Gathering at the Mermaid Cafe #115

The Mermaid Cafe buzzed with activity, filled with mermaids and fishmen enjoying their meals and engaging in lively conversations. Cedric, Kieran, and Jinbe sat together at a cozy table near the window, basking in the warm ambiance of the cafe.

Jinbe sipped his tea, his eyes wandering around the bustling cafe. He turned to Cedric, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I must admit, when I first heard about a former marine attacking a celestial dragon and seeking refuge in Fishman Island, I wasn't sure what to expect."

But getting to know you and your crew, I can say that you're quite an odd bunch," Jinbe remarked a hint of amusement in his voice.

As Jinbe spoke, he turned to a spirited debate taking place nearby. Duval was engaged in an animated discussion with one of the mermaid employees. They argued fervently, each passionately asserting that their face was the pinnacle of beauty. The mermaid's melodious laughter echoed through the cafe, blending harmoniously with Duval's protests.

Cedric chuckled at the sight of Duval passionately defending his own unique face against the mermaid's claims. The debate seemed to have captured the attention of many cafe patrons, drawing smiles and laughter from the onlookers.

"Aye, we're not you're typical pirate crew..." Cedric said with a smile, and another argument caught his attention before he could continue.

Baby Five was engaged in a friendly yet determined dispute with another mermaid. They debated who should be responsible for fulfilling the mermaid's usual job of serving customers and taking orders.

With a playful glimmer in her eyes, the mermaid teased Baby Five, saying, "Oh, dear, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I've been serving in this cafe for years. Let me handle it."

But Baby Five, her characteristic determination shining through, insisted, "No, no! I've got this! It's my duty to assist others, and I want to help lighten your workload."

Their argument, while not as fierce as Duval's debate, was filled with a friendly back-and-forth banter that resonated with the lively atmosphere of the cafe. Patrons nearby watched with amusement, their attention shifting between the two discussions ensuing simultaneously.

As their attention remained on the ongoing arguments, Jinbe's eyes suddenly caught sight of movement near the cafe's entrance. "And speaking of your crew..." He said as he turned to the door.

Cedric followed Jinbe's gaze and saw a member of the Royal Army approaching the cafe. The soldier wore the familiar uniform and insignia, indicating their affiliation with the kingdom.

The soldier stepped inside, and much to Cedric's surprise, a Flying Fish Rider accompanied him. The rider, wearing their distinct gear, looked relieved and excited as they scanned the cafe, their eyes lighting up upon spotting Cedric and the others.

Jinbe smiled and leaned closer to Cedric. "Ah, it appears the last missing member of your crew has arrived."

Cedric's smiled as the Flying Fish Rider made their way through the bustling cafe, drawing curious glances from the patrons. The rider's expression mirrored a mix of relief and excitement as he greeted Cedric, Kieran, and Jinbe before approaching Duval and the others.

Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, Cedric couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Jinbe for his assistance. He turned to the Fishman, a genuine smile on his face. "Jinbe, I gotta thank you for your help. We'd probably still be looking for the rest of the crew if it weren't for you..."

Jinbe nodded, returning Cedric's smile. "It is I who should thank you. We could finally arrest that sniveling rat, Decken, and remove a future catastrophe thanks to you and your crew..."

Listening to their words, Kieran finally interjected. "You're talking about the idiot who kept throwing weapons?" He asked, to which Jinbe nodded. "Well, I didn't imagine he'd go far, launching himself into the water like that, but still, I assumed he'd have a plan besides lying at the bottom of the sea..."

Jinbe let out a deep sigh, his expression turning slightly exasperated. "Indeed, Decken's actions were reckless and unpredictable. It's a wonder he managed to evade the Royal Army for as long as he did. But as for his fate, he's rotting in a jail cell and no longer a threat to the princess..."

Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Still, I can't help but wonder... How did the Royal Army manage to act so quickly? It almost felt as if they were anticipating our arrival and the confrontation with Hody Jones."

