Unconventional Methods #83

As Puzzle struggled to regain his composure, a young marine soldier who had recently transferred to Cedric's command approached his superior with a mix of disbelief and uncertainty etched on his face. The soldier had joined Cedric's unit merely two days ago and was still unfamiliar with the officer's unconventional methods and decisions.

"Commander Strode," the marine soldier spoke tentatively, his voice filled with hesitation. "I apologize for intruding, but I can't help but question your decision not to capture Puzzle and his crew. Isn't it our duty as marines to apprehend pirates and bring them to justice?"

Cedric turned his attention to the marine soldier, his piercing blue eyes studying the young recruit intently. The commander's demeanor remained calm and collected, his voice carrying an air of authority as he addressed the soldier's concerns.

"I understand your confusion, soldier," Cedric replied, his voice measured and composed. "But let me assure you that my actions are not without reason... sometimes our work isn't as clear as it may seem at first..." He added, trailing at the end of his sentence.

The marine soldier furrowed his brow, still struggling to comprehend Cedric's line of thinking. "But Commander, if they're pirates, isn't it our duty to bring them to justice regardless of their intentions..." He asked, sounding confused.

Cedric's sighed and gestured for the marine soldier to step closer. "I've been with the Marines for over a year, and I used to be a common thug before that... not everything is black and white. There are shades of gray that we must consider..." He added, smiling at the marine soldier's confounded expression.

"Not all pirates are bloodthirsty devils out to drink civilian blood... the same way that not all marines are angels whose sole purpose is to uphold justice..." Cedric explained. "Well, there's no use telling you all this now... you'll see for yourself with time..." He added, smiling as he watched an older marine soldier approach him.

"Come on, young man... stop making a nuisance of yourself and let the commander do his job..." The older marine soldier said, patting the young one's shoulder and dragging him away.

As the soldier returned to his post, the remaining marine soldiers waited for the exchange with curiosity. The atmosphere among them was a mixture of interest and amusement without a hint of doubt, despite their short association with Cedric.

Puzzle, who had been silently observing the conversation, felt a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos of the battle. Cedric's unexpected decision to spare them and his subsequent explanation intrigued him.

Aware of Puzzle's gaze upon him, Cedric approached the restrained pirate with a leisurely expression. "Pirate captain Puzzle the Phoenix... with a bounty of one hundred million..." The young marine began, his voice laced with curiosity.

"How you could amass such a high bounty without robbing civilian ships and raiding coast towns is honestly impressive...."The commander said as he stood before Puzzle, looking him straight in the eye.

Puzzle blankly met Cedric's gaze, his eyes flickering with amusement and defiance. Despite being restrained and outnumbered, his spirit remained unyielding.

"Well..." Puzzle replied with a wry smile. "It seems I have a knack for making enemies in high places. You'd be surprised at the power of rumors and fabricated tales. But rest assured. I've never harmed innocent civilians..." He added, firmly shaking his head.

"I see... well, I suppose it doesn't really matter..." Cedric said with a nod, seemingly disinterested. "In any case... I have an offer for you and your crew..." He added, trailing at the end of his sentence as he studied the pirate captain's expression.

Puzzle arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. He had expected the marine officer to demand their surrender or propose an exchange for their freedom. But this was something entirely different.

"What kind of offer?" Puzzle asked cautiously, his voice laced with skepticism.

Cedric's eyes met Puzzle's, his expression relaxed. "I want you to help me take down a slaver organization. In exchange, I will grant you and your crew their freedom..." He calmly explained.

Puzzle's mind raced as he considered Cedric's proposition. He had encountered slavers in his travels, witnessing the atrocities such people committed. The thought of exacting retribution upon them was enticing in exchange for his freedom was enticing, but the offer came with doubts and uncertainties.

"And what assurance do we have that you'll keep your word?" The pirate captain inquired, his voice laced with suspicion and cautious hope as he looked at his restrained shipmates.

Cedric's lips curled into a faint smile. "My word is my bond, and that's all the assurance you'll need and get, for that matter...." He said in a matter-of-fact tone that brokered no arguments.

