Smoker: Would you consider joining our Marines?

Bane followed Smoker into his office at the Marine base, where Smoker had already dispatched men to collect the bounty money.

Just as Bane had surmised, Smoker was a man of integrity; he had no intention of skimming off the bounty, nor did he plan to make things difficult for Bane by demanding proof of his claims.

Perhaps this also served as a side indicator that the Navy's current attitude toward him was relatively friendly.

Smoker's subsequent words confirmed this to be the case.

With three cigars clamped in his mouth, Smoker poured Bane a cup of tea before settling into the sofa with an easy, open posture.

"Speaking of which, I'm a bit curious. The ability you used earlier, the one related to darkness—was that a Devil Fruit you snatched from the Whitebeard Pirates?" Smoker used this as an entry point, taking the opportunity to fish for some intelligence.

Bane sipped his tea, having no intention of hiding it. The nature of this fruit would be exposed sooner or later, and since he felt the Navy's attitude was decent, he figured there might be room for cooperation in the future. Showing a bit of goodwill wouldn't hurt.

"That's right. It was indeed taken from the Whitebeard Pirates. It is the Logia-type Dark-Dark Fruit," Bane replied.

"A Logia-type?" Smoker was slightly surprised. As a Logia user himself, he knew better than anyone how rare such powers were.

Because of this, Bane's potential and value in his assessment had risen even higher.

He didn't press for details; digging any deeper would be impolite. Smoker shifted the topic, saying, "Come to think of it, we in the Navy have never heard of your exploits before. It seems you were a law-abiding citizen until recently, and only started working as a bounty hunter lately?"

"Hmm, to be precise, Thatch was my first real achievement," Bane replied casually.

"I see. A truly stunning debut," Smoker said, his tone slightly stiff.

He wanted to befriend Bane, but his personality was blunt, and he wasn't the type to spout flowery words. Even if he wanted to compliment Bane, he couldn't find the right words to do so.

Unable to think of anything else to say, Smoker decided to cut straight to the point. After a brief pause, he looked at Bane and said earnestly, "To be honest, the Navy has always held a friendly and welcoming attitude toward independent experts like you—those who are noble of spirit, upright in character, hate evil with a passion, and possess great strength. While the bounty hunter profession isn't bad, it truly cannot compare to the future one can have in the Navy. As a Logia-type user who has already achieved the feat of slaying a commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, if you are willing to join us, I believe the Headquarters would be more than willing to offer you a very sincere arrangement."

Bane hadn't expected Smoker to start recruiting him into the Navy so soon after they met.

Was he interested in the Navy? Certainly.

After all, the Navy possessed a massive military force, was known as the hegemon of the seas, and held widespread influence. It's always easier to stay cool under a big tree. If nothing else, if he were to integrate into the Marine Headquarters now, the Whitebeard Pirates would have to think twice before moving against him.

At the same time, the Navy possessed abundant resources and a mature educational system that could help Bane learn and master the Rokushiki, Sword Arts, Haki, Martial Arts, and other techniques, steadily strengthening his power!

However, Bane was not prepared to join the Navy just yet.

On one hand, while the Navy claimed to uphold justice, the darkness hidden behind it could not be underestimated. It was too restricted by the World Government; while called the hegemon of the seas, to put it bluntly, it was essentially a watchdog for the Celestial Dragons.

On the other hand, now was not the best time to join. Smoker spoke nicely about "sincere arrangements," but how sincere could they really be?

Could they offer him the rank of Vice Admiral? Obviously not. And even if they dared to offer it, would Bane dare to accept?

Currently, his true strength hadn't been exposed. People on the sea assumed Bane was the one who killed Thatch, whether through an ambush or some other means, but the result was there. Therefore, including Smoker, everyone generally believed Bane possessed strength commensurate with a Whitebeard Pirates commander.

If he didn't have that strength, hunting Thatch would be suicide.

But while others didn't know the truth, Bane certainly did. At his current level of strength, he figured any Marine Rear Admiral could probably pin him to the ground and crush him—and that was likely an overestimation.

However, Bane believed his room for growth was immense. If he could master Haki and other powers, combined with his Dark-Dark Fruit and his own physical constitution—which could still be enhanced—he would absolutely shine once given time to develop!

Although he had eaten the Dark-Dark Fruit himself, which would influence the subsequent flow of the world, there was still room to maneuver.

Next year, the Straw Hat would set sail. If he could successfully facilitate the outbreak of the Summit War, the subsequent changes in the Navy would present a golden opportunity for Bane.

That opportunity was the World Military Draft. To cope with the changing era, the growing threats in the New World, and to replenish the losses suffered during the Summit War, the Navy would hold a massive, continuous recruitment drive in the two years following the war, offering the most generous terms in history!

Whether it was Fujitora Issho or Aramaki, both were originally independent experts with no ties to the Navy, yet they relied solely on their personal strength to rise to the top during the World Military Draft, becoming two new Marine Admirals!

Now, that was what you called sincerity!

If Bane chose to join the Navy now, he might only manage to become a Captain, then have to accumulate seniority, merit, and strength step by step. Dreaming of becoming a Marine Admiral within two years would be just that—a dream.

Only the World Military Draft could bring such an opportunity.

According to Bane's plan, even if his strength wasn't enough to vie for an Admiral position by then, securing a Vice Admiral spot shouldn't be a problem, right?

And if he developed well over these two years, who was to say he couldn't replace an Admiral?

A person must have dreams; otherwise, how are they any different from a salted fish?

If he became a Marine Admiral, he could then consider pacifying the New World, rebelling against those damn Celestial Dragons, and ruining the World Government, ultimately seizing the resources and power of this world. Who knows, he might even be able to return to the Empire with a massive army and throw his weight around.

Of course, this was just one opportunity and choice. If he later found that being a pirate was more profitable, Bane wouldn't have any moral qualms about throwing himself into a life of piracy.

Smoker didn't know what Bane was thinking. He only saw him sitting on the sofa, lost in thought after the invitation, his expression flickering with excitement and agitation. Smoker assumed Bane was very interested and that he had this in the bag.

Just as Smoker was savoring this success, Bane quickly reined in his wandering thoughts, calmed his emotions, and replied in a steady, earnest tone: "I'm very sorry, Colonel Smoker, but I don't intend to join the Navy just yet. After all, I'm only twenty, and I've just set out to sea. There is so much scenery I haven't seen yet, and I can't bring myself to commit all my time and energy to the cause of justice right now. Perhaps in two years. In two years, I will consider joining the Navy; after all, I really do like the Navy."

Although Smoker felt a tinge of regret, he could hear the sincerity in Bane's tone. He wasn't a man who liked to force others, and Bane's words were filled with goodwill toward the Navy.

After a moment of regret, he said, "You need not apologize for that. I can understand your feelings and thoughts. I can give you a promise on behalf of the Navy: as long as you continue to hold justice in your heart, the doors of the Navy will always be open to you."

"Thank you for your understanding," Bane said with a smile.