96 Step Outside #96

Kieran stood outside the entrance of the bustling bar in Sabaody, his gaze fixed on the giant sparrows perched atop the building. The vibrant feathers of the oversized avian swayed with the rhythm of the music emanating from within. He furrowed his brow and muttered to himself, "Too loud."

Taking a deep breath, Kieran pushed open the doors, the brightly lit interior of the bar assaulting his senses. His eyes narrowed in annoyance as he muttered under his breath once again, "Too bright...."

As he stepped inside, the boisterous atmosphere washed over him. The air was thick with laughter, clinking glasses, and the muffled sound of conversations. Kieran's eyes scanned the room until they settled on a familiar figure seated at the center of it all.

There, surrounded by his marine subordinates, was Cedric Strode. The marine officer had a broad grin as he sang along to the lively tunes, raising his glass high in celebration. His eyes sparkled with joy, and his laughter filled the room, infecting those around him with his cheer.

Kieran's gaze locked onto Cedric, his expression stoic and detached amidst the lively atmosphere. The sight of Cedric's radiant smile and the genuine camaraderie shared among the marines struck a dissonant chord within him. While Cedric embraced the moment with unreserved enthusiasm, Kieran remained guarded, harboring a deep-rooted cynicism.

A sea shanty filled the air, the infectious rhythm captivating everyone in the bar. The marines around Cedric raised their voices, blending seamlessly with the cheerful melody. Their laughter intermingled with the music, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared merriment.

Cedric's voice carried above the rest, strong and resonant. His eyes twinkled with an unburdened spirit, his joy seemingly unaffected by the world. His subordinates followed suit, their voices buoyant and carefree.

Kieran's gaze hardened, his own internal turmoil intensified by the stark contrast before him. The sea shanty's lyrics, a tale of adventure and the thrill of the open seas, rang hollow in his ears. He couldn't help but feel a sense of bitterness, a reminder of the joy he had lost and the harsh realities that had shaped him.

Amidst the joyful sea shanty, Kieran's eyes flickered with melancholy and determination. A singular purpose that compelled him to confront Cedric, to seek answers and, perhaps, a glimpse of the meaning he had long sought.

As the chorus reached its crescendo, Kieran took a step forward, his presence a stark contrast to the revelry surrounding him. His gaze locked with Cedric's, the fire of determination burning within his eyes. Momentarily caught off guard, Cedric met his gaze with curiosity and intrigue, sensing something profound in the intensity of Kieran's stare.

The sea shanty continued to play, the energy of the crowd within the bar seemingly oblivious to the brewing tension between Kieran and Cedric. However, their charged exchange did not go unnoticed by all.

Duval sensed the imminent clash. He stepped forward, trying to diffuse the situation. "Hey now, what's the meaning of this? You better leave before you cause any trouble," Duval growled, his voice carrying a warning tone.

But Kieran was not one to be swayed by mere intimidation. In a swift motion, his body seemed to melt into a shadowy silhouette, his form shifting and morphing. A gun barrel protruded from his shadowy figure, aimed directly at Duval's head.

The sudden escalation caught the attention of everyone in the bar. Conversations faltered, laughter died down, and all eyes turned to the unfolding scene. Fear and anticipation hung in the air as Kieran's intentions became clear.

Cedric's observation Haki, honed through a month of training with Rayleigh, flickered to life. The dangerous aura emanating from Kieran's transformed figure sent alarm bells ringing in his mind. He recognized the imminent threat to Duval's life and instinctively reacted.

Cedric sprang into action With lightning-fast reflexes, launching himself between Kieran's shadowy form and Duval. He quickly caught the bullet as soon as it left the gun's barrel.

Gasps and murmurs spread through the bar as the patrons witnessed Cedric's remarkable display of speed and reflexes. "What gives, pal?" Cedric demanded with a frown.

The tension in the air was palpable as Kieran's shadowy form shifted back into his solid state, the barrel of his gun retreating into the darkness. His eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Cedric as he slowly spoke, his voice a dead montane.

"I've come seeking answers..." Kieran replied, his words laced with bitterness. "Do you have the answers?."

Cedric's brow furrowed, his curiosity now tinged with apprehension. He didn't know the man standing before him, but he could sense his strength. The man seemed like a pushover, with his slouched posture and the dark circles under his eyes, but Cedric could see beyond such shallow attributes.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Cedric responded his tone a mixture of calm and confusion. "But we're in the middle of something here, and frankly, you're haunting the bar with your depressed face..." He added with a scowl.

"You better get out of here while I'm still in the mood to party..." Cedric concluded, his eyes narrowing.

Kieran's expression remained unchanged, his gaze unwavering as he absorbed Cedric's words. The youngf marine's dismissive attitude only fueled his hostility.

"Nonetheless, you have a price on your head..." Kieran responded, his voice filled with an intensity that cut through the bar's silence. "I'm here to collect..."

The room fell into stunned silence, the air thick with anticipation. The patrons exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what they were witnessing. Cedric's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly composed himself, his expression resolute.

"An assassin, eh?" Cedric's voice carried a hint of annoyance. "I'm afraid you've chosen the wrong target..."

Cedric's subordinates, after observing the scene with growing concern, now sprang into action. They positioned themselves around Kieran and drew their weapons, ready to attack at a moment's notice. The tension in the room escalated, the atmosphere crackling with potential violence.

Kieran's eyes darted from one marine to another, his mind calculating the odds and assessing the situation. He knew he was outnumbered and outgunned, but he remained unphased.

"Stand down, everyone," Sensing Kieran's confidence, Cedric commanded, his voice firm but calm. Surprisingly, the Marines didn't hesitate to oblige as they lowered their weapons and stepped back, their trust in Cedric evident in their lack of hesitation.

"I'll handle this myself," Cedric continued, his gaze fixed on Kieran. "But if you're looking for a fight, step outside. I won't risk the lives of my men, and this bar is pretty nice too..."

Kieran nodded. He didn't care for the marine's concern for the safety of the patrons and the need to avoid unnecessary collateral damage, but he preferred to fight in open spaces. Stepping back from the Marines, he made his way to the entrance, the eyes of everyone in the bar following his every move.

As they stepped outside, Kieran and Cedric found themselves in an open area near the bar. The ambient sounds of the bustling street were muted, replaced by an eerie calm that enveloped the space. The dim lighting cast elongated shadows, adding tension to the encounter.

Kieran and Cedric stood several paces apart, their eyes locked in a silent battle of determination. The cool night air whispered through the empty street, carrying a hint of anticipation for the impending clash between two formidable adversaries.

Cedric's marine uniform billowed lightly in the breeze as he tightened his grip around the hilt of his sword. His stance exuded confidence, and his eyes burned with a fiery resolve. He was prepared to protect himself and his men, to stand against whatever threat Kieran posed.

On the other hand, Kieran remained motionless, his expression guarded and unreadable. His body language hinted at a lifetime of combat experience, and the shadows seemed to cling to him, lending an air of mystery to his presence. He flexed his fingers, preparing for the battle ahead.