"Bear, do you recognize that beauty over there?"
Kizaru scratched his head, pointing at Ivan, but Bear didn't respond. In an instant, he teleported in front of her, embracing her tightly.
After they separated, Ivan patted Bear's broad chest, looking up at his face. "Kuma-chan, you've changed so much since before!"
"Uh, Ivan-chan," Bear replied, slightly flustered, "it seems you've changed the most of all."
Ivan laughed heartily, hands on her hips. Just as she was about to shift back to her usual form, Kizaru leaned over, curiosity in his eyes. "Bear, introduce her. Who is this lady to you?"
Before Bear could speak, Ivan grabbed Kizaru's hand, winked, and said with enthusiasm, "Hello! I'm Emporio Ivankov, Bear's friend. A pleasure to meet you, Vice Admiral Borsalino!"
Kizaru quickly returned a formal introduction, then asked politely, "Miss Ivan, may I ask how you came to Marineford?"
Kuma's expression shifted slightly. His lips moved, but he remained silent.
Ivan chuckled, pointing toward Lloyd's warship. "Lloyd Dage sent me! He, Bear, Ginny, and I have been friends since we were children!"
Hearing this, Kizaru immediately felt closer to Ivan. Anyone close to Lloyd, especially after sharing so many years, naturally became part of his circle.
The subordinates around him stared at Ivan with admiration, eager to make an impression. Many also took notice of her impressive figure. Navy Headquarters now had a tight-knit circle of influence: the seven Supernovas at the center, surrounded by elite students who had trained alongside Lloyd and his friends. Lloyd himself was the heart of this golden circle, the youngest Admiral in Navy history.
Ivan and Kizaru continued their lively conversation. Ivan was genuinely drawn to Kizaru's unique temperament, and her eyes lingered on his slender frame. Observers assumed she had taken a liking to him.
When Lloyd returned and saw Ivan chatting so comfortably with Kizaru, he couldn't help but pause for a brief moment. The other Navy personnel immediately snapped to attention, saluting and calling out:
"Black Dragon Admiral!"
Kizaru waved casually. "Yo, Lloyd! Long time no see!"
Lloyd smiled slightly as he approached. "Long time no see, Borsalino. It seems there's no need for introductions for my friend."
"Haha, Miss Ivan is indeed charming!" Kizaru replied, exchanging a knowing glance with Bear.
Lloyd raised an eyebrow, shared a brief look with Bear, then lightly coughed. "In that case, we must have a proper get-together tonight."
Kizaru placed a hand on Lloyd's shoulder. "I've been waiting for you to say that!"
"Alright. I'll take Ivan to see Ginny first. We'll meet tonight."
"Understood!"
Before departing, Ivan deliberately flashed a charming smile at Kizaru. "See you tonight, Vice Admiral Borsalino~"
Kizaru struck a pose he thought was impressive, causing Ivan to break into peals of laughter, like a series of alarm clocks ringing.
When Ginny saw Ivan and confirmed her identity, her rosy mouth formed a perfect "O." Hugging Lloyd's arm, she trembled, pointing at Ivan. "You… you… you really are Ivan Brother?!"
Ivan puffed out her chest proudly, showing off her figure, then shifted back to her original form. She explained the abilities of her Hormone-Hormone Devil Fruit to Ginny. Ginny paused, then exclaimed, "This Devil Fruit is truly made for Ivan Brother!"
Satisfied, Ivan waved her needle-tipped finger. "Exactly! It's the perfect partner for me. Ginny, do you want to see its magical ability?"
Fear crossed Ginny's face. She shook her head violently and hid behind Lloyd, whispering, "No, no, Ivan Brother, please find someone else!"
Ivan sighed, disappointment exaggerated for effect, and turned her expectant gaze toward Lloyd and Bear.
Bear retreated behind Lloyd. As expected of a Dage, Lloyd acted strategically to deflect potential trouble.
"Ivan, we're quite content as we are," he said calmly. "If you want to show off your ability, why not try it with Borsalino? He's curious and will enjoy it, but don't tell him exactly what your ability does beforehand."
Ivan's eyes lit up. "Alright! Vice Admiral Borsalino will definitely love this!"
Lloyd maintained a polite, slightly awkward smile. Meanwhile, Kizaru, seated in his office drinking tea, suddenly felt a strange, cool sensation in his lower half and sneezed.
That evening, Lloyd reserved a private room at the most luxurious restaurant within Marine Headquarters. All the Navy Supernovas attended, except Akainu and Gion. Ivan joined them in her female form.
Lucia and Ginny sat on either side of Lloyd, while Bear and Ivan were positioned near Kizaru, their chairs almost touching. The six of them ate and chatted, the atmosphere lively.
During the meal, Lloyd casually asked Kizaru, "Why did you return today?"
Kizaru responded while eating. "Hey! I received orders transferring me to protect Dr. Vegapunk, the world's foremost scientist."
He swallowed, lifted a glass of wine, and drank, smacking his lips. "It's not just protection. Dr. Vegapunk is researching a war machine and thinks my ability suits it perfectly as a form of attack. Transferring me there makes his research easier."
Lloyd's heart stirred. He realized the war machine Kizaru mentioned must be the Pacifistas that would appear later. He hadn't expected it to be put on the agenda so soon.
"Isn't that using you as a test subject? Aren't you resistant?" Lloyd asked.
Kizaru blinked. "Not resistant. I just shoot a few lasers each day. Besides, no one with half a brain would dare harm Dr. Vegapunk, right? This is far more comfortable than being a base commander. I'm satisfied."
Lloyd nodded slightly. "Hmm, true."
---