Nami's call for help!

Marine Headquarters, Sengoku Office

The room was filled with a heavy silence as Sengoku stared at the phone bug that had fallen silent in front of him.

Eventually, his expression shifted to a wry smile.

"This old coot, I never said anything about you! I just wanted you to keep an eye on him. Who are you getting angry to?"

"Damn it, how many times have I covered for you over the years," Sengoku said with a mix of exasperation and fondness.

One Garp, one Kahn, he had found a sense of stability with them. Especially Khan.

But his grumbling was short-lived; his expression soon turned serious.

"This isn't the time for complaints. I need to manage this carefully."

He had indeed seen a photo of Kahn and the Pirate Empress together, signaling that some individuals within the Navy were unhappy with Kahn's actions.

His duty was to oversee and keep things in balance. He pondered the implications of his decision, realizing that the dynamics within the Navy were shifting, and that needed his attention.

Though Kahn's words had stung him, Sengoku acknowledged that he was partially right. Kahn had played an instrumental role in the Navy's successes, but his own pursuit of personal gains and justice had sometimes led to clashes with the World Government. However, this was a complex matter with no easy solutions.

Sengoku knew he couldn't control everything. He also recognized that Kahn was unique—a principled and unruly force within the Navy. He had his own brand of justice, and it couldn't be easily confined within rigid boundaries.

As his thoughts swirled, he also reflected on how things had changed since Zephyr's time. He had been more naive back then, clinging to a more idealistic sense of justice.

Now, he needed to navigate the shifting tides of the present.

On Kahn's end, after he hung up the phone bug, he too fell into contemplation. The fiery anger he had displayed earlier had mellowed into a deeper introspection.

His anger had been a means to communicate his bottom line to Sengoku. Now, he had to figure out his next steps, knowing that the repercussions of his actions might not be so easily brushed aside.

He realized that strength still mattered in this world. Power was the currency that could subdue dissatisfaction and safeguard his interests. In this world, his leverage was his might, and he needed to capitalize on it.

Amid his thoughts of wealth accumulation, a call from Pochi interrupted his musings. Kahn's attention was redirected as Pochi informed him of a female pirate seeking an audience with vital information.

Kahn's irritation flared. "What kind of information could a pirate possibly have? Can't you handle interrogations?"

Pochi explained, earning a slight reprimand for not extracting the information himself. But then Pochi dropped a bombshell: "She's willing to offer 100 million Baileys to Lieutenant General Kahn."

Kahn's eyes gleamed with interest. 100 million Baileys was a substantial sum even in the East Blue.

"Bring her here. I'll handle the interrogation," Kahn ordered, his tone suddenly changed.

Nami was brought in, a captive with a compelling proposition. She bought a deal—100 million Baileys for crucial information about her hidden treasure. She took a bold gamble, confident that Kahn's love for money would sway him.

Kahn raised an eyebrow, challenging her. "You're offering me money? You do know you're a pirate, and I caught you, right?"

Nami was resolute. "I'm not just any pirate. I'm not part of any pirate group. But you won't get the information unless you agree."

Kahn chuckled. "You're not just a pirate, huh? And that tattoo on your arm, that's not a pirate mark?"

Nami instinctively covered her shoulder, her resolve firm. "You won't hear it unless you agree."

Kahn's skepticism gave way to a mischievous grin. "I'm in a good mood today. For the sake of 100 million Baileys, I'm all ears."

As Nami shared the story of the Arlong Pirates and their leader Arlong, Kahn was unimpressed. This tale of pirate was just another chapter in the smaller arc of suffering he had encountered in his fifty years in this world.

With Nami's determination unshaken, Kahn was further intrigued. "Alright, alright. I'll listen. Now, where's your village?"

Nami hesitated before answering, "Cocoyasi Village."

Kahn nodded, his memory jogged. "Pochi, did you hear that? Cocoyasi Village. Let's set sail immediately. Justice waits for no one!"

Pochi acknowledged, and Nami was released from her handcuffs. Kahn's demeanor shifted as he put on a display of naval justice in action, his passion for righteousness burning bright.

Unbeknownst to Nami, this display was motivated by a different kind of justice—one fueled by profit.

For Kahn, the potential of one hundred million Baileys was large, and he was willing to play the role of the hero if it meant securing such wealth.

Nami watched in disbelief as Kahn passionately proclaimed his commitment to justice. "Now, you'll stay on the ship. We're setting sail for your village. Evil pirates won't go unpunished!"

Nami found herself speechless. Kahn's righteous act felt hollow to her. But one hundred million Baileys was her trump card, and she couldn't back out now.

However, her thoughts were not lost on Kahn. "I should remind you, failure to deliver one hundred million Baileys will have serious consequences," Kahn warned, a sly smile on his face.

As Nami looked at Kahn's smile, her resolve solidified. Despite the facade, she knew that her actions could bring salvation to her village.

With a plan in motion, Kahn turned to Nami. "Miss Nami, for now, you'll stay on this ship. We're headed to Cocoyasi Village. Justice awaits!"

Though Nami had her doubts, she found herself with no other options. As she boarded the ship, her mind raced, and her thoughts echoed with one question:

Would the promise of one hundred million Baileys be enough to secure her village's future?