"Understood. If you're ready, then let's move out."
Smoker turned his head away and gave the soldier a brief reply. "First, we'll go to Rain Dinners to gather evidence, then escort Crocodile to Impel Down."
"What about the Straw Hat Crew...?"
"...We'll leave it at that for now."
"Yes, sir!"
Once the soldier had left, Smoker returned to his usual listless expression and stared blankly at the sky.
After learning the truth from Vivi, he felt conflicted. He wasn't surprised that a pirate recognized by the World Government would plot to overthrow a kingdom.
He had never trusted the Shichibukai, but he couldn't make sense of the Straw Hat Crew's actions.
He couldn't help remembering Loguetown, when he'd set off on his motorcycle and happened to see the Straw Hat Kid laughing on the execution platform.
Tap, tap, tap...
A red-haired figure approached and stopped beside Smoker. She tucked her pink hair behind her ear and eyed him coldly, looking annoyed.
"You bastard, Smoker. What kind of lousy intel did you give me?"
"What's wrong?" Smoker replied calmly, glancing at her. Only then did he notice that Hina's usually clean clothes were now covered in dust.
"There's someone in the Straw Hat Crew who can use Haki."
Hina lit a cigarette and continued irritably, "He sent Hina flying with one hit. They weren't nearly as weak as you said."
"Ah, but you're fine, aren't you?"
"Hina is very angry right now!"
Smoker remained as aloof as ever, making Hina even more annoyed. She planted her hands on her hips and scolded him.
"I always have to clean up your messes, you bastard. Do you know how much trouble that is?"
"There's more than one of them." Smoker ignored Hina's outburst and continued on his own.
"According to the princess of