Chương 77: Marvel 77
Rown, once a thriving kingdom in the heart of the New World, was known for its powerful army and its defiance of pirates who dared to challenge its sovereignty. Its grandeur had made it a rare sanctuary in a sea dominated by chaos. But now, the original inhabitants had long since relocated to another island, their exodus aided by Leo's efforts. In their place, Rown had transformed into a volatile hub of intrigue and danger, drawing the attention of the world.
The arrival of the Night Monarch Pirates had elevated Rown to the center stage of history. Word of the Celestial Dragons being auctioned spread like wildfire, attracting a who's who of the world's most notorious figures. The once-peaceful island now buzzed with tension, as alliances, betrayals, and power plays brewed in every corner.
A number of people has gathered here, and among them some are widely known.
Whitebeard Pirates: Led by Edward Newgate, the strongest man in the world, his fleet had gathered near the island. With him stood Ace, watching closely for the movements of Blackbeard, the traitor who had betrayed their family.
Big Mom Pirates: Charlotte Linlin herself had sent several of her children to observe and, perhaps, bid.
Red-Haired Pirates: Shanks, known for his calm yet commanding presence, had anchored nearby, his interest piqued by the audacity of the Night Monarch Pirates.
Blackbeard: Now a wanted man for killing his captain, Blackbeard slithered among the shadows, his ambition driving him to claim the power and wealth that the Celestial Dragons represented.
World Government: CP0 operatives, clad in their ominous white suits and masks, moved in secrecy, their presence a reminder that the World Government was never far from its "divine lineage."
Marines: Admirals and Vice Admirals, including the likes of Akainu and Kizaru, stood ready to enforce justice—or perhaps simply preserve the status quo.
Revolutionary Army: Even Monkey D. Dragon, the world's most wanted man, had come, his piercing gaze fixed on the opportunity to strike at the heart of his enemy.
Seven Warlords of the Sea: Figures such as Mihawk, Doflamingo, and Boa Hancock lingered on the island, their reasons for attending as diverse as their personalities.
This assembly had turned Rown into a powder keg waiting to explode. With all four Emperors, the Revolutionary Army's leader, the World Government's Supreme Elders, and the Seven Warlords all converging, the island had become the most dangerous place on the seas.
***
From their fortress-like base on the island, Max and his crew observed the growing crowd. Gwen smirked as she watched the diverse factions staking out their positions. "Looks like everyone came to the party," she quipped.
"Of course, they did," Leo said, swirling his drink. "How often do you get to bid on gods?"
Max stood at the highest point of the fort, his gaze sweeping over the gathering forces. "Let them come. The world is about to witness something unprecedented after all."
Bullet grinned, his massive fists tightening. "If they want a fight, I say we give it to them."
"Patience," Max said, his tone calm yet commanding. "Let the auction begin. Once everyone has played their hand, we'll decide how this ends."
The Celestial Dragons, chained and terrified, were displayed in a secure area, guarded by an elite contingent of the crew. Patrick kept a watchful eye, ensuring no one approached without permission.
As night fell, the tension on the island thickened. Lanterns lit up the streets, casting an eerie glow over the gathering storm of power. Everyone awaited the signal that would mark the beginning of the auction—a moment that would change the world forever.
And at the center of it all, the Night Monarch Pirates stood ready to take the first step toward reshaping the balance of power.
***
The following day, the grand auction was set to begin. The venue, an awe-inspiring circular arena, had been constructed by Max using his powers. It was vast enough to accommodate not only the hundreds of attendees but also the possibility of fights between some of the world's strongest individuals. At its center was a raised platform that seemed to float in midair, radiating an almost ethereal aura under the glow of the surrounding lights.
On this central platform stood a strikingly beautiful woman, chosen by Max as the auctioneer for the event. Her presence commanded attention, her voice both sharp and captivating.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to tonight's historic auction!" she began, her tone dripping with mockery and confidence.
"Tonight, under the banner of the Night Monarch, we bring you the rarest of prizes—gods themselves." She gestured dramatically toward the Celestial Dragons, who were displayed behind her in chains, their faces pale and gaunt. Starved and stripped of their former glory, they were a far cry from the untouchable "divine beings" they once claimed to be.
"They might not look like much now," she said with a smirk, her voice laced with venom. "But let's be honest—they were never all that impressive to begin with! A round of applause for the gods!" She mockingly clapped, her laughter echoing through the arena.
Many pirates in the crowd erupted into boisterous laughter, while others smirked at the audacity of the situation. Even some of the Seven Warlords of the Sea couldn't hide their amusement, though they remained seated with a semblance of decorum.
The tension between factions, however, was palpable. Marines and World Government officials glared daggers at the auctioneer, their hands twitching as if itching to strike. Yet, the overwhelming presence of rival powers and the unknown threat posed by the Night Monarch Pirates kept them in check.
"Who among you will dare to own these once-mighty rulers? Let the bidding begin!" the auctioneer declared, her voice echoing triumphantly across the arena.
As the auctioneer continued, she turned her scornful gaze toward the Marines. "Oh, don't worry, gentlemen," she said with a mocking smile. "I'm sure the World Government can afford to buy back their precious gods. Unless, of course, you'd rather let someone else take them off your hands?"
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