The Weight of Hunger #166

In the heart of Alabasta's desert, under the scorching sun, Cedric stood with Khalifa and the Baroque Works agents, waiting for an answer.

Khalifa rolled her eyes and said, "Please... you've defeated one of the most notorious Warlords of the Sea at such a young age..." She trailed off, then added, "Whose to say you won't be able to beat someone like Kaido or Whitebeard in two more years?

Khalifa's confidence in him and her belief in his potential to take on even the mightiest pirates like Kaido and Whitebeard amused him, prompting a burst of amused laughter to escape his lips.

"Well, you've got me there," Cedric conceded, still grinning as he realized the weight of his reputation. "I'll assume you all are of the same mind?" He turned his attention to the group of Baroque Agents, curious about their stance on joining his cause.

"I speak for myself and my partner when I say we're of the same mind," Gem, the barrel-chested agent with sunglasses, declared as he stepped forward, showing support for Khalifa's idea.

Bon Clay, the flamboyant and shape-shifting agent, joined in, laughing and twirling like a ballerina as he approached Cedric. "I don't have a partner, but I think following you would be interesting, Grizzly-chan," he cheerfully announced, showing his enthusiasm for the prospect.

Galdino, the strategic and smug-looking agent, smirked as he stepped forward, offering his assistance. "I imagine you'll need a strategist... I'm willing to offer my aid. The same goes for my partner," he said, confident in his skills.

Dorothy exchanged glances with Mr. 4. After a brief moment of silent communication, she turned back to Cedric and declared, "The dimwit and I will follow you too," expressing her commitment to the cause.

As the atmosphere shifted, the attention turned to Zala and Daz Bones, awaiting their decisions. Zala, the composed and level-headed agent, merely shrugged and said, "I'm in too," displaying his support for Cedric's cause without hesitation.

On the other hand, Daz Bones, the unyielding and adamant former bounty hunter, grunted in response. "Knowingly or not, I've vowed to follow Crocodile... I'm afraid I'm not interested," he stated firmly, sticking to his unwavering loyalty to the Warlord.

Robin raised an eyebrow, not one to back down from a challenge. "You should reconsider... Crocodile would have sacrificed you in a heartbeat," she warned, attempting to reason with the stoic swordsman.

Daz Bones shook his head, unwavering in his convictions. "Even if that's the case, I'm a professional. My word is my bond, and I will not break it," he declared with an unshakable resolve.

Nico Robin let out a sigh, recognizing the depth of Daz Bones' loyalty. "Even if Crocodile has been apprehended by the Marines?" she probed, hoping to sway him with the truth.

Still, Daz Bones remained undeterred. "If that is the case, then I will join him in Impel Down," he declared, ready to face the consequences of his decision.

Daz Bones turned to Cedric, seeking his understanding. "Please don't stop me..." he implored, hoping that Cedric would respect his choice.

Cedric chuckled, acknowledging the strength of Daz Bones' resolve. "It's a shame to see you go, but I have no intention of forcing anyone to work for me," he replied with genuine respect for the swordsman's principles.

With a grateful nod, Daz Bones bowed his head. "Then you have my thanks," he expressed his gratitude before turning around and heading into the depths of the desert, walking away with a sense of duty and purpose.

As the situation with Daz Bones settled, Cedric's thoughts lingered on the missed opportunity. He knew Daz Bones possessed immense potential and strength, and having someone of his caliber on their side would have been a tremendous asset. However, Cedric understood the importance of freedom and choice, having experienced the consequences of being forced into a situation he didn't want during his time in the Marines.

With a resigned smile, Cedric turned his attention to Nico Robin, curious about her decision. "What about you?" he asked, genuinely interested in her response.

Nico Robin maintained her calm demeanor and replied, "I'm not picky due to my circumstances. I go with whoever takes me..." She playfully added, "Besides, you've ruined my plans, so I'll have you take responsibility."

Cedric chuckled at her witty remark. "I'd say we're even since I've helped you twice already," he said in good humor. He then turned to Gem, then back to Nico Robin before adding. "But you can stay with me until you find the people who will protect you," Cedric offered to Nico Robin, recognizing the uncertainty of her past.

Nico Robin couldn't help but freeze at those familiar words, spoken by an old friend as ice devoured his body. Cedric noticed her reaction and smiled, choosing to drop the subject.

Cedric then turned to Khalifa, giving her a directive. "Get these people situated and sorted out, Khalifa," he instructed, confident in her capabilities to handle the logistical aspects of their new alliance.

Finally, he turned back to Gem, addressing the capable agent. "I have need of you and Miss All Sunday... accompany me for a while," he said, leading the way as they set off on their next destination.

It had been an entire week since Ace and Masked Deuce parted ways on Sixis Island. Ace sat in the forest, his stomach grumbling with hunger, but his face adorned with a grin that stretched from ear to ear. He was excited at the prospect of finally satiating his hunger.

In his hand, he held a peculiar fruit as if it was the most precious treasure in the world. The round orange fruit was unlike anything he had ever seen before, composed of many flame-shaped components with intricate swirl patterns on each one. Its swirled stem on the top added to its mystique.

Ace didn't know or care what kind of fruit it was. After spending over a week trying and failing to find any food on the unforgiving island, he was willing to eat anything, even if it turned out to be a cactus. The hunger pangs had become almost unbearable, and this mysterious fruit offered a glimmer of hope.

Meanwhile, Masked Deuce, in his own desperate search for food, stumbled across the scene. Hidden among the bushes, he caught sight of the peculiar fruit that Ace held in his hand. The sight of it caused his mouth to water, and he couldn't help but gulp, imagining the taste of something other than the grass and leaves he had been trying to survive on.

Ace, lost in his excitement and oblivious to Deuce's presence, raised the fruit to his nose, inhaling its sweet aroma, exited and reluctant to eat the fruit as it was likely the only piece of edible food on this island.

Dark thoughts swirled in Deuce's mind as he looked at the fruit. His first instinct was to kill Ace and claim the fruit for himself, seeing it as his only chance at survival. Hunger had driven him to the brink, and the sight of the fruit in Ace's hand became an irresistible temptation. Still, Deuce hesitated for a moment, torn between his desperation for food and the last vestiges of reason in his mind.

But as Masked Deuce remembered that Ace was the son of the accursed pirate king, Gol D. Roger, his hesitation instantly evaporated. By killing Ace, he would not only satiate the hunger that threatened to consume him but rid the world of the pirate king's bloodline.

It was a chance to strike back at the injustices of the world and exact revenge for all the pain and suffering caused by the pirate king and his crew, or so Deuce told himself, of course.

With a dark expression, Deuce picked up a heavy boulder, his hands trembling with the weight of his decision. He knew the consequences of his actions, but the desperation to survive and the desire for vengeance pushed him forward.

Slowly and quietly, he walked towards Ace from behind, taking careful steps to not alert the young man to his presence. The island seemed to hold its breath as if aware of the impending act of treachery.

As Deuce closed the distance and stood directly behind Ace, he raised the boulder high, his heart pounding in his chest. Just as he was ready to strike Ace's head with the deadly blow, Deuce's own body betrayed him, letting out a loud rumbling sound. His stomach, weak from days of hunger, gave away his intentions, instantly alerting Ace to Deuce's presence.

...

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