"Has that brat Smoker arrived?"
Zephyr, standing nearby, heard Viola's report and let out a laugh. "Hahaha! I almost forgot that Smoker was shipped down to the East Blue just like you. Never expected to see him again."
He looked at Dante, a grin spreading across his face. "Come to think of it, he had it much better than you. When he left Headquarters, he at least took his fleet with him. But you... if I hadn't scrounged up that small boat for you back then, those guys would have probably made you swim to the East Blue!"
"..."
So, it really wasn't a transfer back then? It was clearly exile! If he hadn't possessed some strength, he probably wouldn't have even made it to the East Blue alive.
Hearing Zephyr bring up those bitter early days, Dante found himself recalling the struggle of starting from scratch. He sighed with emotion, shaking his head, and looked up without a word.
"You really are something... pulling a stunt like that on your first mission!" Seeing Dante's aggrieved expression, Zephyr recalled the incident and shook his head helplessly before laughing heartily again. "Those old fools never imagined that after coming to the East Blue alone, you'd accomplish so much. Back at Marine HQ, they're claiming you've corrupt, that your will is broken and your strength has stagnated!"
He clapped a heavy hand on Dante's shoulder. "If I hadn't come to see for myself, I might have been fooled by you too!"
"...The past... let's not mention it!"
"Suit yourself! I'm retired anyway!" Zephyr waved his hand dismissively. Then, as if remembering something, he stroked his chin and frowned. "That Smoker... ever since he ate that Devil Fruit, he's relied too much on its abilities. HQ didn't just transfer him to the East Blue for defying his superiors, they wanted him to gain some experience out here! Speaking of which, it's been almost a year since the transfer. How is his strength now?"
"Probably..." Dante's eyelid didn't even twitch as he frowned thoughtfully. "Fifty-fifty!"
The words hung in the air.
Zephyr's eyes widened. Beside him, Ain and Binz stared in disbelief.
"Good heavens!" Binz clicked his tongue, stunned. "Is the East Blue really that good for training?"
Dante's strength had already shocked them. Although Zephyr-sensei no longer possessed his prime power due to his lost arm, they believed that with Dante's current ability, he would at least be promoted directly to Vice Admiral upon returning to Headquarters, perhaps even selected as an Admiral Candidate!
Zephyr snapped out of his surprise, though he still looked internally skeptical. He frowned as he scrutinized Dante. "You aren't trying to fool an old man, are you?"
"That's right! Fifty-fifty... either I lose, or I win!"
"Do young people these days really grow that fast?" Seeing Dante nod, Zephyr sighed, his voice tinged with a desolate melancholy. "Indeed... I am truly getting old!"
But in a flash, he recovered, a grin returning to his face. "Fine! It seems this wretched old man will have to use full strength to personally test that kid's power!" He laughed again. "If he doesn't even touch my clothes like you did, it'll be a huge disgrace!"
"Um..." Hearing Zephyr's declaration, Dante paused. A twinge of conscience pricked him, and he hesitated. "Should we inform Captain Smoker first?"
"No need!" Zephyr waved his hand. His eyes narrowed with a wide smile as he raised his left fist. "I'll launch a surprise attack to test his reaction speed!"
"..."
--**--**
On the other side.
"Captain Smoker, we've spotted the 16th Branch's warship ahead. It looks like it's already left the island. Should we hail them? Huh? Captain Smoker, what's wrong? Are you sick?"
"It's nothing. Probably just slept poorly last night." Smoker shuddered slightly, feeling a sudden, inexplicable chill. But after a moment, he dismissed it. As a Logia Devil Fruit user, he was confident in his constitution. He took the cigar from his mouth, waved his hand, and spoke calmly. "Just approach them directly."
He paused, a thought crossing his mind.
"Don't let that bastard escape!"
"..." Hearing the order, Tashigi gave an awkward smile. "It shouldn't come to that... right? Since he gave his word, Captain Dante wouldn't break it. Maybe he just forgot!"
"Credibility? Does that kid have any?" Smoker flicked the ash from his cigar, irritated. "If he had any honor, would I need to bring a warship to meet him? Hurry up and get us closer!"
However...
"Um..." Faced with the direct order, Tashigi didn't immediately move to execute it. A look of conflict crossed her face. After hesitating, she finally spoke. "Yesterday, Marine HQ called again and officially issued a transfer order. They want you to return to HQ immediately! If you keep ignoring them, you'll be disciplined again!"
Apparently, Marine HQ had opened a new officer training camp. attending meant an immediate promotion to Commodore, or even Rear Admiral.
It sounded like a good opportunity, but Smoker didn't seem to care.
As expected.
"Whatever, ignore them!" Smoker scoffed, his patience wearing thin. "If they keep calling, just hang up on the lot of them!"
He turned his head, fixing Tashigi with an blank stare. "But if you don't go down there and get the crew to speed up this ship, and that kid gets away, you're getting a lecture!"
"...Yes Sir!"
Hearing Captain Smoker's tone, Tashigi could only sigh helplessly. She turned and hurried toward the helm.
Once she was gone, Smoker turned back to the sea. He could already make out the silhouette of the Marine warship ahead.
"Good, that bastard didn't run!" Watching the approaching vessel, a satisfied smile touched Smoker's lips. "He still has some integrity!"
He flicked the ash from his cigar again, muttering, "What exactly happened back then at God Valley...?"
He fell silent. Standing at the bow, he smoked, watching the gap between the ships close.
Not long after...
With the Marine warship speeding up and the opposing vessel sailing to meet it, the two ships quickly drew alongside each other.
From the other deck came a familiar voice. "Hey, Captain Smoker! Fancy meeting you here!"
"Hmph!"
Seeing that detestable figure standing opposite him, Smoker couldn't help but scoff. He didn't say a word. He casually tossed his finished cigar into the ocean. Without hesitation, and ignoring Tashigi calling for him to wait, he leaped toward the opposing warship.
However.
The moment he landed on the deck...
Before his eyes... A massive fist filled his vision.
It was accompanied by a familiar shout.
"I heard your strength has improved a lot lately! Smoker, you brat, let me see your power! Have you been relying too much on your Devil Fruit?!"
*Bang!!!*
'Ambush?!' Before he could even react, the fist slammed into his face.
And he... was sent flying through the air!
"Armament Haki?!"
But why? Smoker's mind raced, his face twisted in confusion and bewilderment as he arced over the water.
That familiar voice reached his ears again, seeming to carry a hint of genuine confusion. "Didn't you say it was fifty-fifty?"
===============
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