The dealer places the first three cards on the table, face down.

"The bet starts at 10,000 Berrys, each player has one million Berrys as a starting amount. Mr. Dolandiri, it's your turn to start." He says, addressing the man surrounded by women.

"But of course." He smiles calculatingly as he tosses the 10,000 Berrys onto the table, leans back in his chair and scrutinizes me from every angle. I don't mind his observation; I even count on it. The man to Dolandiri's right puts down 20,000 Berrys, as does everyone else around the table. Seeing that the first round of betting is over, the dealer turns over the three cards one by one. Before us are revealed a 4 of clubs, an 8 of spades and a 7 of clubs. My face shows a pout, a clear sign that I have nothing to win the bet. I have only a 5 of hearts and a jack of clubs. An extravagant man with light blue hair sneers at my misfortune, pleased that one of his opponents is so easy to read. Dolandiri and Crocodile didn't react to my pouty face. As for the other two men, they didn't even look in my direction, too focused on the casino boss. While everyone else is looking at their opponent, I let Aoi and Maru stick to the table, ready to implement the first part of the plan. While I let my face be readable like an open book, my little companions will go around the stray cards and stick them under the table. So I can make a switch at the right time. I have to win, don't I?

"What's the problem, miss? Don't you have any good cards?" Crocodile asks with a small smile. I do a little flinch, as if caught in the act, and resume a neutral expression.

"No, no. It's okay, Sir Crocodile, I'm sure I'll beat you to the punch." He sneers at my childish behavior, like a child surprised at stealing cookies.

"There's no need to be so tense. We're only in the first round. Losing a few times is part of the game.

"Pff... You're too kind to her Sir Crocodile, we're here to play serious poker. It's not for beginners. You better quit now young lady, before you lose everything and end up a slave." The blue-haired man openly mocks me, thinking that I am a beginner. But he is completely unaware that I have already won several times against Crocodile.

My face frowns and I growl slightly.

"Thanks, but I'll keep going. I have plenty of money anyway, so I have enough time to learn!" A little nervous twitch stirs his lips, obviously he didn't like being put off by a little girl.

"Ha ha ha! You don't lack any bite! Tell me, what is your pretty name miss? I'm Rengi Dolandiri, but you can call me Rengi." The dredger has his elbows on the table and looks at me with shining eyes. Behind him, his groupies are glaring at me, probably wishing for a slow and painful death.

"Uh... I..." Still playing the shy and stupid girl, my fearful gaze moves to the girls dark eyes. Seeing that my gaze is behind him, Rengi turns around and sees for a split second the dark eyes aiming at me. His cheerful face turns stern.

"May I ask what you are doing?" Caught in the act, they don't know where to put themselves, but one of them has more courage than the others.

"Dolandiri-san, this girl is playing with you. She is pretending so that you will let your guard down. We just wanted to remind her of her place."

"Her place is around this table and you behind your master." The Shichibukai's low tone makes the girls swoon. Rengi turns to him and places his hands in front of him as a gesture of appeasement.

"Now, now, there's no need to make a fuss. My darlings, I understand your concern, but if I lose to her, I can only blame myself for not taking myself out of the game sooner. So there's no need to scare her. I don't need that." He said calmly, even though there was an edge of irritability in his voice.

"Go do your cleaning scene somewhere else. We're here to play, not listen to a love dispute. So? Are you upping the ante or folding?" Asks the blue-haired guy, irritated that the game is moving so slowly. Rengi snorts with disdain and throws 10,000 Berrys into his bet, bringing the games to 30,000 Berrys.

"Things are just getting started, it's up to you." He says with a provocative smile. Wanting to nail the beak of this little impertinent, the man throws 20 000 Berrys.

"You're going to have to do better than that if you want to impress me."

"I'm not against a group plan, but I'm not much of a sharer." I clamp my hand over my mouth to keep from bursting out laughing at Rengi's gravelly joke. The blue-haired man frowns at his response and begins to insult him. I crouch down to block my laughter as it begins to escape my lips.

"Is everything okay, miss?" Crocodile's mischievous eyes stare at me with an amused little smile at the corner of his lips. "I didn't think this kind of joke would amuse you." I take a deep breath to calm my laughter but an amused smile is present on my face.

"You thought I was just another girl? Simple and boring?" His smile widens even more.

