"Got it. If everything's ready, let's move out."
Smoker turned his head and gave the soldier a brief reply. "We'll head to Rainbase first to gather evidence, then escort Crocodile to Impel Down."
"And the Straw Hat Crew...?"
"...Leave it at that for now."
"Yes, sir!"
After the soldier left, Smoker returned to his bored expression and stared blankly at the sky.
After learning the truth from Vivi, his feelings had been immensely complicated. A pirate recognized by the World Government plotting to overthrow a kingdom did not surprise him.
He had never trusted those Shichibukai, but the Straw Hat Crew's actions left him utterly baffled.
He could not help recalling that moment in Loguetown, when he had happened to see the Straw Hat Boy laughing atop the execution platform while riding out on his motorcycle.
Tap, tap, tap.
A red figure approached and stopped beside Smoker. Brushing her long pink hair behind her ear, Hina fixed him with a cold glare and said in displeasure:
"You bastard Smoker, what kind of garbage intelligence was that?"
"What happened?" Smoker asked indifferently, glancing at her. Only then did he notice that Hina's usually spotless 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 in one exchange. How was he anywhere near 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 dissatisfied. With her hands on her hips, she cursed:
"Every time, Hina has to help you bastard deal with this stuff. Do you know how troublesome it is?"
"There's more than one of them." Smoker ignored the furious Hina and continued on his own.