“Now, presenting Lot No. 1!!!!”
“The Great Pirate with a bounty of 35 million, Groll!”
Amidst the host's loud shouts, a massive cage was pushed onto the stage, holding a burly man three meters tall.
【Groll】
【Overall Rating: D-】
“Groll hails from West Blue, stands 321cm tall, is 31 years old, and has previously killed a Marine Lieutenant Commander in West Blue, annihilated three villages, and killed countless Marine soldiers…”
As the host introduced him, the bidders in the arena gasped in surprise.
Although these were all instances of Groll killing innocents and Marine soldiers, each one was a testament to Groll's 'achievements,' increasing his value.
Bang!
Zephyr's fist landed heavily on the adjacent chair. Fortunately, even in his anger, he controlled his strength, otherwise, that punch would not have just pierced the chair but shattered the entire auction house.
“He deserves it!”
Just listening to Groll's past, Zephyr felt that being auctioned off as a slave was a merciful fate for such a scoundrel.
In his heart, Zephyr still held deep affection for the Marine; otherwise, he would not have retired to a secondary role and served as an instructor.
Perhaps among the Marine killed by Groll, there were students he had taught.
“100 million Berries once… 100 million Berries thrice… Sold!!!”
Groll, with a bounty of 35 million, was ultimately sold for 100 million Berries, three times his actual bounty.
“Catching him for a bounty of only 35 million, no wonder bounty hunters who capture pirates alive hand them over to these slave traders,” Zephyr remarked.
This was his first time in such a place; usually, he only heard rumors and would not come here to witness the dark side.
If Ross Saint hadn't arranged to meet him here today, he probably would never have come in his lifetime.
“It's also because the Marine set the bounty standard that these scumbags become valuable.”
Ross leaned lazily against the back of his chair, glancing at the plump noblewoman who had bought Groll, and silently pitied Groll for a second in his heart.
Given Groll's relatively strong vitality, that rich woman should be able to play with him for a long time.
As for whether Groll would resist… he certainly would, but those who can afford this level of slave are not fools; they simply won't give the slave a chance to resist.
“These scumbags should be eliminated by any means necessary,” Zephyr said flatly.
Recently, due to a single statement from Roger, the seas have been turbulent, and pirates have increased by hundreds or thousands of times.
These pirates became the last straw that broke the camel's back, making the lives of already struggling civilians even more miserable, leaving desolation in their wake.
“I remember Admiral Zephyr was once called ‘Admiral Who Doesn't Kill’?”
“Doesn't kill, huh… Since that incident 10 years ago, no one has mentioned that title anymore,” Zephyr sighed softly.
He admired heroes in his youth, joined the Marine in his early years, rose step by step, and became an Admiral at 38.
During this time, he never killed a single pirate, only imprisoning and sending them to Impel Down.
But even he, at 42, which was 10 years ago, had his wife and child brutally murdered by pirates while they were out playing. How could he not hate pirates?
Now, he wished he could kill all pirates.
After that incident, he offered his resignation, but ultimately, at Kong's insistence, he retained his Admiral position, retiring to a secondary role to train future Marine forces.
Over the years, pirates have not decreased due to his efforts; instead, thanks to that scoundrel Roger, there are even more pirates, and many of the Marine he trained also died in battles with pirates.
Sometimes, Zephyr felt lost.
How exactly could all pirates be eliminated?
This was also why he did not refuse the World Government's summons and was willing to meet Ross today.
“What is Admiral Zephyr's greatest wish now?”
Ross asked casually, his gaze sweeping over today's fifth lot.
The first five lots were all pirates. No, it should be said that today, except for the final lot, all other lots were pirates.
The auction house was holding the auction to make money and certainly dared not defy the Celestial Dragons' decisions.
He knew there were definitely other slaves here, but he didn't want to see them today, nor did Zephyr, so those wouldn't appear today.
“My greatest wish?”
Zephyr glanced at Ross. He was 52 this year; how could he not see Ross's intention?
To be honest, he had a rather good impression of Ross.
Unlike other Celestial Dragons, Ross didn't immediately put on airs of his status. Even if Ross were to use his Celestial Dragon identity to order him, as long as it didn't violate his sense of justice, he would still do it.
But in that situation, he wouldn't have any good feelings for Ross.
Moreover, if Ross were to truly do something out of line, he might actually step in and humanely eliminate him.
After all, no matter how high one's status, without power, one is still just an ant that can be crushed at will.
At worst, he would just stay in the New World afterward, finding a non-affiliated country to live in seclusion.
But Ross's humble approach still made Zephyr feel very comfortable.
Ross was willing to respect him, and he was willing to respect Ross.
So, in his heart, he was no longer so resistant to the idea of becoming Ross's personal bodyguard.
“My wish is simple: for all pirates to disappear.”
Zephyr clenched his fists tightly, his gaze fixed on the pirate slave being auctioned on stage. He recognized this person.
Rickard, bounty 50 million, owner of the Mantis Devil Fruit.
【Rickard】
【Overall Rating: D+】
His bounty wasn't high, but a female student he had once taught had died by his hand.
That female student's talent wasn't particularly high; she couldn't withstand the high pressure of the Marine training camp and ultimately regretfully withdrew from the camp, being assigned to a Four Seas branch.
It was while en route to her assignment in the Four Seas that the female student was murdered.
Zephyr always remembered this incident, and he also regretted it. If he had been less demanding of that female student, perhaps these things could have been avoided.
“200 million!!!”
The price for a Devil Fruit user was even higher, and this was Saint Rosward's first bid.
After Saint Rosward's bid, the entire venue fell silent.
No one dared to bid against a Celestial Dragon; they feared they might also become slaves in this auction.
“300 million!”
Ross said lightly. This was originally the slave he had prepared for Zephyr; how could he let Rosward snatch him away?
“Someone is bidding against a Celestial Dragon?”
“What an idiot, that person is finished!”
“It's over, don't drag us down with your stupidity.”
“……”
Upon seeing Ross's bid, and noting that he didn't have the special attire of a Celestial Dragon, many people present were so scared that they stood up and quietly retreated towards the exit.
They didn't want to be caught in the crossfire.
“Hahahahahahaha!!!!”
As expected by the others present, Rosward would certainly not tolerate such behavior.
Under the gaze of those who dared not look directly, Rosward stood up, turned around, and shouted at Ross:
“Ross Saint, I knew you wouldn't miss such a good toy, but today I won't let you succeed!”
“500 million Berries!!!”
Rosward grandly spread his palm, as if money meant nothing to him.
But at this moment, the rest of the people present had no mind to pay attention to this frighteningly high bid; instead, they looked at Ross with incredulous eyes.
That person, was also a noble Celestial Dragon!?