Chapter 57 : Just beat them to death!

Kahn observed the scene and felt a hint of sympathy. If Ace tried to escape again, he would have a reason to chase him down. However, Ace seemed to be acting smarter this time. Despite his internal muttering, Kahn's words were overheard by Ace.

Ace clenched his fist and then let it go with a sigh.

Kahn paid no attention to Ace's reaction and proceeded directly to the boat's side. He rummaged through the cabin until he found what he was searching for, wasting no time in being polite. In fact, he even stored the boat away without any hesitation.

Having accomplished his objective, Kahn was in a good mood. The cost had been 20 billion, and in the blink of an eye, it had multiplied to 35 billion. It was undoubtedly a satisfying turn of events.

This shift in mood also led him to regard Ace with a kinder gaze.

By this point, Ace had already dealt with his situation briefly.

"To the boys of the Whitebeard Pirates, I offer you some advice out of kindness – beware of the Blackbeard Pirates," Kahn's words caught Ace's attention.

"You know about Blackbeard?" Ace asked immediately.

His primary reason for leaving his hideout had been to pursue Blackbeard. Though he had crossed paths with the eccentric Kahn, he hadn't lost sight of his original purpose.

Observing the intensity in Ace's gaze, Kahn chuckled.

"Of course, I know."

"Tell me!"

"Five billion Berries!"

Ace's expression darkened.

"You just collected over 30 billion Berries."

"Are you dense? That's your ransom. Blackbeard's business will be handled separately!"

"No money!" Ace ground his teeth.

"No money, no talk. I'm a busy man and don't have time to waste with you!" Kahn retorted with disdain.

Ace's face contorted in frustration.

Yet, Kahn's own eyes sparkled with an idea.

How could he have forgotten that Blackbeard had a penchant for wealth? If Whitebeard was willing to pay, even his old bones wouldn't remain idle.

Furthermore, the individual before him seemed to lack funds, providing Kahn with an opportunity for negotiation.

Why not leave Ace for Whitebeard to deal with?

With his decision made, Kahn took out a Den Den Mushi, a special type of communication device.

In front of Ace and the others, he initiated a call to Whitebeard.

The peculiar sound of the Den Den Mushi echoed in the air.

The expressions of the three in front of Kahn soured.

The call was soon answered.

Whitebeard's distinctive voice resonated through the device.

"Who is this?"

"What? You've forgotten after just a few days? It's me, Kahn."

"It's you, Kahn."

"Yes, it's me, the old man himself. What's the matter? You seem surprised that I called you. Wondering how I can communicate through this?"

Whitebeard's expression shifted.

"Where are my foolish sons?"

"Fear not, I give you my word. I said Ace would be released, but it seems you, old boy, can't keep your end of the bargain. Letting two junior pirates come and challenge an old man like me. If it weren't for the fact that I've consumed a Devil Fruit in recent years, this money would've been quite a challenge to come by! Truly frustrating!"

Kahn's words ignited anger in the eyes of Marko and the others.

This guy had no shame!

Whitebeard's laughter joined the conversation.

"Haha! You're as brazen as ever, old man."

Clearly, the Whitebeard on the other side of the call believed that Kahn had faced defeat at the hands of his two sons. Although Kahn had managed to secure the money, Whitebeard was displeased.

"What are you looking at? Didn't you humiliate me first? Did I misjudge you?" Kahn's tone was laced with irritation.

Whitebeard's laughter abruptly ceased.

"Kahn, who are you speaking to?"

"Who do you think? Of course, your dear, foolish sons!" Kahn grinned.

The phone's recipient was bewildered.

Kahn could almost visualize the mixed expression on Whitebeard's face, considering the visibility of the Den Den Mushi.

"Dad, we're alright. We just don't wanted to embarrass you!" Marco's voice chimed in.

If their glares could kill, Kahn would have met his end many times over from Marko's piercing gaze.

"Marco? Why haven't you left yet?" Whitebeard's voice asked immediately.

Then he made an observation.

"Kahn! Are you truly taunting me Whitebeard? What have you done to them?"

Whitebeard had discerned the vulnerability in Marco's voice with ease.

Ignoring Whitebeard's furious roar, Kahn quipped, "Nothing much – I merely thrashed them within an inch of their lives. Don't worry, I'm still alive and well. I'm afraid of offending the illustrious Four Emperors, Whitebeard!"

Kahn's tone was dripping with sarcasm.

At this critical juncture, did Whitebeard really think Kahn was still the same as before?

His thoughts were delusional.

"Kahn!"

Whitebeard's voice trembled with rage.

Kahn was convinced that, were they face-to-face, Whitebeard would have pummeled him on the spot.

"I didn't call you to listen to your tantrums. I've contacted you to discuss another matter!" Kahn declared.

The topic of trade was guaranteed to irk Whitebeard.

"Are you still talking about trade?"

"Yes! Any objections?"

"What went wrong with the trade?"

"Did you ingest the wrong potion? I'm referring to a new deal."

"Get lost! I have no business talking to you."

"Are you certain you won't listen? It concerns Teach," Kahn pressed on.

Ace and the others exchanged puzzled glances.

Whitebeard, however, fell silent.

"Tell me!"

Kahn grinned upon hearing the words.