"Isn't that what you're trying to make us believe?" My face is shocked and I place my hand over my heart, while taking on a falsely offended voice.

"How dare you say that about me? Haven't I already proven to you that I am a sweet and innocent girl?" Crocodile stares into my blue eyes, raising an eyebrow.

"Sweet and innocent, that's not the impression you gave me when you practically had my former collaborator die of a heart attack." I freeze slightly, obviously he saw me roughing up the fat guy from earlier. But I'm not impressed and I shrug, throwing 20,000 Berrys on the table.

"I don't know what you mean, your shadow must have scared him." Despite my slimy answer, he doesn't try to find out the truth, he even seems amused and throws the Berrys on the table in turn.

"My shadow? I didn't think I was that scary."

"Oh but you are! You are the scariest person I have ever seen! Look around this table, they are all afraid of you." I lean over the table to get closer to Crocodile so only he can hear. "And I'm sure there are a few people who would love to spend the night with you. " He raises a puzzled eyebrow with a perverse smile.

"Is that a proposition?" A smirk forms on my lips.

"I wasn't talking about me, I was talking about the girls there." I say as I give a little head butt in the direction of the groupies. Who are ranting so much they could catch fire. Where is Ace when you need him?

He chuckles slightly before walking away from me.

"I can get those kind of girls easily. I prefer to have a little more challenge with my partners." I lean back in my chair.

"Oh. And what kind of girls?"

"Who knows..." He answers with a playful smile. It's clear he's intrigued by me, but when he rediscovers who I am, he's going to fall head over heels.

The dealer reveals the fourth card, which is a queen of diamonds. I let out an exasperated sigh. If the card was a club, I could have made a flush with the next card, but now it's dead. I just have to pray that the last card is a six to get a straight.

"What's the matter, young lady? Another card that's not the right one?" Scoffs the blue-haired man again.

"No, it's all right, just concentrate on your game, before I strip you!" He bursts into a greasy laugh, obviously he finds my behavior amusing.

"I would love to see that! I'll make you a bet. If I ever lose to you, I will open an item that is in the auction house for free!" My eyes sparkle with interest at the man's proposal. The auction room contains many ancient objects, weapons and jewelry. Hopefully, there is one of the 12 star blades inside.

"Really?! You're really going to do that?!"

"Of course, but for that you'll have to win against me." I jumped up in my seat, excited by his proposal. Obviously, I'm going to win more than I thought.

"Wait." Says Crocodile. He makes a small gesture to one of his men, who leaves in the crowd. "If it's a bet, it's better to have it in writing, right? That way neither side can back out if they lose." The Crocodile Man returns with a contract already prepared. Just write your name and the terms of the bet. I freeze in front of this piece of paper. I have to write my name?! Shit! Shit! Shit!

"That's a good idea, Sir Crocodile, you never know what might happen." Says the blue-haired man, who is relaxed and gives me a toothy smile, misinterpreting my nervousness.

He fills out the paper without hesitation and turns it towards me. I grab the quill and look apprehensively at the piece of paper. Fuck it! Let me put a fake name on it. The tip of the quill approaches the paper.

"Ha I forgot to tell you, but it's impossible to write a fake name, the pen and paper have been enchanted by a specialist who has a devil fruit that reveals the truth." I stop my gesture at 0.5 mm from the paper. When I raise my head, I see Crocodile's eyes staring intently at me, a smile on his face. I understand at that moment that he has been laughing at me all along. Annoyed, I write my name on the sheet and hand it to Crocodile.

"Here, you sneaky snake!" As I guessed, he didn't react to my name.

"You're the one who's not subtle, do you really think a simple hat could hide you from me? When you have such a special eye color. Besides you have a serious problem keeping your behavior simple and friendly." I cross my arms and sulk. The other players look at us questioningly at this change in behavior.

"The names are well written, now let's get to the issues. Mr. Dangus, you propose to give Miss Star the item she wants in the auction house, in case of total defeat. Is that correct?"

"Yes, that is correct. If I ever fall to 0 Berrys before she does, I will owe her an item."

"Very well. Ms. Star, what do you have to offer Mr. Dangus in case of defeat?" I glare at Crocodile.

"I feel like I'm married..." The Shichibukai rolls his eyes and waves the contract.

"Don't make me say it again, okay?" I puff out my cheeks and turn to Mr. Dangus.

