Chapter 68: Chapter 68: The Permanent Pointer! The Warning of Slaughter in the Calm Seas
"One billion Berries!"
Natsu spoke calmly again. Whether they could actually reach Laugh Tale or not, he was determined to compete for it—what if they could, after all?
"Heh heh heh! Interesting. You won!" Doflamingo stopped bidding. More than becoming the Pirate King, he enjoyed playing with the world. Even though he was disowned by the Celestial Dragons, deep down, he still harbored their arrogance and high-handed mentality.
"One billion Berries once!"
"One billion Berries twice!"
"One billion Berries three times, congratulations to Natsu for winning the auction!"
The auctioneer's face lit up with joy. This auction had been a huge success, and his commission would be quite generous, bringing him a step closer to his personal goals.
Soon, money changed hands, and the Permanent Pointer was delivered to Natsu. In that moment, his Observation Haki clearly sensed over a dozen hostile auras. It was as though countless eyes were watching Natsu and his crew.
The atmosphere in the auction hall became unusually tense. Had it not been for Gaburu Island's special rules and Natsu's terrifying strength, a mob might have already swarmed them.
After all, when there's enough profit at stake, all rules go out the window.
"Monkey D. Natsu, I've been wanting to meet you for a long time. How about teaming up to create a big splash?" Morgans, the world-renowned journalist, approached Natsu with light steps, an excited expression on his face.
Natsu's recent actions had repeatedly stunned the world, and Morgans, always on the hunt for thrilling, exclusive news, couldn't resist his excitement.
"Big splash?! I'm not interested..." Natsu replied coldly.
"Well, that's a shame. But there will be other chances. If you need anything, feel free to reach out," Morgans said, shaking his head but still extending his arm in a friendly gesture. From his years of journalistic experience, Morgans could tell Natsu was no ordinary person. He was sure more groundbreaking news would come from him in the future.
Natsu watched Morgans leave, only for the sweet scent of perfume to reach his nose. A tall, curvaceous beauty approached, wearing a white flowered hat, a pink dress, and a white shawl. Her high-heeled blue shoes, adorned with a bow, made her stand out. Her golden curls and blue eyes shimmered under the light, and her face was painted with a delicate lipstick, giving her an elegant appearance.
"Natsu, you really are more handsome in person than I imagined. I never thought someone as troublesome for the World Government as you could be so good-looking. How about becoming my good friend?" The seductive voice of Stussy, the Queen of the Entertainment District, reached Natsu's ears.
But Natsu remained unmoved.
This woman, regardless of her youthful beauty, likely had the soul of someone far older—maybe even from the same era as Big Mom.
"Good friend? Aren't we already? As a Warlord of the Sea, I belong to the World Government too. We're on the same team, aren't we?" Natsu smiled faintly, speaking softly in her ear.
"You..." Stussy froze for a moment, startled. How did he know? Could he have figured out her true identity as a CP0 agent? Not many knew, considering her deep ties to the dark world.
"Heh, well, maybe next time we can meet up in the red-light district. Until then, take care!" Natsu said, walking away. A woman of such mysterious power was best left alone.
"Hmph, Monkey D. Natsu! Such an ungrateful brat!" Stussy scowled, staring after him. After a brief moment of contemplation, she moved to a corner and dialed a phone snail.
From the auction hall to the coast of Gaburu Island, Natsu and his crew made their way. But they were being watched—countless pirates lurked in the shadows, waiting for their opportunity.
"Captain, should we deal with these trash following us?" Gin asked, his voice low.
"No need. Just a bunch of small fry. The big fish haven't moved yet." Natsur shook his head, signaling to continue walking. Those without the strength to back up their dreams were just daydreaming.
"Captain, should we make a move? They're going to board their ships soon!" one of the pirates whispered.
"Wait a little longer. The other pirate crews haven't done anything either. After all, being invited by the World Government as a Warlord of the Sea means you're not some random nobody. No one wants to stick their neck out."
Almost all the pirates trailing them had the same thought—no one wanted to be the first to act. After all, they feared the consequences of angering someone of Natsu's caliber. But the temptation of the Permanent Pointer was too great, so they continued following.
"And what if? What if this Permanent Pointer leads to Laugh Tale? Could they become the next Pirate King?"
The words of Gol D. Roger before his death had spurred countless pirates to take to the seas, hoping to find the great treasure and become the next Pirate King—someone with fame, fortune, and the power to rule the world.
Natsu's crew easily boarded the Smile, sailing into the deep sea. Since no one had made a move yet, they continued at a leisurely pace.
"What do you think? Should we pursue or not?"
All the pirates were thinking the same thing, unconsciously edging closer to their ships.
"Get ready. A big battle is coming!" Natsu said, gazing at the calm sea, speaking to Gin and Hiro. The stillness of the sea felt off to him.
Half an hour later, several pirate crews couldn't resist any longer. They surrounded the Smile.
"Hey, Monkey D. Natsu! Hand over the Permanent Pointer!"
The voice from one pirate ship was full of threats. The number of pirate crews around Smile continued to grow, and their confidence grew bolder.
After all, there were only three of Natsu's crew, while there were nearly a thousand pirates surrounding them.
"Gin, take action. When a man pulls out his gun, it means he's ready to fight!" Natsu said.
"Understood, Captain!" Gin replied, leaping high into the air, his fiery wings spreading wide.
Before anyone knew it, the sky above them was filled with countless red dots that grew larger and larger.
Massive fireballs streaked through the air, roaring as they descended. The intense heat evaporated the sea water, creating a mist across the surface. The pirates' confidence quickly turned to terror, and they scrambled to escape.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The fireballs hit their target, igniting the pirate ships in a burst of flames. The surrounding sea was soon consumed by a sea of fire, signaling the end for this group of weak pirates. The flames eventually faded, leaving only black ash floating in the water.
Total annihilation! It was an easy fight, and the remaining pirates who had been watching hesitated to approach. They knew they were no match for such overwhelming power. Strength was everything; no amount of numbers could change that.
"Whoosh!"
Suddenly, a pink figure appeared, sitting casually on the side of the ship, crossing her legs.
"So, as a former Celestial Dragon traitor, are you interested in becoming Pirate King too, Donquixote Doflamingo?" Natsu said coldly, eyeing the newcomer.
Gin and Hiro immediately readied themselves for combat.
To be continued...
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