Chapter 210

**Chapter 210: The Arrival of the Celestial Dragons**

Disco's **intentions were clear**—

He planned to **use Sugar** to control Monet.

In truth, the **pirates** who had originally captured them hadn't even possessed **Haki**.

They had relied on **seizing Sugar** to **force Monet's surrender**.

Ironically, those same **pirates** soon met a **gruesome end**, slaughtered by another crew.

Their **fleeting fortune** was stolen in an instant.

---

The **bidders** who had initially mocked Disco's price?

Now, they were **competing fiercely.**

Among the **wealthy residents** of the Red Line, many could easily afford **two hundred million Belly**.

The sisters had become **a hot commodity**, and Disco wasn't about to miss out on this **profitable opportunity**.

He **improvised an auction on the spot.**

Each bid **rose by five hundred thousand Belly**.

Soon, the price **soared past two hundred and thirty million Belly**.

Disco, using his **hand as a gavel**, **banged the metal cage**, the sound **reverberating** through the tense crowd.

---

Inside the **cage**, Monet **clutched Sugar tightly**.

Her **body trembled**, her **beautiful, expressive eyes** filled with **nothing but fear and despair**.

The bids **continued to rise**.

Two hundred and **eighty million Belly.**

Then—

The **frenzied shouting slowed**.

Even the man who had placed the final bid **looked hesitant**, a flicker of **regret** crossing his face.

Buying a slave for such a high price was almost **extravagant**.

Disco, however, was **more than satisfied**.

After a brief pause, he **raised his hand**, preparing to **finalize the sale**.

Then—

A deep, **calm voice** rang out.

**"Three hundred million Belly. I'll take the two of them."**

The words hit the crowd like **a thunderclap**.

Silence.

All eyes turned toward **Carl**.

The people near him **instinctively stepped back**, giving him a **wide berth**.

---

Disco **swallowed hard**.

He looked at Carl and **stammered**—

"**S-Sir, was it you who just bid three hundred million Belly?**"

Carl **raised an eyebrow**.

"**What? You think I can't afford it?**"

A **glint of menace** flashed behind his **amber-tinted glasses**.

Disco felt a **chill creep up his spine**.

He stepped back until his **back hit the cold metal cage**, sweat forming on his brow.

This man…

Something about him was **dangerous**.

Disco quickly **forced a smile**, rubbing his hands together.

"**Please, you misunderstand! I simply wanted to confirm. You know how chaotic auctions can be!**"

Carl's expression remained **cool**.

"**That's correct.**"

Disco hesitated.

"**Very well… and may I ask when you intend to pay?**"

Three hundred million Belly was no **small amount**.

In the pirate world, the largest bill denomination was **ten thousand Belly**.

That meant **thirty thousand bills** in total.

Carl didn't **look** like he had that kind of money on him.

Then—

Without a word, Carl **waved his hand**.

A **dark energy flickered** in the air.

**Bundles of Belly materialized** out of nowhere, stacking in **heaps** at Disco's feet.

Gasps echoed through the crowd.

Disco's **eyes widened**.

For a moment, greed flashed in them—

Then **hesitation**.

This man…

Had to be a **Devil Fruit user.**

Could the money be **real**?

Or was it just **an illusion?**

---

Just as Carl's patience was wearing thin—

A **sharp cry** rang out from the crowd.

"**Celestial Dragon! The Celestial Dragon is here!**"

The **color drained** from everyone's faces.

A procession **approached** from the street.

Leading them—

A figure in a **bubble helmet**.

The **Celestial Dragon** sat arrogantly **atop a massive bodyguard**, radiating **a smug, untouchable aura**.

As he drew closer—

People on both sides of the street **dropped to their knees**.

The **entire crowd** followed suit—

Except for **one person.**

**Carl.**

---

Disco, now kneeling, whispered **urgently**—

"**Quick, get down! If you don't kneel, you'll be killed!**"

Carl gazed down at him with **mild disdain**.

"**The money is here. I'm taking them.**"

Then—

He strode toward the **cage.**

Reaching the **iron bars**, he **gripped** the door—

And **ripped it open** with his bare hands.

Monet, **stunned**, could only **stare**.

Sugar, peeking from her sister's embrace, **watched Carl nervously**.

---

Everyone knew—

The **Celestial Dragons were merciless.**

And Monet had **heard the horror stories** from other slaves.

To **defy them** was **suicide.**

Though Carl's appearance was **obscured**, his **tall, lean frame** and **calm demeanor** stood out.

Unlike the others, whose **eyes gleamed with greed**—

Carl's gaze had been **silent**.

That **subtle difference** left a mark on her.

She hesitated—

Then **whispered**—

"**You… you should kneel. The Celestial Dragon is almost here.**"

Carl looked at her.

Then—

He **leaned down.**

Monet **exhaled in relief**.

She thought he was **about to kneel**.

But—

Instead—

Carl's hand **closed around the Seastone shackles** on her wrists.

---

Nearby, Disco's **eyes narrowed**.

Carl was **touching Seastone.**

With **ease**.

Then—

A faint **click**.

The cuffs **fell open**—

And **clattered to the ground.**

Monet's **breath hitched**.

The **shackles that had drained her very life force**—

Gone.

---

Disco's pupils **contracted in shock.**

His **mind raced**.

Then, suddenly—

He **lunged forward**.

"**Quick! Put the cuffs back on! Don't let her escape!**"

Then—

**Bang!**

A single **gunshot** rang out.

Disco's body **jerked**.

Then—

He **crumpled to the ground.**