Chapitre 139: Gathering the Crew #139
Cedric stood at the helm of The Silver Gale, his crew gathered around him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation. He motioned for Kieran, his trusted companion and information specialist, to step forward. The crew members leaned in, their attention turning to Kieran as he prepared to deliver his report.
Kieran cleared his throat, his voice projecting with clarity across the ship. "I've been conducting a thorough investigation into the suspected CP9 agents within Galley-la Company," he began, his eyes scanning the faces of the crewmates.
He explained how his suspicions first arose regarding Khalifa, Iceburg's assistant. Her close proximity to Iceburg and access to sensitive information made her a potential candidate. Kieran's deductive skills led him to cross-reference the years of joining and their roles within the company, narrowing down the list of possible agents.
"As I delved deeper into the matter," Kieran continued, "I managed to break into Galley-la Company and gather more information. Then I observed suspicious behavior from Khalifa, Rob Lucci, and Kaku, two shipwright foremen."
Den, the most concerned with the matter, furrowed his brow, his voice laced with skepticism. "Did you find any conclusive evidence to prove their identities as spies?"
As Den and Kieran continued their discussion, Cedric frowned and subtly turned to the ship's crow nest, only to smile and look away before anyone could notice.
Kieran nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his gaze. "Indeed, the captain's involvement played a crucial role. He convinced Khalifa to go on a date with him, during which I discreetly witnessed her signaling to a bartender named Blueno. Subsequently, Cedric's drink was spiked by Blueno upon Khalifa's signal. This collaboration confirms their association and their identity as CP9 agents."
As Kieran's words settled among the crew, Den weighed the information in his mind. "So, we have Khalifa, Rob Lucci, and Blueno as confirmed agents," he summarized. "And Kaku remains an unconfirmed suspect."
Kieran nodded in agreement. "Correct. Kaku's involvement is still uncertain, but given the circumstances and the patterns we've identified, he remains a person of interest."
Cedric's voice cut through the air, his tone measured and determined. "While we can act on the evidence we currently have, it would reflect poorly on our relationship with Iceburg if we accuse the suspects without solid and conclusive evidence," he interjected. "We need Iceburg's help to build our ship, and we don't want him to chase us off the island..."
Den nodded in agreement, his analytical mind weighing the implications. "I agree. I don't want to antagonize my brother's students. Accusing his employees without solid evidence could end in disaster..."
Duval, ever the flamboyant personality, interjected with his unique charm. "Hey, how do we get this solid evidence, huh? We can't just snap our fingers and make it appear," he remarked, his voice filled with curiosity.
A brief silence fell upon the crew as they pondered Duval's question. Their eyes darted from one another, searching for a solution. Then, Cedric's voice broke the silence, brimming with a newfound determination.
"We're not helpless here," Cedric stated, his voice laced with confidence. "They are after the Pluton blueprints. If we could find them first, we can use that as bait to draw out the CP9 agents and force them to reveal their true colors."
The crew members exchanged glances, the weight of Cedric's words sinking in. It was a risky plan, but it could uncover the truth and expose the CP9 agents.
"Once we have the blueprints in our possession," Cedric continued, "we can send a message and let the CP9 agents know that we are in possession of the Pluton blueprints. They'd be desperate to obtain it and will likely make a hasty move, revealing themselves in the process."
Den's eyes sparkled with a newfound sense of hope. "That's a brilliant plan," he remarked, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "By turning the tables on them, we can gain the upper hand and--" He paused halfway through his sentence as a feminine voice interrupted him.
As the crew absorbed Cedric's plan, a feminine voice suddenly interjected, capturing everyone's attention. "Not a bad plan," the speaker stated calmly, "but I believe there's a simpler and more effective solution."
Alarmed by the unexpected interruption, the crew members exchanged glances, their eyes searching for the source of the voice. Cedric, however, maintained his composure, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Relax, everyone," he reassured them, his gaze fixed on the crow's nest above.
