Kapitel 32: Chapter 32: This matter needs to be paid more!
As time passed, the dust in the sky gradually dispersed, revealing the rebels' base underneath. The base, however, was now coated in a thick layer of yellow sand. Living in a desert country, the rebels were accustomed to such conditions.
Observing this, Kahn guided Cobra down to the ground before reverting to his human form.
"Well, no one will be challenging me to a fight anytime soon," Kahn commented.
Cobra remained silent, still in awe of the sheer power he had just witnessed.
Meanwhile, Koza and the other rebels sensed that the sandstorm had abated, prompting them to cautiously emerge from their hiding spots.
Cobra was left breathless by the fact that no casualties had occurred thus far. Nevertheless, the scene that greeted Koza and the rebels left them utterly stunned.
The sand dunes that had been there a short while ago had completely vanished, and the entire base lay beneath a blanket of dense dust.
Koza 's voice was tinged with defeat, "This force is beyond anything we could hope to challenge."
Even as the leader, he felt small and insignificant in the face of such an overwhelmingly potent force. Had that earlier attack been directed at them rather than the sand dunes, the consequences would have been catastrophic. The entire base and its inhabitants would have been reduced to nothing.
Despite the silence that had befallen the rebels, Kahn's voice broke through, "Alright, now that you've calmed down, you might be willing to listen to your king!"
All eyes shifted to Kahn, reflecting the deep fear they held for the person responsible for all of this destruction.
"Cobra, I'll leave it to you to explain. This group seems more inclined to listen now," Kahn declared.
Suppressing his own astonishment, Cobra nodded, "I understand."
With that, Kahn withdrew, pulling out a cigar and lighting it up. He inhaled deeply, seemingly unfazed by the chaos around him.
Cobra stepped forward to address the rebels. Koza's gaze remained distant, his eyes still carrying the weight of shock.
Facing a force that had rendered them helpless, his sense of hopelessness only deepened.
Unperturbed, Kahn mused to himself that taking on jobs like this in the future might not be the best idea. It was far quicker and easier to seek out pirates or even treasure directly. Jobs of this nature were more likely to be thankless endeavors, even if they did offer extra compensation.
While Cobra conversed with the rebels, Kahn remained lost in thought, pondering the drawbacks of such arrangements.
Moments later, a commotion emanated from the group. Kahn's brows furrowed as he approached to investigate the source of the disturbance.
A cadre boldly challenged, "This is all a fabrication. Crocodile might be a pirate, but he's revered as a hero in Alabasta. There's no way he could have done something like this."
The sentiment resonated with others, and a chorus of agreement began to rise.
Cobra's expression shifted, anxiety etched across his features.
Meanwhile, Koza fell silent, his mind deep in thought, as he contemplated the situation.
"You have to trust me!" Cobra's plea was tinged with desperation.
"Show us evidence," demanded another.
Kahn's voice broke in, exasperated, "What foolishness. Can't you see how gullible you've been? If Cobra had truly wanted to suppress you, he could have done so easily. How dare you question your king? It's truly pathetic!"
The abrupt interjection left everyone stunned.
"Lieutenant General Kahn..." Cobra began, perplexed.
"No fault lies with you here. It's time you acted like a king should, taking responsibility for your people. However, this isn't the way," Kahn admonished.
Cobra was taken aback by Kahn's unexpected chastisement.
Kahn shifted his attention to the rebels, his voice carrying a tinge of annoyance, "Need an explanation? My strength should be explanation enough. Use your limited intellect to ponder. Why would your king act so humbly if he was guilty? Or do you think you can stand against me?"
All eyes were fixed on Kahn, marked by fear stemming from the display of his tremendous power.
"The king you've blamed, Cobra, begged me not to harm you before he left. Use your limited reasoning skills. Few kings in this world would act as he has, even if they are somewhat foolish."
Everyone now looked at Cobra.
"So, even now, the king worries about us?"
"Were we truly blaming him?"
Kahn's words reverberated powerfully through the crowd, leaving them awed.
Koza 's face bore a mixture of emotions, his thoughts racing.
"Alright, this is the truth. I won't waste more words here. If you still doubt us, then return to the capital. You'll find the answers you seek there," Kahn's voice concluded.
Doubtful gazes remained fixed on the navy officers.
"Lieutenant General Kahn will assist us in capturing Crocodile," Cobra's voice resonated once again.
The revelation left everyone speechless.
"Let's go, Cobra. I'll take you back to the capital first, and then I'll hunt down that trash, Crocodile."
Cobra was taken aback by Kahn's words, "Lieutenant General Kahn, didn't you tell me to return to the capital with Koza and the others?"
"That was before. The situation has changed. These people don't believe you. Staying here might put you in danger. And if something happens to you, who's going to pay me?" Kahn retorted with a sardonic edge.
With their profound hatred for Cobra, these individuals might resort to desperate measures. Kahn refused to underestimate the potential danger they posed.
Considering this, he decided to escort Cobra back to the capital swiftly, eliminating any chance of complications. The immediate rebel issue had largely been resolved, thanks to Kahn's overwhelming strength. They were incapable of staging any effective resistance now.
Though their outrage at being deceived remained, they weren't capable of much more.
Kahn's patience, however, was far from unlimited.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein