Yuno and Rayleigh both narrowed their eyes upon seeing the Celestial Dragons.
Rayleigh, having lived in the Sabaody Archipelago for countless years, naturally understood the nature of these so-called "gods."
Yuno, on the other hand, already had knowledge of them from his previous life in the One Piece manga—and his impression was far from favorable. He glanced coldly in their direction and muttered, "10.3 million Berries."
Hearing someone dare to speak at this moment, everyone turned toward Yuno in shock.
Is this guy insane?
How dare he talk back?
Doesn't he know that's a Celestial Dragon!?
Even Rayleigh, standing on stage, raised an eyebrow in surprise. This kid…
Soon, someone recognized Yuno's identity, and their shock deepened further. The sharper individuals had already begun slipping quietly out of the auction hall.
Quincy is ruthless. He can kill a Vice Admiral without hesitation—who knows what he'll do next?
"Huh? You dare defy me!?"
The Celestial Dragon, long accustomed to unchallenged dominance, flew into a rage. He drew his pistol from his waist and pointed it directly at Yuno.
Yuno merely smiled faintly, unfazed, as murderous intent seeped from him.
Those with sharp perception felt their hair stand on end, shuddering in dread.
"Not good…"
Rayleigh's pupils constricted sharply. This is madness! He actually intends to kill a Celestial Dragon!
If one of the so-called "gods" died here, the Admirals would descend without hesitation. And if they found Rayleigh present, suspicion might very well fall on him. The thought made cold sweat drip down his back.
I just want to live out my years quietly on this island… I don't want the Navy hunting me again!
Rayleigh's expression hardened. In the next instant, a terrifying wave of Haoshoku Haki burst from his body, flooding the entire auction hall!
Almost everyone present collapsed to the ground foaming at the mouth.
The Celestial Dragon froze mid-trigger pull, then pitched forward. His head struck the bubble shield, which burst with a loud pop—piercing his forehead as blood began to flow.
The suited guards behind him fell unconscious as well.
Yuno's eyes gleamed with realization. So, that's your move, old man. Playing it safe, eh? After all, your courage isn't what it once was.
"But… who exactly are you trying to suppress with this Haki?" Yuno thought coldly.
His own pupils shrank, and in the next moment, Haoshoku Haki erupted violently from him as well.
BOOM!
The two overwhelming wills collided, sending a shockwave through the hall. Above Island 1, streaks of black-and-red lightning split the sky, engulfing the entire Sabaody Archipelago!
Pop pop pop pop pop…
Countless bubbles burst simultaneously. Bubble cars shattered, and people tumbled helplessly from the air.
On neighboring islands, people collapsed mid-step, eyes rolling back.
"What's happening!?"
"Why did he faint—was it poison!?"
Confusion reigned as the force of the clash spread. Anyone with Kenbunshoku Haki immediately turned toward Island 1.
Back inside the auction house—
"Conqueror's Haki… it's a clash of Conqueror's Haki!?"
"What… what am I seeing!?"
"I recognize the masked man, but… who is that old guy!?"
Even pirates with bounties over 100 million—those able to withstand the pressure—were shaken to the core.
When had they ever witnessed such a thing? The very image of overlords standing above the world…
Rayleigh himself hadn't expected the Quincy before him to also possess Haoshoku Haki. Frowning, he quickly suppressed his aura. A prolonged clash would cause destruction far beyond control.
Damn it. This is a disaster… no money, and now nothing but trouble…
Deciding it was time to leave, Rayleigh stood. With a flick of his wrist, the shackles and explosive collar fell from him. He tossed the collar aside—
BOOM!
In an instant, he darted across the stage, removing the collars of every slave.
Whether you escape or not depends on your luck, he thought, casting a final glance at Yuno before silently leaving.
Yuno, watching, muttered to himself: "Advanced Armament Haki… infusing it directly into the body. Not bad, old man. You haven't lost your edge after all."
He made no attempt to stop Rayleigh. Even if he wanted to, he likely couldn't.
After a brief glance at the trembling pirates, Yuno vanished from the hall in a flash.
With both central figures gone, silence fell. The surviving pirates scrambled to wake their companions and fled.
…
Later, in a private room prepared by the waiter, Yuno ate leisurely.
A bald, stooped old man in a lightning-patterned leotard entered.
This was Lao G, a cadre of the Donquixote Family.
Since Yuno wasn't wearing his mask while eating, Lao G was stunned at the sight of such a young Quincy. He quickly collected himself, bowing slightly.
"Sir, I am Lao G, cadre of the Donquixote Family."
Yuno finished a bite of food before replying casually, "Contact Doflamingo for me."
"Yes." Lao G respectfully handed over a feathered Den Den Mushi.
The receiver clicked alive, first with a mocking laugh:
"Fufufu… my ally, Master Quincy. Do you finally wish to contact me?"
Yuno smirked. "You still look like you've been beaten down, Doffy. That guy Umit really that useless? To let you have time to joke around?"
Silence fell for a moment. Then Doflamingo's voice hardened.
"Stop the nonsense, Quincy. Tell me—what do you want in my territory?"
