บท 25: Chapter 25: This compensation is not expensive for you, right?
Mr. 1's expression shifted drastically. Under normal circumstances, when the World Government demanded something, the Navy might be unhappy, but they would comply. This was the leverage of being a Warlord of the Sea. Often, it was also because the Warlords of the Sea were incredibly powerful pirates.
However, the Navy officer before him was a different breed entirely. He wielded monstrous strength and didn't adhere to common standards.
"Indeed, someone who tied with Hawkeye can't be underestimated," Mr. 1 muttered.
Mr. 1 was grappling with a dilemma. He knew he couldn't personally intervene in this situation; he was aware of his own limitations. Moreover, their boss was still in the enemy's clutches.
Kahn's voice broke the silence, his tone mocking. "Well, it's quite simple. Your friend Crocodile injured my men pretty badly. I'm thinking it's a significant injury. A bill of 1.8 billion Berries should cover the medical expenses."
He paused briefly before stepping on Crocodile's back, tapping it with his right hand. "And, of course, I've been quite busy since earlier. So, I'll need a shooting fee. Let's round it up to an even 2 billion Berries. After all, your Baroque Works seems to have quite the profitable business. I'm sure you can handle this minor expense."
Kahn's words left Mr. 1 dumbfounded. The medical expenses of a Navy soldier were exorbitant. And a shooting fee? This was beyond piracy; it was a whole new level of demands.
Even the Marines in the vicinity were stunned. They couldn't believe their ears. Their respect for Kahn had grown immensely. He was fighting for them, after all.
"Lieutenant General Kahn!"
The Marines were moved to tears. The one who had been injured by Crocodile was particularly emotional. He would willingly give his life if Kahn demanded it now.
"Why are you all crying like that? Is this how you uphold justice? What about those pirates?" Kahn teased, looking at the tearful sailor with a bemused expression.
The marines saluted respectfully, their voices filled with gratitude. "Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn! Captain Pochi is already gathering information."
Kahn nodded in acknowledgment.
Turning his attention to Mr. 1, who was visibly uneasy, Kahn's impatience became evident. "What's the matter? Your Baroque Works has been exploiting this territory for so long, robbing pirates left and right. Are you really struggling to scrape together this measly sum?"
"Are you mocking me? You damn old Navy man! Why would I give in? I'll kill you! Ah!"
Kahn's foot pressed on Crocodile's face, forcing him back into the sand with a thud. Crocodile struggled, but Kahn's foot remained firmly in place.
"Enough of your nonsense," Kahn stated before addressing Mr. 1 again. "Hurry up. I'm a busy man, and my time is valuable. If you don't pay up, I might just cripple him and sell him as a slave on the black market. I'm sure there are plenty who would be interested."
Mr. 1 was left speechless and hurriedly departed. Raising 2 billion Berries was a significant task even for Baroque Works.
Kahn released his hold on Crocodile, finding it tiresome to keep his foot on him. "Get a pair of Seastone handcuffs and secure this guy."
"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn."
Crocodile was subdued and restrained in Seastone handcuffs. He glared murderously at Kahn, but his anger was ignored.
For Kahn, Crocodile, a former Warlord of the Sea, was now nothing more than a fallen ruler.
At that moment, a commotion arose in the town. The Royal Army was arriving, engaging in discussions with Pochi and others to understand the situation.
The captain of the Royal Army eventually approached. Crocodile, battered and defeated, was shocked. Even he recognized that this Navy officer was a monster in terms of strength.
But weren't the Navy and the Warlords of the Sea on the same side? Since Crocodile had established himself in Alabasta, Navy involvement was rare, typically limited to supply purchases.
"May I help you, sir?" the Royal Army captain inquired.
"It's like this," Kahn began, "the residents of this town feel that Crocodile's actions were unintentional and that his punishment has been sufficient. They're requesting his release."
"Release Crocodile?" The captain seemed taken aback.
Kahn was about to agree, but he was interrupted by a clear voice.
"Are you kidding? Crocodile nearly killed me just now! Besides, he attacked Navy personnel and violated the Warlords of the Sea's rules. I have every right to arrest him."
Crocodile's eyes flared with fury, but he restrained himself from saying anything further. The Navy officer before him was unlike any he had encountered before. He could torment him, but it wasn't necessary for Crocodile to further provoke him.
Mr. 1 returned with the money they needed. Despite the dire situation, Crocodile found solace in the fact that he would be released soon.
And yet, the humiliation of this day was something he vowed to repay tenfold.
With the arrival of the funds, Kahn's demand had been met. "See that? Crocodile has acknowledged his mistakes and cooperated willingly. He has also made a generous compensation. When the money arrives, he will be free to go."
(End of this chapter)
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