Luffy's realization hit him like a ton of bricks.
"Wait, you know my grandpa? No wonder your hits hurt so much. C'mon, Kobi, let's get out of here."
Without further ado, Luffy and Koby leapt off the warship, eager to put some distance between themselves and Kahn.
Luffy's apprehension of the elderly swordsman's blows had him drawing comparisons to his own grandfather, a testament to Kahn's force.
"Lieutenant General Kahn, is it wise to let him go like that? He's headed straight for a pirate's life!" Pochi queried, a hint of concern in his voice.
Kahn brushed off the worry with a dismissive wave. "It's fine. Luffy's different. Besides, he doesn't have a bounty. No point in arresting him."
Pochi was taken aback. Kahn's focus on a bounty was rather unexpected.
"Bounty? Since when did Lieutenant General Kahn care about bounties?" Pochi wondered, puzzled.
Pochi's curiosity deepened as their conversation continued, with Kahn's thoughts straying toward monetary considerations and rewards for capturing pirates. Pochi couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and amazement.
"But Lieutenant General Kahn, we're navy personnel. We're not entitled to receive bounties," Pochi clarified, a hint of pride in his voice.
Kahn raised an eyebrow. "Pochi, you're missing the point. Do you really think I care about bounties? Let's just get someone to play the role of a bounty hunter and get the rewards that way."
Pochi's eyes widened as he comprehended Kahn's plan, realizing he'd been approaching the situation with a narrow perspective.
"That's right! We're the navy; justice is our goal!" Kahn declared with conviction. "Pochi, I remember your family's been needing funds, right?"
Pochi nodded hesitantly, unsure where the conversation was headed.
Kahn smirked. "Well then, why not join me and share in the rewards? The navy's principles and justice won't suffer, and your family will benefit."
Pochi's heart swelled with gratitude as he fought back tears. "Lieutenant General Kahn, thank you. I'm truly honored to serve under you."
Kahn's announcement of a new approach to handling captured pirates was met with cheers and enthusiasm from the navy soldiers present. His plans to redistribute rewards and create a more profitable environment were met with eager approval.
As the excitement subsided, a phone bug summoned Kahn's attention. A navy sailor handed it to him, conveying that Fleet Admiral Sengoku was on the line.
Kahn's expression shifted from curiosity to surprise. Why would the old marshal be reaching out to him?
Taking the phone bug, he connected the call. The voice on the other end belonged to Sengoku.
"Mosi Mosi! Is that you, Kahn?" Sengoku inquired.
Kahn chuckled. "Yes, it's me. What's up?"
"Is your retirement application official? If it is, then I'll go ahead and approve it," Sengoku responded.
Kahn's amusement was palpable. "Retirement? Since when did I decide to retire? You must be mistaken, old man."
Kahn's ability to retire without the navy's support didn't align with his wealth-building goals, but he realized he could still contribute significantly within the ranks.
"Alright, alright. I won't tease you any further. I think I can stick around a few more years," Kahn said.
Sengoku was taken aback. "Did I hear that correctly?"
"I've still got some justice to serve," Kahn quipped, a hint of mischief in his tone.
Sengoku fell silent for a moment before cautioning Kahn to maintain a lower profile. The Pirate Empress situation had attracted a lot attention, and Kahn's involvement needed to be carefully managed.
Kahn's expression turned serious. "Someone reported me? Is it Akainu? Figures he'd hold a grudge, but he's very prideful. His subordinates must've done it."
Sengoku emphasized that this matter was connected to a higher-up within the navy.
Kahn's eyes narrowed. "Fine. Just tell them that I'm no Zephyr. If they mess with me, they'll face the consequences."
His frustration palpable, Kahn lashed out at the world government's Hippocrasy . He acknowledged his contributions to the navy's cause but refused to be used as a mere pawn. With that, he hung up the phone, a mixture of determination and annoyance on his face.