XX-level Hokage

Mashiro stepped forward and, under Stussy's questioning gaze, embraced her. She whispered in her ear, "It was truly delightful, Miss CpO." Then, Mashiro released her, and amidst her surprised gaze, whispered again, "I look forward to our next meeting, Miss Bakin."

Upon hearing this, Stussy's gaze instantly turned to fear and confusion as she stared at Mashiro in disbelief. Mashiro assumed this fear stemmed from her revealing Stussy's CPO identity.

But in reality, Stusi's fear stemmed from the name "Miss Ba Jin" that Zhen Bai had called out.

Stussy is a clone of Bagingom Stussy (MisS Bagin), a member of the Rocks Pirates. She is the first successful creation of the MADS cloning experiment: she was entrusted by Dr. Vegapunk to infiltrate the Celestial Dragons' secret intelligence agency, CPO.

For her, the most important secret was her identity as a clone, which was also why she was so concerned about her age. "Then, I look forward to our next meeting." Stussy was still smiling, but there was a hint of coldness in her smile.

After Stussy left. It was afternoon.

Robin received a call from biologist Lorena.

She seemed to want to meet Mashiro in person before considering whether to come to Ohara. Robin relayed Rolina's words to Mashiro.

“She said we should meet at the Sabaody Archipelago,” Robin said softly.

“Then I’ll go over there. It’s perfect timing; the island is severely underpopulated right now, and I’m planning to buy more slaves. After I leave, Ohara will be in your hands. I’ll talk to Peacock, and if there are any problems, the Navy will help,” Mashiro said softly.

“I understand.” Robin leaned against Mashiro’s chest and nodded gently.

Chapter 44: The Auction

Sabaody Archipelago.

Located in the middle of the Grand Line, ahead of the Red Line, the Sabaody Archipelago is an island composed of many large trees, with the ground formed by their roots. Bubbles rise from the ground. The most distinctive feature of the Sabaody Archipelago is the special natural resin secreted by the roots of the Alchiman mangrove trees through respiration. This resin expands due to the air.

They rise up to form bubbles, which then fly into the sky. Since the bubbles are only suitable for the climate range of the Yarchiman mangroves, once the bubbles leave the climate range of the Sabaody Archipelago, the resin components will explode because they cannot fully exert their power.

Bubble cars, bubble Ferris wheels, houses built on bubbles... bubble culture permeates every corner of Sabaody Archipelago.

The entire island is made up of 79 trees (each numbered), and each tree has a town and facilities. People call this archipelago of 79 islands the Sabaody Archipelago. "The peacock said.

She'd been lured here by Mashiro again, but this time she came aboard Mashiro's "Konoha," not wearing a naval uniform or piloting a warship. After saying this, Peacock looked at Mashiro with a completely resigned expression.

She had finally managed to calm her chaotic emotions when this guy dragged her out again. "I want to buy some slaves. Do you know where there are slave shops?" Mashiro asked softly.

"Buying slaves?" Peacock frowned. She utterly loathed this practice of buying and selling people.

“Ohara only has a few of us right now, and I’d like to add some residents,” Mashiro said with a light laugh, noticing Peacock’s concerns. Hearing this, Peacock’s expression softened, and he said, “The 79 root islands of the Sabaody Archipelago have very clearly defined territories.”

Areas 1 to 29 mainly contain human trafficking shops, human auctions, and illegal areas. Areas 30 to 39 mainly contain soap bubble parks.

Areas 40 to 49 mainly include tourist attractions and specialty shops. Areas 50 to 59 mainly include shipyards and coating workshops.

Numbers 60 to 69: mainly include naval bases and government entrances/exits. Numbers 70 to 79: mainly include a hotel district.

I haven't been to the Sabaody Archipelago many times, mostly staying between numbers 40 and 49, or 60 and 69. I don't know the specifics of the slave trade. We can check out numbers 1 to 29 after we land.

"Oh, thank you so much, Major General Peacock." Mashiro said with a light laugh. "No, it's nothing," Peacock said, turning his head away with a touch of arrogance.

Soon, the Konoha entered the port of the Sabaody Archipelago.

After paying the mooring fee, the two set foot on the land of the Sabaody Archipelago.

Looking at the number 11 displayed on the trunk of the giant Yarchiman mangrove tree not far away, the two were currently on Tree Root Island No. 11. Stepping on the slightly sticky, soft ground, and watching the giant bubbles constantly rising from the ground, Makoto's eyes held a rather strange expression. What a strange place.

"These bubbles are incredibly resilient and buoyant; a bubble the size of a soccer ball can lift an object weighing forty or fifty pounds." (This is a quote from a Chinese writer, likely referring to a person named Zhenbai.)

