Chapter 86 - The Magnet-Magnet Fruit Obtained, Electromagnetic Power Beyond Imagination!
Sabaody Archipelago.
The auction house had heavily publicized the news of a mermaid beauty being put up for sale.
This attracted a surge of pirates and nobles, making the area livelier than usual.
At this point in time, the slave trade in Sabaody wasn't as developed as it would become later. Catching a mermaid was still incredibly difficult, especially with tensions between Fish-Man Island and humans running high.
Later on, the underground market would flourish only because Doflamingo had unified the underworld and, thanks to his Celestial Dragon lineage, became the intermediary between Kaido and the World Government.
Once he became a Warlord of the Sea, all his dealings were "legalized."
Eventually, mermaids and other races were routinely sold at auction on Sabaody. But for now, mermaids remained a rare sight.
Inside the auction house, the manager nervously eyed the CP0 agents.
They were engaged in shady business—even if most of the time the World Government was backing them, the presence of CP0 still struck fear into him.
"From now on, the auction's security will be handled by us. Give the Celestial Dragons the best seats, and proceed with the event as usual."
"Yes, yes, we understand the rules!"
The manager plastered a flattering smile on his face, rubbing his hands like a lackey eager to serve.
He hadn't expected a Celestial Dragon to show up at this auction.
With that, security was no longer his concern.
CP0 didn't wait for his response. After exchanging glances, they turned and left, clearly regarding him as beneath notice.
"Sabaody really is a mess right now."
Renji curiously observed everything around him. The current Sabaody was already starting to resemble the one depicted in the original storyline.
All that remained was further development for it to become identical to the Sabaody seen later. But during the Rocks Era, it seemed even more chaotic than in the Great Pirate Era. Only after Marineford relocated would Sabaody's disorder surpass what it was now.
Following the intel provided by Rocks, Renji arrived at Human Auction House No. 1.
Many nobles excitedly presented their passes and entered the venue.
Blending in with the crowd, Renji entered just minutes before the auction began.
Seats were nearly filled, except for the front row which remained vacant.
Then, the crowd parted to form a path as a middle-aged man wearing a fish tank on his head entered, sitting on the back of a fierce-looking man. In his hand were three chains, each tied to a long-legged man and two tall, beautiful women.
A Celestial Dragon!
"What a ridiculous getup."
Using a fish tank as a helmet—no wonder Celestial Dragons always seemed dim-witted. Probably had something to do with soaking their heads all day.
Under his hood, Renji considered whether to make a move now. But thinking it through, he decided to wait. Since Rocks and the others hadn't yet arrived at God Valley, he'd first see what treasures this auction had to offer.
"Let them begin."
The Celestial Dragon muttered a few words to a nearby CP0 agent. The auctioneer appeared shortly after with a cheerful smile, presenting various items.
Collectibles, a fine-grade sword, and several pirate slaves were auctioned off one by one.
Then, at the owner's signal, the auctioneer brought out two special items.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we now present the highlight of today's auction: a mermaid from Fish-Man Island, and a confirmed Paramecia-type Devil Fruit—the Magnet-Magnet Fruit! These two items must be purchased as a set. Starting price: 500 million!"
Initially, the auction house had planned to sell the items separately—both were highly desirable.
But with a Celestial Dragon present, they decided on a bundle sale, hoping it would drive the price even higher.
Upon hearing this, all the pirates who hadn't eaten a Devil Fruit instinctively turned their eyes toward the Magnet-Magnet Fruit.
A Paramecia-type Devil Fruit—and not a weak one either. Magnetic powers!
The nobles, however, focused entirely on the mermaid.
She was stunning.
None of them had ever seen a woman this beautiful. Even the Celestial Dragon attending today, who had seen mermaids before and had one in his own collection, was stunned. Compared to this one, his own mermaid—and those kept by other families—were utterly inferior. This was without doubt the most beautiful mermaid in the world!
He had to have her. She would become his forty-eighth wife!
