"Pochi, why don't you go get it soon? How did you become a deputy? I don't know to remind the old man! This man is getting old, are you getting old too?" Kahn chided Pochi.
Pochi, feeling wronged, responded, "Didn't you tell me to go?"
However, Kahn's stern gaze silenced him immediately.
"Yes, Lieutenant General Kahn!"
Pochi quickly went up and removed the handcuffs from Crocodile. Despite the intense hostility emanating from Crocodile, Pochi showed no fear. This was the unwavering confidence that Kahn's presence instilled in his subordinates.
As Crocodile was released, Mr.1 wasted no time and swiftly left the scene. Kahn's gaze followed him, and a thought began to form in his mind. Perhaps he didn't need to wait for the Straw Hat Pirates to arrive to reap some benefits. With Baroque Works' resources, he could make a tidy sum himself.
Within a short span of twenty minutes, the two billion Berries were collected. Kahn had no intention of letting the Baroque Works off easily, even when it came to compensation.
As the captain of the Kingdom Army expressed his gratitude and requested information about Crocodile, Kahn suddenly spoke up.
"Actually, I'd like to meet your king."
The captain was taken aback.
"You want to meet our king?"
"Yes, it's regarding Baroque Works. Can you tell me the direction of your capital?"
The captain, puzzled, pointed in a certain direction.
"The capital is in that direction. It's a two-day journey from here."
"Good. Wait for me to make arrangements," Kahn said, his plan crystallising.
"Pochi."
"Lieutenant General Kahn, please give your orders!"
"You'll remain stationed here. I'm going to the kingdom's capital for some business. And, oh yes, make sure to deal with these pirates. Give the injured boys an additional 10 million Berries this time."
"I appreciate your concern, Lieutenant General Kahn, but I don't need that much money. The previous payment is sufficient."
"Don't bother arguing. I'm giving it to you, so take it," Kahn insisted.
He was momentarily surprised, then teared up. "Lieutenant General Kahn!"
The nearby marines looked at Kahn with admiration. His display of concern for his subordinates touched their hearts deeply.
"Alright, let's get going!" Kahn declared.
The captain, still bewildered, hesitated. "We're... walking?"
"That's right! I'm taking you to your king. We have some matters to discuss."
The captain finally comprehended and nodded. He began organizing his troops for the journey.
"Let your deputy know that they can head back on their own. I'll be taking off first with you. We'll arrive much faster."
Kahn's words caused a baffled reaction among the soldiers. However, before they could fully process what he said, Kahn's transformation captured their attention.
In an astonishing display, Kahn transformed into a dragon over 20 meters in length. Shocked gasps rippled through the crowd. None had witnessed Kahn in this form before.
Kahn's immense paw snatched the captain, and with powerful wing beats, they disappeared into the sky.
Dumbfounded, the onlookers watched as the fiery red dragon soared into the sky and vanished from sight.
In the air, the captain, his shock subsiding, began to scream in terror.
"Could you please stop screaming? I didn't do anything to you," Kahn's voice cut through the captain's panicked cries.
"Wha—"
"If you keep yelling, I'll drop you."
The captain promptly ceased his screams.
Not long after, Kahn landed with the captain at the capital of the kingdom.
Transforming back into his human form, Kahn looked around and instructed the captain, "Tell your deputy to leave. I'm not an exhibit of a zoo."
Kahn's irritated remark stunned the captain, who hastened to comply.
Kahn then looked at the captain. "Let's go meet your king."
The captain, who was still processing the flight, snapped back to reality and nodded. They proceeded to the palace, where they were met by guards.
"Who are you? Why have you entered the palace without permission?"
"Look, who's that?"
"Isn't that the army captain? Didn't he go to deal with the pirates?"
"Those clothes... He's from the Navy."
As the guards exchanged murmurs, they felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. A Navy officer should pose no threat, but they remained cautious, particularly after seeing Kahn's earlier transformation.
Undeterred, Kahn ignored the guards' confusion and addressed the captain, "Hurry up and tell these people to back off. I'm not an exhibit here."
The captain quickly managed the situation, creating a path for Kahn. They proceeded into the palace, eventually reaching a side hall where they would meet the kingdom's ruler.
Observing the king before him, Kahn felt a sense of curiosity. He wondered what prompted the Neferutari family to return to this country despite their celestial status.
Cobra, the king of the kingdom, regarded Kahn with a mix of confusion and curiosity. "I'm unsure of the reason for your presence, Lieutenant General."
Kahn's response was direct. "I'll get to the point. You pay, I help. Your country has its issues, and I can help you deal with them."
Cobra was taken aback. "What do you mean?"
Kahn smiled. "It's simple. You pay, I contribute, and I'll help you resolve your country's problems."
Cobra was left speechless, grappling with the implications of Kahn's proposition.
Kahn, in turn, contemplated the reason behind the Neferutari family's decision to return to this country.
Cobra, however, had concerns of his own. "Could you please explain in more detail, Lieutenant General?"
(End of this chapter)