The guests below the stage began breathing faster. Though they had long known what was coming, the thought that they might get their hands on it left every one of them struggling to contain their excitement.
If they were lucky enough to obtain it, they would reach at least Rear Admiral-level strength. Wealth and beautiful women would then be theirs for the choosing.
"Today's grand finale is the Devil Fruit of Diamond Jozu, commander of the Whitebeard Pirates' Third Division—the Diamond-Diamond Fruit!"
"Oh!"
"That fruit is mine!"
"The Diamond-Diamond Fruit! One of the most powerful Human-type Devil Fruits!"
Unlike the excited guests below, a figure sat in shadow at the very back of the Auction House. His eyes glowed blue as he looked at the Devil Fruit, filled with sadness and longing. He seemed lost in a memory.
"Marco, look! The Diamond-Diamond Fruit. I snatched it from Golden Lion. You haven't eaten a fruit yet. Want this one?"
"Jozu, I've already prepared a fruit for Marco. Once his Hand-to-Hand Combat reaches the right level, he'll eat it. I was still wondering what kind of fruit to get you, but you've gone and found one yourself. Go ahead and eat it."
Crunch.
"Ugh! What is that taste? It's disgusting!"
"Gurararara!"
"Haha! Awful, isn't it, Jozu?"
Laughter rang out across a brand-new ship, filling it with life.
At the memory, Marco smiled.
"Jozu, I'll get the Diamond-Diamond Fruit. I promise."
Murmuring those words, Marco stood up.
"Now, there's no starting price for this fruit. Bid to your hearts' content."
The moment Gild Tesoro finished speaking, a roar came from the back of the Auction House.
"Five billion!"
The cheering hall fell silent. A pin could have dropped and been heard.
For those in the ordinary seats, five billion was already an astronomical