Uchiha Hiko's words exploded beside their ears like bolts from the blue, each one deafening and unending, leaving them utterly stunned.
So the ten million Berries had already been discounted? Without a discount, just boarding the ship would mean being fleeced for a hundred million Berries first? And... Uchiha Hiko's excuse sounded so reasonable! You couldn't afford it? If you couldn't afford it, why did you dare attend an auction? Were you really a big shot? Did you really have that kind of strength?
No? Then what were you here for? To make fools of yourselves?
You did? Then why were you being so stingy? That was even more embarrassing. You were cheap, yet still wanted to take part in such a high-end, prestigious event. It was simply tarnishing the name of "big shots."
"I've said everything that needed saying. I'm sure everyone understands!" Hiko looked at the several hundred people standing silently on the floating bridge and said calmly, "Now then, those who wish to board the ship and participate, show me your strength first! Let me see whether you truly have the boldness worthy of my high expectations, or whether you're merely here to put on an act."
After Hiko finished speaking, Jinbe strode forward carrying a case and stood at the entrance to the Konoha Go's boarding stairs. It was obvious that this was the ticket booth. Anyone who wanted to enter had to pay Jinbe ten million Berries first.
The crowd fell silent for several seconds before slowly stirring again.
"Ah, I thought the first people to arrive would all be figures of status. I never expected them to be nothing but worthless frauds," Hiko said to the maid beside him, his voice not loud, yet somehow just audible to the people below.
The maid clasped