94 The Higher-ups of The Higher-ups #94

The sun began to set on the horizon, casting an orange glow across the open sea. The air was thick with the scent of gunpowder and the lingering echoes of violence. On the pirate ship, the deck was littered with the lifeless bodies of fallen pirates, their eyes staring vacantly into the abyss.

Amidst the grim scene, a solitary figure stood tall, surrounded by the corpses of the men. He was a man of imposing stature, his lean frame towering over the fallen pirates. His slouched shoulders and weary posture reflected the weight of countless battles and the burden of a troubled soul. His black hair hung in disarray, framing a face marked by exhaustion, dark circles etching shadows beneath his eyes.

The man took slow, deliberate steps towards the last surviving pirate, who trembled in fear, his face twisted with desperation. The pirate's voice quivered as he begged for mercy, his words punctuated by tears streaming down his dirt-streaked cheeks.

"P-Please! Spare me! I'll do anything, anything you want!" the pirate pleaded, his voice laced with a mix of terror and desperation. "I have a family... a wife and children... they need me! I don't want to die!"

The man paused, his wearied gaze fixing upon the trembling pirate. A flicker of curiosity appeared on his blank face as he contemplated the pirate's plea. At that moment, a thought intruded upon his weary mind, a question that nagged at the depths of his being for the longest time.

"Why would he beg for his life?" the man murmured softly, his voice monotone and barely audible amidst the fading sounds of battle. "Life... such a fleeting and pointless existence. Is it truly worth clinging to?"

The man's gaze lingered on the pirate, his thoughts drifting into a sea of contemplation. He had always pondered the futility of existence, the transient nature of happiness, and the inevitable march toward death that awaited all.

As the pirate's pleas grew more desperate, the man's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing with resolve. A sense of detached indifference settled upon him, a numbness that shielded his emotions from the world.

"Life is but a fleeting illusion," the man murmured, his voice hollow and distant. "In this world of chaos and pain, what purpose does it serve to hold onto it?" He asked, genuinely hoping for an answer.

The last surviving pirate recoiled in fear, his eyes widening with the realization that his pleas had fallen upon deaf ears. He could see the detachment in the man's eyes, a chilling indifference that sent shivers down his spine.

"I suppose you don't have the answer..." the man said, and with a sudden surge of determination, he stepped forward, his movements swift and deliberate. The pirate's cries turned into a futile struggle as the man's hand closed around his throat, cutting off his desperate pleas for mercy.

The man's grip tightened, his face a mask of detached resolution. As the pirate's struggles weakened, the man's thoughts drifted once more, contemplating the fleeting nature of life and the insignificance of their existence in the grand scheme of things.

And at that moment, amidst the stillness of the sea and the fading light of day, the man released his grip, allowing the pirate's lifeless body to crumple to the blood-stained deck.

As he turned to leave, a strange cry cut through the heavy silence. The man's ears perked up, his attention drawn to the peculiar sound. He scanned the surroundings, searching for the source of the cry. And then, from the mast above, a bird descended gracefully, its wings slicing through the air until it landed with a soft flutter beside the man.

The man seemed familiar with the bird, its feathers a vibrant mix of black and gray. It tilted its head, fixing its beady eyes upon him. The bird held something in its beak—a small piece of paper. Intrigued, the man extended his hand, and the bird gently dropped the sheet onto his palm.

He unfolded the paper, revealing a message written in elegant handwriting. His eyes scanned the words, and he discovered a set of instructions accompanied by a picture of a blonde marine officer with piercing blue eyes.

"Commander Cedric Strode of the Marine Corps, huh...?" the man said as he inspected the officer's appearance. "Will you have an answer for me, I wonder..." He added as he calmly folded the picture and the message, tucking them into his pocket.

...

Vice Admiral Strawberry sat behind his desk in his office at Sabaody's marine base. The room was adorned with various marine emblems, maps, and commendations, reflecting the authority and responsibility he carried.

Still bearing the remnants of his recent encounter at the human auction house, Cedric stood before the vice admiral, recounting the events with a composed but earnest demeanor.

Cedric spoke with clarity, relaying the details of the raid, the dismantling of the slave trade operation, and the capture of the notorious human trafficker. His voice carried calmness and satisfaction as he outlined the details of the process.

Vice Admiral Strawberry listened intently, his stern expression gradually giving way to a mixture of admiration and concern. As Cedric concluded his report, the room fell into a brief silence, the weight of the recent events hanging in the air.

"Well done, young marine," Vice Admiral Strawberry finally spoke, his voice resonating with a grim but approving tone. "Your actions have significantly worked in curbing the criminal activities on Sabaody. We have already captured most of the kidnap gangs, and the rest were smart enough to flee the archipelago..."

