The rebel voices that had momentarily surged under Kahn's terrifying aura regained their strength.
The suppressed panic and confusion quickly resurfaced, drowning out Cobra's attempts to calm them.
However, these individuals were not rushing forward due to Kahn's overpowering presence.
"Well, I guess I was right. They won't listen to you easily."
Cobra couldn't help but feel bitter at Kahn's words.
"Let me try to calm them down."
"You're making this troublesome."
"Please!"
"Alright, alright! Though I do love money, I'm still a navy after all."
In the next moment, Kahn placed his left hand on the hilt of his knife. Since they were back in their human forms, he decided not to transform.
Kahn's intentions seemed to resonate with Yaodao Hongying, as the blade voluntarily emitted a strong aura of murder.
Taking a deep breath, Kahn unsheathed and resheathed his knife in a single, fluid motion. The impact was awe-inspiring.
The result was nothing short of astonishing. A dark-red slash scarred the earth, cleaving it with enough force to cause a significant rupture. The earth seemed to collapse beneath the weight of the slash.
This dramatic display shocked both rebels and Cobra alike. The slash's path veered dangerously close to their position.
The devastating power of the slash created an abyss-like crevice, evoking fear in everyone present. The unsettling sight of the earth parting sent shivers down their spines.
The scene fell into silence, accompanied only by the falling sand and the sound of debris tumbling into the chasm.
Even Koza, the leader of the rebels, found himself dumbfounded.
Was this the might of the navy before them?
His reaction was mirrored among his followers; they gazed in awe at the scene that unfolded before their eyes.
Kahn's display of power was truly a sight to behold, but Cobra's interruption was equally impactful.
"It appears that they've calmed down. Not a bad result," Kahn remarked.
Koza, who had been stunned by the earth-shattering display, finally regained his senses.
He then used his voice to suppress the fear that had gripped the rebels, delivering a rousing speech that resonated with their shared cause.
His words acted as a rallying cry, reigniting their determination. Fear and uncertainty gave way to renewed purpose.
The rebels responded with fervor, rekindling their resolve to fight for their country and its future.
Kahn, however, was quick to interject, "A momentary lapse in courage won't alter their fundamental doubts."
Cobra felt a pang of disappointment.
"I had hoped that they would listen."
Kahn, emitting smoke from his cigar, offered an unconventional assessment.
"Sometimes, power must be wielded to maintain stability. While ideals are important, practicality takes precedence. The blood spilled through deception is the most potent."
Kahn's perspective struck a chord with Cobra, who found himself more assured of the operation's potential success.
"It seems like they're back to their usual state. Your efforts worked well."
Cobra acknowledged Kahn's role in diffusing the situation, although he also bore a sense of regret.
"I can see their doubt in my leadership."
Kahn, unperturbed, continued, "Well, certain forms of power can't be replaced by ideals alone. Though it's admirable to stand for one's beliefs, pragmatism plays a role too. Moreover, bloodshed brought about by deception is a formidable force."
"Old Navy man, what are you implying? Why are you supporting this king?"
"That's right! Why waste time explaining?"
Kahn tossed away his cigar, allowing the ash to fall as he began inhaling once more.
As Kahn inhaled, his chest expanded, and flames gathered in his mouth.
Watching Kahn's transformation, Cobra's concern deepened.
"Go!"
A cry erupted from the rebels, emboldening their charge toward Cobra and Kahn.
Cobra's plea was met with indifference; his voice couldn't compete with the rebels' fervor.
Koza, the leader of the rebel army, surged forward with determination, challenging the intimidating figure before him.
"The Roar of the Fire Dragon!"
Kahn's shout heralded the unleashing of a powerful attack. A beam of flames, with a diameter of over five meters, surged from Kahn's mouth.
Kahn's justice cloak billowed in the wind, while Cobra shielded his eyes from the blinding brilliance.
The ferocious attack roared past the rebel army, generating a massive storm and upending everything in its path.
The rebels, caught in the storm's wake, found themselves overwhelmed by its sheer force.
The rebel base, too, was transformed, as the shockwave enveloped everything in its path.
The once-sturdy rebel force was instantly scattered, their determination replaced by uncertainty in the face of such overwhelming power.
The storm and chaos subsided, revealing a deep crater in the distance. The impact had scorched the earth and set the surroundings ablaze.
Cobra's gaze remained fixed on the pit, aghast at the destruction wrought.
"Are you human?" Cobra inquired, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Didn't I tell you? Old age hasn't diminished my humanity," Kahn quipped.
Yet, Cobra's worries shifted from Kahn's identity to the devastating aftermath.
"Is anyone hurt?"
Kahn's reply carried a hint of sarcasm, "For now, no one's dead."
Cobra felt relieved that his fears were unfounded.
"Now, with that resolved, it's time for you to calm down as well."
Cobra: "."
Kahn's methods for quelling panic were undeniably unorthodox.
Undeterred by Cobra's bewilderment, Kahn seemed satisfied with his approach.
Cobra, watching the surreal scene unfold, couldn't help but wonder at the audacity of Kahn's methods.
However, Kahn remained unfazed, having unleashed his power with purpose and intent.
Kahn wasn't very surprised by the masterpiece he created, he had already charged up, if he couldn't do this, it would be too bad.
That guy Kaido can straighten down a mountain with a single breath, isn't it normal for him?
And I haven't exerted my full strength yet, because I was roaring in human form.
But in terms of effect, it is enough.