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"What? Smoker is leaving?"
After stopping Smoker, Red called over the Straw Hat Pirates who had been sparring one after another. Upon learning that Smoker would be departing from the Kingdom of Alabasta with the other Marines, various expressions crossed his companions' faces.
Zoro, bare-chested from his intense battle, rested his sword on his shoulder and grinned heartily. "What a shame, Marine. You haven't beaten me even once before your departure!"
"Hmph! It seems our battles will have to continue on the high seas in the future!" Smoker replied coldly. Though he was the loser in their matches, he had hoped to continue sparring with Zoro a few more times. But now that circumstances had changed, all this would have to be postponed.
Sanji, standing nearby, suddenly had fire in his eyes. His entire body seemed to burn with jealousy as he shouted, "Damn it! What have you ever done in the Marines, you bastard?! Have you ever truly worked for the people of the world and justice?! Why does someone like you have a female Marine officer coming to pick you up?! Are you worthy of the people of Loguetown who support you?!"
"Ahem, you pervert, enough!" Smoker glanced at Sanji. "Since you saved my life, I won't tell anyone about your plan to peek at the women's bath!"
"Hey! Didn't you just tell everyone?" Usopp continued with his powerful complaints, then added worriedly, "By the way... will that group of Marines really not come after us? Our park hasn't even officially opened yet!"
BZZT~!!!
Nami struck Sanji with her staff, then instantly released a terrifying Thunderbolt, electrocuting him from head to toe. As Sanji mumbled, "This is Miss Nami's expression of love," she turned to Usopp.
"Don't worry! Our park's business license is officially recognized by Alabasta, with Vivi listed as the legal representative... Neither the Marines nor the World Government has any authority to interfere with our park!"
"But... how did the Marines know Smoker was here?!" The clever Nami quickly identified the key question, just as Red had. But so far, no one could answer this.
After exchanges that hardly qualified as proper farewells, Smoker finally turned his attention to Luffy. As they parted, an inexplicable light flashed in his eyes.
"Straw Hat boy! And the rest of you... The next time we meet, we will be enemies!" He held the new weapon crafted by Usopp in one hand and placed his other hand on the poison gun prepared by Chopper, declaring resolutely, "When that time comes, I will show no mercy!!!"
"Shishishi~!" Luffy grinned broadly. "Okay! Then we'll have a feast together!!!"
"Idiot! That's not what I meant!" Smoker fumed. But a moment later, he laughed with resignation. "Forget it. Anyway, thank you for your hospitality during this time! But Long Nose, I won't fall for your tricks so easily next time!"
"Hey, hey, hey? Am I really that bad?!" Usopp's eyes widened in confusion. Blackbeard was one thing, but why did Smoker specifically save these important parting words for him?!
WHOOSH—
A dimensional portal leading to Alubarna Palace suddenly opened. On the other side, Mr. 1, who had received advance notice, had already arrived at the royal residence where Captain Hina and her Marines were staying, serving as an anchor point for Red's transportation.
"Lord Red," Mr. 1 greeted them respectfully as Red, Vivi, and Smoker emerged.
"Long time no see, Mr. 1. How is the training of the new recruits progressing?"
"Very smoothly," Mr. 1 answered seriously. "According to your level standards, Lord Red, the original agents from Baroque Works now average Level 12. The new team members recruited by Princess Vivi average Level 8."
"Not bad~!" After hearing Mr. 1's report, Red nodded with satisfaction. "Tell them to train diligently. Soon, I will grant Pokémon powers to all soldiers who reach Level 10 or higher! And those who perform exceptionally well can adopt a Pokémon for free from Pokémon Park in the future!"
"Yes!" Upon hearing this, Mr. 1's eyes gleamed with excitement.
He knew the inside story... Many "Pokémon" in the park possessed talents equal to or greater than their own, but lacked means to improve their strength. If even ordinary soldiers could obtain Pokémon as combat partners, then surely high-ranking officials would receive even greater benefits from Master Red's generosity!
Seeing Mr. 1's expression that suggested he had guessed something, Red smiled slightly. Indeed, he had prepared some Pokémon with excellent racial values for the captains and vice-captains of the Thirteenth Division and future officers.
Most weren't particularly high-level, but their base attribute values far exceeded others of the same level. According to the game system, they weren't stronger simply because they had never leveled up or found ways to gain experience points.
This situation wasn't uncommon in the pirate world. For example, Koby, whose fate had been changed, and Aisa, the young girl from Skypiea who had directly awakened Color of Observation Haki—all belonged to this category. These gifted Pokémon had naturally been identified by Red and kept under his supervision.
After this brief reflection, Red addressed Mr. 1 directly: "Thank you for coming. You may return to your duties now!"
"Yes, Lord Red!" Mr. 1, who had successfully learned to combine Pokémon energy with his Devil Fruit abilities to create sharper blades, responded immediately and obediently departed.
The next moment, Red and his companions pushed open the door to a side hall and entered.
Although the Alabasta Royal Court wasn't particularly friendly toward the Marines who created the Seven Warlords system, they respected their official status. King Cobra had ordered servants to prepare luxurious accommodations for Captain Hina and her Marines.
However...
Before Red and the others could announce themselves, a figure wearing a Marine justice coat stood at the second-floor railing, stretching lazily and displaying her perfect figure.
This was none other than Marine Captain Hina, who had come to the Kingdom of Alabasta in search of Smoker.
"Ahem~!" Seeing this scene, Smoker quickly coughed twice to alert his friend.
Hearing the sudden noise, Hina was startled. When she saw that Smoker had entered the hall, her expression changed to surprise, and she declared:
"Smoker! You actually got mixed up with pirates?! Hina is very angry!"
"..."
Smoker thought: If I told you I was actually kidnapped, would you believe me?!
A few hours later, at Nanohana Port.
Standing aboard Hina's Marine battleship, Smoker watched Red waving goodbye, his heart filled with conflicting emotions.
Though he had carelessly been left aboard the Going Merry by Usopp after his defeat, after such a lengthy adventure, it was impossible to claim his heart remained unmoved.
More troublingly, there appeared to be some incredible developments within the Marines.
"Blackbeard actually joined the Marines?! What is going on?!"
Watching the Kingdom of Alabasta gradually disappearing on the horizon, Smoker frowned with concern.
For some reason, he sensed his return journey would not be pleasant.
At the very least... it would be far less enjoyable than his time with the Straw Hat Pirates!