The moment Mondi's words left his mouth, the hall erupted. Guests from both the first and second floors jolted with excitement. Even the haughty Celestial Dragon seated above betrayed a flicker of interest in his eyes.
"Heh, finally! The rumors were true. This auction house actually has a Devil Fruit on sale!"
"A Devil Fruit, huh? That's worth fighting for."
The lazy slouch vanished from many pirates' faces, replaced with sharp focus.
"I must have it! The only question is what type of Devil Fruit is it?"
Everyone in the Grand Line knew there were three categories: Zoan, Paramecia, and Logia.
Zoans were generally considered the weakest. Even so, their price in any market was staggering, often surpassing two hundred million Beli. For many, that figure was like a sheer cliff they could never climb.
If the weakest class cost that much, what did that say about their rarity?
Paramecia and especially Logia Fruits were on another level entirely. A Logia Fruit's ability to transform into living "elements" gave its user near invincibility. Such fruits almost never appeared even in the deepest black markets.
"Devil Fruits hardly need an introduction," Mondi announced. "They are treasures of the sea. Though eating one makes you a landbound duck, it also grants powers beyond imagination. Even the sea's curse has never stopped mankind's hunger for them. Think of Whitebeard of the New World wielder of the Paramecia Quake-Quake Fruit!"
As he spoke, a graceful young woman wheeled a crystal case onto the stage.
The crowd surged to their feet, eyes locked on the prize.
Inside, cushioned on velvet, lay a Devil Fruit the size of a large pineapple. Its skin shimmered deep violet, swirling with intricate spiral patterns that seemed to writhe on their own.
"Gods above… it's real. A Devil Fruit!"
"That's mine! Whoever tries to take it, I'll kill them where they stand!"
"Who the hell do you think you are? This Fruit is mine. Touch it and die!"
"I wonder what type it is. If it's just a Zoan, anyone who buys it at this price is a fool."
"Idiot. Even a Zoan is priceless."
"But if it's Logia… that's hitting the jackpot."
"Ha! This is the moment that separates heroes from cowards. I won't miss my chance."
The atmosphere became suffocating, like a powder keg waiting for a spark. Pirates and nobles alike stared with naked greed.
The nobles had money, but they also wanted protection. What better way to survive in this violent world than to eat a Devil Fruit and wield superhuman power?
Mondi squinted, entirely unsurprised by the frenzy. "Gentlemen, remember no one has ever dared make trouble in this house. Play by the rules, or suffer the consequences."
He spread his arms wide. "This Fruit starts at one hundred million Beli, with raises no less than ten million each. The auction begins now!"
"One hundred twenty million!"
Before Mondi's words had even faded, a pirate bellowed his bid and swept the room with a glare, daring anyone to challenge him.
Some smaller crews wilted under his reputation, not daring to speak.
But the strong ignored him completely.
"One hundred forty million."
"You" The first bidder's face froze into an ugly scowl, but his teeth ground helplessly.
"Hmph, a clown barking in the dark. Didn't your father ever teach you to keep your head down?"
"One hundred sixty million."
The words cut through the tension. Heads turned to see a burly man with a square face, thick beard, and corded muscles, every inch of him screaming "seasoned warrior."
"Captain Bukodi of the Battle Axe Pirates?"
"The one with a two hundred million bounty?"
"Damn… Bukodi himself. Best keep quiet, or we'll get crushed."
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
Up in his private box, Rakuya narrowed his eyes and spoke silently. "System, what type is this Fruit?"
He wasn't about to spend billions on a Zoan.
[System: Identified. Logia-Type.]
"Logia?!" Rakuya's pulse skipped. He hadn't expected this.
"Then I'm buying it."
His voice rang out sharp and unyielding.
"Two hundred million!"
The crowd erupted once again.