A Comedy of Errors #91

Having heard the continuation of Duval's story, I couldn't help but find the situation both amusing and exasperating. Here was Duval, a man who had gone to such great lengths, starting a kidnap gang and wearing a ridiculous steel helmet, all because of mistaken identity. And now, he was blaming me for his misfortunes, convinced that I was the cause of his troubles.

"So..." I began, my voice laced with confusion and amusement, "let me get this straight. You're telling me that the royalty of your kingdom hated Captain Morgan, and they used their connections to make you a wanted criminal with a big bounty just because you bought some guns from him?"

Duval nodded vehemently with his frustration etched on his face. "That's right! They framed me, and now I can't go back home! I had to flee, and it's all because of you! You ruined my life!"

I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Duval. While his actions were extreme and misguided, he was just an idiot who couldn't get a break. Besides, I knew what it was like for someone to ruin your peaceful lifestyle over a petty grudge.

It wasn't a petty grudge in my own case since I killed that guy's student, but you get the idea.

"Well, you've been through a lot..." I said, still struggling to hold back my laughter. "Still, isn't it a bit extreme to blame me? I was just doing my jobm you know?..." I added, shaking my head.

Duval's eyes narrowed, his frustration turning into anger and desperation. "Just doing your job? That's what they all say! But do you know what it's like to be on the run, constantly looking over your shoulder, never knowing if you'll ever see your home again?"

"Don't know... and don't care..." I replied with a shrug. "The way I see it, words can't get through your thick skull..." I added, cracking my knuckles as I looked at Duval.

"Maybe this will..." I added as I raised my fist.

...

Some minutes later

Duval stood on the bustling port of the Flying Fish Riders' base, clutching a small hand mirror in his hands. The reflection in the mirror showcased his transformed appearance. As the chaos of the port waned around him, he seemed lost in his own little world, completely engrossed in his reflection.

Observing him from a distance, I couldn't help but let out a bemused sigh. Despite everything he had been through, Duval instantly forgot it all and began narcissistically complementing his own looks once he saw his reflection in the mirror, oblivious to the gravity of our situation.

I had no patience to humor some random idiot and his misguided grudge, so I did what Sanji did. But with my medical and anatomical knowledge, the process was smooth and painless, giving him an attractive face instead of the cartoonishly beautiful monstrosity the Strawhats' cook created.

It was either that or killing Duval or throwing him into impel down, and I went with the lesser evil. But I was already regretting my decision, what with the narcissistic look on Duval's face as he winked at his reflection in the mirror.

I watched with a fed-up expression as Duval continued to admire his new appearance in the mirror, oblivious to the world around him. His self-absorption was astounding, and it only served to fuel my frustration.

"Cedric, my friend, look at me!" Duval exclaimed, his voice filled with self-pride. "Can you believe how handsome I am now? Truly a sight to behold!" He added, pointing at his reflection in the mirror.

"Friend, huh? You sure quickly change your opinions, don't you..." I said, barely resisting the twitch tugging at my eyelids. "Still, now that you have a different face, you shouldn't encounter any problems with Marines and bounty hunters..." I added as I turned to my subordinates, and they pretended not to see or hear anything.

I took a deep breath, trying to find a way to get through to Duval and redirect his self-absorbed mindset toward a more important cause. As he continued to bask in his newfound attractiveness, I approached him with a stern expression.

"Duval, I understand that you're thrilled with your new appearance," I began, my voice firm but tinged with sympathy. "But I need to remind you that you're still a wanted man. The bounty on your head hasn't disappeared just because you look different."

Duval's expression faltered, a flicker of concern crossing his face. He lowered the mirror and glanced at me, his eyes searching for any sign of deception. "Are you serious, Cedric? Even with this face, I'm still a wanted criminal? How can anyone have the heart to turn me in?"

I nodded, not wavering in my gaze. "Well, you might be good looking now, but you're no no Boa Hancock. Your crimes won't disappear even if you change your face..." I said, giving Duval a blank look. "I might not act like it, but I'm still a marine... I still have a duty to capture and turn you in... however..." I added, trailing at the end of my sentence.

Duval's eyes widened, a mixture of fear and apprehension replacing his self-admiration. "What do you mean? What are you going to do?" He added, still stealing glances at his reflection in the mirror, despite the situation.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, ensuring that I framed my words carefully. "I know of your past dealings with the human slavery ring on Sabaody Archipelago..."

Duval's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and concern on his face. "How do you know about that? They're a dangerous punch. It's better not to involve yourself with them, even if you're a marine..." He added, shaking his head.

I glanced around the bustling port, ensuring no one was within earshot. Lowering my voice, I leaned in closer to Duval. "I have evidence that the manager of the slavery ring, Disco, has been scamming and underpaying the bosses of the kidnap gangs working under him. This information could help sway the gang leaders to turn against Disco."

Duval's eyes widened as he absorbed the gravity of the situation. His self-absorption momentarily faded, replaced by a growing sense of realization. "You want me to expose Disco's actions to the other gang leaders?" he asked, his voice a mixture of surprise and uncertainty.

I nodded, my gaze locked with his. "You're one of the gang leaders. Your word holds more weight among them than mine. If you were to reveal Disco's deceitful practices, it could cause unrest within the ranks and create an opportunity for me to dismantle the entire operation."

Duval's expression shifted, and a flicker of hesitating replaced his earlier self-centeredness. "In the first place, I didn't want to work for those people, but no one else was hiring..." he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I guess helping you take down will be a good way for me to start over and make amends..." He added, his tone growing more determined as he spoke.

"But you'll let me off the hook if I help, won't you...?" He asked with a nervous expression.

I sighed, understanding Duval's desire for some form of reprieve. "If you assist me in bringing down Disco and dismantling the slavery ring, I will forget I ever met you," I assured him. "But you must understand that's all I can do for you... you'll need to lay low and avoid committing crimes, or you'll get another bounty before long..." I explained with a shrug.

Duval nodded, his eyes filled with relief. "I understand. I don't want to live the life of a criminal anymore. Helping you take down Disco and his operation is the least I can do to make amends for my actions..." He added.

I could sense a genuine change in Duval's attitude, and I couldn't help but chuckle internally at how crazy the world of One Piece was. Who knew "invasive plastic surgery" was enough to turn a hardened slaver into a somewhat narcissistic comic relief?

With our agreement in place, Duval and I strategized our approach to exposing Disco's deceitful practices and bringing down the slavery ring. We decided to use the evidence I gathered against Disco, including records of his fraudulent dealings and mistreatment of the other gang leaders.

Duval used his influence among the gang leaders to arrange a secret meeting, where he would present the evidence and unveil Disco's true nature.