Everyone Was Scheming, Part Two

"Mr. Rogge, you want to put the Jade City Treasure Map up for a sealed-bid auction, right?" Beers asked.

"Yes." Rogge nodded. "I do intend to sell the Jade City Treasure Map. Being watched all the time isn't pleasant."

Beers smiled. He understood Rogge's choice. In Rogge's place, he would either hand the map to Big Mom, hide it so no one else knew he had it, or sell it to another faction without letting her find out.

The map was a hot potato, and Beers knew it. Still, he decided to do Rogge a favor.

"You know about selling an item on consignment, don't you, Mr. Rogge?" Beers asked.

Rogge looked at him, puzzled. "I do. Are you suggesting I consign it to you?"

"Exactly." Beers smiled. "If you let me handle the auction, you can avoid some unnecessary trouble. I'm sure you understand."

"That would make you a target. I don't see what's in it for you," Rogge said.

"Nothing directly, of course. But as a middleman in the Underworld, this is precisely the sort of thing I can do. Even if Big Mom threatens me, I'm only the middleman. The others in the Underworld won't stand by while she does whatever she likes. It would be different for you." Beers smiled knowingly.

Rogge understood at once. He patted Beers on the shoulder. "Sorry for the trouble. I'm sure we'll do more business together."

"Haha! Think nothing of it. It's what I do, and it's an honor to have your friendship, Mr. Rogge." Beers laughed. That was exactly what he wanted. Making friends with a Shichibukai would benefit him enormously.

Rogge laughed along. People didn't hate without reason, and they didn't offer kindness without reason either. It would have been strange if Beers had no ulterior motive. He