Those people weren't wrong.
At this very moment, a banquet really was underway inside the auction hall.
After the truly vile ones had eagerly confessed every crime committed by themselves and their nations, one by one, and were granted "special pardon" by Yemu and released, the ones left behind—while far from saints—at least weren't guilty of the worst atrocities.
The stage was now covered in food and fine wine.
Some dishes were prepared on the spot by Flare, while others came from the auction house's own kitchens.
"Well then, everyone, let's raise our glasses and enjoy ourselves!"
As the pirates lifted their cups, the hundred or so people remaining hurried to do the same.
It wasn't out of fear.
After spending three days and two nights with the Sky Pirates, they had realized these pirates weren't as terrifying as the World Government claimed, nor were they mindless butchers.
So far, out of the more than three hundred people originally inside the hall, not a single one had died—except for the host.
And they kept their word. As long as you honestly answered what they wanted to know, Yemu would let you go.
The only complaint anyone had was that they hadn't eaten in two days. So when today's feast appeared, no one held back.
"Don't be shy. Help yourselves."
The moment Yemu finished speaking, everyone dug in happily.
As for poison, no one worried about that. If Yemu truly wanted them dead, he wouldn't need such roundabout methods.
Watching them eat their fill, Yemu walked over to his crew.
"Tonight, we move."
He glanced at the Kuro Brothers.
"Our escape route is in your hands. And while you're at it, have a taste of the Yarukiman Mangrove roots. I imagine they're not bad."
"Leave it to us, boss!"
The four brothers saluted.
Kuromi, his massive dinosaur jaws slightly open, already looked impatient.
"As for drawing attention, that'll be me, Enel, and Tiger. Each of us has our own way out. Erik, you stay here and protect Flare, Baby-5, and Ayala in case something unexpected happens. The moment the passage is open, you leave immediately. The submarine is ready. We'll catch up. Understood?"
"Got it."
"That just leaves one more thing…"
Yemu turned toward the tall giantess who had stayed by their side ever since they rescued her, helping wherever she could.
"Rebellio Lina, right? What do you think of the place I arranged for you?"
Even kneeling, Rebellio Lina was still twice Yemu's height. She smiled shyly.
"Thank you, Captain Yemu. I'm very satisfied. I will protect Anne-sama for you."
"Good. Once the escape passage is open, you leave with them. The submarine can't fit you, unfortunately… but swimming won't be a problem, right?"
"No problem."
"Then it's time for the second half of this game…"
As his words fell, he glanced around.
Everyone in the hall had fallen into a dazed state.
…
"That's enough, Zephyr-sensei. We can't drag this out any longer…"
Outside the venue, Borsalino looked at Zephyr. After three days and two nights, the Marines were nearing their limit.
To deal with the Sky Pirates, they had pulled in forces from nearby Headquarters and bases. What remained behind were only skeleton crews to keep operations running. There was no one left to rotate in.
"If this keeps up, the Marines will collapse before those bastards do."
This really was the best opportunity.
The important nobles had all been released. The ones left inside were merely minor figures with little influence.
And yet, that was precisely what made Zephyr hesitate.
The truly guilty had walked free, while the so-called ordinary ones might end up paying the price.
"Wait a little longer. One or two more days won't make a difference."
Borsalino frowned, but said nothing.
At that moment, the poisonous cloud around the auction house opened again.
The exhausted Marines assumed another noble was about to be released and barely paid attention, still yawning.
But when they saw the three towering figures step out, they jolted awake.
"Sky Pirates Captain Yemu…"
"Vice Captain Enel…"
"Navigator Fisher Tiger…"
"So you've finally decided to come out."
Zephyr's deep, furious voice rang across the island.
In an instant, every Marine snapped to attention, weapons raised and aimed at the three.
…
"What a lively welcome."
The poisonous cloud sealed itself again behind them, swallowing the auction house from view.
Yemu, Enel, and Tiger stood outside, calmly surveying the sea of Marines before them.
Three against ten thousand.
"That's quite a turnout."
Then, as if greeting old acquaintances, Yemu looked toward the front lines.
"Long time no see, Kuzan. Borsalino. And Rear Admiral Gion. It's almost nostalgic."
The surrounding Marines stared in disbelief at the sight of pirates chatting so casually with their Admirals and Rear Admiral.
Kuzan scratched his head and stepped forward with a weary look.
"Ah… can't say I'm happy about this. Every time we run into you, something goes wrong."
Borsalino yawned.
"Not happy at all. I haven't slept in three days because of you."
Gion, however, studied Yemu with open admiration.
"You're impressive. To stay this calm in what should be a dead end…"
Yemu laughed.
"Hahaha. A dead end? Rear Admiral Gion, I think you've misunderstood something."
Gion narrowed her eyes but remained composed.
"You released the only hostages who truly mattered. The influential nobles are gone. You can't use them to threaten the Marines anymore. And Admiral Zephyr is here in person."
She held his gaze steadily.
"Do you really think you can get away?"
Yemu burst into louder laughter.
The Marines exchanged confused looks.
"Rear Admiral Gion," Yemu said lightly, "when a beautiful woman lies, she should at least show a bit of killing intent. Otherwise, it's not convincing."
His tone sharpened slightly.
"If the hostages I'd released were the real monsters, I might worry about Admiral Zephyr charging in without hesitation."
"But right now? I'm not worried at all."
He smiled faintly.
"Compared to the World Government, I trust the Marines. Or rather, I trust your sense of justice."
It sounded like praise, yet it left an uneasy feeling in the Marines' hearts.
"And besides…"
Yemu's gaze swept across them.
"Who told you my hostages are running out?"