The moment Carmen's words fell, the guards' laughter vanished.
Their faces darkened, swords and rifles raised, all aimed straight at her.
"You've got a death wish!"
"How dare you attack our overseer!"
"Grab her—make her pay before we hand her over!"
But Carmen didn't flinch.
Instead, she planted her hands on her hips, eyes glinting coldly.
"Shut those filthy mouths," she snapped. "Say one more word and I'll give you something truly unforgettable!
Now—are we doing business or not?"
Her fearless tone made even the most aggressive guard hesitate.
The overseer, hiding behind his men, swallowed hard.
His earlier arrogance was gone, replaced with trembling confusion.
"Y-you… what exactly are you selling?"
Carmen's lips curved into a small, confident smile.
"A pirate worth five hundred million."
The man's eyes bulged.
"F-five hundred million?!"
"That's right," she said coolly. "Five hundred million. You can come check for yourself. If he's genuine, you can take him."
The overseer's greed instantly overpowered his fear.
This was no small deal — this was massive.
"Alright," he stammered. "Let me see him. Wait here."
He hurried back into the auction house, returning moments later with a handful of bounty posters, flanked by several armed guards.
Carmen led them to the corner of the street.
When the man caught sight of the unconscious Waldo lying there, his entire body went stiff.
"N-no way…" he gasped.
That face, that physique, that ridiculous pompadour—
it was unmistakable.
Waldo, the five-hundred-million–berry monster of the seas.
He could barely breathe.
Who is this woman? How did she take him down?!
His mind spun in disbelief until Carmen's impatient voice snapped him back.
"Well? You taking him or not?"
"T-taking! Of course we're taking him!"
Carmen smirked.
"Good. But here's my condition — I'm not waiting for your auction. I want six hundred million, cash.
What you resell him for is none of my concern."
The man froze, torn between greed and caution.
"Six hundred million… that's… well…"
He hesitated for half a second.
Carmen turned to leave.
"Come on, boys," she called.
Immediately, three robed figures stepped forward—lifting Waldo as if to carry him away.
"W-wait! No, no, hold on!" the overseer yelped, scrambling after her.
"Let's not be hasty! I'm sure we can make a deal!"
Carmen pointed to Waldo's body.
"That's Waldo, you idiot. You know what happens if he wakes up, right?
You don't buy, fine. I'll hand him over to the Marines.
Let's see how long you stay in business after that."
The man broke into a cold sweat.
He clenched his jaw.
"Fine! Six hundred million it is! But I'll need some time to gather that kind of money—at least a full day!"
"How long, exactly?"
"By the morning after tomorrow, I swear the money will be ready!"
Carmen pretended to hesitate, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
Then she nodded.
"Alright. One day.
But just so you don't get any funny ideas—Ah Da, show him what happens to liars."
"Yes, ma'am."
That was the signal.
"Ah Da" was, of course, Arthur.
Without a word, he turned, cocked back his fist, and punched the back wall of the auction hall.
BOOOOM!!!
The ground trembled.
The entire rear section of the building collapsed like it was made of sand.
Everyone — the overseer, the guards, even the passersby — froze in stunned silence.
The overseer swallowed audibly.
Any thought of double-crossing vanished on the spot.
Then, from down the street, Carmen's voice echoed back like a warning bell:
"I'll be back the morning after tomorrow.
Try anything stupid—and your whole building ends up like that wall."
When her group vanished around the corner, the overseer stood rooted in place, pale as death—
—and then broke into a grin.
"Ha! If what I've heard is true, the Celestial Dragons are attending the auction in two days!
If we've really got Waldo… we'll make a fortune!"
Meanwhile, Carmen strolled down the bustling streets of Sabaody Archipelago's Grove 1, practically glowing with pride.
Her heart was racing, adrenaline still buzzing through her veins.
That feeling… that power!
Her first time taking the lead — and she'd pulled it off flawlessly.
"So?" Arthur asked with an amused smile. "Feels good, doesn't it?"
Carmen nodded so hard it was almost comical.
"Mhm! Mhm! Mhm!"
Arthur chuckled.
"Good. Once the Count's business is settled, train hard with him.
You'll earn that kind of confidence through your own strength next time."
Her eyes sparkled.
"I will! I promise!"
Seeing that fire in her, Arthur nodded, pleased.
That's what matters. Not talent — determination.
"Alright then," he said. "Let's split up.
Carmen, go pick up supplies. Crocodile, help her carry them.
The Count and I will check out the busier areas."
"Got it!"
Carmen's face lit up instantly.
Shopping on a new island? Yes, please.
Crocodile, however, was less thrilled.
His expression darkened.
"Tch… when did I become the errand boy?"
Arthur clapped him on the shoulder.
"Your powers make you the best mover around. Think of it as… logistical efficiency."
Crocodile sighed but didn't argue further, trailing after Carmen toward the shopping district.
Meanwhile, Arthur and Redfield found a stylish, crowded café-restaurant overlooking the central plaza and took a seat by the window.
Both possessed exceptional Observation Haki, and the moment they sat down, the entire room's chatter became crystal clear.
It was a leisurely pastime—eavesdropping on gossip, trade whispers, and rumors of new bounties.
Then, the door opened.
A man rose from a corner table.
He wore a heavy hat that shadowed his eyes, a plain T-shirt, and carried a long sword strapped to his back.
His calm, sharp aura was unmistakable.
Arthur's lips curved into a grin.
"Well, if it isn't the Surgeon of Death, Trafalgar Law of the North Blue."
The man approached their table.
"Gentlemen," he said politely, "mind if I join you?"
"Not at all," Arthur gestured. "Have a seat."
Law nodded, sitting smoothly.
"So it's true," he said after a sip of coffee.
"You're the new supernova everyone's been talking about — 'Flying Thunder God' Arthur."
"That's me," Arthur said with an easy smile.
"And you're Law, captain of the Heart Pirates, right?
What can I do for you?"
Law blinked.
Wait… did he just steal my line?
He coughed, a little thrown off.
"Ahem. Right.
To be blunt, I've been watching the other Supernovas since arriving here.
The competition is fierce, but among all of them… I believe you're the most exceptional."
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere. What's your point?"
Law exhaled slowly, deciding to be direct.
"In the New World, the strong rule and the weak are crushed.
Even the Supernovas can't survive alone.
I want to propose an alliance — you and I together.
We could shake the seas, even challenge the Four Emperors one day."
Arthur smirked.
"An alliance, huh? Sounds noble.
But if I had to guess… this is really about Doflamingo, isn't it?"
Law's eyes flickered, but he didn't deny it.
Arthur leaned back, smiling wider.
"Good news for you, then.
I'm heading to Dressrosa soon myself."
Law's gaze sharpened with interest.
"You are?"
"Mm-hm." Arthur tapped a finger on the table.
"But if you want my help taking him down… you'll have to agree to one condition."
Law's expression grew serious.
"Name it."
Arthur's grin turned razor-sharp.
"Simple — when I take Doflamingo down…
whatever treasure or fruit he's hiding, I get first pick."
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