"Two hundred million."
Rakuya did not waste a single syllable. Now that he knew it was a Logia-type Devil Fruit, he would get it no matter who he offended.
The bid drew a storm of startled looks. To call out two hundred million and clash head-on with Bukodi, captain of the Battle Axe Pirates with a bounty near that very number, meant the bidder was no ordinary man.
"Who's this guy, daring to butt heads with Bukodi?"
"Never seen him before. Don't tell me another legend is about to be born."
"No way. I keep up with the papers. I've never seen that face. Who is he?"
"Who cares. If he dares challenge Bukodi, he's got to have some teeth."
"Fool's courting death, that's what he's doing. Picking a fight with a two-hundred-million pirate?"
"Hah, another rich bumpkin. Doesn't even know how he's going to die."
Sneers rained down. Many pirates instinctively sided with the name that already terrified the seas.
"Kid, what's your name?" Bukodi's eyes went cold, a hard gleam raking over Rakuya.
"No comment."
Rakuya's answer was flat and final.
"Only you could talk to me like that and still be breathing," Bukodi chuckled, killing intent naked in his voice. "It won't last."
"Oh? I'll be standing right here after the auction. If you can't kill me, you're paying a price."
"A price? What price?" Bukodi scoffed. In his mind, failing to crush this nobody was a joke.
"Your life."
"Hahahaha!"
Bukodi burst into booming laughter, his belly fat jiggling with every breath. "You hear that, boys? He says he's going to kill me!"
"Captain, leave a little for us later. I want to stretch my arms."
"Yeah, don't finish him in one hit. Let the brothers have some fun."
The jeers were loud. To Rakuya, they were nothing but a pack of circus clowns spewing hot air.
"I'll be waiting," Bukodi declared. "I, Bukodi, promise you die here today."
"Ahem." Mondi, the auctioneer, cut in quickly. "Gentlemen, the house forbids killing. Those are the rules. Violate them and we will use force."
"Hmph. Then I'll kill him outside," Bukodi said with a crooked grin. "Not your jurisdiction, right?"
"As long as you do not act within the hall, the auction house will not interfere," Mondi replied, and he could not help flicking Rakuya a gloating glance.
"Fine. I won't make trouble in here," Bukodi snorted. "Kid, once we step out, I'm twisting off your head and using it for a ball."
"Try twisting it," Rakuya said mildly. "I hope your hands are up to it."
"Big mouth. Keep your mutt's head for a few more minutes."
Bukodi glared openly, murder simmering in his eyes.
"Enough noise, trash. Shut up."
The command came from a second-floor box. Charlmaco Saint had finally lost patience, and, to everyone's surprise, he was scolding Bukodi.
The Celestial Dragon had already bought a mermaid. All he wanted now was the Devil Fruit and a quick exit.
Bukodi's first instinct was to snap back. Then he saw who had spoken. His neck shrank into his shoulders and he forced a smile. "Yes, sir. You're absolutely right."
"Proceed," Charlmaco Saint said lazily.
"The gentleman has bid two hundred million. Any higher?" Mondi hurried on.
"Three hundred million."
Bukodi slammed another hundred million onto the pile.
"Three hundred and fifty million."
A hidden tycoon joined the fray.
"Three hundred seventy million."
"Three hundred eighty."
"Four hundred million."
Rakuya lifted his eyelids and coolly pressed down Bukodi's bid.
"Four hundred ten," Bukodi rasped, eyes bloodshot, teeth grinding loud enough to hear. "Bid again and I'll kill you, worm."
He was nearing his limit. He had not brought that much cash. Four hundred ten million was the ceiling.
"You've said that line a dozen times already. Tired yet? Broke bastard, stop playing big bad wolf. In front of real players, an ant like you doesn't even have the right to breathe."
"You… good. Very good. Just you wait."
Veins throbbed on Bukodi's forehead as he shook with rage.
"I can wait," Rakuya said with a laugh. "But while I'm waiting, I'm still bidding. What a pitiful pauper."
"Five hundred million."
He dropped the hammer. If no one topped it, the Fruit was his.