"Strange," said the peacock, reaching out to press down on a bubble that was rising from the ground.

Hearing this, Mashiro reached for a floating bubble, but her hand went straight into it. "Don't grab it directly with your hand. Open your palm and then press it down," Peacock said with a smile.

Following Mashiro's instructions, Mashiro extended her hand, then pressed her palm together, and the bubble indeed landed in her hand. "How amazing," Mashiro murmured.

These bubbles reminded her of someone from her world, Utakata, the Six-Tails Jinchuriki, who could use a special Water Release technique called Bubble Technique to create unique bubbles.

"These bubbles are indeed very useful. They can serve as vehicles and transport goods. However, once the bubbles leave the Sabaody Archipelago's climate zone, the resin components will burst because they cannot fully exert their power," Peacock said regretfully, releasing the bubble in her hand.

Seeing this, Mashiro also let go of the bubbles in her hands.

Watching the bubbles drift into the sky, she murmured to herself, "I'll bring back a few saplings of this tree when I go back. The ninja world is so vast; there should be a climate suitable for this kind of tree to grow."

"What are you talking about?" Peacock asked curiously.

"It's nothing, let's go, let's go check out Root Island Number 1." Mashiro walked forward lightly. Soon, the two arrived at Root Island Number 1.

The moment they stepped onto the island, Mashiro sensed two people watching them. "What's wrong?" Peacock asked softly.

"It's nothing. There's an auction house up ahead. Let's go take a look," Mashiro said with a smile.

In a nearby alley, two strangely dressed middle-aged men watched as Mashiro and Peacock left. "It was definitely her," one of the men said nervously.

"The new Shichibukai has actually arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago, and his target seems to be the auction house. No, we have to tell the boss quickly," another man said nervously.

After saying that, the two hurriedly ran deeper into the alley. A moment later, Mashiro and Peacock arrived at the auction house.

A young man with an afro stopped them at the entrance.

"I'm sorry, ladies, today's auction is fully booked. You may choose to book for the next session."

"That's a real shame." Mashiro didn't insist and turned to leave with Peacock. Next, she planned to go check out the slave market deep within the Root Island No. 1.

Just then, a short, stout middle-aged man in a red suit and black sunglasses ran over quickly with several attendants. "Please wait, please wait."

Hearing the shouts, Mashiro and Peacock stopped in their tracks.

"Are you here to attend the auction?" the short, stout man asked respectfully.

“Yes, but unfortunately there are no seats available at the auction now,” Mashiro said calmly.

"With your status, you certainly don't need to worry about finding a seat. There are also a few private rooms on the second floor. If you don't mind, I can take you there," the short, stout man said with a flattering smile.

"What's your name?" Mashiro asked softly, looking at the short, stout man in front of her. "My name is Mike, and I'm the owner of this auction house," Mike said respectfully. "Then I'll leave it to you, Mike," Mashiro said softly.

“What are you saying? It’s nothing, it’s nothing.” Mike said, then respectfully led Mashiro and Peacock toward the auction house.

The young man with the afro who was guarding the door saw his boss and instantly realized that a distinguished guest had arrived. He hurriedly bowed and opened the door. Inside the auction house, Mike led Mashiro and Peacock to a private room on the second floor.

"If you need anything, there's a Den Den Mushi in the room; you can call anytime," Mike said respectfully.

“I understand.” Mashiro nodded. Then Mike respectfully left.

"It seems the identity of a Shichibukai is indeed useful. You know, those guys involved in the slave trade in the Sabaody Archipelago are all troublemakers. They usually don't pay much attention to Marines below the rank of Vice Admiral. But now, just because they know your identity, they've suddenly become so respectful." Peacock said lazily, sitting on the sofa in the private room.

“Black fears black more, white fears white more, it’s always been like this, nothing to worry about,” Mashiro said softly as she sat down on the sofa. A moment later, the red curtains in the private room were suddenly drawn back, and the auction officially began.

A man dressed as a clown walked onto the auction stage, picked up the microphone, and said, "Sorry to keep you all waiting. The monthly GR Human Grand Auction, the 1st of the month, is about to begin. The host is, of course, Mr. Disco, the walking super-discount auctioneer."

Just then, music started playing, colored lights flashed, and a woman dressed up walked over, dancing.

"Hello everyone, we've prepared quite a few high-quality slaves for you this time. You're all very lucky! I sincerely hope you can buy the slaves you're satisfied with," Disco shouted.

Immediately, the entire auction hall erupted in cheers, with all the spectators joining in the shouts.

