"Wait, don't be so impulsive, calm down and listen to me..."
Startled by Sabo's forceful shake, Koala's thoughts became somewhat confused. She had no choice but to push him away forcefully, straighten her disheveled clothes, and then begin her explanation.
"Yes, tell me quickly, Koala, I need to know who killed Les, I must avenge him..."
After Koala's words, Sabo realized he had been somewhat out of line, so he waited until she had finished tidying her clothes before asking her the question again.
Koala rolled her eyes at him, not holding a grudge against his previous actions. She knew Sabo's reaction was perfectly normal, as they were classmates with Les, who was stationed on Supomachi Island as a spy, and they were very close.
When they first joined the Revolutionary Army, they were very young and initially appeared timid and hesitant around the others. It Les, who acted like a kind older brother to them, who helped them integrate into the group and overcome their fear.
Later, Sabo and Koala were appreciated by the higher-ups for their outstanding performance and were taken for special training, which is why they left the group. On the other hand, ordinary members like Les, who performed poorly but were hardworking, were sent to various places to serve as spies. They were originally very happy to know that Les, whom they had once regarded as a brother, was also here and wanted to come and meet him, but they never expected it to end like this.
"The headquarters isn't entirely clear on the specifics, but it's possible that Brother Les's identity was accidentally revealed and discovered by Carlos's people, leading to his death."
Koala didn't know the real reason for Les's murder from headquarters either, but that was probably the general idea.
"Really? Because his identity was leaked? I still believe Brother Les wouldn't be so careless. There must have been some other very powerful person who discovered his identity and killed him. However, I will not let you go. No matter who you are, I swear I will kill you to avenge Brother Les. I swear in my name, Sabo."
Upon hearing that even headquarters had failed to uncover the truth behind Les's murder, Sabo clenched his fists and secretly swore an oath.
" Sabo... you..."
Seeing Sabo's expression, Koala asked with concern.
"I'm fine, Koala. Let's hurry, there are less than two hours until the auction. If we're late, we might not be able to get in..."
Sabo raised his hand to indicate that he was fine, then changed the subject and spoke to Koala before walking toward the door.
"Hmm... okay, I'm glad you're alright. Let's hurry over there..."
Although Koala knew that Sabo was in a bad mood at the moment, since he had already said that, she didn't want to reopen his wounds, so she went along with what he said.
The two quickly ended their conversation and headed towards the venue for Carlos's grandest annual auction.
At this moment, almost all the powerful nobles or representatives of influential forces on the island rushed to the auction venue. Even previous auctions had never attracted the attention of all forces as much as today's. It was not only the Devil Fruit, the highlight of today's event, but also the redistribution of power on the island that was the focus of their attention.
"Heh heh heh heh, the grand feast I've prepared for all the great powers has finally arrived! I'm really looking forward to seeing which forces will fall into my trap today..."
After speaking, Carlos walked in, and the manager inside, upon seeing that it was his boss, immediately rushed over and warmly welcomed him into the No. 1 VIP room prepared for him.
"Haha, it's that time of year again? The annual grand auction, I'm really looking forward to seeing what amazing items will appear today!!"
Soon, nobles arrived, escorted by their subordinates and slaves. One of them, a middle-aged noble who appeared to be of very high status, looked up at the plaque above, wrapped in red cloth and bearing the words "Carlos Auction House," and chuckled.
"Oh my... this is... I can't believe my eyes, it's you, Viscount Moncalif! I'm so surprised you've come to this auction..."
Just then, after he finished laughing and was about to step across the threshold, a surprised voice reached his ears, causing Moncalif to turn his head to look in the direction of the voice. There he saw a knight with long hair and a beard, wearing a James Bond hat, looking at him with a surprised expression.
"Oh... it's you... Sir Aifetto, what brings you here? Are you also looking to buy something you like?"
Moncalif recognized the man as a knight who had amassed a fortune through the slave trade in recent years and whom Carlos had specifically requested a title from the World Government. As is customary for nobles, he agreed to extend a warm greeting to him.
"Hmm, hahaha, yes, although I started out with slaves, I've never really come across any valuable goods. So today I wanted to see if I had any high-quality items. If I did, I'd take them back and train them a bit; that would add a lot of fun."
Um... look at my mouth, I'm just talking about myself. What about you? Are you also planning to come and buy some good items to take back with you?"
As he spoke, Aifetto slapped his mouth with his hand and asked Moncalif for his reason.
"Me too, I'm just like you. Today I'm also planning to bid on a high-quality 'goods,' preferably a woman, because it'll be even more wonderful to train her..."
"Hehehe, it seems we share quite similar interests, Viscount Moncalif. May I await the day you find the goods you desire!"
"Hahaha, you too, you too! Let's go, if we keep standing here, the others will complain..."
"Yes, please go ahead, Viscount Moncalif..."
The two hypocritical nobles then entered the auction house hosted by Carlos while exchanging pleasantries. Soon, the others arrived one after another, and the auction was not far from starting.
"Phew... I've finally arrived. Devil Fruit... hopefully it will meet my needs..."
Shortly after the nobles and other powerful figures entered the auction house, the mysterious young man who had previously taught the gangsters on the island who were planning to rob him a lesson also arrived at the entrance. After silently reciting something to himself, he stepped inside.
A short while later, once all the participating members had entered the venue and taken their seats, the lights were instantly turned off.
Click...
Click...
Click...
After all the lights clicked off, the auction officially began. Everyone sat upright, their eyes fixed on the figures about to appear on the stage, all silently closing their mouths and casting expectant glances in that direction.