(Bellamy POV)
“Bellamy-kun! What a wonderful surprise!” Disco said, greeting me with open arms, but notably without a hug. “You really should have told me you were in town.”
“Well, now you know. It's good to see you.” I replied. The office was small for a man in Disco’s position. Tens of millions, hundreds of millions of belli entered his coffers on a good day and the room was barely larger than my cabin on the Black Pearl. Still, I was a good guest so I gave it a deliberately slow scan to appreciate the limited furnishing. “Nice place you’ve got here. I just love the minimalist approach you’re going for.”
Just to let you know, it was not minimalist at all. If you'd be so kind and allowed me to repeat this one more time, Disco’s office was not minimalist at all. Despite being small or perhaps more so because of it, the wannabe broom cabinet was filled up to the gills in extravagant paintings, artworks and luxury items. If this was what his place of work was like, I shuddered to imagine what sort of decadent monstrosity his home must be. However, the man nodded appreciatively at what I said without batting an eye.
“As people say, less is more, but how nice of you to notice. I wasn’t aware you were the sort of man to appreciate the décor.” That was an insult, right? Calling me an uncultured boor? “If I had, I would have sent you a little something.”
“How generous of you.” Also, please don’t send me anything. Be it far from me to disparage someone for their taste in paintings and art, I didn't want any of this tacky stuff hanging from my bedroom walls. “But I’m afraid it just wouldn’t fit on my ship and the lighting wouldn't be able to do it justice.”
“That’s why you should settle down, like me!” he laughed, clapping me on the shoulder. “Or like Doflamingo. I’m sure he’d be flattered if you followed in his footsteps.”
I guess Doffy had settled down, if you called instigating a popular revolution via forced massacre and swooping in to take over a country settling down, then yes, Doflamingo had settled down. Mind you, I wasn't sure I wanted to do that, even if I could. It just seemed like so much work only to end up with even more work. Well, the taking over the kingdom part at least.
“Alas, I’m but a flickering candle in comparison to the young master’s radiance. How could I achieve something similar?” Unless it was launching a revolution of my own…against him. However, before I could pull the trigger, I was going to need allies because with the way things were right now? My crew wasn't going to be able to take out his.
“How humble of you, Bellamy-kun, but you give yourself too little credit. After all, you are one of the thirteen Supernovas. A remarkable achievement at the age of only twenty five.” He flattered me, pulling out a decanter and pouring crimson wine into a matched pair of crystal chalices before handing one to me. I accepted the drink from him and took a small sip, without hesitation or checking for poison. He might have been a crook but he wasn't stupid. Also, you could say what you wanted about him, but Disco did know his wine.
“This is a great vintage. You have impeccable taste.” I praised him afterwards, raising my glass slightly in his direction. Disco copied my movements, lightly clinking his own glass against mine.
“Why, thank you. It’s a Dressrosa 1514, the year of triumph.” he said, referring to the year Doflamingo had usurped the Kingdom of Dressrosa. It was a commemorative bottle then.
“No wonder. I imagine this has to be one of the last few bottles remaining. The local production did see a…steep decline due to the unrest.”
“The very last one.” Disco beamed, giving the bottle a loving smooch. “I had been saving this beauty for the ten year anniversary but then you visited my humble establishment.”
“Now who’s the one giving themselves too little credit? Your business has an overwhelming market share in both quantity and more importantly, quality.” He might have been reduced to an incompetent clown in the tv show, but this was a man who had built up the largest human trafficking ring in the world from nothing. And in only thirty years at that. Arrogant and sadistic he may be, incompetent he was not. “Nobody else could have achieved this.”
“You flatter me, but what can I say? It is my passion.” He told me, looking genuinely happy for the first time in our meeting. The way he stroked his desk was reminiscent of a proud father watching his little daughter grow up. “I don’t do it for the money, you know. Sure, you need it to keep this operation running, but it is secondary. Rather, everything I do is about making the world a better place.”
A better place. Via slavery. I dearly hoped he explained that bit to me, because for the life of me, I didn't understand. As my dear departed aunt used to say, if you had nothing positive to say, you ought to shut up and smile...I smiled. Brightly.
“We provide satisfaction, pleasure and whenever possible, happiness to all our patrons. In making them content, we ensure their continued benevolence for the masses who in turn joyously serve their betters.” His voice rose continuously as Disco lost himself to his own zeal. “Thus, nobody can deny that slaves maintain the stability of the world and the safety of her inhabitants. How could I not be passionate about such work…nay, such a noble calling?”
At some point, Disco had climbed up onto his desk, posing dramatically with one arm stretched diagonally towards the ceiling while the other held the wine bottle like a general would his sword.
“Stability is important.” I said, outwardly agreeing with him. Which was probably why Doflamingo called Disco boring. The big boss desired chaos whereas Disco thrived within order, two opposing worldviews coming from two very different paths of life.
