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Den's Doubts #119

"The name's Cedric Strode, a pirate..." Cedric introduced himself with a confident smile. "I'm currently staying in the royal palace Island for various reasons..." He added, clearly not intent on elaborating.

Den raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "A pirate staying in the royal palace? That's quite an interesting situation. I must say, you seem to have found yourself in intriguing circumstances, young man."

Before Cedric could respond, Princess Shirahoshi interjected, her voice filled with warmth. "Y-yes, Cedric and his crew took down Vander Deckens and saved me from his power... I also heard he faced Hody and his crew alone before Jinbe arrived..."

Cedric raised an eyebrow and smiled in amusement as he realized that Shirahoshi was trying to help him make a good impression on Den. He appreciated her support and the way she spoke up for him.

Den listened attentively to Shirahoshi's words, his expression turning thoughtful. He nodded slowly, his eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and admiration. "Ah, so you're the same Cedric Strode," he mused. "The former marine who caused quite a stir by destroying the human auctioning house and attacking a celestial dragon. It seems you've had quite the eventful journey."

Cedric chuckled lightly, his confidence unwavering. "Guilty as charged," he replied. "But I believe it's all a matter of perspective. Some see me as a troublemaker, but I just go where the wind takes me and do whatever I like...."

Den grinned playfully, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, young man, I must say Fisher Tiger would be smiling down on you," he remarked, referring to the legendary Sun Pirates' captain who fought against the discrimination of fishmen and humans. "You seem to have made quite an impact in the world, whether intentionally or not."

Cedric's smile widened, appreciating Den's lighthearted remark. "I'll take that as a compliment, Den. Fisher Tiger was an extraordinary individual, and if my actions can even remotely compare to his legacy, I consider myself honored."

Shirahoshi watched the interaction between Cedric and Den with wide eyes. She knew Cedric was a former marine soldier turned pirate but was unfamiliar with the finer details. Den's words only affirmed her belief that Cedric was a "good person."

Den's curiosity was piqued, and he got straight to business. "So, Cedric, what brings you to me specifically?" he asked, his tone direct but not unfriendly.

Cedric's gaze met Den's, his expression earnest. "Well, Den," he began, "when I arrived at Fishman Island, my ship didn't survive. I've been searching for a skilled shipwright to help me rebuild, and I happened to know you're a shipwright and Tom's little brother."

Den's eyes widened slightly at the mention of his late brother, Tom, who was known as the greatest shipwright in history. Nostalgia filled Den's voice as he spoke. "Tom was an exceptional shipwright. If you've sought me out because I'm his brother, it must mean you believe I can create a ship worthy of your ambitions."

Cedric nodded. "Absolutely, I believe any ship you'll make for us will be better than 99% of any vessel out there..."

Den's eyes softened as he listened to Cedric's words. He could sense the sincerity in Cedric's voice. It touched him deeply. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Den sighed and looked down briefly before meeting Cedric's gaze again.

"I appreciate your confidence in me and your kind words about my brother," Den began, his voice tinged with melancholy. "But the truth is, I'm not half the shipwright Tom was.

"After Tom's passing, I lost my drive, and I haven't been able to match his crafts. What's more, I don't have the time or the tools to build a ship to meet your high expectations..." He added, bitterly smiling as he shook his head.

Cedric listened attentively to Den's words and frowned. "I don't know why you'd doubt your own abilities..." Cedric said softly. "But, you don't have to be your brother...."

Cedric continued, his voice filled with trust. "Money is not an issue, either. I can buy the necessary tools and compensate you for your time. My ship got wrecked when we first arrived at Fishman Island, but the crew managed to save most of our luggage, including the money..."

Den sighed, his eyes filled with conflicting emotions. Cedric's words were tempting, and the offer of financial support was difficult to ignore. But Den's heart was still heavy with the weight of his brother's legacy and the burden of living up to it.

"I appreciate your offer, Cedric," Den began, his voice laced with gratitude and sadness. "But my passion lies in studying the sea forest and using my skills to coat ships. It's what I've been doing since Tom's passing. And it's how I make a living."

Cedric's face showed a hint of disappointment, but he didn't give up. He took a step closer to Den, his eyes shining with determination.

"I understand your dedication to the sea forest," Cedric said earnestly. "But if money can't motivate you enough, then maybe protecting Tom's legacy would...."

Den looked at Cedric. His curiosity sparked once again. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with intrigue.

Cedric took a deep breath and began to explain. "During my time with the Marines, I learned many things.... one of which is that CP9 had infiltrated Water Seven intent on stealing a blueprint created by your brother and killing his two students..."

Den's eyes widened in shock. He had heard of CP9 but had no idea they were after Tom's blueprint. His heart raced as he tried to comprehend the gravity of Cedric's revelation. "The blueprint... what was it for? And what do you mean by two students? Tom only has one living student..." Den asked, his voice filled with concern and confusion.

Cedric nodded, understanding Den's confusion. "The blueprint Tom created is for a legendary weapon known as 'Pluton.' It's a powerful battleship capable of immense destruction. The World Government fears it falling into the wrong hands, which is why CP9 was after it."

Den's eyes widened further, the weight of the situation sinking in. "Pluton... I've heard of its existence, but I never imagined Tom was involved in it..." he said, his voice filled with astonishment and concern.

Cedric continued, his voice steady. "As for the two students, one is Iceberg, the mayor of Water Seven. The second student is Franky, formerly known as Cutty Flam. He's still alive and has taken up a new identity.

"Not even the world government and marines know about Franky's existence and connection to Tom..." Cedric concluded.

Den's mind raced as he tried to process the information. Tom's involvement with the legendary weapon Pluton and the revelation that Franky, his brother's second student, was still alive and operating under a different name, it was all too much to take in.

Shirahoshi, sensing Den's shock, confusion, and skepticism, spoke up in support of Cedric. "I don't think C-Cedric will lie about something like this... I believe he's telling the truth..."

The royal guards, silently observing the conversation thus far, nodded in agreement with the princess. Their loyalty to the royal family was unwavering, and they had seen Cedric's actions firsthand.

Den took a deep breath, his thoughts racing. Shroahoshi might be naive, but the royal guards weren't. The fact King Neptune allowed Cedric to accompany his daughter also spoke volumes.

After a moment of contemplation, Den finally relented, his expression determined. "Very well, Cedric. I will build the ship you seek," he declared. "But on one condition."

Cedric's eyes lit up with renewed hope as he spoke, "Name it!"

Den's gaze met Cedric's, his voice firm. "You must assist in protecting Tom's legacy and ensuring that the Pluton blueprint does not fall into the wrong hands," he said. "If you are willing to take on that responsibility, I will dedicate my skills to building the ship you need."

Cedric's smile widened, grateful for Den's agreement. "You have my word, Den. I will do everything I can to protect Tom's legacy and ensure that Pluton doesn't fall into the wrong hands."

Den nodded, a sense of purpose returning to him. "Good. We have much to discuss and plan, then," he said, his voice steady. "But first, we should find a more secure location to continue our conversation."

"Ah... about that..." Cedric said with a chuckle. "We were here to escort the princess so she could visit Queen Otohimes grave before we ran into you..." He added, smiling as he turned to the giant mermaid.

...

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