Before Dressrosa's auction event had even begun, another explosive piece of news spread: Kaido had secretly dispatched a team of Devil Fruit ability users to infiltrate Dressrosa, intending to launch a retaliatory strike against Uchiha Hiko. Not only had the entire team been wiped out, but their leader, Drake, had also defected from Kaido's command and joined Uchiha Hiko.
In less than ten minutes, the news had spread throughout Dressrosa, leaving everyone amazed. Not long ago, they had seen Uchiha Hiko forcibly suppress the clash between the Celestial Dragons and the Pirates at sea. Yet in the blink of an eye, he had poached one of Kaido's men and taken Drake, a Pirate with considerable fame in the New World.
Nor would it take long for the news to reach the New World. A single Den Den Mushi was enough to spread it instantly.
Those paying attention realized that Drake was already the third Pirate of the 'Worst Generation' under Uchiha Hiko's command. Many even wondered why Uchiha Hiko captured every other Pirate, yet seemed to have a particular fondness for the 'Worst Generation.'
Could he have some unspeakable secret?
Whether there was a secret or not, nobody knew. What people did know was that a few hours later, when Uchiha Hiko appeared with Drake, it thoroughly confirmed the news that Drake had joined him, causing a tremendous stir.
Hiko naturally did not care what others thought. He would recruit whoever he wanted. The only thing he needed to watch was the Marines' reaction. Although Akainu had tolerated him before, if he kept openly displaying Pirates like this, the Marines could not keep turning a blind eye forever.
Thus, Hiko turned his gaze toward the group of Celestial Dragons mingling among the crowd and participating in the Devil Fruit auction.