"Two hundred million Berry from the guest in Suite 3A! Do we have a higher bid!?"
The auctioneer's voice trembled with excitement as he leaned toward the mic, arms flaring theatrically.
"One of only fifty named blades in the entire world!"
"For a mere two hundred million Berry, you could own a powerful weapon—one that grows with its wielder! A partner for a swordsman's journey!"
"Any other bids?"
His words were charged with energy—expertly crafted.
But despite his fervor, the hall had gone quiet.
That price had killed the competition.
Even here in the New World, two hundred million Berry was no small sum.
The swordsman named Kenshin frowned deeply—then reluctantly sat back down.
The price had exceeded his budget.
Brutebear gave a cold snort and fell silent as well.
Meanwhile, in Suite 2A…
"Brother Perospero, should we place a bid?" Daifuku stared eagerly at Kariumi, eyes sparkling.
Perospero shook his head and sneered.
"Our funds are tight. Totto Land's expansion demands massive budget allocation. Forget it—focus on the More-More Fruit."
He paused, his crimson tongue flicking out to lick the corner of his lips, gaze narrowing coldly toward Suite 3A.
Though the glass wall blocked his view, suspicion simmered in his eyes.
"And besides… who said that sword's going to stay in that suite for long?"
Daifuku caught his meaning instantly—and let out a low, sinister chuckle.
In Suite 1A—
King the Wildfire stood motionless at the window, gaze empty, his expression beneath the mask unreadable.
Onstage, the auctioneer launched into his countdown.
"Two hundred million—going once!"
"Two hundred million—going twice!"
"Two hundred million—sold!"
With a graceful bow toward Suite 3A, he smiled.
"Congratulations to our honored guest for acquiring this unparalleled blade."
A team of black-suited guards quickly ascended the stage, packaged Kariumi, and delivered it to Darren's suite.
"Now then… let us welcome the second item in our auction!"
The auctioneer raised his hand, seamlessly continuing the event.
Soon, a small wooden box was brought forth.
The lid lifted.
Under the spotlights, a strange, deep brown fruit appeared.
"A Devil Fruit!"
"What kind is it? Doesn't look like the More-More Fruit."
"That pattern… looks like a Zoan-type!"
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
The auctioneer spread his arms in a showman's gesture, explaining:
"As you can see, this is a Zoan-type Devil Fruit."
"Bear-Bear Fruit, Model: Brown Bear. Consume this, and gain the raw power and physique of a brown bear!"
"In the wild, brown bears are among the most powerful land predators. With proper mastery, this fruit could make someone a tyrant on land—strong enough to rival even full-grown giants!"
"And now—the starting bid is: one hundred million Berry!"
At once, interest stirred across the room.
Many attendees knew the More-More Fruit was far beyond their reach.
From the start, their sights had been on the other auction items.
The Brown Bear Fruit lacked flash—but it offered solid, reliable strength. For New World pirates looking to survive, it was ideal.
"Hahaha! This Devil Fruit is tailor-made for me!!"
A booming voice rang out.
It was Brutebear again, leaping to his feet.
"I bid one hundred million Berry!"
His gaze gleamed with greedy certainty, flicking smugly toward Suite 3A.
"You must be kicking yourself now, sucker. Spent two hundred million on a useless sword—let's see how you fight me for this!"
But before he could finish basking—
A familiar, calm voice echoed from Suite 3A.
"Two hundred million Berry."
Brutebear: …
Around him, pirates chuckled. Brutebear's face turned red with rage.
Damn it! Who the hell is this guy!?
How does he have so much money!?
In Suite 1A—
"Lord King, shall we bid?" one of the Beasts Pirates knelt respectfully before the tall, shadowy figure.
"This fruit would suit our crew well."
King stared at Suite 3A.
Then slowly shook his head.
"No need."
The crew member froze—then bowed even lower.
…
"Darren, you've lost it! That's just a common Zoan fruit!!"
Sengoku clutched his chest like he'd been shot.
Watching Darren casually hand the butler a check—zeros stretching across the paper—hurt more than any wound ever could.
Darren smiled.
"It's fine. Just two hundred million. Worth it."
Sengoku: …
Onstage, the next auction began.
"Let us once again congratulate the honored guest in Suite 3A for acquiring this mighty Devil Fruit!"
"But now, we present something truly… unique."
As a black-draped glass display case was brought forth, the auctioneer's tone shifted—mysterious and theatrical.
"This item is neither a weapon nor a rare fruit."
"It's not a treasure map—not even treasure. To some, it may seem less valuable than scrap paper. But to the right collector—it is priceless."
"I assure you, even here on the Island of Coins, obtaining this item was no easy feat!"
The room tensed—curiosity lighting every face.
The auctioneer grinned at the reaction.
"Now then… the starting price is, once again: one hundred million Berry!"
With a dramatic flick, he pulled away the cloth.
Everyone in the auction froze.
Sengoku's brow furrowed.
Borsalino scratched his head.
Darren blinked.
Inside the glass case…
Hung a tight-fitting, slightly worn, peach-colored dress—clearly designed for an extremely curvaceous figure.
The auctioneer roared:
"Behold! A dress once worn by the infamous Big Mom—Charlotte Linlin!"
He raised one hand triumphantly.
"—And it hasn't been washed!!"
The room plunged into stunned silence.
Then—
BANG!!
The door to Suite 2A burst open.
Perospero and Daifuku stormed out, radiating killing intent.
Their eyes burned. Their aura was terrifying.
With murderous fury, they roared:
"The Charlotte Family bids two hundred million Berry!!"
"Anyone who dares to compete—becomes our enemy!"
---
To be continued…