CHAPTER 129

As Caesar entered the auction venue, the atmosphere changed instantly. The previously noisy hall fell silent as if an invisible force had pressed down on everyone's throats. People instinctively stopped talking, and those in his path stepped aside without hesitation, as if yielding to a ruler surveying his domain.

The arrival of the Caesar Pirates drew immediate attention. Whispers circulated among the attendees, their eyes filled with curiosity, caution, and speculation.

Some dismissed Caesar's presence, thinking he looked ordinary and unremarkable, while others were awed by his powerful aura, youth, and striking features. Yet, it was a pity—despite his charisma, he was still a pirate.

Caesar walked forward, his expression cold and indifferent. No one dared to break the silence, except for the rhythmic footsteps of him and his crew echoing through the hall. His sheer presence sent shivers down the spines of those around him.

Finally, Caesar reached the front row of the auction hall, the most prestigious seating area, closest to the auction platform—an area reserved exclusively for the Celestial Dragons. But today, none of them were present. Without hesitation, Caesar sat down in their designated seats, his crew following suit.

And even if the Celestial Dragons were to arrive, it wouldn't change a thing.

Once the Caesar Pirates settled in, the tension in the room gradually eased, and others resumed entering the auction hall. However, the once-boisterous venue remained eerily subdued. People whispered among themselves, keeping their voices barely above a murmur. No one dared to be loud in Caesar's presence.

Then, as the clock struck three, the auction officially began.

The event's main attraction, as expected, was the slave trade. Among the most sought-after were pirates with high bounties and beautiful women. Though other items were also available, slaves were the primary commodities. To heat up the atmosphere, the auctioneer started with several stunning female slaves, putting them on display.

Three members of the **Caesar Pirates—Lily, Wei Na, and Regina—**were visibly enraged upon seeing women being auctioned like objects. Without hesitation, they began bidding on every woman who appeared on stage.

Their bids went unchallenged.

No one dared to compete against them—after all, they were members of the Caesar Pirates, one of the most fearsome crews on the seas. Their presence alone carried an oppressive weight, making others reluctant to oppose them.

As a result, they acquired multiple women at the starting price, a situation that frustrated the auction organizers but left them powerless to intervene. They could only grit their teeth and endure it. After all, this was the Caesar Pirates. Even the hidden figures backing the auction could do nothing but accept their losses in silence.

And this was the best-case scenario—if Caesar had chosen to simply take what he wanted, they would have been utterly helpless.

After several more transactions, the first Devil Fruit of the auction was unveiled.

It was a Zoan-type Devil Fruit, the Nezumi Nezumi no Mi (Rat-Rat Fruit), Model: Hamster.

The fruit's value was mediocre at best, and no one from the Caesar Pirates showed any interest in bidding for it. However, others in the audience—particularly collectors—found it appealing. The Celestial Dragons were notorious for their obsession with Devil Fruits, often purchasing them regardless of their usefulness.

Surprisingly, the hamster Zoan was auctioned off for an astounding 300 million Berries, shocking even the Caesar Pirates.

But what followed was even more intriguing.

Another Devil Fruit was presented—but this time, the auctioneer had no knowledge of its abilities. This made the bidding far riskier, as purchasing an unidentified Devil Fruit was akin to gambling.

The stakes were high.

If it turned out to be a top-tier fruit, such as the Gura Gura no Mi (Tremor-Tremor Fruit), the buyer would have struck gold.

But if it was something utterly useless—like a snot fruit or a stench fruit—it would be a devastating loss.

More than just money was on the line.

Who would dare to consume a Devil Fruit without knowing its power? Even if they didn't eat it themselves, they would hesitate to give it away, fearing they might unknowingly part with a legendary ability.

Despite the risks, there was no shortage of bidders. Some wealthy individuals simply enjoyed forcing their subordinates to consume unknown Devil Fruits for amusement—similar to what happened to Boa Hancock, who was force-fed a Devil Fruit by the Celestial Dragons.

Caesar, intrigued by the unknown fruit, decided to participate in the bidding.

At first, the other guests remained cautious, wary of competing against him. But as they observed the Caesar Pirates behaving in a seemingly civil manner, their confidence grew.

"They don't seem as ruthless as the rumors say."

"Yeah, they're just bidding normally… Maybe they aren't the type to kill over trivial matters?"

"Should we… try participating in the auction?"

"Are you crazy? What if they suddenly turn violent?"

"I don't think they will. They seem reasonable."

Encouraged by this notion, more participants joined the bidding. The price skyrocketed, and the auction house regained its competitive energy.

Yet, despite the soaring bids, Caesar ultimately secured the Devil Fruit for nearly 600 million Berries.

As the auction continued, anticipation built toward its grand finale.

A large object covered by a thick cloth was wheeled onto the stage.

The moment it appeared, Hades, one of Caesar's men, froze. His face darkened, his expression twisted with rage. A suffocating pressure radiated from his body, making those nearby tremble.

Even though the object was hidden, everyone in the Caesar Pirates could sense it—the unmistakable cries of fear, panic, and despair emanating from beneath the cloth.

Hades knew exactly what it was.

[137] Beneath that covering lay a mermaid, captured and brought here to be sold.

His hands clenched into fists, barely holding back his fury. Were it not for Caesar standing beside him, he might have slaughtered everyone on the spot.

Hades was well aware of Caesar's strict code—he despised those who broke the rules. Though he had chosen the path of a pirate, it was a matter of allegiance, not lawlessness.

Then, with a dramatic flourish, the curtain was pulled away, revealing a massive fish tank.

Inside, a mermaid was put on display for all to see.

She had long crimson hair, and her delicate features radiated pure terror. Panic and despair filled her eyes as she curled up inside the tank, helpless against her fate.

Her beauty surpassed that of any woman previously auctioned.

The crowd erupted in excitement, their eyes gleaming with lust and greed.

Cries of delight and frenzied bidding filled the hall.

For the first time, even Caesar found himself taken aback.

Though he had encountered mermaids before, like Kokoro, she had been in her human-legged form at the time.

This was different.

Here, in the tank, was a true mermaid—with her shimmering fishtail on full display.

And at that moment, Caesar's expression darkened.

This auction… was far from over.

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