章 54: Chapter 54 : Why doesn't Roger have more children?
After eavesdropping on the conversation between Kahn and White Beard, Ace's expression turned furious.
35 billion Berries! It was an astronomical sum!
And here he was with a bounty of only slightly over 500 million.
Regret surged within him.
Why did he have to get captured by this old Navy guy? If he hadn't been caught, that 35 billion would be irrelevant.
But regrets were futile.
Kahn also noticed the anger on Ace's face, though he had no intention of explaining himself. Everyone was an adult, and decisions carried consequences.
Furthermore, he wasn't interested in engaging with Ace. He hoped the young pirate would feel baffled by his decision.
He even entertained the idea that once Ace was freed, he might think he could do it again, only to end up back in Kahn's clutches.
He certainly didn't mind paying for these lessons.
And the more lessons, the merrier.
Paying over 30 billion once was already significant. But if Ace came a few more times, wouldn't he be offering himself on a platter?
Kahn's gaze toward Ace transformed as well, becoming more friendly and warm.
"What an interesting kid! Why didn't Roger have more children?"
Ace felt uncomfortable under Kahn's gaze, but he refrained from speaking. Who knew what crazy schemes this old man might have up his sleeve?
Kahn withdrew his gaze shortly after, his amusement fleeting.
Since the discussion with White Beard had been settled, Ace was no longer of use here.
"Pochi."
"Here, Lieutenant General Kahn!"
Pochi entered promptly.
"Escort this young man and take good care of him!"
"Understood, Lieutenant General Kahn!"
There was a gleam of excitement in Pochi's eyes.
Having overheard Kahn's conversation with White Beard, he knew 35 billion Berries were at stake.
"Wait!"
"Lieutenant General Kahn, do you have any other orders?"
"Pochi, did you hear anything just now?"
Pochi was taken aback momentarily, then noticed Kahn's half-smile.
"Reporting to Lieutenant General Kahn, your subordinate didn't hear anything."
Kahn nodded in satisfaction.
"Go! Keep a close watch on him."
"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn!"
Observing Pochi leave, Kahn wore a contented expression.
This subordinate could sometimes surprise him with his quick thinking.
After several days at sea, Kahn's warship arrived near Jaya Island's waters.
The White Beard Pirates had arrived the day before and were presently conducting a transaction on a nearby deserted island.
The White Beard Pirates' influence was undeniably vast, covering nearly the entirety of the Grand Line, with remarkable efficiency.
"Reporting to Lieutenant General Kahn, we have reached the vicinity of Jaya Island's waters. Please give further instructions."
Kahn's face broke into a smile.
"How long before we can reach the island?"
"Reporting to Lieutenant General Kahn, it will take approximately three hours."
"Very well! Pochi, take your men to Jaya Island to restock on supplies. I'll be absent for a while, and bring Ace with me for security reasons."
"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn!"
After Pochi left, Kahn felt a pang of confusion.
He seemed to have forgotten some crucial information upon arriving here, but he couldn't quite remember. Eventually, he decided to let the matter rest.
Having spent more than fifty years in this world, occasional lapses in memory were natural.
Shrugging it off, Kahn anticipated the 35 billion Berries he would soon acquire, his mood lifting.
Choosing a deserted island for the transaction was a move to avoid drawing undue attention. Secrecy was paramount important arfer all.
As for Pochi, he was reliable. Kahn was certain of that.
Soon, Pochi brought Ace to the office.
Kahn didn't waste time, grabbing the rope restraining Ace and leaping out of the window.
In an instant, he transformed into a colossal dragon and soared into the sky.
Witnessing the spectacle, Pochi's admiration grew.
Before long, Kahn reached the deserted island where the White Beard Pirates were conducting their business.
From a distance, he spotted a small pirate ship on the island's shore. There were no markings on it.
Kahn descended with incredible speed, creating a powerful gust of wind upon landing.
The two figures on the island immediately detected his presence and, for the first time, took notice of Ace.
Kahn's speed was truly remarkable.
As he descended, his immense form generated a fierce gust of wind.
The expressions on the faces of the two individuals soured, but they were also tinged with astonishment.
Was this the renowned Navy Dragon Kahn?
The power he exuded was undeniable, indicating his standing as a formidable figure.
However, confusion lingered.
Was he here to fight?
Both members of the White Beard Pirates hesitated, their expressions growing cold.
If it hadn't been for the fact that they were facing a Vice Admiral, they might have already engaged in conflict.
Kahn soon assumed his human form.
"Ace!"
The two pirates called out immediately.
"Marco, Jozu, it's my fault. I should've heeded Dad's—"
"Don't say that! As long as you're safe," Marco interjected swiftly.
"That's right, it's not your fault," Jozu added.
Ace felt even more moved by their words.
Kahn, however, was annoyed.
"Alright, you can discuss this later. Do you really think the old man is to blame for this?"
At Kahn's words, the attention of all three turned to him.
Both Marco and Jozu regarded Kahn with cold eyes.
Had it not been for this Vice Admiral, how could such an incident have occurred?
Kahn's expression grew colder in response.
"You two brats, I don't appreciate your looks. Where's the money?"
"I didn't expect the righteous Navy to be so greedy for money. Quite ironic!" Marco sneered.
"Just two self-righteous pirates. Don't test my patience. If it weren't for money, would you even be standing here talking to me?"
The eyes of the two locked onto Kahn.
"Old Navy man, we've brought the money. But WhiteBeard said we need to see if you're worthy of taking it."
Jozu's words were sharp as he stared at Kahn.
Kahn's face turned cold, then he chuckled.
"So WhiteBeard said that?"
"This isn't just his idea, we also want to see how strong the Marine Executioner really was in the Grand Line," Marco added.
"It seems that White Beard has told you all about me. But it irritates me to have that old story dredged up again. Does the WhiteBeard guy really think I'm the old Kahn?"
"Be cautious, this old man is very powerful. My flames barely affect him!" Ace interjected quickly.
Both Marco and Jozu fell silent upon hearing Ace's words. They gazed at Kahn intently, their expressions serious yet devoid of excessive worry. After all, their father wouldn't have entrusted them with this task if he didn't believe in their capability to handle it.
"Very well, if that's the case, I've made my decision."
As Kahn spoke, his eyes sharpened, his aura expanding outward.
Marco and Jozzy both felt the pressure increase.
(End of this chapter)
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