"The highlight of this auction is the artificial Devil Fruit technology that everyone has been dreaming about!"

As Morgans spoke, Gecko Moria brought out Caesar Clown, who was bound with Seastone handcuffs, and led him to the auction platform.

The moment Caesar appeared, he immediately drew countless heated gazes.

Everyone here knew that the true centerpiece of this auction was not just the technology, but Caesar himself.

They were satisfied with this arrangement.

After all, technology could be faked, but a person could not.

As a former scientist of the MADS organization, Caesar was a world-famous figure in the scientific community. Anyone with intelligence sources understood his value.

At this time, Caesar looked haggard and trembled under the weight of so many fiery stares.

He felt like a lamb to the slaughter, utterly terrified.

Morgans ignored Caesar's fear, gripping his shoulder and introducing him with enthusiasm.

"This is the inventor of the artificial Devil Fruit technology, one of the most brilliant scientists in the world! The artificial Devil Fruit technology is stored entirely in his mind!"

"Moreover, this scientist has made great achievements in other fields as well. Buying him means not only obtaining the technology to create artificial Devil Fruits, but also other potential surprises!"

"Even the current artificial Devil Fruit technology could be further improved under his research!"

Morgans' words were so exaggerated they nearly made Caesar sound like Vegapunk himself, a thousand times over.

Am I really that great?

If I'm so amazing, why are you selling me?

Caesar looked at Morgans with a dazed expression, dizzy from the praise, momentarily forgetting his own dire situation.

After Morgans' introduction, the atmosphere in the audience became serious.

"Hahaha, Caesar Clown, I'm determined to win you!"

Tesoro stared at Caesar like a rare treasure.

With Caesar's artificial Devil Fruit technology and his own financial power, he could quickly build a legion of ability users.

With money, influence, and the overwhelming power of his awakened Gold-Gold Fruit, the position of Yonko would no longer be out of reach.

Endless ambition flared in Tesoro's eyes as he looked toward Caelan on the high platform.

A real man should take the stage like this!

"This guy is far too arrogant."

Underworld figures like Lu Feld, Giberson, and Peclo all frowned.

At the moment, Tesoro was the biggest obstacle in their path to acquiring the artificial Devil Fruit technology.

And the Golden Emperor truly had the capital to be arrogant.

His Gold-Gold Fruit gave him wealth beyond imagination.

Even the wealthiest among them, like Lu Feld, could not match him in financial might.

Bid first, and if things go wrong, deal with him afterward.

The three underworld kings exchanged silent glances, instantly forming a temporary alliance.

They would not allow Tesoro to obtain it so easily. Even if he won, they would ensure he never took it home.

"Hah, just a bunch of clowns."

Tesoro had noticed their little exchange but paid it no mind.

He was the Golden Emperor!

His strength was second only to the Yonko's top commanders, and he was confident he could retreat even if the others joined forces.

What's more, he had the Shipping King Umit as an ally. With Umit's unmatched shipping network, escape was guaranteed.

On the other side, Katakuri and his group were also watching Caesar with burning eyes.

"He's finally here… Caesar Clown!"

Katakuri looked at Caesar as if staring at prey.

The Big Mom Pirates didn't care about artificial Devil Fruits. They were here to settle a score.

"So this is the man who dared to deceive Mama? He looks so pathetic now."

Smoothie gritted her teeth.

Caesar had once swindled Big Mom out of a large research fund for his human gigantification project, producing nothing in return.

Her mother's resulting rage had brought them no small amount of suffering.

Seeing Caesar now, Smoothie wanted nothing more than to repay every bit of that pain.

"Smoothie, don't be hasty."

Katakuri's voice was low and steady.

He too wanted to take Caesar immediately, but now was not the time.

He glanced at the man standing high above the stage, overlooking everyone. The pressure from Caelan's silent gaze felt like a cold, sharp blade.

Even entertaining the thought of making a move here felt unbearable.

"As soon as anyone takes action, the place will erupt into chaos. Even if Caelan is strong, he won't be able to suppress everyone at once."

"Brother, can't we at least try?"

Smoothie's eyes stayed locked on Caesar, her voice low.

With so many restless figures in the crowd, it would only take one spark for a fight to break out. In the confusion, they might have a chance to snatch Caesar.

She believed that with Katakuri's strength, he could escape from Caelan unscathed.

Katakuri glanced at his sister, inwardly thinking she overestimated him.

Try it?

Trying would mean death.

"Don't start a fight in Dressrosa. Even if someone else makes the first move, we will not follow."

"This God Slayer is even more terrifying than Mama. He's a genuine Yonko. I'm no match for him."

Katakuri stressed again and again just how dangerous Caelan was, warning Smoothie not to act recklessly.

Otherwise, she would be captured and killed the moment she moved.

"…I see."

Smoothie nodded quietly, surprised that Katakuri, the pride of the Charlotte family, didn't even have the courage to fight Caelan.

It was hard to believe, but Katakuri's ability to foresee the future meant his judgment could be trusted.

Seeing her comply, Katakuri said, "Forget it for now. We'll just rob someone else after the auction. Compared to him, they're much weaker."

Only then did some confidence return to his voice.

However, if he had known there were two Marine Admirals and another Yonko hidden in the crowd, that confidence would have vanished instantly.

At that moment, the sight of Caesar made Aokiji, who had been dozing, open his eyes.

"Be ready, Borsalino."

Aokiji spoke softly while Kizaru was still absentminded.

This was not the time to slack off.

"Yes, understood."

Kizaru straightened up, scanning the crowd alongside Aokiji.

As soon as someone successfully won Caesar, they planned to give that person an unpleasant surprise.

If the two Admirals moved together, not even a Yonko could take Caesar away safely.

Unbeknownst to them, Kaido was observing from the back.

"Those two in front… are they Kizaru and Aokiji?"

"I didn't expect them to be here as well."

Kaido's eyes narrowed, his interest piqued.

Originally, he had planned to make a direct grab, but now that he had spotted the two Admirals, he quickly discarded the idea.

If he tried to snatch Caesar now, he would face not only Caelan but also everyone else present.

With two Admirals working alongside Caelan, even Kaido of the Beasts would not have an easy time.

And so, one move affected another, with the balance of victory shifting in an instant.

(To be continued.)

***

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