Chapter 60 : Go! Give him two slaps!

Kahn swiftly returned to the warship, which was now docked at the port of Jaya Island. The majority of navy had left the ship, busy purchasing supplies for the Navy's needs.

This was a standard procedure, as the vastness of the sea required numerous naval bases to distribute supplies to various ships based on their size and crew numbers.

As a medium-sized warship, Kahn's vessel was allocated a monthly replenishment quota of 10 million Berries, primarily meant for food supplies. In this world, sailors were generally not short of money due to the generous welfare provided by the World Government.

Curiously, Kahn noticed that Pochi was absent from the ship. Pochi was usually not involved in these affairs, and his absence raised questions.

One of the sailors, Cao Chang, quickly reported to Kahn, explaining that there had been a conflict involving a pirate from Shichibukai in a local tavern while they were procuring supplies. Captain Pochi had gone to handle the situation.

Kahn's expression darkened at the news. A conflict with a Shichibukai was a serious matter. Moreover, the pirate involved was affiliated with Doflamingo, one of the Warlords of the Sea.

"Understood. I'll go take a look," Kahn said, his voice tinged with annoyance.

He disembarked from the ship and followed the sailors' directions to the tavern. Inside the tavern, a tense scene unfolded.

Pochi stood before a group of sailors, his sword drawn, facing off against a pirate. A few of Pochi's sailors bore visible bruises on their faces, revealing that a confrontation had occurred.

The atmosphere was charged with hostility, and both parties seemed unwilling to back down. However, Pochi's expression suggested that he knew he was outmatched. The opposing pirate had a bounty of 55 million Berries and possessed a Devil Fruit ability.

Kahn's arrival on the scene triggered a change in mood. A wave of reverence and respect rippled through the crowd, parting to make way for him.

Pochi visibly relaxed upon Kahn's arrival, as if his superior's presence could defuse the situation.

Kahn took in the scene and spoke, addressing the Shichibukai's subordinate directly. "Are you a subordinate of Doflamingo?"

The pirate, named Bellamy, appeared smug and dismissive, seemingly unaffected by Kahn's presence. However, Kahn's authoritative aura silenced the room, making even Bellamy pause.

Bellamy retorted with arrogance, "Why should I apologize? They attacked me first. Apologizing to a pirate? That's absurd."

Pochi's expression soured as he attempted to reason with Bellamy. "They didn't know you were a Shichibukai's subordinate. You could have to clarified the situation before things escalated. Besides, attacking them further after restraining them is seen as a provocation against the Navy's justice."

Bellamy's disdainful laughter echoed in the room. "Justice? Discussing justice with a pirate? And apologize? Never."

Pochi's frustration was evident, yet he knew he was no match for Bellamy's strength.

Pochi, as a captain from headquarters, was proficient in fencing, physical combat, and Rokushiki techniques. He could hold his own against pirates with bounties below 10 million Berries. Beyond that threshold, it depended on the individual circumstances.

The situation remained at an impasse until Kahn's arrival.

"Lieutenant General Kahn!" A marine called out, and the room shifted its focus to the Vice Admiral.

Kahn nodded, then turned his gaze to Bellamy. "Are you indeed a subordinate of Doflamingo?"

Kahn's question caught Bellamy off guard. "What's it to you?" he replied with a hint of arrogance.

Kahn's expression turned somber. "I'm not interested in hearing your explanations. I want to confirm your identity before I present the evidence to Doflamingo. I wouldn't want to falsely accuse him of sending you."

Bellamy's tone shifted from arrogance to sarcasm. "You? An old Vice Admiral? Picking a fight with Doflamingo?"

"Oh? My reputation still seems to precede me," Kahn remarked with a faint smile.

The two of them verified each other's identities, acknowledging that Kahn was indeed the renowned Fire Dragon Kahn.

Bellamy and his companion both came to the same realization—Kahn, a Vice Admiral, had outmatched Crocodile, a Shichibukai, in their recent clash.

Cold sweat formed on their brows, and the atmosphere grew tense.

Kahn didn't pay them much mind and turned his attention to the two injured marines. "Did they attack you?" he inquired.

The marines felt a mix of excitement and embarrassment. The sight of their superior addressing them with concern was overwhelming.

Kahn's stern expression softened. "Embarrassed, are you? Being beaten by a pirate while serving as Navy soldiers? Step forward and give them two slaps!"

The room fell into stunned silence. Kahn's order had taken everyone aback.

"Move! What are you waiting for? Are you ashamed to assert your authority as my soldiers? How could you let a pirate harm you?" Kahn's voice carried both frustration and anger.

The sailors snapped to attention and stepped forward, hesitantly following Kahn's command.

Bellamy's face contorted with disdain, but before he could react, a pair of loud slaps rang out, leaving his face red and stinging.

The room was hushed, with all eyes on Kahn and Bellamy.

The imposing pirate, known for his arrogance, had been silenced and humiliated by a Vice Admiral's orders.

Kahn's focus shifted back to Bellamy, his gaze cold. "Seems like you have an issue, don't you?" he said.

"I work under Doflamingo," Bellamy replied reluctantly, the defiance drained from his voice.

"Very well. You're Doflamingo's subordinate. It's time to settle accounts," Kahn declared, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

For Kahn, the opportunity to earn money had presented itself conveniently. Though Bellamy was a small fry, his affiliation with Doflamingo—the big fish—made him a valuable catch.

(End of this chapter)