Bogey was about to leave—
"Wait."
He turned back toward Kane.
"The Straw Hat kid… he's there too, right? Has his bounty been issued?"
"Yes, Vice Admiral," Bogey replied quickly.
"Straw Hat defeated Captain Morgan, Buggy the Clown, and Kuro of the Black Cat Pirates."
"And he's a Devil Fruit user."
"Headquarters has already issued a bounty."
"How much?"
"30 million Beli."
Kane paused.
Even without defeating Arlong—
Still 30 million?
Headquarters really valued that kid.
"Got it. Full speed ahead."
"Earn some quick money."
On the way—
Kane briefly considered something wild.
"Should I grab Monkey D. Luffy… and ransom him?"
Then he shook his head.
Not worth it.
The Revolutionary Army probably didn't have money anyway.
And Monkey D. Dragon wasn't someone easy to deal with.
Add Monkey D. Garp into the mix—
Too troublesome.
Then an even crazier thought appeared.
"…What if I capture Dragon?"
He immediately facepalmed.
"Damn it… I must be going crazy from being broke."
Even with his current strength—
He wasn't at that level yet.
Mihawk had already proven that.
And Dragon?
Even worse.
"Forget it."
"Business requires long-term vision."
"Not one-time deals."
"…Also I'm just too poor."
So—
Luffy it is.
30 million might be small—
But right now—
He needed every bit.
That alone could run his system for a month.
"Gotta start budgeting seriously…"
A Marine warship was far faster than pirate ships.
Within two hours—
They reached the sea restaurant.
Beside it—
The
Going Merry
was still docked.
Which meant—
They hadn't left yet.
"Vice Admiral! Ahead is the sea restaurant
Baratie,
and Straw Hat's ship is still there. Awaiting orders."
"Bring us alongside."
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
"Wait."
Bogey paused.
"One more thing…"
"Is Zeff's bounty still active?"
Bogey blinked.
"I'm… not sure. I'll confirm with Headquarters."
"Do it."
Soon—
He returned.
"Vice Admiral—information confirmed."
"Red-Leg Zeff, captain of the Cook Pirates."
"Entered the Grand Line for one year, became famous for his kicking techniques."
"Once had a bounty of 100 million Beli."
"Later disappeared—presumed dead."
Kane smiled.
"So… the bounty still exists?"
"Yes—reduced over time."
"Currently… 50 million Beli."
Kane's grin widened.
"Unexpected bonus."
Bogey was confused.
"Vice Admiral… why bring him up—"
"He's the owner of this restaurant."
"…What?!"
Kane stepped forward.
"Well then—let's go eat."
After disembarking—
Kane led the way.
Because of the earlier chaos—
Their arrival didn't attract much attention.
Until—
They reached the entrance.
"Sorry, we're closed."
Kane glanced inside.
The place was wrecked—
Tables overturned, seawater everywhere.
Clearly—
From the battle between Krieg and Luffy—
Plus the aftermath of his clash with Mihawk.
"You chefs… don't you serve anyone who's hungry?"
His words—
Drew everyone's attention.
"That's him…" Luffy said seriously.
"Who?" asked Roronoa Zoro.
"A scary Marine grandpa."
"WE SHOULD RUN!!"
Usopp panicked.
"No," Luffy said.
"My cook hasn't agreed yet. I'm not leaving."
Kane smiled.
Very Luffy.
But—
"That idiot seems to have forgotten…"
"He's a walking 30 million Beli."
"Well… no food then."
"Fine."
"Let's handle business."
He looked at Luffy.
"Do you have money?"
Everyone froze.
"…No," Luffy answered honestly.
"If I had money, I wouldn't need to work."
"WHY ARE YOU ANSWERING HIM SERIOUSLY?!" Usopp yelled.
Kane spread his hands.
"Too bad."
"No money—"
"Then come with me."
"Come where?" Luffy blinked.
"ARE YOU STUPID?!" Usopp screamed.
"He's trying to arrest us!!"
Zoro, injured but ready—
Prepared to fight.
"Loguetown base," Kane said calmly.
"You're worth 30 million."
"I was even willing to let you go for 60 million."
"But since you're broke…"
"Can't be helped."
"Oh—and that was a family discount for your grandpa."
"I don't have money."
"And I don't want to go with you."
"Is that so?"
"Going against me… isn't a good choice."
"Hey, Marine."
Kane turned.
It was
Sanji.
"I also think he's an idiot…"
"But I've decided to go to sea with him."
"So don't arrest him."
"Sanji! You're joining me?!"
Luffy lit up instantly.
Sanji smiled slightly.
"Idiot… don't provoke him," a voice said.
Everyone turned.
It was
Zeff.
Kane smiled.
There it is—
A walking 50 million Beli.