102 Dangerous Grounds #102

Cedric stood in the training ground of the marine base, gripping his spear tightly. The sound of metal slicing through the air echoed as he swung his blade with force and precision. His frustration fueled each swing with his mind occupied with Vice Admiral Strawberry's words.

"Stay in the marine base until the chaos dies down."

The words rang in Cedric's ears, a constant reminder of his current predicament. He had been ordered to wait, to bide his time while the Sabaody Archipelago burned around him, his hard work going to waste.

With each swing of his sword, Cedric unleashed a torrent of pent-up anger and energy. The spear's blade sliced through the air, the sheer force of his strikes sending ripples through the ground. His movements were fierce and purposeful, a physical embodiment of his inner turmoil.

His mind replayed the events on Grove-1 of Sabaody, the sight of the celestial dragons' cruelty etched into his memory. He saw the frail older man bleeding on the ground, the laughter of the nobles haunting his thoughts.

Cedric's sword swung faster and harder, and his frustration turned into determination. Stubbornly, he refused to let go. The training ground became a battlefield in his mind, a place where he could freely vent his anger.

The sound of his spear clashing against an imaginary opponent filled the air. Cedric's movements were swift and precise, each strike aimed at an unseen enemy. His muscles strained with effort, and his breathing labored as sweat dripped down his forehead.

As Cedric's training peaked, the doors to the training grounds suddenly burst open, shattering the tranquility. The noise jolted Cedric from his focus, and he turned his gaze toward the intruder. His expression darkened as he recognized the man who had entered—Saint Charlos.

Saint Charlos, adorned in his extravagant attire, walked into the training ground with an air of entitlement. His eyes narrowed, his face contorted with anger. He scanned the area, his gaze landing on Cedric.

Cedric's grip tightened on his spear, his body tensing in response to the unwelcome gaze. However, his anger and determination remained steadfast, refusing to yield.

Charlos, too consumed by his rage, failed to notice Cedric's lack of deference. He pointed an accusatory finger at the young man and exclaimed, "You! It was you who dared to deprive me of my slaves! You will pay for your insolence!"

Cedric's expression grew colder, his eyes narrowing as he met Charlos' gaze. The marine's resolve remained unshaken, his unwavering spirit refusing to bow to the whims of the self-proclaimed noble. He stood tall, refusing to kneel before the man who represented everything that pissed him off about this world.

Charlos, blinded by his fury, failed to notice Cedric's defiance. He rambled on, demanding that Cedric make amends for the perceived offense. "You will help me hunt for new slaves to replace the ones you deprived me of! You will feel the consequences of your actions!"

Cedric's grip on his spear tightened, his knuckles turning white. The rage within him burned brighter. He had been around for a while now. He witnessed and committed his fair share of evils, remaining calm no matter what. But something about celestial dragons never failed made him seeth and instantly lose his rationality.

Just as Cedric's anger threatened to consume him, the training ground teemed with a sudden urgency. Vice Admiral Strawberry hurriedly entered, his commanding presence instantly diffusing the charged atmosphere. He took in Cedric's darkened expression and the seething anger in the air, recognizing the need to intervene swiftly.

Strawberry approached Cedric with a calm yet commanding demeanor, his voice steady as he spoke. "Calm down..." he ordered, his tone brooking no argument.

Cedric's grip on his spear loosened as he locked eyes with Vice Admiral Strawberry. The respect he had for the vice admiral tempered his anger, and he nodded, albeit reluctantly.

Sighing in relief, Strawberry turned his attention to Saint Charlos, his gaze calm and unwavering. "Saint Charlos, forgive me for not welcoming you sooner," he stated steadily, his voice carrying the weight of his rank. "I understand you're upset, but as marine soldiers, we can not participate in such activities..." He added, trailing at the end of his sentence.

"It is our duty to protect the people. We can't afford to lose their trust. We risk being incapable of fulfilling our duties otherwise..." He added with a meaningful glance.

Charlos scowled at Vice Admiral Strawberry, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He crossed his arms defiantly and retorted, "I don't care about your duties or the people's trust! I demand retribution for the slaves I've lost, and if this marine wouldn't help me, then you will!"

Vice Admiral Strawberry's frown deepened as he contemplated the situation. He knew engaging in a slave hunt would go against everything the Marines stood for, but he also understood the delicate balance they had to maintain.

Suppressing his displeasure, he attempted to reason with Charlos once more. "Saint Charlos, I implore you to reconsider. Our duty is to uphold justice and protect innocent lives. It is not our place to hunt slaves."

But before Strawberry could continue, Cedric stepped forward, his voice laced with an unexpected calmness. "I will help you," he stated, surprising both the vice admiral and Charlos.

Strawberry's keen eyes caught the hidden intentions behind Cedric's words. He recognized the fire burning within the young marine and the dark impulse in his eyes. His eyes widened in disbelief as he realized Cedric's intentions.

"Cedric," Strawberry interjected firmly, his voice conveying a mixture of warning and understanding. "Think carefully about your decision. We can find another way. You don't have to do this..."

Cedric locked eyes with Strawberry, his gaze firm but apologetic. "I'm sorry, Vice Admiral, but this situation is my responsibility, and I intend to fix it..."

Vice Admiral Strawberry sighed, understanding the determination in Cedric's eyes. He knew he couldn't dissuade Cedric from his chosen path. Reluctantly, he nodded and said, "Very well, Cedric. But remember, the path you're choosing is a dangerous one. Be cautious, and do not let your emotions cloud your judgment."

Cedric nodded, acknowledging the vice admiral's warning. He knew he was treading on dangerous grounds, but the young marine was too angry to care. With each passing moment, his resolve solidified.

Charlos, ignorant of the deeper dynamics at play, grinned triumphantly. "That was never in doubt! Now move! We shall refill my deolsate harem and slave barn!"

Cedric's grip on his spear tightened again, but this time, it was not driven by anger. It was to remind himself of the strength and conviction he would need to navigate this treacherous path. "I will accompany you, Saint Charlos," Cedric replied, his voice steady and emotionless.

Vice Admiral Strawberry looked at Cedric with a mixture of concern and resignation. "I trust that you will remember the ideals of the Marines, even in the face of darkness. We are here to protect the innocent and ensure justice. Do not forget that, Cedric."

Cedric met Strawberry's gaze and nodded solemnly. "I won't forget, Vice Admiral.... farewell..."

With their agreement sealed, Cedric and Charlos left the training ground, heading towards the exit. As they made their way through the bustling marine base, Cedric's mind was focused, his determination unwavering.

After Cedric and Charlos left the training ground, Vice Admiral Strawberry returned to his office, his mind heavy with worry. He understood the dangerous path Cedric had chosen and the potential consequences it could bring. With a heavy sigh, he sat down at his desk and reached for the transponder snail on his table.

Strawberry dialed a familiar number and waited patiently as the call connected. After a few rings, a gruff voice answered, "Garp here. What do you need, Strawberry?"

"Vice Admiral Garp," Strawberry began, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. "I regret to inform you that I have failed. The young man is currently accompanying Saint Charlos... he seems determined to make things right in his own way."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Garp responded, his tone serious. "I see. I had hoped the brat would choose a different path, but thank you for informing me, Strawberry..."

Strawberry replied with a hint of resignation. "I fear Cedric's emotions may lead him astray, but I will do my best to to prevent a worst case scenario at least..."

Garp's voice carried a mix of concern and determination. "Do what you can, Strawberry. But remember, sometimes we have to trust in the strength of our soldiers and believe in their ability to make the right choices..."

"Keep me informed of any developments. Garp out."