Capítulo 173: Return to Water Seven #173
Cedric and Nico Robin sat atop a fire cloud conjured by Cedric's devil fruit power, descending gracefully until their feet met the solid ground of the pirate docks in Water Seven. With a casual flick of his hand, Cedric dismissed the fiery platform, allowing it to dissipate into thin air.
Their gazes turned toward The Silver Gale, a sleek and imposing ship that stood as a testament to the craftsmanship of the Fishman Island shipwright, Den.
The once-teeming pirate docks, a place that used to resonate with the clatter of ship repairs and the energetic banter of sailors, now appeared eerily quiet.
An unsettling stillness hung in the air, with no signs of bustling activity or ships arriving for repairs. Cedric's inquisitive nature prompted him to raise a curious eyebrow, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any hint of movement.
As Cedric and Nico Robin approached The Silver Gale, their footsteps echoing in the hushed atmosphere, their presence did not go unnoticed. Positioned at the ship's railing, Duval lounged with an ornate mirror in his hand, his attention seemingly captivated by his own reflection.
The sound of approaching footsteps drew his focus, and while he didn't bother to turn around, his voice carried an air of arrogance and annoyance.
"You people never learn, do you?" Duval's voice dripped with a mixture of exasperation and confidence. With an effortless flourish, he produced a comb from his pocket and meticulously styled his distinctive blonde hair as if maintaining his impeccable appearance was of utmost importance, even in this peculiar situation.
"How many of you need to die before you know not to mess with us?" His tone was almost theatrical as if he were rehearsing lines for a grand performance.
Cedric's lips curled into an amused smile, his tone carrying a playful edge. "Still preoccupied with your own reflection, I see," he quipped, his eyes glinting mischievously. "What the hell happened while I was away? Why is this place so empty?"
Duval found the sound of the speaker familiar, prompting him to slowly blink in surprise. He turned his head, his eyes widening as recognition dawned upon him. A delighted spark ignited within his gaze, and without a second thought, he leaped down from his perch on the railing. His boisterous exclamation filled the air, "Captain! You're back!"
The excitement was palpable as Duval charged toward Cedric, his eagerness undeniable. Closing the distance between them in a matter of seconds, he extended his arms with the clear intention of enveloping Cedric in an exuberant hug.
Cedric, however, seemed to have different plans. Meeting Duval's approach with a sigh that seemed to carry a hint of both fondness and exasperation, Cedric swiftly intercepted the incoming embrace. Catching Duval's head with practiced ease, he executed a fluid motion that ended with Duval's head meeting the ground.
Amusement danced in Cedric's eyes as he gazed down at the momentarily stunned Duval. "I'm happy to see you too," Cedric quipped, his tone lighthearted, "but I don't make a habit of hugging men."
Undeterred by his less-than-graceful reception, Duval quickly recovered. With a defiant spirit, he spat out a mouthful of dirt and managed a good-natured grin. "It's good to see you, Captain," he stated, his voice filled with genuine warmth and camaraderie.
Cedric extended a helping hand, which Duval gratefully accepted, rising to his feet once more. Cedric's curiosity piqued, and he inquired, "Where is everyone, by the way?"
Duval's shoulders shrugged in a casual gesture, his expression taking on a more relaxed air. "Den is hard at work on the ship," he began, his voice carrying a note of respect for the skilled Fishman Island shipwright. "He's collaborating with the Galley-la shipwrights to ensure everything's in top shape."
A playful smirk tugged at the corner of Cedric's lips as he listened to Duval's account. "And Baby Five?" he prompted, his interest clearly piqued.
Duval's grin widened mischievously, a twinkle in his eyes. "Ah, Baby Five," he chuckled, his voice tinged with both affection and amusement. "She's doing what she does best—pestering everyone within earshot to let her help in any way, shape, or form. No change there."
Cedric couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Baby Five's persistent and endearing antics. "Sounds like things haven't changed much on that front," he mused.
