Chapter 4 Four Hundred Million Beli? Laozi’S Stepping Stone

"Sorry, I'll pay one billion."

As soon as these words left Carlos's mouth, everyone in the room couldn't help but widen their eyes, staring blankly at him in the corner. Their minds seemed to freeze, and they all stood there with their mouths agape, unsure of how to react.

The entire venue fell into a dead silence; you could hear a pin drop.

An adult male giant slave typically costs around 50 million beli. Even a rare Devil Fruit usually goes for about 200 to 300 million beli.

Gradually, the crowd began to regain their senses and started whispering among themselves.

"Who is this guy?"

"He's insane! He actually offered a billion beli for a sword? Even the Celestial Dragons wouldn't go that far, would they?"

"Judging by his clothes, he doesn't look like a prince or a noble."

"With that kind of money, is he a pirate? But I've never seen a wanted poster for him."

…

Bista frowned, his eyes fixed on Carlos. With that level of wealth, this guy couldn't be a nobody. But Bista had been in the New World for a long time and didn't have the slightest recollection of him.

"Deal! It's a deal!" the auction host exclaimed, as if afraid Carlos might change his mind. He panted heavily and quickly hammered down the final sale.

Carlos stood up and walked to the stage, striding confidently. He took the "Hidden Thunder" from its glass case and inspected it closely.

The host, smiling obsequiously, nodded and bowed beside him.

"Sir, according to our regulations, this item doesn't officially belong to you yet. To complete the transaction, please proceed backstage to make the payment after the auction ends."

Carlos continued to gently stroke the blade, not bothering to look up. "Oh? What else do you have up for auction?"

The host's eyes lit up, and he eagerly began to explain.

"Next up is the slave auction. We've got some top-quality items this time! A powerful adult male from the giant race, perfect for a bodyguard. He'll bring you status wherever you go. We also have young and beautiful mermaids with stunning figures. Looking at you, I'd say you could take a few home to play with..."

Carlos shook his head slightly. "Slaves? Not interested."

"In that case, please follow the staff backstage to complete the transaction," the host suggested.

Carlos smirked. "Transaction? Sorry, but I don't have any money."

The entire venue fell into silence once again. Everyone cast bewildered and incredulous looks at him.

"No money?"

The host thought he must have misheard and asked for confirmation.

Carlos sneered. "You really think you can take advantage of me, don't you? I don't know who's backing this place, and I don't care. This sword is excellent; it's time to return to my roots. Listen up—my name is Garros!"

This declaration was like a bomb, instantly detonating the entire auction hall.

"Garros? Never heard of him."

"So this guy was just here to stir up trouble?"

"Daring to cause trouble here—doesn't he know who's behind this auction house?"

"If it were just an ordinary incident, they'd beat him up, and that would be the end of it. But this time, he's ruined the plans of Charlotte Daifuku and Bista. This should be interesting."

"This kid clearly doesn't know who he's dealing with. Ignorant people really are fearless."

…

The audience buzzed with noisy discussions, like a roaring wave crashing through the hall.

Daifuku snorted coldly. "Garros? I thought you might be someone important, but you're just a rookie fresh off the boat."

Since the execution of Gol D. Roger and his declaration of the One Piece to the world, the entire world had been set ablaze. Countless people turned to piracy in search of wealth, power, and dreams, setting sail in pursuit of the legendary treasure.

Some of them, the most exceptional, managed to reach the second half of the Grand Line—the New World—to challenge the power of the Sea Emperors.

But over the years, these challengers had either become subordinates of the Pirate Emperors or lost their lives, sinking to the depths of the sea.

Daifuku had seen plenty of foolish young people like Carlos, and he was already used to it.

"This Great Grade Sword isn't something a nobody like you can lay claim to," Daifuku warned. "If you don't want to die, put it down now."

Carlos shook his head. "If you want to conquer the New World, a good weapon is essential. This sword is excellent, and now it's mine."

Carlos was crafting the persona of a rising pirate star who intended to conquer the second half of the Grand Line. Soon, he would be joining the Beasts Pirates under this guise. He didn't want to start at the bottom; the bigger his reputation before joining, the better.

As for Daifuku's warning, Carlos took it in stride. If he remembered correctly, the man before him had a bounty of 300 million beli and was a Paramecia-type Transpiration Fruit user. Strong, but not overwhelming.

Daifuku's patience was wearing thin. "Kid, I'll give you one last chance. Put down the sword, cut off one of your arms, and we'll call it even. Otherwise..."

Carlos remained unfazed despite the threat. "Fight? That's what I want."

"I hear you're a leader of the BIGMOM Pirates?" Carlos asked. "That should make you a worthy first stepping stone on my path to conquering the New World."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Carlos channeled his Armament Haki into the sword. The blade's color darkened instantly, radiating a suffocating pressure even from more than ten meters away.

A sharp glint flashed in Daifuku's eyes as he placed both hands on the belt at his waist.

"Huh? Such skilled Armament Haki?" Daifuku mused. "You're certainly impressive for someone from the first half of the Grand Line. No wonder you're so confident."

"Very well, let me show this foolish young man just how vast the world really is..." Daifuku muttered.

In the New World, Armament Haki was almost a necessity for survival. While Daifuku was somewhat surprised, he wasn't intimidated. As the third son of Big Mom, his vision, experience, and strength far surpassed that of this newcomer.

The two locked eyes, the tension between them electrifying the air. The atmosphere in the auction hall grew heavy, the impending battle thickening the air.

…

Meanwhile, backstage at the auction venue, an elderly man with a muscular build and white hair sat cross-legged inside an iron cage. Although he was a slave set to be auctioned, there was no trace of fear or anxiety on his face. Instead, he held an iron wine flask, calmly sipping its contents.

Suddenly, the old man seemed to sense something and turned his head to look in a specific direction, surprise flashing in his eyes.

"This aura? Someone's actually choosing to duel here? Interesting. Who dares ruin my plans..."

Under the horrified gazes of the surrounding slaves, the old man effortlessly tore apart the iron bars in front of him. Still drinking from his flask, he casually made his way toward the exhibition hall.

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