"What do you want?" An evil smile appears on his lips.

"What do you have to offer?" I turn to Crocodile, hoping he'll have an idea. In the end, I shouldn't have.

"How about a night shift?" Said the sandman, having fun at my expense.

"No thanks, she doesn't look very attractive." I almost pulled my hat off my head and asked him to repeat.

"How about some information? She is probably the person who knows the most things in the world. Whether it's about an event, a place or someone important. So?" My dark gaze meets Crocodile's, the secrets I keep could change the world and this idiot is flaunting them in front of these people.

"Information? Why not, but I'd like to do a test first. Is that possible?"

"First, can I go to the auction house? Just to see. Is that possible?" I say matter-of-factly. We stare at each other, not letting go. He smirks and leans back in his seat.

"Personally, I don't see the problem, if it makes me a lot of money. " My tongue clicks in annoyance.

"I agree, but I'll add a condition. I have the right to refuse to answer a question if I don't like it.

"In that case, I have the right to refuse to buy an item if it doesn't suit me." My fists clench, I feel like this guy is going to refuse to buy the item I want on purpose.

"Forget it. You only have to take Sir Crocodile's word for it. I really am the best informant there is. But I reserve my services for certain people, and if the information requested leads to the betrayal of one of those people, I have the right to refuse to answer. This will also apply to you for a single question. Is this acceptable to you?" Dangus ponders my proposal while scanning my face, he sees nothing but seriousness and annoyance, clearly showing that she is not lying but does not like to sell her services to just anyone.

"All right. Prepare to lose, because I would really like to know something. So I don't plan on giving you the win." I chuckle at his statement.

"I'm the one who should be saying that. Sir Crocodile? Is everything in order?" The casino boss goes through the contract one last time.

"I think everything is in order. Do we agree that the first of you to get to 0 Berrys loses the bet?"

"Yes!" We both say in one voice. Crocodile has a small smile and hands the signed contract to one of his men behind him.

"Very well. Then we can continue our game. We were at a bet of 40,000 Berrys, Mr. Dolandiri it is your turn to start betting for this third round. "

"Yes, of course." He puts down 10,000 Berrys, continuing the game before looking at me. "So you are Ms. Star and you are an informant. Now that we know your little name, can we know your face? I must say that having half of your face hidden, gives you a certain advantage." The bet quickly turns to me and I in turn put in 10,000 Berrys.

"You know my name, but I wish to keep my identity secret. Please understand that, as an informant, many people are trying to pressure me." Crocodile chuckles as if I had made a joke. He knows that very few people can threaten me in any way. Even he can't pressure me, so ordinary people...

"Come on, don't be so suspicious, your appearance will remain between us. I'm sure behind that hat is a sweet and charming girl." Crocodile bursts out laughing so loudly that it echoes throughout the casino, drawing the attention of all the customers. I don't appreciate his mocking laughter, my dark eyes stare at the Shichibukai.

"You can stop laughing Croky, it's really not funny." My voice isn't particularly loud, but enough to be heard throughout the room. Silence falls like an anvil in the casino, everyone stares at me with wide eyes, their mouths open in a silent scream and their faces showing an expression of horror. The casino owner immediately stops laughing upon hearing the nickname and looks at me angrily.

"What did you just call me?! "

"What? Do you really want me to repeat it? Or do you prefer another nickname maybe?" His dark gaze meets mine which is neutral. Clearly showing that I'm not impressed with him. We could have stared at each other for a long time if the groupies hadn't come to their senses.

"HOW DARE YOU DISRESPECT SIR CROCODILE?! APOLOGIZE IMMEDIATELY!" Their voices are screwing up my eardrums and I place my hands over my ears to protect them a bit. One of them is so blinded by anger that she moves towards me to probably hit me, but she is restrained by Mr. Dolandiri.

"THAT'S ENOUGH! Please get a grip on yourself! What an impression you are trying to make!" The girls start talking all at once, arguing and complaining about my behavior, my presence, my appearance, in short that I exist. My arms cross over my chest and I lean back in my chair. Things quickly got out of hand, maybe coming here wasn't a good idea. Seeing my annoyed and irritated face, Crocodile leans towards me.

"Why do you have to cause trouble every time I see you?" His anger has subsided, but he is still irritated with me because of that ridiculous nickname. His image might take a hit if he doesn't act quickly. I roll my eyes, still annoyed by his mocking laugh.

