Every year, the Flower Country received shipments of extremely rare timber. Such wood was almost impossible to sell under normal circumstances, so it was gathered for large-scale auctions.
The auction was held in an open-air timber yard on the southern coast of the Flower Country.
When Ghost Hand Rowan and Robin arrived, a sizable crowd had already gathered. Most were merchant nobles from across the West Blue, though a few pirates were mixed among them, discreetly observing.
Rows of timber were laid out across the grounds, but the most eye-catching was a gigantic log nearly forty meters longa branch of Adam Wood, famed for its combination of toughness and flexibility, rivaling ordinary steel.
Rowan's eyes flickered toward the log. Could this be the same type of wood used in the Thousand Sunny? he wondered brieflybut he shook his head. Coincidences like that were improbable. Besides, the Great Pirate Era was now in its eleventh year.
After a brief glance, Rowan withdrew his gaze and settled in at the edge of the auction yard.
Soon, the timber auction began.
The auctioneer, wearing a formal suit, stepped onto the stage and introduced a small, dark-red log about five or six meters longa section of Crimson Oak, suitable for luxurious furniture. Rowan paid it no attention, calmly observing the sparse bidding from a handful of nobles.
"Five million Berries, once… five million Berries, twice…"
"Sold!"
The auctioneer dropped the gavel and moved on to the next item. Two hours passed almost imperceptibly. Rare shipbuilding wood appeared occasionally, but none were nearly as suitable as the Adam Wood branch. Rowan only cast it a glance now and then before returning his gaze elsewhere.
Finally, the auction reached the timber at the very back of the yarda deep-red branch radiating an ancient aura.
"Finally… the main event," the auctioneer said, forcing enthusiasm despite several hours of presenting smaller items. He waved toward the centerpiece.
"This tree survived countless wars. Entire cities were destroyed by cannon and gunfire, yet one giant tree remained standing. Such trees are extremely rare, and the strongest among them is known as Adam Wood! What you see here is a branch of Adam Wood!"
He paused, letting the significance sink in, then announced the starting price100 million Berries!
A hush fell over the auction yard. Only a few murmurs whispered among the crowd, and no one immediately bid.
Just as the auctioneer began to worry that the Adam Wood might fail to sell, a voice called out.
"100 million Berries," a merchant with a handlebar mustache said, taking the starting price.
"110 million!" another responded, and the bids slowly crept upward. Within minutes, the price reached 150 million Berries, causing many nobles to hesitatethe risk of reselling such a rare timber was significant.
"200 million," Rowan finally said, his calm voice cutting through the crowd.
The sudden leap in price shocked everyone. Many merchants and nobles were unaccustomed to spending so much on a single item, and a price of 200 million Berries was already extreme.
Pirates who had been eyeing the branch to steal it were also taken aback, turning toward the voice to see who dared bid.
"Is that…?"
"Ghost Hand Rowan!"
Recognition rippled through the crowd. Pirates exchanged fearful glances. Any plan to snatch the wood now seemed impossiblethis branch of Adam Wood would belong solely to Rowan.
Even merchants and nobles, unfamiliar with Rowan personally, understood the implications through the whispers around them.
"…Ghost Hand Rowan," they murmured.
The auctioneer's expression changed. Pirates bidding at such high stakes were unusual, introducing uncertainty to the proceedings. However, as this was the Flower Country official auction house, managed by the Seven Treasure Navy, he allowed it to proceed, though cautiously.
From the shadows, several observers who had been watching Rowan since his arrival glanced at the bid in surprise before quietly retreating, disappearing into the crowd.
One second… two seconds… the auction yard remained silent, with only hushed murmurs breaking the stillness.
"200 million Berries, sold!" the auctioneer finally shouted, dropping the gavel.
An auction official immediately approached Rowan, bowing respectfully.
"Sir, please proceed to take delivery."
"Alright," Rowan said, standing calmly and following the official.
The Seven Treasure Navy, tasked with maintaining order during the auction, remained vigilant. Every officer held their weapon ready, aware that confronting a figure like Ghost Hand Rowan required caution.
At Rowan's gesture, Robin opened three boxes hidden nearby, quickly organizing 200 million Berries into a neat pile.
The auction official blinked in astonishment. He hadn't expected Rowan, a notorious pirate, to possess the funds for such a price. But having recently wiped out several pirate crews, it was plausible.
As long as Rowan was willing to pay, the transaction proceeded smoothly.
"The counting is finished. No issues. This branch of Adam Wood is yours," the official confirmed.
Rowan nodded, his expression calm. The Adam Wood, essential for the ship he planned to build, was now in his possession.