Puzzle's eyes narrowed, his mind whirling with possibilities. He weighed the risks and rewards, contemplating the potential consequences of accepting Cedric's offer.

"Very well, Commander Cedric Strode of the Marines..." Puzzle said, relenting as he had little choice in the matter. "I accept your offer. But double-cross me, and I will find a way to get you back..." He added with a scowl.

"I've got a feeling you and I will get along just fine..." Cedric said as he chuckled and extended his hand again. Puzzle clasped it firmly, sealing their pact with a resolved nod.

...

Sometime later

Sabaody Archipelago, Grove-1

The human auctioning house

A day passed since the unexpected alliance between Cedric and Puzzle formed. Puzzle and his crew found themselves in the heart of Groove-1, a notorious hub for criminal activities, hidden behind a charade of pleasantness and peace. A marine soldier disguised as a civilian escorted Puzzle and his crew there.

Inside the dimly lit establishment, the air was heavy with tension and despair. Shackled individuals, their spirits broken, stood on display, awaiting their fates. Puzzle frowned as he witnessed the dehumanizing sight before him.

Cedric had already tended to Puzzle's wounds from their previous encounter, recognizing that the pirate captain's strength and cooperation were vital to their mission. Still, as Puzzle surveyed the surroundings, he could feel the phantom pain of his injuries, a testament to the marine commander's power.

Puzzle and his crew remained hidden in the shadows of the auction house amongst the wealthy attendees, observing them with careful eyes. The room was teeming with extravagance as nobles and merchants eagerly awaited the start of the human auction.

Puzzle knew that creating a diversion was crucial to his plan. He needed to buy time and create chaos to execute his mission.

As the auctioneer brought the first slave to the stage, Puzzle saw an opportunity. He whispered instructions to his crew, who silently dispersed into the crowd, blending in with the wealthy attendees.

Taking a deep breath, Puzzle stepped forward, his confident stride catching the attention of those around him. Heads turned, curiosity mixed with suspicion in their eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed buyers and sellers," Puzzle's voice boomed, cutting through the murmurs in the room. "I have an offer that may interest you..." He declared, trailing off at the end of his sentence.

The attendees exchanged wary glances, their guard up against any potential threats. Puzzle continued, his tone calculated and persuasive.

"I am Puzzle the Phoenix, renowned pirate captain," he introduced himself as he scanned the crowd. "Tonight, I have set my sights on a target within this hall. A wealthy individual with incredible fortune by the name of Tam..."

Whispers spread through the room as the attendees grew increasingly alert, suspecting that they might be the target of Puzzle's intentions. Puzzle smiled inwardly, knowing that their uncertainty would work in his favor.

"I intend to capture this man and demand a substantial ransom," Puzzle announced, his voice laced with a dangerous charm. "But I don't see him anywhere. I require your cooperation!."

The room buzzed with a mixture of apprehension and self-interest. The wealthy attendees realized that aiding Puzzle could divert attention away from themselves, potentially saving them from being targeted.

"I am prepared to share the spoils of this endeavor with those who assist me," Puzzle added, his eyes locking with a hesitant merchant in the front row. "Consider it an opportunity to safeguard your own interests while getting rich."

The merchant, swayed by the promise of personal gain, exchanged a quick glance with his peers. Soon, a murmur of reluctant collaboration rippled through the crowd.

Puzzle's crew, strategically positioned, seized the moment. They initiated disturbances and minor altercations, further fueling the chaos in the auction house. The guards, overwhelmed by the sudden commotion, could not regain control.

The pirates quickly overwhelmed the auction's guards, much to the shock of the nobles, especially the one named Tam, as his fellows began searching for him, intent on handing him over to the pirates and saving their hides.

However, the auction's house suddenly burst open, flying off its hinges and revealing Cedric's figure, followed by dozens of marine soldiers, all armed to the teeth.

"Pirate scum! How dare you attack these esteemed, honorable nobles and rick folks!" Cedric exclaimed, brandishing his spear and pursing his lips as he barely resisted the urge to laugh.