Losing Sides and Sinking Ships #156

Gem frowned and shook his head, saying, "Unfortunately, I don't know who's behind the Baroque Works organization... even if I did, why should I help you...?"

Cedric grinned and said, "It doesn't matter... I already know who is behind your little organization..." He trailed off, leaving a hint of mystery in the air. "I was very specific when I said I wanted your help to expose him..."

Gem's frown intensified at those words but remained silent, waiting for Cedric to continue.

Cedric obliged, leaning in slightly as he said, "As for why you should help me... it's the smart thing to do. Bounty hunters and mercenaries don't stick to the losing sides. Heck, even pirates don't stick to sinking ships..."

"Once I reveal the mastermind behind the Baroque Works, many powerful people would want to see him fall..." Cedric said with a chuckle. "If he even survives me, that is..."

Gems sighed, his arms still crossed, clearly not convinced. "That's a lot of confidence... I don't share your optimism," he admitted, his expression serious. "I might not know who's behind the Baroque Works, but I'm not dumb enough to assume he's a pushover..."

Cedric laughed at Gem's words, his amusement evident. "But of course... Crocodile is many things, but a pushover is not one of them," he remarked casually, seemingly unfazed by revealing the identity of the Baroque Works boss to Gem.

Gem couldn't help the twitch in his eyes, feeling the weight of the dangerous information Cedric had just nonchalantly shared. He sighed in exasperation, realizing the potential danger he found himself in. "I didn't want to know that," he grumbled, fully aware that Crocodile wouldn't hesitate to eliminate anyone who posed a threat to his secretive operations.

"And is that supposed to assure me of your win or something? Now I'm even less interested in helping you," Gem retorted, his tone sharp and skeptical.

Cedric remained calm and composed, meeting Gem's skepticism with unwavering confidence. "Well, you haven't even heard what I need from you," he said, his tone measured and persuasive.

Gem simply shrugged in response, gesturing for Cedric to get on with his plan. He had heard enough to be intrigued, but he still needed convincing.

"It's completely safe for you," Cedric assured, sensing Gem's apprehension. "All I want from you is to gather the Officer and Frontier agents in one place so I can beat the living shit out of them."

Gem's face contorted into a grimace at Cedric's direct approach. "And you think that will draw out Crocodile?" he questioned, skepticism evident in his voice. "He'd sooner kill us all himself and replace us if we fail at anything."

Cedric chuckled dismissively, seemingly unbothered by Gem's concern. "I'm fully aware of Crocodile's ruthless nature," he admitted. "But he won't get rid of his entire organization due to failure."

Cedric shook his head and continued to explain his reasoning. "Replacing you all would hinder his plans and delay them for years if not decades," he pointed out. "He values the structure and manpower the Baroque Works offers and won't easily let that go."

Gem paused for a second, considering Cedric's words. "Well, I can't argue that," he conceded, "but what makes you so sure he'd value his underlings over his secret identity?"

Cedric's conviction remained unwavering as he responded to Gem's concerns. "Again, it doesn't matter... if Crocodile doesn't come out to save his underlings' asses, I'd just have to go and pick a fight with him personally," he declared, his tone resolute.

He continued, outlining his plan to Gem, "Once I beat his ass, you just need to come forward and say he was the one behind the Baroque Works. Even if you don't have proof, your word would carry weight since you're basically the top dog under Crocodile."

Gem frowned, showing signs of being convinced by Cedric's reasoning. "Your logic is sound, and it would be safe for me to testify against Crocodile if you bring him down. However..." He trailed off and raised a question, "Why go through the trouble of fighting the entire organization if you can just go for the head...?"

Cedric's expression turned serious as he explained, "Because I have plans for the Baroque Works, plans that would go more smoothly with a show of power...."

Gem took a moment to ponder Cedric's words before finally relenting, "You know what? I'll play along... I don't even want to know what you're planning." He grimaced, remembering the consequences of his previous curiosity, and concluded, "I've learned my lesson... I'm done questioning you."

Cedric offered a nod of appreciation, acknowledging Gem's agreement. "Then I'll be counting on you..."

...

In the training area of a marine base in East Blue, Ensign Isuka vented her frustrations as she moved with lightning speed between the training dummies. Her sword sliced through the wooden targets with precision, reducing them to pieces. Each strike she made was filled with power and determination, reflecting her intense training and dedication.

As Isuka continued to train, honing her skills and channeling her frustrations into her movements, the atmosphere in the training area was charged with energy. The sound of metal clashing against wood reverberated through the air, a testament to her relentless determination.

Suddenly, the training area's tranquility was disrupted as a marine soldier walked in, carrying a transponder snail. "Ensign Isuka, there's a call for you from Marine HQ," he informed her, catching her attention.

Intrigued, Isuka nodded at the soldier, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected call. She took the transponder snail from him and held it up to her ear, preparing to answer the call. With a deep breath to steady herself, she cleared her throat and spoke into the snail, "Ensign Isuka, reporting for duty!"

From the other side of the line, Vice Admiral Garp's unmistakable voice came through, greeting her, "It's been a while, brat. How are you holding up in East Blue?"

Isuka straightened her posture, acknowledging the authority of the high-ranking officer on the other end of the line. "I'd rather be in the Grand Line, catching dangerous pirates instead of dealing with the small fry here..."

"Besides that, I can't complain," she added, her voice conveying a mix of determination and longing for greater challenges.

Vice Admiral Garp's hearty laughter echoed through the transponder snail, a sound that was both reassuring and intimidating. "I can understand that," he said, his tone teasing. "But every marine has to start somewhere... and it's best you keep some distance away from HQ after what happened..."

In the training area of the marine base, Ensign Isuka's expression shifted to a frown as Vice Admiral Garp mentioned a topic she clearly wanted to avoid. "With all due respect, sir... I'd rather not talk about that scoundrel," she replied, her voice tinged with frustration and bitterness.

Garp let out a boisterous laugh, understanding Isuka's feelings. "Fair enough," he said, respecting her wishes. "I'm calling because I need you to do something about another scoundrel."

Garp's words piqued Isuka's curiosity, and she leaned in slightly, her attention fully on the conversation. "It's not official marine business, so feel free to refuse," Garp continued, giving her an out if she didn't want to get involved.

Isuka's frown deepened for a moment as she contemplated the offer, but then she replied with determination, "I owe you a debt, Vice Admiral. Please tell me what you need, and if it's within my ability, I'll have no reason to refuse."

Garp nodded in approval, appreciating Isuka's loyalty and sense of duty. "Well, the scoundrel in question is none other than my grandson, Ace," he revealed, his tone tinged with both concern and disappointment. "He's run off to become a pirate while I was away... I need you to find the little shit, beat some sense into his head, and bring him to me."

Isuka's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation. The son of the legendary marine hero was a pirate? The gravity of the task ahead weighed on her, but she knew she couldn't refuse the Vice Admiral's request.

"I understand, Vice Admiral," she replied, her voice steady and resolute. "I'll do my best to find your grandson and bring him back to you."

Garp's expression softened, grateful for Isuka's willingness to help. "Thank you, kid," he said sincerely. "I've trained Ace myself, but he's still wet behind the ears, and with your training and experience you'll do just fine, I'm sure..."