"Where did you make your fortune?" Moris asked. Having managed Paradise for quite some time and combined with his own wealth, he had about 1.3 billion Berries on hand. That already made him a wealthy man.
The Yordle Chamber of Commerce's profits hadn't yet been settled. Since arriving here, Moris had been busy running around and spending heavily. In a completely unfamiliar place, strength alone wasn't enough to stand firm.
Money had to be spent to grease the right palms, or else a Marine warship could come to arrest him at any moment. Besides, he still had a large number of subordinates to support.
Rosen, on the other hand—at least from Moris's impression—didn't seem to have many expenses beyond his own crew. In other words, this man was a true top-class tycoon.
The difference between people always revealed itself through comparison.
"Next up is tonight's grand finale—the Devil Fruits, the sea's greatest treasures. Through them, countless people have leapt to greatness and risen above the masses. Now, the bidding for the first Devil Fruit begins. Starting price: 100 million Berries."
Chandler's voice rang with excitement. Tonight's auction had already brought in several billion Berries, but he believed that with the right push, these three Devil Fruits could fetch at least 800 million.
The artificial Devil Fruit was listed simply as a Zoan, with no mention of side effects. This way, it could easily be passed off as a genuine fruit.
"Wait—I've heard artificial Devil Fruits come with certain flaws. You're not trying to pass off a defective product, are you?" Not everyone was ignorant. Many guests came from the underworld, where such rumors circulated.
Chandler's expression darkened slightly. He cursed inwardly but maintained his smile. "Of course not. While it's true that artificial fruits sometimes fail to grant powers, their research potential is enormous. Whoever cracks the secret of mass-producing Devil Fruits could change the world. In that sense, their value may even surpass natural ones."
His clever spin flipped the mood, turning doubt into renewed excitement.
The one who had raised the concern let it drop. After all, the underworld knew well that Doflamingo—the Heavenly Yaksha—controlled vast underground dealings, including his notorious trade with Kaido.
Because of this, Doflamingo carried enormous weight: partly due to his own power, but mostly because he had a Yonko backing him.
"I'll pay 120 million."
Once Chandler opened bidding, the price soared from 100 million to 200 million in no time.
For a Devil Fruit that wasn't Logia or Mythical Zoan, 200 million was already high. Raising it further was unlikely. Then Spandam shouted: "240 million!"
After naming his price, Spandam swept the room with a threatening glare. Others who had considered bidding hesitated. After weighing the risks, many backed off.
Devil Fruits weren't exclusive to this auction, and this one wasn't particularly desirable. For most, several hundred million was a fortune they could never earn in a lifetime.
Of course, everyone here was wealthy. But once the bidding exceeded 250 million, people began to question if it was worth it.
After all, eating a Devil Fruit was always a gamble. Not everyone had the courage.
"To think you'd dare compete with me. Hmph, just a bunch of trash drifting on the seas," Spandam sneered.
Power had always been his favorite tool. Despite his pitiful combat power—barely weaker than an ordinary Marine soldier—authority allowed him to command those hundreds of times stronger.
"300 million!" Rosen suddenly bid. He intended to secure every fruit.
He only needed two more to complete his capacity mission. Whether he consumed one himself or gave it to his subordinates, either option was valuable.
"You bastard!" Spandam shot to his feet, glaring at Rosen with fury.
"Auction rules: the highest bidder wins," Rosen replied calmly.
"Hmph. I just hope you live long enough to enjoy it." Spandam fumed, tempted to lash out, but remembering Paradise's powerful backers, he forced himself to swallow his rage.
"300 million, once… twice… three times—sold!"
Others hadn't dared challenge Spandam. They feared Rosen even more—a pirate with a 900 million bounty who had stood against an Admiral.
"The next item: an artificial Devil Fruit. Starting price, 100 million Berries." Chandler pressed on.
"260 million." Spandam made the first bid. Though not extremely rich, his years in high office had earned him substantial wealth. And he wanted these fruits.
His sword had already eaten a fruit, proving useful. While he had no need to consume one himself, empowering subordinates would serve him well.
"300 million," Rosen countered.
"320 million!" Spandam was furious. Was this pirate provoking him on purpose? A few Devil Fruits—how could he possibly lose?
"350 million." Rosen raised again.
"400 million!" Spandam shouted, nearly trembling with rage. He longed to crush Rosen underfoot, but here, he couldn't.
"400 million once, twice, three times—sold!"
"You're not bidding?" Moris was startled.
"Spending your money only to owe you later? No need. He'll come after me soon enough. Better to save it." Rosen had initially planned to avoid conflict, but Spandam's expression said otherwise.
If money couldn't solve it, then he'd simply wait and reap the rewards.
"Damn it!" Spandam realized too late that he'd just paid 400 million for an artificial Devil Fruit—and been thoroughly duped.
"The last Devil Fruit!"
The bidding resumed. When Spandam reached 260 million, others fell silent. Clearly, he was determined to have it.
"290 million," Rosen bid casually.
Spandam glared, trying to intimidate him. But Rosen, smoking leisurely, only glanced at him with disdain, as if to say: "A petty chief of Enies Lobby, without even enough money for a Devil Fruit—what are you pretending for?"
The meaning was unspoken, yet obvious.
"350 million! You filthy pirate—what do you have to fight me with?" Spandam roared, then looked to challenge Rosen—only to find Rosen standing and walking out.
He quit the bidding?
"Sold!"
Spandam froze, realizing he'd been played.
He had never intended to spend more than 300 million. Subordinates' strength was useful, but his coffers mattered more. Though wealthy, overspending went against his interests.
"To trick me—you're dead."
"He wouldn't be that stupid, right?" Moris followed Rosen as they left to collect the Devil Fruit they had won and make payment.
"Don't worry. He's far more foolish than you think. Some men walk their own road to death, and no one can stop them," Rosen said flatly.
(End of Chapter)