Even though his strength had just increased again, which should have been a good thing, Takumi wasn't exactly thrilled about it.
In fact, he was feeling quite frustrated.
He had just wanted to quietly slip out of the auction house...
But now, things had taken an unexpected turn...
"You're such a soft-hearted kid for someone who talks tough," Rayleigh said with a laugh.
Takumi looked at him, exasperated. "I didn't mean to do that. You believe me, right?"
"Oh my, oh my," came a familiar lazy voice from the door. "Using Conqueror's Haki over a mere mermaid? These young folks today are really something."
Takumi didn't respond but felt utterly helpless.
No, I wasn't doing it for the mermaid...
"So, old man," Kizaru's curious voice called out, "I feel like I've seen you somewhere before."
Rayleigh stood up, still with his back to Kizaru, and gave Takumi a quick look.
Then, with a swift movement, Rayleigh disappeared past Kizaru, his speed impressive.
He was trying to draw Kizaru away, so Takumi could sneak backstage and grab the Bounce-Bounce Fruit.
"Oh my, oh my, is that a challenge?" Kizaru remarked lazily, but he didn't seem interested in chasing after Rayleigh. Instead, he turned his attention back to Takumi. "Garp really knows how to pick them, but your Conqueror's Haki, while powerful, isn't very well-controlled."
Takumi just stood there, not bothering to argue.
Seeing that Kizaru wasn't making any move to go after Rayleigh, Takumi began to suspect that Rayleigh had ditched him just to leave him to deal with the mess.
"This is quite the problem," Kizaru muttered, scratching his head. "It's clear you unleashed your Haki to save the mermaid, but you went a bit overboard. Not only did you knock out the Celestial Dragons, but you also knocked out the mermaid. Technically, knocking out a Celestial Dragon means I should arrest you as a marine."
Takumi gave him a look that said, "And?"
Kizaru shrugged lazily. "My mission to protect the Celestial Dragons ended yesterday. Today, my only task was to secure the Bounce-Bounce Fruit. But since it was taken by the Celestial Dragons, my job for today is over."
Takumi: "..."
You're just making excuses so you can slack off.
"So," Kizaru continued, staring at Takumi, "you accidentally knocked out the Celestial Dragons, but since they weren't seriously hurt, I'll let it slide for Garp and Aokiji's sake. However, to make sure you don't try to take the mermaid, you'll need to come with me."
As soon as Kizaru finished speaking, a group of marines rushed into the auction house, all in their uniforms.
When they saw Kizaru, they immediately straightened up and saluted.
The lead marine stepped forward respectfully. "Admiral Kizaru, sir! What's going on here? Can you tell us what happened?"
Kizaru waved his hand dismissively. "It was an accident. Everyone's fine, just unconscious. Stay here and make sure no one tries to steal anything."
"Yes, sir!" the marine replied promptly.
"Oh, and one more thing," Kizaru added. "If anyone asks, you didn't see me here."
"Huh?" The marines were left confused.
Kizaru glanced at Takumi. "Well, terrifying young man, aren't you leaving?"
Takumi, not bothering to argue further, walked past Kizaru and the marines, leaving the auction house.
Sure, taking the Bounce-Bounce Fruit wouldn't be too difficult, but with so many people around, if he did it, a fight with Kizaru would be inevitable. And that would surely put him on the Navy's radar...
What a hassle.
It looked like he'd have to find another time to get the fruit. Or maybe he could send a shadow clone to do it. That way, even if the Devil Fruit got stolen, Kizaru wouldn't immediately suspect him.
Kizaru followed Takumi out of the auction house, watching him closely before finally speaking. "That old man who was sitting next to you... who is he?"
Takumi replied casually, "I don't know him."
"That's strange," Kizaru mused, rubbing his chin in that annoying way he always did. "You don't know him, yet you were sitting together and even chatting during the auction. He even grabbed your wrist to stop you when you tried to leave."
Takumi: "..."
He really didn't want to make excuses, but if he didn't say something, Kizaru would be convinced he and Rayleigh were working together.
After a moment, Takumi decided to speak. "The auction was packed. Is it that strange to sit next to a stranger? Is it weird to talk during an auction?"
"Why did he stop you from leaving then?"
"I told him I was going to steal the mermaid, and he stopped me from making a mistake."
Might as well use Kizaru's assumption that he was interested in the mermaid to his advantage.
Kizaru's expression changed briefly, and he tapped his fist into his palm as if he'd just had an epiphany. "Ah, so you really didn't know that old man."
"So," Takumi asked, "how long do you plan on following me?"
"I remember you've got a guy with lightning powers with you, right?" Kizaru continued. "Why isn't he with you here?"
"Enel's at the shipyard," Takumi answered.
"Oh? Your ship's broken?"
Takumi nodded calmly.
Kizaru was about to suggest heading to the shipyard with him when a marine came running toward them, looking panicked.
"Admiral Kizaru! There's been a robbery at the auction house!" the marine reported breathlessly.
Kizaru: "..."
After a moment of silence, Kizaru asked, "What was stolen?"
The marine nervously replied, "All the slaves were freed, the mermaid... and the Devil Fruit, they've both been taken by the robber."
Both Takumi and Kizaru were speechless.
"What a shame," Kizaru sighed, waving at Takumi. "Looks like I won't be visiting the shipyard after all. You're free to go, terrifying young man."
With that, Kizaru and the marine hurried back to the auction house.
Takumi watched them disappear into the distance, wondering who had the nerve to pull off a robbery right under Kizaru's nose.
Then, from behind him, a familiar voice called out. "What are you waiting for? Let's get going."
Takumi turned around.
On a nearby grassy hill, Rayleigh stood with a red demon mask on his forehead, holding the box with the Devil Fruit in one hand and the unconscious mermaid Cathy slung over his shoulder, grinning at him.