The auction proceeded smoothly. After King Riku improved the massive semicircular venue according to Uchiha Hiko's plans, it had expanded into a grand arena capable of holding tens of thousands.
The backstage was guarded by ten Zoan Devil Fruit Users led by Urouge, along with thirty fish-man warriors. Around the arena, Luo led twenty Zoan Devil Fruit Users, fifty fish-man warriors, and three hundred Dressrosa soldiers in maintaining order.
Outside, Jinbe led over a hundred fish-man warriors and six hundred Dressrosa soldiers on patrol. Kyros was responsible for domestic security and defense in Dressrosa, with the Tontatta assisting from the sidelines.
This was Dressrosa's first large-scale auction event. Compared to previous auctions, it was far more grand, since many people had come specifically for the Devil Fruit said to counter the Glint-Glint Fruit. Naturally, Hiko intended to make this event a spectacular success.
However, this was already all the fighting strength Dressrosa could put forward. Although Luo, Jinbe, and the others were fairly well-known figures in the New World, Hiko could not guarantee that some deranged criminals would not cause trouble at all costs. He did not care if anyone tried to cause trouble; he only cared that the situation remained completely under his control.
Quite a few people had arrived today. While not every one of them was an important figure from their respective nations or regions, each had brought a large entourage to put on a show—at least several people, and sometimes dozens. Those with fewer people were generally either confident in their own strength or were unruly Pirates. Those with larger entourages had brought beautiful women, bodyguards, and attendants alike, especially the Celestial Dragons.
The semicircular venue was nearly full, with several thousand people seated inside. It was an impressive sight.
Hiko stood behind the backstage curtain,