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The incident in Rainbase had officially come to an end. Crocodile's Baroque Works organization had been completely dismantled. All the Baroque Works Millions and Billions were captured by the Alabasta rebel army and awaited judgment under King Cobra.
Meanwhile, the more dangerous senior agents were taken into custody by Smoker.
For now, it was confirmed that Mr. 3, Miss Goldenweek, Mr. 5, and Miss Valentine's Day had agreed to join the Marines. However, Smoker had yet to begin efforts to recruit Mr. 1, Miss Doublefinger, Mr. 4, and Miss Merry Christmas.
Under normal circumstances, Smoker's strict sense of justice would have meant immediate imprisonment for these former pirates, likely in Impel Down.
But Ikki had presented him with a different perspective: incorporation.
"If you want to climb the ranks of the Marines and strengthen your position, you'll need more than just personal power," Ikki had pointed out. "You need capable and loyal subordinates."
This struck a chord with Smoker. In the original timeline, even two years later, Smoker's only competent ally was Tashigi. While loyal, her strength remained lacking compared to the threats they faced. As for the rest of the G-5 Marines, notorious for their unruly, pirate-like behavior? Ikki's assessment had been blunt: "Ha. They're more trouble than they're worth."
Recruiting capable former Baroque Works agents, however, could provide Smoker with a group of strong and disciplined subordinates. And if the day ever came when Smoker could no longer stay in the Marines, these agents could potentially form the core of a powerful private Marine unit.
The best part? Smoker felt no moral conflict about this plan.
Before learning that their leader, Mr. 0, was actually Crocodile—a Shichibukai and a pirate—most of these senior agents believed Baroque Works was a bounty hunting organization. From their perspective, they were never pirates to begin with.
Marine Headquarters – Fleet Admiral's Office
"What did you say? You captured Crocodile?"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku's face twisted in surprise as he spoke into the Den Den Mushi.
Smoker's voice, cool and composed, came through the receiver. "That's right. Crocodile has been captured."
Sengoku leaned forward, his tone serious. "Did you find any evidence that Crocodile was attempting to overthrow the Alabasta Kingdom?"
The Den Den Mushi, mimicking Smoker's trademark cigars, puffed a small cloud of smoke before replying confidently,
"Relax. We've got everything. We've secured evidence that Crocodile illegally used Dancing Powder, orchestrated conflicts to destabilize Alabasta, and manipulated Baroque Works to incite war. Witnesses and physical evidence—everything's airtight."
Hearing this, Sengoku leaned back in his chair and tapped his desk thoughtfully. A rare smile crossed his face. "Well done, Smoker. I knew I wasn't wrong about you."
Before Sengoku could say more, Garp—sitting nearby and munching on senbei—burst out laughing.
"Bwahahaha! Sengoku, didn't you just say the other day that Smoker was unreliable? And weren't you thinking about sending Tina to keep an eye on him?"
Sengoku froze mid-motion, the corner of his mouth twitching in irritation. "Garp…"
Smoker naturally heard Garp's comment, but what could he do? He could only act as if he hadn't heard it and focus on the matter at hand.
"Ahem…" Sengoku cleared his throat awkwardly before continuing, "Smoker, your next mission is to escort Crocodile back to Marine Headquarters for trial, along with Hina."
Smoker frowned, clearly annoyed. "I can handle it by myself."
"Ahem… Well, Hina is already in Alabasta," Sengoku replied, avoiding eye contact through the Den Den Mushi.
Smoker: …
"Anyway," Sengoku pressed on, "this is a critical operation. You must ensure Crocodile is brought back to Marine Headquarters safely. Dealing with one Shichibukai is just the beginning. There will be a second, a third, and eventually…" He paused, his voice turning steely. "My goal is to abolish the Shichibukai system entirely."
Sengoku's firm resolve came through clearly.
Smoker gave a small nod. "Understood. Don't worry—I'll handle it."
"Good. Oh, wait…" Sengoku, about to hang up the call, suddenly seemed to remember something. "Bring a few of the Straw Hats to Marine Headquarters as well. I'll issue them official letters of appointment as Private Marines."
"Brand new appointments?" Smoker raised an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"
Sengoku explained, "Previously, Garp gave them the title of Private Marines, but that was done informally. He used his Vice Admiral-level seal, but it lacked full authority. I intend to issue them formal letters, directly approved by the Fleet Admiral. This will establish the Private Marine corps as an official system within the Marines."
Smoker blinked in surprise.
The informal certification issued by Garp essentially made the Straw Hats a private army under his personal oversight, meaning their actions were technically done in Garp's name. However, with formal approval from the Fleet Admiral, it would create an entirely new structure within the Marines.
Realizing this, Smoker quickly deduced Sengoku's intentions.
The idea of Private Marines originating from Garp might have seemed laughable at first, but Sengoku clearly recognized the potential benefits of such a system.
Private Marines would not be regular Marines. They could operate with their own sense of justice and would not be constrained by the World Government's bureaucracy.
In recent years, many Marines with true hearts of justice had become disillusioned. Some retired quietly to their hometowns, while others turned to piracy or joined the Revolutionary Army. Their absence had left a void, allowing more corrupt and self-serving individuals to rise within Marine ranks, particularly in the branches stationed in the Four Seas and the New World.
By creating a new system—a place for those disillusioned by the World Government but still loyal to justice—Sengoku could provide these Marines with a new purpose and prevent further losses.
Smoker smirked, recognizing the brilliance of the idea. "Understood. I'll bring the captain and deputy captain of the Straw Hats to Marine Headquarters."
The Fleet Admiral's plan aligned perfectly with Smoker's own ideals.
Meanwhile, in Alabasta…
With the Rainbase incident resolved, the group returned to Alubarna, the capital of Alabasta.
King Cobra's first priority upon arriving was to check on his loyal retainers—Igaram, Pell, and Chaka. Fortunately, while all three were seriously injured, their lives were not in danger.
Vivi, meanwhile, entered the palace's living room alongside the Straw Hats, Ace, Sabo, and Mr. 2.
Smoker, still accompanied by the captured Mr. 1 and the other Baroque Works agents, headed to Alabasta Prison. There, he found Tashigi and the Marines standing guard over Crocodile.
Despite the fact that Crocodile's hands and feet were shackled with Seastone handcuffs, Tashigi's posture was rigid, her gaze sharp. She wasn't taking any chances.