Smoker vs. Hawkins (33)

Outside an unknown sea in the New World.

"Boss Hawkins, a Marine fleet has been spotted ahead!"

On a pirate ship flying the Hundred Beasts Jolly Roger, a pirate suddenly ran over in a panic and cried out.

"They've sealed off the waters! We're surrounded!"

"So we didn't escape their watchful eyes... after all?"

Hawkins took a deep breath at that.

This was not surprising, was it?

Given the Marines' current strength.

So...

"Men, prepare for battle!"

Hawkins turned, swept his sleeve, and walked out of the cabin expressionlessly.

Several hundred meters ahead of the pirate ship, Smoker stood at the bow of his warship with two cigars clenched between his teeth.

Watching the pirate ships gradually spread out into formation and roll their cannons into position, Smoker grinned coldly.

"Interesting. You still want to put up a futile struggle, Basil Hawkins?"

"Anyone can talk big, Vice Admiral Smoker."

Standing at the bow as well, Hawkins faced a Marine force several times larger than his own without fear and said loudly, "Don't you think the Marines have stretched your hand a little too far?"

"Wano Country isn't an Affiliated Nation. Those people are criminals personally named by Lord Kaido. You're the ones deliberately starting a war!"

"Oh? So you mean that as long as it isn't an Affiliated Nation, we Marines aren't even allowed to uphold justice?"

"Then there's nothing left to discuss!"

Suddenly, Smoker roared, "Go to hell and repent for your sins, pirates!"

"Fire!!!"

"Not good! This guy never intended to negotiate properly!"

Hawkins was startled.

Smoker's decisiveness had truly caught him off guard.

He had been deliberately stalling for time, buying time for the entire fleet to load their cannons!

But...

"I was stalling for time too!"

Demonic Form!

Swish, rustle!

Cracks suddenly split open across Hawkins's