Pop!
A bubble burst in Fenric's hand, releasing a crisp sound.
"I have to admit, the Pirate World is truly fascinating. Even these simple bubbles are surprisingly sturdy."
With a faint sigh, Fenric stepped deeper onto the island.
The Sabaody Archipelago was made up of massive mangroves, each one large enough to form an island of its own, all connected by bridges. Together, they formed the famous cluster of islands.
And the ones who claimed dominion over this place? The Celestial Dragons.
The Navy Headquarters was stationed nearby, which explained why marines could arrive so quickly after Luffy punched a Celestial Dragon in the original storyline.
Ding—!
It was then that the system finally delivered a prompt:
"Main Mission Released!"
Mission Title: World-Shaking Influence
Mission Description: Within five days, create an impact strong enough to make your name resound across the seas.
Time Limit: Five days
Failure Condition: Obliteration
Restriction: You may not leave the waters of the Sabaody Archipelago during the mission. Attempting to do so will count as failure.
Warning: The existence of Samsara Space must not be revealed to non-Samsaras. Anyone who violates this will be obliterated.
Hint: The greater your influence, the higher your mission evaluation.
Fenric blinked, momentarily stunned.
"So… you want me to stir up chaos? And I can't leave the Sabaody Islands while doing it?"
He frowned, but after a moment of thought, a plan began forming.
"If I recall, there are three Celestial Dragons on this island. If I'm not mistaken, they're family. I'll have to make good use of them."
The outline of his scheme took shape, and Fenric began walking toward the inner district, recalling the original events.
In the story, the Straw Hats had come here to coat their ship so they could cross the Red Line and reach the New World. But, as expected of them, they scattered across the island the moment they arrived.
That recklessness led to disaster.
Camie, their mermaid companion, was captured by traffickers and brought to the human auction house as merchandise. She ended up being bought by a Celestial Dragon.
In trying to save her, Luffy clashed with the Celestial Dragons, which triggered the arrival of Admiral Kizaru.
The Straw Hats were utterly crushed.
If not for Bartholomew Kuma deliberately holding back and scattering them across the world, Luffy, Zoro, and the rest would likely have been annihilated.
"That's how the 'Sabaody Incident' went down…" Fenric murmured.
He remembered clearly: the auction house was on Grove 1. The Celestial Dragons would be present there.
"Then I'd better head to Grove 1 and wait for the show."
Navigating the numbered groves was easy, and before long, Fenric arrived at Grove 1 and stepped into the bustling town.
The streets were crowded, the air lively. His presence didn't draw much attention.
"It seems ten years have passed, and people have forgotten the 'God' Killer Mundo with a 2-billion-Berry bounty."
Fenric smirked faintly.
"Hey, uncle, don't just stand in the middle of the road. You're blocking people."
A sharp voice called out from behind.
Fenric turned and saw a young man in a snow-furred hat, a katana slung over his shoulder.
Recognizing him instantly, Fenric thought: Trafalgar Law, the Surgeon of Death, user of the Ope Ope no Mi.
"My apologies. I was lost in thought," Fenric said, stepping aside.
Law gave him a brief glance, then led his crew toward the auction house. As they passed, Bepo, the talking polar bear, whispered:
"Captain, that uncle… he feels familiar. Maybe he's strong."
"I feel it too."
Law's brows furrowed. "But don't mind him. We'll leave as soon as the coating is done."
The group headed off. Soon after, Fenric followed them into the auction house.
The venue was massive, open to anyone with the money to bid. Law and his crew found seats, while Fenric quietly took his own place.
Bepo tugged at Law again. "Captain, that uncle's here too."
Law glanced over, eyes narrowing at Fenric. His face tugged at some half-buried memory, but he couldn't quite place it.
Fenric noticed the look and simply smiled back, unfazed.
Moments later, another pirate entered—the red-haired, sharp-eyed youth known as Eustass Kidd, flanked by his men. They took seats just ahead of Fenric.
Fenric smirked. Kidd, another supernova. His bounty is even higher than Luffy's at this point, with his magnetism fruit powers. Not bad. But in my eyes now… still just a small fry.
His real attention was on the most extravagant seats at the front.
There sat Saint Rosward and his daughter, Shalria. Celestial Dragons in the flesh.
Fenric didn't move against them—yet.
Best to let the play begin. I'll make my move when Luffy stirs the hornet's nest.
When the last of the guests had settled, the auction house lights flared bright. The host's voice rang out:
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our monthly Human Auction! Please put your hands together for our host, Mr. Disco!"
A scrawny man strutted onto the stage to roaring cheers.
"Good evening, everyone!" Disco's voice oozed false cheer. After some pleasantries, he cut straight to the point.
"This time, we've prepared a fine selection of high-quality slaves. I guarantee today's auction will offer rare and exciting prizes. I hope everyone finds a purchase that satisfies them!"
The crowd erupted again.
Beside Fenric, two elderly nobles, one old man and old woman muttered eagerly.
"What are you planning to buy this time?"
"The last human slave I bought barely lasted ten days. This time, I'll take a strong merman. Hopefully, there's one up for bid today."
"Hah! Your health is still holding up. As for me, I'm after two beautiful young girls. Let's hope they bring out something cute."
Hearing what the old couple said, Fenric felt a little sick.
These two old pigs, combined, are at least 120 years old.
On stage, Disco basked in the crowd's excitement before declaring:
"Then, let us begin! The first item today hails from the West Blue's Troitia family of musicians. Behold, our first slave!"