Dispute Arises

This was clearly a deliberate attempt to provoke trouble, to create a fierce conflict between him and the Beast Pirates, leading to a physical fight and ultimately a deep-seated hatred between them. Once this enmity was formed, even if he managed to defeat these three people this time, what awaited him next was the infamous suicide maniac— Kaido! Speaking of Kaido, that guy is truly a madman... One has to admire Gild Tesoro's cunning; he actually came up with such a brilliant and insidious plan. In that case, I'll have to see what's so special about that Zoan Devil Fruit you specially sent, that makes you so confident that he would definitely confront the powerful Beast Pirates head-on because of it.

Just then, Jack the Drought's fierce gaze suddenly locked onto Moke, who was blocking their path, his eyes revealing undisguised annoyance. If it weren't for the fact that this was Doflamingo and Gild Tesoro's territory, given his usual volatile temper, he probably would have already raised his hand and slapped the person who dared to block his way away flying into the Nine Heavens.

Of course, this wasn't out of fear. After all, there was a cooperative relationship between the three parties, and they had to give each other some face no matter what. Just then, Ulti and Page One, who were standing behind Jack, suddenly noticed Moke. Their eyes immediately showed surprise, and then they exchanged a knowing glance.

Runti lowered her voice and said, "This guy looks like the new Shichibukai, Mok!" Page One, standing nearby, was also astonished and chimed in, "The new Shichibukai, Mok? I never expected to run into him here." Hearing his subordinates' murmurs, Jack paused slightly, then turned his gaze to Mok and began to scrutinize him closely. At the same time, his previously relaxed expression gradually turned serious, and a hint of solemnity appeared in his eyes.

Since the Navy introduced the Seven Warlords of the Sea system, every individual who has become a member has possessed extraordinary strength. Therefore, even the usually arrogant Jack couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension when facing the newly appointed Warlord, Mok. However, Jack still had complete confidence in his own formidable strength.

Just as Jack was about to speak to Moke, suddenly, an auctioneer, microphone in hand, strode up the platform. Behind him followed another person, who carefully held a beautifully crafted box in both hands. From the outside, it appeared to contain something extremely precious. All eyes were instantly drawn to it, and everyone began speculating about what treasure might be hidden inside.

Inside the spacious and luxurious auction hall, dazzling lights illuminated every corner, clearly reflecting the excitement and anticipation on everyone's faces. At this moment, the host stood in the center of the stage and announced in a booming voice, "Dear guests, welcome to this year's grandest Devil Fruit auction! First up before you is the first Devil Fruit meticulously prepared by our auction— the Zoan Panther-Panther Fruit! Its starting price is a whopping 100 million Beli... and each bid must be at least 10 million Beli!"

Upon hearing this, Jack, along with Ulti and Page One sitting in the audience, all lit up. Although this Zoan -type Panther-Panther Fruit was slightly inferior to the Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit they had consumed, it was still quite outstanding among ordinary Zoan Devil Fruit.

Jack tilted his head slightly, glanced at Moke beside him, a faint smile playing on his lips, and said softly, "Let's have a proper chat after this auction concludes." With that, he completely ignored Moke, walked straight past him, strode to the front row, and sat down comfortably.

Just then, the sounds of bidding began to rise and fall.

"One hundred and ten million Beli!" With a shout, the auction hall instantly ignited, and everyone's eyes were focused on the first bidder. However, before anyone could react, another voice rang out. "One hundred and thirty million Beli!" The decisive increase in bid made the atmosphere even more tense.

The price skyrocketed like a rocket, "160 million Beli..." Each bid struck the heartstrings of everyone present like a hammer blow. After all, what was placed before them was the Zoan- Panther-Panther Fruit Zoan had driven countless people mad! Its powerful aura and mysterious strength seemed to possess an irresistible magic, attracting all the bidders present.

Just then, Jack, who had been silent all along, finally made a move. A slight, almost imperceptible smile appeared on his lips, a smile clearly tinged with disdain and contempt. Then, he gently raised his hand and slowly uttered, "200 million Beli..."