"Can't I just drop by to see you for nothing?" Yuno teased, but when Doflamingo didn't respond, he stopped.
"Forget it. I want a ship to the New World."
"…When?"
"The sooner the better. If I stay too long, I can't promise things won't… happen."
Doflamingo's tone grew sharp. "What did you do this time?"
He knew well how reckless the Quincies were.
Yuno grinned. "Oh, nothing major. Almost killed a Celestial Dragon, almost fought with an old veteran."
"…Stop joking."
"Joking? You think I'm joking?" Yuno's smile widened coldly.
Everyone in the room—Lao G and the waiters—felt their scalps tingle.
However, after hearing Yuno's words, those who still didn't know what had happened at the auction suddenly changed their expressions!
A Celestial Dragon had indeed gone to the auction just now. Could it be…?
Now they looked extremely terrified. What exactly had just happened at the auction?
Yuno had only arrived a few minutes ago. They had entertained him first and hadn't gone to check. Now their whole bodies trembled with fear!
"This madman…" This wasn't the first time Doflamingo had called Yuno a madman. This guy's behavior was even worse than Kaido's!
Doflamingo's tone darkened. "I hope you won't clash with the Celestial Dragons. Otherwise, the Admirals will be dispatched!"
Yuno laughed heartily. "Of course. As long as those Celestial Dragon idiots don't mess with me, I won't bother messing with them!"
The veins on Doflamingo's forehead bulged even more at this remark…
If the Celestial Dragons were all idiots, then what about him?
'That damned fellow… couldn't he have said that on purpose?'
For some reason, a dangerous thought crossed Doflamingo's mind.
His Celestial Dragon identity wasn't universally known, but some people did know.
If Yuno happened to be among them, then… these words…
Doflamingo suppressed his fury. "Shut your mouth, Quincy."
Yuno smiled. "Schedule a ship to the New World for me as soon as possible. It's time someone else took Umit's place."
With that, Yuno hung up the Den Den Mushi.
Far away, Doflamingo took a few deep breaths to calm himself before bursting into a ferocious laugh that shook the entire castle. With a sinister tone, he said:
"Perfect timing. I'll let you take Big Mom's wrath! That damned woman actually dared to threaten me! Quincy, I hope you arrive soon… Hehehehehehe!"
Because of Umit, Charlotte Linlin had already issued Doflamingo an ultimatum:
Stop targeting Umit!
Doflamingo still didn't dare to offend Charlotte Linlin.
In the New World, aside from the other three Yonko, no one dared to offend Charlotte Linlin lightly!
If Yuno plunged headfirst into the battle between the two kings, he would definitely get into trouble.
He might even risk earning Charlotte Linlin's hostility!
This was exactly what Doflamingo had in mind…
…
Few knew about Charlotte Linlin's involvement in the war between the two Dark World kings.
In fact, aside from Doflamingo, almost no one knew.
Yuno was no exception.
So, after hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Yuno didn't dwell on it. He simply instructed Lao G: "When the ship is ready, contact me with the Den Den Mushi."
With that, Yuno picked up the Den Den Mushi and left.
Only after Yuno's departure did the people in the private room breathe a sigh of relief. The pressure he had brought was truly overwhelming,
making them afraid to even breathe.
Suddenly, Lao G urgently called out, "Hurry, check the auction!"
They all rushed over.
However, because of the delay, everyone else had already disappeared, including the slaves — save for a few who were still unconscious.
"What exactly happened just now?" Lao G asked coldly, pulling the host aside.
The host hesitated for a moment, unable to provide any useful information.
He honestly didn't know what to say. He had been stunned by Conqueror's Haki from the start, so how could he possibly know?
"Trash!" Lao G cursed, then continued, "Where's the Celestial Dragon?"
The host had no idea either, so he could only shake his head.
Lao G tossed him aside and hurried out.
"I'm glad nothing serious happened…" Lao G muttered with relief. If anything had happened to the Celestial Dragon during their auction, it would have been disastrous.
They'd have no choice but to abandon this base.
This place was a treasure trove, generating a mountain of Berries every year!
If they abandoned it, even the Donquixote Family would be heartbroken.
…
In a luxuriously decorated palace, the Celestial Dragon who had been stunned by Rayleigh was now there.
His forehead was bandaged, his bubble helmet back on. He was furious, smashing everything in sight with a ferocious expression.
"Go find that masked man!"
"Where's the navy? Summon every marine on this island! Even if you have to search the entire place, find him!"
After a few violent outbursts, he began to pant, then suddenly drew his pistol and fired at a man in a black suit who was standing respectfully before him.
Bang, bang, bang, bang! The man collapsed, riddled with bullets.
The Celestial Dragon approached the corpse and stomped on it, cursing: "Useless! You're all useless! You can't even protect me!"
"You all, go to hell too!"
He clapped his hands, and another group of attendants emerged. Ignoring their pleas for mercy, they dragged the others away.
"No, I must go myself. I can't let the navy kill him. I want him as my slave, to torture him for the rest of his life! Let him know the consequences of disobeying me!"
Panting heavily, the Celestial Dragon cursed viciously. After a few more breaths, he gathered his men and prepared to search for Yuno's traces…
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