Sabaody Archipelago, Island No. 1.
This was the largest lawless zone of the entire archipelago, and also the location of its biggest human auction house.
At this moment, inside one of the cages—
"Although I know this is to gain a 'legal' identity to join the White Wolf Pirates, this feeling really isn't something to be happy about."
"Stay calm."
A man's voice came from the cage beside hers.
"At the very least, we can guarantee your safety until you board the merchant ship. Although not everyone on that ship is one of us, the first mate is one of our undercover intelligence agents. With him there, you'll be safe until you reach Sphinx."
"Let's hope so."
The girl with a dark blue ponytail took a deep breath. She wanted to stay calm, but as a mere naval cadet who hadn't even officially become a marine, suddenly being thrown into an undercover mission of this level was overwhelming.
And the things she'd encountered along the way were nothing like she had imagined. Even though Marine Headquarters was right next door, there was still such a massive human auction center on Sabaody Archipelago.
The fact that the navy could arrange for her to be brought into this auction house and ensure her safety meant that they had planted agents here as well—and perhaps even had dealings with them.
But Tsuru wasn't some hot-blooded fool.
She knew well that where there was light, there was also shadow. Perhaps the navy had no choice but to tolerate the auction house, perhaps it was corruption at the top, or perhaps this auction center served some purpose unknown to her.
Tsuru tried to think in the most optimistic way possible.
"Tsuru, when you agreed to participate in this mission, you became a true marine. You are destined to encounter things that completely contradict your understanding of the world. But there is one thing you must never forget."
"You are a marine. Driving away pirates and protecting civilians is your duty!"
"No matter when, you must always stay true to your heart!"
The voice of the Chief of Staff seemed to echo in her ears, and Tsuru's expression gradually calmed.
"More goods delivered?"
"It's a pair of giant mother and child. They were originally bought by a merchant caravan for labor, but the boss of that caravan thought the female giant's strength was nothing compared to the male giant's. As for the little one, weak strength but huge appetite—it'd be too much trouble to raise."
"Heh, well, they're female giants after all. Now if it were mermaids, that'd be different. Female mermaids sell for dozens of times the price of male ones!"
"Yeah, but lately those pirates and slave-catcher squads haven't been catching any mermaids. The big shots upstairs have been complaining for ages."
"Tell me about it. I heard it's because the White Wolf Pirates have been showing up on Fishman Island. That damn pirate crew is always making trouble for us!"
"For real?"
"..."
The casual conversation of the auction staff made Tsuru and the naval intelligence agent beside her exchange glances.
"The White Wolf Pirates appeared on Fishman Island? That means they're very likely to come here to Sabaody Archipelago!"
The naval agent was visibly excited.
"Tsuru, this is our chance. If the White Wolf Pirates come here, with their usual style, they'll probably strike at the slave trade. That would give you the perfect opportunity to join them in a natural way!"
The agent had been stationed in the auction house for a day already, unaware that the White Wolf Pirates had shown up at Impel Down.
If they came to Sabaody and saved Tsuru at the same time, then her wanting to join them out of gratitude would be perfectly reasonable.
"But… why would the White Wolf Pirates attack the slave trade!?"
Tsuru understood every word he said, but strung together, it sounded strange. Why was it that every time the White Wolf Pirates came to Sabaody, they attacked the slave traders?
Her question left the naval agent speechless. He hadn't thought too deeply about it before. But now, thinking about it—yeah, why?
Wasn't that supposed to be the navy's job?
"Right… although the White Wolf Pirates strike at slavers, that's only because their vice-captain, Roya, was once a slave. Because of that, the entire crew despises slave traders. It doesn't mean they're harmless."
The agent explained.
"That's also why we're sending you under the guise of a slave. The identity of a slave will make it easier to gain their recognition."
"I… I understand."
Tsuru reluctantly accepted the explanation. But as far as she knew, there were plenty of cases where former slaves, upon gaining freedom, turned into slavers themselves. The White Wolf Pirates were the rare exception.
And she… was going to become one of them?
Tsuru thought hard. If she became a member of the White Wolf Pirates, what should she do to earn the trust of the crew?
Most importantly—
She had to gain the trust of Magnus.
While she was still lost in thought, a sudden shout came from nearby.
"Headquarters just notified us—Celestial Dragons will be attending this auction! We must bring out the best merchandise!"
"Haha, looks like we'll be making a fortune this time."
"Too bad there aren't any mermaids."
"..."
The auction staff were excited, some even regretful. Their attitude toward the Celestial Dragons wasn't one of reverence. The only reason they bowed their heads was because the Celestial Dragons were absurdly rich!
Anything they set their eyes on would fetch a sky-high price.
Celestial Dragons!?
For the staff, their arrival was a blessing. But for Tsuru and the naval agent, it was pure terror.
"Damn it, why are the Celestial Dragons coming? Headquarters never said anything!"
The middle-aged naval agent's expression had completely changed.
Under the navy's control, there weren't many things they would call unpredictable. But the Celestial Dragons were definitely one of them.
They were the true rulers of this world, nobles so powerful even the navy had to bow.
"Tsuru, the mission is canceled!"
The agent didn't hesitate.
"If it were any normal competitor, even if we couldn't outbid them, we'd still have ways to take you back."
"But the Celestial Dragons are different."
"If they set their eyes on you, then not even we could oppose them!"
But just as he was about to unlock the cage with his backup key and help Tsuru escape—
Another voice rang out.
"I-It's White King Magnus!"
A terrified cry echoed through the auction house's preparation room.
"He's appeared at the auction!"
(End of Chapter)
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