The astonishing bid plunged the previously bustling auction hall into a deathly silence. Everyone present was stunned, their breath seemingly caught in their throats. It wasn't that no one else could afford to bid higher, but rather that they were filled with apprehension at Jack's strength and the massive Beast Pirates behind him. Everyone was Dark-Dark Fruit calculating whether it was worth provoking such a terrifying force for a single Devil Fruit.

In contrast, Moke appeared remarkably calm. He merely pursed his lips slightly, showing little interest in the Zoan Panther-Panther Fruit that was fiercely competing before him. In his opinion, although this fruit was indeed quite good among Zoan, it was still far from meeting his standards. At this moment, what truly piqued his interest and filled him with anticipation was the mysterious fruit that Gild Tesoro was about to present.

Therefore, he stood there quietly, showing no intention of bidding. "Is there anyone else willing to bid?" the auctioneer shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing in the spacious hall. However, the people present simply looked at each other, and for a moment no one dared to respond. Indeed, although everyone was filled with desire for that Might-Shaker and powerful Devil Fruit, the thought of the potential consequences—the unbearable wrath of the Four Seas Beast Pirates —made them all back down. Not to mention the Kaido, even Jack, Ulti, and Page One, who were present at this moment, could easily sweep everyone present away.

Just then, a cold laugh suddenly rang out, "Heh..." Everyone turned to look and saw Jack's lips curl into a mocking smile. At the same time, he slowly turned his head, sweeping a disdainful glance over Moke in the crowd. In Jack's eyes, that expression contained a hint of smugness, as if victory was already in his grasp; yet it also contained undisguised contempt, as if he felt Moke was unworthy of being his opponent. After all, in his view, Moke's presence here must be for the Devil Fruit. But what was the result? This guy didn't even dare to bid; he was simply a cowardly piece of trash!

"???" Faced with Jack's disdainful gaze and piercing laughter, Moke's face instantly contorted with a series of huge question marks. He stared wide-eyed at Jack in disbelief, inwardly cursing, "Is this guy out of his mind?! What's wrong with me not bidding? Do I have to fight tooth and nail with you lunatics to be considered brave? This is utterly absurd!"

"Two hundred million Beli at once..." The auctioneer's loud and clear voice echoed in the spacious auction hall, like a thunderclap rippled through the sky. People held their breath, their eyes fixed on the item on the auction stage that emitted a mysterious light.

"Two hundred million Beli twice..." With this shout, time seemed to be gripped tightly by an invisible hand, suddenly stopping its flow. The huge auction hall was deathly silent, with only the auctioneer's high-pitched and clear voice, like a clear spring, flowing gently in this tranquility and constantly impacting the eardrums of everyone present.

At this moment, everyone held their breath, their hearts pounding like drums. Their eyes were fixed on the mysterious item in the center of the stage, and they Dark-Dark Fruit wondered: which wealthy and powerful person would win this prize?

"Two hundred million Beli, three times..." As the final bid echoed, the atmosphere in the room became as tense as a bowstring stretched to its limit, almost suffocating. Everyone involuntarily widened their eyes, their eyeballs seemingly about to pop out of their sockets, staring intently at the crucial moment when the gavel was about to fall, hoping that their favorite buyer would successfully win the treasure.

Soon, Ben Beckman, Yasopp, Lucky Roux, Hongo, Bendick Snake, Benk Bingge, Monster (the monkey), Limejuice and Issho, Enel, Shiryu, King, Charlotte Katakuri, Gizas Jesus Burgess, Weevil, Jack the Drought, and both Charlotte Snack had all gone far away.

At this moment, Moke and Red-Hair had no more reservations.

"Boom..."

The two unleashed an even more terrifying power from their Conqueror's Haki.

"Click click..."

At the center of the clash between the two's Conqueror's Haki, substances resembling black Inazuma intertwined and collided with each other. The power was so terrifying that even space itself began to crack.

"Well?"

Even the Red-Hair was slightly taken aback upon seeing this.