Duval's expression turned slightly more earnest as he continued, "And as for Kieran, well, he's been spending his time at the scrapyard training." There was a hint of admiration in Duval's voice as he spoke of the dedicated training regimen Kieran had undertaken.
Cedric nodded, his curiosity satisfied. "Good to know everyone's keeping busy," he remarked, a sense of contentment settling over him.
Duval's inquisitive gaze locked onto Cedric, his question hanging in the air with a sense of readiness to act. "Do you want me to call everyone back?" Duval inquired, his tone respectful yet attentive to Cedric's wishes.
Cedric considered the offer, his exhaustion from the journey tugging at his senses. He shook his head with a grateful smile. "There's no need," he replied, his voice carrying a touch of fatigue, "I don't want to interrupt their hard work, and I could use some rest after the long journey."
Duval's acknowledgment was swift, his acceptance apparent in a simple, "Alright." The understanding between the two men was palpable, a testament to the years of camaraderie they shared.
With a sense of curiosity, Duval's attention shifted to the woman by Cedric's side. Enigmatic and composed, Nico Robin had observed the interaction with a subtle amusement. Duval's gaze lingered on her for a moment before returning to Cedric, his smile carrying a knowing glint.
"I see you brought a woman back with you!" Duval's voice held a hint of playfulness, his words dancing with a sense of familiarity. "As expected of the captain..."
Nico Robin's eyebrow arched in a mixture of amusement and intrigue, her lips quirking in a ghost of a smile. Cedric's response was marked by a chuckle, his eyes meeting Duval's with a wry glint.
"Your imagination is as wild as ever," Cedric jested, shaking his head in mock exasperation. He offered a clarifying gesture, his hand indicating Nico Robin. "Robin here is an old friend of mine," he explained, "she'll be accompanying us for a while."
Duval's expression took on an unabashedly bold demeanor, his playful nature fully unleashed. "Ah, an old friend, you say?" he replied, his tone light and teasing. "Well then, Captain, you won't mind if I shoot my shot, will you?"
Cedric's laughter filled the air, a genuine and carefree sound that resonated with the open sea breeze. "By all means," he quipped, his eyes gleaming with mirth, "suit yourself." He offered a good-natured wink, his words imbued with a sense of camaraderie. "But you probably don't stand a chance..."
Duval's confident grin held a touch of bravado, his demeanor unshaken by Cedric's warning. "You underestimate me, captain," he declared, his tone laced with playful self-assurance. His hand gracefully swept through his blonde hair, a motion that seemed almost rehearsed. "My handsome face isn't my only weapon! I also happen to possess an extremely charming persona!"
Cedric's laughter, a hearty and carefree sound, echoed in response to Duval's claim. With a nonchalant wave, he began to make his way toward The Silver Gale, the promise of much-needed rest tugging at his senses. "Well, don't say I didn't warn you," Cedric quipped over his shoulder, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Unperturbed by Cedric's playful dismissal, Duval's determination was unyielding. He effortlessly transitioned from words to action, his stride purposeful as he closed the distance between himself and Nico Robin. His lips curled into a charming smile, a theatrical flourish that seemed almost fitting for a grand stage.
"Greetings, m'lady," Duval purred, his voice a melodic cadence that matched the charismatic aura he projected.
Cedric's steps carried him closer to The Silver Gale, his anticipation for rest gradually overtaking his attention. As he prepared to board the ship, a glance back revealed a scene that bordered on the comical. Nico Robin, her enigmatic calm undisturbed, stood with her arms crossed in a peculiar formation resembling an X shape. A testament to her devil fruit abilities, two additional arms sprouted from her sides, poised for action.
In a display of measured precision, Robin's voice was steady as she uttered a single word: "Clutch." The two extra arms moved with fluid grace, their fingers curling in tandem as they closed in on their intended target.
Duval's response was immediate, a sharp inhalation of surprise quickly followed by a high-pitched squeal of agony. The unexpected grip of Robin's hands had found their mark, prompting a reaction that contrasted starkly with his earlier bravado.
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