Smoker's opponent really was an unknown pirate crew from the New World.
However—
He had failed to defeat them.
Even after barely rising to the rank of rear admiral, Smoker could only remain at the bottom of the food chain in the New World.
The "unknown pirate crews" of the New World all possessed strength worthy of bounties exceeding a hundred million. In the first half of the Grand Line, they would undoubtedly be terrifying great pirates.
After a fierce battle, the Marine soldiers suffered heavy casualties and were ultimately captured as a group.
Even Smoker and Tashigi failed to escape the fate of defeat and capture.
Smoker's body was pinned by his own Sea Stone Jitte. He was weak all over and tightly bound with ropes.
Forced to kneel beside him were Tashigi, the old village chief, the Marine soldiers, and all the villagers.
To Smoker, this scene was terribly familiar.
Smoker's expression was extremely grim as he could only quietly ask Tashigi beside him,
"Tashigi, did you make the distress call?"
"I did."
Tashigi answered without hesitation.
"However..."
Tashigi looked somewhat troubled.
"When Headquarters heard that we were near Whitebeard's territory, they told us to think of a solution ourselves first."
"Headquarters?"
Smoker froze slightly.
Rather than improving, his expression darkened even further.
"Y-you said what?"
"I told you to call for reinforcements, and you called Marine Headquarters?"
"Yes."
Tashigi nodded innocently.
Smoker's voice began to tremble.
"What about Garen?"
"Well..."
Tashigi's expression grew awkward.
"I was captured right after I finished talking to Headquarters. I didn't have time to call him."
Smoker's vision went dark, and he could not help roaring at Tashigi,
"We're a hundred thousand miles away from Marine Headquarters, and you called Headquarters for help first thing?"
"Rear Admiral Smoker..."
"Didn't you say last