"Capone is a specially invited weapons expert from the Science Unit, Smoker. Release him immediately!"
The Den Den Mushi sported a personified pair of small mustaches, its voice deep and low.
Smoker lifted the Den Den Mushi, his tone cold. "There are twenty-seven eyewitness reports of him committing murder alone. How can someone like that be considered a weapons expert?!"
...
"They were just a few thugs and ruffians. What does it matter?"
"Smoker, Capone has extensive knowledge of weapons. Some of the Marine warships in the West Sea are equipped with ammunition he produced."
"Do you know how many pirates those weapons have eliminated? How many casualties they've saved us?!"
"As long as Capone hasn't harmed any Marines, it doesn't matter how many gang members he kills. Their lives can't compare to those of Marines!"
"Don't be so naive. Understand what's important here. Release Capone immediately!"
Smoker's expression stiffened.
Previously, he had only received direct orders for release, never hearing such explanations from his superior.
He had initially thought that Capone used his ill-gotten Berries to bribe his way out each time he was captured.
Perhaps because Smoker was about to be promoted and assigned to the significant post of Loguetown, his superior was patient enough to explain.
He clenched his fists tightly, his voice dropping slightly. "If that's the case, why not directly recruit him into the Science Unit instead of letting him continue his gang activities?"
"I can see Capone's ambition. If left unchecked, he'll eventually take to the seas and become a major enemy of the Marines!"
Smoker adhered to his own brand of justice. For those who hadn't yet committed crimes, he would attempt to counsel and recruit them.
Just like he had done with Griffin before.
He had an instinctive feeling that if this kid were allowed to set sail, he would bring great disaster to the Marines!
That's why he had spent so much effort convincing Griffin to abandon his pirate ambitions and steering him right.
...
The Marines were the largest organization under the World Government, responsible for maintaining order across the seas.
Besides Marine Headquarters and its various branches, there were many subsidiary organizations, with the Science Unit being one of the most important departments.
The person currently speaking to Smoker through the Den Den Mushi was an officer from the Science Unit, holding the rank of Rear Admiral at Headquarters.
Though there was only one step between Rear Admiral and Captain, it represented the difference between flag officer and field officer, with vastly different authority.
Only someone with Smoker's temperament would dare speak to a superior in such a manner.
After a moment of silence from the other end of the Den Den Mushi, the voice spoke calmly.
"Let me say it again, don't be so naive, Smoker."
"To deal with the Great Pirate Era caused by Roger, the Marines have even resorted to cooperating with pirates by establishing the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea. So what's wrong with me collaborating with a mere gang now?"
"The times are changing. You need to adapt."
...
Mention of the recently established Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea system made Smoker's expression darken instantly.
"Pirates are pirates! What Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea? This system is a betrayal of Marine justice!!"
"Watch your words, Smoker!!"
"The world isn't just divided between pirates and Marines. When will you realize that?"
"It's precisely because of your stubborn mindset that someone with your strength has advanced so slowly!"
As a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, among the most powerful abilities, Smoker's physical combat skills were also formidable, with raw strength at least at the level of a Rear Admiral.
Yet he was only a Commander now, and even this promotion opportunity came only because of Capone's manipulations.
How ironic.
"Before dawn tomorrow, Capone must appear safely at his own home, or else both your and Griffin's promotions will be suspended! That's final!"
The Den Den Mushi clicked off.
Smoker breathed heavily, finally sighing in resignation as he put away the Den Den Mushi and turned to Griffin.
...
"Did I really do wrong, Griffin?"
Compared to the hard bench, Capone's fleshy back provided much better seating.
Griffin sat perched on Capone's back, offering a faint smile: "Oh ho, the Marine mad dog Mr. Smoker actually saying such things?"
"Don't joke around, Griffin..."
Smoker looked weary, taking a shallow drag from his cigar: "I just want to protect the weak, chase down real pirates and robbers - it should be that simple... Why do people keep saying I'm wrong?"
"Did I really... make a mistake?"
...
Griffin remained silent for a moment.
Realizing Smoker was genuinely asking, he began pondering the question.
Smoker was a good man - he cared for his subordinates, treating even Petty Officers as equals.
He refused to abuse his authority for personal gain, softening his fierce expression when protecting children and civilians to show compassionate kindness.
Griffin couldn't be like Smoker, but that didn't stop him from admiring such qualities.
Hating pirates to the core, fighting to protect the weak...
Yet such a man struggled to advance within the Marines.
After a long pause, Griffin finally smiled and spoke.
"In the Marines, if you want to climb up, you have to cater to the great Celestial Dragons, strictly follow the World Government's orders - be an obedient dog."
"This is undeniable."
"And to change this situation, you have no choice but to keep climbing until you gain the power to make changes."
...
"So you think so too..." Deep in Smoker's eyes flickered disappointment.
How could he not know this already.
"But!"
Griffin's tone shifted sharply, his voice rising.
"Commander Smoker, you who hate those people so much, who've fought against this rotten system for so long - if to change the system you become like those very people..."
Griffin's gaze was pure and clear, like deep still waters, calming Smoker's troubled heart.
"No ideal is worth such degradation as the price!"
"Just keep advancing with your justice."
"Isn't it cool to uphold your beliefs throughout your entire life?"
...
...
Tap...
Unnoticed, the cigar Smoker had been clenching between his teeth fell to the ground.
Just then, just as Griffin spoke those words, he remembered someone.
Someone extremely important to him.
Instructor Zephyr!!
Upholding beliefs throughout life... Yes, wasn't it to become a cool man like Instructor Zephyr that I joined the Marines in the first place!
What am I hesitating about!
What is there to hesitate about!
...
"Heh... Not something I'd expect from a kid like you..."
Smoker took out another cigar and lit it, keeping the smoke in his mouth: "Keep it up... Branch Chief isn't your final destination."
He'd made up his mind - within two years, he'd recommend Griffin to Headquarters to join the Officer Training Camp.
Glancing at his watch, the hands had passed midnight.
His gaze shifted to Capone.
"What should we do with this guy? Although I really dislike him... but..."
Griffin stood up and grabbed Capone: "I'll handle this. I told you earlier to go back to sleep. I'm the branch chief now!"
"Hmph... rude brat."
——
——
In the branch prison cell.
Capone slowly regained consciousness and saw Griffin standing before him. Noticing he wasn't bound by chains, he understood the situation.
Speaking with unwarranted confidence, he said: "Heh, you received the call, didn't you? If anything happens to me..."
"I won't harm you."
Griffin interrupted him, a faint curve appearing at the corner of his mouth.
"How could I bear to hurt you..."
As he spoke, a crimson glow flickered in the dim prison cell.
Sharingan!!!