It was just a punch against a Celestial Dragon.
And yet—
That was enough for Kane to understand the truth of this world.
Without strength—
You are nothing.
Back then, he still had some power.
Otherwise—
In that situation, he would have either fled…
Or died.
Drifting through this world like a stray.
His naive ideals—
Shattered completely.
From then on—
Kane entered a semi-retired state.
Until ten years ago—
When he once again became a Marine Vice Admiral.
Only this time—
He took everything lightly.
The reason he stayed in the Marines was simple:
It was a big tree.
Good for shade.
After killing so many pirates—
The Marines were the best protection he could have.
And more importantly—
If he left the Marines—
Even the World Government might not let him go.
Some might say—
As a transmigrator, he should understand the nature of this world.
Without absolute strength, why cling to ideals?
But only when you truly live in it—
Do you understand what it means to be unable to control your own fate.
People have emotions.
Kane didn't face anime characters—
But real, living people.
When someone steps in front of you—
And takes a blade for you—
How could you not feel something?
That was also why—
He acted against Smoker.
And he had no cheat.
No "golden finger."
Everything—
Came from his own strength.
If he hadn't made those choices—
His end would've been far worse.
At least in the Marines—
He had backing.
People like Sengoku.
That's why—
He could live quite comfortably.
Of course—
After all these years—
Those favors were almost used up.
Fortunately—
It no longer mattered.
"Report! Vice Admiral Kane—we've arrived! Awaiting orders!"
Bogey's voice snapped Kane out of his thoughts.
Kane smiled.
"Bring Buggy."
"Let's take a look."
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
"If I truly have power now…" Kane thought to himself.
"Then I'll live for myself."
"And this time—"
"No one will control my fate again."
"But before meeting the Five Elders…"
"I still need to get stronger."
"As if those old men just want to 'understand my situation.'"
"I've seen their kind of faces too many times."
The Island
It was a small island.
Kane frowned slightly.
"Buggy."
"Your treasure is here?"
"Yes… it's all here…" Buggy still feared him deeply.
"You know what happens if you lie to me."
"I know…"
"Good."
"Lead the way."
Half an hour later—
Kane looked at the piles of treasure before him—
And smiled.
In a good mood—
He lit a cigar.
Taking a deep drag—
He showed a satisfied expression.
"Ah… this familiar taste."
"A life without cigars has no soul."
Then he frowned slightly.
"…All because of that brat Smoker."
"Made me relapse."
"Next time I see him…"
"I'll beat him again."
Kane took out a cigar—
And handed it to Buggy.
"Want one?"
"No, thanks…"
Kane's eyes narrowed.
"…You looking down on me?"
"N-no!"
"Then do you want it?"
"…Yes!"
"That's more like it."
Under pressure—
Buggy took a puff.
Immediately—
He started coughing violently.
"Such a waste." Kane shook his head.
Buggy looked at him—
Fear flashing in his eyes.
This Kane—
Was completely different from before.
Not as openly murderous—
But somehow—
Even more terrifying.
"Bogey."
"Take the men and start counting."
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
"Follow the usual rules."
"LONG LIVE VICE ADMIRAL KANE!"
Cheers erupted.
In this period alone—
They had already earned **300 million Beli**.
That wasn't a small number.
It made them even more loyal.
Now—
If Kane told them to go east—
They wouldn't go west.
Before, it was because of rank.
Now—
It came from the heart.
The only one suffering—
Was Buggy.
Watching box after box of treasure being carried away—
He cried.
"That's mine!!!"
"What did you say?" Kane glanced over.
"…It's my tribute to you!!!"
Kane nodded in satisfaction.
Looking at Buggy—
He found it hard to imagine—
This guy would one day become a Yonko.
But make no mistake—
Buggy wasn't harmless.
He had destroyed towns.
Left countless civilians homeless.
Kane felt no mercy.
"Buggy." Kane suddenly said.
"If I spread the word that I'm going to kill you…"
"Do you think Shanks would pay to save you?"
Buggy froze.
"Shanks?!"
"…No."
"He definitely wouldn't."
"Yeah." Kane nodded.
"That guy's strong now."
"He probably wouldn't care about you."
Buggy looked unwilling—
But didn't dare argue.
"Vice Admiral!"
"The total value is **500 million Beli**!"
Kane frowned.
Buggy immediately panicked.
"That's just one of the locations!"
Kane's expression relaxed.
"Buggy…"
"No need to be so nervous."
"We've known each other for years."
"Why are you so afraid of me?"
Buggy couldn't even speak.
Kane's mood swings—
Were too fast.
Just moments ago—
He had clearly felt killing intent.
Next—
They searched the entire island.
"Buggy."
"You're quite clever."
"Even know not to put all your eggs in one basket."
Buggy looked completely defeated.
"Bogey."
"Done counting?"
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
"The total value is **1.13 billion Beli**!"
"Not bad."
Kane looked at Buggy.
"But I remember…"
"You said **1.135 billion**, didn't you?"
Buggy's fear reached its peak.
"Th-that's because…"
"Five million was on the pirate ship earlier!"
"Bogey. Is that true?"
"Report! We did find nearly six million Beli on the pirate ship!"
"I see." Kane nodded.
"Small discrepancy…"
"But acceptable."
"You pass."
Buggy finally breathed again.
Then—
Internally collapsed.
"My treasure… it's gone…"
"Alright." Kane turned away.
"We've wasted enough time in East Blue."
"It's time to enter the Grand Line."
"Vice Admiral—what about Buggy?"
"Release him?"
Buggy's eyes lit up—
For a brief moment.
Then—
Hope shattered.
"Bogey." Kane said seriously.
"Do you know what you're saying?"
"He's a pirate."
"Since when do Marines release pirates?"
"Where's your sense of justice?"
Bogey: "???"
"…Any questions?"
"No, Vice Admiral!"
"Good."
"Take him away."
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
"…Wait."
Bogey stopped.
"Follow the usual rules." Kane added calmly.
"…Don't forget my share."
Bogey: "..."
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