Log Town.
Naval Branch Garrison.
"Captain Smoker, you're back?"
"Mm~"
Captain Smoker, who had just finished capturing pirates, responded with a grunt. He then removed his leather gloves and casually tossed them aside.
He lazily flopped onto a large sofa, crossed his legs, and removed the cigar from the corner of his mouth. Flicking off the ash, he stared expressionlessly at his subordinate—Commander Tashigi.
He spoke calmly, "How's the task I assigned you going?"
"Yes, Captain Smoker~" Upon hearing Smoker's inquiry about the work, Tashigi quickly stood at attention.
"The navy has been stationed at the docks and port, and we've placed restrictions on the shops selling illegal goods in the port area, ordering them to rectify their practices. We've also forbidden bounty hunters and pirates from entering these shops. However..."
At this point, Tashigi's face seemed to show hesitation, but after adjusting her somewhat awkward glasses, she sighed and continued, speaking with a tone of helplessness.
"Many of the shop owners are very unhappy about this. They believe it's severely affecting their business, especially the owner of the weapon shop—Ipponmatsu. He says that Captain Sean never took such action, and they plan to file a complaint against you!"
However.
"Sean? Hmph~" Smoker snorted coldly. He then took another puff of his cigar, irritated. "Don't worry about them."
"Yes!" Upon hearing Smoker's indifferent words, Tashigi could only sigh helplessly in her heart.
She knew Smoker didn't care about any complaints.
It made sense, though. After all, it was because of insubordination that he was demoted, so why would he care about such threats?
As for Captain Sean—well, now it should be Rear Admiral Sean, since the matter with Captain Chacher—Smoker suspected that Sean had known about it long ago and that the two might even have been involved in some cooperation. He was also somewhat dissatisfied with him.
At this moment, Tashigi seemed to remember something. After hesitating for a moment, she said, "Additionally, we've investigated and found that the weapon shop seems to export large quantities of weapons periodically, sending them overseas. We suspect there's a connection with a large pirate group outside the island. The investigation is ongoing."
"A large pirate group outside the island..." Upon hearing Tashigi's words, Smoker's brow furrowed instantly.
After a moment of deep thought, he said, "Conduct a covert investigation. If there's really a connection with the pirates, let me know immediately."
As he spoke, it seemed like he remembered something, and he lifted his head to look at Tashigi.
"Did you apply for military funding from the Navy Headquarters? Was it approved?"
"Eh..." Tashigi, facing Smoker's inquiry, showed a hint of hesitation on her face. After a moment's pause, she quietly said, "It was rejected."
"The military funding was rejected? That quickly?"
"The application was rejected."
"..."
"The Navy Headquarters said that our application didn't meet the requirements, and they also mentioned that the Navy Headquarters has its own judgment when allocating funds to branches."
Seeing Smoker's face darkening again, Tashigi continued in a low, helpless voice, "The funding for this year had already been allocated to us before we came to the East Blue. They told us not to make unreasonable demands and that we should focus on guarding the entrance to the Grand Line."
"Those bastards... The 16th branch of the Navy applies so many times, and we can't apply even once?"
"Well... After all, we did change our equipment before leaving the Headquarters. The Navy Headquarters probably didn't expect that Captain Sean's departure would result in the entire branch being emptied."
Seeing her superior's expression darkening even further, Tashigi hesitated for a moment, then said, "How about we do what Captain Chacher did..."
"Shut up, I'm a Navy officer!" Smoker, seemingly having guessed what Tashigi was about to suggest, cut her off with a cold expression. "I won't collaborate with pirates, no matter what."
"No, Captain Smoker, what I mean is... we could just casually mention a pirate, and ask for military funding out of urgency."
"Ridiculous, a pirate from the weakest sea, do you think I can't catch him like that idiot Dande Chacher? Are you asking me to slap my own face?" Smoker waved his hand impatiently, then said with a scowl, "Getting involved with that guy can only bring trouble!"
Sean and Chacher definitely have some connection.
I thought once I sent Vice Admiral Garp to the Goa Kingdom, I'd be rid of that bastard, but who would've thought, arriving in Loguetown and running into something like this?
They emptied out the entire armory?!
Flicking the ash from his cigarette, he said expressionlessly, "Forget it, for now, let's leave it at that! Have everyone keep an eye out and reapply after a while. As for that guy... once I find out what kind of bad deeds he's been up to..." His eyes narrowed slightly, "Don't blame me for being rude."
His words fell.
"....."
Before Tashigi, who had a face full of regret, could say anything, suddenly...
"Blurrp, blurrp, blurrp."
A ringing sound from a den den mushi echoed.
Smoker frowned again, pulling his den den mushi out of his chest. He said coldly, "This is the Marine base in Loguetown."
As soon as his words fell...
"This is Marine Headquarters. Captain Smoker." The den den mushi, now with a changed appearance, spoke in a serious tone, "Marine Headquarters is issuing an important mission. Smoker, you are required to carry it out immediately."
"Please, go ahead."
"The Navy Headquarters received intelligence from the East Blue. A group of pirates is currently gathering pirates from nearby seas. According to the information, this group of pirates is planning to attack Navy Base 16 and announce that they will massacre the entire base. Please, Captain Smoker, immediately head there to provide support, stop the pirates' ambitions, and uphold the Navy's dignity."
"Navy Base 16?" Upon hearing the telephone bug's words, Smoker was momentarily stunned. Then, a faint smirk appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Of course—
Although he was highly displeased with the Navy's allowance of pirates under their care, as a Navy officer himself, he wouldn't just stand by and watch as a Navy base was massacred by pirates.
It was basically a slap in the face to the entire Navy Headquarters.
But why would that guy be suddenly targeted by pirates?
Could it be that the Navy's protection of pirates and their attempts to capture other pirates had been discovered by pirates from the East Blue?
"Understood." Smoker pondered for a moment before continuing with a serious expression. "I will head to Navy Base 16 as quickly as possible. Has the pirate group that is targeting Base 16 been identified?"
"It has been identified." The telephone bug, not hiding anything in response to Smoker's inquiry, spoke with a grave tone.
"The new tyrant of the East Blue—The Mok Pirate Crew! If possible, please arrest these ruthless pirates as quickly as you can!"
However…
As soon as the words were spoken…
Smoker: ????
He blinked in confusion, then lowered his head, still in a daze, staring at the telephone bug in his hand with a serious expression.
What's going on?
The Mok Pirates are massacring the Navy's 16th Division?
What is that guy trying to do?
…
Meanwhile.
With the dispatch of the Mok Pirates' notice, countless pirate crews in the East Blue received the invitation from this new East Blue overlord, all shocked by the ambition of this new ruler.
It seemed like a pirate's carnival was overshadowing the entire East Blue.
**********
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