Chapter 48 : You can't afford the ransom?

Vivi was left stunned by Kahn's words.

Will her father understand if she conveys this message to him?

She pondered over what Kahn had mentioned earlier—doing things for money.

Could it be that the vice admiral before her had struck some deals with her father to aid Alabasta?

In truth, if that were the case, it might not be so objectionable.

After all, the kingdom had suffered immensely.

"What's the matter? Isn't this working? If it isn't, step aside; I'm going to arrest them," Kahn impatiently declared.

"No!" Vivi interjected swiftly.

"Are you trying to mock an old man?"

"No?"

"Then get on with it."

"But—"

"Don't argue. It's either pay up or get captured. There are no other third option."

"I don't have that much money!" Vivi was nearly on the verge of tears.

"Haven't I already told you? Convey your unwillingness to your father the king. I've allowed you to make installment payments. Is that acceptable?"

Kahn's tone clearly indicated his impatience.

Vivi felt a deep sense of embarrassment.

However, she realized that if she didn't give a definitive response now, the naval officers wouldn't release Luffy and the others.

"Miss Vivi , just forget about it! If you're caught, you'll be apprehended!" Sanji interjected immediately.

He genuinely didn't want to see the elegant Miss Vivi placed in such a humiliating position.

"Don't worry about us," Zoroadded.

Kahn's expression grew darker.

"It seems you haven't been disciplined enough. In that case, I'll beat some sense into you and spare you the audacity of speaking."

Kahn stepped forward, his demeanor intense.

Vivi 's complexion shifted dramatically.

She could distinctly feel the murderous intent emanating from Kahn.

The sheer weight of that intent caused her to tremble involuntarily.

"Wait a moment, I agree," Vivi declared abruptly.

As soon as the words left her lips, the intense aura of menace that surrounded Kahn abruptly dissipated.

In an instant, his expression transformed into a kindly smile directed at Vivi .

He appeared like a benevolent grandfather.

Vivi was left somewhat dumbfounded.

Why did the vice admiral before her change so drastically, from stern and imposing to amicable and kind looking?

"Wasn't that much easier? Just remember to convey this decision to your father the king."

Vivi nodded in acknowledgment, still somewhat dazed.

Kahn paid her no more mind.

After all, he had obtained the desired outcome, and Cobra would surely honor the agreement—there was no way he could renege on such an arrangement.

"Very well, Vivi . You may take them away now. I'm going to apprehend Fire Fist Ace."

Vivi 's awareness returned to her in full force.

"Does the Lieutenant General intend to capture Luffy's brother?" Vivi inquired immediately.

"What? Do you think that 300 million Berries will suffice to secure Ace's release? This kid possesses considerable strength, and his bounty stands at 550 million Berries. Can you confidently produce a sum of 1100 million Berries?"

Vivi was left flabbergasted.

Ace's bounty was truly that high?

Could this man be considered a veritable pirate heavyweight?

Observing her baffeled expression, Kahn continued, "Furthermore, don't assume that this paltry sum will suffice! Give it up! You won't be able to afford the ransom for that kid."

Vivi was at a loss for words.

She found it incredibly difficult to produce 300 million Berries, especially given her knowledge of the kingdom's current state.

Thus, she could only offer Ace an apologetic gaze.

At that moment, Ace's face brimmed with fury.

The way Kahn treated them was akin to treating merchandise.

Worse still, Kahn was immensely formidable, and Ace's flames had proved futile against him.

"Why are you gawking? You should be elated. With me in the picture, you still possess some value," Kahn sneered.

Ace chose to remain silent.

His efforts had ended in failure, and speaking further would only intensify his humiliation.

Nami and the others soon returned with Luffy and the rest of the crew.

Kahn's unrelenting assault had left several of them grievously injured.

His motive had been to expedite their growth by forcing them to confront their weaknesses.

As they departed, Kahn's voice echoed, "Remember this, all of you. You need to mature more rapidly. You shouldn't rely on others to pay your ransoms every time. As men, shouldn't you be ashamed? Aim to become the world's best, even if it means covering your own bounties!"

Zoro and Sanji were on the brink of charging back at Kahn, ready to settle things once and for all. However, Nami managed to restrain them.

The situation appeared to be in her favor.

As for Luffy's brother, they could only offer their apologies.

With their thanks to Vivi , they prepared to leave.

Vivi finally breathed a sigh of relief; the ordeal was over.

Kahn's gaze shifted toward a marine soldier.

"Pochi."

"Lieutenant General Kahn, your orders?"

"Shackle this man and escort him to the ship."

"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn."

Pochi's demeanor was one of fervent enthusiasm.

Before him stood the renowned Fire Fist Ace from the New World—a prominent figure in the Whitebeard Pirates and one of the Four Emperors.

For pirates of this caliber, their bounty was hardly of paramount concern.

Few dared challenge them for their bounties; they revered the honor they held instead.

Ace, at this juncture, was entirely incapable of resisting.

Pochi paid no heed to the intense glare Ace directed his way, proceeding to shackle him.

On the other side, the crew on Kahn's ship made way for the Straw Hat pirates.

It was a bewildering spectacle—the marines yielding passage to the pirates.

However, this scene wasn't received well by Smoker, who was observing from a distance.

"Damn old man! Why did you let Straw Hat Boy escape? They're pirates; how can you spare them on account of money? This is a mockery of justice."

"Captain Smoker!" Tashigi by his side expressed her concern.

She vividly recalled the events in Loguetown.

But Kahn's recent actions had garnered her deep respect.

Thus, she was grappling with conflicting sentiments.

While she deliberated, Smoker advanced quickly.

Her own expression shifted.

And then, she followed.

"As a righteous marine, how can you let these pirates go? I can't agree with your approach," Smoker protested.

Kahn furrowed his brows slightly, his countenance growing somber.

"Smoker, are you lecturing me again?"

Tashigi's complexion transformed as well.

Then, she stepped forward.

"Lieutenant General Kahn, I don't comprehend your methodology. They're pirates. Why spare them?"

In response to this earnest young woman, Kahn smiled.

"Tashigi, my intention from the outset wasn't to apprehend the Straw Hat crew but Fire Fist Ace. Besides, although I refrained from intervening, I don't recall preventing you from acting either. Aren't they your primary targets?"

Tashigi was taken aback.

"But—"

"Come now, didn't the chain-smoking youth earlier also forsake Fire Fist Ace to pursue Straw Hat Boy? What distinguishes his actions from mine? Even though this boy is no match for Fire Fist Ace."

Tashigi was rendered speechless.

Finally, Kahn's voice carried, "Moreover, remember, I didn't obstruct you from acting. You had ample opportunity to pursue your objectives."

(End of this chapter)