"What would you like to buy this time?" a middle-aged man asked a well-dressed woman beside him.

“The human slave I bought last time died in less than ten days, so this time I’d like to buy a young and strong merman man,” the noblewoman said. “I’d like to buy two or three young women to feast my eyes on,” the middle-aged man said with a smile.

Chapter 45: Slave Auction (Part 1)

"You really do like pretty girls," the lady said, covering her mouth with a laugh.

"What kind of adorable girl will appear? I'm really looking forward to it!" the middle-aged man said excitedly, adjusting his glasses. "Then let's begin the auction!" With Mr. Disco's announcement, the backstage area bustled with activity.

"Prepare to bring out numbers 2 and 3," a staff member said. "Understood." The guard opened the cell door.

At this moment, on the auction stage, Mr. Disco began to introduce item number one.

"Item No. 1 is a proud pirate from Troy in the West Blue, born into a musical family. He can play all kinds of musical instruments. He is a human music box who can play the music of life for you when he picks up an instrument. He is a perfect cleaner who can clean your house spotless when he picks up a mop. He also has the unique skill of brewing wine."

A strong and robust 25-year-old male, 192 cm tall and 130 kg, named Bailong, will be auctioned starting at a special price of 45 Berries. Please...

"Everyone raise your paddles to bid!" Mr. Disco exclaimed excitedly.

Two guards escorted a blond youth, locked in a leash and looking utterly desperate, towards them. Soon, someone held up a sign.

"480,000 would be quite a good deal," the seventh bidder chuckled to himself.

"Buyer number seven has offered 48. Is anyone else bidding? Anyone else?!" Mr. Dix kept shouting.

Soon, 82 buyers raised their paddles. "50"

"Buyer number 82 has offered 50 Berries, any more?!" "52!"

Buyer number 105 raised his sign.

Inside the private room, watching the scenes unfold in the auction hall, Peacock's expression was incredibly gloomy.

"These guys! What do they take people for?!" Peacock slammed her fist on the glass and said coldly.

Although she had heard about the slave auctions in the Sabaody Archipelago, Peacock was still filled with immense anger when she actually saw it. This anger stemmed from the invisible concept of "justice" behind her.

"Aren't you going to bid?" Peacock asked, looking at Mashiro sitting on the sofa.

Mashiro shook her head slightly and said, "I'm more interested in women." Hearing this, Peacock sighed softly.

"Do you want to make an offer?" Mashiro asked, sensing Peacock's thoughts. "I feel sorry for him," Peacock said softly.

“There are many pitiful people here. Auctions are held once a month, and slave markets are everywhere. You can’t save them. Besides, even if you save him, what do you plan to do with him? Keep him in the Navy? Or send him back to his hometown?” Mashiro asked softly. Peacock remained silent.

"Don't overthink it. This isn't your fault; it's the result of the world's will tacitly accepting it," Mashiro comforted her.

Peacock remained silent, then quietly walked to Mashiro's side, lay down, and rested her head on Mashiro's lap. "Oh dear," Mashiro gently stroked Peacock's hair.

This young girl, who was well protected by Vice Admiral Tsuru, had heard many terrible things, but seeing is believing. In the end, the pirate musician Bailong was bought by buyer number 7 for 60.

Seeing the slave, originally priced at 48 Berries, sold for 60 Berries, Mr. Disco and buyer number 82 both laughed. Buyer number 82 was a shill for the auction.

"Using shills to create hype allows me to raise prices with impunity. This is my mobile supermarket, Mr. Disco's professional skill," Mr. Disco thought to himself with immense pride.

"Alright, the next few great value items are about to be introduced, so please stay tuned until the end. Now, let's move on to the next item!" Mr. Disco said excitedly.

The buyers in the audience cheered enthusiastically. Next, one slave after another came up for auction. There were swordsmen, cooks, hat makers, and so on.

All of them were young or middle-aged men, and none of them participated in the bidding even once.

Next up is auction item number 14. This time, the item is a woman who is not only good at housework, but also quite skilled at cards and chess. She's the perfect way to pass the time!

"The starting price is 60 cubic Berries," Mr. Disco explained.

A staff member pulled up a young woman dressed in a maid's outfit, with a pretty face but a look of despair. "She might be a real gem," a wealthy woman in the audience remarked after carefully examining her through binoculars.

“What a failure! Buying that chef just now used up my entire budget! This one looks much better.” A young nobleman beside her said wistfully.

"What a pity, I'll take this one," the middle-aged man said with a smile.

He then raised a sign that read, "70 Berries." Others followed suit and began raising their signs as well.