After Bogey left—
Kane revealed a faint smile.
He clearly understood why Bogey had the thought of releasing Buggy.
Because earlier—
After the Straw Hat crew paid money—
They were let go.
But that was different.
That had been Kane's rule from the start:
Pay, and you walk.
But Buggy?
He had no such deal.
That guy was simply scared by Kane's past reputation.
Probably still thanking his luck for not being killed.
"Seems my old reputation still has some use…" Kane muttered.
But pirates like Buggy—
Who knew his past—
Were becoming rare.
And more importantly—
Buggy's "growth" wasn't impressive.
Compared to the Monkey D. Luffy crew—
He was far behind.
Different types of pirates entirely.
If he couldn't be harvested soon—
Then this time—
He'd just squeeze harder.
Proper 'farming'—that's the smart way.
Buggy?
Just an unexpected bonus.
With this—
Kane's total wealth had reached:
2 billion Beli
One step closer—
To his goal of 100 billion.
Next Goal
Kane's next objective:
The second form of his Devil Fruit.
This had been his plan since the moment he obtained the fruit.
Because now—
His identity had been exposed.
Monkey D. Dragon approaching him—
And Sengoku calling him—
Were proof enough.
From now on—
He had more constraints.
Of course—
Revealing strength was also intentional.
Because strength—
Silences dissent.
Especially people like:
Akainu—
The extremist faction in the Marines.
They were already dissatisfied with Kane.
That report earlier?
Proof.
Even if Sengoku hadn't acted—
Given enough time—
Problems would arise.
Kane could already feel—
Sengoku's growing frustration.
So—
Showing overwhelming power—
Was necessary.
Just like Monkey D. Garp—
Who was repeatedly tolerated—
Because of strength.
Back then—
If Kane had Garp's level of power—
Punching a Celestial Dragon?
At most—
A scolding.
Not exile.
A New Problem
But this created another issue—
The Marine identity—
Was great for making money.
But it came with restrictions.
So—
A second identity—
Became inevitable.
A second "vest."
An Admiral-level figure—
Without constraints—
Could do far more.
And make money—
Even faster.
As for aging?
Kane didn't care—
For now.
Grand Line – First Half
A Marine warship cut across the sea.
"Report! Vice Admiral!"
"We've spotted a pirate ship!"
"Confirmed: Whale Pirates!"
"Shall we fire?!"
"Oh?"
Kane replied lazily.
"Then fire."
Bogey turned—
About to leave.
"Wait."
"Vice Admiral?"
"Bring the cannonballs to the deck."
"I'll handle it myself."
"Been idle for days…"
"My body's getting rusty."
Bogey froze—
Then remembered what happened a few days ago.
His face lit up with excitement.
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
Soon—
On the deck—
Rows of cannonballs were lined up.
Kane stepped forward—
Picked one up casually—
Weighed it—
Then—
With a single motion—
THREW IT.
"BOOM!"
The cannonball flew—
Faster than artillery.
And far more powerful.
It smashed directly into the pirate ship's mast—
The entire structure collapsed instantly.
Pirates screamed in terror.
Even though Bogey had seen this before—
He was still shocked.
Under such overwhelming force—
The pirates surrendered almost immediately.
Kane sighed.
"…What's wrong with them?"
"Already surrendering?"
Then muttered—
"Looks like my stamina's dropped…"
"Just a few throws and I'm tired…"
He couldn't help but think of Monkey D. Garp—
Who could throw thousands without even breathing hard.
Same old man—
Why such a difference?
Only after reaching this level—
Did Kane truly understand—
How terrifying Garp was.
And why—
The Five Elders tolerated him.
Because reputation fades—
But strength?
Doesn't.
Too Many Prisoners
Bogey glanced at the remaining cannonballs—
From over 200…
To barely a dozen.
His mouth twitched.
"Kane."
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
"Bring them aboard."
Bogey hesitated.
"Problem?"
"…We've captured too many pirates."
"The ship… can't hold more."
Kane paused.
"…Then kill the worst offenders."
"And those who can't pay ransom."
"If they're cruel and broke—"
"They don't deserve to live."
Bogey hesitated.
"…This is already the third time…"
"Third time?"
Kane frowned.
Then said impatiently:
"Bogey."
"Don't you know how to eliminate the lowest tier?"
"Those under 10 million bounty—"
"And those who can't pay—"
"Clear a batch."
Bogey's eyes lit up.
"Understood!"
Soon—
Pirates were dragged onto the deck—
Forced to kneel.
Their eyes—
Filled with despair.
Gunshots rang out—
Across the sea.
Bodies fell one by one.
"I have money! I still have money!"
"Don't kill me!"
A Marine paused.
Bogey stepped forward coldly.
"How much?"
"Where?"
"Two million Beli! It's—"
"No need."
"…Huh?"
"Execute."
"BOOM!"
The pirate collapsed—
Eyes wide in disbelief.
Others tried to run—
But had their limbs shot—
Left waiting for death.
Bogey sneered.
"Trash."
"Grand Line pirate—with just 2 million?"
"And killed civilians too."
"Pathetic."
Soon—
All executions were complete.
The bodies—
Were thrown into the sea.
They could've claimed bounties—
But Kane found it troublesome—
And too dirty.
And the money?
Too little.
The remaining captured pirates—
From the Whale Pirates—
Stood frozen.
Their minds blank.
Looking at the Marines before them—
Only one thought remained:
"These are Marines…?"
"Or butchers?!"
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