Calm-Calm Fruit

"That was Marine Headquarters Admiral Kizaru just now, wasn't it?!" After the others went inside, the man spoke up.

"Of course it was. Who else would you call gramps?"

"I guess so. Looks like something big is going to happen today!"

"Tell me about it. More and more big shots are showing up!"

"Should we report this to the boss?" The man looked to his companion and asked.

"Report my ass! We work for him, that's all. For this little pay, you expect me to do that?" the other man said disdainfully.

"Ugh! I just hope no more big shots show up!"

By then, Ryan had already entered the auction house.

Some people were already seated inside. Those who knew each other gathered in small groups to chat. Bounty hunters, pirates, nobles, gangs, and various organizations were all gathered in one place. With Kizaru, who had just entered, practically every force on the seas was here.

That was the allure of an auction. Whether Devil Fruits, famous blades, or special weapons, these were all things they wanted.

As for the nobles, their attention was clearly focused on treasures and slaves. Those were the things they could use to show off when they encountered other nobles, as well as symbols of their status and position.

Ryan and the others found a corner to sit in, drawing no one's attention as they quietly waited for the auction to begin.

Ten minutes later.

A middle-aged man in a top hat walked onto the stage.

All the lights in the venue went out, plunging the place into darkness.

"What's going on?!" Someone began to cry out in alarm. Clearly, this person was attending an auction for the first time.

Those who had attended auctions before remained calmly seated, waiting for it to begin.

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