---
Kahn was also stirred emotionally.
Sky Island truly lived up to its name.
Despite having already taken a sizable share, the Straw Hats managed to unearth a substantial amount of gold under these circumstances.
What Kahn didn't know was that he played a role in this.
The last two encounters with the Straw Hats ended with them unable to pay.
Resulting in being beaten within an inch of their lives.
Twice, someone else had to step in with the ransom.
This was a source of shame for Luffy and the crew.
Especially for Zoro and Sanji, who were particularly concerned.
They vowed that such embarrassing incidents wouldn't happen again in the future.
Precisely because of this, even on an uninhabited island, they were unusually vigilant.
Fortunately, Sky Island didn't hold any value for gold, allowing them to accumulate a significant amount during their search.
"Very good, we've made progress, and this time we won't let others pay your ransom," Kahn said emotionally.
Zoro and Sanji blushed.
Nami was noticeably distressed.
Finally accumulating wealth, and now it seemed like it would disappear again!
"Can you tell me about Ace now?" Luffy asked again, clearly still concerned.
"100 million Baileys!"
"Alright!"
"Wait!"
"Don't!"
"Idiot!"
The first was from Luffy.
The latter ones were from Nami and the others.
However, it seemed too late.
Luffy had already spilled the beans.
Even Admiral Aokiji displayed a look of astonishment.
He hadn't anticipated such a turn of events.
In his eyes, Kahn, who exuded dominance, making such a move was unexpected.
This left him unable to decipher Kahn's character.
However, he looked at Luffy with rare sympathy.
He knew Ace had been rescued by the Whitebeard Pirates.
This information was no longer a secret within the entire Navy.
Although it made sense, Aokiji and the others had doubts after witnessing Kahn's strength.
But lacking evidence, the matter wasn't brought up again.
He contemplated whether it was right for Lieutenant General Kahn to deceive Vice Admiral Garp's grandson like this.
Should he remind himself?
Yet, he quickly dismissed the idea.
A reminder ghost!
The best course of action was to let these guys go.
Besides, Vice Admiral Garp wouldn't respond with a growl or attack him over a disagreement.
Aokiji sensed that Lieutenant General Kahn, who cherished money, might react with a roar if he spoke up.
While he wasn't afraid, it would be very troublesome.
So he fell into complete silence.
Kahn, at this moment, didn't care about Aokiji's thoughts.
He was slightly surprised.
He hadn't expected Luffy to be so forthright.
But considering his connection with Ace, Kahn wasn't shocked.
"Very good, it's a deal. Besides, you know the old man's rules!"
"We know! Tell us about Ace!"
"Ace! He has been rescued by the Whitebeard Pirates," Kahn said straightforwardly.
Luffy was also taken aback.
"The Whitebeard Pirates?"
"Don't you know he is a member of the Whitebeard Pirates?"
As soon as he said it, Kahn understood.
Probably, due to his intervention, Ace didn't have the chance to speak.
"Okay, consider this bonus news. Ace is a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, serving under the world's strongest man, Whitebeard. He's the captain of the second team! My news is done. What you do next, I don't think I need to remind you!"
Luffy's expression finally relaxed.
"So Ace is okay! That's really great!"
"Alright, let's celebrate later! The bounty for all members of the pirate group is now 530 million Baileys. Doubled, it becomes 1.6 billion Baileys. Add the 100 million from before, making it 1.16 billion Baileys. Plus your ship, it's exactly 1.2 billion Baileys. Alright, go get the money!"
Hearing Kahn's words, everyone present remained still.
Kahn's expression remained unchanged.
"What? Is this a refusal?"
Nami was a little surprised.
"Don't you want all our money?"
This was completely different from Kahn's impression!
"This old man is very trustworthy. You get as much as you say! If you don't like it, then give it all to this old man."
"Yes, why not! I'll get the money right away!" Nami said immediately.
Then she took Zoro and others away.
Kahn nodded in satisfaction.
For leeks to grow, they needed fertilization.
And he did set the rules; violating them would be inappropriate.
Soon, the gold was taken by Zoro and others.
Kahn put it away directly.
Kahn, who received the money, was in a good mood.
1.2 billion Baileys were considered a windfall.
"Okay, you can leave."
Zoro and the others were a little angry, but they also understood that leaving as soon as possible was the better choice.
Then they departed.
This seemingly unbelievable deal was over in Aokiji's eyes.
Kahn turned his head and looked at Aokiji.
"What's wrong? Surprised?"
"They are pirates. Is it right to let them go like this?"
Kahn rolled his eyes upon hearing this.
"You still have the nerve to say that, young man. You did the same in the battle just now! You let them off the hook, but what about you?"
Aokiji was a little embarrassed when he heard this.
Such a thing would be fine if he were alone.
But Kahn knew about it.
It was indeed a bit embarrassing to be talked about like this.
So he stopped mentioning this matter and said, "I don't know why Lieutenant General Kahn is looking for me this time?"
Seeing that Aokiji changed the subject, Kahn also smiled.
"Aokiji, do you want to be a Fleet Admiral ?"
As soon as Kahn said this, Aokiji was instantly stunned.
He didn't expect Kahn to bring up such a topic.
Kahn didn't speak, waiting for Aokiji to digest the question.
Being a Admiral, Aokiji quickly grasped it.
He didn't directly answer the question because it involved a lot.
"What does Lieutenant General Kahn mean?" Aokiji asked.
Kahn wasn't surprised by Aokiji's reaction.
If this guy had said he wanted to be a Fleet Admiral, Kahn would have found it suspicious.
"It's very simple. The Sengoku is old, and they are already looking for the next Fleet Admiral of the navy. I think you should know this as an admiral. I think you are a good boy, so I ask you. If you want, the old man can speak up for you!"
"Why me?"
"Nonsense. I'm not choosing you; I'm avoiding choosing that kid Akainu!" Kahn said, rolling his eyes.
(End of this chapter)