Chapter 177: Sabaody: The Restless Enel

"What? 100,000 Berries? Are you kidding me?" Enel's body crackled with electricity, radiating an intimidating aura.

Kaku, seeing that Enel was getting angry, quickly put on the rubber gloves he had prepared in advance and grabbed Enel's arm, saying, "Don't make a scene. Takumi hasn't said anything, so it's probably not a big deal."

Enel shook off Kaku's hand, annoyed. "Whose side are you on? This outsider is ripping us off!"

"Enough," Takumi said, his tone flat. "Sit down."

Enel looked at Takumi in disbelief, clearly wanting an explanation.

Rayleigh burst into laughter. "Hahaha, Takumi, aren't you someone who dislikes chaos? How did you end up with such a restless crewmate?"

"What kind of crew I take on is my business, not yours," Takumi said as he picked up his glass, took a sip, and then turned to Shakky. "Another few bottles of wine, please. Thank you."

Shakky glanced at Takumi with a slight smile, then turned around, opening the cabinet behind her. She pulled out two bottles of rum and set them down in front of Takumi and Rayleigh. She also retrieved a plate of boiled beans and some small snacks from the fridge, placing them on the bar as well. "Drinking without snacks doesn't quite feel right, does it?"

"Hahaha, you know me well," Rayleigh said as he popped open the bottles, handing one to Takumi.

Takumi took the bottle without hesitation. Without exchanging many words, they clinked their bottles together and drank.

Enel, seeing that Takumi wasn't paying him any attention, wanted to stay angry but couldn't muster it.

Kaku patted Enel on the shoulder, smiling. "Come on, don't get mad. You're the mighty Thunder God. How could such trivial matters upset you?"

"Damn long-nose, are you calling me petty?" Enel glared at Kaku.

Kaku raised his hands in surrender. "I never said that, you're misunderstanding me."

Shakky watched the two of them with amusement and said lightly, "You two seem to get along pretty well."

Enel shot her an irritated look. "Get along? My quarrel with my underling has nothing to do with you, you heartless scammer!"

"When did I become your underling…? Never mind, just stop talking," Kaku said, half-laughing and half-crying.

Shakky didn't seem bothered by Enel's words at all. Instead, she asked with a smile, "I have some apple pie. Would you like to try it?"

Enel hesitated, surprised by her reaction. He had half-expected her to be scared and was now starting to wonder if she was trying to appease him with his favorite food. "Uh... you're not trying to poison me, are you?"

"Of course not. Even if I wanted to deal with you, I'd just do it directly. No need for tricks," Shakky replied as she turned to get the apple pie.

After drinking a large gulp of wine with Rayleigh, Takumi set his bottle down. Rayleigh followed suit and asked, "So, how long are you planning to stay on Sabaody this time?"

Takumi thought for a moment before answering, "At least a week."

"That's about right," Rayleigh stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Sabaody is close to Marine Headquarters, and the Celestial Dragons often wander around here. With your personality, things could get messy if you run into one."

The mention of the Celestial Dragons reminded Takumi of what happened earlier that day. "What happened earlier… Why did you help me?"

Rayleigh took another swig from his bottle before answering, "It was nothing, really. Besides, I wasn't just helping you. If you had really attacked the Celestial Dragons, a Marine Admiral would have been here on Sabaody in no time. And once you clashed with a Marine Admiral here, the consequences would be serious. I'm sure you understand that."

It was true…

If a Marine Admiral really showed up, things would get complicated.

Takumi wasn't one to look for trouble. If it hadn't been for that Celestial Dragon's dog nearly peeing on his head, he wouldn't have cut the thing in half…

"Luckily, that female Celestial Dragon didn't see your face," Rayleigh shrugged. "What happened today shouldn't have too much of an impact on your plans for the next few days here on Sabaody."

Hopefully, that would be the case.

Takumi took another sip of his wine, pondering for a moment before asking, "The auction at Red Tree No. 1, does it take place every day?"

"That's right," Rayleigh replied with interest. "Are you eyeing something at the auction?"

Takumi remained silent, continuing to drink.

Rayleigh stroked his chin, staring at Takumi thoughtfully. "Your silence says it all. Let me guess... There's something you want at the auction. Your interests aren't that many, so... Could it be a rare bottle of collectible wine?"

Takumi sighed. "No, stop guessing…"

"Hahaha," Rayleigh laughed heartily. "Can't you chat with me for a little longer? Who knows when we'll meet again? By the way, don't forget, I promised to do something for you. No matter what it is, whether it's good or bad, I'll help you out."

Takumi glanced at Rayleigh.

So, he still remembered...

Takumi had almost forgotten about Rayleigh's promise to do him a favor.

Originally, he thought that after this drink, they would be even, with no debts owed.

He didn't need any favors from Rayleigh.

But knowing Rayleigh, if he made a promise, he wouldn't drop it so easily.

Since that was the case, and Takumi had been wondering how to secure the Devil Fruit from the auction in seven days, perhaps Rayleigh could help with that.

With that in mind, Takumi spoke up, "You're really willing to help with anything, no matter what it is?"

Rayleigh smiled and nodded. "Of course. Whatever it is, I'll do my best to help you."

"Alright," Takumi said, meeting Rayleigh's gaze. "In a week, meet me at the Red Tree No. 1 auction house."

"No problem," Rayleigh shrugged nonchalantly. "So you've got your eye on something there, huh? Hahaha, don't worry, I'll be there."

Shakky returned with the apple pie and some tea snacks for Kaku.

"Thank you, ma'am," Kaku said politely.

Shakky waved it off. "No problem."

Enel, with a smug look on his face, took the apple pie as if it were an apology, eating a piece while commenting, "It's okay, I guess."

"Talking while eating can make you choke," Shakky warned as she took a drag from her cigarette.

No sooner had she said this than Enel actually choked on his pie. Grabbing his half-full glass of apple juice, he gulped it down, finally clearing the blockage.

Seeing Enel's relieved expression, Shakky couldn't help but cover her mouth to stifle a giggle.

"You…! How dare you laugh at me!" Enel glared at her furiously.

Before Kaku could even stop him, Enel raised his hand, his fingers crackling with electricity, and aimed it directly at Shakky's forehead.

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