After dropping the topic of whether Bane would join the Marines, the conversation shifted to other things.
But before long, the Den Den Mushi on Smoker's desk began to ring. He glanced at the caller and stood up, offering a curt nod. "Apologies, Bane. I—"
"No worries," Bane said, rising from his seat. "I've taken up enough of your time. Want me to go stretch my legs outside?"
Smoker waved a hand. "No need. Just stay here and relax. I'll take the call outside."
Leaving the room, Smoker walked just a short way down the hall and stopped at a windowed corner. He answered the Den Den Mushi there.
"Smoker?" came the voice of Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Hearing that familiar tone, Smoker felt a brief pang of nostalgia—but he didn't show it. "Yes, Fleet Admiral," he replied evenly.
Marine Headquarters – Marineford
At the very top of the massive fortress of justice, inside the admiral's office, Sengoku sat behind a mountain of documents, going through reports while speaking through the Den Den Mushi.
He hadn't seen Smoker in a while. The man had been stationed in the East Blue for some time now—far longer than Sengoku had ever expected.
Smoker had always been a promising Marine. A Logia-type Devil Fruit user, gifted, tenacious, and sharp. He had studied under Zephyr (Black Arm Z), was close friends with Admiral Aokiji (Kuzan), and had respectable ties with other veterans like Garp. He had both the talent and the connections.
But his biggest flaw? He was too principled.
Smoker had a black-and-white view of justice and couldn't tolerate the shady politics that sometimes ruled Marine HQ. And unfortunately, Marineford was too close to Mary Geoise, and far too far from actual justice.
He'd spoken up one too many times, caused a few too many scenes. While he was promoted for his merits, he was also repeatedly demoted for making waves. Eventually, he became known as a "problem child" within the upper ranks.
In the end, Sengoku had made the call to reassign him to Loguetown, the edge of the East Blue. The intent had been to temper his edges—give him some quiet, some isolation. Sengoku figured that after a while, the boredom would get to him. Smoker would mellow out, swallow some pride, and come back to HQ with a new attitude.
But nope. Smoker doubled down. He dug in and stayed, making Loguetown his stronghold. He stayed put all the way until Monkey D. Luffy began his journey a year later.
And then? Once Smoker finally left the East Blue, his promotions came fast—he rose to Vice Admiral in just two years.
But it wasn't all good. During those crucial years, while others honed their strength in the New World, Smoker had been chasing rookie pirates in a "starter zone." His combat prowess plateaued—and even declined.
Just like Gecko Moria, wasting away in Thriller Bark. Or Crocodile, playing political games in Alabasta.
Sengoku sighed, brushing the thoughts away. "So," he asked, "I heard the one who took out Thatch from the Whitebeard Pirates showed up in Loguetown?"
"Yes, sir," Smoker confirmed.
"You're sure it's him?"
Smoker thought a moment before answering. "The man came to collect the bounty on Thatch. Matches the description circulated by Whitebeard's crew. And he's not a spatial ability user, as rumored—he has a Logia-type Devil Fruit, the Yami Yami no Mi, or Dark-Dark Fruit. According to him, he took it from the Whitebeard Pirates."
"A Logia user, huh…" Sengoku mused. "What's your impression? Think he's recruitable?"
Smoker exhaled slowly. "His name is Bane. He's a bounty hunter. I've already broached the topic. He seems friendly toward the Marines, but says he's not ready to join. He's only twenty, says he wants to see more of the world first. Might reconsider in a few years."
"Hm. Shame." Sengoku clicked his tongue, though his tone lacked any real disappointment.
Truthfully, Sengoku wouldn't normally concern himself with someone of Bane's level. If not for the Whitebeard Pirates being involved, he wouldn't be bothering with a rookie bounty hunter at all.
But a Logia-type user with a confirmed kill on Thatch? Friendly to the Marines? That earned him a spot on Sengoku's radar.
"In that case," Sengoku continued, "show him some goodwill. If he needs something, within reason, accommodate it. Let him see the kind of respect the Marines offer those we value. Even if he doesn't join, it may influence his future path—and at the very least, keep him from drifting to the other side."
Smoker nodded. "Understood. I'll handle it."
There was a pause.
Then Sengoku hesitated, before saying, "We're reviewing personnel placements at HQ again. I was thinking, maybe—"
"I'm fine here," Smoker cut in sharply.
Sengoku blinked, slightly thrown. "...Are you really?"
"I am," Smoker said firmly. "At least here, I can pursue my version of justice."
Sengoku sighed. There was no arguing with this guy.
"Fine. That's that." Click. The call ended.
Smoker tucked the Den Den Mushi away and took a long drag from his cigar. A thick cloud of smoke masked his expression.
Moments later, he exhaled, his face calm once more—as if nothing had happened. He turned and walked back inside.
"Sorry for the wait," he said, returning to the room—this time with three large cases and a small one in hand.
Before Bane could even react, Smoker placed them all on the table.
"Your bounty," he said plainly. "Three hundred sixty-two million berries. Want to count it?"
Bane burst into laughter. "No need. I trust the Marines."
Without hesitation, he summoned a swirl of black energy, which flowed like liquid shadow from his palm and enveloped the suitcases. In moments, they vanished into his darkness.
No doubt about it—Yami Yami no Mi was a hell of a storage solution.
Smoker didn't seem fazed by the display. He just flicked ash from his cigar and said, "In recognition of your contribution, the Marines are willing to offer additional support. If there's anything you need, just say the word."
At that, Bane's eyes lit up.
"Oh?" he grinned. "If we're talking favors—then I'm suddenly wide awake!"