Chapter 169: Don’t Forget Your Original Intention

"What? After waiting for days, the third issue is about a treasure map? What happened to the dual Devil Fruits?"

Blackbeard held the newspaper in his hand, his face darkening like a pot.

The situation was completely different from what he had expected.

Just when he thought the mystery of dual Devil Fruits was about to be revealed, the Tieba Tabloid had gone on hiatus for several days.

Just as he was about to give up hope, the third issue finally arrived, but it was about a treasure map?

Did this mean that the moment that would determine his fate was still hanging in the air?

If it weren't for the fact that his crewmates were watching, Blackbeard might have spat out blood in frustration.

The boulder hanging over his heart still hadn't landed...

At this moment, a pirate beside him leaned over, curious to see what was in Blackbeard's hands.

The main body of the article was actually introducing and emphasizing the vast wealth of Another Piece and how it was connected to the Celestial Dragons' national treasure.

At the same time, it mentioned the origins of the treasure map, including a convoluted and captivating love triangle story.

Just as Blackbeard and the others were getting serious, the article took a sharp turn.

"So, where can you get this treasure map?"

"The Another Piece treasure map will be auctioned off three days from now at Auction House No. 1 on Loguetown in the first half of the Grand Line. The highest bidder wins..."

This...

Blackbeard was completely dumbfounded.

After all this, it turned out to be an advertisement? An advertisement for an auction?

And why an auction?

Such an important treasure map, and it's being auctioned off?

"What is he planning?"

"This is too strange."

"Just three days? Doesn't that mean only people from the islands near Loguetown can participate?"

In this world, there were quite a few pirates who left behind treasure maps or treasures.

But all of those pirates were already dead.

Pirates weren't philanthropists. Why would they leave behind their life's savings for others through a treasure map?

But now, a living pirate had left behind a great treasure, publicly announced its existence, and was planning to auction off his treasure map?

No matter how you looked at it, it was bizarre.

This issue of the Tieba Tabloid also sparked a wave of discussion.

"This guy is definitely someone who thrives on chaos. You can't reason with him."

"His actions are too contradictory."

"The only thing we can be sure of is that Sig isn't doing this for money. He must have some other scheme."

In the previous days' news, it had been revealed that Sig was the true master of the Pleasure District, a major underworld force. He was unlikely to be short on money.

Even if he were, why wouldn't he just go and retrieve his treasure himself? Why auction off the treasure map?

The motives behind this were still shrouded in mystery.

However, the discussion around this issue didn't reach the same level of hype as the "Top Ten Devil Fruits" ranking.

After all, the auction was only three days away, meaning only those near Loguetown in the first half of the Grand Line could possibly attend.

......

Somewhere in the Grand Line.

A ship flying the World Government's flag sailed through the waves.

This ship was traveling along the "Golden Route" opened by the Marines, heading toward its starting point, Loguetown.

But at this moment, a commotion erupted inside the cabin.

Crash!

In a crisp shattering sound, Celestial Dragon Charlos pushed an antique vase off the table, sending it crashing to the floor in pieces.

His bloated, swollen face twisted further with anger.

"Sig is auctioning off our family's treasure on Loguetown? And he even made a treasure map?"

"That damn thief not only stole our family's treasure but dares to publicly auction it off?"

"We must recover that treasure map! Tell those useless Marines to send a fleet to Loguetown immediately!"

Charlos roared, his breathing growing slightly labored.

"But Charlos-sama, Loguetown is nominally under the jurisdiction of the current Warlord, Donquixote Doflamingo... The Marines can't act without permission."

"And the island's actual controlling forces are deeply intertwined and even more terrifying..."

At the mention of Doflamingo's name, Charlos' face twitched.

In this world, the only people who could intimidate Celestial Dragons were the powerful pirates of the New World who dared to attack them, and a select few like Doflamingo.

Doflamingo was special. His becoming a Warlord was entirely due to his ability to blackmail the Celestial Dragons.

The Celestial Dragons feared provoking Doflamingo even more than he feared them.

"The Donquixote family is full of lunatics... Fine, I won't argue with him."

"Speed up. I'll go to Loguetown myself. Surely I can follow their rules, right?"

Charlos' voice was filled with suppressed rage.

He was going to bid in an auction for his own family's stolen treasure?

Just the thought of it made his blood boil.

For the proud Celestial Dragons, this was undoubtedly a massive humiliation.

He had originally planned to visit Loguetown to buy something and relieve some stress, but now his blood pressure had skyrocketed.

Even before reaching Loguetown, his emotions were on the verge of exploding.

"But, Charlos-sama... Sig..."

A government official stammered, about to say something more.

But before he could finish, Charlos pulled out a gun and fired at the official.

With a gunshot, the official, mid-sentence, collapsed in a pool of blood.

"No buts!"

Charlos roared, breathing heavily, his eyes bloodshot.

Seeing Charlos in this agitated state, the other subordinates exchanged uneasy glances, burying the thought in their hearts.

No one dared to speak up and finish what the official had been about to say.

......

Loguetown.

After discussing matters with the island's various factions, Sig looked thoroughly satisfied.

"My plan is perfect!"

"First, I halted publication to lower the newspaper's hype."

"Then, I set the auction announcement for just three days from now, ensuring it wouldn't spiral out of control like Doflamingo's plans."

"This time, I'm sure I can sell the treasure map for a high price and achieve my small goal of 100 million berries, right?"

Sig had never forgotten his original purpose.