Chapter 102

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Even though the black 66 symbol on the snail was quite conspicuous, nobody gave it much thought. After all, Germa 66 had 'disappeared' for so long, and most people considered it merely a legend from children's fairy tales.

It was seen as merely a novelty and rarity!

Then, under many surprised eyes, Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji, along with Reiju, were the first to disembark the ship.

In the end, Reiju had to relent.

It wasn't that she was convinced by the actions of the three brothers, but she knew that if she didn't participate, her father would lay all the blame on her upon their return, regardless of the outcome, and punish her harshly!

So, to avoid such a predicament, she had to take the plunge into this deep pit, even though she knew what it was.

Now, all she could hope for was that the opponents had underestimated them and weren't adequately prepared.

Otherwise, their small group, together with nearly a hundred clone soldiers, might not be able to fight their way out.

At that moment, she dearly wished she was overthinking it, but could that really be the case?

....

Within the most luxurious room of the Xinde Auction House, an array of exquisite dishes was spread out.

But there were only two people to enjoy such a feast.

Thud-thud.

"Come in."

"Lord Abel, the fish has taken the bait!" The man managed to stifle his excitement, his face full of reverence and respect as he reported.

"I see. Proceed as planned. Dismissed."

Abel and Baby-5 continued their feast.

Everything seemed under control, but Abel was genuinely surprised by the news!

He had set this trap on the island and even used the resources of his family to publicize it in the newspaper, mainly to show Doflamingo that he was doing his best.

After all, at this stage, he hadn't considered going head-to-head with Germa 66.

And where could he find them since they had seemingly vanished?

But, to his surprise, this blatant fishing expedition had indeed hooked a big fish!

"Did they really have so much confidence that they could swallow this bait and escape unscathed? They're underestimating our Donquixote family a bit too much," Abel mumbled to himself while chewing his food, rendering his words almost inaudible.

Even at this point, he didn't consider the possibility that the opponent might be foolish, but assumed they were overly confident.

Knowing it was a trap, they still came to flex their muscles.

After all, it was Germa 66, and that was perfectly understandable.

However, Abel was still somewhat irked at being looked down upon.

"Well then, let's see how this goes!" Abel decided, vowing that unless it was Vinsmoke Judge himself leading the charge, none of Germa 66's men who came would return!

After all, even if they did make an enemy, Doflamingo would still be there to take the fall. What did he have to fear?

A fight it is, then. Let's have an all-out war!

The imminent confrontation between the nearly dominant Donquixote Family of the North Sea and the former overlord, Germa 66, is bound to be a brutal spectacle – one that could shake even the fiercest of dogs!

Add to that the lurking presence of the Navy, and the very thought sends shivers of anticipation and excitement coursing through one's veins.

With a final clatter, Abel tossed his last dish onto the table. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he rose from his seat and headed out. He was itching for the show to begin.

Not long after, at the auction venue, Reiju and the others had taken their seats. By now, Reiju had abandoned all hopes of luck. On their way in, she had already felt several malicious gazes fixed on them.

The good news, however, was that all their soldiers had already landed ashore via submarines and infiltrated the vicinity, ready to offer support if a fight broke out.

Ichiji noted, "Quite a crowd. It will be a challenge to take them all down without letting a single one escape."

Yonji countered, "It doesn't matter. I will step in."

Niji declared, "When the auction starts, we move. I'm going in first, and none of you better try to steal my thunder."

Ichiji and Yonji echoed, "May the best man win!"

Listening to their banter, Reiju couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, directly above their seating area was a luxurious suite, where Abel, Baby-5, and the auction house's director were stationed. From the inside, they could see out, but those outside could not see in.

The suite was not the result of Abel employing any manipulative tactics; it was, in fact, a property of the Donquixote Family. As a family executive, Abel had the authority to command all personnel there.

Most of the auction participants outside were agents of the family, disguised and strategically positioned around the 'Neon Light' team.

Abel had initially been surprised to learn that the intruders were the children of Vinsmoke Judge. Upon reflection, however, he admitted that it was not completely unexpected; only these prodigies could dare to attempt such a feat.

