Morning in the Sabaody Archipelago—sunlight warm, breeze gentle.
Island No. 1.
Magnus wore a checkered shirt, shorts, and a pair of sunglasses. Though over seventy years old, long past the age of caring about appearances just to step outside, his natural aura as a charming older man still drew the glances of many young women.
But right by his side—
There was already someone holding the special seat closest to him.
"Captain Magnus sure is popular."
Dressed in a simple floral dress, Toki spoke with a touch of jealousy.
"Haha, how do you know they're looking at me? Maybe they're looking at you."
"There's nothing about me worth noticing."
Today, Toki wasn't wearing her iconic traditional kimono, so she looked like any other young woman. But her graceful, noble bearing marked her immediately as someone from a refined background.
At first, people assumed the two of them were father and daughter, judging by their ages.
But the way the girl acted toward the man was far too intimate for that.
"This girl's really pretty."
"Think I've got a chance?"
"Wait and see."
"..."
Whispers drifted from the shadows as people watched them walk down the street.
This was Island No. 1 of Sabaody Archipelago. Everyone living here knew it was a notorious lawless zone—anyone without strength wouldn't dare come close.
Those in the shadows were trying to confirm whether this man truly had power, or if he was just a fool pretending to be tough.
But before they could test him—
As Magnus walked past the alley with Toki at his side, several slavers froze into solid ice sculptures.
Magnus normally couldn't be bothered with such small fry. But since they'd set their sights on him, they had to pay the price.
Did they really think distance meant he couldn't hear?
Mastering Observation Haki wasn't easy. At times, being too sensitive meant even trivial sounds around you were felt.
That was when distinguishing hostility and malice became crucial.
"We're here."
The human auction house stood prominently on Island No. 1, so conspicuous that Magnus had spotted the lavish building at the island's center the moment he stepped ashore.
"As expected—no matter how many times it's destroyed, as long as there's money it'll always be rebuilt."
Magnus sneered at the sight, shielding Toki as they approached the entrance.
"Stop right there!"
Before he could enter, two men in black suits blocked his path.
"The auction is closed! The noble Celestial Dragon, Saint Rosward, has already entered. He is the last guest of the day, the most distinguished figure of all. No one is allowed to enter after him!"
"Celestial Dragon?"
Magnus raised an eyebrow. Thanks to his sunglasses, the two guards couldn't see the change in his expression.
"If you understand, then get lost!"
One of the guards barked loudly, drawing the eyes of the crowd.
"Those are Celestial Dragon guards, right?"
"They wouldn't really pick a fight with them, would they?"
"This might get interesting."
"..."
Many onlookers stayed, eager for a show. Even if the Celestial Dragon wasn't present, to strike at his guards was like striking at the master's authority.
"Haha! Since a Celestial Dragon is inside, that makes me want to go in even more."
Magnus laughed loudly, not even sparing them a glance as he walked forward.
Seeing him try to push past, the two guards flared with anger.
"Insolence!"
"You're looking for death!"
If their master had been nearby, they wouldn't have ignored Magnus to begin with. Just the sight of the beautiful woman at his side would've been enough reason to act.
The crowd shook their heads. At his age, still behaving like a reckless youth?
But in the next moment, their expressions froze.
Because Magnus didn't even lift a hand. He merely glanced at the two guards—and instantly, both were encased in ice.
This power, without question—
"A Devil Fruit user!"
"So that's his trump card? But those were Celestial Dragon guards!"
"He's doomed. This man is absolutely doomed!"
"Pity that woman with him."
"..."
Not a single person thought Magnus would walk away from this. On Sabaody, so close to Mary Geoise, the Celestial Dragons reigned as untouchable kings.
Forget a Devil Fruit user—
Even great pirates who angered the Celestial Dragons wouldn't live to see the next day.
The auction manager, Hernandez, who had originally planned to sit back and watch, broke into a cold sweat the moment he saw the guards frozen.
"Seize those two immediately!"
Panic laced his voice. He had never expected Magnus to be so bold as to strike the Celestial Dragons' men. If this wasn't handled, his position as manager would be finished.
Didn't he know? Even a dog of the Celestial Dragons was untouchable.
Hernandez could already imagine it—
This man would be turned into a slave, and the woman at his side, into a concubine.
But before his thoughts even ended—
The man who froze the guards slowly removed his sunglasses.
And when the weathered, maturely handsome face beneath was revealed—
Hernandez went pale.
"W-White Wolf Magnus!"
His voice shook as he spoke.
As a slaver, who did he fear most?
Not the navy.
Not the officials of the World Government.
But a pirate.
And not just him—
Every slaver in the world feared running into one pirate crew.
The White Wolf Magnus of the past.
The White King Magnus of today.
No matter how many nights Hernandez cursed this old man, wondering why he still hadn't died—
Now, here he stood before him, very much alive.
"Yo, Hernandez, long time no see."
Magnus stood at the auction house's steps, looking at Hernandez leaning on his cane at the door. He spread his arms and smiled broadly.
"Just now, a couple of fools tried to keep me out. They must not have known about our deep friendship. We're brothers-in-arms, after all."
"You even lost a leg for me—how could you possibly refuse me entry to your place?"
"Or… are you planning to lose the other one?"
Magnus asked with a cheerful smile, his eyes never leaving Hernandez.
(End of Chapter)
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