144 Khalifa's Ambitions #144

Cedric walked out of the navigation shop, a satisfied grin stretching across his face. He held two eternal poses in his hand, one pointing toward Jaya and the other toward Alabasta.

Though he usually didn't care much for money, the expenses required to build the ship had made him unusually stingy. He had haggled with the shopkeeper relentlessly as if his life depended on it.

"Ah, nothing like a good deal," Cedric muttered to himself, his voice filled with self-congratulation. "I can practically hear the sound of the Beris I've saved jingling in my pocket!"

Just as he was about to continue on his way, a familiar presence tingled at the edge of Cedric's senses. He raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He stepped into an empty alleyway, confident that whoever was watching him would reveal themselves.

"Alright, show yourself, blondie," Cedric called out, his voice carrying a playful tone.

In an instant, Khalifa gracefully descended from the rooftop, landing in front of Cedric with poise. She straightened her attire and glasses with a blank expression.

"Still skulking on rooftops, I see..." Cedric said, giving her a smile. "What are you still doing in Water Seven, Khalifa?"

Khalifa crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on Cedric. "I couldn't help but notice your little bargaining act back there," she replied, clearly trying to change the subject. "You really went all out, didn't you?"

Cedric chuckled, deciding to play along. "Well, you know, money is tight at the moment," he admitted. "Building a ship is an expensive endeavor."

Khalifa's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So the ship is finally becoming a reality, huh?" she asked, her tone laced with intrigue as she stepped forward, pushing her breasts against Cedric's shoulders.

"I must say, it's impressive how dedicated you--" Khalifa continued, pausing halfway through as Cedric flicked her forehead. "Ouch! What was that for?!" She asked, glaring at Cedric and rubbing her forehead.

Cedric chuckled as Khalifa rubbed her forehead, the flick still fresh in her memory. He could see the frustration in her eyes and a hint of resignation.

"Alright, enough beating around the bush," Cedric said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "I can tell there's something you want, Khalifa. Spit it out."

Khalifa's glare softened slightly, realizing Cedric won't let her off the hook. She let out a sigh, her arms falling to her sides. "Fine," she grumbled, her voice laced with annoyance and resignation. "I heard you were heading to Alabasta and... I can't stay here. I'm a wanted woman, and I need a fresh start."

Cedric raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "So, you want me to take you to Alabasta, huh? And what's waiting for you there?"

Khalifa hesitated for a moment before replying, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's a specific mercenary organization that has roots in Alabasta," she admitted. "I intend to join them, start anew."

Cedric's chuckle turned into full-blown laughter. "Funny you should say that," he said, grinning mischievously. "Is this organization called Baroque Works by any chance?"

Khalifa's eyes widened, her surprise evident. "How did you...?"

Cedric smirked, enjoying the intrigue that danced in Khalifa's eyes. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone.

"You see, Khalifa, I happen to be acquainted with the king and princess of Alabasta from my days as a marine," Cedric revealed, his words hanging in the air. "And I've learned that someone is plotting to discredit the king in the eyes of the people, creating chaos and paving the way for their own ascent to power."

"And...?" Khalifa said, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, don't you think it's weird?" Cedric asked, crossing his arms. "Some shady organization appears, and people suddenly start doubting the king?"

Khalifa's frown deepened, her curiosity piqued. "So, you believe the Baroque Works is involved in this plot?" she asked, her voice filled and intrigue.

Cedric nodded, his eyes glinting with knowing intent. "Exactly. I have reason to believe that the specific someone pulling the strings behind the Baroque Wroks is the same person who seeks to overthrow the king," he explained. "So, in exchange for the money I need to build my ship, I intend to help the king and thwart this plot."

Khalifa's eyes widened in surprise, newfound respect shining through. "You, a pirate, are willing to help the king of Alabasta?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. "There are countless easier ways, so why?"

Cedric's smile widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, let's just say I have a soft spot for the princess of Alabasta," he replied, his voice laced with excitement. "What better way to secure my ship and have a fun time than by saving a kingdom and exposing a hidden villain?"

Khalifa chuckled, her skepticism melting away. "You never fail to surprise me, Cedric," she said, shaking her head. "Your reasoning is as simple as ever, I see..."

Khalifa's eyes flickered with determination as she locked gazes with Cedric. She leaned in closer, her voice laced with confidence. "But that's all the more reason you should take me with you," she added.

"I still have my CP9 training. I could easily gather valuable information for you..." Khalifa reasoned. "And if you're right about Baroque Works being responsible for the unrest in Alabasta, maybe I can infiltrate their ranks and take over the organization once you've beaten them up."

Cedric couldn't help but be intrigued by Khalifa's proposal. "You're quite the ambitious one..." Cedric chuckled, his eyes glinting mischievously. "But I already have a mole in Baroque Works-- someone who will give me all the information I need. Why should I take you along and give you an entire organization on a silver platter?"

"Because, my dear Cedric, I can make it worth your while," she murmured, causing Cedric to raise an eyebrow. "I can offer you my unwavering support, my expertise in espionage and manipulation..."

"And most importantly, the pleasure of having me by your side, whenever and wherever you wish..." She concluded.

Cedric's eyes widened at Khalifa's bold proposition. He couldn't deny the allure of her offer. The potential power and advantage he could gain by having a leader of an organization that spans the entirety of Paradise in his pocket was undeniable. Yep, that's all he tought about. He most definitly had no other motives to gree.

"Very well, Khalifa," Cedric conceded with a sigh. "Consider yourself hired. But let's make our arrangements clear-- I'm your boss, and it's my way or the highway..."

"If I tell you to do something, you do it, and if I tell you not to do something, you don't...." Cedric sternly explained. "Beyond that, you're free to do whatever you like... I don't ask for much..."

Khalifa's lips curled into a sly smile as she nodded in agreement. "All right, boss-man. You can count on me to follow your lead," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "Rest assured. I won't hesitate to make myself useful in any way I can."

...

Cedric and Khalifa returned to the Silver Gale, their presence catching the attention of Cedric's crewmates. The pirate crew had gathered on the deck, their eyes widening in surprise as they took in the sight of Khalifa standing beside their captain.

Kieran, the first to speak up, furrowed his brows and directed his gaze toward Khalifa. "And what is she doing here?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

Cedric scratched the back of his head, flashing a sheepish smile. "Ah, well, you see... Khalifa and I have reached an arrangement of mutual benefit," he explained, trying to keep his explanation concise. "She'll be joining me on my journey to Alabasta."

Kieran's eyes narrowed, and he muttered something under his breath about Cedric being a "horny bastard." He shook his head and walked away, seemingly washing his hands of the matter. It was clear that Kieran was not entirely pleased with the idea, but he trusted Cedric's judgment enough to let it go for now.

Meanwhile, Baby Five stood nearby, her wide eyes scanning Khalifa with curiosity. Oblivious to the tension in the air, she tilted her head and asked, "Is she joining our crew too? More importantly, does she need help?!"

Cedric chuckled, patting Baby Five's head gently. "No, Baby Five, Khalifa won't joing our crew. She'll be working for me and assisting me in a different way," he explained, trying his best to simplify the situation for her.

At those words, Kieran turned around and gave him a look that suggested Cedric was some sort of sexual deviant while Duval give him a thumps up, accompanied by a wink of approval.

Cedric could only shake his head, not knowing which gesture to find more insulting.