But soon, Kahn berated himself harshly.
When did he become so extravagant?
Sixty billion no longer seemed expensive.
However, Kahn began to calculate the costs.
Sixty billion Berries meant he needed an additional 40 billion Berries.
Considering the daily service fee of 2 million Berries, how many days could 40 billion last?
In other words, the remaining buyout funds could sustain this effect for over 50 years.
Kahn quickly reached a conclusion.
There was no need to buy out the Water of Life.
"It seems that buying out anything from the system isn't a viable option!" Kahn sighed with a tinge of regret.
His next goal was undoubtedly the Eternal Water.
Naturally, there was no need to spend extra funds to buy out the Water of Life.
In next fifty years, he was confident he could accumulate enough funds to buy the Eternal Water.
He had only bought the Water of Life now to maximize his profit potential.
Kahn's eagerness to accumulate wealth, however, was pressing.
He pondered his next steps.
"Pochi."
"I'm here, Lieutenant General Kahn. Please give me your orders!"
"Bring Fire Fist Ace here. I have some questions for him."
Pochi appeared somewhat puzzled, but he carried out the order promptly.
"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn!"
"I hope Whitebeard will bring me some surprises soon!"
Shortly thereafter, Pochi and others brought Ace to Kahn's presence.
Upon seeing Kahn, Pochi saluted immediately.
"Lieutenant General Kahn, Ace is here. Please provide your instructions."
However, Pochi soon found himself slightly confused; it seemed like Kahn, right in front of him, had somehow become younger.
"Very well. Where is the phone bug on him?"
"It was removed when we initially brought him aboard."
"Bring it here."
"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn!"
Pochi swiftly returned with a phone bug.
"Fine, Pochi, you may leave. I will speak with this individual."
"Understood, Lieutenant General Kahn."
Once Pochi had left, Kahn's focus shifted to Ace.
"You must already know what's expected of you."
"You're dreaming! That's impossible! I won't contact my dad," Ace retorted immediately.
Kahn had brought the phone bug, clearly intending for Ace to contact his father and thereby extort money from him. He had witnessed the expression of the old Navy man before him.
However, Ace couldn't comply with Kahn's wishes.
Unperturbed by Ace's response, Kahn took his time.
He lit a cigar, taking a deep drag before exhaling a massive smoke ring.
"Are you aware that Sengoku contacted me just now?" Kahn spoke slowly.
"What does that have to do with me?"
"Of course, it has everything to do with you. Sengoku requested that I transport you to the Marine City immediately. The plan is to use you as leverage against Whitebeard."
Ace's expression contorted with a scornful grin.
"Stop daydreaming. How could my dad be threatened? He's the strongest man in the world."
"Oh, really? Yet, as far as I know, his health isn't that great. He's started taking medicine. Even the strongest man in the world won't be able to fend off so many powerful Navy figures."
Ace's expression shifted.
Kahn ignored his reaction and continued to speak to himself.
"The mere fact that you're Roger's blood is a significant crime in itself. If this information leaks, I doubt there will be a public execution by the higher echelons of the Navy to counter the arrogance of pirates."
"And if this news reaches Whitebeard's ears, do you think he'll come to your rescue?"
Ace felt a sneer forming on his face.
"If he doesn't, then so be it. But what if he values his son greatly? What if he insists on saving you—a good-for-nothing waste?"
"At that point, the Navy Headquarters will be heavily fortified, and a massive battle is inevitable. How many casualties do you think the Whitebeard Pirates will endure?"
Ace's expression fluctuated as he mulled over Kahn's words.
For Kahn, it was all too plausible.
"Have you made up your mind? Let me know if you have, and I can help you place the call."
"You're dreaming!"
Kahn's gaze turned ice-cold.
"Understand that allowing you to make this call is purely for convenience. It doesn't mean I can't find other ways to reach Whitebeard. I merely find this approach less troublesome. Moreover, news of your capture has likely already reached Whitebeard's ears. Resisting will be futile."
Ace remained silent.
"It appears you're content to let the Whitebeard Pirates suffer significant losses. That's fine. Let's see if they can rescue you from the Navy Headquarters. And what about Garp? How do you think he'll feel seeing his grandson in this state?"
Ace's anger surged, and he attempted to resist.
But Kahn quickly pinned him to the ground.
"Don't glare at me like that. As a pirate, you should be familiar with the concept. However, someone like you is probably indifferent to the feelings of that old man Garp!"
Kahn's final words acted as the last straw.
Ace's face contorted with pain.
"I'll cooperate!" Ace's resolve began to waver.
Kahn smiled.
"Exactly! You just need to cough up a bit of money to resolve this issue. Easy, isn't it?"
Ace didn't even spare Kahn a glance.
This old man—he'd seek revenge sooner or later!
"If you ever decide to exact revenge on me, feel free to do so at any time. As long as the old man Whitebeard has money, I'm available anytime!"
Kahn could sense Ace's thoughts and responded directly.
His mood had improved, and his perception of Ace had shifted. To Ace, he now appeared as nothing more than a cash machine.
Ace remained silent, dialing Whitebeard's number.
Kahn, of course, remembered the number.
The call was swiftly answered.
"Ace? Where are you?" Whitebeard's voice came through.
"Dad, it's me. I'm sorry to let you down."
"Ah, my foolish son, what are you saying?"
Ace's discomfort deepened at his father's words.
"Dad, I..."
Before Ace could complete his sentence, Kahn intervened.
"Why the unnecessary chatter!"
The voice on the other end of the line fell silent.
Then a commanding voice boomed, "Who is this?"
"Whitebeard, it's been so many years, and you don't even recognize the old man's voice?"
Whitebeard didn't reply immediately, as though he was pondering.
Shortly after, his voice returned.
"It seems the rumor about my foolish son being captured by you is true! Marine Admiral Kahn!"
There was a touch of surprise in his tone.
"Indeed. If the old man takes action, what else can be expected?"
Ace was a little dazed.
Listening to the old man's voice, it seemed he was familiar with the Navy officer in front of him.
Marine Admiral?
Why hadn't Ace heard of it before?
"Why make this call?" Whitebeard's voice questioned.
"What's the meaning of it? Quite simple. I'm here to discuss business with you."
"You're negotiating with pirates? Quite the peculiar situation."
Kahn grew a bit impatient.
"Shall we get to the point? Quit with the chitchat. You know how the old man operates. Saving this kid's life was due to your influence, after all."
Ace's expression shifted again and again.
Because of Kahn's words, he was facing a difficult decision.
Kahn's attitude had clearly changed. He now treated Ace as a cash cow.
"Shall we get to the point? Quit with the chitchat. You know how the old man operates. Saving this kid's life was due to your influence, after all."
Ace's expression shifted again and again.
Because of Kahn's words, he was facing a difficult decision.
Kahn's attitude had clearly changed. He now treated Ace as a cash cow.
Ace refrained from speaking, while Kahn continued.
(End of this chapter)