MTLNOVEL Chapter 286: Chapter 286: Alabasta Slaves?
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
As the master of ceremonies at the auction house on Sabaody Archipelago's Grove 1, Disco knew exactly how to whip the crowd into a frenzy. His voice alone seemed to electrify the entire hall, igniting an atmosphere of eager anticipation.
Behind the scenes, however, the mood was oppressively different. The backstage area, separated from the auction by a massive iron gate, was a place of despair. Here, the real "goods" of the auction—slaves—waited in dread.
"Hey, No. 15, you're up," barked a staff member as he swung open the gate. He approached a tall man dressed in pirate garb, who despite his fearsome appearance, seemed diminished and hesitant.
This man, known only as No. 15, wore a slave collar around his neck—an explosive device set to detonate should he try to remove or tamper with it. This collar was the source of his subdued manner, a stark contrast to the staff member's unimposing physique.
"Move it. If you're late, the boss won't be happy," the staffer snapped, kicking No. 15 to spur him into motion. He yanked on the chains that bound the pirate's wrists, dragging him past the gate.
As No. 15 was led away, his eyes sparked with a sudden intensity, hinting at a decision forming in his mind. Behind him, inside the gate, other figures remained, each caught in their own silent battles of despair.
In the dimly lit corner of the backstage area, two women stood out against the grim surroundings. Their exotic clothing hinted at origins far from these chaotic waters, likely spirited away from distant lands to be sold here. Both were striking in appearance, a typical trait for those unfortunate enough to be chosen for the auction block. One of the women had a darker complexion and was dressed in vibrant Alabasta garments, her outfit a splash of color in the bleak setting.
To their left, the disparity in the group continued. One of the men was a giant, his enormous stature necessitating a correspondingly large slave collar, which seemed to weigh heavily on him both physically and spiritually. His eyes were dulled, a visible sign of his broken spirit.
Next to the giant sat an elderly man with long, curly silver hair and a beard to match. His round-framed glasses and the scar over his right eye added to his distinctive appearance. Despite his frail frame, his demeanor was markedly different from the giant's defeated posture. After No. 15 was dragged away, the giant's muscles tensed in apprehension, but the old man showed no sign of concern. Instead, he casually produced a bottle of liquor from his coat, taking a measured sip from what was clearly almost an empty bottle.
"You were about to make a move earlier," the giant noted in a moment of quiet after the staff had left. "Right when those guys looked ready to act... I sensed your Haki... Who are you?"
The old man's grip on the bottle tightened, but he remained relaxed, his gaze fixed on the remaining contents of his drink rather than the giant's questioning eyes. With a wry smile, he responded, "I'm just an old guy who's good at coating ships. And, you know, I have a bit of a preference for younger women~"
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"Kept you all waiting!" Disco announced, taking the stage with his typical showmanship. He stood confidently beside No. 15, who he introduced with a flourish. "Ladies and gentlemen, this here is Lacoba! Not just any pirate, but a cunning one, feared across the seas, with a bounty of 170 million Berries! And just look at him—built like a fortress!"
Disco gave Lacoba a robust pat on the shoulder, drawing attention to his muscular frame. "Imagine the uses for such a man—hard labor, combat training, or even as your personal punching bag! Truly, a versatile investment."
The crowd murmured in interest, many leaning forward for a better look. But before Disco could hype the audience further, a sudden interruption broke the flow of his pitch.
"WHAT?!!" An alarmed shout came from the front row.
"What the hell happened?!" Confusion rippled through the crowd.
Disco turned to see Lacoba, blood trickling from his mouth, as his body sagged forward dramatically.
"That bastard… don't tell me he—"
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Disco's face twisted in anger. "Quick! Lower the curtains!" he commanded urgently.
Without hesitation, the stagehands pulled down massive red drapes, obscuring the auction stage from view, cutting off the sight of Lacoba's collapse from the audience.
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"Kid, that guy..."
"He just bit his tongue and killed himself," Eustass Kid remarked with a sneer from his seat among the audience, finding some dark amusement in the pirate's final act of defiance.
"A smart move," he mused aloud.
"Damn it! Right when the show was getting good!" he added, clearly annoyed by the abrupt end to the auction's drama.
Behind the closed curtain, Disco, visibly agitated, kicked at Lacoba's lifeless body in frustration.
"Tch. Can't sell him now," he grumbled, disgusted by the turn of events.
"Oi! Bring those two women up next!" Disco barked to his assistants.
"Understood!" came the swift reply from one of the staff, eager to move past the mishap and continue the auction.
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"Luffy?" Nami's voice was tinged with worry as she glanced over at Luffy. Ever since she had cautioned him to stay calm, he had remained unusually quiet, his face hidden under his straw hat. Unseen to others, his eyes were closed, seemingly deep in thought or listening intently to something only he could hear.
Meanwhile, Disco had swiftly regained command of the chaotic scene on stage. "There was a minor hiccup just now!" he announced cheerfully to the crowd. "No. 15, Lacoba, was overly excited and fainted due to a nosebleed! We'll reschedule his auction for another day. But let's move forward, shall we?"
"The next item up for bid will definitely lift your spirits!" Disco continued, his voice bubbling with excitement as he introduced the next lot. Two young women, shackled and collared, were led onto the stage.
"Introducing No. 18! A royal daughter from a non-World Government nation in the West Blue!" Disco declared. "Her name is Fili, only nineteen, trained in the refined arts of a princess—imagine the possibilities, gentlemen!"
"But hold your bids!" Disco's enthusiasm reached a fever pitch. "She's merely the appetizer. Our main course tonight is No. 19, a stunning 20-year-old from the World Government-affiliated kingdom of Alabasta! Known for rarity that rivals even that of mermaids!"
The crowd buzzed with whispers as Disco raved. "A government-affiliated kingdom? Alabasta, you say? That's King Cobra's domain, isn't it?"
"Wasn't there a major incident there involving a Warlord of the Sea and some notorious pirates?"
"Yes, and after all that, Cobra handed over the throne to his daughter."
"Hmm... She does have the look of someone from Alabasta. But are these auctioneers really this daring?"
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"Her name is Lisa!" Disco announced with a flourish. "A serendipitous find, really! She was left adrift at sea two months ago, a victim of a vicious storm, and fortunately, we managed to bring her here!"
Disco's expression contorted into a smug smile as he continued. "As our distinguished guests are aware, our dealings usually involve slaves from non-member nations and captured pirates."
"However," he added, leaning in, "regulars here know we have... special permissions."
"Behind this stage," Disco paused dramatically, "not only does the World Government turn a blind eye, but we also have the backing of one of the Underworld's Dark Emperors!"
"So, rest assured," Disco declared, his voice booming over the murmurs of the crowd, "even if our merchandise includes individuals from World Government-affiliated nations, here... none of those rules apply!"