This Statement Was Like a Bolt from the Blue

Moke listened to Smoker's words, but slowly shook his head. Joining the Marines was certainly a good choice, but for him, it was far too restrictive, offering no freedom at all. Just like Smoker before him: Marine Headquarters had ordered him to remain stationed in Loguetown, so he could only obediently stay there, unable to act as he pleased.

More importantly, Moke had no desire to serve beneath anyone else. He possessed strong self-respect and an independent spirit, unwilling to become someone else's subordinate. Let alone becoming a lackey of the Celestial Dragons—that was even more unacceptable to him.

Therefore, without the slightest hesitation, Moke resolutely shook his head again and said firmly, "Thank you for thinking highly of me, but this is not the path I seek."

This statement was like a bolt from the blue, striking straight into Smoker's heart. His expression changed subtly in an instant. His previously mild gaze seemed to ignite, suddenly turning sharp as he stared intently at Moke, as though he wanted to see through his appearance and into his true thoughts.

In this world, filled with all manner of factions and conflicts, people usually had only two choices: either become Marines and uphold justice, or become pirates and pursue unfettered freedom. There was almost no other possibility. Thus, when Moke rejected Smoker's invitation so decisively, a heavy feeling rose in Smoker's heart.

He immediately realized that the young man before him had likely made up his mind to walk the thorn-filled path of piracy. With the talent and abilities Moke had displayed, if he truly became a pirate, he would undoubtedly become a massive threat that gave everyone headaches in the future. And that was absolutely not something Smoker wished to see.

Smoker took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions.