Chapter 33

Title: Auctioning: Marine Vice Admiral on Sale

In the original story's Wanokuni chapter, Kurozumi Orochi had no interest in the World Government's bargaining chips. He had proposed to trade Vegapunk, but CP0 at the time had rejected the idea, considering it absurd. After all, Vegapunk was considered priceless.

While Xilan and Chitong were discussing their approach to dealing with Vegapunk, chaos erupted on the sea in another direction. The Ghost Spider had received Akainu's orders to secretly investigate the G0 base's violations. And guess what? He had indeed found evidence.

As soon as he arrived, he encountered Doflamingo. The Ghost Spider swiftly ordered his men to take photographs and prepared to return to Naval Headquarters. However, Doflamingo intercepted him not long after he left.

A fierce battle ensued between the two sides. Despite Doflamingo's cowardly front when facing figures like Blackbeard and Kaido, he proved to be a formidable opponent when it came to taking on a Marine Vice Admiral.

The battle concluded after half an hour, with Ghost Spider losing to the Heavenly Yaksha. Unfortunately, Doflamingo had also seized the incriminating photos destined for Naval Headquarters.

Doflamingo sensed that something was amiss. He suspected that someone high up wanted to eliminate Xilan. Fearing repercussions for his actions and the lack of future protection, Doflamingo decided to reveal the details to Xilan.

"It's quite intriguing; they're actually coming for me," Xilan remarked in the office.

Xilan listened attentively while Doflamingo stood before him. Ghost Spider, on the other hand, was bound by chains, appearing as if he were the criminal.

"Mr. Xilan, you're a Marine stalwart. Why would you associate with pirates?" Ghost Spider chastised angrily.

"You're simple-minded. Your perspective is too narrow," Xilan retorted. "If the World Government can make deals with pirates, why can't I?"

It was a classic case of "state officials are the only ones allowed to set fires, while the common people can't even light lamps." The World Government not only had deals with the Wano Country but also maintained close ties with figures like Red-Haired Shanks, who could freely enter and exit Mariejois.

"Who sent you to spy on me?" Xilan inquired casually.

"Hmph, I won't utter another word to a Marine traitor!" Ghost Spider replied defiantly, turning his head away. Nonetheless, he was a tough character. "If you have the guts, go ahead and kill me."

Xilan chuckled as he approached Ghost Spider. "In truth, if you don't tell me, I can still make an educated guess. Among the Marines, you and Sakazuki are the closest, and I don't exactly see eye to eye with him."

"Sakazuki sent you, didn't he?" Xilan queried, almost certain of the answer.

Ghost Spider remained silent, his expression freezing slightly.

Seeing this, Xilan's suspicions were nearly confirmed.

"Or..." Doflamingo gestured by running his finger across his neck.

"What do you mean, asking me to kill my own colleagues?" Xilan scowled at Doflamingo, showing his displeasure. "Regardless of the circumstances, Ghost Spider is my colleague. I won't kill him. Even if he's no saint, I can't mercilessly take his life."

Upon hearing Xilan's response, Ghost Spider gazed at him once more. Xilan, with his withered yet strikingly white hair and the wrinkles etched on his cheeks, exuded an air of experience and the passage of time.

In reality, most Marines held a deep admiration for this legendary figure, Ghost Spider included.

"Mr. Xilan..." Ghost Spider began but paused. The fact that Xilan was reluctant to kill him indicated that his sense of morality still prevailed.

Before Ghost Spider could attempt to persuade Xilan to change his mind, Xilan spoke up.

"Regardless, he's a Marine Vice Admiral. It would be a shame to kill him. How about we sell him instead?"

"Joker, get this guy to the Human Auction House quickly and offer a 50% discount," Xilan ordered nonchalantly.

Ghost Spider was taken aback and promptly retorted, "I bought a watch there last year!"

That evening, Doflamingo returned to Dressrosa, adhering to Xilan's high-profile approach.

Explosive news spread across newspapers - Doflamingo would be auctioning various rare Devil Fruits, top-tier slaves, including a Marine Vice Admiral. A photo of Ghost Spider was also published alongside the announcement.

To add to the spectacle, Doflamingo claimed to have several unique items for sale, including a collection of kidneys. There was even one attributed to Marshall D. Teach.

While these kidneys were essentially worthless, and Doflamingo had no shortage of funds, the main objective was to cooperate with Xilan in his mission to eliminate Blackbeard.

As news of the auction circulated worldwide, the seas were once again thrown into chaos. The notion of selling a Marine Vice Admiral at a Human Auction was a direct affront to Marine's honor.

Few would dare to buy such a commodity, except perhaps a handful of audacious pirates, eager to taunt the Marines.

When Sengoku got wind of the situation, he was furious and swore to capture Doflamingo at any cost.

On the other side, the Blackbeard Pirates were incensed.

"That son of a bitch Doflamingo, he stole my kidney, and I haven't settled the score with him yet! And now he dares to put it up for auction? Unforgivable!" Blackbeard fumed as he tore up newspapers in a fit of rage.

"Little ones, head to Dressrosa immediately. Retrieve our kidneys and take down Doflamingo!"

—

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