership of a small country like Kamabakka was trivial — one word was all it took.
Satisfied, Lloyd patted Ivan on the shoulder. "Come. Don't just stand there."
"Huh? Where are we going, Lloyd Dage?"
"Of course, with me to Marine Headquarters. But you will come alone — your subordinates are too… avant-garde for Marine Headquarters. They may not be accepted there."
Ivan understood. The concept of New Humans was revolutionary, and the rigid structures of the Marines would struggle to accommodate them. Still, she felt honored that Lloyd had shown his respect from start to finish. From now on, he was their Dage — their big brother.
After giving instructions to Inazuma, Ivan followed Lloyd aboard the approaching warship toward Marineford. Midway, she voluntarily assumed her female form, the state she felt most comfortable in.
Upon docking, Lloyd addressed her. "Ivan, I need to meet Fleet Admiral Kong first. Wait here at the port; I'll return shortly."
Although it was her first visit to Marine Headquarters, Ivan's cheerful nature kept her calm. Thinking about reuniting with her former companions, she smiled widely and winked. "Okay, Lloyd Dage, I'll wait~"
Lloyd's body tensed imperceptibly. Wiping cold sweat from his brow, he strode toward Marineford with Lucia and his subordinates.
Shortly after they departed, another warship approached the port. From its bow, a figure landed gracefully, hands in pockets. He wore a gray suit and a black top hat. Lighting a cigarette with a flick of golden light from his finger, he exhaled in a display of flamboyance. Ivan, observing, clapped in admiration.
The man turned, noticing her gaze. "Oh~ Miss, you look unfamiliar…"
Then, spotting Lloyd's ship nearby, he muttered to himself, "Lloyd is back too? It's been a while… I'll see him after meeting Fleet Admiral Kong. Tonight's feast is settled~"
Ivan's eyes widened in recognition. "You are Vice Admiral Borsalino! One of the Navy's Supernovas!"
A slightly playful smile appeared on Borsalino's face. Just then, another group disembarked from the ship.
Leading them was a burly figure, voice slightly muffled. "Borsalino, I saw Lloyd Dage's warship. We—"
Before he could finish, a voice rang out with excitement.
Kuma froze for a moment, recognizing the tone. Turning slowly, he saw Ivan, her face alight with joy. Looking at her energetic, confident form, he hesitated briefly before exclaiming, "You… you're Ivan-chan!?"
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