Chapter 21 Marines? Executioner?

After Pochi left, a smile played across Kahn's lips. He understood why Pochi had considered letting Buggy go. The likes of the Straw Hat crew had been released after paying their bounties, a situation not applicable to Buggy . As Kahn had earlier stated, they didn't care about releasing them once they parted with their money. But Buggy was a different story.

Buggy 's psychological state was shaped by events from his youth. He was likely relieved to have escaped with his life intact. Kahn realized that his previous notoriety still held value, and it was perhaps why Buggy was showing submission.

However, few pirates, like Buggy , were aware of the past events. In Buggy 's case, since no promises were made, there was no contradiction.

The vital point was that Buggy 's growth was slower than that of the Straw Hats. Furthermore, their two groups were fundamentally different types of pirates.

Since Buggy 's growth couldn't be rushed, why not exert a firmer hand this time? Raising pigs is a reasonable analogy. Buggy 's fortune had been a result of sheer chance. This acquisition would bring his assets to two billion Baileys, inching him closer to tens of billions.

Kahn's subsequent goal was mastering the second form of the fruit. His approach followed his original plan after purchasing the fruit. His identity had now been exposed, evident from his interactions with Dragon and the call from the Sengoku. This necessitated a more calculated approach to his actions.

Of course, revealing his strength was also essential and part of Kahn's strategy. Displaying his strength could quell dissension within the Navy. The more extremist faction, epitomized by Akainu, were critical of his past actions. The recent incident underscored this point.

However, even the Sengoku harbored some resentment, which Kahn could sense from their recent conversations. Thus, it was imperative to exhibit his formidable combat prowess. This way, he could suppress negative sentiments within the Navy.

Garp served as a testament to the benefits of strength. Despite his occasional missteps, his immense strength had continually won him forgiveness.

In truth, achieving wealth as a Navy officer had limitations. Certain actions were proscribed due to his role, such as the matter concerning the second vest. A general with fewer inhibitions could have greater latitude and make more money with ease.

Moreover, the matter of physical aging was temporarily secondary. It wasn't a pressing concern at the moment.

As the ship continued its journey through the first half of the Grand Line, they spotted a pirate vessel on the horizon.

"Report to Lieutenant General Kahn, a pirate ship has been spotted ahead. It's confirmed to be the Giant Whale Pirate Group. Shall we engage?"

"Proceed. Fire at will."

Pochi was about to leave but halted at Kahn's command.

"Wait a moment."

"Lieutenant General Kahn, what are your orders?"

"Bring the cannonballs to the deck. I'll fire them myself. I haven't moved much in the past few days, and my body's gotten a bit stiff."

Pochi was surprised momentarily, then realized Kahn was referring to the recent incident.

A gleam of excitement appeared in his eyes. "Understood, Lieutenant General Kahn."

Shortly after, the ship's deck was laden with cannonballs, set up in rows.

Kahn stepped forward and picked up a cannonball, assessing its weight. After inhaling deeply, he hurled it towards the distant pirate ship.

The shell's speed outpaced the cannon fire, translating to greater impact.

The first cannonball struck the pirate ship's mast, causing the massive whale pirate flag to topple. Screams of terror echoed from the pirates on board.

Although Pochi had witnessed this before, he couldn't help but be astonished anew.

The pirate ship swiftly yielded to the overwhelming force.

Observing this, Kahn expressed a hint of regret. "Why did they surrender so quickly?"

"Why, it seems that I've lost some stamina. I feel a bit tired after only a few shots."

Kahn lamented, enviously comparing himself to Garp. That old man could toss cannonballs without breaking a sweat. An odd thought struck him: could Garp last as long in other areas as he did in battle?

However, now that Kahn was at his peak, he truly understood Garp's might.

Five Elders's tolerance for Garp began to make sense—it was Garp's power that mattered. Prestige might fade, but strength endured.

Pochi observed the initially 200 cannonballs, now reduced to just a dozen. His lips twitched with amusement.

"Pochi."

"Lieutenant General Kahn, here I am."

"Retrieve the others."

A sheepish grin spread across Pochi's face. "What's the matter?"

"Lieutenant General Kahn, we've captured so many pirates that there's no room left on this ship."

Kahn was taken aback. "In that case, dispose of those who committed heinous crimes and those who can't afford their ransom. These individuals are both dangerous and bereft of the means to be redeemed. There's no need to waste more resources on them. These pirates don't deserve to continue living!"

"But this is the third time our holding cells have filled."

"Ah, this is the third time?"

Soon, Kahn's dissatisfaction surfaced.

"Pochi, are you gunning for last place? Eliminate those whose ransom is less than 10 million or whose bounty is less than 10 million. Rid us of these people in one fell swoop!"

A spark of hope illuminated Pochi's eyes, and he promptly set to work.

Kahn watched as pirates were ushered onto the deck, their knees hitting the ground in submission. Their expressions conveyed foreboding, suggesting they anticipated their impending fate.

To Kahn, these individuals were familiar; they seemed resigned to their doom.

Pochi and the sea soldiers also appeared accustomed to this scenario—it marked the third occurrence. With precision, the process of execution began.

Sailors dispatched each pirate with a gunshot. Pochi inquired about any remaining bounties, collecting two million Berries from one pirate.

"Execution!" Pochi called out.

The pirates, still processing their imminent fate, trembled in desperation.

"I have money! I still have money! Please don't kill me!"

The sailor beside the pleading pirate halted.

"How much do you have? Where is it?" Pochi inquired with a blank expression.

"Two million Berries! They're… uh..."

"No need to elaborate."

The pirate looked bewildered.

"Execution!"

As the gunshot resonated, the pirate's pupils dilated before he collapsed.

Other pirates attempted to flee, but their efforts were curtailed when their limbs were severed. They faced death with despair in their eyes.

"More trash pirates. A Great Route pirate, no less. And they're worth only two million? Are they belittling themselves? Moreover, they've taken so many lives!" Pochi sneered.

By this point, he had garnered more dividends than two million Berries.

The executions concluded swiftly.

Navy soldiers hoisted the lifeless bodies and discarded them overboard.

Though their heads could fetch a price, Kahn found the notion distasteful due to their low bounties.

The scene left the newly captured Giant Whale Pirates bewildered.

Were these Navy or executioners? When had Navy personnel become so brutal?