Loguetown.
Smoker and Mike stood facing each other in the light drizzle, the fine raindrops creating a faint mist between them, adding to the tense atmosphere.
"Yo, Smokey," Mike smirked, a premium cigar dangling lazily from his lips.
"Trying to intimidate me with that death glare of yours?"
Though Smoker had always referred to him as the "Disgrace of the East Blue Marines," Mike couldn't bring himself to care.
In fact, when it came to Smoker, all he felt was a deep, sincere gratitude.
After all, his past three years of cushy, comfortable days at Branch 186 wouldn't have been possible without this perpetually angry 'workaholic'.
Whenever pirates got too rowdy in his jurisdiction, Mike had a simple, foolproof strategy: call Smoker for backup.
A Logia Devil Fruit user was practically a god in the East Blue, where the average bounty was 3 million Berries.
Once Smoker arrived, the local pirate problem would be swiftly and brutally erased, leaving Mike free to sit back, sip some tea, and enjoy the show.
He even had fond memories of the system notifications.
[Ding!]
[You watched Smoker arrive yet again to eliminate the troublemaking pirates in your jurisdiction. Mood: Relaxed. Happy Points +100!]
[Ding!]
[Today marks the fifth day since Smoker came to support Branch 186. The local pirates, terrified of your backup-calling ability, have all gone into hiding. Another peaceful, sunny day with nothing to do! Mood: Blissful. Happy Points +200!]
'See?' Mike thought, looking at the fuming Marine.
'This kind of colleague is a slacker's dream come true!'
"Shut your mouth, you disgrace!" Smoker growled, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he eyed Mike's lazy posture.
"Look at you. Now you're even smoking expensive cigars?"
"Don't be like that~" Mike said with a grin. "Here, have one. This is Admiral-grade special supply."
He pulled a cigar from his pocket and offered it to Smoker.
In the same fluid motion, he deftly swiped five of the cheaper cigars from Smoker's own vest—a move he had clearly practiced to perfection.
"..."
Smoker froze for a second, then sniffed the cigar in his hand.
As a seasoned smoker, he immediately recognized the superior quality.
The rich, complex aroma made him raise an eyebrow.
"This is... top-tier stuff."
Forgetting about his own stock, Smoker eagerly lit the premium cigar and took a deep, satisfying drag, his eyes flickering with pleasure.
"You brat... you're not secretly Kizaru's long-lost child, are you?"
"Piss off," Mike laughed, blowing a perfect smoke ring. "Let's just say Old Man Kizaru and I have a mutual appreciation for the finer things. It's the resonance between two master slackers."
"..." Smoker's eye twitched.
He had to admit, both Kizaru and this kid exuded an innate laziness that made his blood boil.
"Listen, brat, when you're in my town, you better behave!" Smoker warned.
"Relax, Smokey. You know me," Mike stretched lazily. "Trouble is the last thing I ever look for."
With that, he waved a hand and casually ordered the man behind him.
"Come on, let's take the boys out for some fun."
Commander Hayes, who had been silently holding an umbrella over Mike, gave a slight nod.
The elite Marines who had followed them off the ship fell into perfect formation, marching toward the bustling market district of Loguetown.
Their first stop would be shopping, then perhaps a nice, relaxing massage.
Smoker watched them go, took another deep drag of his cigar, and muttered.
"Damn, the Admiral's special reserve really hits different. I'll have to get a few more from Aokiji later."
Tashigi stood quietly behind him, observing the scene.
A wave of doubt rose in her heart.
The soldiers following Captain Mike showed no defiance; they followed his lazy commands with impeccable discipline.
And wasn't that a Commander from Headquarters holding an umbrella for him?
A man just one rank below a Captain, willingly acting as his .... servant?
Was it out of respect for his ability, or simply his status as Admiral Kizaru's aide?
She couldn't shake the feeling that the mysterious, powerful figure from the newspapers was this same carefree, handsome Captain.
"All of you, stay sharp!" Smoker's voice, sharp as steel, cut through her thoughts.
"Patrol Loguetown thoroughly! Don't let a single pirate slip through to the Grand Line!"
"Yes, sir!" the Marines responded in unison, quickly dispersing to their posts.
....
Meanwhile, on the seas near Loguetown, the Going Merry sailed smoothly through the waves, the island now clearly in sight.
"That's Loguetown up ahead!" Luffy stood excitedly at the ship's figurehead, radiating boundless energy.
"Forward, forward!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the sea.
But behind them, a pirate ship flying a jolly roger with a clown's face quietly followed.
A man dressed as a clown stood at the prow, gripping a telescope.
His exaggerated red nose was impossible to miss.
Squinting his eyes, he watched the Going Merry with a malicious smirk curling his lips.
"That's the ship!" he slammed a fist against the railing.
"Damn that Straw Hat Luffy! Daring to disrespect the great Captain Buggy—even calling me 'Red Nose'?! I'll teach him a lesson he won't forget!"
He then turned to his partner, a questioning glint in his eyes.
"What do you think, Alvida?"
A stunningly beautiful woman with long, dark hair sauntered over.
She wore a white cowboy hat and a cloak adorned with heart patterns, a picture of casual, alluring charm.
"Address me as the beautiful Lady Alvida," she said, tilting her chin up slightly.
"But I don't mind. Seize him. I do love a strong man."