125 Chapter 125: Auction House

The Sabaody Archipelago serves as a entryway to the New World, where pirates from various routes, marines stationed by the headquarters, and profit-seeking merchants from around the world converge on this globally renowned Bubble Island.

Simultaneously, it is also an area frequented by the world's wealthiest aristocrats—the Celestial Dragons!

Undoubtedly, the Sabaody Archipelago can be considered one of the most prosperous areas in the entire sea!

On the 13th Island, Adrian walked down the street with a cold expression, his eyes slightly lowered, silently contemplating his next plan.

The main goal of coming to Sabaody Archipelago is to 'Take Yarukiman Mangrove Red Tree'!

However, Tom's prior warning about material loss weigh heavily on his mind. In this trip, he may have to take at least half of the numbered roots of the Yarukiman Mangrove.

As the pillar that supports Sabaody Archipelago, the direct destruction of the Yarukiman Mangrove will inevitably cause a commotion on the island.

Even if you use your toes to think about it, you can guess that the World Government and the Marine Headquarters will inevitably respond very quickly, and send high-ranking officers from the headquarters to suppress it.

Adrian's current thoughts revolved around how to handle the series of follow-up events triggered by taking away the Yarukiman Mangrove tree. Even though Rumi has already "evolved" into a Castle Ghost, the speed at which she collects objects is not fast enough—especially when dealing with a portion of the Yarukiman Mangrove's numbered roots, which was as thick as… what comparison would be good enough?

In other words, before Rumi successfully collects the Yarukiman Mangrove roots, there is a high chance of encountering a high-level marine officers. It's likely that an Admiral will be present during this critical juncture…

Garp is still in the South Blue accompanying Lady Rouge, and it is impossible for him to come to Sabaody at this moment. Zephyr is responsible for teaching the Marine Elite Camp, and he has not been out on a mission to suppress pirates for several years. Fleet Admiral Kong is responsible for the daily operations of Marineford, and he will not easily leave…

Aside from the hidden marine forces that are not mentioned in the original work, the only opponent that can be considered at present is the 'Buddha Sengoku'!

Thinking of this, Adrian couldn't help but feel a little headache.

"The future Fleet Admiral...?"

"Even now, he would be at least a level 100 Super Boss, right? Someone who has reached or is close to the true pinnacle of the sea…"

Sengoku's reputation preceded him: absolute top-tier Haki, powerful physical skills honed through countless battles, and the attribute bonus of the Mythical Zoan-type Human-Human Fruit, Model: Buddha—a combination that made him awe-inspiring.

A burst of enthusiastic discussions suddenly reached Adrian's ears, interrupting his thoughts.

"Hey, did everyone hear about it? The Sophia Auction House just got a treasure trove! Fine wines, golden jewelry… and a showstopper!" {Big Show, who remembers?}

"What is it?"

"Some say it's a Great Grade Blade, worth over 20 million Beli at Sabaody Archipelago."

"Bullshit! I heard it's a Devil Fruit, a super-rare Paramecia type. Valued at 500 million—or maybe even 1 billion Beli!"

"Wait, I thought it was a treasure map—dug up from a deep-sea chest!"

"Auction's highlight is rare slave, you idiots!"

"Slaves? That's nonsense! The Sophia Auction House never deals in human trafficking!"

Caught in the whirlwind of speculation, Adrian couldn't help but be drawn into the intrigue of the upcoming auction at Sabaody Archipelago.

Adrian turned toward the animated voices—a group of revelers passionately discussing the centerpiece of the Sabaody Archipelago's Auction House. Their speculation revolved around the enigmatic showpiece that would soon grace the auction stage.

Like Adrian, other onlookers were drawn to the debate. Some even inquired about the auction house's location from those nearby.

"A great sword? Interesting…" Adrian mused. The pursuit of a formidable blade was etched into every swordsman's DNA. After all, the world recognized the grades of swords: from the "Skillful Grade Sword" to the "Great Grade Sword" and the revered "Supreme Great Grade Sword".

With nothing else to occupy his time, Adrian left the scene, having gleaned some information about the Sophia Auction House.

In terms of scale alone, Sophia Auction House paled in comparison to the Don Quixote Auction House in the North Blue. However, when it came to luxury, Sophia outshone the other.

As Adrian stepped into the luxurious interior of the Sophia Auction House, he noticed that many patrons were already seated. A steady stream of newcomers flowed in through the entrance.

Taking a seat in the main hall on the first floor, Adrian received a booklet—a succinct guide to the day's auction items—from a waiter. He casually flipped through its pages.

"Wine… jewelry… more wine… paintings… and yet more wine…" Adrian grumbled. "Does the auction owner have a likes wine a bit too much?"

His eyes scanned the remaining pages, hoping for something intriguing. And there it was—the mysterious finale, the item that piqued his interest:

"I hope it's one of the twenty-one Great Grade Swords…"

With a brief pre-show performance, the auction officially commenced.

The chief auctioneer at the Sophia Auction House cut a fat figure, adorned in shimmering jewels. His thick brownish beard adorned his upper lip with precision.

"Respected gentlemen, ladies, and distinguished guests," he began, his voice resonating through the grand hall. "It is truly an honor to have you all participate in this auction hosted by the Sophia Wine Emporium…"

Adrian, seated among the audience, couldn't help but twitch his mouth. The abundance of alcoholic beverages on the auction list had struck him as peculiar. But little did he expect that the auction house itself was owned by the proprietor of a wine shop!

Just then, a middle-aged man's impatient voice erupted from the front row:

"Hey, you fatty! Shut up and get on with it! I want to see the final item!"

Strangely, the previously composed chief auctioneer visibly shivered. Beads of sweat materialized on his fair forehead.

Simultaneously, the vast auction hall fell into an eerie silence. No one dared to speak.

Adrian's eyes flashed with lightning as he activated his Observation Haki. And in that moment, he realized the identity of the interrupter: a Celestial Dragon!

The man wore a signature transparent bubble headgear, his pristine white attire resembling a spacesuit. Two valve-like protrusions adorned his right waist, and a row of six medals adorned his left chest. His entire body was swathed in protective clothing, leaving no skin exposed.

Such attire was exclusive to the Celestial Dragons—a class apart in the entire ocean, unmatched in their peculiar garb.

{For me, I think these Celestial Dragons are grown for a purpose, may be readers have some ideas.}