Then something even wilder than the bidding for the Whitebeard card series began.
Some people might not have been interested in cards, but what collector would want to miss out on a painting like this?
"Five hundred million Beli!"
The opening bid sent a shock through the room.
"Eight hundred million Beli!"
"One billion Beli!"
"One billion one hundred million Beli!"
"One billion one hundred and fifty million Beli!"
In just five bids, the price of the painting had nearly reached that of the Whitebeard card series.
The next bid came: "One billion two hundred million Beli!"
No one intended to take it slowly. They knew the painting would go for far more.
There weren't many people present who could put up over a billion Beli.
Even among those with that kind of money, few would spend it on a single painting.
But what about the people who hadn't come?
Several people picked up their Den Den Mushi. As if they had received a signal, they soon joined the fierce bidding.
Three minutes later, the first painting had reached the staggering price of one billion eight hundred million Beli.
Many understood that the painting's value would only rise with time.
The Rocks Pirates were an immortal monument.
In every respect, they were almost impossible to surpass.
And this painting stirred the soul. Even through the live broadcast, people could feel its power.
It was as though some mysterious force had brought it right before their eyes.
Five more minutes passed. The price had reached two billion four hundred million Beli, and the bidding continued.
This time, Aaron didn't rush to close the auction. He gave everyone plenty of time to lose themselves in the frenzy.
None of the bidders seemed willing to give up. They knew there were only three