After Nami left, Kane was in an excellent mood.
Ever since obtaining the system, he had been thinking about one thing—
How to make money.
There was no doubt about it.
Hunting pirates was currently the fastest and most direct method.
Kane had even been prepared to head straight into the Grand Line's New World.
Over there, pirates with bounties exceeding one hundred million Beli were everywhere. Gathering enough money to buy a Devil Fruit wouldn't take long.
But he hadn't expected that a small crew like the Arlong Pirates would bring him such a pleasant surprise.
Going to the New World would take time.
But dealing with Arlong?
That would be quick.
At present, Kane's liquid funds were around 8.5 billion Beli—this was the result of nearly ten years of effort.
Of course, all obtained through "reasonable" means.
Adding Arlong's one billion—
That made 9.5 billion.
And with Nami's nearly one hundred million—
Wasn't that close to 9.6 billion already?
Just four hundred million more—
And he could directly purchase a Devil Fruit.
As for that shortfall?
If he swept through the entire East Blue, he could make it up quickly.
Considering how the system worked—
He also needed to keep a few billion Beli on hand at all times.
That was the safest approach.
According to the system, once he ate a Devil Fruit, he would gain power comparable to an Admiral.
At that point, heading into the New World would be far safer.
In this world—
The stronger you were, the easier it was to make money.
Admiral-level strength meant he would finally have true self-preservation.
Make money → buy abilities → grow stronger → make even more money.
That—
Was the correct way to use the system.
Once he had everything he wanted…
He would truly stand at the peak of this world.
Of course—
Kane no longer cared about changing anything.
Living freely—
That was what mattered.
Liberating the world?
That naive dream had long since faded with time.
He had seen too much betrayal repaid with betrayal—
Too much darkness.
History, in the end, was just a cycle.
To put it bluntly—
Even if the Revolutionary Army overthrew the World Government and wiped out the Celestial Dragons—
So what?
A new World Government would simply rise again.
And if it didn't—
The chaos would only come faster.
It was just the beginning of another cycle.
Wasn't even "Nika" part of that cycle?
The only difference was how long each cycle lasted.
And in the end—
It was always the common people who suffered.
There was a saying that fit perfectly:
"When the empire rises, the people suffer. When it falls, the people suffer."
Without strength—
Everything else was nothing but illusions.
Of course—
If he ever got the chance, killing a few Celestial Dragons wouldn't hurt.
"…Forget it. Why think about all that?"
"Right now, the most important thing is making money!"
After five days of sailing, Kane's warship finally arrived at the outskirts of Cocoyasi Village.
During those five days, he had gained a deeper understanding of the system—
And an even stronger need for money.
"Report to Vice Admiral Kane! We've arrived at Cocoyasi Village. Miss Nami is already waiting outside. However, we've discovered a warship from East Blue Marine Branch 16 docked at the port. They've sent a transmission claiming they've already investigated the area and found nothing unusual. Please advise!"
"Oh? Branch 16? Isn't that the ship we encountered three days ago?"
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
"They're working with Arlong! Don't trust them!"
Nami immediately spoke up, anxious.
Kane naturally understood what was going on.
But his thoughts were different—
How much has that rat stolen? How much profit can he bring me?
"Bring the ship closer."
"Yes, Vice Admiral!"
Nami finally let out a breath of relief.
After docking, Kane led a group of Marines ashore.
The stationed Marines hurried over, clearly startled.
Hadn't they already sent a transmission?
Why had a headquarters warship still docked here?
"Where's Captain Nezumi?"
Bogey asked coldly.
As a headquarters officer, he naturally outranked them.
"Reporting! Captain Nezumi has gone to confiscate stolen goods."
"Stolen goods?"
"It's from a thief called 'Cat Burglar Nami.' She's a petty thief."
Nami's expression changed instantly.
She immediately ran off.
The Marine was stunned.
He had just realized—
That girl… was Nami herself!
"Let's go. Follow her."
Kane said calmly.
"Didn't expect running into Nezumi would bring this forward early… but it doesn't matter."
Meanwhile—
Nami had already rushed home.
The area was surrounded by Marines.
At the center stood Captain Nezumi.
In front of him, a blue-haired girl stood firmly in his way.
"Don't do this! This is Nami's life savings—our village's hope! I won't let you take it!"
Behind her were chests filled with treasure.
"That's nonsense. This is stolen loot. Move aside."
Nezumi sneered.
"I won't allow this either!"
Another voice rang out—Genzo.
"You? Just a small-town guard. What right do you have to question me?"
Their faces turned pale with despair.
When justice becomes tyranny—
That is the most terrifying thing.
Losing patience, Nezumi drew his pistol.
"Wait!"
A voice rang out.
Genzo and Nojiko's faces lit up with surprise.
Nezumi turned his head—
And saw Kane slowly approaching.
At the sight of nearly one hundred million Beli—
Kane was in a great mood.
Who said there was no money in the East Blue?
Wasn't this proof right here?
Nezumi froze.
Even if he didn't recognize Kane—
He recognized the rank.
A Vice Admiral from headquarters.
He suddenly recalled the warship from days ago.
Hadn't he already warned them off?
Why were they still here?!
Seeing Nezumi stunned, Nami revealed a relieved smile.
Nojiko and Genzo, however, were completely confused.
"That money belongs to me. What exactly do you think you're doing, taking it?"
"Well… it's stolen loot from that thief, so I—"
Slap!
Nezumi was sent flying over ten meters.
A massive handprint appeared on his face as blood poured from his nose. His head spun wildly.
"I already said—it's my money. And you're still calling it stolen goods? Are my words a joke to you?"
Kane sneered.