"I want to know how many auctions there are in the Sabaody Archipelago and how
"I want to know how many auctions there are in the Sabaody Archipelago and how many are held each year, regardless of size. Can you get me a list of auctions?"
Kahn asked, speaking quickly.
"Understood, please wait a moment."
The middle-aged man nodded, then left the living room.
Using Observation Haki, Kahn sensed the man walking into another room and using a Den Den Mushi to contact someone. Satisfied, Kahn stopped using his Haki.
Even though he could read people's thoughts and get the information for free, he knew that his status prevented him from doing something so improper.
The middle-aged man returned shortly.
"This information costs five million Berries," he said, holding up his fingers.
"Okay," Kahn replied, nodding to Robin.
Robin opened the metal box she carried, took out five stacks of Berries with a 10,000 denomination, and placed them on the table.
The middle-aged man took the money without counting it and shared the information: "There is only one auction house in the Sabaody Archipelago, located on Island No. 1 in the illegal zone."
"The owner is unknown, but it is rumoured to be connected to the Celestial Dragons, so no one dares to cause trouble there."
"This auction house holds monthly auctions, which are all small-scale."
"At the end of each season, a larger auction is held. So, there are four large auctions a year."
After finishing, he handed Kahn a list and explained, "This month is March, and in about ten days, the first large auction of the year will take place. We spent a lot to get this list, hence the high charge."
"Understood," Kahn said, taking the list and reading it.
Finding what he wanted, Kahn smiled.
"Pleasant cooperation," he said, putting the list away. He picked up a glass of red wine and clinked glasses with the middle-aged man.
After drinking, Kahn prepared to leave with Robin.
"Wait a minute, Mr. Kahn."
The middle-aged man handed him a card. "This is our base's membership card. Please accept it. It has our contact information. If you need anything while in the first half of the Grand Line, and we have it, we can deliver it to you."
Kahn took the card. "Thank you."
"Take care."
Walking out of the black market alley, Kahn seemed in a good mood.
Looking at Robin, who was carrying the metal box, Kahn silently asked with a smile, "Robin, are you curious?"
"A little," Robin answered honestly, looking at Kahn with curiosity. "Master, did you get a tip that the Sabaody Archipelago would auction what you wanted, but you weren't sure, so you came to the black market for confirmation?"
"Bingo."
Seeing Robin's puzzled expression, Kahn pinched her cheek with a smile. "I'll explain when we get back to the hotel."
"Master, please don't touch a girl's face without washing your hands," Robin said helplessly.
"Sorry, sorry... I can't help it," Kahn apologized insincerely.
Back at the hotel, Kahn told Robin his prepared story: "At the end of last month, my Haki, enhanced with telekinetics, overheard a message from a group of human traffickers."
"The news is that a group of human traffickers in the Grand Line actually abducted the Kuja Warriors from Amazon Lily."
"The traffickers will likely send the Kuja Warriors to the Sabaody Archipelago for auction."
"So, I'm going to try my luck and see if I can intercept them."
Good.
Kahn chose to enter the Grand Line this year to intercept the three Boa sisters.
And Boa Hancock is Kahn's chosen deputy.
"Kuja Warriors?"
After listening to Kahn, Robin asked, "Are they so powerful that you came all the way here?"
"You could say that."
Kahn nodded. "The Kuja Pirates are one of the oldest pirate groups in the world, with a history spanning hundreds of years."
"And every captain of the Kuja Pirates is the Empress of Amazon Lily, without exception."
"To become the Empress, you must master Conqueror's Haki."
"The warriors who sail with the Empress must master both Armament and Observation Haki."
"So the Kuja Pirates are a formidable group where every member wields Haki."
After a brief pause, Kahn continued, "The crew of the Kuja Pirates share one common trait: they are all young women."
"In this legendary nation, their Haki training system is very refined, enabling young women to quickly master both Armament and Observation Haki."
"If we intercept them, not only will it complete the Armament Haki training I need, but it will also help you master Haki quickly."
"...I see, Master," Robin nodded, no longer doubting.
"Let's go eat and then take a stroll around Water 7 to relax."
Kahn stood up, subconsciously wanting to pinch Robin's cheek again. Remembering her earlier words, he patted her head instead, ruffling her black hair, and walked towards the door.
Robin didn't bother to complain. After tidying her hair, she followed with the metal box.
For the following week, Kahn and Robin vacationed in Water 7, taking a break from their half-month voyage.
Once the Log Pose was set, they returned to their ship, weighed anchor, and set sail for the Sabaody Archipelago.
----------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion