Chapter 58 : So annoying!

"This old man will give you the location of Teach, share all the information about him, and even help you capture him."

"Stop! How much?"

Kahn's mood improved considerably as the conversation seemed to shift toward business. His earlier arrogance and the near beating of Marco and the others hadn't just been about his irritation; he had wanted to alter Whitebeard's perception of him.

He wanted Whitebeard to realize that he was no longer the same man as before, that the two sides were now on more equal footing. It was akin to bidding – you had to make the other party aware of your strength so that subsequent negotiations would be favourable.

Now, it seemed that Whitebeard had come to understand this.

Thus, his next move was clear: ask for the price directly.

This was exactly what Kahn desired.

After all, Whitebeard was one of the Four Emperors, and it was likely they would have future dealings. Establishing a favorable rapport early on was essential.

"The location for 1 billion Berries, complete information for 5 billion Berries, capture him for 10 billion Berries. How does that sound? It's a good deal!" Kahn proposed.

Kahn's logic was straightforward: the current Blackbeard hadn't obtained the powers of the Yami Yami no Mi (Dark-Dark Fruit) yet, so he likely wasn't at his full strength. While he was unsure of Blackbeard's additional abilities, he felt that with the amount of power he currently possessed, he could potentially capture him if Whitebeard paid the price.

Whitebeard's response was swift and fiery.

"Get lost! I don't have any money!"

Whitebeard's blood pressure was surely skyrocketing due to price offered by Kahn.

He probably wanted to give Kahn a taste of what it felt like to be pummeled by the man known as the strongest in the world.

What the hell! They had just handed over 35 billion.

And now, this guy was saying that giving him a billion for Teach's location was absurd?

Sharing all the information for an additional five billion?

Then, catching Teach would cost ten billion?

Was this guy kidding?

Ten billion Berries? If anyone offered him that much, he'd personally travel to the first half of the Grand Line to apprehend that scoundrel Teach.

Kahn found himself speechless in the face of Whitebeard's words.

However, he quickly realized what Whitebeard's statement implied.

Whitebeard didn't seem to view Teach as a significant threat.

Perhaps he saw Tiki as a mere traitor – nothing more.

Thus, it wasn't surprising that Whitebeard would consider such a price.

"White Beard, do you really think Teach is just a run-of-the-mill character?" Kahn sneered.

He felt the need to make Whitebeard recognize the true danger that Blackbeard posed.

After all, if Whitebeard could grasp the severity of the situation, Kahn could set a more reasonable price.

"It's been said that I don't have any money. Besides, this is a matter concerning the Whitebeard Pirates. You, a retired Navy veteran, needn't concern yourself with it," Whitebeard hung up the Den Den Mushi this time, his tone oozing irritation.

Whitebeard was convinced that if he continued conversing with Kahn, the benefits of his recent potion would go to waste.

How infuriating!

Kahn stared at the disconnected Den Den Mushi, momentarily dumbfounded.

Why was this old man in such a hurry?

Was it really appropriate to respond like this to a business proposition?

Ace and the others exchanged glances, their expressions laced with mockery.

Did Kahn truly think they were gullible enough to believe him?

Teach was just a traitor – why would they need to pay such a hefty sum for him?

In fact, Ace contemplated that if he hadn't been apprehended by Kahn, he would have likely captured Teach by now.

Kahn, noticing their skeptical looks, stated, "What kind of expressions are those?"

Their skepticism persisted, and they averted their gazes from Kahn.

However, he couldn't care less about their thoughts and promptly transformed into his dragon form. His massive wings generated a strong wind, so intense that Ace and the others struggled to keep their eyes open.

With a powerful flap, Kahn soared into the sky, disappearing from the small island in the blink of an eye.

Observing Kahn's departure, all three members of the Whitebeard Pirates wore grim expressions.

"Damn old freak! When did the Navy start producing monsters like him?" Ace exclaimed.

Marko and Jozu shared a similar sentiment. By relying solely on his Devil Fruit ability to overpower them, in addition to possessing advanced Busoshoku Haki and incredible Kenbunshoku Haki, Kahn proved to be a more formidable opponent than even an active-duty Admiral.

Kahn's Devil Fruit ability was, after all, exceptionally powerful. His roaring attack surpassed even Kaido's fiery breath, and some of his other moves were equally formidable.

After a brief pause, Marco spoke up, trying to steer the conversation. "Let's not dwell on this. We need to return quickly."

"Sorry," Ace apologised once again.

He felt responsible for the tens of billions of Berries that the Whitebeard Pirates had lost and the injuries sustained by Marko and the others.

"Don't say that. We're family," Marko assured him.

"Yeah, that's right," Jozu added with a smile.

Ace was deeply touched by their understanding and support.

"By the way, Vice Admiral Kahn mentioned Teach. It seems he knows something. Did you have any leads before, Ace?" Marko inquired.

Ace was taken aback for a moment but responded, "I followed Teach to Alabasta, but I was captured. I don't know where he is now. However, he doesn't seem to be hiding his intentions. With some time, we can probably find him."

After considering the situation, Marco added, "That's the spirit. But let's put it aside for now. We need to return to the New World as quickly as possible. Dad's health isn't great, and Red-Haired Shanks has already taken action. We need to get back soon."

Although Ace was eager to continue pursuing Teach, he acknowledged the pressing circumstances. He agreed with Marco's assessment.

Meanwhile, his resentment towards Kahn grew even stronger. Had it not been for Kahn, none of this would have occurred.

Kahn, however, was oblivious to their feelings of animosity.

Nor would he care if he knew.

He was preoccupied with contemplating his next move. Having acquired 35 billion Berries, his thoughts naturally turned towards how to spend the money.

After all, improving his strength would lead to earning money more efficiently – a virtuous cycle.

Kahn was, in fact, feeling a bit conflicted. With 35 billion Berries in hand, combined with his previous funds, he was just 4 billion Berries shy of purchasing the full power of his dragon form.

(end of this chapter)