Toji steered his bubble car toward Area 13 of the Sabaody Archipelago.
This district was infamous for its shady dealings—naturally, the intelligence network here was far better than most places. More importantly, there was a particularly interesting bar he wanted to visit.
It was funny, he thought, how peaceful Sabaody seemed despite being under the control of the Celestial Dragons and the stationed Marines.
No one dared to cause large-scale trouble here.
If Toji had been a Marine, he might've occasionally gone to Zones 1 through 29 just to "earn some credit." But the truth was simple—the Marines were far too corrupted.
He had once considered joining them, but the thought of bowing to Celestial Dragons turned his stomach. Better to be a pirate from the start than to be a dog with a badge.
He soon arrived.
"Shakky's Rip-Off Bar."
Toji looked at the sign and smirked. "So it's really here, huh?"
He pushed open the door. The bar was empty except for a single woman behind the counter, calmly polishing a glass.
As expected, the world wasn't as fixed as he remembered it. Things changed. People changed. Maybe this world was already diverging from the one he once knew.
Still, the woman behind the counter was just as stunning as the rumors said.
A young Shakky—beautiful, sharp-eyed, and carrying the kind of grace that could one day make her the ruler of Amazon Lily. And of course, Rayleigh always did have good taste.
Hearing the chime of the door, Shakky looked up. Her expression showed mild surprise, though she seemed to have been expecting him.
"Well, well. The famous captain of the Infinite Pirates—Toji Fushiguro. Didn't think you'd walk into my bar."
Toji took a seat at the counter and tapped the wood with his fingers. "Famous? Hardly. Just another no-name pirate, really."
He glanced at her. "Let me guess—Rayleigh told you about me."
When Shakky looked as if she were about to answer, Toji waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. Just get me the cheapest fruit beer you've got."
Shakky chuckled softly. "Looks like the World Government has underestimated you."
Toji took a sip from the mug she poured him. "Not bad. Anyway, you got any news on Treasure Tree Adam? I'll pay."
Shakky rested her chin on one hand, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Oh, I might. But why should I tell you?"
Toji blinked once, shrugged, and got up. "Then forget it. I'll ask someone else."
"Hey, wait!" Shakky called after him, laughing lightly. "Relax, I was joking. Rayleigh told me that if you ever came to Sabaody, I should help you out."
Toji smiled faintly. No matter where he went, relationships always played a role. Strength only opened the door.
He finished the fruit beer in one gulp. "Where is it?"
Shakky gave him a mock glare, pouting slightly. "Men are all the same—never here without a reason."
Toji sighed inwardly. I didn't inherit that kind of "spirit," thank you very much.
She leaned forward on the counter. "Three days from now, there'll be an auction in Area 7. One of the items is a block of Treasure Tree Adam—large enough to build a ship."
"Most of the Adam stock gets offered to the Celestial Dragons as Heavenly Tribute," she continued. "It's rare to see such a big piece available for sale."
Toji nodded thoughtfully. "How much are we talking?"
"About two hundred million Berries, but bring at least three hundred to be safe."
Toji clicked his tongue. "Three hundred million, huh. I'm a pirate, not a banker."
Still, he had a plan forming already. He glanced toward the window, wondering if there were any Vice Admirals or Admirals stationed nearby.
"Fine. Three hundred million it is."
He set the mug down. "You know where I can find a good sword, or rare forging materials? Maybe a decent blacksmith?"
Shakky thought for a moment, then turned and disappeared into the back room. After a minute, she returned with a few notes.
"In that same auction," she said, "there'll be a fine blade and an unidentified metal said to be excellent for swordsmithing.
As for blacksmiths—word is a master swordsmith from Wano has been wandering the seas. Rumor says he'll head to Water 7 soon."
Toji grinned. "Convenient."
That reminded him of Ginn's Devil Fruit, so he asked, "A metallic-looking Devil Fruit, silver in color—any idea what it might be?"
Shakky tilted her head, went back into the room, and came out holding a thick book—the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia. After flipping through it, she pointed to a page. "This one?"
"Paramecia-type: Metal-Metal Fruit. Lets the user manipulate metal."
"Not bad," she added with a sly smile. "You guys found one? Planning to sell it?"
Toji smiled faintly. "A crewmate already ate it. Paramecia, huh? Good enough."
He dropped a small pile of Berries on the counter and stood. "Appreciate the info."
Before leaving, he asked, "Mind telling me how you manage to run a bar here peacefully?"
A nostalgic light flickered in her eyes as she smiled like silk and honey. "That'll cost extra."
"Forget it," Toji said dryly. "Not that curious."
As he walked out, Shakky counted the Berries, smirking. "Interesting man." She looked toward the window. "But even if he wins that auction, it won't be easy to walk away with the prize."
Toji knew that well enough. He used his Den Den Mushi to contact Ginn and Aiden, relaying what he'd learned. Soon after, they exchanged all their treasure for Berries.
Aiden was thrilled—he'd been waiting for a chance to replace his weapon.
Toji's own sword, "Soulrender," was a masterpiece forged from the best materials his hometown had to offer, its strength refined over time with both Armament and Conqueror's Haki. It now rivaled even the famed Great Blades.
Ginn, on the other hand, had no special weapon. He aspired to follow Toji's path—mastering pure physical strength—but after eating his Devil Fruit, that path had taken a new direction.
Three days passed quickly. Wanting to avoid unnecessary trouble, the crew kept a low profile, living simple days of training, drinking, and rest.
Finally, the auction day arrived.
In Area 1, Toji and his two crewmates dressed casually. The guards checked their bounties, nodded, and let them in.
They didn't bother renting a private room—Toji preferred to be seen.
"Welcome, honored guests!" A woman's lively voice filled the hall. "I'm your auctioneer for today—Miss Sweet! It's my pleasure to guide you through this exclusive event!"
She wore a champagne-colored cheongsam, her every movement elegant yet commanding. The lighting highlighted her poised smile as she tapped the gavel lightly.
"Today, we have over thirty rare items up for auction, each authenticated by our expert team." She gestured gracefully, signaling the staff. "Let us begin our evening of treasures."
The clear sound of the gavel echoed through the hall. All eyes were drawn to her—her presence alone enough to command the room.
The early items were mostly human auctions—Fishmen, and a few good-looking men and women. Toji and his crew showed no interest.
Then came what Aiden had been waiting for.
Miss Sweet lifted the cloth off the next display. "Our next item—a fine-grade sword, the 'Willow Leaf.'"
Aiden frowned immediately. The blade was too narrow for his taste.
After the sword was sold, Miss Sweet continued. "But for all the sword lovers here, don't be disappointed. Up next—we have a rare forging material. In the hands of a true master, it could become a Great Blade itself."
That announcement instantly reignited the crowd's attention. After all, a famous sword might not suit everyone—but with the right material, you could forge your own destiny.
"Starting bid: five million Berries."