Ink Tide Island's harbor.
The civilians had already been escorted away in batches under the protection of warships.
Now, only Smoker, T Bone, Kuma, and a squad of elite Marines remained on the island.
Along with the pirates who had been disarmed and detained by the shore.
Taking advantage of a shift change among the Marines, one pirate hardened his gaze and suddenly bent low, rushing toward the rocks.
But he had barely taken two steps.
The next second, a massive shadow blocked his path.
The pirate's pupils shrank sharply.
"Wait—"
Smack.
Kuma brought down his palm.
The pirate did not even have time to scream before his entire body was slammed straight into the ground.
The harbor fell silent in an instant.
The pirates who had begun to stir after seeing most of the warships leave went completely pale.
A cigar hung from Smoker's mouth, his Seastone Jitte resting on his shoulder, his gaze frighteningly cold.
"Stay crouched."
"Whoever moves again..."
"I won't mind burying him with Karma."
The pirates shuddered.
The next instant, everyone moved in perfect unison, clasping their hands over their heads and crouching obediently by the shore.
Each one more well-behaved than the last.
Over the past two days, it was not as though they had never considered escaping.
Most of the Marines had already escorted the civilians away from Ink Tide Island.
By all logic, this was their best chance.
But the problem was—
Kuma was still here.
As long as anyone dared to run, he would raise his hand.
Smack.
And they would be gone.
After that, every pirate had completely resigned himself to fate.
Their only hope now was that the Whitebeard Pirates would truly come.
As long as Pops came, they still had a chance to live.
By the harbor.
Smoker