King wasn't keen on flashing his Lunarian wings in public, and he didn't have a shopping list, so he stayed to guard the ship. Queen, meanwhile, had already blown his budget on science gear—auctions rarely stock nerdy lab toys, so he opted to tinker on the ship instead. Fine, let the bromance duo keep each other company.
Post-banquet, King and Queen's friendship leveled up fast. Men's bonds? Built on booze, brawls, and bad singing. They were already squabbling like an old married couple, yelling about who ate the last drumstick.
Kaido and Lei Luo suited up, slick as mob bosses—hair slicked back, looking like they owned Water 7. Stussy tagged along, dolled up to the nines in a moonlight-white, off-shoulder gown that hugged her curves like a second skin. Golden hair sparkling, face flawless—she was basically an elf princess with a gold-digging soul. Lei Luo stared a bit too long. Damn, she's hot… but a total snake.
Stussy hooked her arm through Lei Luo's, flashing a flower-like smile. Beauty trap, round two. Lei Luo smirked, unfazed. Think I'll spill my secrets 'cause you're batting your lashes? Pfft. Amateur.
At the auction house, a bowing usher led them to a VIP box—courtesy of the black market boss who knew the Beasts Pirates were drowning in Berries. If Stussy wasn't clinging to Lei Luo and Kaido didn't look like he'd eat anyone who blinked wrong, they'd have offered "extra services." Some guests like a side of spice with their bids, y'know. Still, two stunning waitresses hovered nearby, ready to serve.
Lei Luo sprawled on a plush sofa, arms wide, like a kingpin. The box's giant one-way glass gave a perfect view of the auction floor while keeping their faces hidden. Classy setup. No one knew who was bidding, so no fear of revenge—no amateur-hour nonsense like the Sabaody auction where Celestial Dragons and pirates shared a room.
Down below, a bombshell host in a wine-red, low-cut dress strutted onto the stage, rocking heels that screamed "try me." She bowed deeply, flashing enough cleavage to hypnotize every "gentleman" in the room. Well played, auction house. Her mic boomed: "Welcome, esteemed guests! Thank you for joining tonight's auction!"
Her spiel was pure hype, tied to her commission. First up: a blue sapphire necklace, dubbed Heart of the Ocean. Kaido and Lei Luo yawned—jewelry's not their jam. Lei Luo was here for the Door-Door or Castle-Castle Fruits to haul Skypiea's gold before his transmigrator butterfly wings stirred up a storm. Kaido? Obsessed with Animal-type fruits ever since Lei Luo named the crew "Beasts." Dragon's got a brand to uphold.
Stussy tapped Lei Luo's hand, drawing his eyes to her… assets. "Lei Luo, don't you think I'm missing something here?" she purred, all flirty charm.
"Who invites a guy to stare at their chest?" Lei Luo shot back, ogling shamelessly. "But since you're offering…"
Stussy's face twitched, black lines practically forming. Forcing a smile, she gritted out, "I meant, am I missing something like jewelry?"
Lei Luo's eyes glinted mischievously. "You're going commando under that dress?"
"You asshole!" Stussy's composure cracked, her inner pirate snarling.
Lei Luo laughed, waving it off. "Chill, bid on the necklace. Beasts Pirates aren't broke."
Stussy's eyes sparkled, greed overtaking rage. "What about other jewelry? Can I bid on those too?"
"Nope," Lei Luo shut her down. "Just this one. Take it or leave it."
Grandmaster's rule: Money's for showing, not blowing. If he hadn't spent a night groping her, that Heart of the Ocean wouldn't even be on the table.
Stussy's face flushed red, teeth grinding. "Fine," she spat, bidding like a woman scorned. She steamrolled the competition, snagging the necklace for 80 million Berries before others could blink.
Kaido, meanwhile, went full nouveau riche, snatching two Animal-type Devil Fruits—Blue Eagle and Fierce Tiger. Practical power-ups: strength, speed, stamina, recovery, and the eagle's flight to boot. Bidding got heated, but Kaido threw cash like confetti. Normal price: one billion each. He paid six billion for the pair. And grinned like he won the lottery.
Lei Luo, bored, slumped in his seat. The auction was nearly over—no Door-Door, no Castle-Castle. Lame.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our final item!" the host chirped. "A Paramecia-type Devil Fruit: the Inspire-Inspire Fruit!"
Lei Luo's eyes lit up, locked on the fruit like a hawk. The host gushed: "This fruit lets the user ignite courage, fighting spirit, and hidden potential in others. A mere support fruit, yet it can turn the tide of war! Starting bid: one billion Berries, increments of ten million!"
Game on.