Hachinosu Island, Port.
Dozens of pirate ships were densely packed together, their flags bearing the emblems of some of the most feared names on the seas.
"That's... Crocodile!"
"He actually came too!"
"At this point, it wouldn't be strange to see anyone on the island!"
Numerous notorious pirates made their appearances, many of whom held grudges against one another. Though friction was inevitable, all parties remained relatively restrained.
According to Hachinosu Island's rules, pirates were allowed to settle scores—but only under certain special conditions, such as the most popular "Three Coins" abduction game.
Most conflicts were resolved through this game.
"Kyahahaha!"
A massive pirate ship with a golden lion figurehead descended from the sky, landing heavily on the port and sending waves splashing in all directions.
The ship of the Koya Royal Family followed closely behind.
"They're here!"
In an alleyway, Law and Koby observed the commotion at the port. When they saw their comrades being escorted off the ship by Golden Lion's subordinates, their expressions darkened.
The situation had changed!
The original plan was to infiltrate Golden Lion's ship and rescue their friends while he was away.
But now, their comrades were being taken elsewhere.
"What is Golden Lion planning?"
"..."
Law's eyes narrowed as realization dawned on him.
It was common for pirates to trade prisoners. Considering the upcoming auction, Golden Lion likely intended to sell his friends.
But it could also be a trap.
They couldn't act now—using his abilities to rescue them would immediately draw attention, and with his current stamina, he wouldn't be able to carry so many people far.
"We're heading to Skull Castle!"
Law made the decision without hesitation.
The auction would take place at Skull Castle in the center of the island. Golden Lion was undoubtedly heading there, so they needed to infiltrate it first.
Meanwhile, in Fortuna Community.
Marco's home.
Gurd and Marco sat in the pavilion of the courtyard, while nearby, a group of women happily played with Little Pineapple.
After the Whitebeard Pirates disbanded, only Marco remained on Hachinosu Island. The other division commanders had gone to other islands' Fortuna Communities.
They were protecting their father's territory in their own way.
"Marco."
Gurd sipped his tea.
"Have you heard about the auction?"
"Yeah."
Marco nodded, his expression somber.
Hachinosu Island was about to change hands.
"I understand, Gurd. You don't have to worry about my feelings."
"Good."
Gurd gave a slight nod.
Hachinosu Island was filled with reckless pirates. Without Marco keeping watch, Fortuna Community wouldn't have enjoyed much peace.
He felt it was necessary to inform Marco about leasing the island—otherwise, it might create resentment. He always took care of his employees.
"Not just Hachinosu, I'll be leasing out other islands too. But don't worry, Sphinx Island is an exception."
"Thank you, Gurd."
Marco expressed his gratitude.
Truthfully, he didn't care what happened to Hachinosu. He stayed mainly to repay Gurd's kindness—compared to other islands, Hachinosu needed a strong presence more.
As for their father, what he missed were the memories of their time together, not the island itself. The other commanders felt the same.
Sphinx was the only exception—it was their father's homeland.
"Gurd."
Marco hesitated for a moment.
"Could I ask you for a favor?"
"Of course. We're friends."
Gurd smiled and nodded.
His interactions with the Whitebeard Pirates were utilitarian, but that didn't prevent them from becoming friends. As long as it wasn't too troublesome, he was happy to help.
Marco took out a newspaper, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes. "This man claims to be Pops' son and is hunting down the captains under the Whitebeard Pirates. I want you to stop him!"
"Let me see."
Gurd took the newspaper.
The newly appointed Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea, "Whitebeard Jr." Edward Weevil—the pirate who severed Zephyr's arm.
The World Government really keeps making terrible moves.
With this setup, Rayleigh lays the foundation, Zephyr teaches advanced techniques, and finally, Big Brother Kaido delivers an enlightening strike.
Perfect!
"No problem, leave it to me."
"Thank you."
Marco felt relieved.
With Gurd's word, Weevil wouldn't stand a chance.
Currently alone and without a pirate ship, even if he set sail, finding Weevil would be difficult. That's why he had to ask Gurd for help.
As for using the company's ships, this was a private matter for their remnants, and he didn't want to misuse company resources.
Afternoon, Skull Castle.
Groudon Company's bidding venue.
The big shots collected their number tags and entered the venue one by one. The bidding projects had already been announced—twenty islands in total.
In the adjacent reception room.
Gurd and Golden Lion sat in the sofa area.
"Did you gather the 100 billion?"
"Zehahaha, not yet."
Shiki puffed on his cigar, clearly displeased.
He had spotted Hachinosu Island as the finale in the bidding list, which soured his mood. But since he hadn't scraped together 100 billion Berries , he couldn't make a scene.
"Though I didn't get the 100 billion, I did capture some fine prizes this time!"
"Give me an estimate!"
At Golden Lion's command, his subordinates escorted a group of pirates and three Marines into the room.
Gurd glanced over and raised an eyebrow.
"Heart Pirate Crew?"
"Exactly!"
Shiki grinned.
"Their captain is the 'Surgeon of Death,' Trafalgar Law. Rumor has it his Op-Op Fruit ability can grant immortality—worth at least 50 billion Berries !!"
"You caught Trafalgar Law?"
Gurd was surprised.
If Golden Lion sold Law to him to offset 50 billion Berries , that wouldn't be a bad deal. Whether it was Law's potential or the immortality surgery, he was easily worth 50 billion.
"No, he got away."
Shiki's face darkened. "But Trafalgar Law will definitely come to rescue his crew. We just need to wait for him to show up!"
"That doesn't add up."
Gurd sneered. "What kind of captain would risk death to save his crew? You're not trying to pull a fast one, are you?"
"Zehahaha, don't underestimate that guy's loyalty."
Shiki didn't believe Law would come either, but time was tight, and he had to play all his cards.
"Those Marines are bargaining chips too. Besides, the royal family and citizens of Koa Kingdom are also in my grasp—all yours!"
"And this!"
A Devil Fruit was placed before Gurd, its back adorned with nine petal-like orange patterns.
By market standards, an ordinary Devil Fruit could fetch at least 100 million Berries , while a powerful one could go for 1 billion.
The Op-Op Fruit was valued at 50 billion, ranking among the most expensive.
Gurd picked up the Devil Fruit and examined it.
"Nine Tails?"
The petal patterns looked very much like tails, and there were exactly nine of them. Recalling the Chief Priest's divination result being "gold," could it possibly refer to the Golden Lion?
Unfortunately, the Nine Tails isn't considered particularly powerful among Mythical Zoan types, mainly because foxes themselves are relatively weak, making its value only around 1 billion Berries .
Otherwise, the Golden Lion wouldn't have been willing to part with it.
Gurd pondered for a long time before putting down the fruit.
"Not enough. What you've offered adds up to at most 3 billion Berries . However, I can lease Hachinosu Island to you, but on one condition."
"What condition?"
"Your blood!"
Gurd curled his lips into a smirk.
If the World Government had Seraphim based on the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea, then it wouldn't be unreasonable for him to create Seraphim based on the Four Emperors!
(End of Chapter)