131 Duval's battle #131

Duval strutted confidently alongside three of the Flying Fish Riders through the winding waterways of Water Seven. It was a bustling city renowned for its shipbuilding prowess, and Duval intended to familiarize himself with every nook and cranny. As they grew tired, they cast their lines into the water, both as a means of blending in and resting.

The sun's rays glimmered upon the gentle ripples of the canals as the group weaved through the crowded streets. Duval's eyes scanned the faces of the passersby, his keen gaze searching for any signs of trouble or information.

However, as fatigue began to set in, Duval and the Flying Fish Riders decided to take a short break from their surveillance. They found a secluded spot by the water's edge, a quiet corner away from the bustling crowds. With a flick of their wrists, their fishing lines arched gracefully into the shimmering canal.

A figure caught their attention as they sat and waited for a bite. A man with spiky black hair and goggles approached, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he looked at Duval and his companions.

"What do we have here?" the man exclaimed, his voice filled with playful curiosity. "A bunch of pirates taking a leisurely stroll? Are you lost, perhaps?"

Never one to miss an opportunity to boast, Duval raised an eyebrow and looked the man up and down. "Lost? Oh, my dear fellow, you have it all wrong. I am Duval, the most handsome and charming man in the world. And as for being lost, I assure you, I always know exactly where I'm going."

"What about you, bounty hunter? You got a name?" Duval asked as he narrowed his eyes, his voice turning grave for once. Having spent many years as the leader of a gang, Duval instantly recognized the man's ill-meaning intentions.

The man's grin widened as he chuckled. "Well, Duval, I'm afraid to tell you that you're in our neck of the woods now, and no one comes here willingly..."

"That said, my name is Zambai, a member of the Franky family. And no, I'm not a bounty hunter, but I don't mind making a quick buck..." The man, Zambai, concluded with a chuckle.

At the mention of the Franky Family, Duval's curiosity was piqued. He leaned back, crossing his arms confidently. "Ah, the Franky Family, huh? Never heard of it..."

"But let me tell you something, though it might come as a shock..." Duval said with a sad sigh, much to Zambai's confusion. "Despite my striking appearance and handsome face, I have no bounty to match my beautiful visage... I'm afraid you're barking up the wrong tree..." He added with a forlorn expression as he shook his head.

Zambai laughed heartily. "You certainly have a way with words, but I'm afraid I have a different objective. While You may not have a bounty, your captain, what was his name? Cedric Strode? He's a different story. His bounty is quite sizable."

Duval's eyes narrowed. "You're interested in the captain? I hate to burst your bubble, but I'm afraid that even if you find him, which you won't, you'll just be running to your death..."

Zambai's grin turned into a determined smirk. "Well, now that's scary, but that's all the more reason to point us in your captain's direction. You do that, and I'll let you and your friends go free. Seems like a fair trade, doesn't it?"

Duval's ego bristled at the suggestion. He stood up, his expression a mixture of annoyance and amusement. "Even if you might achieve nothing by your own death, I can only beat you to the ground here and now... I can't risk looking bad in front of my captain, now can I...?"

With a swift motion, Zambai signaled for several more members of the Franky Family to step out from the dark alleys behind him. They formed a semicircle around Duval and the Flying Fish Riders, their presence imposing and ready for a fight.

"Very well, Duval," Zambai replied, his tone tinged with resolve. "If that's your final answer, then we'll have to settle this the old-fashioned way."

Without further ado, the confrontation escalated into a fierce battle. Duval and the Flying Fish Riders, known for their agility and combat prowess, swiftly sprang into action. The clash of fists and weapons colliding echoed through the alleyways as both sides fought for dominance.

...

Duval stood triumphantly over the unconscious, battered bodies of Zambai and the members of the Franky Family, a victorious smirk gracing his handsome face. His own appearance remained unscathed, a testament to his skill and agility in the heat of battle. However, two of the Flying Fish Riders bore visible injuries, their determination unwavering despite their wounds.

"Behold, the epitome of beauty and strength," Duval proclaimed with narcissistic flair, taunting the fallen Zambai. "Even in dreams, you cannot compare to my flawless charm."

Just as Duval caroused in his self-praise, a voice cut through the air, causing him to turn his attention toward its source. It was Baby Five. Confusion etched across her face as she surveyed the unconscious figures strewn about. "What happened here?" Baby Five asked, her tone filled with bewilderment.

Duval turned towards Baby Five, a smirk still playing on his lips. "Oh, my dear Baby Five, you've arrived just in time to witness the fall of some ugly rabble who dared to challenge me. What about you?" he replied, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Baby Five tilted her head in confusion, her expression one of curiosity. "I see... Well, I was actually on my way to see the captain. I have some important findings to report..." she explained.

Duval's curiosity was piqued, and he arched an eyebrow. "The captain, you say? What kind of findings?" he inquired, his narcissism momentarily set aside.

Baby Five hesitated for a moment, contemplating her response. "It's... it's regarding the lead we've been following. Didn't you hear him telling Kieran to look into the CP9 agents...? " she finally replied.

"Well, I was too busy appreciating my handsome face in the mirror..." Duval shamelessly replied as he retrieved a silver mirror from his inner pocket and combed his blonde hair.

"Figured as much..." Baby Five said with a chuckle. She had already grown used to Duval's narcissistic tendencies.

Duval nodded, his attention shifting to the injured Flying Fish Riders at his side. "In any case, my dear Baby Five. Let us return together. I need the captain to look at their injuries..." he stated, his voice filled with a hint of concern for his subordinates.

"They might not be as handsome as me, but their souls are beautiful in their own ways..." He added, masking his concern with the usual narcissism.

As Duval and Baby Five headed the ship, they soon arrived to find Cedric engaged in training with Chuchun.

Duval couldn't resist a confident grin as he approached. "Ah, Cedric, my dear captain. Look who has returned, victorious as ever," he announced, gesturing Zambai and the two the battered members of the Franky Family he brought along.

Cedric turned his gaze towards the battered men and immediately recognized their faces. His eyes lit up with a sense of recognition, and a faint smile crept across his face. "Well, well, Duval. It seems you've done quite a number on some familiar faces," Cedric remarked, a note of amusement in his voice.

Duval's chest puffed out with pride as he basked in Cedric's acknowledgment. "Of course, Captain Cedric. It was a piece of cake for someone as skilled and good-looking as me," he boasted, his voice dripping with self-assurance.

"But, I can't help but wonder... are those ugly animals any acquaintances of yours, captain...?" Duval asked after a moment, trailing at the end of his sentence in confusion.

"Not really, no...." Cedric replied with a careless shake of his head. "They are members of a local gang, nothing to write home about, but their leader is a pain in the ass..."

As Duval revealed in Cedric's praise, the captain's expression turned thoughtful. "And I don't feel like dealing with that pervert. Throw them somewhere far away from the ship and leave them be. That pain in the ass is not worth my time," Cedric instructed, his tone firm yet dismissive.

Duval's grin widened, his narcissism overpowering his curiosity. "As you wish, Captain Cedric. Consider it done," he responded, his voice laced with confidence.