Sabaody Archipelago, Island One.
As the link between the first and second halves of the Grand Line, though Sabaody was merely a cluster of islands, its prosperity was only half a step behind "holy lands" like Mariejois.
And as Island One among them, it was even more prosperous.
However, for ordinary people, this place was intimidating. Though the Navy publicly claimed this was a "Job Security Center," anyone with half a brain knew this was the world's largest human market, filled with countless human auction houses and slave trading shops.
Not only did these evil establishments exist brazenly, but every major auction was heavily publicized and even protected by the Navy—absolutely outrageous to the extreme.
There was only one reason!
The Celestial Dragons liked it!
Otherwise, even if the mastermind behind the human auction houses was a great pirate like Doflamingo, the Navy would have eliminated them completely for the sake of their own reputation.
But once Celestial Dragons were involved, everything became different.
As descendants of the twenty kings who established the World Government eight hundred years ago, they called themselves "descendants of the Creator" and used this as justification for their arrogance. Because they considered themselves too great to breathe the same air as ordinary people, they wore bubble helmets and casually treated people of other races as slaves.
They even enjoyed supreme privileges—if they suffered even the slightest offense, they would summon Navy Headquarters Admirals to protect them with full force.
If anyone dared lay a hand on a Celestial Dragon?
Sorry, but that would directly trigger the World Government's insane retaliation! Moreover, Celestial Dragons had an extremely strong sense of racial superiority and held serious discriminatory attitudes toward any race other than Celestial Dragons.
Simply put, they didn't regard anyone as human.
Toward the Celestial Dragons, Kai felt nothing but disgust, along with a trace of curiosity. The Celestial Dragons who appeared in the manga were each more worthless than the last.
Yet even so, the World Government, including the Five Elders, still tolerated them to this extent.
Why was that?
Kai wouldn't naively think it was simply because of their laughable identity as "descendants of the Creator." Each of the Five Elders was no pushover.
Even if it were Kai, he absolutely couldn't tolerate a bunch of trash sitting above him giving orders. Unless... this bunch of trash possessed means capable of bringing about his death.
What exactly were the Celestial Dragons hiding?
Kai was naturally curious, but these were matters for the future. The world of One Piece still had many things waiting for him to explore.
At this moment, Kai stood before a massive domed venue.
The enormous letters spelling "HUMAN" marked this as Island One's Human Auction House!
Known as the "Walking Special Auction House"!
The entire auction venue was currently bustling with voices as major nobles and wealthy individuals from around the world had come here. Naturally, pirates were also present, though no one dared reveal their identities now.
Seeing Kai in his cape of justice, people weren't particularly surprised. Never mind just a Rear Admiral—even if a Vice Admiral or Admiral came, they wouldn't dare interfere with this place.
"Everyone! As scheduled monthly on Island One, the grand human auction is about to begin! Serving as today's auctioneer is, of course..."
A short, fat man in clown attire worked hard to shout from the stage:
"Mr. Disco!!"
"Oh!!!" Accompanied by the crowd's cheers, a long-haired man wearing star-shaped glasses and a suit walked out, loudly declaring:
"Greetings, everyone! Today I've also prepared high-quality slaves for you all. I sincerely hope everyone can purchase slaves to your satisfaction! Now the bidding begins. First up is naturally No. 1, from..."
One slave after another took the stage. Finally, it was Rayleigh's turn!
Mr. Disco on the auction platform looked at Rayleigh with disgust before speaking: "This No. 17 may be old and ugly, but he's a skilled coating craftsman. Those needing coating services might consider him."
"Starting bid... five hundred thousand berries!!"
For a long while, not a single person in the venue raised their paddle to bid. Mr. Disco's expression grew anxious—if merchandise went unsold, Doflamingo would cause him trouble.
Just as he was thinking of persuasive words to entice buyers, a voice rang out:
"Five hundred thousand berries!"
Mr. Disco was overjoyed and quickly looked toward the voice. He was stunned to see it was a Navy Rear Admiral, but didn't think much of it—as long as someone bought his merchandise.
His auction hammer was about to fall when suddenly an arrogant shout came:
"One hundred million berries!!"
But due to inertia, Mr. Disco's auction hammer had already fallen with a bang. Only then did he look up to see a fat, middle-aged man with a bubble helmet, runny nose, and spiky hair walking over.
A Celestial Dragon!
Saint Charlos!
Son of Rosward, ruler of Sabaody Archipelago!
Saint Charlos spoke directly: "This slave is mine now. I'm planning to go to Fish-Man Island to capture mermaids and need a coating craftsman."
"Of course, it's my honor, Saint Charlos!"
Mr. Disco smiled obsequiously at Saint Charlos, completely ignoring the fact that he had already dropped the auction hammer before Saint Charlos spoke.
In his view, a mere Navy Rear Admiral naturally wouldn't dare compete with a Celestial Dragon for a slave.
But reality exceeded Mr. Disco's expectations.
Kai's voice rang out calmly: "Sorry, this slave is already my purchased item. Go find another one."
Not only was Mr. Disco stunned—everyone present was shocked.
There was actually someone in this world who dared refuse a Celestial Dragon's demand!?
Saint Charlos was first stunned, then flew into a rage, glaring at Kai and scolding: "Navy! Are you trying to compete with me for something?"
Everyone present turned their gaze toward Kai!
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