Chapter 42 : The big fish is here!

Robin was taken aback.

"I can leave?"

"Of course, the old man always keeps his word. You're free to go."

However, Robin was feeling perplexed.

"Where should I go?" Robin suddenly asked.

Kahn furrowed his brows upon hearing her question.

"Aren't you seeking the truth of history?"

What was going on with this woman?

Then a thought occurred to Kahn. Perhaps, after what transpired in Alabasta, she had gone straight to the Straw Hat Pirates.

But due to her intervention, she hadn't had any interaction with the Straw Hat boy.

Was she feeling lost now?

Could it be that she was considering ending her life?

But that wasn't his concern!

Though he admired the woman in front of him, her identity was a major issue.

Kahn wouldn't take her along simply out of admiration.

And definitely not because of her beauty.

Kahn, at his age, while not officially married, had experienced his share of women. In a way, he had lost count of the ones he'd been with.

However, after encountering Hancock, such matters had calmed down considerably.

As for the woman before him, Kahn valued her abilities more than her appearance.

But her abilities didn't outweigh the troubles she could potentially cause.

"As you said, without strength, one doesn't have the qualifications to pursue that path at all. Just like this time, had you not appeared or if Crocodile hadn't intervened, I doubt I would have obtained the historical text."

Kahn's expression turned slightly pensive.

"What are you planning to do?"

"I don't know."

Kahn was speechless.

"Blu, blu, blu."

Suddenly, the Den Den Mushi on Kahn's person rang.

He was taken aback for a moment. Who could be calling him at a time like this?

He answered the call without hesitation.

"Mose-mose, is this Vice Admiral Kahn?" Pochi's voice came through.

"It's me. What's the matter, Pochi?"

"Reporting to Vice Admiral Kahn, as per your orders, after handing over Crocodile and the others to the Royal Army, we came to the Narohara region. We spotted the Straw Hat Pirates' ship here, but we haven't seen them yet. Please advise whether to take action or not. Additionally, Major Smoker from the East Blue Branch in Loguetown has also arrived here. They're currently in town."

Kahn's eyes lit up. If the Straw Hat kid was here, that likely meant Ace was here as well.

And they were probably in Rohala.

"Pochi, don't pay much attention to that Smoker guy. Take your team to the Straw Hat Pirates' ship and wait there. I'll be heading there soon."

"Yes, Vice Admiral Kahn!"

Kahn ended the call abruptly.

He turned to Robin, who was still looking puzzled.

"Alright, the big fish has arrived. It's time for the harvest. Are you feeling a bit lost about your next steps? Come with me. Perhaps, you'll find some clarity."

Kahn then stored away the treasure.

Robin didn't fully comprehend Kahn's reference to the big fish, but she didn't decline either. She was curious about what he meant.

Kahn didn't elaborate further. He transformed into a fire-breathing dragon, scooped up Robin, and took to the sky.

Narohara, another port town in Alabasta.

In a town restaurant...

"Why would pirates of your caliber show up in a place like this? Fire Fist Ace of the Whitebeard Pirates, second division commander!" Smoker remarked, taking a deep drag of his cigarette.

His expression was grave.

As soon as Smoker's words were out, everyone present was taken aback, all eyes falling on the young man who hadn't yet turned around.

"Look, the emblem on his back." Someone exclaimed.

Everyone shifted their gaze.

And then, there was a collective gasp.

"It's really the symbol of the Whitebeard Pirates."

Almost instinctively, everyone around Ace moved away.

The Whitebeard Pirates—the Four Emperors of the sea, renowned throughout the Grand Line!

Ace finally turned his head.

"I'm here looking for someone."

"Who are you looking for?"

"My brother."

"Is that so?"

"What are your intentions?"

"What do you think? While I may not be interested in your head, I'm still a Marine! How could I turn a blind eye to pirates when I encounter them?"

"Is that right? Then let's have some fun."

Tension thickened between the two.

"Gomu-Gomu no, rocket!" came a faint voice.

In the next instant, a figure shot up at astonishing speed.

Before Smoker could react, he was sent flying.

Flying alongside him was Ace, seated in his chair.

Meanwhile...

Vivi and the others had found a secluded spot outside town.

"Vivi , it seems like we've heard some big news just now," Nami said.

Vivi , too, fell into contemplation.

"I don't know if it's true. I need to verify."

At this moment, she was feeling rather confused.

The news circulating around town was about Vice Admiral Kahn saving Alabasta. This had left her uncertain about what to do.

"If this is true, it would certainly be a good thing, and we wouldn't need to be so cautious. But I think I heard a familiar name," Zoro said.

"Do you mean that **** old navy guy?" Sanji asked.

"Who?" Nami and Vivi were puzzled.

"Vice Admiral Kahn," Zoro responded solemnly.

"Zoro, Sanji, are you talking about that person?" Usopp finally realized.

"Could it be? Vice Admiral Kahn, Vice Admiral Dragon... Who else could it be?"

"Wait, Vice Admiral Kahn! I remember this person," Nami suddenly exclaimed.

A look of surprise crossed her face.

"Nami, have you encountered that Navy officer?"

"Yes, although he's incredibly greedy for money, I'm still thankful to him. He saved my village, which gave me the chance to join you all on this adventure," Nami explained candidly.

"Nami, you guys seem to know this Vice Admiral! What's he like?" Vivi was taken aback.

"Loves money."

"Has monstrous strength."

"Moody!"

"Terrifying."

These were the collective opinions of the group.

Vivi was completely flabbergasted.

"Usopp, is he truly that intimidating?" Chopper inquired.

"Absolutely!"

"And this person who saved all of Alabasta is really him? Why does it sound so implausible?" Vivi questioned.

"We should hurry! Do you remember what he said?" Usopp suddenly interjected.

Zoro and Sanji both paused.

Kahn's words echoed in their minds.

"You don't even have the qualifications to be caught by me."

"Sooner or later, I'll cut you down, you **** old man."

"Sooner or later, I'll kick you to death."

Zoro and Sanji exchanged glances.

"Stop mimicking me, pervert!"

"I was going to say the same to you, you ero-cook!"

"Enough, this is definitely not the time for bickering!"

Nami swiftly knocked out the two of them.

"If it really is him, we need to leave as soon as possible," Nami concluded.