Cloudy Conversations #168

As the wind rushed past them, Nico Robin sat beside Cedric and Gem on one of Cedric's flying clouds, their destination set for Alubarna. The journey was a blur of speed and excitement, but Nico couldn't help but break the silence with a sigh. Her thoughts weighed heavy on her mind, and she couldn't contain her curiosity any longer.

"You always knew, haven't you?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and intrigue. "Who I was, and where I came from... how?"

Gem's eyes flickered with curiosity, intrigued by the conversation unfolding between Cedric and Nico Robin. Cedric, ever the enigmatic figure, chuckled softly in response to her question, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Knowing things I have no business knowing is kind of my thing," he admitted with a playful grin. "I knew who you were and where you came from the day I found you hiding in that shed."

Robin's smile grew, appreciating Cedric's straightforward honesty. "Then why did you help me, really?" she inquired, wanting to understand his true motives.

Cedric's expression softened, and he met her gaze with sincerity. "My answer hasn't changed since that day," he assured her. "I helped you because you needed it. You were alone and in danger, and I couldn't stand by and watch."

His voice then took on a more serious tone as he continued, "Besides, I knew the people of Ohara were not the demons that the world government made them out to be. Even if they were, it has nothing to do with a child."

As the flying cloud continued its journey towards Alubarna, Nico Robin couldn't shake the weight of her past. Memories of Jaguar D. Saul haunted her thoughts, and she couldn't help but voice her concerns.

"And Jaguar?" she inquired, her voice tinged with both curiosity and sorrow.

Cedric's expression eased as he replied, "Jaguar D. Saul... I'm afraid that I don't know much about him, except that he defected from the Marines during the Ohara incident." His knowledge was limited, but he understood the significance of the name to Robin.

Cedric's shrugged as he continued, "He died doing what he believed was right." The memory of the brave man's sacrifice weighed on Cedric's mind, knowing that Jaguar D. Saul had stood up for what he believed in despite the consequences.

Before Nico Robin could delve further into her thoughts, Cedric diverted the conversation, his eyes catching sight of Alubarna on the horizon. He wanted to give her time to process her emotions without overwhelming her.

"We can talk about this later," Cedric gently suggested, his gaze shifting back to Robin. "We're nearing our destination, and there might be other things to attend to." His thoughtful concern for her well-being was evident in his words, allowing her the space she needed.

As they drew closer to Alubarna, the bustling city came into view, its sandstone structures contrasting with the golden dunes of the desert. Cedric guided the flying cloud with precision, gracefully descending toward their destination.

...

In the heart of the lush forest on Sixis Island, Ace trudged forward, his shoulder burdened by the weight of a massive tree log. Deuce, seemingly unfazed by the physical labor, marched ahead with unwavering determination, his energy infectious.

As they continued, Ace's confusion got the better of him, and he couldn't resist asking, "What are we doing, again?" He scratched his head in puzzlement, trying to comprehend their purpose.

Deuce's grin was almost mischievous as he replied, "Building a boat to get out of this god-forsaken island." His eyes gleamed with determination, and he seemed to have a grand plan forming in his mind.

Ace's confusion only deepened, and he raised an eyebrow skeptically, "But I thought you already tried that... the currents surrounding the island would just bring us back here." His words were tinged with a hint of doubt, unsure if Deuce's idea would lead to a different outcome.

Deuce's expression turned enigmatic, a glint of excitement dancing in his eyes. "That may be the case with any regular boat," he said cryptically, "but what if the boat had the power to break through the currents?" His words hung in the air, leaving Ace to ponder the possibility.

Perplexed, Ace gave Deuce a strange look and inquired, "Does such a boat even exist?" The idea seemed far-fetched, but Deuce's enthusiasm was infectious.

Deuce chuckled, his confidence unwavering, "Not yet, but need is the mother of invention." He gestured for Ace to halt as they reached a clearing near the sun-kissed beach. "We have the need," Deuce declared, his voice carrying an air of grandeur, "and your devil fruit powers would provide the means!"

As Ace absorbed the plan, Deuce's eyes locked with his, their determination aligning. Deuce grandly spread his arms, painting a vivid image with his words, "You and I will build the world's first boat to be powered by flames!"

Ace was taken aback by the audacity of the plan, but he couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement in his heart. The prospect of creating something groundbreaking fueled his spirit, and he found himself nodding in agreement.

Ace knowingly nodded. "I have no idea what you're talking about, but it sounds amazing, so let's do it!" A wide grin stretched his face as he added, "Let's build this mystery boat of yours!"

"It's not a mystery! It's science...!"

...

Robin, Gem, and Cedric stood cloaked in beige garments, their faces veiled from prying eyes. On a bustling street near the Alubarna palace, they awaited someone's arrival. It didn't take long for their target to appear; Pell, one of the esteemed captains of the royal guards, approached them with a wary smile.

Pell's voice held a hint of humor as he addressed Cedric, "The last time I saw that pillar of flames, half my subordinates ended up snoring on the ground..." The memory of Cedric's fiery display seemed to amuse him.

Cedric's grin grew wider as he replied, "I had to get into the royal palace somehow..." He shook his head, his blonde hair swaying gently, and continued, "Back then, it was a distraction; now, it's just a sign..." His penchant for creating grand entrances was evident.

Pell chuckled at Cedric's explanation, grateful that the fiery display was now just a symbol of Cedric's presence. "Well, thank God for that," Pell said playfully. "I'm not sure my subordinates could take any more embarrassment..."

The Captain then shifted the tone, expressing gratitude, "I don't think I've had a chance to thank you for helping the princess during the Reverie meeting, by the way..." He let out a sigh. "And yet, it seems we owe you another debt of gratitude..." He said, burdened by the weight of their ever-increasing debts to the young man before him.

Cedric, ever laid-back, paused for a moment, scrutinizing Pell with his keen eyes. Recognition lit up his features, and he said, "Now that you've mentioned it, you were there, weren't you?" Pell nodded, confirming the observation.

Cedric's shoulders shrugged nonchalantly, "I was just doing what I pleased back then, and my thanks will come from the royal treasury..." His response was filled with both humor and a hint of mischief, suggesting that he didn't concern himself with such matters.

Pell's amusement lingered as he chuckled, acknowledging Cedric's words. However, before they could proceed with their plan, the curious Captain turned his attention to Gem and Robin, his eyes lingering on their concealed forms. With a polite tone, he inquired, "May I inquire who these people are?"

Cedric's response was swift and direct, revealing the true identities of his companions. "Mr. 1 and Miss All Sunday, Crocodile's top agents," he stated. Though the revelation seemed to spark concern in Pell's expression, Cedric swiftly allayed any doubts. "They're my friends-- here to testify against him... I'm not about to do a half-assed job," Cedric explained, his voice steady and resolute.

Pell took a moment to weigh Cedric's words, considering the implications of having Crocodile's former subordinates standing beside him. The Captain's gaze flickered between Gem and Robin, attempting to discern their intentions.

Finally, with a nod of acceptance, Pell relented, acknowledging their association with Cedric. "Very well, then," he conceded, acknowledging their presence. "Let's not keep His Majesty waiting," Pell said, recognizing the urgency of their mission.

...

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