บท 18: First talk about salary.. then cooperation!!!
Kahn's gaze turned back to Dragon.
Had Dragon's invitation been extended due to his prowess?
Why hadn't he been approached earlier?
Was Dragon trying to present him a final flourish of brilliance before making him fading into obscurity?
Heh, perhaps he was overthinking it.
Was the Revolutionary Army truly a beacon of virtue?
In its fledgling days, there had been instances of unchecked violence, resulting in lives lost and vengeance denied. However, in recent times, the organization had made strides toward moderation and rectitude.
Every coin has its two sides.
Kahn's true concern, however, lay in the fact that joining the Revolutionary Army would hardly provide an easy life.
This path didn't align with his aspirations.
"Aren't you concerned that I might turn against the Revolutionary Army?"
"You won't."
"How can you be so certain?"
Dragon's silence spoke volumes.
And yet, there was an undeniable sense of confidence in his eyes.
Kahn's lips curled into a knowing smile.
"Dragon, permit me to ask you a question."
"Lieutenant General Kahn, please, proceed."
"Does the Revolutionary Army offer monetary compensation?"
Dragon found the query unexpected, struggling to comprehend Kahn's interest in financial matters.
His answer was measured: "Yes."
Kahn's intrigue deepened.
"For how long?"
Dragon felt this was missing the point.
Why would a man of Kahn's stature concern himself with money?
"Mr. Kahn, I believe you're disillusioned with the World Government. The grip of the Celestial Dragons has held the world captive for far too long. The restoration of equity and liberty is long overdue."
"Wait! You've yet to address my initial question."
Dragon's brow furrowed slightly.
The conversation had taken an unexpected turn.
"Our Revolutionary Army requires funding for myriad initiatives. Hence, members typically contribute their resources. The pursuit of a world that's just and unshackled has a value beyond measure."
"So, there's no formal salary structure?"
Dragon briefly faltered in his response.
Strictly speaking, there wasn't.
Even the simplest meal necessitated accounting.
After all, they were a revolutionary army, and discipline was paramount. Without it, how could they succeed?
Yet self-funding wasn't an obstacle.
"Since there's no salary, it's merely a philosophical debate."
Dragon looked taken aback.
Even with the collective intellect of three generations, he struggled to grasp Kahn's line of reasoning.
He even wondered if he'd misjudged Kahn entirely.
"Why does a man of your stature concern himself with these matters?" Dragon inquired, finally.
"Common sense, really. Without these pursuits, what's the essence of life? Let me ask you: what do equity and liberty truly entail?"
"Isn't it self-evident? The absence of tyranny by the Celestial Dragons, the eradication of oppressive rule, the removal of despised Heavenly Gold—ushering in an era of happiness for all."
"Alright, let's accept your definition. Assuming the Celestial Dragons were overthrown, their tyranny eliminated—would people find happiness without money? After all, without means, they can't even afford food. So, what constitutes genuine happiness? Moreover, isn't your 'Heavenly Gold' simply another form of currency? So, what's amiss about my attachment to wealth?"
Dragon found himself without a retort.
He wrestled with finding a counterargument, but ultimately, he couldn't.
Kahn's smile persisted.
"Dragon, if our viewpoints differ, I won't join the Revolutionary Army."
Given recent events, it was clear that inviting Kahn into the Revolutionary Army might not be the most prudent course.
"Understood. It's unfortunate," Dragon conceded.
"It's good to have clarity. Although the Navy has its flaws, it still upholds justice. I won't be severing that bond."
Kahn's response was a blend of truth and artifice. A lifelong Navy man like him couldn't entirely forsake his connection. Moreover, his claim of fighting for justice was something of an exaggeration.
Dragon chose not to press further. The matter had seemingly reached its conclusion, and though he felt a pang of regret, he acknowledged it was an attempt worth making.
"However, if you were to offer me tens of billions of Berries, I might reconsider."
Dragon: "???"
"Mr. Kahn, you do possess a sense of humor!"
"I'm not jesting. But are you?"
Dragon's brow furrowed slightly.
If tens of billions of Berries were truly on the table, he would channel them into the revolutionary cause rather than offering them to Kahn.
"Understand that I'm not uninterested. It's simply that your offer isn't up to my price," Kahn noted, feigning disappointment.
If Dragon were genuinely willing to offer him tens of billions of Berries to join, he might consider it.
Dragon found himself utterly speechless.
He almost felt compelled to ask, are you truly worth that much?
In the end, though, it shed light on Kahn's character.
In that moment, commotion arose on the nearby square.
"Dragon, it seems your son is on the brink of execution."
"How could someone who champions freedom end up like this?"
On the square, Buggy the Clown raised his butcher's knife.
The young man with the straw hat maintained his serene smile.
"I'm prepared to meet my end!"
The tranquility of his demeanor rattled Smoker.
Below the execution platform, Zoro and his comrades valiantly engaged Buggy's crew.
The situation was dire.
Suddenly, a peal of thunder sounded, toppling the execution scaffold.
The young man in the straw hat was saved in an instant.
Kahn was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.
He had been focusing on Dragon and hadn't sensed any ability activation.
"Your ability is truly extraordinary," Kahn remarked.
As the one defying the World Government, Dragon's might was indeed exceptional.
It marked a stark departure from a decade ago.
"Perhaps you're overestimating me, Lieutenant General Kahn."
"Very well, let's leave it at that. I won't apprehend this young man today. Nevertheless, there are still other pirates to capture. After all, I'm still a part of the Navy."
Of course, he uttered this with the knowledge that Dragon was present and would prevent the capture from happening.
Furthermore, these "leeks" hadn't fully matured; it was premature to harvest them.
Kahn then observed that the branch's personnel had already detained several pirates.
In a blink, he vanished from view.
It was all about the money!
In a short span, all loose ends were tied up.
Departing from Logue Town, Kahn approached the cell aboard the warship.
Gazing at the figure of Buggy before him, he chuckled.
"Who might you be? Don't think you can hold me! I'm the future ruler of the Grand Line!"
"Buggy, it's been thirty years, but your bravado remains the same."
"Who's calling me uncle?"
And thus, Buggy came face to face with Kahn.
"Come closer, let me have a proper look at you. Wait, why do you seem familiar?"
"Wait no more, you've remembered correctly! Tell me, where's your concealed treasure? You only get one chance, and trust me, I'm known for being decisive!"
Buggy gazed in horror at the man before him.
In his current predicament, he'd likely be torn to shreds if not for the Sea-Prism Stone handcuffs restraining him.
"It's over, it's all over. How did I cross paths with this executioner? Pirates who fall into his clutches suffer an unimaginable fate!"
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