That day I will be looking forward to!

High in the sky, Hawkeye's countenance shifted, taken aback by Kahn's words.

"These words… why do they sound so familiar? I swear I've heard them before."

His eagle-like eyes fixed intently on Kahn as a sudden realization struck him.

"It's coming back to me now. The tone, even though your fighting style has evolved, I can still recognize the person I once challenged.

It's you, Vice Admiral Kahn, the one who wielded the formidable demon sword Hongtao, renowned as the reaper of the seas! What baffles me is how your strength has surged so drastically. Could it be due to a Devil Fruit? Have you abandoned the path of the swordsman?"

Hawkeye's shock mirrored Kahn's own.

As a prominent navy swordsman, Hawkeye had challenged Kahn when the latter was on the rise. Though the encounter ended in a narrow defeat for Hawkeye, the battle had left an indelible impression.

However, now that Hawkeye had reached the pinnacle, Kahn was far from his league.

Even so, Kahn had faded from the Grand Line for over a decade.

Today's unexpected encounter was quite a surprise.

But to his disappointment, it appeared Kahn had forsaken his once-prized swordsmanship for the allure of Devil Fruits.

Kahn's frank acknowledgment didn't surprise him either.

Kahn had made no attempt to conceal his identity or even alter his voice. In fact, he likely would've been irked if Hawkeye failed to recognize him.

Yet Kahn remained unfazed by Hawkeye's disappointment.

For Kahn, swordsmanship was merely a means to enhance power, not an end in itself.

"Hawkeye, remember this well: today's affair isn't over. If fate so decrees, and our paths cross once more, no amount of currency or bounty will suffice to bring closure to this matter."

Having spoken his piece, Kahn beat his wings and promptly vanished into the sky.

Hawkeye found himself puzzled by Kahn's mention of "bounty and money."

With the dragon gone, Hawkeye couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.

He had no intention of pursuing the conflict further. The notion of life or death held no appeal.

A quick glance at his surroundings reminded him of the aftermath of their battle.

The remnants of the colossal clash—the destruction, the waves, the vanishing wreckage—spoke volumes about the scale of their confrontation.

Although bloodied and bruised, Kahn was content.

"Finally, I've breached the world's pinnacle."

"Though at a considerable cost!"

Surveying his nearly depleted funds—merely 100 million Berries—Kahn's exasperation was palpable.

Still, he clung to hope.

His transition to a Devil Fruit user had amplified his expenses across the board, including his interactions with the system.

These weren't unforeseen, however.

And then there was the matter of the voice service fee hike—a development that irked Kahn.

"Why the hike in the voice fee? I'm not asking for singing!"

DING "Host, you can select your preferred voice mode."

Suddenly intrigued, Kahn's eyes lit up.

"Can you give me a gentle, soothing, female voice?"

DING "Of course, is this choice satisfactory?"

A shiver ran down Kahn's spine.

"Hmm, maybe not so gentle. A girl with a mellow voice, not too uptight, not too loose. Just perfect."

The system inquired, "Is this suitable, Host?"

Kahn felt an odd sense of contentment.

However, he was convinced that the service fee hike was designed to compensate for the feature.

The spike in fees—100,000 Berries daily—certainly ruffled his feathers.

These new expenses dovetailed with his lavish tendencies; he had grown accustomed to extravagant living over the past decade.

Naturally, his familiarity with the ins and outs of money made him anxious.

"System, what's the cost to outright purchase this Devil Fruit ability?"

System: DING "50 billion Berries."

"Does that encompass all its forms?"

Though expensive, if it included all levels, Kahn might've been tempted to consider it.

System: "No, the package only covers the Fire Dragon state; the remaining forms must be unlocked through Berries."

Though expected, Kahn sighed in response.

Still, he hadn't truly considered purchasing it—its price was exorbitant, and he simply couldn't afford it right now.

"All this aside, I'll need to resolve the current money issue."

"Report to Lieutenant General Kahn!" came an anxious voice from outside his door.

Brows furrowing, Kahn granted entry.

"What's with the rush, Pochi? Remember, composure befits the navy's pursuit of justice."

"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn!"

"Speak, what's the matter?"

"Lieutenant General Kahn, your funds have vanished. We've scoured the entire ship to no avail."

Pochi's trepidation was evident; he had anticipated Kahn's fury and hesitated before delivering the news.

Contrary to expectations, Kahn remained surprisingly unruffled.

"Very well, I understand."

Pochi found this reaction rather strange.

"Lieutenant General Kahn, that's 10 billion Berries! It's our lapse in security that's at fault."

He was genuinely remorseful that Kahn, who had treated them well, had suffered a loss.

"No need for remorse; it's not your fault."

Pochi's confusion deepened, mixed with a tinge of emotional gratitude. He almost shed a tear.

"If that's all, I'll issue a directive."

Pochi's eyes widened.

"Please, give your orders!"

"Let's head east to a nearby sea restaurant. It's said that the pirate admiral Creek and his crew are there. That's where we're heading."

"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn!"