This is the first person besides Whitebeard to reach this level in a clash of Conqueror's Haki with him.

Then, a slight smile appeared on his lips, revealing an excited expression.

It should be noted that no one has ever been able to unleash his full Conqueror's Haki.

Even Whitebeard couldn't.

But perhaps today...

"The next second!"

A Space Gate appeared below Moke, and then another Space Gate appeared above the heads of Imu, Izambaron V. Saint Nusjuro, Topman Saint Warcury, Marcus Saint Mars, and Figarland Saint Garling.

The next instant, Moke emerged from it.

With unparalleled momentum, he unleashed a punch at Imu and the four Saints: Izambaron V. Saint Nusjuro, Topman Saint Warcury, Marcus Saint Mars, and Figarland Saint Garling.

"Not good!"

Imu, along with Saint Nusjuro, Saint Warcury Topman Vochuli, Marcus Saint Mars, and Saint Figarland Saint Garling, all wore expressions of horror.

It's not that they're slow to react.

But Moke's attack was completely unexpected.

Just now, they were focusing all their attention on the meteorite!

But to everyone's surprise, Moke, who was still high in the sky, launched a powerful attack on them before the meteorite could strike.

"Rumble..."

Moke's punch was a combination of collective techniques, Conqueror's Haki, Armament Haki, and various other forms. It was absolutely a powerful strike...

"Not good!"

"Boom..."

Almost simultaneously, both of their Conqueror's Haki retreated and then materialized.

Moke transformed into a giant dragon, while Red-Hair transformed into an unidentified bird.

Finally, under the control of the two.

The dragon and the bird collided with each other simultaneously.

This wave of collisions far surpassed the previous ones. The space, already showing cracks, was now centered on the point of their collision.

"Bang..." Finally, the auction hammer, which had been hovering in the air for so long, crashed down with tremendous force. In an instant,

Immediately, the auctioneer winked behind him, and a staff member standing a short distance away nodded in understanding. The staff member carefully carried an exquisite box and walked steadily to Jack, the successful bidder. He bowed slightly, presented the box with both hands, and said with utmost respect, "From this moment on, this is yours. Please accept it."

Jack nodded with satisfaction and took the box. He had no worries about paying the Beli. As was the auction house's usual practice, they would send someone to their pirate ship to collect the payment afterward. Everything seemed so orderly and efficient.

"Next, we will be auctioning our second precious item today—a Devil Fruit." The auctioneer cleared his throat and continued, "This Devil Fruit is no ordinary item; it is a collectible personally sent by the renowned Lord Gild Tesoro. Believe me, everyone will be utterly astonished when they see it!"

At this point, the auctioneer paused deliberately, keeping everyone in suspense. Then, he clapped his hands lightly, and as if by magic, another staff member quickly walked onto the stage. This person also held a box, but unlike the previous one, this box faintly emitted a strange energy fluctuation.

After the staff carefully placed the box on the auction table, the auctioneer took a deep breath, then abruptly lifted the lid and loudly announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, what is presented before us is the legendary Zoan - Mythical Zoan Calamity Hound Form -type Devil Fruit!"

"Wh... what?" Everyone present couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, the sound so loud it seemed to pierce the roof. Just before they entered this place, they had indeed seen the related promotional information, knowing that today's auction would feature a Zoan Devil Fruit sent by Gild Tesoro for sale. However, who could have predicted that this Devil Fruit would actually be an extremely rare Mythical Zoan?

It's important to know that Mythical Zoan are extremely rare, even surpassing Logia Devil Fruit in rarity! And crucially, every Mythical Zoan user who has appeared so far has been an exceptionally powerful individual.

"Gulp..." One person in the crowd involuntarily swallowed a large mouthful of saliva, the sound of his throat bobbing clearly audible. His eyes were like two raging flames, filled with undisguised greed. Others, overwhelmed by excitement, stood up abruptly from their seats, their hands clenched into fists so tightly that their knuckles turned slightly white. If it weren't for a sliver of reason constantly reminding them that this was Gild Tesoro's territory, these people would probably have already succumbed to their impulses and snatched the coveted Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit.