Cedric nodded but said nothing as he sensed the vice admiral had more to say.

The vice admiral leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, his gaze fixed upon Cedric. "However," he began, his tone carrying a note of caution, "you must understand that your actions have consequences. The human auction house was a significant operation. You already know the man behind it, don't you...?"

Cedric's expression hardened as he spoke, but his voice remained calm. "Vice Admiral, I was aware of Doflamingo's involvement in the human auctioning house and the slavery ring... I only did what I wanted to do, and I don't expect you to keep covering for me..."

Vice Admiral Strawberry's gaze softened as he regarded Cedric, his voice filled with concern. "Your confidence is admirable, and I understand your motivations. However, as a vice admiral, it is my duty to protect my soldiers and ensure the safety of our forces."

He paused, his eyes locked with Cedric's, before continuing. "I won't deny the impact you've made, and I won't disregard the lives you've saved. But to be mindful of the consequences that may follow is of the utmost importance..."

"I'm with you on this one, but Doflamingo is not a man you should take lightly. He holds significant power and influence..." The vice admiral continued, shaking his head with a sigh.

Cedric's gaze remained calm and steady. "I am prepared to face the consequences, Vice Admiral. I understand the risks involved and accept responsibility for my actions..." He stubbornly added.

Vice Admiral Strawberry nodded, a mixture of pride and concern evident in his eyes. "Very well, young man. Your determination is admirable, and I respect your commitment. Just remember to stay vigilant and cautious..."

"Doflamingo is cunning and dangerous. I will support and protect you to the best of my ability. I'm sure even the higher-ups will share my sentiments, but even our higher-ups have higher-ups..." Vice Admiral Strawberry concluded.

Cedric nodded in acknowledgment of Vice Admiral Strawberry's words. He understood the gravity of the situation and the potential backlash he might face for his actions, but he did what he wanted to do nonetheless.

"Thank you, Vice Admiral Strawberry," Cedric said with a grateful nod. "I appreciate your guidance. I will remain vigilant and cautious in dealing with Doflamingo."

The vice admiral's gaze softened, a hint of smile shining through. "Remember, young man, the Marines are a force that upholds justice and protects the innocent. But we must also be mindful of the balance and order within the world. As far as paths go, ours is difficult to tread, but I believe in your abilities and judgment."

Cedric nodded once again, holding back a sigh. "I will keep that in mind, sir... if that is all, may I take my leave...?"

Vice Admiral Strawberry nodded, granting Cedric permission to leave. "Of course, Commander Strode. Take some time to rest and recuperate. You've earned it."

As Cedric turned to leave the office, his thoughts swirled with a mix of satisfaction and uncertainty. He couldn't help but reflect on the journey that led him to this point.

Throughout his time in the Marines, Cedric encountered remarkable individuals who left a lasting impact on him. Zephyr, his teacher, had instilled in him a sense of duty and a great love for his favorite drink, Jerez.

Vice Admiral Garp, a legendary figure, had shown him the true meaning of true power. The Giant Squad, Val, and the others, with their unwavering carefree spirit and unshakable commitment to the teachings of Elbaf, had taught him the value of strength and honor.

Cedric had grown fond of Ains and Isuka, despite their tendency to nag at him at every chance they received.

Cedric cherished these connections, these friendships he forged amidst the chaos and danger of the Grand Line. They were the silver linings in a world that seemed dark and cruel more often than not. They reminded him of the inherent goodness that existed in people, even in the midst of their flaws and imperfections.

Yet, as he made his way through the bustling halls of the marine base, Cedric couldn't shake off the realization that his journey with the Marines was drawing to a close. Despite the satisfaction, he found in his work.

He yearned for something more that would allow him to explore the world on his own terms, free from the constraints of the Marines' rigid structure and away from the celestial dragons.

He understood the necessity of the Marines and their role in maintaining order and justice. But he also craved the freedom to chart his own course, to make his own decisions without the weight of regulations and hierarchy pressing down upon him.

Cedric paused for a moment, leaning against a windowsill overlooking the ocean. The cool sea breeze brushed against his face, carrying a sense of liberation and possibility. He closed his eyes, allowing the serenity of the moment to wash over him.

Joining the Marines had not been a horrible decision. In fact, it had brought him face-to-face with incredible experiences and remarkable individuals. It had shaped him into the person he had become, honing his skills and strengthening his resolve, though softening him in the process.

But now, as he stood at the crossroads of his journey, Cedric knew that he had to follow his own path, even if it meant leaving behind the familiar comforts and the camaraderie of his Marine comrades.

That said, he wasn't in a hurry to leave just yet.