Smoker, the "White Hunter," spotted Hina and the others and walked over.
A cigar hung from his mouth, its smoke curling upward. He looked at Wuli and said evenly, "Don't be discouraged. These things don't make much difference. Don't worry too much about rank."
He spoke like a senior offering advice, but he could sense that Wuli had grown much stronger than before—perhaps even stronger than him. That surprised him.
Hina laughed and scolded him. "Only you would say that. How many chances at promotion have you thrown away?"
"Vice Admiral Smoker!"
Smoker did not argue. Just then, a girl with glasses and a backpack came running over, breathless.
She adjusted her glasses. Seeing Hina and Wuli, she politely greeted Vice Admiral Hina first, then smiled at Wuli. "Congratulations on becoming a Commodore, Wuli."
"Thanks, Tashigi," Wuli said with a smile.
Seeing Smoker and Tashigi fully equipped, Hina asked, "Heading out on another mission?"
Tashigi nodded. "Yes. We've heard that ships keep disappearing near Punk Hazard, and distress signals have been coming from the area. Headquarters ordered us to investigate."
"Punk Hazard?" Hina repeated softly. A glint flashed in her eyes as she remembered. Wasn't that island...?
Hina looked at Smoker. Catching her gaze, he nodded around his cigar. That island was famous within the Marines. It could even be called the island that had decided who would become Fleet Admiral.
Hina frowned. "If there's someone in an environment that harsh, they're no ordinary person." She looked at Smoker. "Be careful."
"I can handle it," Smoker said flatly.
Wuli suddenly added, "Watch out for Vergo."
Wuli said no more. Anything else would only muddy the waters; some things could not be explained in a few words. He had given Smoker a warning, though whether Smoker would take it to heart