Even the renowned figures Jack the Drought, Ulti, and Page One, their expressions changed instantly upon hearing the words "Mythical Zoan." For them, the Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit they had consumed were already quite Yamato and rare, but compared to the Mythical Zoan before them, they were utterly insignificant. After all, Mythical Zoan far surpassed Ancient Zoan in both rarity and the power they granted to their users.

"Hahaha..." Jack the Drought's maniacal laughter exploded like rolling thunder, the deafening sound seemingly able to pierce the clouds, causing the entire world to tremble. He stood there, his body tall and mighty, like an unshakeable mountain. His ferocious and twisted face was now filled with a smug expression, as if he had trampled everything in the world under his feet.

Beside him, the members of the Beast Pirates wore extremely greedy smiles. Their eyes, like those of Sanjuan Wolf, were fixed on the Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit that was emitting a mysterious light. To these people, this fruit was no ordinary object; it was like a magical key that could unlock the gates to endless power. Once they successfully grasped it, dominating the vast ocean and ruling the world would no longer be just a distant dream.

In stark contrast, however, stood Moke on the other side. His eyes were wide open, as if they were about to pop out of their sockets. His mouth was agape, wide enough to easily fit an entire egg. His once calm face was now filled with disbelief, as if what he was seeing was not something ordinary, but some strange spectacle that completely exceeded the limits of human imagination.

Moke stared blankly at the Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, involuntarily marveling to himself, "My God! This... this really is the legendary Huodou? How is this possible? It's absolutely unbelievable!"

For Moke, the name Huodou was legendary. In ancient myths and legends, Huodou was a renowned divine beast! It possessed terrifying power capable of destroying the world, leaving desolation and death in its wake. However, who could have imagined that such a mythical beast, existing only in legends, would now appear before him in the form of a Devil Fruit?

It is said that Huodou is similar to the well-known Xiaotian Dog, both being divine beasts under the command of a certain deity. However, unlike the Xiaotian Dog, Huodou is a powerful general under the fire god Zhurong. While the Xiaotian Dog followed Erlang Shen in his campaigns, achieving countless military exploits, Huodou accompanied the fire god Zhurong, protecting his glory with its immense power.

As a symbol of fire, Huodou possesses terrifying abilities. Its entire body is as black as ink, like a ghost in the night, and it can spew raging flames from its mouth, engulfing everything in its path in a sea of fire. Moreover, this terrifying creature feeds on fire, usually hiding behind Zhurong, indulging in the scorching flames to satisfy its appetite.

Thinking of this, Moke's heart skipped a beat. After all, the power contained within this Devil Fruit was simply beyond imagination. It possessed both the powerful physique and transformation ability granted to users of Zoan Devil Fruit, and the fire control power of the Logia Flame-Flame Fruit. Such an astonishing and heaven-defying combination undoubtedly made this Devil Fruit an unparalleled treasure, its power incomparably immense. More importantly, this Devil Fruit seemed tailor-made for the fighting champion Gizas Jesus Burgess, perfectly matching his fighting style and abilities. Once Gizas Jesus Burgess obtained and mastered the power of this Devil Fruit, his already formidable strength would undergo a qualitative leap, soaring like a rocket, easily crossing a huge threshold. It's no exaggeration to say that he could potentially ascend directly to the ranks of the Shichibukai!

At that time, with the rapid increase in Gizas Jesus Burgess's strength, the overall strength of his pirate crew would inevitably rise accordingly, becoming even stronger. After the initial shock, people couldn't help but think to themselves, "That Gild Tesoro guy truly lives up to his reputation; he really deserves to be called the richest man in the pirate world! He just casually throws out such a rare and precious Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit..." Just then, the auctioneer, who had been closely observing the atmosphere, keenly sensed that the time was ripe. Without hesitation, he loudly proclaimed, "Now, we officially begin the auction for this world-renowned Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit! The starting price is a full 500 million Beli, and each bid must be at least 50 million Beli. Please place your bids!"