The Sabaody Archipelago was as lively as ever. It was the last stop before entering the New World, the gateway where countless pirates had to pass through. Without a proper coating, no ship could reach the New World.
However, what made this moment different from the past was that almost all of the so-called Supernovas of this generation had gathered at Sabaody.
Along with them, numerous other pirates roamed the archipelago.
Yet, surprisingly, despite this prime opportunity, the Marines had not deployed forces to eradicate the Supernovas. In fact, even the usual Marine presence on Sabaody seemed to have thinned out.
What the pirates didn't know was that Marine bases across the world were selecting their best forces to mobilize to Marineford, preparing for an impending war—
The war between the Marine Headquarters and the Whitebeard Pirates!
...
"Sabaody is so beautiful!"
At this moment, Luffy and his crew were wandering around the shopping district when suddenly, Hatchan came rushing toward them in a panic.
"Luffy… Luffy…! Camie's been captured by slave traders!"
"She's going to be auctioned off soon! What do we do?!"
"Camie?!"
"How did this happen?!"
The crew's expressions turned serious. Their friends and crewmates meant everything to them, and without hesitation, they rushed toward the auction house.
...
Meanwhile, Elior and his group had entered the lawless zone of Sabaody.
"I want to meet Rayleigh. Tsk tsk."
Bullet's intention was clear—he wanted to meet Rayleigh. But this wasn't some friendly reunion. As a former member of the Roger Pirates, Bullet had only ever respected Roger himself. He didn't care about the others. However, as the crew's second-in-command, Rayleigh did pique his interest.
According to Elior, Rayleigh was likely at one of the auction houses.
At the same time, the Straw Hat crew entered Crocodile's line of sight.
"Straw Hat…"
Seeing his enemy, Crocodile nearly took action on the spot. The Straw Hats had humiliated him beyond belief.
"And Nico Robin… she actually joined them?"
The sight of Robin among their ranks surprised him even more. A woman who trusted no one had become part of the Straw Hat Pirates?
"Easy, Croc, no need to rush."
Elior could tell that Crocodile was itching for a fight.
At the same time, Luffy and his crew had also noticed Crocodile.
"Crocodile?!"
Everyone was shocked, especially Luffy, who clenched his fists, ready to attack. But Nami grabbed his arm to stop him.
Zoro and Sanji, however, were already prepared to fight.
To them, Crocodile was a demon.
"Wasn't he captured by the Marines?" Robin asked, puzzled.
"Stay alert. Other than Crocodile, the three standing with him seem even stronger!"
Zoro's instincts warned him. As a swordsman, he could feel it—especially when he locked eyes with Shiryu. That towering man with a blade at his side radiated a presence far beyond Zoro's own strength.
"Straw Hat Luffy, huh? Hmph…"
Elior smiled, a seemingly harmless expression on his face.
"Looks like something interesting is about to happen."
He remembered the upcoming Celestial Dragon incident—after which Admiral Kizaru would arrive to wipe out the Supernovas.
"Who the hell are you?" Luffy demanded, glaring at Elior.
"So you're Garp's grandson? Tch... you don't look like much."
Bullet's evaluation of Luffy was filled with disdain.
"Luffy, Camie—"
"That's right! Camie is still in danger! We don't have time to waste here!"
The crew reminded Luffy of their priority, and he quickly regained focus. Camie was in serious trouble—captured, about to be auctioned off. They had to move fast.
"Alright!"
After giving Elior's group one last sharp look, Luffy followed Hatchan as they rushed toward the auction house.
"We should get going too" Elior said casually. "Rayleigh should be there. Besides, something fun is about to happen."
...
At the auction house where the Celestial Dragon incident would soon unfold, Camie was locked inside a massive fish tank, being wheeled onto the auction stage.
The sight of a beautiful mermaid caused an uproar among the crowd.
Among them, Saint Charlos, the sniveling Celestial Dragon, was the most excited.
"I want that mermaid!"
"Father, look at her! It's been so long since I've seen such a fine mermaid!"
The three Celestial Dragons—Charlos, Rosward, and Shalria—sat at the front, surrounded by their guards.
Also present in the auction house were two of the Supernova heavyweights—Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid.
The auction began.
The Celestial Dragons were thrilled. To them, the mermaid was as good as theirs—no one would dare bid against them.
Camie trembled in fear.
But just then, a group of people stormed into the auction house.
The Straw Hat Pirates!
"STOP!"
Luffy's voice thundered across the room in anger.
Behind the auction stage, a man who had been drinking leisurely opened his eyes.
Rayleigh.
"Old man, you don't seem like an ordinary guy. Just who are you?"
Beside him, a shackled giant asked curiously.