To their surprise, Khalifa gracefully jumped off the crow's nest, landing in the center of the ship. She adjusted her glasses, her eyes gleaming with determination. Cedric frowned as he took in her disheveled appearance, noting the torn state of her clothes.
"Khalifa, what are you doing here? More importantly, what happened to you?" Cedric asked with a frown.
Khalifa's gaze met Cedric's, her voice firm and resolute. "Rob Lucci's doing..." she replied, her words punctuated by anger and frustration. "It's also the reason I'm here..."
Cedric's frown became more pronounced at Khalifa's words, but he opted to stay silent. Den's eyebrows furrowed, his voice laced with concern. "Are you alright, young lady? What happened exactly? Did this Rob Lucci...?"
Khalifa took a deep breath, her anger simmering beneath the surface. "No, he didn't go that far..." She recounted the previous night's events, detailing how Cedric had brought her home while her CP9 colleagues had refused to help. She then described her encounter with Rob Lucci and how he tried to manipulate her.
Cedric's eyes narrowed, his voice eerily calm. "Rob Lucci..." he muttered, his eyes sending chills down everyone's spines. "Say... you wouldn't know where I could find him right now, do you?" He asked as he gathered his bearings and gave Khalifa a casual smile.
Khalifa's expression hardened, her voice laced with determination. "I want my pound of flesh from Lucci as badly as you do, no even more," she declared, her eyes meeting Cedric's. "I've had enough of following that bastard and those world government geezers..."
"But you need to do this properly..." She concluded, shaking her head.
Cedric nodded after a momentary pause. "You're right," he affirmed, his voice filled with resolve. "You said you had a simpler solution... let's hear it..."
Khalifa's voice resonated with confidence as she stepped forward, her eyes fixed on Cedric. "The solution is simple," she began, her voice unwavering. "I will call for a meeting at Galley-la Company, gathering all the important employees, including the CP9 agents."
The crew members listened intently, their curiosity piqued by Khalifa's bold proposal. Cedric frowned, his gaze fixed on Khalifa as he contemplated the potential risks of her plan.
"In that meeting," Khalifa continued, her voice carrying a mix of determination and defiance, "I will reveal my true identity and purpose, exposing the identities and intentions of the other CP9 agents. And in exchange, I want the CP9 agents dead."
Cedric's frown deepened as he considered the implications of Khalifa's proposition. "But if you expose yourself and betray the World Government, won't that make you an enemy of the entire world?" he questioned, amusment evident in his tone.
Khalifa met Cedric's gaze, her eyes filled with unwavering resolve. "That's precisely why I want the other CP9 agents dead," she stated firmly. "I am willing to go to any lengths to bring Rob Lucci down. Even if it means living as a fugitive, it's a better alternative than continuing to work under that bastard."
The crew members exchanged glances, absorbing the gravity of Khalifa's words. The stakes had been raised, and the path they were embarking on would have far-reaching consequences. Den's voice broke the silence, his tone laced with both caution and admiration.
"Khalifa, what you're proposing is dangerous," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "But your determination and bravery are commendable. I, for one, will stand by your side..."
Cedric's frown gradually transformed into a subtle smile, his eyes reflecting a newfound sense of respect for Khalifa. "I gotta say, I didn't expect you to go this far..." he said, his voice overflowing with approval. "I don't mind going along with your plan either... what do you think, everyone?"
Kieran, nodding his head, responded with unwavering loyalty. "As you wish, captain. I will do as I'm told..."
Duval, unable to contain his narcissistic charm, chimed in with enthusiasm. "Count me in! I will lend my impeccable skills and irresistible charm to the cause. Together, we will bring down those CP9 agents!"
Baby Five, always eager to be of assistance, spoke up with a genuine and kind-hearted offer. "I'll help too!"
Chuchun, the giant bird-like creature, let out an excited chirp, flapping its wings in joy. It may not understand the intricacies of the situation, but its presence and excitement were infectious, lifting the spirits of the crew.
"Well then, it's settled,"
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone