Chapter 8: Sabaody Showdown

Sabaody Archipelago is as lively as ever. This is the final stop before the second half of the Grand Line. Countless pirates must pass through here, as ships without coatings can't enter the New World.

Of course, what's different now is that during this time, almost all the so-called Supernovas are gathered in Sabaody Archipelago. Many other pirates are here as well.

But surprisingly, despite the chaos, the Marines haven't sent troops to Sabaody to crush the Supernovas. Even the usual Marine presence seems reduced.

Little do the pirates know, elite Marines are being selected from branches worldwide to gather in Marineford for a very likely war: the clash between Naval Headquarters and the Whitebeard Pirates!

"Sabaody Archipelago is so beautiful!"

Luffy and his crew were shopping when Octopus Hatchan rushed over in a panic.

"Luffy... Luffy... Camie was captured by slavers!"

"They're auctioning her off! What do we do?"

"Camie!"

"What?!"

Everyone's faces changed in shock. They valued their friends and partners above all else, and the group immediately hurried towards the auction house.

Meanwhile, Ling Bai and the others entered Sabaody's lawless area.

"I want to meet Rayleigh," Bullet said, determined.

Of course, this wasn't an old friend reunion. As a former member of the Roger Pirates, Bullet only revered Roger in that crew. He cared little for others. However, as Rayleigh's first mate, Bullet was concerned.

According to Ling Bai, Rayleigh was likely at an auction house.

Just then, the Straw Hats appeared within Crocodile's sight.

"Straw Hat Boy!"

Seeing his enemy, Crocodile nearly attacked. After all, the Straw Hats had humiliated him greatly.

"And Nico Robin? One of them now?"

Seeing Robin with them, Crocodile was even more surprised. This woman who never trusted anyone had become a Straw Hat Pirate?

"Don't worry, Old Sandbag."

Ling Bai knew Crocodile was itching to attack Luffy.

Meanwhile, Luffy and his crew naturally spotted Crocodile.

"Crocodile!"

Everyone was shocked, especially Luffy, who clenched his fist ready to attack. Nami stopped him, while Zoro and Sanji prepared to fight.

To them, Crocodile was the devil.

"Wasn't he captured by the Marines?"

Robin was puzzled.

"Don't be careless," Zoro warned. "The guys in front, except Crocodile, feel stronger! Especially that tall swordsman, Rain swordsman Shiryu... he feels much stronger than me!"

A harmless smile played on Ling Bai's lips, disarming both men and beasts.

"An event of great intrigue unfolds," he murmured, his thoughts drifting to the Celestial Dragons' imminent arrival and Kizaru's subsequent takedown of the supernovae.

"Who are you?!" Luffy demanded, his gaze narrowed at Ling Bai.

"Garp's grandson, huh? Hardly impressive," Bullet scoffed, his disdain for Luffy evident.

"Luffy, Camie..." Nami began, her voice laced with urgency.

"Right, Camie," Luffy interjected, the weight of their mission settling on his shoulders. The thought of Camie in the clutches of slavers, likely soon to be auctioned off, sent a shiver down his spine.

"Let's go!" he declared, his eyes hardening as he locked gazes with Ling Bai and the others. With Hatchan leading the way, Luffy bolted towards the auction house.

"Let's go too, Rayleigh is there, and besides, a very interesting thing will happen later"

...

Across town, in the very auction house where the infamous Celestial Dragons incident transpired, a beautiful mermaid named Camie found herself trapped in a giant fish tank, soon to be the unwilling star of the auction. Her stunning appearance drew cheers from the crowd, particularly from the most arrogant of the three Celestial Dragons in attendance.

"This mermaid," he declared, a crazed glint in his eyes, "I must have her!"

"Father," another Celestial Dragon chimed in, "look at her! Such beauty is a rare sight."

The three Celestial Dragons - Charles Rose, Roswald, and Shalulia - sat regally at the front, guarded by a phalanx of stoic men. Notably, the auction also attracted two of the notorious supernovas, Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid.

The auction commenced, the air thick with anticipation. The Celestial Dragons, brimming with avarice, believed the mermaid was theirs for the taking. Little did they know, their confidence was about to be shattered.

Just as the bidding began, Camie trembled in fear. But then, a commotion erupted at the entrance. The Straw Hat Pirates had arrived.

"Stop this!" Luffy roared, his voice echoing through the hall.

Meanwhile, at the back of the auction floor, Rayleigh, his eyes half-closed, took a swig from his drink, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"There's something about you, kid," rumbled a chained giant beside Rayleigh. "You seem… more than you appear."