9. Black Eat Black

A Devil Fruit may not be as valuable to some as the famed Akazakura, especially to swordsmen who prioritize mastering renowned blades.

Yet, the allure of a Devil Fruit is unique: anyone who consumes it gains transformative powers, making it a coveted treasure of the sea, one that attracts interest from all sides. Unlike a sword, a Devil Fruit offers its user a wholly new ability, a change so significant that both pirates and nobles alike can't resist its appeal.

Noticing the charged atmosphere, the host felt a surge of satisfaction. As an expert auctioneer, he understood the true worth of a Devil Fruit—a "secret treasure of the sea."

With a soft tap on the table, he regained the crowd's full attention. "This Devil Fruit," he announced, his voice commanding, "was obtained by one of our partner chambers of commerce, a fortunate acquisition indeed. According to the records in the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, this is without a doubt a high-ranking Zoan: the Bear-Bear Fruit, Model: Dire Bear—an Ancient Zoan!"

The crowd gasped, their excitement intensifying as the host continued. "The dire bear form grants immense strength and durability, with an agility that rivals even the fiercest of the ancient carnivores."

"Whoever wields this power will find themselves elevated to new heights. With this fruit, becoming a force to be reckoned with on the seas is no mere dream. And yes, for those with different ambitions… it could also make for a powerful slave, perfect for increasing your reputation in the noble circles or coliseum fights!"

The host's skillful words fanned the flames of desire among both pirates and nobles alike, sparking a storm of chatter and excitement in the auction hall, far surpassing the response to the Akazakura. Watching this, the host's smile broadened. He lifted the gavel, his tone dropping to a dramatic timbre. "And now, for the grand finale: the Bear-Bear Fruit, Model: Dire Bear, up for bidding!"

"The starting price is 120 million berries, with a minimum increase of 10 million berries per bid!"

Bang!

The sharp strike of the gavel sent the crowd into a frenzy. Number plates shot up across the hall, and voices called out as bids escalated rapidly.

"One hundred and thirty million berries!"

"One hundred and fifty million!"

"Two hundred million berries!"

The bids soared, passing 400 million berries in mere moments, the competition fierce. The heated bidding thinned the crowd to a handful of determined buyers. Those forced to drop out looked on, torn between frustration and temptation, considering if the fruit's worth justified angering the auction's powerful backers.

The stakes had never been higher, and the tension in the room was palpable as the auction continued.

For Alex, these concerns were trivial.

He'd never hesitate for an instant, not even for the forces backing this auction house. He came for what he wanted, and nothing would stand in his way.

Listening to the host reveal the Devil Fruit's abilities, Alex's resolve strengthened. All he needed to do now was seize the prize.

Ignoring the commotion of the ongoing auction, he closed his eyes, his pupils sharpening as he drew upon his power.

Crackle... crackle...

Invisible currents of electricity flickered around him as his presence intensified.

Whoosh...

In the enclosed auction hall, a sudden gust swirled, gathering force. A fierce, tangible aura—heavy with authority—radiated from Alex, surging outward like a tidal wave.

Buzz!

In an instant, his Conqueror's Haki flooded the room, sweeping through with a crushing force that felt like the weight of the sea itself.

The pressure hit the crowd like a sledgehammer.

Thud!

Nearly a thousand spectators collapsed, eyes rolling back as they fainted in their seats, dropping one after another in waves.

"Now 'this' is what I call dominance," Alex murmured, pleased with his work. This ability was entirely different from intimidating beasts; here, one thought alone could bring down an entire room of weak-willed individuals. He could truly feel the singular power of Conqueror's Haki—a gift only one in a million possessed.

"Time for a little reward," he said, stretching before standing and heading towards the treasures stored backstage.

Among the display stands, Akazakura sat in the most prominent position, its scabbard's dark crimson adorned with cherry blossom motifs. Alex reached out, lifting the blade and admiring its weight.

"So light," he mused, running his hand along the sheath. Despite being one of the finest-crafted weapons, Akazakura felt as light as a feather.

Drawing the sword, he watched the gleaming blade catch the light. Its edge shimmered with an intensity that hinted at its deadly precision. Intrigued, he picked up another famed sword from the display, holding Akazakura in his other hand.

Without hesitation, he brought Akazakura down on the other blade in a single, smooth stroke.

Clang!

Sparks flew as the blade cut clean through the other sword, which shattered and fell to the floor in two halves. A weapon worth tens of millions of berries, now broken.

"Now that's a blade," Alex said, his expression bright with satisfaction. Not only was it light and swift, but its sharpness was unparalleled. He began to wonder if, like the legendary sword Enma, this weapon's power might be enhanced by infusing it with Haki.

Just as he prepared to test this theory, his Observation Haki alerted him—he sensed a large number of people moving towards the auction house, positioning themselves around it in an encirclement.

The hunt was on.