Chapter 33: The Ugly Truth
"Where is this place?! Here! What on earth is this place?!" Ian raised his voice, seemingly furious, and questioned T. Bone repeatedly.
"Reporting to Commodore Ian! This is a human auction! A place where people are trafficked!" T. Bone couldn't hold back any longer and shouted at the top of his lungs.
Disco had been listening for a while but had no idea what Ian was planning. Does he want to cause trouble for the venue? The Marine officers stationed at the Sabaody Archipelago had changed one after another. No one had ever dared to cause trouble at the auction house before. Their clients were all nobles and Celestial Dragons!
Disco rubbed his palms together, stepped forward, and said with a smile, "What is this Marine gentleman talking about? I don't quite understand. Oh hehehehe! Human trafficking is strictly prohibited by the World Government. How could we possibly do such a thing? Allow me to introduce myself, Mr. Ian. I'm the manager of the venue, Disco. All the Marines stationed on the island over the years know that we are... a career referral agency! We help those who can't find work and introduce them to suitable 'new jobs.' Under the grace and protection of the Celestial Dragons, this has always been... not under Marine jurisdiction!"
Disco's words were essentially telling Ian and the others: You have no authority here, and you can't do anything about it!
Seeing the Marines fall silent collectively, the guards who had just taken action became arrogant again. One strode over to the woman and the little girl domineeringly, raised his foot, and stomped hard on the woman's shoulder: "Damn it, we found you a new job, and you're still not satisfied! Still crying! What's there to cry about? Hahaha!"
Shing!
T. Bone swiftly drew his sword and slashed violently through the air.
Swish!
The blue-green sword energy cut through the air, brushed past the guard's helmet, and continued soaring into the sky.
"Ahhh! Ahhh..." The burly guard was so frightened he collapsed to the ground, frantically touching his head. He was fine, unharmed. But his helmet had been cleanly sliced in half by the sharp sword energy!
"You people..." Disco was about to yell, preparing to bring up the Celestial Dragons again to teach Ian and the others a lesson.
However, Ian's reaction surprised Disco...
"Uncle T, what are you doing? Who gave you permission to act? Didn't you hear what Manager Disco said? This is a career referral agency, helping them find jobs. Go back and reflect on this!" Ian kept poking T. Bone's hat with his fingers, pretending to be angrier than Disco.
T. Bone slowly sheathed his sword "Bamboo," his eyes still fierce, staring intently at the trembling guard on the ground. "I'm sorry, Commodore Ian. I lost control. I accept the punishment willingly."
Ian looked serious on the surface but was very pleased inside. He turned and shook hands with Disco amicably: "Sorry, sorry, Manager Disco, I've caused you trouble. Don't look at me as a newcomer, but I know all the rules. The descendants of the Creators are your frequent guests, right? This is certainly not a place for the Marines to interfere. I came today just to say hello. If you meet the Celestial Dragons, hey, please put in a good word for me, show me some respect, alright? You guys go about your business. I'll teach my reckless subordinate a lesson when we get back!"
Disco: "Hey, I—"
Ian spoke without giving Disco a chance to respond. He turned, hooked his finger, and the people behind him quickly followed.
"This guy, doesn't let people speak?! What are you all looking at? Quickly take them all inside and lock them up! Don't just stand there like idiots!" Disco could only vent his anger on the guards.
After the guards had escorted the "merchandise" inside, Disco pulled out his Den Den Mushi and called Doflamingo again: "Mr. Doflamingo, as you expected, Ian has indeed arrived on the island. Besides, I just saw him at the auction house entrance. I'm sure it was him!"
The Den Den Mushi mimicked Doflamingo's puzzled expression. Doflamingo was no fool. He asked doubtfully, "Why did Jock Ian appear at the auction house entrance? Is there anything special going on?"
Disco, worried that Doflamingo would think he had messed up, hurriedly explained: "No, no, no, nothing happened. He seemed to be just leading a small team on a routine patrol around the island. After I mentioned the Celestial Dragons, oh hehehe, he reacted like a scared puppy! Mr. Doflamingo, as soon as the auction ends tomorrow, I will arrange for someone to keep a close eye on him for you."
On the Den Den Mushi, Doflamingo's expression gradually softened: "Remember, don't reveal your identity. Next, there will be a good show on the island. If you mess things up, hehehe..." Doflamingo didn't need to continue. Disco could sense the threat from the Den Den Mushi's expression.
...
Not far away, Ian picked up the apple Skylark had just given him and took a bite. He had heard every word of the conversation between Disco and Doflamingo. As expected, Doflamingo, that sinister and cunning schemer, has already set a plan in motion to retaliate against me. As for how he'll retaliate, it's still unknown. Rather than waiting for others to come to him, it was better to take the initiative and cause them some trouble first.
Sensing the depressing and heavy atmosphere within the team, Ian was in no hurry to lead them away on the Flying Fish. Instead, he stopped behind a giant empty tree and raised his hand, signaling everyone to halt.
"Uncle T, do you think the people just taken into the venue can really get good jobs? What kind of work will be arranged for the mother and daughter? They should be very happy for the rest of their lives! Crunch..." Ian munched on his apple and walked up to T. Bone, staring at him intently.
T. Bone lowered his head, not daring to meet Ian's eyes. There was no other possibility for that mother and daughter except to become slaves, playthings for the nobles or the Celestial Dragons.