One Piece: Killer Method #197

Robin's inquisitive mind yearned for more information about the Holy Land, but Pagaya's response left her somewhat frustrated. She was about to press further when an unexpected knock echoed through the house, diverting her attention.

"That should be your captain," Pagaya remarked, offering a polite smile. "I'll open the door. You guys can keep going. I'm sorry..." With that, he made his way toward the exit of the kitchen, leaving Robin alone with her thoughts.

As Pagaya moved through the winding hallways of his home, he reached the front door and swung it open, the warm embrace of sunlight filtering into the house as he greeted Cedric with a friendly smile. "Welcome to our home," he chimed, his hospitality evident.

Cedric, dressed in his usual attire, reciprocated with a nod. "Thanks for having us." As he crossed the threshold into the house, Pagaya gestured for him to proceed further inside.

"Most of your crew are outside exploring the town," Pagaya explained, "but feel free to relax in the living room or help us in the kitchen. I'm sorry," he added, his courteousness extending to their unexpected guest.

"Besides eating, I'm not too much of an expert in food, but I could help you with cutting or something," Cedric offered with a chuckle. He was always willing to lend a hand, even in the kitchen. "Lead the way," he added, gesturing for Pagaya to guide him.

Pagaya nodded and motioned for Cedric to follow him as he headed for the kitchen. As they walked through the house's corridors, Pagaya hesitated for a moment and stopped. 

"That's fine, but I needed to talk to you about something, captain-san..." Pagaya began, his tone carrying a hint of concern.

Cedric raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? Did something happen?" he inquired, wondering what could be bothering Pagaya.

Pagaya took a deep breath, preparing to broach a delicate subject. "No, but something might happen if your crew keeps asking about the Holy Land..." he explained cautiously, quickly realizing how his words sounded as Cedric gave him an amused, questioning look. 

"God Enel and his followers don't like people sniffing around the Holy Land," Pagaya continued, his voice hushed. "And one of your crewmates has been asking too many questions... I'm sorry," he quickly added, realizing that his initial statement might have been cryptic without context.

"That should be Robin, right?" Cedric inquired with a warm smile, seeking confirmation from Pagaya. The latter nodded in response.

"Well, she's something of a history enthusiast, so she can't help it, but she means no harm," Pagaya explained, adding a chuckle to alleviate any tension. "Not to worry, though. I'll talk to her," he assured Cedric with a nonchalant shrug. He appreciated Cedric's understanding and cooperation.

"I'd appreciate it if you did, captain-san..." Pagaya expressed his gratitude with a nod as they continued walking towards the kitchen.

Upon entering the kitchen, Cedric greeted everyone with a friendly nod before approaching Robin. He extended a piece of paper to her, the same one he had offered to Kieran earlier. He had roughly outlined his plan and Enel's abilities, emphasizing that the Poneglyph was located in the so-called Holy Land.

Robin accepted the paper, her eyes scanning its contents as she absorbed the information. She understood the gravity of the situation and the need for discretion. Cedric had made it clear that their inquiries could draw unwanted attention.

"Thank you," Robin said softly, her tone appreciative as she folded the paper and tucked it into her pocket. She would heed his warning and exercise caution in her pursuit of knowledge.

Cedric nodded in response, his expression conveying his trust in Robin's discretion. With that matter addressed, he turned his attention back to assisting in the kitchen, ready to contribute to their culinary endeavors.

...

As they wrapped up the preparations, the rest of the crew had gathered at Pagaya's home. The house couldn't accommodate everyone, but the spacious front garden provided ample room for their meal, and the surrounding scenery was a picturesque backdrop.

True to form, each crew member had their quirks and behaviors on full display. Duval, always enamored with his own reflection, couldn't resist admiring himself in a nearby mirror. With her characteristic enthusiasm, Baby Five persistently offered her help with every little task, bringing her unique energy to the group.

Kieran, however, had chosen a more reserved spot in a corner. Despite his attempts to conceal it, his enjoyment of the food was evident in the subtlest expressions.

Amidst this lively gathering, Nico Robin had found herself in conversation with Den. She probed him about the history of Fish-Man Island and delved into his research on sea forests. While discussing these topics, she occasionally dropped subtle inquiries about the presence of Poneglyphs in Fish-Man Island, careful not to arouse suspicion.

Cedric observed his crew with an affectionate grin as he savored his own meal. He sat beside Chuchun, their enigmatic super sparrow, and indulged in the unique wine crafted from fruits native to Skypeia.

Conis couldn't help but watch the Flying Fish Riders with a bemused expression as they squabbled over something or another, already feeling the effects of the alcohol. She approached Cedric, her eyes still fixed on the amusing scene unfolding before her.

"They're really lively," she remarked as she settled down beside Cedric, with Suu, the cloud fox, following her every move. "Are they always like this?" She tilted her head, seeking an answer to her question.

Cedric chuckled, observing the commotion among the riders. "More or less," he replied with a knowing grin. "Believe it or not, they're actually more subdued than usual-- being guests here and all." He shook his head, his expression reflecting both fondness and exasperation.

Conis smiled in response. "I see. I can't even imagine..." Her voice trailed off for a moment before curiosity got the better of her. "So... what's it like, the Blue Sea?" She asked, her interest piqued.

Cedric contemplated Conis's question for a moment before responding, taking a sip from his bottle as he gathered his thoughts. "It's a place like any other," he began, his tone casual. "Except for the clouds everywhere, it's no different from Skypeia, really." He paused, as if reflecting on the world he came from.

He continued, a hint of nostalgia in his voice, "It has its fun and danger, the good and the bad, and everything in between." Cedric's words carried the weight of his experiences, encapsulating the essence of the Blue Sea's diversity and complexity.

Conis looked at Cedric, her eyes reflecting a hint of longing as she spoke. "Still, you must be really free down there..."

Cedric sighed, his expression turning more serious as he considered her words. "Well, I am, but not everyone is," he admitted. "Down there, there's a thing called the world government— as the name suggests, they're an organization of incompetent, arrogant pricks who ruled the world." His words held a touch of bitterness, a glimpse into the complexities of the world below.

"You had to take your own freedom down there," Cedric continued, his voice tinged with a mixture of determination and resignation. "No one would give it to you." His gaze met Conis's, conveying the harsh reality of life in the Blue Sea.

"I suppose it's the same everywhere..." Conis said with a sigh, her shoulders sagging under the weight of the shared understanding.

Cedric chuckled, a smile on his face. "Sorry to burst your bubble," he replied, his tone gentle. "Still," he continued, his gaze shifting to the starry sky above, "nothing lasts forever. Everything is bound to change, eventually..." 

"What if it changed for the worse?" Conis jokingly asked, a playful glint in her eye, her curiosity piqued.

Cedric leaned back, his expression contemplative. "Who knows?" he replied, his voice tinged with a sense of mystery. "I, for one, am not concerned with the future." He emptied his bottle with a practiced ease and reached for another one, the label glistening with condensation.

"And why is that?" Conis inquired, her interest evident as she leaned in closer.

Cedric's grin widened as he lifted the fresh bottle to his lips. "Because I have the strength to change it to my liking," he declared with confidence, his words carrying the weight of experience. "As long as you have strength, everything is possible..." he concluded,reaching into his pocket and presenting a piece of paper to Conis.