"So this is what world-class players look like? 160 billion and doesn't even blink..."
"Right? Who's gonna walk away with that never-ending fortune?! Taking bets! Taking bets!!!"
"Lord Aus is so damn hot..."
East Blue, some nowhere town.
Inside a building, a circus crew sat in neat rows, glued to the Visual Den Den Mushi screen.
Their leader—a guy in full clown getup—was grinning like a maniac.
"Oi!!! You idiots! Watch my best buddy absolutely demolish this century's biggest showdown! Ahahahaha!!!"
"YES!! Captain Buggy!!!"
The pirate grunts below were just as hyped, cheering their asses off.
Though none of them knew why Captain Buggy was so damn sure the "Black Emperor" would win.
Buggy himself was torn between jealousy and pride.
That's Aus for you—160 billion Belly... makes Captain John's treasure look like pocket change!
In his mind, Aus had already won.
Could Aus possibly lose?
Hell no. That possibility didn't exist in Buggy's universe. That "Aus" bastard never failed at anything!
The guy was the absolute best at everything!
...
North Blue, Donquixote Family headquarters.
"Ne ne, Doffy, if Lord Aus... loses, we'd totally get a piece of that debt action!!!"
On a luxury couch, a tall, built guy in a pink feather coat lounged with his legs crossed, evil grin plastered on his face as he watched the broadcast.
His subordinate's panicked worry didn't faze him one bit.
"Fufufu... looks like you don't get what's really happening here, Trebol..."
That wicked smile made him look like the cocky little shit he used to be. His arrogant voice rang out:
"If that Crocodile bastard actually has the balls to win, we'll just kill him for Lord Aus. Two birds, one stone, right?"
"Fufufu..."
...
"Alright then... let's deal."
Under the world's watchful eyes, a hundred-billion-plus gamble began.
Little Sand was sweating bullets, glaring at the equally nervous dealer.
For fairness, they cracked open a fresh deck. Under both little Sand and Aus's random picks, each grabbed five cards.
Face down, surfaces smooth as glass—no way to feel raised marks with Observation Haki.
Aus played the gentleman, letting Crocodile pick first while wearing that calm, collected smile.
Little Sand saw his cocky confidence and didn't waste time being polite. She "randomly" selected five cards.
So many dirty tricks...
With microscopic-level Observation Haki, Aus saw right through her bullshit.
In this supposedly fresh deck, five cards stood out—something was stuck to them. Like...
Sand particles?
Tiny as hell, probably wouldn't even feel them if you rubbed the cards.
But compared to the other cards being suspiciously clean, these five lit up like neon signs in Aus's Observation Haki.
Special markings?
What amateur-hour cheating...
Crocodile stared coolly into Aus's eyes, still thinking she had this in the bag.
She wasn't fantasizing about actually getting that massive payout. Just getting rid of this walking disaster Aus would be the best outcome she could hope for.
So then...
The biggest card—the Joker—was already in her hand.
What's your move now, Doctor Aus?
Huff...
Under her dead-eyed stare, Aus casually picked five cards.
No hesitation, no second-guessing—just slapped them face-down in front of him.
"So... who's gonna be the ultimate winner of this card game?!!!"
The commentary hit right on cue, that excited voice grabbing every viewer by the throat as the whole world held its breath, eyes locked on the broadcast table.
"After this game ends, I won't take your money. I just need you... to get the hell out of Alabasta."
Little Sand's face was stone-cold serious, like she was delivering an ultimatum.
"Can't do that. I always keep my word.
Besides, you're talking like you've already won?"
"..."
Tick marks popped up on little Sand's forehead.
What a pain in the ass. Worst case, she'd just bail from Alabasta first...
"You brought this shit on yourself..."
Both flipped their cards simultaneously, the camera tracking every movement.
"So this card game..."
Little Sand was about to call the result.
"I won~ little Sand!"
"???"
Hearing that playful taunt, little Sand's eyes went wide as dinner plates, staring at the card table.
The card she'd marked as the Joker had somehow turned into...
What the fuck?!?!?
Crocodile's cigar hit the floor. Her eyes were pure terror, face twisted in complete disbelief!
A measly three???
Looking back up, she saw Aus grinning as he grabbed his cards, flipping them to show little Sand and the screen.
Clear as day—a clown wearing a crown:
"Joker. Game over."
The moment Aus revealed his hand, everyone—whether there in person or watching worldwide—went dead silent.
Then all hell broke loose!!!
"160 billion!!!"
"'Black Emperor' Aus just became the richest bastard on the seas!!!"
"You clueless idiots, that's a guy who's seen the One Piece! A measly 160 billion Belly..."
The whole world lost its mind, going absolutely feral over witnessing history's biggest gamble. This media storm launched Aus straight to the top of the celebrity food chain!
World's hottest man!
World's richest man!
Strongest guy of his generation!!
The uncrowned king of the seas!!!
While the world celebrated and Aus basked in victory, little Sand sat frozen in disbelief, her pretty face a mask of pure horror.
That card should've been mine, right?
Which means...
Starting right now, she owed 160 billion Belly?
You've gotta be shitting me!
How the hell could anyone pay that back!!!
Her teeth were about to shatter from grinding, but no matter how pissed she felt, she couldn't say a damn word.
Say what? That the Joker should've been hers?
That would be admitting she cheated.
Either way, she was fucked!!!
Just when her sanity was about to snap, Aus flashed that gentle smile, his words hitting like the final nail in the coffin:
"What's wrong? Can't cough up the cash?"
"No worries."
"Just... spend your whole life paying it back~"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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