Chapter 110: An Unexpected Turn
TL: Etude
Gaden recalled a scene from two months ago
After the fall of the two largest gangs, Shark and Quik, in the Northwest Bay, the ranking of pirate forces naturally needed adjustment. In these chaotic times, Mudfish Gaden made a crucial decision: to watch and wait.
He gathered the leaders of his gang at a temporary stronghold to announce this decision.
From now on, everyone needs to keep a low profile. Once things settle down, we can resume our activities as before.
One of the leaders asked, But boss, now that Shark and Quik are gone, if we seize this opportunity, we might become the biggest pirate force in Northwest Bay. With our strength, isnt hiding now just giving up our position to others?
There was a hint of dissatisfaction in the leaders tone, as if questioning Gadens leadership.
However, Gaden scoffed at his words: The tallest tree catches the most wind. Right now, Lord Alda Paul Grayman is in high spirits. Fighting for such a superficial ranking is like volunteering to be his target.
He stared at the subordinate and said, If you really want to compete, you can go it alone, but dont drag the brothers into a death sentence.
The subordinate shrank back, clearly intimidated by Gadens words.
He quickly explained, Boss Gaden, I was just making a suggestion. Heh, I know my limits, and youll always be my leader.
Gaden snorted, figuring this subordinate wouldnt dare to harbor any ulterior motives.
Dismissed! I need to think carefully about our future strategy.
Gaden waved his hand, signaling his men to leave.
The room quieted down as everyone left, except for the one who had questioned his decision.
Gaden narrowed his eyes, Why are you still here?
This was unusual; the subordinate was typically quiet and obedient, never questioning orders. Yet today, he dared to have an opinion on Gadens decision.
Without answering, the subordinate twisted his neck with a crackling sound and straightened up in his seat, shedding his previously timid demeanor.
Gaden felt insulted and began to get annoyed, deciding to teach this presumptuous subordinate a lesson.
But the next moment, he felt a chill as if he were in an ice cellar, involuntarily shivering. It was just the beginning of the cool season, and it shouldnt be this cold.
Looking at the subordinate again, a strange smile appeared on his face as he stared directly at the pirate leader.
Gaden sensed a dangerous aura, like being targeted by a venomous snake.
He quietly reached behind his back, touching the poisoned dagger tied to his waist, feeling slightly reassured.
In those few seconds, Gadens mind raced with terrifying thoughts:
Was this man planning a mutiny? Had his loyal guards outside already been eliminated?
Considering the mans confidence, had he made thorough preparations? Despite his usual caution, Gaden feared he was about to be caught off guard.
How had the man prepared without any signs or indications?
If he signals, a bunch of traitors will surely storm in and kill me! Gaden thought.
While Gaden was thinking this, he partially drew his dagger, confident that at such close range, he could accurately throw it at the man. With the potent poison on the blade, just a scratch would be enough for this traitor to slowly die in agony.
Hmph! If you want my life, then prepare to exchange it with your own, Gaden growled. Swordfish, answer my question! I dont want to ask again!
Swordfish, the nickname of the man in question, still did not respond. Just as Gaden, now furious and about to call out to his possibly dead or alive loyal men outside, the man made a move.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Swordfish started clapping his hands.
Gaden interpreted this as a signal to the conspiring rebels, gripping the dagger behind his back tightly, his muscles tensed, ready for someone to burst in.
A fight to the death, then!
One second, two seconds, three seconds
No one came in, nothing happened.
A flicker of confusion crossed Gadens face, but it was quickly caught by Swordfish.
Ha ha ha ha ha!
Swordfish burst into laughter. Gaden, who had been focused on him the whole time, finally noticed something unusual: the laughter did not belong to Swordfish.
It seemed like he was being mocked. Gaden felt humiliated and his fear grew, although the anticipated worst-case scenario hadnt happened. The eerie situation was a hundred times worse than facing a group of traitors.
Who was this Swordfish in front of him?
How had he disguised himself as Swordfish?
Where was the real Swordfish now?
What confidence did this man have to act so boldly without any visible weapons?
Gaden forced himself to calm down and asked in a deep voice, Who are you, really?
Swordfish, still seated, looked momentarily stunned, then responded with a smile, Oh, have you figured it out?
Hmph! Swordfish would never be so bold in front of me. And what gave you away was your laugh just now. Im very familiar with Swordfishs voice, Gaden revealed how he saw through the disguise.
After clapping a second time, Swordfish said, Ah, a careless moment, my voice betrayed me. I wanted to keep you confused a bit longer, but no more jokes, I guess.
Should I say as expected of Mudfish? Your strategy of not being the tallest tree just now is indeed worthy of the nickname.
Gaden demanded, Who are you? Whats your purpose here? Wheres the real Swordfish?
Swordfish, locking eyes with Gaden, a hint of sharpness in his gaze, calmly raised three fingers, Thats three questions. Lets make a deal. For each question I answer, you agree to one?
Go to hell with your deal!
Before Swordfish could finish, Gaden hurled the dagger at his face with lightning speed.
As soon as the dagger left his hand, Gaden felt incredulous: when had he become so impulsive to act without fully understanding the situation?
The sensation was peculiar; as soon as the thought of killing Swordfish appeared in his mind, his body acted on it, not even giving his brain a chance to consider.
Well, dead is dead, right? He didnt want to get entangled in messy affairs.
Gaden was confident in his poisoned dagger and his throwing accuracy, but then the unexpected happened:
The dagger hit its mark, right between the eyes of the man, and then
With a clatter, it fell to the floor.
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