"You had it coming, that's for making fun of me by making me think you didn't recognize me. Where's the fun in that?" He rolls his eyes and lets out a sigh.

"And you claim not to be a child, I find that hard to believe.

Around us, it's quiet again, as quiet as it can be in a casino. The dealer is somewhat uncomfortable and gives Crocodile little glances, silently asking if we can resume the game. With a wave of Crocodile's hand, he places the fifth card on the table.

"Madam, sir, the game resumes. We are at a bet of 50,000 Berrys, would you like to raise it before we reveal the last card?" Everyone shakes their heads, following the last event, concentration has fallen a little. " Everyone shakes their heads, following the last event, concentration has fallen a little. The dealer reveals the last card, which is a two of clubs. And shit. My head falls on the table comically, the men look at me warily.

"Uh... I don't suppose you have anything Miss?" My head turns to one of the two men who had yet to say anything since the game began. He has blond hair tied in a ponytail, a square face and a black scarf around his shoulders. I straighten up, even if I just wanted to blow this man off, I have to continue playing my role as a beginner until Aoi and Maru signal me.

"I admit I'm going to fold for this round." Mr. Dangus chuckles, happy that his main opponent is retiring from the game. I'm not the only one to drop out of the game, the man to my right, who has purple and pink hair cut into a brush, also throws his cards on the table.

"Well, it looks like there are more than four of us, let the betting begin." Rengi throws down 10,000 Berrys again, with a defiant smile. Dangus throws down 30,000 Berrys, the blond man folds. Crocodile continues the betting with no problem, Rengi hesitates before throwing down his cards in turn. Only Dangus and Crocodile are left, looking at each other intently, assessing their opponents' every move. The blue-haired man throws 20,000 Berrys on the table, raising the stakes to 100,000 Berrys, without batting an eyelid Crocodile throws 50,000 Berrys (130,000 Berrys). Dangus hesitates for a moment, looks at his cards and then at the table. He obviously has a hand, but it is not necessarily a powerful one. Clicking his tongue, he throws 60,000 Berrys (160,000 Berrys), which Crocodile surpasses by another 50,000 Berrys (180,000 Berrys). The tension is palpable, Dangus becomes more and more nervous and starts to play with his bills. He looks at his cards, the table, Crocodile and me. He starts to reveal some tics, while Crocodile is totally calm and confident. He ends up throwing 40,000 Berrys, bringing the games to 200,000 Berrys. If Nami were here, she would have her eyes turned to Berrys again. Without hesitation, the boss throws 70,000 Berrys (250,000 Berrys). Dangus looks at the pile of money, then at Crocodile who is still slumped in his chair with a smug little smile. He finally throws his cards on the table, giving up the bet. With a small smile, Crocodile throws his cards face down and collects the total bet, which amounts to 660,000 Berrys.

"Thanks for the game, you're a tough one, Mr. Dangus."

"Thank you Sir Crocodile, coming from a great player like you, it's an honor." The dealer gathers the cards, shuffles them and deals them. I find myself with a deuce of hearts and a jack of clubs. I frown a little, I can't do anything with these cards. We each lay down 20,000 Berrys before the first 3 cards are revealed, a four of hearts, a jack and a seven of spades. Seeing that I have a pair, I let a smile appear on my face, which was not lost on the other players.

"Ha this time you have something Miss Star." My smile disappears and I return to a neutral expression.

"I don't know what you mean by that, Rengi." I say with a small laugh. The bet is raised to 50,000 Berrys. The fourth card reveals a queen of spades. I scan everyone's faces, gathering as much information as possible for the second part of my plan. The bet gradually increases until it reaches 80,000 Berrys. The fifth card reveals a four of spades. In front of me, Crocodile has a little twitch in his left eyelid, a sign that he has a big hand. Without even trying with a double pair, I discard my cards. So do the blond and the purple-haired man. When the bet reaches 120,000 Berrys, Dangus gives up in turn but Rengi continues until we reach a sum of 320,000 Berry.

"Very well, Mr. Dolandiri, please reveal your cards." Asks the dealer, with a smug smile, he reveals a seven of hearts and a three of spades, giving him a spade suit. Crocodile in turn throws down his cards, showing a queen of hearts and an ace of spades, giving him a win with his ace. He pockets a payout of 680,000 Berrys. Around the table, the faces are getting more and more serious. Crocodile not only doesn't give up, but he wins huge amounts of money.