Jinbe's gaze shifted, his eyes meeting Cedric's with a solemn yet knowing look. "You have a keen intuition, Cedric. The Royal Army's response was indeed swifter than usual. However, they didn't have knowledge of your confrontation with Hody..."

Jinbe paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "I was in the New World with the Sun Pirates when I received word of your arrival and the incident with the celestial dragon. Knowing the potential trouble it could cause, I left my crew behind and rushed back to Fishman Island."

Cedric leaned forward, raising an eyebrow. "You left your crew behind on my behalf, you say...? I must say, I'm both offended and flattered..." He said with a chuckle, not sounding offended at all.

Jinbe nodded apologetically. "Forgive me... I couldn't risk the safety of my home, but knowing you and your crew now, I can confidently say that my concerns were unwarranted..."

Jinbe took a sip of his tea, his gaze focused. "I contacted the Royal Army and informed them of the situation. I requested that they stand ready and prepared to take action if necessary..."

Cedric nodded in understanding. "So, when I arrived at Noah and confronted Hody Jones and his crew, the Royal Army was already ready to intervene?"

"Jinbe nodded. "Yes, they were ready to act swiftly to protect the Ryugu kingdom and its people. Once I made sense of the situation, I asked them to close in on the Fishman District..."

"It is also why I remained hidden as long as I did before interfering..." Jinbe said, shooting Cedric another apologetic look. "I beg your forgiveness," He added, bowing his head.

Cedric waved his hand dismissively, a warm smile on his face. "No need to apologize, Jinbe. You did what you thought was best to protect your home. I respect that."

Jinbe's expression softened as he raised his head, grateful for Cedric's understanding. "Thank you. Your understanding is appreciated..."

Cedric took a sip of his drink and turned to Jinbe, his curiosity piqued. "Jinbe, you mentioned earlier that you were in the New World. What were you doing there? I'm curious to know about your adventures and experiences."

Jinbe'ssmiledas recalled his recent endeavors. "Ah, the New World... I traveled there to meet someone who is truly extraordinary, Whitebeard, the man hailed as the strongest in the world."

Cedric's eyes widened at the mention of a familiar name. "Whitebeard, you say? What's he like? What kind of relationship do you have with him?" He asked eagerly.

Jinbe's eyes shined in reverence as he reminisced about his relationship with Whitebeard. "Whitebeard... He is a formidable pirate and the protector of Fishman Island. He claimed our home as his territory, shielding it from the World Government and other pirate attacks. For that, we owe him an immeasurable debt of gratitude."

He paused monetarily, the weight of his respect evident in his voice. "I hold Whitebeard in the highest regard. His actions saved countless lives and ensured the safety of our people.

"Regarding how Whitebeard views me..." Jinbe continued, a sense of warmth in his voice, "He has shown a level of tolerance and acceptance towards me, despite my Warlord status. I have had the privilege of visiting him and his crew several times, forging a connection that goes beyond titles and affiliations."

Cedric nodded, his curiosity piqued by the mention of the New World. "Jinbe, since you've been to the New World, could you share some insights about what we can expect there? I've heard stories of its treacherous seas and powerful pirates."

Jinbe's eyes sparkled with nostalgia and caution as he began to explain. "The New World is a place where the balance of power is constantly shifting. It is a chaotic and unforgiving sea, filled with monstrous creatures and unpredictable weather phenomena. Pirates from all corners of the world converge there, each seeking to carve out their own path to greatness."

As their conversation continued, Cedric kept asked Jinbe about his experiences and the challenges that he had faced. Jinbe willingly shared his insights, recounting tales of treacherous seas, powerful adversaries, and the importance of alliances he forged in his struggle to fight for his people.

The Mermaid Cafe continued to buzz with activity, with mermaids and fishmen enjoying their meals and engaging in lively conversations. Amidst the ambiance, Cedric, Kieran, and Jinbe kept talking, unbothered by the other patrons.

...

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