Compared to the slave auction, the appearance of a Devil Fruit didn't stir up much excitement. Maybe Kaito was just lucky—most of the attendees at today's auction didn't seem all that interested in it.
There were still a few rounds of bidding, but the final price didn't come close to what the slaves had fetched. After a few half-hearted offers, Kaito successfully snagged the fruit for 280 million Belly—a lucky break.
Considering the general market price for Devil Fruits averages around 100 million Belly, this one had already sold for quite a bit. And for Kaito, that 280 million had just about drained everything he had.
"Still poor, huh..." he chuckled helplessly. But he didn't dwell on it. Money was just a tool. Strength—that's what really mattered.
Soon, a server respectfully brought over the fruit. There was no need to worry about someone trying anything funny in this auction house.
From what Kaito knew, the operation behind this place was very likely linked to Donquixote Doflamingo, one of the Seven Warlords.
He accepted the fruit and casually tossed it into the Door-Door Dimension. Naturally, he wasn't going to use the Preta Path's absorption ability here. That'd draw too much attention—especially from Kalifa, the little spy at his side.
The secret of the Rinnegan could only be known to him and those he fully trusted. If anyone else found out, Kaito would have no choice but to silence them—Kalifa included, even if she was currently doing an excellent job as his secretary.
Sure enough, Kalifa noticed his action and immediately asked:
"You're not going to eat it?"
"I already have gravity-based powers. I'm just keeping this one as a collectible."
Hearing that, Kalifa didn't press further. She was afraid of giving Kaito any excuse to do something to her. Right now, she simply didn't have the power to resist him.
After obtaining the Devil Fruit, the following auction items didn't interest Kaito much. He leaned back in his chair, looking half-asleep.
Seeing his posture, Kalifa kindly asked if he wanted to leave early.
Kaito considered it and figured she was right—there was no point wasting time. He was just about to get up and go when a new slave was brought on stage.
Unlike the rare races before, this one looked utterly unremarkable—just an old man with graying hair.
The only notable thing about him was the expression on his face. Unlike the despair and hopelessness worn by the other slaves, this old man wore a constant smile, as if completely unfazed by his situation. You'd think he was here on vacation.
The crowd took one look and lost all interest. A human elder? Boring. When the host announced a starting price of 10 million Belly, no one even bothered to raise a paddle.
Just as it looked like things would fall flat, a calm, youthful voice rang out:
"Fifteen million Belly."
The host looked like he'd been granted a reprieve from death. He quickly repeated the bid three times, asking for any higher offers. Hearing none, and afraid the bidder might change his mind, he slammed the gavel and finalized the sale in record time.
Naturally, the one who bought the slave was none other than Kaito.
Kalifa looked at him with clear confusion.
"Why'd you buy him? He's just a regular human. Judging by his age, he probably can't even handle cleaning duties."
Kaito didn't answer. He just smiled.
Others might not recognize the old man, but Kaito, an anime watcher in his past life, sure did.
That harmless-looking old man on stage? None other than the former right hand of the Pirate King Roger—the Dark King Rayleigh.
Fifteen million for Rayleigh's appearance? An absolute bargain.
Without further explanation, Kaito waved it off and pulled Kalifa along as they left the hall.
...
At the auction's back entrance, a server was already waiting, holding onto Rayleigh, who wore a collar around his neck.
Seeing Kaito arrive, the server handed Rayleigh over with a small bow and quietly departed.
Rayleigh was a bit intrigued by the young man who had purchased him.
He often sold himself to auction houses when he was low on funds, only to knock out his buyers later with Conqueror's Haki and walk away. Usually, his "buyers" were bored nobles or the like—never someone this young.
Since he'd sold himself off just a few days ago, Rayleigh hadn't yet heard of a new young Marine captain making waves in the Sabaody Archipelago and wiping out the Bloody Rat Pirates.
Kaito, on the other hand, was studying Rayleigh—the former vice-captain of the Pirate King.
Compared to the Rayleigh who would later appear at Sabaody, this one was noticeably younger.
There were still signs of age, but Kaito knew very well what kind of strength was hidden within that body. This was a top-tier powerhouse from the previous era of the sea.
No need to beat around the bush.
Kaito directly called him out:
"How long are you going to keep up the act, hmm? Dark King, Silvers Rayleigh."
The moment those words dropped, both Kalifa and Rayleigh's pupils contracted in shock.
Rayleigh hadn't expected the young man before him to recognize him. Ever since Captain Roger's death, he'd lived in seclusion. His appearance had changed a lot over the years, and he'd nearly faded from public memory.
Kalifa was even more stunned.
This old man... was that Dark King Rayleigh?
What kind of monster-level figure was this?
Having grown up within the World Government, Kalifa had definitely read his file.
The dossier gave heavy emphasis to Rayleigh's power. Even just from the report alone, Kalifa had understood that Rayleigh's strength was utterly beyond her comprehension.
And now Kaito had directly exposed his identity? She couldn't help but feel frustrated.
If you recognized who he was, could you not have done it a bit more discreetly? At least let me notify someone! Did Uchiha Kaito seriously think the two of them—plus a cat—could take down Dark King Rayleigh!?
Of course, Kaito knew that with just himself and Modis, taking Rayleigh down was impossible. He'd long since dismissed Kalifa's combat potential.
But he also knew that Rayleigh, by this point in his life, had become almost completely detached from worldly desires. He wasn't going to cause a huge scene.
At most, if they fought, Kaito would lose—but he'd likely be allowed to retreat. Rayleigh wouldn't kill him.
That's right—Kaito wanted to fight Rayleigh.
He wanted to measure his own ability.
After all, the Uchiha were a clan that relished battle.
And Rayleigh was nothing like the enemies Kaito had faced up to now. He was in a whole different league. Even Tokikake would be nothing in comparison.
Only by clashing with Rayleigh could he truly understand his limits. An opportunity like this didn't come often—it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Rayleigh raised an eyebrow, speaking with a hint of amusement.
"Oh? You know who I am and you still dared to call me out. What's your goal, kid?"
"My goal? I'm a Marine. You're a pirate. When a Marine meets a pirate, are we supposed to sit down and have tea?"
Rayleigh blinked at that.
This kid... is a Marine?
Today's youth really don't know how high the sky is.
He shook his head and thought to himself:
Looks like I'll have to stretch these old bones a bit and teach this brat a lesson.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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