Doflamingo was very confident about one point.
"If you don't make a decision now, I believe Baby-5 could become a real threat," Doflamingo said.
"How much will it cost if you completely ignore this matter?" Doflamingo asked again.
Kahn was taken aback by Doflamingo's statement. But then, Kahn's smile grew wider and brighter.
"You're quite clever. The old man appreciates smart people like you. How about 100 billion Berries?" Doflamingo suggested.
Doflamingo had expected Kahn to ask for a substantial amount, but he never thought it would be such an astronomical sum. If it were 30 billion, Doflamingo could still manage it, albeit with some difficulty. However, 100 billion was out of the question unless he sold off the entire Don Quixote family's assets, which was practically impossible.
If he were to do that, not only would his pirate group likely collapse, but he'd also draw the wrath of Kaido and others standing behind him.
"Impossible!" Doflamingo declared.
Kahn retorted, "Then what are we talking about? It's 30 billion. Make your decision quickly. The old man doesn't have time for idle chatter. I'll make it clear to you - don't think about playing games with me or the people behind you, including Kaido. Don't attempt to resist because it's pointless."
Kahn had a sly grin on his face as he spoke. "Furthermore, the old man will exploit this weakness of yours. Do you think you can resist that kind of life? Hehe! We'll see if the entire Don Quixote family can endure my anger."
Doflamingo stared at Kahn, who appeared even more terrifying than Kaido. If given a chance, he'd never have agreed to this meeting, to begin with, to avoid crossing paths with this madman. But in this world, there were no "ifs."
Doflamingo had already realized that Kahn was not someone he could trifle with. Kahn seemed to be at the pinnacle of power in the world, a formidable figure from the Navy and a vice admiral. Moreover, the Navy held the ultimate power over the seas, and Doflamingo's position as a Shichibukai put him at a disadvantage.
The most crucial point was that Kahn knew the vulnerabilities of the Don Quixote family and could uproot them at any time. That was the deadliest aspect of their situation.
Doflamingo felt that he had no choice but to comply. It seemed that Kahn, being from the Navy, was the most frightening aspect of this situation. The Navy was unyielding, and Kahn was acting with the Navy's authority.
Doflamingo's arrogance dissipated as he realized there was no one in the world who would willingly oppose such a powerful figure. It was akin to challenging one of the Four Emperors for their bounty.
Kahn's statement had left Doflamingo feeling powerless.
"Actually, there's another way," Kahn suddenly said, breaking the silence.
Doflamingo looked at Kahn. "What do you mean?"
"It's simple. Pay a certain percentage of your annual profits, and the old man will turn a blind eye. Even if there's a problem, as long as the price is right, I won't intervene."
Doflamingo was stunned, trying to understand Kahn's suggestion.
"Are you saying you want a cut of my profits?" Doflamingo asked.
"That's right," Kahn replied. "Why not? Who said the just Navy can't have a side job?"
Doflamingo suddenly realized Kahn's true purpose. "This is your real motive!"
Kahn confirmed, "You got it."
This idea had just occurred to Kahn, and he pondered it. Others might extort protection money, so why couldn't he?
Doflamingo smiled, "How much do you want?"
"Twenty percent of your annual profits," Kahn stated.
Doflamingo was ready for Kahn to make a high demand.
"But that doesn't mean I can't negotiate," Doflamingo countered. "Let's say 10%, which I'll squeeze from others."
Kahn was unsurprised, given the arms deal's global reach. Even though Doflamingo was influential, he couldn't control the entire market.
"15%, no more bargaining," Kahn proposed.
Doflamingo agreed without hesitation.
Kahn understood that he might have settled for less, but he wasn't too concerned. The arms trade was incredibly profitable, and there was plenty of money to be made.
Kahn realized that he was lacking a reliable partner for this endeavor. Hancock, while willing, was the captain of the Nine Snake Pirates and not well-suited for these matters. He couldn't involve Pochi and the others either.
Kahn refocused on Doflamingo. "Very well. You'll need to pay 30 billion for your life."
Doflamingo's expression shifted again.
"Is there a problem?" Kahn asked coldly.
Doflamingo, defeated, replied, "No problem."
"Good," Kahn said with satisfaction. "Hancock, release Doflamingo's partner."
Hancock acted promptly, and Doflamingo's restraints were removed. He was still shaken by the events.
Doflamingo inquired, "What about Baby-5?"
"She's unharmed. Contact your subordinates and have them send the money to me," Kahn instructed.
Doflamingo gave Kahn a final glance before taking out a Transponder Snail to contact his crew. Kahn smiled, content with the outcome.
[End of this chapter.]