He hadn't planned on making any purchases. Because why would he, this entire auction was rigged against the actual buyers. He wasn't stupid.

But then he'd seen you. And any and all logic had gone out the window.

He'd seen something in your eyes, a fire flickering just below the surface. You weren't scared of being sold to whatever creep deemed you worthy of the Berries, if anything you were standing in silent defiance. You held yourself straight, posture confident, unruly.

He liked that. You'd take no shit, that much was clear.

You'd be wasted on anyone else other than him.

"C-Captain, are you actually going through with this?" Bepo murmured out as he put in another bid.

He didn't answer, didn't even glance the mink's way. His smirk was enough of an answer in of itself.

"...And, sold!"

Bingo.

He'd risen from his seat, urging his crew to stay behind as he went to where they kept the sold goods.

You were chained up to some prison bars, had all but been left alone and given a wide berth. That obviously meant you'd given the staff here trouble.

He raised an eyebrow as he saw a rapidly growing purple bruise on your cheek.

Oh yeah. Definitely a trouble-maker.

He jingled the keys he had in his hand; the sound causing you to meet his gaze. He saw nothing but defiance in those eyes. Good.

"Gonna lay my cards on the table now. I don't own anybody. You're gonna be at my side by your own free will. If you wanna run the moment I take these cuffs off you, that's your choice. Although..."

He could already hear the sounds of a commotion coming from the main auction room.

"...I doubt you're gonna want to do that here. I don't think you'd get very far."

He raised the key to your bindings, his golden gaze meeting yours.

"...Join my crew. Not as bought goods, but as a free spirit."