Chapter 29: Chapter 29： Seems like a bit of a loss?
But the negotiation didn't budge on the price either; it was business after all!
Kahn continued, his tone persuasive, "Come on, it's not that expensive. Think about it - five billion Baileys. With that, I can settle all the country's affairs, even handle the rebels directly. Your daughter will probably return in a few days. It's a chance to show your greatness as a father. Isn't that worth it?"
Cobra finally shook off his shock and mustered a wary smile.
"Your Excellency, Alabasta can't possibly afford that much money," Cobra admitted with a sigh.
Kahn's skepticism showed, "You're telling me that a grand kingdom like Alabasta can't scrape together five billion Baileys?"
Cobra affirmed, "That's the truth."
Kahn then attempted to find a middle ground, "Alright then, how about four billion Baileys?"
Cobra responded with gratitude, "Thank you, Lieutenant General, but even that is beyond our means. Over the years..."
Kahn interrupted with a dismissive gesture, "Spare me the details. Let's settle on a figure - three billion Baileys. Given the threat of the Shichibukai, it's quite a reasonable amount."
Secretly, this was the price Kahn had in mind - substantial for a country, but a fair exchange for its stability. He mused about Doflamingo's audacious ten billion demand back in Dressrosa.
Kahn noticed Cobra's reluctance to accept the three-billion figure, despite it being a significantly lower amount than initially proposed.
"You mean to tell me that you can't even pull together three billion Baileys?" Kahn's face contorted into a grimace.
Cobra pointed out the obvious, "Remember, this isn't a simple financial transaction. It's a fight to suppress a rebellion and eliminate a Shichibukai threat. Can we afford to risk our resources for that?"
Kahn couldn't believe it, "Are you saying you can't even come up with one billion Baileys? This isn't charity, this is a necessary expense to quell a nation-wide rebellion and eliminate a dangerous Shichibukai. And what about the funds from the dance powder incident?"
Cobra explained, "With three years of drought and the dance powder incident draining our treasury, we've used most of our funds to secure food supplies."
Kahn's face soured; he was growing increasingly frustrated. He compared the swift two-billion Baileys he'd obtained from Crocodile to the slow progress with Cobra.
It appeared that his initial estimation of Alabasta's financial capability was overly optimistic. Kahn frowned, feeling somewhat deceived by his assumptions.
He grumbled internally, his thoughts spiraling, "A country with a legacy spanning thousands of years should have ample reserves... I thought we could get ten billion with ease."
Kahn's frustration deepened as he recalled how effortlessly Crocodile's organization had amassed two billion Baileys in a mere half-hour.
His irritation was palpable as he remarked, "Seems like I overestimated Alabasta's wealth."
As he mulled over the Shichibukai's ability to legally extract funds, Kahn couldn't help but feel the magnitude of their destructive power.
Gazing at Kahn's sour expression, Cobra shared his helplessness. He understood the dire circumstances; three years ago, three billion Baileys wouldn't have been an issue. But now, it was a challenge to keep the kingdom running.
Cobra, recalling Kahn's earlier words, realized that minimizing casualties was his paramount concern. He couldn't afford to send troops blindly; his daughter's safety depended on it.
Cobra finally spoke up, "Lieutenant General Kahn, give me some time. I can pool together one billion Baileys as a down payment. The remaining two billion will be paid within the next two years."
Cobra's logic was simple and pragmatic - resolve the immediate crisis and ensure a stable income to gradually repay the debt.
Kahn's eyes brightened, appreciating the practicality of Cobra's approach.
But then he weighed the value of the deal. He pondered the Neferutali royal family's history and their significance, especially given the upcoming World Conference where major events were expected, including Cobra's alleged death and Princess Vivi's disappearance.
He fretted, "What if they can't pay later?"
Despite the unease, Kahn understood the urgency in Cobra's situation. Alabasta's safety took precedence, and a deal with a hint of uncertainty was still better than no deal at all.
Bitterly, Kahn decided, "Those with money who won't spend it when it matters!"
He pushed aside his concerns and decided to proceed with the agreement, even if it meant bearing some risk.
He also recognized the looming threats of Baroque Works and Ace, which added to his motivation.
Cobra sensed Kahn's contemplative silence and felt the tension mounting.
Cobra's earlier realization that the Navy's intervention in such a complex situation was difficult resonated with Kahn. Exposing the truth at this juncture could lead to catastrophic consequences. Time was of the essence, and swift action was required.
Kahn finally broke the silence, "Alright, here's the deal. But let's be clear, this is between you and me. The Navy won't officially acknowledge this arrangement. Also, I have a condition."
Cobra was taken aback by Kahn's condition.
"What's the condition?"
Kahn stated assertively, "I want access to the underground historical text in your country."
Although Cobra initially hesitated, Kahn's reasoning made sense.
Cobra eventually conceded, "Fine, you can have it."
Kahn was surprised by the straightforwardness of Cobra's agreement, but he understood that Cobra's top priority was his daughter's safety.
Kahn's pragmatism spoke louder than his curiosity for the historical text's secrets.
Seeing Kahn's surprise, Cobra considered explaining his decision, but Kahn brushed it off.
"No need for explanations; money talks in my book."
Kahn shifted the conversation to the side, recommending a friend's new book before rallying support for his ongoing work.
As the chapter came to a close, the stage was set for an unlikely alliance. The partnership between the King and the Navy Officer, forged under unexpected circumstances, was poised to reshape Alabasta's destiny.
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