Many pirates sighed internally. The price was too steep. If it were just the fruit, they might've had a shot. But with the bundle starting at 500 million, many didn't even have that kind of bounty on their heads.
Many nobles felt the same. Some had enough money, but none dared to bid against a Celestial Dragon.
"Five hundred million. I'll take them both!"
The Celestial Dragon's eyes gleamed with malice. He could hardly wait to take the mermaid home.
Once he spoke, the room fell silent.
No one wanted to tempt fate.
"Excellent. Bring me that mermaid, and the fruit too. I'll feed it to one of my slaves when I get back. I won't lose next time!"
The Celestial Dragon had already made his plan. The mermaid would become his wife, and the fruit would go to a slave. He was still bitter about losing to Saint Rosward last time. He had killed the failed slave, but his frustration lingered.
Now, with the Magnet-Magnet Fruit in hand, he'd give it to a new slave and challenge Rosward again!
At the Celestial Dragon's command, the CP0 agents began to move. As they approached, the mermaid in the fish tank shed silent tears.
'Someone, please save me…'
She didn't want to be taken.
She'd been living peacefully on Fish-Man Island, but her curiosity got the better of her. She wandered too far and was caught by a pirate, then sold off to the auction.
She now bitterly regretted ever leaving Fish-Man Island for fun.
"Six hundred million."
Renji calmly raised his paddle. He hadn't planned to participate—his goal here was to capture a Celestial Dragon.
But this? A Magnet-Magnet Fruit?
He had no choice but to act!
He'd been wondering how to make the most of Blackbeard's body. He was still two fruits short. Now, a perfect Paramecia had just appeared!
The Rumble-Rumble Fruit paired with the Magnet-Magnet Fruit—two abilities with natural synergy—were far better than gimmicky combos like the Op-Op Fruit with others.
Back when he didn't have Blackbeard's physique, Renji chased pure power. But now, he wanted fruits that could work in tandem. Rumble and Magnet were an ideal match. Ideally, his future Zoan-type would also complement the pair.
Hearing Renji's bid, the auctioneer froze. Everyone—Celestial Dragon included—turned to look at him, stunned that someone would dare challenge the Celestial Dragon's offer.
Inside the tank, the mermaid's eyes lit up with surprise and faint hope. She didn't know who the man was, but surely anyone would be better than a Celestial Dragon.
Even back on Fish-Man Island, they knew of the Celestial Dragons' cruelty.
Most mermaids who were captured were sold to them. Their name alone inspired primal fear.
"Seven hundred million."
The Celestial Dragon was angry at first—but then intrigued.
Someone actually dared challenge him financially?
"Eight hundred million."
"Nine hundred million!"
"..."
The bidding continued to escalate, rising by one hundred million Berries at a time.
By the time it reached 2.5 billion, everyone present was stunned. They knew the Celestial Dragons were rich—but who was this man in the black cloak?
Right now, 2.5 billion Berries was worth far more than it would be in the future Great Pirate Era.
"Lord Jaygarcia Yago, should we intervene?"
One of the CP0 agents leaned over to whisper to the Celestial Dragon, sensing this cloaked man might be looking for trouble.
"No need."
Yago suddenly thought of a very amusing game. A cruel smile curled on his lips as he ceased bidding.
He wanted to see what this cloaked figure was really planning. If the man had 2.5 billion, then that 2.5 billion would become his. Everything would be his. He would make this black-robed fool his slave.
And if he didn't have the money? Even better—he'd capture him right here.
Hearing Yago's decision, the CP0 agents said nothing more. The auctioneer slammed his gavel three times—sold. The Magnet-Magnet Fruit and the mermaid officially belonged to Renji.
"Please pay 2.5 billion Berries immediately, then take your items."
After all, 2.5 billion was no small sum. This wasn't a shady backroom deal. The auctioneer reminded Renji cautiously as he walked slowly onto the stage.
If the man couldn't pay, the auction would be a bust—and after such grand publicity, their losses would be enormous.
