Chương 20: Chapter 20: Do you look down on me?
Kahn's encounter with the Celestial Dragon had profoundly altered his perspective. It had dawned on him that in this world, power was paramount. Yet, he still possessed a medium strength at the time, allowing him to avoid a fate of either fleeing or perishing as a powerless individual.
This realization marked the end of his naive idealism, thrusting him into a semi-retired state. It wasn't until a decade ago that Kahn resumed his post as a Navy vice admiral.
However, this time he operated with a more tranquil approach. His choice to remain in the Navy stemmed from the security it provided under the umbrella of powerful protection. Given his extensive history of subduing pirates, the Navy was an oasis of safety for him.
Furthermore, leaving the Navy might not have guaranteed escape from the watchful eye of the World Government.
One might question why, as transmigrated person, they held onto ideals despite knowing the world's ruthless nature. The answer was simple: personal experience. Real interactions with people, not just characters from an anime, elicited genuine emotions. When someone steps forward to shield you from harm, it leaves an indelible impact.
This was precisely why Kahn had engaged Smoker.
In addition, he lacked any "golden finger" advantages, leaving him to rely solely on his own abilities. Rejecting this path would have led to a far grimmer fate. Within the Navy, he had strong backing—similar to the protection provided by the Sengoku. It afforded him a comfortable existence. Though over time, these favors were nearly exhausted.
Thankfully, that was no longer a concern.
"Report to Lieutenant General Kahn, we have arrived. Please provide instructions."
Pochi's voice from outside the door brought Kahn back to the present.
Kahn's lips curled into a smile. "Bring Buggy along. Let's go take a look."
"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn!"
"Now that I have true power, I shall live for myself. This time, no one can manipulate my destiny. Before facing the Five Elders, however, I must continue to bolster my strength.
I don't believe anyone can deceive me by claiming they grasp my situation. Those old men's faces have been etched into my memory countless times."
The small island appeared on the horizon.
Kahn's brows knitted. "Buggy , where's your treasure?"
"It's right here," Buggy answered, still wary of Kahn's presence.
"Remember the consequences of deceiving me."
"I'm well aware."
"Very well, lead the way."
Half an hour later, Kahn observed the treasure before him, breaking into a satisfied smile. He retrieved a cigar and, after a deep drag, relished the sensation. However, his contentment was fleeting.
"It's all Smoker's fault that I can't kick this habit. I've made up my mind to thrash him when I next encounter him."
"Buggy , would you like one?" Kahn extended a cigar to Buggy .
"No, thank you."
"Are you underestimating me?"
"No!"
"Do you want one?"
"Yes!"
"Exactly."
As Buggy took a puff under Kahn's scrutiny, the cigar's pungent aroma caused him to cough.
"I never realized enjoyment could be this intense!"
Observing Buggy's reaction, Kahn's gaze became more intense.
Pochi interjected, "Lieutenant General Kahn, we've completed the inventory."
Kahn's brow furrowed.
"Buggy , have you been idiot? It's not prudent to place all your eggs in a single basket."
Buggy 's spirit crumbled, leaving him speechless.
"Pochi, are you finished tallying?"
Kahn paid no heed to Buggy 's despondency.
"Lieutenant General Kahn, the total worth of these treasures is 1.13 billion Berries."
"Round numbers. Excellent."
Kahn turned to face Buggy .
"However, I seem to recall you mentioning 1.135 billion Berries."
Observing Kahn's smile, Bucky's heart raced with terror.
"Because five million Berries were aboard my previous pirate ship."
"Pochi, is that accurate?"
"Report, Lieutenant General Kahn. We did, in fact, retrieve nearly six million Berries from the pirate ship."
"I see. Though there's a minor discrepancy, it's manageable. You've passed the test."
Buggy breathed a sigh of relief, his soul returning to his body.
Tears welled in his eyes as he gazed at the boxes of treasures being carted away. This wealth was the fruit of years of labor—a testament to his ambition to dominate the Grand Line. Yet, it had all vanished.
"This was all mine!"
"What was that?"
"I mean, it's my pleasure to offer it to you."
Kahn nodded, content with the answer.
Looking at Buggy , it was hard for Kahn to envision this boy becoming one of the Four Emperors in the future. Yet appearances could deceive; Buggy was not above committing heinous acts.
His actions had once led to the displacement of an entire town.
Such actions were unforgivable in Kahn's eyes.
"Pochi, see to it that everything is tallied."
Kahn shifted his attention to Buggy .
"But my treasure is gone!"
"Very well. Let's go. Our stay in the East Blue has been sufficiently long. It's time to enter the Grand Line."
"Lieutenant General Kahn, what about Buggy the Clown? Are we merely letting him go?"
A glimmer of hope flickered in Buggy 's eyes, only to be swiftly extinguished.
"Pochi, do you understand what you're saying? This man is a pirate. When has the Navy ever released pirates? Where is the justice in your heart?" Kahn chided.
Pochi blinked, perplexed.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, Lieutenant General Kahn!"
"Good. Proceed and escort him away."
"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn!"
"Wait."
Pochi halted.
"According to the customary practice, don't forget to reserve my share."
Pochi's expression froze.
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