CH 43: AXIS

The newly acquired pirate ship sliced through the waves as Yuji and his crew approached Axis Island. The island itself wasn't particularly large, but it was a hotbed of activity, especially now, with the upcoming auction run by the Donquixote Family.

Yuji stood at the ship's bow, his sharp golden eyes scanning the land ahead. A strange feeling washed over him. His instincts screamed at him there was someone strong here.

He furrowed his brows. "This island isn't ordinary," he muttered.

Hancock, standing beside him, flicked her hair back. "I don't sense anything."

"Your Haki is sharp, but mine is sharper," Yuji said confidently.

Hancock scoffed, but her cheeks were slightly pink.

Bepo approached them, his ears twitching. "Uh, Captain, are you saying there's someone dangerous here?"

Yuji nodded. "Yeah. Not just strong—dangerous."

Law, leaning casually against the railing, raised an eyebrow. "If it's someone affiliated with the Donquixote Family, then this just got interesting." His usual smirk was in place, but Yuji could see the tension in his posture.

Yuji turned to the crew. "Be careful. If this island has strong people, we don't want unnecessary trouble—"

Hancock's voice cut him off. "Hmph. Even if we do get into trouble, it won't be unnecessary."

Yuji smirked. "That's the spirit"

As they stepped onto the bustling docks, the scent of saltwater mixed with the aroma of grilled street food. People were everywhere pirates, bounty hunters, merchants, and marines pretending to be civilians.

Bepo, being a large talking polar bear, immediately attracted attention.

"Oi, is that a bear?" a random pirate muttered.

"He's wearing clothes… wait, is it a Mink?"

Bepo's ears drooped. "I-I'm not just a bear… I'm Bepo…"

"Wait! Did it just talk!?"

Bepo's shoulders slumped further. "I always talk…"

Law sighed. "Ignore them, Bepo."

Yuji chuckled. "Cheer up, buddy. Let's get moving."

As they walked through the crowded streets, posters and banners advertised the auction.

**RARE DEVIL FRUITS! LEGENDARY WEAPONS! HIGH-VALUE SLAVES!**

Yuji's gaze darkened. He had no interest in the auction itself, but there was something unsettling about how casually people were treating human lives as commodities.

They continued walking until Yuji suddenly stopped. His Observation Haki flared up again.

"…There," he muttered.

Everyone followed his gaze. A man in a long coat stood near a weapons stall, inspecting a finely crafted blade.

Law's entire demeanor changed the second his eyes landed on the man. His usual calmness shattered, replaced by raw, unfiltered rage.

His fingers twitched toward his sword. His breathing grew heavier.

Yuji was genuinely surprised. He had never seen Law lose control of his emotions before.

Before Law could move, Yuji placed a hand on his shoulder. His grip was firm but not forceful. "Chill," he said, his voice low and steady.

Law froze. The simple word hit him like a wave of cold water.

He clenched his fists, inhaled sharply, and exhaled slowly.

"…Tch," Law gritted his teeth, his composure slowly returning.

Yuji watched him carefully. "I don't know who that guy is, but I can tell he's personal."

'Sike I clearly knew who the fuck is that guy'

Law didn't respond right away. He just stood there, staring at the man like he was staring at a ghost.

Yuji didn't press him. Instead, he thought to himself, "This is the first time I've seen Law lose control like this"

After a tense few moments, they continued onward. Law didn't look back, but Yuji could tell he was still shaken.

As they reached the massive auction house, they were greeted by guards at the entrance.

"Only those with an invitation or enough money can enter," the guard sneered.

Hancock stepped forward, her aura alone making the guard tremble. "Do you know who I am?" she said, looking down at him like he was dirt beneath her heel.

"I-I… Lady Hancock!?" The guard gulped.

Hancock crossed her arms. "That's right. Now move."

The guard scrambled to open the doors. "P-Please! Right this way!"

Yuji smirked. "Well, that was easy."

Bepo tilted his head. "Why does everyone get scared of Hancock so fast?"

Law answered dryly, "Because she's terrifying."

"I HEARD THAT!" Hancock snapped.

Yuji laughed as they entered the grand auction hall.

The inside was extravagant. A massive stage sat in the center, with rows upon rows of seats filled with pirates, nobles, and shady underworld figures. A large golden chandelier hung from the ceiling, illuminating the room in a sickly rich glow.

Yuji glanced around, his eyes narrowing. **That strong presence is here.**

Law had already clenched his fists.

Hancock, despite her usual confidence, frowned slightly. "This place feels… disgusting."

Yuji smirked. "Yeah. But let's enjoy the show."

As the announcer took the stage, the lights dimmed.

The auction was about to begin.

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