The third game is a real carnage. I have a four and a six of diamonds, but on the table there is only a king of spades, an ace and an eight of hearts and a five and a queen of diamonds. Damn, I almost had a straight or flush. As always, I fold on the fifth card, losing 60,000 Berrys, but everyone else continues. The bet reached 320,000 Berrys before Crocodile threw down his cards. Seeing their biggest opponent fold, they go on a rampage like never before. The bet reaches 480,000 Berrys each. Everyone reveals their cards one at a time, the blonde man has a pair of aces and a three, the purple-haired man and Dangus both have a pair of kings and a deuce, and Rengi wins the game with a pair of aces and a ten, earning 1,820,000 Berrys. Dangus is down to 200,000 Berrys, so it's obvious that he will have lost before I start the second part of my plan. The blond and the purple-haired one are also in trouble with 390,000 Berrys. I have 810,000 Berrys left in front of me, which gives me a good margin. Watching the men as the dealer shuffles the cards, I notice the smug smile Crocodile gives Dangus. I lean toward him so that only he can hear me.

"Would you by any chance be happy that Dangus lost before me?" He turns his gaze to me with an amused little chuckle.

"You keep some of my secrets, so it's only natural that I protect them. " I smile at his words, any more and it would pass for a declaration of love.

"So you're just protecting your interests?"

"Yes, that and making a little money. " I roll my eyes, 1 million Berrys is not a small amount.

The dealer deals the cards and I find myself with two queens, one of clubs and one of spades. The bet reaches 70,000 Berrys on the fifth card, revealing a six and a three of diamonds, and a six, a two and a king of spades. As always, I am one card short of a flush. On Crocodile's side, I don't see anything special, Rengi's nose twitches slightly, a sign that he has something but it's not a big hand, probably a double pair. Dangus stares at his stack of bills, which is only 130,000 Berrys, and bites the inside of his cheeks, meaning he has something but it may not be enough to win. The blond man throws down his cards, disappointed with his play. And the purple-haired man hesitates for a moment before giving up in turn. The game goes up to 120,000 Berrys before Crocodile gives up, winking at me. Translation: Go on, you'll beat him!

Obviously, we perceived the same result, that they don't have a good hand.

Putting on a sulky face, I raise the bet to 150,000 Berrys.

Seeing the girl's sad, sulky face, Dangus smiles, sure that she has nothing to win the round. He looks at Rengi, who has as neutral a face as possible, though a few twitches come through. Rengi rises to 180,000 Berrys, after winning nearly two million Berrys in the previous game, he can have a little fun. Dangus looks at the pile of bills he has in front of him, before pushing them all into the center.

"Taps." He takes a chance, either he wins or he screws up. He looks at the girl and freezes at the toothy grin she's wearing with Crocodile. He pales drastically, understanding that the two play on the same team. He collapses in his chair, hands shaking. What an idiot I am! Of course they are both playing against me. If she really is the best informant, then she must know Sir Crocodile's secrets.

He doesn't even follow the game anymore until he is asked to reveal his game. Looking up, he sees that the decks are up to 320,000 Berrys. He reveals a pair of fives, giving him a double pair with the two sixes at the table. Rengi clicks his tongue showing a four and a three, he only has a pair of threes. Seeing that he is winning against Rengi, he looks in front of the girl and sees two queens, allowing her to win the game and eject him from the game.

"Thanks for the game, it looks like I won our bet! I'm counting on you to buy me the item I want!" At this moment, he only wants to nail this girl permanently, but he can't do it right away. A plan begins to form to get back at her and potentially Crocodile in the process, but for now, he must wait. Running his hand through his hair, he puts on a disappointed and embarrassed face.

"It seems that I have lost. As agreed, I'll offer you what you want in the auction room." He watches in disgust as the girl hops on the spot without any class.

"Thank you so much Mr. Dangus!" Happy to have folded this bet, all that's left is to win as much money as available.

I find myself with a four and an eight of diamonds. On the table, there is an eight and a king of spades, a jack of hearts and a nine and a queen of clubs. I sleeve my cheek, disappointed that I don't have a ten to make a straight. Something crawls up my leg and, looking down, I see Maru winking at me. Unseen, I exchange my four of diamonds for a ten of hearts. This gives me a straight and a pair of eights. The bet is 40,000 Berrys, the purple-haired man quits and so does Crocodile. The blond man and Rengi continue to raise the bet, the blond man folds at 80,000 Berrys.

