Chapter 60: The Auction House Conflict
---
The Human Auction House on Grove 1 was buzzing with anticipation. The Silver Hair Pirates, led by Arthur, had taken their seats, waiting for the main event. Meanwhile, various rare items were paraded across the stage.
The auctioneer, a slick man with a commanding presence, showcased treasures from across the Grand Line. First, a set of ancient texts from Ohara was sold for an impressive sum. Next, a collection of precious gems from the depths of the New World. Arthur bid on a rare sea prism stone dagger, winning it for a hefty price.
As the auction continued, Lisa and Surv managed to secure a beautiful set of navigational charts from an unknown sea, which promised to be invaluable for their journey. The excitement in the room was palpable, and the crew felt a sense of accomplishment with each purchase.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The auctioneer brought out a glass case, inside which was a golden fruit with intricate, swirling patterns. The crowd gasped as the auctioneer announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the rare Zoan Devil Fruit: Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Leviathan!"
The crowd erupted in whispers and murmurs. The fruit, known to grant the user the ability to transform into a massive sea serpent, was a treasure beyond measure. Its power was legendary, and everyone in the room knew it.
Arthur leaned forward, determination in his eyes. He had to acquire this fruit for his crew. It was a game-changer, and he wouldn't let it slip away.
The bidding started high, with various wealthy patrons and pirate crews raising their paddles. Arthur joined the fray, his bids pushing the price higher and higher. The tension in the room was intense as the numbers climbed.
Suddenly, a booming voice interrupted the bidding. "200 million berries!" It was a member of the Beast Pirates, one of Kaido's fearsome subordinates. The room fell silent, everyone turning to look at the intimidating figure.
Arthur's eyes narrowed. He knew that backing down now would be a sign of weakness. "300 million berries!" he countered, his voice steady.
The Beast Pirate laughed mockingly. "400million berries! Do you dare go higher?
Arthur didn't hesitate. "500 million berries!"
The room was electrified with anticipation. The Beast Pirate's face twisted in anger, but he didn't raise his paddle again. The auctioneer's gavel came down with a decisive thud. "Sold! To the gentleman in the back."
As the gavel fell, the Beast Pirate who had challenged Arthur stood up, revealing himself to be one of Kaido's trusted lieutenants, known as Rorok. He was a massive man with a fierce demeanor, and his glare was enough to send shivers down anyone's spine.
Rorok wasn't alone. Beside him were two more of Kaido's lieutenants, each with their own terrifying Zoan Devil Fruit powers. The first was Gora, a woman who possessed the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Fenrir, allowing her to transform into a giant, fearsome wolf. The second was Kaida, a man with the Neko Neko no Mi, Model: Saber-toothed Tiger, giving him the ability to become a powerful, prehistoric predator.
"This isn't over," Rorok growled, stepping forward. "You think you can take what belongs to the Beast Pirates? We'll see about that."
The auction house erupted into chaos as Rorok and his lieutenants launched themselves at the Silver Hair Pirates. Arthur drew his sword, meeting Rorok's charge head-on. Their blades clashed, sending sparks flying.
Alex, quick on his feet, darted towards Gora, his Observation Haki allowing him to anticipate her every move. Gora snarled, transforming into her wolf form and lunging at Alex, but he dodged gracefully, countering with precise gunfire coated in Armament Haki.
Hiroshi faced Kaida, their swords clashing in a display of raw power and agility. Kaida's saber-toothed form was a formidable opponent, but Hiroshi's advanced swordsmanship kept him at bay, each strike pushing Kaida back.
Lisa and Surv worked together, using their combined skills to fend off the Beast Pirates' henchmen. Lisa's daggers, enhanced with Armament Haki, and Surv's precise strikes kept their enemies at a distance.
In the midst of the chaos, Rus transformed into his Garuda form, taking to the air and raining down powerful wind attacks on the Beast Pirates. His Cyclone Talon strike sent several pirates crashing to the ground.
The battle raged on, with each member of the Silver Hair Pirates showcasing their growth and skills. Arthur's Conqueror's Haki sent waves of force through the room, stunning the weaker pirates and leveling the playing field.
Rorok, enraged by Arthur's power, roared and transformed into his full beast form—a gigantic, armored rhinoceros. He charged at Arthur with incredible speed, but Arthur met him with a powerful sword strike, imbued with advanced Armament Haki.
Outside the auction house, the sounds of battle had attracted the attention of nearby Marine soldiers. A lieutenant quickly called in reinforcements, reporting the conflict to Marine Headquarters.
"This is Lieutenant Holden! We have a situation at the Human Auction House on Grove 1. Requesting immediate backup!"
The call was swiftly relayed up the chain of command. At Marine Headquarters, Fleet Admiral Sengoku received the urgent message. He turned to Admiral Akainu and Kizaru, who were in the room.
"We have a situation on Sabaody Archipelago. The Silver Hair Pirates are engaged with the Beast Pirates. I need you two to handle this," Sengoku ordered.
Akainu's eyes burned with determination. "I'll make sure they're all brought to justice."
Kizaru, ever the laid-back admiral, simply nodded. "Well, this should be interesting."
As the battle inside the auction house reached its peak, Arthur and his crew fought fiercely against the Beast Pirates. But outside, the Marines were closing in, led by two of the Navy's most powerful admirals.
The stage was set for an even greater conflict. The arrival of Admiral Akainu and Admiral Kizaru would bring a new level of danger and challenge for the Silver Hair Pirates. The clash of pirates and Marines was imminent, and the outcome would shape the future of the New World.
---