章 19: Five Elders wants to see me?
Kahn's expression turned into a frown.
"I believe I didn't ask that question."
Bucky's composure crumbled.
"Just ahead lies a small island where all my treasures are stored."
"How much are we talking about?"
"About 500 million Berries."
"What a letdown. If it's only 500 million, it hardly seems you are worth sparing for."
Bucky's fear intensified as Kahn's cold words pierced through him.
"I might have misspoken. It's closer to 800 million Berries."
"So, you deceived me earlier, and now it's just 800 million?" Kahn's voice dripped with frost.
As Kahn's chilling aura enveloped Bucky, the pirate was on the verge of tears.
"Actually, I recall better now. It's around 1.135 billion Berries in total. I swear, that's all I have."
Kahn felt that this adjustment hardly made a significant difference. The murderous intent that had emanated from him instantly dissipated, replaced by a genial smile.
"Dear Bucky, it's been decades, and I'm genuinely touched by your warm gesture of offering me such a substantial sum upon our reunion. And oh, your nose is still as rosy as ever—quite cute!"
"Pochi, release Bucky at once."
"But, Lieutenant General Kahn, he's a pirate!"
"Ah, indeed."
Kahn turned his attention to Bucky.
"In that case, endure the discomfort of the handcuffs for a bit."
Bucky was utterly bewildered by this turn of events—had this man, the Grim Reaper of his memory, suddenly turned into a compassionate soul? He even seemed to overlook the comment about his reddened nose.
Kahn paid him no further attention and instructed Pochi, "Proceed to the coordinates he provided. I'll rest for a while and be called when we arrive."
"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn."
With a pleased expression, Pochi led Bucky away.
Pochi had overheard Bucky's revelation about more than a billion Berries being located on the upcoming small island. As per Kahn's rules, the crew could expect to divide about 100 million among themselves.
Could Pochi possibly feel anything but elation? answer is NO.
"Was that Lieutenant General Kahn just now?" Bucky suddenly inquired.
"Yes, indeed. Do you have any queries?"
"No, none at all."
Meanwhile, in Kahn's office, he was in high spirits.
Who would have guessed that Bucky possessed such a significant fortune?
Could it be that he truly was the lucky bearer of the Conqueror's Haki?
Kahn, however, didn't delve into it further; the matter held little relevance to him.
As his thoughts were wandering , the office atmosphere rise his spirits.
Unexpectedly, he'd managed to acquire such a substantial sum.
Perhaps fortune had favored him again.
As he prepared to enter the Grand Line, the East Blue seemed merely an appetizer.
And even so, Kahn had amassed a staggering three billion Berries.
A decent haul, indeed.
Considering the impending pirate activity within the Grand Line, the spoils stood to be even grander.
Kahn imagined the splendid scene of endless transactions and purchases he could indulge in.
"Report, Lieutenant General Kahn. Fleet Admiral Sengoku is on the line."
Kahn's brow furrowed.
Sengoku had rarely reached out to him before. Oddly enough, during this period, Kahn seemed to have become a point of focus.
Though he answered the call, Kahn felt a bit perturbed by the frequency of their interactions.
The voice on the other end confirmed his suspicions—it was indeed Sengoku.
"Moses Moses! Is that you, Kahn?"
"What is it this time?"
"Is the commotion in the East Blue connected to you?"
"After all that's transpired, and you still ask in such a roundabout manner," Kahn responded, his tone tinged with exasperation.
"Is that truly you?" Sengoku's voice reflected astonishment.
"You seem rather uncertain."
"Kahn, explain the situation."
"I simply happened upon a Devil Fruit and decided to partake. Nothing more."
"Kahn, don't insult my intelligence. How could the Devil Fruit you consumed be this powerful?"
"Ah, but that's where you're mistaken. I am a lucky old man!"
Sengoku's silence stretched.
He seemed to be reining in his temper.
When he spoke again, it was with more composure. "Kahn, I don't fully comprehend the circumstances, nor am I inclined to pry. However, remember your position."
"Understood. I see no need for further lectures. I've merely grown a bit stronger."
Sengoku's patience appeared to wane.
"By when can we expect your return?"
"I cannot specify. As you're aware, I've been away for some time."
"Return as soon as possible. Five Elders wishes to meet you."
"Those old men? What business do they have with me? Do they intend to stir up trouble?"
"Kahn, remember your place and mind your words."
"Thank you, Sengoku. I appreciate your enduring patience throughout these years."
Sengoku's frustration seemed to quell at Kahn's response.
"They're merely inquisitive about your current situation. There's no reason for concern. Your hypersensitivity isn't necessary."
"Understood. We'll discuss it further upon my return."
With that, Kahn disconnected the call promptly.
"I wonder if they're intrigued by my newfound strength—testing the waters to gauge whether I warrant their attention or should be eliminated."
Kahn sneered, recalling his past.
Three decades ago, he had been on the cusp of the pinnacle, merely one step away from achieving the highest level of power—though admittedly, that step had been a significant leap.
With his uncanny insights into major pirate activities, Kahn had been instrumental in the Navy's repeated victories. Even Garp, Zephyr, and the other senior officers held him in high regard. Such was his influence that even Sengoku and Zephyr couldn't rival his prestige.
Indeed, Kahn had soared to the position of Chief of the General Staff, a role that, in the present day, Tsuru occupied.
Ironically, Tsuru had been something of a fangirl during Kahn's prime.
At the time, Kahn had been brimming with confidence, believing he could effortlessly conquer the world sans cheats.
Then he encountered a Dragon.
Upon arrival in this world, Kahn had intentionally evaded the Celestial Dragons.
His rationale was simple—encountering those despicable beings would invariably lead to trouble.
And history had proven him right.
During a mission to apprehend pirates, Kahn had come face to face with a Celestial Dragon who ruthlessly took the lives of children. If his subordinates hadn't intervened, Kahn would have slain the villain on the spot.
This event marked a turning point in his life.
The Celestial Dragons had initially sought Kahn's execution, but he was shielded by his towering reputation within the Navy, along with his esteemed comrades, such as Steel Bone Kong, Garp, and Zephyr. The high-ranking officers understood that prosecuting Kahn would lead to severe repercussions, even with the Five Elders involved.
Ultimately, Kahn was stripped of his positions and titles within the Navy Headquarters. His records were sealed, and he was demoted to the rank of a branch colonel.
The fabricated narrative attributed Kahn's fall from grace to a physical ailment.
Gradually, the scandal subsided, and with the passage of three decades, most within the Navy remained unaware of Kahn's identity.
This explained why Tashigi recognized his combat style but not the man behind it.
(End of this chapter)
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