The Axe Pirates' captain had taken the brat for a liar, so he mocked him without restraint.
"You."
Bruz, boiling with anger, dragged two heavy chests into the open and threw the lids wide. A flood of gold lit the room.
"Filthy pirates, open your dog eyes and look. These treasures were gathered from nations across the seas. They are offerings for the Celestial Dragons. The treasure is here. Do you still doubt I am a Celestial Dragon's steward."
Chin high, Bruz swept the room with a bullying glare, as if no one present was worth a second thought.
"This…"
The Axe Pirates' captain stared dumbly at the glittering hoard. His eyes shone like coins. He had never seen so much wealth in his life.
"So much. Is he really a steward of a Celestial Dragon."
"Who knows, but that much has to be worth over a billion Beli."
The bar fell silent, eyes burning with greed. Even the red haired woman at Bruz's side stood stunned.
Rakuya studied the treasure and a thought flickered through his mind.
"Look. The Hoof of the Soaring Dragon is stamped on those chests."
"What."
"It is true. Why would those boxes carry the Celestial Dragons' brand."
Everyone knew what that mark meant.
"Hmph. To keep blind pirates like you from robbing them, the honored Lords had the symbol burned into the chests. Now, do you still doubt I am their steward."
Bruz felt deliciously vindicated.
Especially when he saw the Axe Pirates' captain's expression twist and falter. That made him feel even better.
"Kneel."
Bruz barked the word. The captain's whole body trembled, his eyes burning with smothered fury.
"You heard him. Lord Bruz told you to kneel. If you do not, none of you will walk out of Sabaody alive."
"Kneel."
Bruz's lackeys took up the howl.
"I will kneel."
The captain roared, then bowed his head and dropped to his knees.
Thud.
Bruz lashed out with a kick, his heel smashing across the captain's face.
The blow slammed the man flat. His cheek pressed against the cold floor. Bruz planted a contemptuous boot on the back of his head and stood tall, swaggering.
"Still pretending before me. Did you not just claim to be a Celestial Dragon. Then why are you afraid of their steward."
He punctuated every word with a punch or a kick.
Around them, the Axe Pirates seethed. Their captain being beaten was the greatest humiliation their crew could suffer. Rage burned in their eyes, yet none dared take a step.
"Captain."
"Captain."
On the floor, the captain's face went from ashen to purple. Fingers dug into the boards. His body shook.
Shame. Fury.
A fire he could not put into words pounded in his chest.
"Trash."
Bruz spat the word with relish.
"You pirates are all trash. To rampage on Sabaody, do you really think you rule this world. Gol D. Roger, what a joke. Whitebeard, what a joke. Before the Celestial Dragons, they are not even worth a fart."
Teeth ground all around. If not for the nobles behind him, the so called steward would have been torn apart on the spot.
In his corner, Rakuya frowned. The man was not just arrogant, he was terminally arrogant.
"Heh. When Lord Saint rewards me with a Devil Fruit, the first thing I will do is punch Whitebeard and kick the Golden Lion. I will make them know my strength. I will make them understand the Celestial Dragons' dignity cannot be defied."
Punch Whitebeard. Kick the Golden Lion.
Pfft.
Rakuya could not help himself. He laughed.
The bar had been tense and quiet. The sudden laugh drew every eye like a spark in a powder room.
"Who laughed."
Bruz's face darkened.
"I did," Rakuya said, still smiling. "My mistake, I could not hold it in. Do not worry. I will pretend you just farted."
Silence fell. Then, as one, the room turned toward the calm youth with the easy smile.