Without dropping anything, Rengi and I raise the stakes higher and higher until we reach 620,000 Berrys each.

"Please reveal your cards." Facing Rengi's double pair, I flash a victorious smile as I raise my straight. Taking home 780,000 Berrys, I hum as I put away the bundles of cash that amount to 1,910,000 Berrys. I've almost doubled my bet!

I win the next game with a flush, Crocodile gave up at the reveal of the first three cards, losing only 20,000 Berrys. The blond man stops at the reveal of the five cards, losing 40,000 Berrys, after hesitation the purple-haired man also gives up. As in the previous game, I am face to face with Rendi. The girls behind him silently insult me, trying to destabilize me, but nothing happens. I win again against a double pair and get 530 000 Berrys.

The next game I win again with a full house of fives and a pair of tens. The games went on and on, until it was just Crocodile and me. The blond and the purple one lost quickly, followed by Rengi who is currently being comforted by his group of groupies. The Shichibukai looks at me and then looks at the still face down cards.

"What if we both go all-in? Let's finish this game quickly. We both know it will never end. So?" My hand hangs over my cards, ready to pick them up to find out what's inside. My blue eyes meet Crocodile's black eyes and a toothy smile forms on my lips.

"You know me too well. That's fine with me." In one motion we place all the money in the center of the table before looking at our deck. I have an ace of clubs and a jack of spades, in front of us are revealed the five cards of a hand. There is an ace of spades, a deuce and a four of clubs, a six of hearts and a nine of diamonds. With what's on the table, I can only make a small straight. Maru and Aoi hand me a three of hearts and a five of spades, which I exchange with a flick of my wrist.

"Please reveal your cards." In one motion, we lay down our cards, a silence hovers over the table. We both have the same straight. We look at each other before bursting into laughter.

"Ha ha ha ha ! That's a good way to end this game! Ha ha ha!" I say with a laugh. Crocodile snickers slightly.

"It looks like we need to split the winnings evenly." The dealer proceeds to divide the money into two neat piles of 3,000,000 Berrys. I put the money in my pockets, Maru and Aoi taking the opportunity to slip back into my clothes. Then I turn to Mr. Dangus.

"Mr. Dangus, we can go to the auction house. Show me the way." At my playful smile, he frowns and begins to climb the steps, followed by Rengi and Crocodile.

"Are you following us, Sir Crocodile?" I ask in a playful voice. He answers me with a smirk.

"I'm curious as to what item you're going to take, although I have a slight idea." My eyes sparkle with interest.

"Do you?!"

"Maybe." He walks past us as we reach the front of the doors. The two guards greet Crocodile. I walk toward them with a big smile.

"Hello again, guys! I told you I'd be back." They look at me a little more intently, now that their leader is here. Crocodile raises an eyebrow at me.

"Did you make small talk with them?" I turn to him.

"I tried to get in earlier, but they wouldn't let me in without a VIP card, so I played poker. You should give them a raise." He shakes his head in amusement.

"I'll think about it. I don't know too many people who've managed to keep you from going anywhere." The guards open the doors and let us in. Inside, everything glows brightly, various objects are displayed in glass cloches. Against the walls, a dozen soldiers guard the place, watching the customers and the objects. A saleswoman comes towards us.

"Sir Crocodile, it is an honor to receive you here. Have you come to pick up an item?"

"No, I am here to accompany this young lady." The saleswoman's eyes shine with jealousy as they land on me, but her professionalism takes over.

"Of course, Sir Crocodile. Good evening Miss, I'm Loly and I'll be taking care of you while you're here. Do you already have an idea of the object you want?" My eyes roam the room but I don't see anything that particularly catches my eye.

"Do you have any swords? In particular, katanas?" Seeing the two weapons on my belt, the girl has a small grimace of disgust, but she quickly hides it.

