Although the headquarters had dispatched Admiral Kuzan and Akainu, with Kaido appearing on Whole Cake Island and the Red-Haired Pirates' whereabouts unknown, Gion didn't dare to delay.
She immediately left her office and led her 'Momousagi' Unit straight to the port.
"Fufufufu, it seems something big is about to happen. Even Gion has been mobilized."
At the Marine base training ground in Loguetown, Doflamingo, sitting on the parallel bars, watched Gion and her team hurried downstairs shortly after arriving.
He grinned wickedly and said. "Why is Fleet Admiral Orion making such a fuss over the East Blue? From what I know, there aren't any powerful pirates here—just a bunch of small fry!"
Crocodile narrowed his eyes and said calmly.
"Admiral Gion is Orion most trusted confidant. If she's been sent out at this time, it's either because something's wrong at headquarters or something's happening in the New World."
"Huh?" Doflamingo pupils contracted, and his expression turned serious.
"Could it be—"
Crocodile glanced at Doflamingo, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"The members of the Donquixote Family aren't significant enough for Fleet Admiral Orion to send Gion back. Don't forget, headquarters currently has Vice Admiral Tsuru, Garp, and the God's Knights holding the fort. What kind of waves could your family possibly make?"
As he finished speaking, Crocodile habitually reached for a cigar but found nothing.
He glanced awkwardly at Mihawk, who stood nearby with his legendary sword, exuding an air of unparalleled coolness.
It wasn't that he idolized Mihawk, but among the few who had followed Orion, Mihawk was the wealthiest.
As if sensing Crocodile gaze, Mihawk turned his head and gave Crocodile a meaningful look before rising and striding toward the office building.
"Doflamingo, if war breaks out, I'm curious to see what choice you'll make!"
Before Doflamingo could respond, Moria, who had been standing quietly with his eyes downcast, suddenly grinned.
"Heh heh heh, as long as it's a fight against Kaido, I'll follow Orion without hesitation."
Without another word, Moria turned and followed Mihawk into the office building.
Seeing this, Crocodile didn't hesitate either.
He left Doflamingo behind and quickly followed suit.
At that moment, Smoker, accompanied by his subordinates, hurriedly entered the base.
Under Doflamingo watchful gaze, Smoker strode toward the office building, stepping ahead of Crocodile.
Catching the familiar scent of cigars in the air, Crocodile eyes lit up. Without a second thought, he called out.
"Smoker?"
"Huh?"
Smoker, who had just entered the office building, paused and turned to look at Crocodile.
"What is it?"
Without a word, Crocodile walked up to Smoker.
Then, as Smoker pupils dilated in surprise, Crocodile casually reached into the pocket on Smoker chest, pulled out a cigar box, and took one, placing it in his mouth.
Mumbling around the cigar, he said. "Got a light?"
???????
Smoker was filled with confusion, the two cigars in his mouth nearly falling out.
However, he quickly regained his composure, pulled out a lighter from his bag, and tossed it to Crocodile.
Then, without hesitation, he turned and walked away, muttering.
"Since when did the Warlords become so broke?"
Crocodile pretended not to hear, taking a deep drag from his cigar and closing his eyes in satisfaction.
Pure bliss!
Ever since he entered Marine Headquarters, he had lost the freedom to enjoy cigars.
The agony of it was something only a fellow smoker like Smoker could understand.
After indulging in a few more puffs, Crocodile glanced back at Doflamingo, who was still lingering on the training ground.
He straightened his coat and quickly caught up with Smoker, heading toward the office.
Soon, Mihawk, Moria, Smoker, and Crocodile all arrived at the office where Orion was stationed.
Smoker ignored the three Warlords who casually made themselves comfortable on the sofa as soon as they entered.
Instead, he strode over to Orion, handed him a report, and saluted, somewhat awkwardly saying.
"Fleet Admiral Orion, Smoker reporting for duty!"
Orion skimmed through the report, his brow furrowing slightly.
"You only took out one pirate crew? Captain Smoker, are you slacking off? Or are you dissatisfied with my pirate extermination order?"
"Neither" Smoker replied, standing unusually straight and speaking loudly with the cigar still in his mouth.
"I request a transfer from my current post. Anywhere but the Four Seas—Paradise or the New World will do."
Hearing this, Orion nodded. "Ah, I see. You feel like staying in the East Blue is a waste of your talents."
Before Smoker could respond, Orion shifted the topic.
"During the Marine Headquarters coup, you made a very wise choice. For that alone, I should indeed show you some consideration."
"So, your request is approved!"
Smoker was taken aback by how quickly Orion agreed.
He blinked in disbelief and asked.
"Really?"
His decision to make this request to Orion wasn't out of dissatisfaction with the Fleet Admiral, who had risen to power through a coup.
Rather, it was because Orion had personally gone to the East Blue and issued a series of orders, which had earned Smoker genuine respect for the young Fleet Admiral.
It was precisely because of this respect that he didn't want to waste his time in the East Blue.
After this pirate extermination order, the East Blue would likely enjoy a long period of relative peace. In such circumstances, staying here would be meaningless.
Most importantly, Orion stance on pirates was clear, and there would undoubtedly be larger actions to come.
Smoker needed to seize this opportunity to make a greater contribution to the Marines' justice.
"I never joke" Orion said with a nod.
"You'll depart immediately for the G-5 base in the New World, where you'll take command as the base commander."
"The G-5 base?" Smoker eyes narrowed slightly.
"The current commander there is Vice Admiral Vergo… What did he do wrong?"
Orion smiled faintly, his tone calm.
"He's the spy of the Donquixote family. Although Doflamingo is by my side now and can't cause much trouble, at this critical moment, I'd prefer someone I trust to take charge of G-5."
Hearing this, Smoker was once again stunned.
"Trustworthy? You... trust me? Over the years at headquarters, I haven't had much contact with you. I'm not one of your confidants, and during the coup, even Commander Kong spoke with me."
Orion took a box of cigars from his drawer, stood up, walked around his desk, and personally placed it in the pocket on Smoker chest, giving it a gentle pat.
His warm smile remained. "I trust your sense of justice!"
"Not only am I transferring you to G5 as its base commander, but I'm also promoting you to Rear Admiral headquarters."
Smoker glanced down at the cigars Orion had given him, stammering.
"Fleet Admiral Orion, I..."
It wasn't because Smoker was mumbling with a cigar in his mouth, nor was it because he was overwhelmed by the promotion to Rear Admiral or the gift of cigars.
It was Orion words "I trust your sense of justice" that moved him deeply.
You see, during his years at headquarters, his independent and unruly behavior had led almost everyone to overlook the justice in his heart.
Former Fleet Admiral Kong and the previous Fleet Admiral Sengoku had even regarded him as a problem child, eventually sending him to the relatively calmer waters of the East Blue under the guise of training, but in reality, they had little hope for him.
"What's wrong? Since when has our 'White Hunter' become so hesitant?"
Orion returned to his desk and sat down, his expression serious.
"Don't think that going to G5 is a good thing. The situation in the New World is tense. One misstep, and G5 could become the primary target for pirate attacks."
At this point, Orion suddenly shifted his tone.
"Rear Admiral Smoker, you can hold G5 for me, right?"
"YES!"
Smoker responded almost reflexively, as if he had made a firm decision. He looked up with determination.
"As long as I'm there, the base will stand!"
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