Chương 76: Chapter 76: Alabasta: Yo, Akainu, Long Time No See
When Akainu bid 2 billion Beli, the entire room was filled with gasps of shock.
"Huh? Is this Devil Fruit really that popular? I thought only one fool would increase the bid by 500 million Beli at once, but now there's another one…"
"Wow, I thought I was rich, but clearly, there are always bigger fish out there. I'm outclassed."
"If I had that kind of money, I'd bid like that too, but unfortunately, I'm not loaded."
"I'm so jealous of those rich folks who can throw money around like it's nothing…"
Buffalo ignored these murmurs, turning around with a scowl to see who had dared to outbid him with 2 billion.
Due to the dim lighting, Buffalo could only make out Akainu's face as vaguely familiar but didn't immediately recognize him.
"Hey, what's your deal? You really want to fight me over the Flame-Flame Fruit?" Buffalo asked, his tone laced with irritation.
Akainu sneered, "Why, are you the only one allowed to bid? I can't?"
Buffalo clenched his teeth, barely holding back the urge to leap up and punch this guy.
Monet quickly grabbed his arm, whispering urgently, "Let it go. Young Master told us to keep things low-key while buying the Flame-Flame Fruit. We can't cause a scene."
Buffalo, still fuming, growled, "It's obvious that guy's just trying to mess with us, mimicking our 500 million Beli increase! Hmph! I'd like to see anyone outbid the Donquixote Family!"
With that, Buffalo raised his hand and declared, "2.5 billion Beli!"
Akainu's brows furrowed as he raised his hand again. "3 billion."
"3… 3 billion?" The auctioneer with the goatee looked like his heart might leap out of his chest, his excitement barely contained. "Sir, sitting in the back, are you able to pay 3 billion Beli?"
"Hmph, doubting me?" Akainu asked, amused.
"No, no, as long as you can pay, it's all good," the goateed man quickly replied, rubbing his hands together with a smile.
"This is bad…" Monet said, her brow deeply furrowed. "If we don't bring the Flame-Flame Fruit back, we'll be in big trouble."
"Damn it!" Buffalo stood up, turning to face Akainu, trying to control his anger. "Let me give you a piece of advice: don't mess with us, or I can't guarantee what might happen."
Akainu chuckled coldly, "Oh? Let's see what you've got."
"You…" Buffalo clenched his fists, looking at Monet. "See? It's not that I didn't want to keep a low profile; someone else is asking for trouble."
If this auction had taken place on another island, Donquixote Family members like Buffalo and Akainu would've likely resorted to outright robbery. But the auction was being held in Yuba, the largest trading center in Alabasta.
Alabasta was a superpower under the watchful eye of many, and Doflamingo had only recently become the king of Dressrosa. On the other hand, Akainu was a representative of the Navy. If they ended up fighting over a Devil Fruit in Alabasta, it would be quite the scandal. While Akainu didn't care much about appearances, such an incident could easily become news and tarnish the Navy's reputation.
Despite his ruthless methods, Akainu was extremely protective of the Navy's honor. When it came to major issues, he didn't cut corners.
The other auction attendees watched the brewing conflict with the same anticipation as a crowd waiting for a fight to break out.
Takumi and Shanks were also watching with interest.
Grinning, Shanks whispered, "It looks like things are getting more and more interesting. Takumi, should we jump in and try to get the Flame-Flame Fruit?"
Takumi, deadpan, responded, "No…"
A pirate captain who has no Devil Fruit users on his crew, interested in a Devil Fruit? Really?
Of course, the Rubber-Rubber Fruit incident was an exception.
After Luffy accidentally ate the Rubber-Rubber Fruit, Shanks probably lost whatever little interest he had in Devil Fruits.
Shanks burst out laughing. "Yeah, I guess even if we wanted to compete, it wouldn't matter without any money. But I've got to say, I'm surprised Akainu can just sit there like that."
"Buffalo, calm down. We can't start a fight here," Monet urged, pulling Buffalo back into his seat. "Young Master just took control of Dressrosa. We can't cause trouble in Alabasta. Let that guy have the Flame-Flame Fruit for now. Once they leave, we'll find a way to take it from them."
"Hmph! Guess we have no choice." Buffalo turned to the auctioneer and declared, "I withdraw from the bidding!"
This drew groans of disappointment from the crowd, who had hoped to see a major showdown.
The goateed man, with a gleeful smile, said, "Since this gentleman has withdrawn, does anyone else want to bid? If not, the Devil Fruit will go to the gentleman in the back wearing the hat."
When no one else raised a bid, the auctioneer announced, "Alright, this auction is officially over. Everyone can leave in an orderly manner. To the gentleman who won the Devil Fruit, once payment is made, you may take it with you."
As with all the other auctioned items, the winner was expected to pay on the spot and take their prize.
Akainu glanced at the Marine sitting next to him.
The Marine nodded and quickly made his way to the auction stage.
"Wouldn't it look too obvious if we left through the front?" Shanks wondered aloud, glancing at Akainu seated by the entrance. "It would be easiest to just head straight for the door, but that would mean passing right by Akainu. He'd definitely recognize me."
On the other hand, taking the long way around would seem suspicious and might catch Akainu's attention.
Just as Shanks was contemplating the best exit strategy, Takumi suddenly stood up and, without hesitation, headed straight for the entrance.
Shanks could only watch as Takumi casually walked away.
Takumi calmly walked past Akainu.
Akainu, his face stern, gave Takumi a look, feeling a strange, inexplicable sense of familiarity.
His eyes then caught sight of the two swords hanging from Takumi's waist, one of which was none other than the Kitetsu!
"Hey, kid," Akainu called out just as Takumi was about to pass him. "Where'd you get that sword?"
Takumi ignored him and left the auction.
"Tch." Akainu sneered. "Such arrogance!"
Shanks, torn between amusement and exasperation, watched Takumi walk out. "He really just left without a care…"
But on second thought, it was probably for the best. If Akainu did recognize him, at least Takumi wouldn't get dragged into the mess.
With that, Shanks was at ease. He decided not to take the long way and got up, a slight smile playing on his lips as he confidently walked toward the door.
As he passed by Akainu, who was now looking at him with growing recognition, Shanks raised a hand in greeting, smiling widely. "Yo, Akainu, long time no see."
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