Golden Ape #177

For the past seven days, the rhythm of Water Seven had been punctuated by Cedric's commanding presence. On the sun-kissed beach, where sand met surf, the air was charged with anticipation and a unique energy that only Cedric could bring forth.

Bare-chested and unabashed, Cedric stood as a living testament to the might and prowess he wielded. The salty breeze ruffled his unruly hair, and his muscles glistened under the sun's warm embrace. Positioned on the very spot that had become his training ground, he embodied both strength and grace as he executed intricate movements, a testament to the teachings ingrained in him by his first mentor, Liu Fang.

With every calculated thrust and fluid swing of his massive frame, Cedric summoned forth his devil fruit powers, igniting the very air around him. Flames danced in harmony with his motions, erupting with intensity and then subsiding, leaving only a smoldering trail of awe in their wake. The fusion of his physical prowess and the raw energy of his elemental abilities was nothing short of captivating.

What had initially been private practice had evolved into an open spectacle. Day by day, a curious gathering had formed on the shores, a motley crew of spectators that spanned genders and ages. Men and women alike flocked to the beach in the early morning hours, drawn by the magnetic pull of Cedric's prowess.

To those who watched, Cedric's displays were more than mere exercise; they were a symphony of strength and skill that played out against the canvas of the ocean's expanse. Each movement was a deliberate note, every strike an intricate chord, and the crowd watched in rapt attention, absorbed by the spectacle before them.

In the realm of perceptions, some might seek to bask in the adulation or perhaps be perturbed by the unabating attention. Yet, for Cedric, these considerations held no sway. He remained steadfast and focused on his training, undistracted by the shifting tides of admiration.

Among the sea of faces, Cedric couldn't help but notice a particular group—the women. Their eyes remained locked onto him, their expressions a curious blend of admiration, awe, and unabashed fascination. They watched with open mouths and eyes that held the kind of intrigue that spoke of a mixture of admiration and curiosity.

The sight was not lost on Cedric, and while he remained committed to his practice, the corners of his lips twitched with a knowing amusement. As each swing and strike unfolded, he was acutely aware of the effect he had on this section of the audience. And even though his focus remained on the flames that danced at his command, the presence of the entranced women only added a layer of amusement to his relentless routine.

Stepping onto the scene like a man on a mission, Kieran observed the unfolding spectacle with a mix of bemusement and exasperation. It was undeniable that wherever Cedric happened to be, an aura of attention surrounded him. The small crowd that had gathered to witness his fiery display served as a testament to the magnetic pull Cedric held over others, whether he intended it or not.

Kieran's thoughts were as intricate as the patterns Cedric wove into the air with his practiced moves. He had spent considerable time observing his enigmatic captain, each attempt at understanding him leading only to further layers of confusion. Just when Kieran believed he had glimpsed the core of what propelled Cedric's carefree nature, new facets emerged, leaving him more confounded than before.

The enigma, which was Cedric, that contrasted everything Kieran believed continued to perplex him. The man's motivations and the forces that guided him remained elusive, perpetually dancing on the edge of Kieran's grasp.

It was as if he was trying to solve a puzzle with pieces that kept shifting, never allowing a complete picture to emerge. How can a man display murderous rage one moment, then return to smiling as if nothing had happened? How come he was always smiling? What did Cedric see in this world that Kieran failed to notice?

But Kieran was not here for philosophical contemplations. His presence on the beach was anchored by a purpose, a business that demanded attention regardless of the captivating scene before him. With a deliberate shake of his head, he pushed aside his thoughts and approached Cedric.

Kieran navigated through the assembly, his steps unwavering even as his thoughts swirled. His stride held a determination that matched his penetrating gaze, a gaze that seemed to reach beyond mere appearances to the heart of the matter.

Amid the mesmerizing display, Kieran's voice cut through the backdrop of admiration and fascination. "Cedric," he called, his tone direct and purposeful.

Amid the backdrop of Cedric's fiery display, Kieran's arrival brought a momentary pause to the spectacle. Cedric's sculpted muscles glistened with sweat as he ceased his training, his movements transitioning from a whirlwind of flames to a poised stance. With a characteristic grin, he shifted his attention to Kieran, acknowledging his presence amidst the crowd that seemed to hang on his every move.

"Kieran? You here to spar?" Cedric's voice held a lightness that matched the dancing flames around him, a suggestion of camaraderie that underlined their connection.

Kieran, however, shook his head in response to Cedric's offer, his demeanor more focused and businesslike. "No. Den and Iceburg require your presence at the docks..." His words were direct, carrying with them the urgency of their message.

Cedric's eyebrows arched in surprise, his interest piqued by Kieran's announcement. "Oh? Is the ship finished by any chance?" he inquired, a note of anticipation tinging his words.

Kieran's response was instant, a nod that confirmed Cedric's hopes. The ship, the culmination of hard work and dedication, stood ready for inspection, a testament to the craftsmanship that had gone into its creation.

Cedric's smile broadened, his excitement evident as he swiftly made a decision. He wasted no time, promptly slipping into his black coat with a flourish that seemed to punctuate the end of his training session. The disappointed gazes of the onlookers, particularly the women who had gathered to witness his display, hardly fazed him as he readied himself for the next task at hand.

Gesturing for Kieran to accompany him, Cedric set his gaze on the horizon and started to walk. The embers of his fiery practice seemed to linger in the air around him, his aura one of determination and enthusiasm.

"Let's go take a look, then..." Cedric's words held a promise, an invitation to explore the fruit of their labor. As he moved with purpose, his stride exuding confidence, the crowd slowly dispersed, a mix of disappointment and curious chattering in their wake.

Walking into the dry docks, Cedric immediately halted his steps as his eyes fell on the now-finished galleon. The scene before him was nothing short of breathtaking. The ship stood proudly, its presence commanding attention and admiration from anyone who laid eyes on it.

The ship's exterior was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, a melding of nature and myth brought to life through meticulous design. Intricate golden designs adorned the hull, their patterns mimicking the fur of an ape. The rich golden hue of the hull seemed to radiate warmth and power, like the very essence of the sun.

Cedric's gaze was drawn to the figurehead at the bow. It was a work of art that captured the heart of his mythical zoan devil fruit. The fearsome representation of his transformed heavenly ape form seemed to leap out from the prow.

Each detail was carefully carved, from the intense gaze of the ape's eyes to the sinewy muscles that rippled beneath its golden skin.

The masts soared skyward, their height reaching for the heavens themselves.

The sails, unfurled like grand wings, bore symbols that carried deep significance. They symbolized the duality within Cedric, the ferocity of a grizzly bear and the enigmatic aura of a heavenly ape. These symbols caught the sunlight, transforming it into a dazzling display of light and shadow as they gracefully billowed in the wind.

As Cedric continued to gaze upon the ship, an undeniable aura emanated from it. Power, majesty, and mystique intertwined, creating an almost tangible energy that seemed to pulse with life. The ship's design was not merely ornamental; it was a reflection of Cedric's very essence.

Every curve, every detail, was a tribute to his nickname, the "Golden Grizzly," and his unique devil fruit powers.

Cedric's lips couldn't help but curl into a smile at the sight. Under his breath he muttered to himself as three words instantly came to mind. "The Golden Ape..."