Admiral Aokiji.
One of the Navy Headquarters' most formidable forces, counted among the World Government's top three combatants.
"An invitation from an Admiral? That's quite the surprise."
Shirogai Yamikuro smiled lightly as he faced the Den Den Mushi, whose eyes mimicked Aokiji's calm and drowsy demeanor.
"For someone as unknown as me, having a figure like you extend an invitation is flattering."
He smiled again—but this time, shook his head and replied with calm finality:
"Sorry, Admiral Aokiji. Even if you ask, I have no interest in joining the Marines."
The Den Den Mushi showed no emotional change. Aokiji's laid-back voice responded leisurely:
"That's a real shame. I've never seen Smoker speak so highly of someone—especially someone flying the pirate flag."
With that, Aokiji turned his attention to Smoker:
"Well, Smoker, I've done what you asked. I'm going back to sleep."
The Den Den Mushi's head drooped, signaling the call had ended.
Smoker closed the device and gave Shirogai a look of confusion.
"Do you seriously want to be a pirate—hunted, hated, always on the run? You're turning down the chance to serve justice."
Shirogai let out a small laugh.
"And what exactly is the difference between being a pirate or a Marine?"
Smoker frowned. "Marines stand for justice. Pirates bring chaos."
Shirogai scoffed, eyes sharp:
"The Marines shout 'Justice will prevail,' but is it the justice of the people—or the justice of the strong? You know the answer better than I do."
He stepped forward slowly.
"There are Marines who use that 'justice' to commit atrocities, and there are pirates who protect the innocent. Why judge someone's worth by their title alone?"
Smoker's expression tightened.
"Still, the world needs the Marines. If nothing else, to protect the majority."
Shirogai's gaze drifted toward the stormy skies.
"The world is changing, Smoker. The Marines can't win people's hearts with force alone. That belongs to those who genuinely care."
He passed Smoker, brushing by with a final remark:
"Follow the justice in your own heart. I hope the next time we meet, you won't be this pathetically weak."
Smoker didn't reply.
He watched silently as Shirogai walked down the cobbled street, vanishing into the fog.
Smoker clenched his jaw.
He knew full well he couldn't stop this man—only someone like Aokiji could. Maybe.
If only he had Aokiji's strength…
The glow of his cigar flickered as emotions stirred behind his stern facade.
"Shirogai Yamikuro… a man I still can't quite figure out."
A low voice echoed beside him, cutting through his thoughts.
"White Fist."
Startled, Smoker spun and threw a smoke-cloaked fist backward, but the punch met only wind. A gust swirled behind him, dispersing his own smoke.
Shirogai, now at the edge of the dock, paused. He sensed the odd breeze behind him and turned toward the empty street, voice amused:
"Monkey D. Dragon. So you were hiding from me after all."
---
Smoker's eyes narrowed as he looked into the storm.
"Monkey D. Dragon. The World Government wants your head, doesn't it?"
Smoker, eyes sharp, stepped forward and demanded:
"What are you doing here?!"
Lightning cracked across the sky, briefly illuminating the figure—a man cloaked in dark green, a tattoo marking his left cheek, eyebrows absent, and his presence unsettling.
Monkey D. Dragon smiled calmly.
"I'm here to see someone off. I knew you'd try to stop him."
Smoker processed his words.
"You mean… Shirogai?"
Dragon didn't answer directly. Instead, he looked toward the sea and muttered:
"Go see the world for yourself. The world's waiting for our answer."
Smoker's unease only deepened.
What was the connection between Shirogai Yamikuro and Monkey D. Dragon?
When he looked again, Dragon had vanished into the storm, as if he were never there.
---
"Huh? Why am I on the ground? And… why is everyone else passed out?!"
One of the Marines slowly rose to his feet, groaning. More soon followed, all victims of Shirogai's Conqueror's Haki.
As the groggy group regained consciousness, Smoker walked toward the dock.
He looked into the distance, toward the shrinking silhouette of a ship vanishing into the storm.
"The Straw Hat crew… with Shirogai aboard."
He turned to his men.
"Prepare a ship. I'm heading to the Grand Line."
One subordinate hesitated.
"But Colonel, this island falls under your command. If headquarters finds out…"
Smoker cut him off coldly.
"Tell them not to interfere. I'll take full responsibility."
---
Aboard the Going Merry.
Shirogai was the last to return, met with cheers from the crew.
"Look!"
Nami pointed to a lighthouse in the distance, grinning.
"That's the Guiding Light! The entrance to the Grand Line is just beyond it!"
Luffy pumped his fists.
"Hehe! We're almost there!"
Usopp, pale and clinging to the mast, muttered nervously:
"With these waves, we don't need to see the storm—we're already in it!"
No one listened to him. Their eyes were on the glowing light ahead, filled with hope.
Shirogai smirked.
"With such high spirits, how about we celebrate the Merry's entry into the Grand Line?"
"Yes!"
"Let's do it!"
"Sounds great!"
---
Sanji set a wooden barrel in the middle of the deck. With a puff from his cigarette, he raised his leg and rested it atop the barrel.
"I'm going to find ALL BLUE."
Luffy stepped up next.
"I'll become the Pirate King!"
Zoro smirked.
"I'll become the world's greatest swordsman."
Nami placed her foot with confidence.
"I'll draw a complete map of the world."
Usopp gulped before speaking:
"I—I'm going to become a brave warrior of the sea!"
They all turned to Shirogai.
He smiled.
"My turn, huh?"
With ease, he stepped forward and placed his foot on the barrel.
"I'm going to collect every Devil Fruit ability in existence—and use them to help each of you reach your dreams."
They raised their feet once more and slammed them down in unison.
Boom!
Luffy jumped into the air, laughing.
"Let's go! To the Grand Line!"
"Yeah!"
Shirogai stood with a rare, genuine smile. For once, he felt like he belonged.
---
In a hidden casino beneath Loguetown...
The manager, his face pale, spoke urgently into a Den Den Mushi.
"Doflamingo sama… The man who stole our prize money just defeated Smoker."
The Den Den Mushi had a skull-shaped grin and wore pink sunglasses.
A creepy laugh echoed through the receiver.
"Fufufufu… Smoker, huh? He's weak, but still a name. For a pirate to beat him right at the Grand Line's edge… That's interesting."
The manager hesitated.
"Should we send his photo to our contacts?"
There was a pause, then another unsettling laugh.
"Fufufufu… This marks the shift from the old era to the new. We need strong newcomers to build our empire. Cancel all pursuit."
"Send me his information. I'll decide if he's worthy to join us."
---
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