Abel was in awe of their audacity. Having already tangled with the Donquixote Family once, they were back again, seemingly unfazed by the prospect of a trap.

This led Abel to wonder if Judge, when modifying these 'Neon Lights', had inadvertently affected their ability to think rationally.

"Let's get this started," Abel said. "I can hardly wait to witness the forthcoming spectacle."

"Yes, Lord Abel."

No more than two minutes after the manager left, the auction began, kicking off with a bang.

The main attraction was brought out immediately—a considerable amount of the raw material, Y3, serving as an alluring bait.

"Today's first auction item is the raw material for Y3. The starting price is..."

"No matter how much you bid, this batch of raw material is mine!"

Niji was the first to stand up. He scanned the crowd with an arrogant gaze, his distinctive hairstyle swaying with a sense of pride. He must have thought he looked incredibly cool at that moment.

"Idiot!"

Both Ichiji and Yonji cursed under their breaths, promptly pulling out their guns and aiming at the host. Fortunately, the host was prepared. The moment Niji stood up, he fled backstage. The bullets shattered the glass counter but missed him.

The gunfire acted like a stick thrust into a hornet's nest.

Those disguised as customers quickly revealed their true colors as they pulled out their weapons, wicked grins on their faces as they aimed at Niji and the others. But before they could fire, they collapsed one by one, their faces turning purple. After a few convulsions, they foamed at the mouth and died.

"We knew you were up to no good! Your hostility was so blatant. Did you think we wouldn't notice?"

Ichiji spat out disdainfully.

When he looked at Reiju, his expression softened significantly. Clearly, he was pleased with her preemptive strike.

With the first shot fired, the auction venue erupted into chaos.

A multitude of gunmen retaliated, forcing Ichiji and the others to take cover, causing considerable frustration!

However, the Germa 66 soldiers swiftly arrived, and a fierce crossfire ensued.

"Ichiji, Niji, Yonji, we need to retreat. It's clear this is a trap set for us!" Reiju cried out anxiously.

Upon engaging in battle, she quickly realized that the enemy was well-prepared.

Not only had they stationed numerous gunmen in advance, but they had also sealed all exits and initiated a pincer attack as soon as they spotted the reinforcements.

Despite being well-trained, the Germa soldiers were outnumbered and constrained by the unfamiliar terrain, unable to utilize their full potential. As a result, they were gradually whittled down.

Moreover, Abel had promised significant rewards to his gunmen, thus motivating them to fight fiercely.

"If you want to get ahead, desire wealth and beauty, yet are not willing to risk your life, what good things can you expect?!"

Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji began to realize that the situation was not going as planned.

It was notably different from what they had imagined.

They had envisaged storming the auction with their Germa soldiers, annihilating everyone, and then returning triumphantly with their spoils to their father's praise.

Just like the smooth operation they had conducted last time.

But the reality in front of them was starkly different, which was hard for them to accept at the moment.

"Do you see that over there?"

"Niji, Yonji, charge with me!"

"Alright!"

Ichiji led the charge, immediately backed by his two brothers.

Reiju, who had suggested the retreat, was ignored.

They refused to retreat in such a dismal manner. If they did, they would not be able to face their father when they returned to their base.

They charged towards the most distinctive booth across the room.

Before the auction began, Ichiji had noticed the old man who had announced the start of the event had respectfully emerged from that booth.

That suggested that the people inside must be of high stature.

So, if they could take someone from inside as a hostage, perhaps it would deter the gunmen outside.

Once they regained control, they could not only retreat safely but also take the 'spoils' outside with them.

It must be said that Ichiji's quick thinking to come up with such a seemingly reliable solution was impressive.

Furthermore, subsequent events seemed to corroborate his hypothesis.

Perhaps they had sensed their intentions, or they simply did not want to disturb the 'VIP' inside the booth.

Many people immediately tried their best to intercept them, preventing them from reaching the booth.

Seeing this, Ichiji and his brothers grew excited, their faces filled with anticipation.