One Piece: Bai Ye Deputy Captain of the Straw Hats

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

The layout of the Sabaody Archipelago is intriguing. At the center of the archipelago lies Island No. 1, known for being the most lawless part of the area. The island's most notorious landmark is the lavish and infamous Human Auctioning House, positioned right in the center. Additionally, Islands 1 through 29, plus Island 60, function as a naval base and the primary checkpoint for government operations. 

"Wow, this place is enormous!" Luffy exclaimed as he entered Auction Hall No. 1, his eyes wide with amazement, much like a child discovering a new playground. The auction house was structured simply, with two main areas: the seating for the audience and the auction stage. However, the lavish decorations gave the hall an extravagant feel.

As the auction was about to start, the large venue, which could hold nearly a thousand spectators, was nearly full. The crowd was a mosaic of fashion, but each person's attire screamed of wealth and high status, marking them as dignitaries from across the world.

Luffy, in his simple straw hat and casual clothes, along with Nami, who had just walked in, looked distinctly out of place. Yet, they weren't the only ones who seemed mismatched in this gathering of the elite.

Two other individuals stood out among the finely dressed crowd, clearly not blending in with the aristocratic ambiance.

"Kid, look over there. Aren't those two the captain and navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates?" A man with a blue-striped mask nodded towards Luffy and Nami, speaking to the fiery red-haired man next to him.

"The infamous Straw Hat Luffy and Cat Burglar Nami," he remarked.

"Hahaha, I came to see the dirty business of these so-called world leaders for myself. Didn't expect to bump into them here!" Kidd laughed with a hint of scorn. "Let's see what these 'exceptional' pirates are up to. This isn't Enies Lobby."

"Straw Hat Luffy," he mused, his interest piqued by the potential for chaos.

-----

"There are so many people here, Nami. How are we going to find Rayleigh?" Luffy's voice was filled with confusion as he and Nami settled into the back row of the crowded auction house.

Nami leaned closer to explain, "Shakky told us that when Rayleigh needs money, he sometimes sells himself here as a slave."

Luffy burst into laughter, finding the concept bizarre yet amusing. "You can make money like that? Hahaha, that's wild!"

As Nami scanned the room, she noticed several VIPs prominently seated. Among them, two figures in space suit-like attire and oxygen masks caught her eye—one of them, a woman, had a pink veil covering her face.

"Welcome, Honorable Saint Rosward and Honorable Saint Shalria," announced the auction house manager, bowing deeply as if before deities. "We are deeply honored by your presence."

Nami tensed, whispering to Luffy, "We've actually stumbled upon Celestial Dragons..."

She turned to him with a stern look. "Luffy, listen. We're just here to watch. If Rayleigh isn't here, we leave without causing any trouble. Promise?"

Luffy, still somewhat distracted, nodded. "Got it, Nami."

Despite Luffy's assurance, Nami felt a knot of worry. She knew Luffy's impulsive nature all too well and considered whether they should leave immediately.

Just then, the auction house doors burst open again. A procession of armored guards marched in, followed by a man in an oxygen mask, seated atop another man—his human chair. The man in the mask had a visible stream of snot, marking him as an idiot.

Nami realized too late that leaving might no longer be an option.

Nami discreetly pulled a charm from her collar and activated it, silently praying that the situation wouldn't spiral out of control.

As Saint Charlos made his grand entrance, the auction house's deputy manager quickly scurried to his side, bowing low. "Oh, Honorable Saint Charlos, your presence graces us greatly. Saints Rosward and Shalria have eagerly awaited your arrival."

Charlos, visibly irritated, dismounted from the man who had served as his human chair and kicked him harshly. "Father, have they been waiting long?" he snapped, frowning.

"You worthless scum! You've made my father wait! You are truly the most despicable and lowly of all!" Without another word, Charlos pulled out a gun.

BANG!

The gunshot reverberated through the hall, and the man crumpled to the ground, released at last from his torment.

The nobles around watched the scene unfold with a disturbing detachment. To them, the brutal execution was no more than a minor diversion. A few even nodded approvingly, unfazed by the violent act.

One of Charlos's knights promptly removed the body, careful not to disturb the Celestial Dragons. Meanwhile, auction house staff efficiently cleaned the bloodstained floor, their actions swift and practiced.

The day continued as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.

Kidd, observing from a corner of the auction house, couldn't suppress his disdain. "Haha, what a pathetic scene!" he scoffed.

Luffy, speaking quietly to Nami, questioned, "So, this is why you told me not to do anything, Nami?"

"Luffy..." Nami struggled to find words. Everything had unfolded too swiftly for her to intervene. "The Celestial Dragons..." she whispered. "If you touch them, the Navy Admirals will come for us. We can't afford a fight with the Navy right now."

"Remember why we're here. If Marines surround us, how will we ever save Ace?" Nami's voice was urgent, but Luffy seemed unnervingly calm—a sign that usually meant trouble.

"Shalria, you should take a lesson from Charlos. See how he handles slaves? That's the mark of a true Celestial Dragon," a voice rang out, praising Charlos as he settled next to the other Celestial Dragons, his smug smile widening.

Meanwhile, the curtains of the auction stage lifted, revealing a flamboyant man with a top hat and purple hair. This was Disco, the auctioneer for the event.

"Welcome, honored guests!" he announced grandly. "I now declare this auction officially open!!!"