You nod, aware of the challenge ahead. "I understand."Fugaku's eyes lock onto yours, his expression unreadable. "And what makes you think she'll join your crew?" His voice is low, almost a growl, the words resonating in the tense air of the tavern.
You steady yourself, meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve. "Nami is a pragmatist. She'll join us if she sees a potential for profit and security."
Fugaku's eyes flicker with a dangerous glint.Fugaku's eyes flicker with a dangerous glint, his lips curling into a thin, predatory smile. "A pragmatist, you say?" He leans back, his fingers steepling once more as he contemplates your words. "And what do you plan to offer her in exchange for her loyalty?"
You inhale deeply, aware of the importance of your next words. "We'll offer her a share of the treasure and the promise of a secure future."Fugaku's eyes narrow, the glint in them sharpening like a blade. "A share of the treasure, you say? And a secure future, you claim?" He chuckles darkly, the sound echoing in the tavern like a distant storm. "Nami isn't one to be swayed by empty promises. She needs concrete assurances, and she needs them now."
You nod, understanding the gravity of the situation.You take a moment to consider Fugaku's words, the tension in the air thickening like the fog that rolls in at dawn. "I see," you say, your voice steady. "She needs concrete assurances, does she?"
Fugaku's eyes lock onto yours, his gaze piercing through the dim light. "Yes, she does," he confirms, his voice a low growl. "Nami is no fool."You lean forward, your elbows resting on the bar, the wood cool against your skin. "We'll need to show her that we're serious, then," you say, your eyes never leaving Fugaku's. "If she sees that we're willing to put our lives on the line for her, she might just be swayed."
Fugaku's expression remains unreadable, but there's a flicker of interest in his eyes. "A bold move."Fugaku's fingers tap rhythmically on the bar, the sound echoing like a heartbeat in the tense silence. "Bold moves often have consequences," he murmurs, his gaze never wavering from yours. "But if you're determined to play this game, you'll need to be prepared for the fallout."
You nod, the significance of his words sinking in. The stakes are higher than you ever imagined, and the path ahead is fraught with peril.
"Her desire to win back her village" I say "we will promise her that, we can lure part of Arlongs crew and destroy them." "What about colonel Mouse", Fugaku asks, "I have contact with Vice Admiral Crane, she can help us handle the problem with Colonel Mouse of Branch 16".
Fugaku's eyes narrow, the glint in them sharpening like a blade. "Arlong's crew, you say?" His voice is low, almost a growl, the words resonating in the tense air of the tavern. "And Vice Admiral Crane, you claim?"
You nod, your resolve unwavering. "Yes, I have contact with her. She can help us neutralize Colonel Mouse of Branch 16 and dismantle Arlong's operations."Fugaku's eyes flicker with a dangerous glint, his lips curling into a thin, predatory smile. "A bold move indeed," he murmurs, his voice barely audible over the distant hum of the tavern. "Neutralizing Arlong's crew and dismantling Branch 16 operations will send a clear message to Nami. It will show her that you're willing to go to great lengths to secure her future and protect her village."
Fugaku's eyes never leave yours, his gaze piercing through the dim light like a blade. "And what makes you think Vice Admiral Crane will aid you in this endeavor?" His voice is a low growl, the words resonating in the tense air of the tavern like a distant storm.
You inhale deeply, aware of the gravity of your next words. "Vice Admiral Crane is my Grandpa's past lover, she still loves me as her grandchild."
Fugaku's eyes widen slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he masks it with his usual unreadable expression. "Your grandfather's past lover, you say?" His voice is a low, rumbling growl, the words echoing in the dimly lit tavern like a distant thunderstorm. "And will she help you?"
You nod, your resolve unwavering. "Yes, she will."Fugaku's eyes narrow further, his lips curling into a thin, predatory smile. "Interesting," he mutters, the word hanging heavy in the air. "Family ties can be a powerful weapon, especially in a world where allegiances are often forged in blood and fire."
The dim light of the tavern casts shadows across Fugaku's face, accentuating the sharp lines of his features. His gaze remains fixed on you, as if trying to unravel the threads of your strategy. "So, it's a matter of familial loyalty and a promise of a secure future," he says, his voice carrying the weight of his contemplation.
Yes, exactly," you reply, your voice steady. "We'll show Nami that we're not just promising her a share of the treasure, but we're willing to risk everything to ensure her village is safe and prosperous."
Fugaku's eyes gleam with a dangerous intensity as he leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers once more. "Bold words," he muses, his tone measured and calculating. "But do you have the mettle to back them up?". You nod, your jaw set with determination. "We'll be ready."
The tavern's atmosphere grows heavier, the tension palpable as you rise from your seat. The patrons, caught in their own worlds of revelry and despair, seem to fade into the background. The flickering candlelight casts long, ominous shadows that stretch and twist on the walls, mirroring the darkness that lies ahead.
Fugaku follows your lead, his movements fluid and predatory.