Fugaku's gaze softens slightly, and he leans back, letting the weight of his words settle. "A map, you say? The kind that could change everything." He taps his fingers rhythmically on the wooden bar, the sound echoing in the dimly lit tavern. "Tell me more about this map, and the client who so desperately wants it."
You take a moment to compose yourself, aware of the gravity of the situation.You inhale deeply, steeling yourself for the task ahead. "The map is said to lead to a hidden treasure, one that could grant immense power and wealth. It's rumored to be buried deep within a cursed island, guarded by powerful entities and treacherous terrain."
Fugaku's eyes narrow, his fingers still tapping rhythmically on the bar. "A cursed island, you say? And powerful entities, you claim? That's quite the tale." His voice carries a note of skepticism, but there's a flicker of genuine interest in his gaze.
You nod, your resolve unwavering. "Yes, it's a dangerous place, but the reward is worth the risk."
Fugaku's gaze sharpens, his lips curling into a barely perceptible smirk. "Dangerous places are where the real opportunities lie, aren't they?" He leans forward again, his eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that sends a shiver down your spine.
"And what makes you so certain this map exists and leads to this treasure?" he asks, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity.
You take a deep breath, steadying your nerves.
"The map is in the possession of a notorious gang leader with a 10 million beli bounty," you explain, your voice steady. "His name is Captain Blackbeak, and he's known for his ruthlessness and cunning. He's been using the map to lure in unsuspecting adventurers and then double-crossing them."
Fugaku's eyes narrow further, his expression unreadable. "And you expect me to believe that you're the first to take him on?"
"Normally no, but this time Captain Reda has been entrusted to carry the map to Arlong in Cocayasi village, it at the moment is on the ship Sea Serpent. With just minimal guards."
Fugaku's eyes flicker with a mixture of intrigue and disdain. "A minimal guard, you say?" He leans back, steepling his fingers once more. "That's quite the gamble, especially considering the stakes." The tavern's dim lighting casts elongated shadows across his face, making his eyes appear like two dark stars.
He pauses, his gaze shifting to the flickering candlelight, the flame dancing like a trapped spirit.
"You expect me to believe that Captain Reda, a man known for his cunning and strength, would entrust such a valuable map to minimal guards?" Fugaku's voice carries a note of incredulity, but there's a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. "And what makes you so certain that this map will be on the Sea Serpent when you arrive at Cocoyasi Village?"
You steady your nerves, aware of the gravity of the situation.You inhale deeply, meeting Fugaku's piercing gaze. "Captain Reda has a reputation for being unpredictable, and the map is his insurance policy. He's playing a high-stakes game, and he knows it."
Fugaku's lips curl into a half-smile, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "And what do you plan to do when you get to Cocoyasi Village?"
We improvise according to the situation" Fugaku frowns slightly, "For retrieving the map, I plan on recruiting the little Theif cat nami on Cocayasi village."
Fugaku's eyes narrow slightly, his amusement fading. "Nami, you say?" He leans forward, his fingers tapping once more on the bar. "She's a cunning one, that Nami. Her loyalty is only as strong as her bankroll." He chuckles darkly, the sound echoing in the dimly lit tavern. "Recruiting her won't be easy, especially if she smells a rat."