“You get it, unlike most of the brutes under the Joker’s umbrella. Really, I don’t know why he tolerates such ruffians.” he muttered at the end. With a small hop he was back down on the floor and he gestured for me to follow him. “Come, I’ll give you a tour.”
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“We deal in merchandise in all shapes and sizes. It’s a point of pride at this establishment that no customer remains dissatisfied or can’t find something of interest in our catalogue.” Disco explained as we ambled down the hallway.
The backstage area looked pretty much like it had been depicted in the show, including the overly large cages holding the products. “It’s definitely a varied group.”
“It definitely is. We’ve got everything from midgets to giants.” He claimed, gesturing to one very large individual. And sitting in his shadow, I spotted my target. “But today our stock is special, even by our standards.”
“More than the giant?” I asked, playing along.
“Your confusion is understandable. On any other day, the giant would indeed be the crown jewel of our auction, but not this time. This time we have a virgin mermaid, a feisty one too.” Disco’s smile took on a distinctly sadistic glint. “But that can be trained out of her. I’m certain that her future master will have a wonderful time breaking her.”
“No wonder you are in such a good mood.” I whistled.
“Yes, and to make this day even more perfect, guess who has declared their intention to attend our auction today?” he asked, looking expectantly at me. I, of course, knew why he was so excited today.
“Judging by your excitement and the fact I saw at least three kings entering through the front gates earlier, I’m guessing it’s not royalty.” No, his guests were much higher on the food chain than a mere king and that would be Disco's downfall. “Let me guess, the celestial dragons?”
“Exactly, Bellamy-kun. St. Rosswald and his children will be gracing us with their presence and perhaps even honor us with their continued patronage.”
Well, would you still think that way after your business got thrashed? Actually, I didn't have to wonder because I know he wouldn't.
“Do they come here often?” I asked, prompting Disco to explain which he did with gusto.
“Not at all. The celestial dragons rarely descend down to the realm of mortals, but they came thrice before and sent their agents a few more times to pick up their desired items from our stock.” What was this, mail order?
“Out of curiosity, what do they usually choose? Slaves like that old man there?” Rayleigh glared at me and my poor heart immediately felt as if it was going to pop or get crushed into a fine red paste. Where was the genial old man Luffy had gotten to know?
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“Oh, no no no. That one is just something we picked off the streets." he told me, sniffing derisively. "Apparently, it ran up too much debt on its bar tab and its debtors sold it to us for pocket change. If you want it, you can have it as a gift with my compliments.”
I felt like everyone should be able to tell how much I was sweating right now. Rayleigh definitely noticed, which might have been why he began smirking. And let me tell you, it was still not a nice facial expression when it was aimed your way.
“Well, how could I not accept your generous gift. Thank you, Disco.” Still, nothing ventured nothing gained.
“It’s a small matter between friends. But, if you want to get in on the action, you want to secure products with a bit less wear and tear. Like Pascia, for example. Young, nubile, a trained dancer…very popular. Or if you want something a bit more niche, try Byron over there. He’s a former pirate captain like you, but very much unlike you, he’s a failure. Still, some are willing to pay good coin for his type. I hear St. Rosswald’s pirate captain collection is the stuff of legends.”
A pirate captain. I could potentially use someone like him, however, did I really want to buy him? Not right now, I would think, but there was an idea forming in the back of my mind. Just an idea mind you.
“If St. Rosswald is coming, you must be very busy preparing. Thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule to show me around.” I said, just as he checked his watch in an unmistakable signal.
“It was my pleasure, Bellamy-kun, but l fear we must end the tour here. Like you said, there's so much to prepare but so little time. Do you want your gift wrapped in some way?” he offered, but I declined with a wave.
“No, it’s fine. I must return to my ship anyway. Things to do, people to meet, you know how it is.”
“I do. Work never ends, but that is the beauty of a calling is it not? It’s never just work.” And with that he was gone, leaving me standing in an empty hallway with an amused Rayleigh.
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I wasn't sure how I got out of that building, but by the time I got some of my wits back together, my crew mates and I found ourself in a shadowed alley off the main street. Lily and Ross were about as stumped as I was, though they showed it much more openly. Eyes bugging out, jaws dropping to the floor, screaming “Huuuuuhhh????!!!!???”
You know, the classic anime shock routine. My reaction was a bit more measured.
“It’s an honor to meet you, sir.” From the show, I thought it was pretty obvious that Rayleigh wasn't the type to stand on ceremony. But that had been with Luffy who had the all-powerful protection of Roger’s hat. I was Doffy’s subordinate and Disco’s friend Bellamy. When in doubt, be polite and hope the scarily powerful old timer didn't squish you.
“Hoh~. What sort of master calls a slave ‘sir’?” he asked, the grin not leaving his face.
“The smart sort, sir.”
