Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: One Point Eight Billion Beli

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"Can you stomach this?" Ye Chen asked, a faint smile playing on his lips as he gazed at the Middle-aged Appraiser.

Cold sweat beaded on the Middle-aged Appraiser's face. The treasures before him were worth at least two billion Beli, but how could he possibly accept them? If they belonged to any other power, even Whitebeard's crew, he would dare to stomach the transaction. But these belonged to the Celestial Dragons! It was no secret that Auction House No. 76 operated under the Celestial Dragons' banner. The theft of the Heavenly Tribute had already been a colossal humiliation for the Celestial Dragons. To then accept these treasures too would be an even more direct, in-your-face insult.

Ye Chen knew exactly what the Middle-aged Appraiser was thinking. This was precisely the effect he sought: a double affront to the Celestial Dragons. Were they not hailed as World Nobles? Did they not insist on breathing different air than mere commoners? Did they not believe themselves supremely privileged? So what if they did?

Ye Chen's expression turned grim. His gaze bore into the Middle-aged Appraiser. "Just moments ago, you confidently declared you could 'stomach anything from anyone,' didn't you?"

"I... I did say that." The Appraiser's face contorted, nearly on the verge of tears, his heart gripped by a torment of regret. If only he had known, he never would have uttered such a bold claim. Yet, he hadn't anticipated that Ye Chen would deliver items connected to the Heavenly Tribute, nor that Ye Chen would possess such audacious nerve.

Ye Chen settled back into his chair, his gaze coolly fixed on the Middle-aged Appraiser. "So, can you stomach this now?" He paused, then added, a chilling undertone in his voice, "If you renege on your word, I wouldn't mind sending you to your grave."

The Middle-aged Appraiser's body convulsed at the implied threat. He harbored no doubts that Ye Chen would indeed kill him. After all, Ye Chen's fearsome reputation preceded him; the entire Heavenly Tribute fleet had already met their end by his hand. His own life, then, would be but another insignificant addition to the grim tally.

The Middle-aged Appraiser's scalp prickled, and cold sweat streamed down his face. "I... I cannot make this decision on my own. I need to consult our person in charge."

"Very well. Have your person in charge come here. But be warned: if you attempt any deception, Auction House No. 76 will cease to exist on Sabaody Archipelago."

...

A short while later, the Middle-aged Appraiser re-entered, accompanied by a gaunt man.

"My name is Jack," the gaunt man announced. "We will take these treasures. The price is one and a half billion Beli. How does that sound?"

"These are worth at least two billion Beli. To take them for a mere one and a half billion? Your appetite is rather insatiable."

"The provenance of these items, you and I both clearly understand. One and a half billion is already the best offer you'll get."

"Two billion. No less."

"One point eight billion."

"Very well, one point eight billion it is. Done."

Ye Chen abruptly stood, a smile spreading across his face. The gaunt man was caught off guard by Ye Chen's sudden willingness to agree. A moment later, understanding dawned on him: he had walked right into Ye Chen's trap. Yet, the price had been stated, and he found himself unable to renege, or rather, he simply dared not.

"Here are four deposit books: one for three hundred million Beli, and three for five hundred million Beli each. Please accept them." The gaunt man, visibly struggling to suppress his heartache, extended the four deposit books.

"Quite efficient, aren't you? No wonder you're touted as the world's number one auction house." Ye Chen took the deposit books, a faint smile playing on his lips. He had half-expected them to play for time, awaiting the arrival of the Marines. But to his surprise, the gaunt man had retrieved the funds with impressive speed.

The gaunt man forced a tight smile. "As you yourself noted, for the world's number one auction house, efficiency is paramount. How else could we possibly live up to such a distinguished title?"

"Your efficiency is indeed commendable." Ye Chen nodded.

The gaunt man spoke again: "Then, my lord, might you be inclined to tour the auction house this time? Among the items up for bid, there are some truly momentous pieces." He added, with what he hoped was persuasive tone, "You will certainly find them most intriguing."

Ye Chen regarded the gaunt man with a knowing, almost mocking, half-smile. The gaunt man, in turn, lowered his head, a hint of trepidation in his posture. Ye Chen had instantly seen through the man's calculations: simply put, he intended to delay him until the Marines, Pirates, and Bounty Hunters converged. Many indeed had a vested interest in Ye Chen. While audacious, Ye Chen was no fool to sit idly, waiting for an ambush. Moreover, his entire objective for this visit was purely to irk the Celestial Dragons. Since that aim had been accomplished, there was no longer any reason to linger. Besides, with countless other auction houses available, acquiring Devil Fruits remained a simple matter; it didn't have to be this specific location.

"No need," Ye Chen replied.

With those words, he slowly exited the room.

Thud.

The gaunt man's fist slammed down, instantly puncturing a fist-sized hole in the table. "Has the message been released?" he demanded.

"It has already been broadcast," the Middle-aged Appraiser replied. "The Marines and Pirates are likely en route. There are a considerable number of individuals interested in him."

"Good," the gaunt man snarled, a menacing glint in his eye. "He swallowed our goods; I'll make him vomit them back out."

...

"So many people," Ye Chen murmured, a chilling glint in his eyes as he surveyed the approaching crowd. "It seems I have quite a few admirers."