บท 38: Chapter 38 : There is no absolute justice in this world!
Then, with a swift transformation, Kahn morphed into a fire dragon. In a manner similar to his capture of Cobra, he ensnared Robin in his fiery grip.
Two hours later, Kahn and Robin made their way back to the casino in Rainland.
Kahn's mood was considerably brighter.
Under Robin's guidance, they had efficiently visited almost all of Baroque Works' bases within Alabasta.
In the process, they managed to gather the remaining three billion Berries in cash.
Within a short span of time, Kahn had accumulated a grand total of eight billion Berries.
As for the occupants of the bases, Robin handled them without requiring Kahn's intervention.
Robin's skills in dealing with subordinates proved remarkably efficient.
"Why didn't we encounter the executives from those bases?" Kahn questioned.
Despite their visit to the Spider Cafe, there had been no sight of the executives. Kahn found himself slightly puzzled.
"Crocodile issued an order upon his return this morning, summoning them to the Spider Cafe. They should be arriving soon," Robin explained.
"Ah, I see. That saves me the trouble of searching for them. Are these all of the executives?"
"Except for Mr. 3, who was pursued and remains unaccounted for, there shouldn't be any issues with the others."
Kahn looked at Robin before him, a smile tugging at his lips.
He was impressed by her intelligence more than once.
"If it weren't for your complicated background, I would've considered taking you with me," Kahn mused suddenly.
Kahn's remark wasn't made in jest.
From the moment he had entered the casino, Robin had displayed remarkable knowledge and competency. Her actions were beyond reproach.
Her ability to handle problems was both direct and effective, devoid of any unnecessary complications.
"No wonder Crocodile chose to collaborate with her."
His admiration extended beyond her expertise in deciphering ancient texts. Her exceptional abilities played a significant role as well.
Of course, Kahn was well aware that her exceptional talents had been honed through a lifetime of survival and adversity.
Robin's current proficiency was a product of her individual strength.
Ironically, despite his current circumstances, Kahn found himself envying the strength she possessed.
In his opinion, if he had someone like her as a deputy, his life would be considerably easier.
After all, Robin's competence had been apparent since their first encounter in the casino.
Moreover, she was undeniably attractive, a fact Kahn couldn't help but acknowledge.
However, Robin's distinctive identity posed a significant obstacle.
Kahn's primary goal was making money, and he had no intention of getting entangled in complex matters.
He had already drawn the attention of various powerful figures due to his strength. Associating himself with the Revolutionary Army's Dragon could lead to further scrutiny.
Although he had just vocalized his thoughts, Kahn noticed Robin fall silent.
Clearly, his words had prompted her to contemplate her own identity.
The recurring betrayals, the individual standing before her, the recent conversation with a Navy Admiral, and her discontent with the World Government all seemed to intertwine.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling disheartened?" Kahn questioned.
"Why did the World Government issue an order to obliterate Ohara?" Robin suddenly asked.
The haunting memory of that tragic event still lingered in her mind.
Her hometown, Ohara, had been razed to the ground, and all of its scholars, her mentors, had been mercilessly slain.
Kahn took a moment before responding, not rushing to answer her query. Instead, he retrieved a cigar, lit it, and took a deep drag.
Finally, he answered with a derisive chuckle, "Are you still so naïve?"
Robin remained silent, her gaze locked on Kahn. He was a Navy officer, possibly capable of providing her with answers.
Kahn's smile deepened.
He found her unwavering gaze to be rather impressive.
"To reward your curiosity today, let me enlighten you. From the perspective of the World Government, and indeed most countries, those historians were deemed as traitors. Why? Because they insisted on publishing information that was explicitly prohibited."
"People have the right to know the truth of history," Robin interjected.
"The truth of history has always been woven by the victors. And if your version of historical truth can be used by those with malicious intent to plunge the world into chaos and threaten the World Government's rule, do you think they'd allow it to be broadcast?"
Robin struggled for words, grappling with the implications of Kahn's statement.
"Are you at a loss for words? Here's another perspective: those scholars were foolish. Research itself isn't the problem, but recklessly challenging authority is. It's fine to explore history, but there are limits. Their naivety led to tragedy."
Given the circumstances at the time, voicing such sentiments in the presence of the Five Elders was bold, but not wise.
"I forbid you from speaking ill of them. They never intended to plunge the world into chaos or rebellion."
"Isn't that a laughable notion? After all your years in this world, can't you see? In a way, what that man, Gol D. Roger, did was akin to what those historians did. And what has the Great Pirate Era brought about? I see only endless conflict and suffering."
"But he shaped the era."
"Ha! Shaped the era? I'd argue he ushered in a turbulent era and a cycle of reincarnation. His actions are no better than those of Dragon's. Of course, his actions inadvertently led to the emergence of Dragon, but his identity complicates matters even further."
Robin's disillusionment was palpable.
"Furthermore, let me share a more truthful perspective. If you want change, you need power. Attempting to effect change without power is a foolish endeavor that courts death. It's not only foolish, but it also drags others into the abyss," Kahn's tone grew colder.
"Power?" Robin murmured, her gaze sharpening as she locked eyes with Kahn.
He met her gaze unflinchingly.
"What about you? You possess immense power. What justice do you stand for? You berated the Fleet Admiral on behalf of Alabasta's citizens, questioning the World Government's morality. Yet now, you're defending them. Why the contradiction?" Robin's question was pointed.
"Heh! Absolute justice doesn't exist in this world. Even if the Revolutionary Army were to overthrow the World Government, what then? It would merely replace one authority with another. Do you believe the Revolutionary Army is inherently just? Ultimately, it's the downtrodden civilians who suffer the most. If the Revolutionary Army confronted the issues posed by those historians, their approach would likely differ little."
Kahn paused, collecting his thoughts.
"And me? I express my dissatisfaction with certain practices of the World Government, and I detest filth like the Celestial Dragons. But that doesn't mean I align myself with pirates or the Revolutionary Army. As for the money, to me, money is justice. If you have enough money, tearing apart the Celestial Dragons with my own hands isn't out of the question."
Robin's eyes widened in shock.
She regarded Kahn with a mixture of astonishment and disbelief.
His statement was utterly shocking. In this world, the Celestial Dragons were deemed untouchable deities.
They held authority over the World Government's most powerful forces, including Admirals.
Yet the Navy officer before her spoke such audacious words.
"Don't be so astonished. I could indeed do that. However, can you afford the price?"
Robin managed a wry smile.
"Alright, I've spoken far more than I intended today. I'm tired after all this talk. Your abilities are exceptional. Give me a massage," Kahn instructed.
(End of this chapter)
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