“I guess it was too much to ask for you youngsters not to recognize me, wasn't it?” Rayleigh chuckled and I nodded in agreement.
“Yes, sir. To be honest I’m more surprised that others did not.”
“Nowadays, I’m just an old man.” Rayleigh shrugged before pulling out a pipe from his pocket. “Not going to take this collar off me?”
“I wouldn’t dare presume you couldn’t remove it if you wanted to, sir.” Also, Disco hadn’t given me the key and I didn’t want to inadvertently make it explode and annoy the living legend. You might think I was being too subservient or careful, but put yourself in my shoes. Unlike with Doffy, I had no cards I could play against Rayleigh except trying to gain his goodwill, and being polite would only help dilute any negative preconceptions he had about Bellamy. It was a potentially risky thing I was doing, but the potential rewards...those were simply too great to pass up.
“That’s true.” A quick yank later, the collar was broken and fizzling at his feet. Not sure what he did but it wasn't going boom, so he must have taken care of the trigger device. So, why hadn't he done that for Camie’s collar? For dramatic effect? “That does feel better. The weight was giving me an awful crick in my neck.” he complained, making me sweatdrop.
The man could go toe to toe with an admiral. I really doubted that something as insignificant as a steel collar would do anything to even remotely inconvenience him.
“So, what do two of the new supernova’s want with an old coating craftsman?”
“To have our ship coated, sir.”
“Hmmm? Not going to ask for training?” He really seemed amused at that for some reason, but I think he was fishing. Although, I didn't have to look to know Lily’s eyes were shining with hope.
“Are you offering, sir?”
“Hah! Cheeky brat, aren’t you?” he barked, letting out a short laugh. “But no, like I said, I’m retired.”
…unfair.
I didn't think I’d ever really disliked Luffy, but at this moment my feelings for him went beyond mere jealousy. He just got things handed to him on a silver platter and you couldn't even count all the big shots who were favourably inclined towards him on one’s hands: Garp, Dragon, Sabo, Whitebeard, Ace and the other commanders, Rayleigh, Hancock, Jinbe, Kuma, Mihawke, Shanks…
And of course, his bloody fruit had to be a mythical zoan, which the world government had been hunting for centuries.
This just wasn't fair.
“I understand sir. Ah, Shakky told me to let you know she’s getting a little lonely.” Hopefully I hadn't let any of this show on my face, but he was a master of haki and hence, likely an empath. It would probably be best to just change the topic and think happy thoughts.
“She did, did she?” Thankfully, Rayleigh didn't comment on my inner turmoil either.
“Yes, sir. She’s the one who pointed us in your direction.”
“Not just here on the blonde brat’s orders, then.” Like I had thought, he didn't like Doffy. Roger and Rayleigh had been dreamers, just like Whitebeard, just like Shanks…just like Luffy. Unlike me.
“No, sir. I am my own man.” I stated, standing up straight.
“Your flag says otherwise.” He pointed out, I wanted to tell him that it had not been my choice. Of course, I couldn't say that so I was forced to choose another track.
“Youthful indiscretions, sir. We’re working on it.” At least, Rayleigh’s eyes relaxed a little and some of the invisible pressure was lifted off my back.
“Well, I wish you luck.” he simply said, turning around to leave.
“Thank you, sir. What are you going to do now?” I called out to his retreating back, to which he responded by looking over his shoulder to give us a small wave, as he walked out onto the Main Street,.
“There were a couple of interesting youngsters back there. I met you so it’s only fair I introduce myself to them as well. If you want your ship coated, come find me in two weeks at Shakky’s bar.”
“Yes, sir.”
“So polite. You remind me of a young Buggy.” And in the short moment I took to process that piece of information, Rayleigh disappeared from sight.
I suppose that was a compliment. But Buggy had been polite? When?
Shrugging, I turned back to my crew.
“Let’s return to Shakky and tell her we found her wayward friend.”
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Shakky had been very satisfied with our findings – I had carefully avoided mentioning Laki’s impulsive choices – and even given us a small discount on her goods, though that again left a bitter taste in my mouth. Luffy's drinks had been free. Which in turn prompted me to say my goodbyes quickly and return to my crew.
But before we were even out the door a general alarm was sounded across the entire archipelago. Marines began pouring out of their base and converging on the human auction house while local citizens cleared the streets. But…this wasn’t the problem. With Aisa around, avoiding larger groupings of marines was easy as pie.
No, the problems came a bit later when we nearly crashed into Urouge and his cadre of clerics and X-Drakes’ crew, because Aisa had only been looking for the marines. None of us were in any mood to squabble amongst ourselves and a temporary truce was established, as we tried to make our way back to our individual ships.
We didn’t get very far before Bartholomew Kuma blocked our path. Or judging by the lack of pads on his hands, one of his mechanical clones.
“Well, fuck.”
The day just kept getting better and better didn’t it?