The Buggy Pirates were still immersed in their banquet, completely unaware that their movements had long been under Marine surveillance.
Even the young Marine assigned to watch them couldn't help but think—
This crew was far too weak.
The so-called "future powerhouse" described on the heavenly screen? It all seemed exaggerated… even fake.
If Buggy truly possessed top-tier Observation Haki, how could he fail to notice a Marine—one who didn't even know Haki—lurking nearby?
Hidden in the shadows, the Marine quietly reported through a Den Den Mushi:
"Target has not left. I repeat, target has not left. Awaiting further instructions."
From the other end came the reply:
"Your mission is complete. Captain Smoker will arrive shortly."
"Withdraw immediately. Do not get caught in the battle."
"Understood."
The Marine ended the call.
He had joined the Marines because of Smoker. In his eyes, the captain was like a monster—overwhelmingly powerful.
Against someone like that…
Pirates didn't stand a chance.
Just as the Marine left—
Smoker arrived.
With twin cigars clenched between his teeth, his presence alone brought pressure.
"Tashigi," he said,
"Clear the civilians from the area. Once the fight starts, I won't be able to hold back."
"I alone am enough to deal with the Buggy Pirates."
Tashigi saluted and immediately moved to carry out his orders.
Not only was she capable, but among the Loguetown Marines, she was second only to Smoker. Any stragglers would be handled by her.
"Buggy the Clown… let me see what you've got."
"White Fist!"
Smoker's limbs separated into smoke, trailing long streams behind him as he blasted through the tavern doors, charging straight at Buggy.
BOOM!
Two fists slammed directly into Buggy's face.
The sheer force sent him flying across the room, crashing into the wine cellar behind him.
The sudden attack snapped everyone out of their drunken haze—
Along with Buggy's miserable scream.
"Captain! Are you alright?!"
"Who dares attack Captain Buggy?!"
"Everyone, get him!!"
A white-haired man stepped through the shattered door, cigars still in his mouth.
"Just as I thought," Smoker said coldly.
"You've all been fooled by that screen."
"He's nothing but a third-rate clown."
Panic spread instantly among the crew.
"It's Smoker!"
"That monster from the Marines!"
"I don't want to go to prison!"
"Captain Buggy, save us!"
In the East Blue, everyone knew Smoker.
As a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, he was practically untouchable.
Against him—
These low-level pirates had no way to fight back.
Buggy crawled out of the rubble, activating his Chop-Chop Fruit.
Half his body floated up, his face swollen with a large bruise.
"Marine! How dare you ruin my banquet?! Die!!"
Enraged, Buggy hurled a special Buggy Ball.
But Smoker didn't even dodge.
"You don't even know Armament Haki…"
"How do you expect to touch me?"
His body turned into smoke.
The cannonball passed straight through him—
Before exploding behind him, destroying a nearby shop in a violent blast.
"Logia user… you're Smoker!"
"Too late to realize that now," Smoker replied coldly.
"White Snake."
His arm transformed into a massive serpent of smoke, lunging toward Buggy.
Buggy's head and torso split apart again, barely dodging—
But the smoke serpent twisted midair and struck again, jaws wide open.
The alcohol in Buggy's system vanished instantly under the pressure of battle.
The truth hit him hard—
He wasn't strong.
Not even close.
Without Haki, he couldn't harm a Logia user at all.
If he had known earlier…
He would've run.
After dodging several attacks—
Buggy was finally caught.
Smoke wrapped tightly around his head, immobilizing him completely.
The gap between them was overwhelming.
"This time… you're not escaping," Smoker said.
"You're far too weak, Buggy."
"Let go of Captain Buggy!!"
Despite their fear, Buggy's loyal subordinates charged forward.
Alvida swung her iron club.
Cabaji lunged with his sword.
Mohji commanded his lion to attack.
But it was useless.
Their attacks passed straight through Smoker's elemental body.
They couldn't even scratch him.
"Trash captain, trash crew… a perfect match."
"White Gale."
Smoke erupted violently.
In an instant, it filled the entire tavern—
Lifting over twenty pirates into the air, trapping them helplessly.
Even Alvida couldn't escape.
Buggy fared even worse.
His disassembled body parts were all seized by the smoke—
Held suspended in midair along with his crew.
"Smoker! I'm Red-Haired Shanks's brother!"
"You can't arrest me!"
"Aren't you afraid of a Yonko's revenge?!"
"Shanks is in the Grand Line," Smoker replied calmly.
"By the time he gets here, you'll already be in prison."
"Today—no one is saving you."
Controlling the smoke, he carried over twenty captured pirates outside.
Even he hadn't expected the fight to be this easy.
Looking at Tashigi, who had completed her task, he asked:
"Did you bring Seastone cuffs?"
"There are two Devil Fruit users here."
"Reporting, Captain—only one pair."
"Put them on Buggy first."
"His ability is troublesome… always slipping away."
"As for that woman, ignore her for now."
Smoker failed to recognize Alvida—
After all, her appearance had changed drastically.
Tashigi stepped forward and looked at Buggy curiously.
"Are you connected to that screen?"
"You're clearly this weak… yet it praises you so highly."
"Whoever chose you has terrible judgment."
"I don't know either!!" Buggy cried out.
"Who the hell made me sound that strong?! I'm so unlucky!!"
Held helplessly in the smoke, tears welled in his eyes.
He felt completely wronged.
He had no idea how he had provoked whoever was behind the screen—
Only to be "praised" into this disaster.
"This pirate doesn't even know the three types of Haki…"
"No need for Admiral Sakazuki after all."
But just as Smoker finished speaking—
The heavenly screen changed once again.
And this time—
He appeared on it.