"Of course, please follow me." Our little group follows her into another room which is a real armory, the special thing is that there are even more guards. "Here are all the weapons that the auction house can offer you, the katanas are on this side." A dozen glass cases display the various katanas on racks. Some of them are very nice, with precious stones or shiny engravings, but they are exhibition katanas. They are not meant to be used in combat. Only three katana are. My eyes immediately fall on a katana with a black snake wrapped around a gray scabbard, forming scales along its length. A small sign indicates the name of the weapon. Hebi Hochi. A big smile graces my lips. I have found a sixth star blade!

"Can I try this katana?" The saleswoman makes a small bow.

"I'm sorry, but you can't buy this sword." I frown and put my hand on Seima to calm her down, as she screams in outrage. Seeing my movement towards my weapon, the saleswoman gets scared and looks at Crocodile. Who looks at this scene as if the optics of her getting cut up in front of him doesn't make him hot or cold.

"W... Wait, Miss! You have misinterpreted my words! This blade is cursed, that's why you can't have it. It is sold only as an ornament." She says hastily. The guards look towards us, but Crocodile makes them understand that the situation is under control.

"Oh, I see. It was for my safety that you told me that." She nods briskly.

"Yes, many people have tried to use this weapon, but they were all poisoned. They said the snake on the scabbard bit them." I smiled as I looked at the weapon.

"She can defend herself well. But don't worry, the snake won't bite me." The saleswoman looks at me apprehensively before looking at Crocodile. At the saleswoman's look, the Shichibukai sighs.

"Open that window, she knows what she's doing." Loly hesitates before leaving to get the keys.

"Miss Star?" I turn to Rengi and his flock of girls. "Are you sure you want to use this weapon? Cursed blades are no ordinary blades. They are not to be underestimated."

"You should know, my dear Rengi, that I am probably the only one who can use these katanas." I pick up Seima and put the weapon under his nose. "Let me introduce you to Seima, she is from the same series as Hebi Hochi. It is also a cursed blade." Having the weapon right under his nose, Rengi turns pale and takes a step back, worried.

"From the same series? " The girls behind him look at me furiously for daring to bring a weapon so close to Rengi.

"Yes, Seima and Hebi are part of a set of 12 cursed Katanas."

"And you intend to get them all?" Dangus asks.

"Yes, it would be a shame for them to gather dust." Seeing my big smile, Dangus swallows before speaking up.

"Am I to understand that you intend to use them? " I shrug my shoulders.

"You don't have to worry, I never attack first, so you have nothing to fear." The man pales slightly, his plan for revenge is going to be more difficult than expected, but if he hires mercenaries...

Loly comes running back, a key in her hand.

"Sorry for the wait, I'll open it right away. But I must warn you not to pull the blade, please! We don't have a counterpoison!" I give her a gentle smile to calm her down.

"Don't worry, everything will be fine." She looks at me calmly, takes one last look at Crocodile before opening the window. Several clicks echo through the room before the window opens. The guards stand up, attentive to our every move. Loly steps back to let me pass. In front of me, Hebi Hochi whistles in displeasure, he thinks that some idiot is going to try to use him again.

"Hello Hebi Hochi, I'm Stella Star. I think you and your sister need to talk." Except for Crocodile, everyone looks at me with wide eyes, as if I've gone crazy. The groupies whisper to each other, saying I've gone crazy for talking to a sword. Ignoring the people behind me, I introduce Seima to Hebi. Hebi is surprised to see Seima and they start talking. At first, Hebi asks a lot of questions, about her and the others, then about me. How I found Seima and why she agreed to let me use her. I step in several times to clarify, and tell him what I intend to do with him. "I want you to come with me Hebi, I want to bring you all together and make sure you are not separated anymore. If you want someone other than me to take care of you, then I will look for someone more worthy. So what do you say?" Hebi says nothing for a few minutes, until he gives his answer.

People tense up as they see the girl put Seima on her belt and grab the cursed blade.

"Stop it Miss!" Stella grabs Hebi and easily pulls out the black blade. Before the frightened eyes of the onlookers, they see the snake on the scabbard move and rush towards Stella's hand.

"Look out!" The snake comes out of the scabbard to wrap itself around the girl's arm like a black tattoo and up to her neck. Everyone panics at the sight.

Even more so when the snake opens its mouth wide, all teeth out.

"HAAAAA!"

Hi everyone! Thanks for reading this chapter!

If you think that Mr. Dangus is losing too fast to Stella, you should know that the cards were drawn by chance. But maybe Crocodile cheated to make him draw the wrong cards. We may never know.

See you soon!