Renji ignored the warning, reached out toward the Magnet-Magnet Fruit, and said casually, "I don't want to pay, but I do want the goods. Can you help me find a solution?"
Money?
He was a pirate.
"No money? Seize him!!"
A dark look flashed in the auctioneer's eyes. Someone actually dared cause trouble here? Did they think an auction house was an easy target? No one dared operate here without real strength.
"Grab him! I'll make him my slave—along with that mermaid and the Devil Fruit!"
Yago roared in rage. He couldn't allow that bastard Renji to eat the fruit!
At his command, CP0 and the auction staff surrounded Renji. The force of their movement blew back his hood, revealing the face hidden beneath.
"Get lost."
Conqueror's Haki!?
The CP0 agents felt a chill in their souls. That terrifying Conqueror's Haki wasn't something a rookie could possess.
Who was he?
The Haki had been deliberately targeted at them—and that gaze… even CP0 veterans who had survived hellish training felt fear.
Before they could recover, Renji lashed out with a single kick, sending everyone flying.
Boom!
One CP0 agent crashed into the fish tank, shattering it completely, and was blasted out of the auction hall.
"That's how I do things. Oh, by the way, would you do me a favor?"
Renji looked at the auctioneer with a grin. The man stood there with his mouth agape, clearly in shock, then numbly nodded.
"Good. You're a good kid." Renji pointed to the Den Den Mushi nearby and said, "Now call Marine Headquarters. Tell them a Celestial Dragon has been taken hostage. Tell them to send someone—fast."
In that instant, the Celestial Dragon realized something.
Damn it—it's me he's after!
He pulled out a pistol, about to shoot Renji.
But in the next second, Renji's hand locked around his throat.
"Don't move. Or I might not be able to resist killing you."
Was this guy… a devil?!
Everyone present stared in shock. He actually dared to attack a Celestial Dragon? And he was smiling as he said that?!
"Release Lord Yago!!"
CP0 surrounded Renji, but they dared not move recklessly.
"Aida D. Renji, Fourth Division Commander of the Rocks Pirates—do you know what it means to lay hands on a Celestial Dragon?! Are you people trying to wage war against the World Government?!"
One of the CP0 agents had clearly recognized him.
Hearing that, the surrounding pirates were stunned.
He was the fourth commander of the Rocks Pirates?
That explained everything!
"I'll count to three. If you don't get in touch with Marine Headquarters, I really will kill him."
As he spoke, Renji's grip tightened. Yago's face turned red, though he still had enough breath to scream.
"You useless trash! Call Marine Headquarters! Send an Admiral right now!!"
If this went on, he really would die in this lunatic's hands.
Just wait!
He'd make this bastard suffer a hundred times over!
No—he'd make him his slave and torment him endlessly!
"Moshi moshi, this is Kong speaking."
"Fleet Admiral Kong! Immediately dispatch an Admiral and activate a Buster Call! Aida D. Renji of the Rocks Pirates has taken Lord Yago hostage on Sabaody!"
The CP0 agent issued the command without hesitation.
On the other end, Kong felt his head spin.
The Rocks Pirates had vanished for so long, only to reappear here—to capture a Celestial Dragon?
These lunatics—what the hell were they doing?!
"The entire Rocks crew is there?"
"No, just Renji."
The CP0 glanced at Renji and replied coolly.
"Fleet Admiral Kong, pleased to meet you. Though this isn't the best time or place. But if you don't send someone soon, I might just become the first pirate in history to kill a Celestial Dragon."
Renji's voice came through the Den Den Mushi, and hearing his threat, Kong gritted his teeth. Veins bulged on his forehead as he roared:
"Renji! What the hell are the Rocks Pirates trying to do?!"
He couldn't understand—why would a pirate deliberately provoke a Celestial Dragon?!
Had the Rocks Pirates lost their minds?
But there was no time to think—he immediately ordered an Admiral to move out for Sabaody.
(End of Chapter)
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